Thrift Store Find ~ Getting Back in the Groove

I don't shop for Black Friday sales, and I felt good enough to get some organizing, sewing, crocheting, and cleaning done yesterday.  I took a few of the kids to a local thrift store, and came home with a record storage cabinet.  It's perfect for properly storing my albums and 45's.  They were in a cardboard box previously, that tore apart.

Now, they are off the floor, into proper storage, and easily accessible for some afternoon or evening entertainment.

I also came home with a $.50 cookbook that contains egg recipes.  Next summer, when I don't feel like making home made noodles or angel food cakes, I have an old recipe book to give me more ideas.

I brought home a gently used pair of snow pants for another one of the girls, for only $5.00 also.  Pretty soon, that snow will be here, and the stores will have switched to selling bathing suits (ha ha ha!).

I dug out the dog coat pattern yesterday too.  It's the first time sewing with a pattern in a very, very long time.  I think the last time I did real sewing like this was waaaaaaaaaaay back in the day during 4-H.  If I can find a good on-line tutorial for sewing double fold bias tape, and get to the craft store for velcro tape, I'll have one of our dogs sporting his new winter coat soon.  


I had to laugh yesterday, as I always predict this time of year for a hoard of birds to visit us.

Can you see all those birds on that tree?  A past home owner planted this ornamental apple tree.  Every fall the black birds and other birds fly in to eat up all the tiny ornamental apples.  The apples almost look like cherries.  Anyway, this is where it gets tough to dry laundry outside.  They fly over the house and over my clotheslines.  Jasper, one of the house cats, sits in this window doing some serious bird watching.


Today's agenda is to get roofing on the goat shed and more inside cleaning completed.  I let my writing go for 2-3 days now, and will need to double up on time for that too.

Family Funny

"I liked you better when you were sick," said my husband to me today, exasperated at my attempt make up for lost cleaning time.

"What?!"

"Your zipping around cleaning and talking non-stop today," he added. 

That is the truth.  I am up and feeling better today, and we are attempting to de-bug the bugs from this house.  We need to clean chicken coops, pick up straw, hay, and more vinegar for cleaning.

The sun is shining so my clotheslines are working overtime with bedding, clothes and linens.  The wind is perfect for drying them today.

My chickens are out and about, pecking and scratching and enjoying the sun too.

I may even bake a potato dish to go with our leftover turkey.  The Christmas music is playing again today.

We may even dig out some Christmas decorations later and hang some up too.

Happy Thanksgiving

Yesterday, even though it wasn't the Thanksgiving Holiday,  held a lot of things to be thankful for.

 The sun was out and I put laundry on the line to dry.  The wind was perfect for it.

The kids groan when I put on Christmas music this early, but I love it.  I even dug through my sock drawer and pulled out a fun pair of Christmas socks.  I don't have many, but love to put them on.  They kind of set the mood for the day.

Yesterday I had three of four writing partners.  They are taking advantage of me resting more often than not.  They won't know what to do in a few days, when I hope to be up at the crack of dawn, making up for lost time around here.

I may have to switch gears and go with a different baby blanket.  While I was sick, I missed a baby shower, for a family member who is due in January.  I may have to drop this project and work up a simple blanket instead.  Who knows, God works miracles every day.

We have gained ground on the goat shed and Orion loves his new house.  Even without the roof on it yet.  My 15 year- old daughter has also been painting primer on the sides when the weather was good enough. 


As for home remedy updates:  the heating pad has helped drain a very small amount of ear fluid (I still can't hear), and I may go ahead and heat up garlic today for homemade garlic drops.  Two more kids are back to feeling sick again, and I continue to mix a cup of water/organic apple cider vinegar/raw honey.  I still plan to buy some elderberry concentrate and try that as well as "Cold Calm" that was also suggested.  I am also trying a dose of turmeric for boosting my immune system.  It's all I had on hand.

