Tuesday Tidbits

While we are getting things checked off the to-do list, one thing remains - chimney sweep.  They called and canceled on me.  They guy called in sick.  They later called back and rescheduled me for Saturday, so any Saturday afternoon plans are now off the books.

We got new solar lights on our driveway poles have been installed.  I also put two reflector poles near the new trees we planted, so plowing won't destroy them this winter.  I got my garden house unscrewed from the outside spigot, but still need to put it away.  Today, I'm taking down my shower curtain and liner and washing them both.

It was cloudy yesterday, but windy.  Although I am down to two clotheslines (we took the 3rd one down), I crammed it all on including bedding.

While laundry was getting washed and put on the line, I delegated some chores to Hubby and Youngest.  They now have their own to-do list, and it frees me up and less stressed.

Since Plan A didn't pan out, Plan B went into place.  I tackled the hot peppers.

I used a new recipe for the hot pepper jam.  I was a bit concerned it would not set up thick.  We did a taste test.  I put all hot peppers in, with the seeds, including habanero.  It was amazing.  Hot for once.  It wasn't as thick as I would like it, but a nice spread for cream cheese and crackers.

I decided to drop all remaining hot peppers into my food processor and dehydrate them for "fire powder."  It was much faster than slicing to dehydrate.

After doing dishes again, I called it "quits" and brewed me a gallon of home brewed iced tea, and knitted for an hour.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Fall bug patrol.
(photo taken before all the rain dumped on us)

November is National Novel Writing Month, where writers are challenged to write 50,000 words in the month of November.  It's been a few years since I participated in this, but I think it's a good year to join again.  I need to brush up on my writing skills.  Although my laptop has gone to laptop heaven, I can still use our desktop or even a pen and paper.

There is another challenge going on, via a website called B hooked.  A challenge to crochet men's gloves and a hat for those in need (Warm Up America).  In the past, I've donated boxes of crocheted scarves to homeless projects.  Just sharing for those who have the time to help out. 

Saturday, our youngest daughter set up a surprise birthday party at our house, for her boyfriend and his friends.  Hubby, who said he'd clean clean, grill and organize, left us high and dry.  He left to make a trip 2 hours to see our SIL.  I was running around like a chicken with her head cut off.  He truly put me in a tizzy.  There were towels to fold and put away, dishes to do, carpets to vacuum, all my crafting supplies on a kitchen table had to be put away, etc.  I could have grilled as originally planned, but took the back up plan to save my hectic day - crock pot chili.

Then....Hubby showed up just before half the football team showed up, and with hot dogs and burgers.  They were fed those as well as chili, and then went out for ice cream.

By the way, the party was poorly planned and with lack of communication.  I was out shopping Saturday morning.  Again.  I didn't get to do a darn thing for myself.

Sunday morning we were back out shopping.  Sigh.  I forgot to pick up chicken feed.  We also picked up a fireplace flooring piece for just $25 to put in front of our wood stove.  We've had a fireproof rug, but now it's much safer.  We got a start on the deconstruction (completed about 80% of it) of the front porch so we could do this....

Wood cutting and splitting was started.  Yay!  We got a good amount of kindling cut and some beams.  Now we have to get the chainsaw blade sharpened to continue.

The coyotes are back.  I heard a large group of them out in the woods over the weekend.


Household Tip: 
Buy reusable bags for gift bags.

They are cheaper, and more resourceful.  Paper gift bags get tossed, but not reusable bags.  They are as low as $.98/each in our area.  I found these red/white and blue ones.  I need two more of these bags.  I'm now putting together a "Christmas Eve" bag for the grand-kids (more on that later).

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

On the Breakfast plate . . .

Not sure what I'll eat this morning, but this is what I had over the weekend.  Hubby's famous omelets with homegrown green peppers, homemade English muffins with home canned strawberry margarita jam and organic coffee.


As I look outside my window . . .
It's pitch dark - 5:22am.


Right now I am . . .
Writing up the Thanksgiving Day meal plan.  I have another gathering the next day too.  I will need Hubby's and Youngest's help, but it'll be an evening dinner, so that helps.  Our 20 year-old will have to work Thanksgiving day, but has the evening off, and for the first time, has all day Christmas day off.


Looking around the house . . .
I have to do dishes before the chimney guys show up.  Daughter left the kitchen a mess from her party (grr!).


On the to-do list . . .
-Laundry
-Dishes
-Dinner Prep
-clean off hearth, chimney sweep arrives today thankfully
-clean the rest of the front porch
-Take stuff to Goodwill
-Stop at the furniture resale store and take a look-see
-work on removing nails from barn boards for more kindling




On the menu . . .
-Chili, cornbread
-PB and J
-Chicken enchiladas, homemade enchilada sauce, Spanish rice
-Flounder, home canned corn salsa, steamed broccoli, baked potatoes

Snacks
-Hot Taco Dip


Currently reading . . .
Nothing


On the TV . . .
Movies from the library


What I am creating . . .

A few "thank you" gifts.  Our 20 year-old daughter is visiting often to help clean when needed, babysits Romeo, and is taking an interest in learning to cook/bake more with me.  I will surprise her the next time she comes over.  I'm making up some small, fun packages, including useful items a broke young adult could use.


I'm also crocheting some items.  I may have a handiwork post soon.


New Recipe I tried or want to try . . . 
Hot Taco Dip (trying it out for potlucks)


Favorite photo from the camera . . .

Prayers . . .
Our SIL (he's still in the hospital), myself (leg), a friend's mother, and other personal requests