Thankgsgiving Thankfulness:

Today I am thankful for (and in no particular order)

~a turkey in the roaster
~coffee and water
~God's Mercy
~my camera and the ability to photograph 
~my family
~indoor plumbing
~nail polish (a secret pick me up when I am down)
~our farm
~books
~my Bible
~my cozy bathrobe
~our pets who comfort us, make us laugh, and warm us
~(he he he!) the cd player that's in my kitchen and will soon be blasting Christmas music to wake up the kids.

Cider Vinegar Candy

I can't keep the kids out of this small batch of old-fashioned candy!  It's actually very good.  Here's the recipe:

Cider Vinegar Candy

Butter a Jelly roll pan or sided baking sheet.  Set aside on top of a hot pad.

Putting the Breaks on the "Plague"

We are so tired of the "plague" returning, we are hoping we are approaching the end of it soon.

As soon as one gets a bit better, they go right back to being sick again, and worse.  So frustrating.

However, I am spending my non-sleeping moments to catch up on writing (nothing to thought provoking), reading and e-mail.  I am also becoming quite the "list maker."

Our first lists consists of all the trials and successes we had with home remedies, the second list is a list of items to buy for the winter (going to try Cold Calm, and Elderberry concentrate), the third is a list for Christmas, and the fourth is a list of ideas for a blog giveaway.  

I do feel like the quinea pig of all home remedies right now, but I really want to know what will work, so we are continuing.  I really like the sage tea I made, and will be growing more of that next summer.  I found that breathing in steam a few times a day (over a pot of hot water with either Vicks or honey in it), helps drain fluid from my ear (however it's still plugged as of today).  I also found that rest is the absolute most important of all.  If my 9 year-old or I get up and do physical movement, we later feel more sick than when we woke up.  

To keep myself from doing to much "work" around here, I started making more yo-yo's from Christmas fabric I have on hand.

As you can see, I have one finished yo-yo in my jar - ha ha!  Well, it's a start anyway.

I also added two new posts to my S.C.R.A.P. blog.  Be sure to check that for fun ideas too.

Following the Moon

I just have had some interesting views of the moon recently.  While taking one of the dogs out, I snapped these shots this morning.

 These were taken about 9:28am today.  Here is another shot I took on 11-11-2011.

 

An Almost Repaired Stove Door ~ Frugal Healing

We have now located a glass business that will cut a ceramic type glass for our stove door.  We have been given an estimate of about $100.00.  That's almost cutting our cost in half.  At first we thought we needed tempered glass, but we have been told we need a ceramic glass.  We hope to have it repaired by Friday.  The temperatures here will be down to 27°F this Thursday.  That's pretty cold here.

Although we are trying to heal our family, we struggle along with the rest of the world, in the cost of medication and medical treatment.  Although the doctors typically want to give you an antibiotic that they feel will work, I have been asking each time, for the free ones that our pharmacy will provide.  All but 2 of us have infections of some kind (sinus/bronchitis), and we need to stop if from spreading.

Today, I took yet another daughter to the doctor.  As for me, they gave me a shot, a breathing treatment, and sent me home with two more antibiotics.  If I am not better in two days, I will be sent for a chest x-ray.

The lesson I learned in this, is to never put myself last.  I should have taken the time to double check with a doctor before it got so bad.  I have a tendency to assume that I "don't get sick."  I have gotten the kids to the doctor before their lungs were in need of more medical care.  

The sad part is, is that so many people in our area, especially at the schools, have the same symptoms.  Too many of them are ignoring it and not getting medical attention, thus the spreading of the germs continue.  


I hope to feel good in a few days.  I hate being sick.

Goats, Chickens, and More

The goat shed is finally getting more work, however they ran out of materials yesterday.  

Other than the actual part for the wood stove door ($180.00), we located a glass business, about an hour away, who can cut us the glass for $140.00.  We are calling another business today that was closed all weekend.  It's hard to believe that 12 in. x 15 in. piece of tempered glass can cost so much.

Two weekends ago, our hen that was egg bound died.  We did bring her inside, and did whatever we could, but she could not pass her egg.  Over this past weekend, the roosters got into a fight.  We had no idea, until the kids went outside to put them in for the night.  They have never bothered each other until now.  For a short story on that visit my 15 year-old's blog:  Life as a Teen Farmgirl.

It's too early to call my doctor today, but now I will be calling two doctors.  My 9 year-old is home sick with the same cough I have and she is wheezing.  I myself, have not stopped coughing.  I would not wish this on anyone.
 

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Bad:  The glass in our wood stove door was broken last night.

The Good:  We found glass replacement parts.

The Ugly:  The cost is about $180.00 to replace it.  If we don't, we have no choice but to use our floor electric heaters (will run the electric bill $600-900.00/month to run).  We will have to cut back on food, skip Thanksgiving meal and replace the glass in the wood stove.  I am currently searching for local glass businesses as well.  Hopefully, I can cut our cost in half or less.

Magical Broom??

"Uh, Mom? Look out at the barn and tell me if you see a broom handle sticking up and moving around," my son said this morning.

Sure enough the broom handle was sticking out the barn door and moving around. Ha ha ha ha!

The culprit? 

I thought for sure it was Rue.

But it wasn't.  That brown fur I saw moving about, at the other end of the broom, was Peanut.

According to my son, who went out to take care of things, said the goats had a "hay day" in the hay.  I guess one daughter will be cleaning up a mess after school.  Maybe she'll double check the gate latches better - ha ha ha!

Now that the goats are taken care of, I need to figure out how to get better.  

We need to finish the goat shed, move all the porch furniture to the barn, and stock the porch with fire wood......I am out of breath just thinking of the work that needs done and the fact I am still coughing.  If fact, three of us are coughing badly.  

Thank goodness it's Friday.  I hope to have extra help from the kids this weekend.   However, my son is now feeling the sickness too.   I am afraid it will be the sick helping the sick.

Thankfulness and Weird Dreams

Today I am thankful for:

~ the sharing of old time recipes for remedies and food.

~ hot teas.

~ rain and wind, and not snow yet.

~ books.

~ our pets who comfort me when I am sick.

~ sunshine today.

~ the friends and family that have check in on me.

~ God's promises.

~ a bed to sleep on.

~ Vick's Vap-o-rub.

 

Okay, I am definitely not good with drugs.  Ugh.  They make me sick and now they make me have very strange dreams. 

The kids laughed this morning when I told them I had a dream that our dog Sadie (black lab mix) saved us from a black bear.  How funny is that?  I had to give Sadie a big fat hug this morning.

I did mix up the molasses drink yesterday, but only sipped about 1/2 of the mixture before taking a 2 hour nap.  When I woke up however, I was blowing my nose for for the next 3-4 hours.  I haven't been able to do that for days.  

I also took homegrown and dried sage, and made a tea with it.  It was very refreshing.  I have already used all my dried sage, and have noted in the homesteading journal, that we need to dry more next year for tea.  It also calmed my cough and throat and helped my stomach.  Everything I eat makes me sick too.

My 17 year-old daughter is bouncing back to health quickly.  She is in much better shape than me, from riding her horse.  Surely, that makes a difference.  My 9 year-old however, is coughing and coughing.  I hope she bounces back quickly as well.

I had a rough night sleeping as it was.  One of the kids got off work at midnight, and the other at 11pm.  I worried all night until I heard them pull in.  The wind was whipping hard, it was raining, it was cold and there were wet leaves on the roads.  I could only pray they drove safely.  Once they were home and the I heard the door lock, I fell asleep.  Only to have the weirdest dreams of all. 

I used to journal my dreams. Maybe I should.  I haven't written on my novel this month since last Friday.  It would make an interesting book for sure.

Well, I'm having a coughing spell, so I better heat up water for some hot tea.   I just wish my family would pitch in and clean.  There are dishes all over my kitchen, stuff on the floors (not swept either), bathrooms that need cleaned and more.  Anxiety and worry does not help heal me.

Bed Rest and a Bigger Box

Yesterday was the first day I actually go dressed and left the house.  My son, thankfully, drove us both to go vote.  After that I went back to bed.  The congestion caused me to develop a very bad headache.  I've tried just about everything but the pioneer recipe shared by bluestockingredneck.  Thank you also Denise for the tip with garlic.  And Candy, I have not yet tried a neti pot. Thanks for that tip too.

While spending hours resting, I think I will need a bigger box for my donation to the homeless this winter.

 This project not only provided me with the opportunity to try new patterns, but to reflect on what I am thankful/grateful for.  Although I am sick and feel miserable, my reflections of my gratitude, kept my thoughts more positive.  I am grateful that I have extra yarn to provide warmth for people who have nothing.

 One Warm Coat Crocheted Scarf

 Simple Scarf and Hat

 Scalloped Edged Scarf

 

Doctor updates

I have bronchitis and a sinus infection.  Despite medications since Friday night, I am not up to posting anything exciting.  I can't remember the last time I stayed in bed so long, other than giving birth to my kids. 

I will post in a few days, when I hope to be feeling better.  I can't breath too well, and despite cough syrup from the pharmacy, I am still coughing. 

Also, I don't do well with drugs.  They make me sick.  So....on top of being sick, the drugs make me sick.  In this case, I didn't have a choice.  I got to the doctor before pneumonia set in.  I keep taking my temperature also.  It's been about 98.8.  I can't remember a day when I did have fever.  I've never been this sick.

Take care.

Preparing

Although wood splitting took a halt, until we repair the chainsaw blade, I have been busy preparing crafts for winter projects.

 I have started cutting circles from leftover scrap material.  These are mostly from old sheets and pillow cases.  These will be later sewn into yo-yo's for other gifts or for my home.

I also volunteered to help crochet and knit scarves for this winter's homeless.  I am getting a box ready, but need to fill it with a few more.  I may need help from the girls to fill the box.

Our garden is finished.  The Swiss chard is being consumed by something.  I have no idea, but whatever it is, it sure likes my Swiss chard.  I have failed to bring in my rosemary.  I may try to even though we've had a few frosts here already.

The wood burning stove has been cleaned and we have brought wood in.  Today is a good day to start it up, as the temperature in my house is very cold.

I haven't felt like doing much baking lately.  I've been sick for over 3 weeks now.  I finally booked myself a dreaded doctor appointment today.  I sure hope it's worth the time and money spent.  I'm just tired of not getting better.  Last night my ear hurt.  I haven't had an ear infection in years,  and it sure felt like it.  

My Reading Room

My son worked 3rd shift, so while he was sleeping, my house was very peaceful.  I decided to take the dogs outside with me, and enjoyed the autumn smells of crisp fall leaves.  It was nice to enjoy time to read a good book, relax and enjoy the outdoors.  Soon, these leaves will be quickly covered in snow.

Quotes to Keep ~ New Additions to my Inspiration/Quote Journal

"Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere." 

~ Glenn Turner

 "Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day." 

~ Author Unknown

Excerpts From a Journal Junkie

From the Homesteading Journal . . .

While hanging laundry on my clothesline, I kept hearing a woodpecker nearby.  My clotheslines are run off of 3 large, older trees.  They were there from the previous owners.  

I stopped what I was doing, and walked in the direction of the middle tree.  

 

In the top portion of where a tree limb was broken off, I found this. The last few tornado seasons, brought in bad winds and tore down many thick branches.  Birds now make a home in this portion.  I sure hope the barn cats don't see it.

We are drying Peanut (our goat in milk) off for breeding.  We are down to 1 pint of milk a day.   I will sure miss it over the winter, but will be blessed with more milk next year.

Wood splitting came to a halt.  Our chainsaw blade went bad.  Now, it's just a matter of hubby getting the time to put the new one on.   

From the Family Journal . . .

This past weekend was full of surprises, deep house cleaning and pumpkin carving.  On the one day I thought I would have hours to catch up on unfinished projects, my 17 year-old daughter had an idea of her own.

While sitting at my sewing machine, sewing rag rug strips together, she pops her head in and says, "Oh good, your sewing.  Can you make this top look like . . .?"

I dug through the sewing machine drawers and found a small amount of red thread.  We ran out, and used some cheap thread.  I adjusted the tension and said a prayer.  The thread held up.  I used some old seam binding that my Mom left in the sewing machine drawer.  It still had the original price tag on it - $.19!!!  Can you believe that?  I sewed that on for the front design and used silver thick string to create the criss-cross pattern on the front.  I have to give her credit for only spending $3.00 on the original top.  However, I lost out on my day to catch up on projects.  

My 15 year-old daughter asked me to buy her a pumpkin to carve.  I guess she will get extra credit for Spanish class.  Why a pumpkin?  I can only guess "Dia de los Muertes."

I hope she gets all her extra credit too.  I had a hard time finding pumpkins so close to Halloween.  I found 2 for $2.99/each. 

She spent almost the entire day carving this pumpkin.  I sure hope she gets her extra credit.

From the Crafting Journal . . .

It was a good day for a celebration on Saturday.

I finally finished my 12 year-old's crocheted blanket.  Just in time for winter also.

While out looking for other items at a local thrift store, I found myself a used sewing chair.

 
It's not in that bad of shape and it only cost me $7.00.  It works perfectly with my sewing machine.  The chair I was using was too tall.

I also managed to finish up two more flour sack towels for my 9 year-old daughter.   One more left to embroider. 

I also managed to fill my basket again with rag roll balls.  I am going to need another basket.  I will have plenty of projects this winter.

From the Writing Journal . . .

National Novel Writing Month starts tomorrow.  Am I ready?  Nope.  This sinus pressure is not helping my brain think.

From the Gratitude Journal . . .

Today I am thankful for:


1. my camera
2. the scarf that is keeping me warm inside today
3. hot tea
4. kleenex
5. Vick's Vap-o-rub 
6. my kids who keep me on track
7. my mother
8. peace and quiet today
9. God's Mercy
10. trees

The Missing Cow

Do you remember Jasper, the cat who loves to play under my rag rug?

Well, a few days after I deep cleaned one entire wall area in my bedroom, I noticed small items behind my book shelve again.  I asked who was in my room and why there were items knocked down behind it.  No one knew.

A few days ago, I figured it out.   I saw Jasper, the sneaky cat, running through the house with my cow!  My oldest daughter brought this home for me after an FFA trip for school (after two daughters have made trips, I have a 3 cow collection of different types).

Do you see the discolored face on the cow?  It's all dirty compared to the rest of the cow?

That is how Jasper is carrying my cow around the house.  I put it back, and he got it out again yesterday morning.  I actually had to hide it in a dresser drawer so he would find another toy to play with.  For some reason, Jasper loves to carry around small stuffed animals.  

I wish I had a photo so share, of him carrying that cow around the house.  It sure gave us a chuckle.  I guess my poor cow needs a bath now.  I had planned to blog about it yesterday, and had the cow on the counter in front of my computer screen, but that little stinker kept jumping up on the computer are to get at it.  Hilarious!  

I think I know what to sew or make for him for Christmas - ha ha ha!

Another pet that gave me a chuckle yesterday was Jesse.  He's my 15 year-old's dog.  The kids have really been bogged down with either work outside the home, or with homework, or both.  

I told them yesterday that the animals really needed some lovin' and to not forgot.  

Not much later, I was sitting in my favorite reading chair knitting, and there was a huge bang from the other side of the room.  We all started cracking up laughing. 

We have a basket for the dogs.  We keep it in the same place, and it's filled with their toys.  Jesse, getting tired of waiting for his attention, took a hold of the toy basket with his mouth, and tossed it off the shelf.  BANG!  He then dug his nose in it, pushing toys around.  Finally, after he got what he wanted, he started barreling around the front room begging for someone to play with him. 

Bunny Yoga, Allergy Updates, and Escapees

The one reason we don't raise rabbits for meat is Milo.  He's our indoor pet bunny and he's as pampered as the rest of the gang.
In the photo, Milo is having bunny yoga on one of my daughter's legs.  He's so relaxed in this position, he simply takes a nap.  He so funny. 

As for me.....ugh....

I have been keeping our meals very healthy, I have increased my liquids, swept up the allergy causing dust and dander, and went to bed early.

I woke up feeling worse than yesterday.   It has been raining here, during the day, and at night it's not too cool.  The moisture is so bad inside, that my bathroom rugs are still wet after 3 days.  

I woke up very tired (even though I got more sleep), congested, watery eyes, a continued cough, and a runny nose.  Over the counter allergy medication just doesn't cut it.  I even mixed my raw honey/organic apple cider vinegar mix yesterday.    

I love the country, but the country doesn't love me.  

I even started to spend at least 20 minutes outside doing nothing, but soaking up whatever light I can get (getting my vitamin D3).  I even walked for 20 minutes hoping to get more energy replaced.  It's just so frustrating.

A few days ago, our billy got loose, and ripped more of the fencing out.  My 15 year-old daughter worked hard to get him retained again, but got his breeding scent all over her in the process.  She showered promptly, but got sick anyway. 

The fence was mended, but yesterday, while I was at the store, the two younger goats got out of their fence.  We have plans to expand that portion anyway, but getting enough people home at the same time to do it, is nearly impossible anymore.  Hubby works full time, and the two older kids work every day after school, but one.  And on that one day, one daughter cares for her horse, and mucks stalls.  I am beginning to wonder if I need to hire a "farm hand" to help me.

In need of writer's motivation, I spent time on the Internet ordering many books from the library.  I need pumped with masses of motivation.  Especially now that I have this allergy season dragging me down to the lowest of lows.  I even started reading a book off of my book shelf.  I need to draw out the renegade writer in me, and it's like pulling teeth lately.  I need my mojo back, so I can kick this "funk" to the side.

Just a Mom?

I just read this on another site, and had to share. 

JUST A MOM?


A woman, renewing her driver's license ,
was asked by the woman to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is, ' explained the woman at Registry,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
'I'm a Mom.'
'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,

'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself

in the same situation..
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar..'
'What is your occupation?' she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right....
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'

Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.



Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?
I think so!
I also think it makes Aunts

Associate Research Assistants.'
Please send this to another Mom,
Grandmother,
Aunt,

And other friends you know.

Dehydrating Celery Leaves

My mother gave me the celery leaves she cut from her celery over the weekend.  I dehydrated them for several uses.

I will use them to add flavor and color to soups, saute them in with onions for many recipes, and they can be added to salads also.

I did some quick research after dehydrating my celery leaves, and this is one vegetable I will want to continue to buy organic from now on.  It is in the top two of the "Dirty Dozen" list.

My dehydrated, garden grown jalapeno peppers came in handy over the weekend also.

I cooked up a pot of cabbage and bean soup, and added about 4 crushed rings of these peppers.  I didn't have a recipe really, I simply used broth, water, cooked dry beans (whatever I had at the time, which was navy and pinto), cooked up some fresh picked Swiss chard, added chopped cabbage, and even about 3 Tbsp. of our canned Zucchini Salsa.  I used garlic and dehydrated jalapeno's for flavor.  It turned out to be delicious and healthy.