Random Tidbits

There is so much on our plate lately, it's making our heads spin.  I don't know why, but they are taking forever to get things done for his sister in the hospital.

Meanwhile, our daughter "T" who lost her son, is having a horrible time getting through each moment of every day.  We will be making a visit soon.  I'm thinking all take them some baked mac n' cheese.  I made a pan of it for our niece and her family (the ones with the new baby) and we got word back that they all loved it, and one little one who hates cheese ate three helpings of it.  It's definitely a crowd pleaser.

I'm still tapping my fingers, waiting on the doctor's office to call me.  I can't wait to get my leg taken care of and get back to a regular visit to the garden.  I have to start yanking stuff before the snow flies.  

I didn't get a lick of anything done Friday.  Youngest had no school, so we spent the first part of the day shopping for a homecoming dress and shoes, which we found.  The later part of the day we spent shopping for a car for our 20 year-old.  We found one, cross your fingers she can get a loan for it.  We test drove it and it has air conditioning (no more open windows for that gal, lol!).  I was so tired last night.

We are getting rain, so I'm not picking peppers today.  Maybe tomorrow.  Maybe even dig into the potato patch and see whats lurking there.

Please say a prayer for my husband. He had a stress headache last night, and I told him to please take care of himself as I need him too.  He is stretching himself mentally.  It's horrible to get a call from your daughter, crying so hard he can't understand her, after she came across her babies clothes while doing laundry.  We are trying to be there for her for all her needs right now.

Friday One Liners

Cloudy sunrise, but pretty.

Pure happiness, and first jalapenos to go in the freezer.

Harvest of our green bell peppers is small and peppers are small, but I'm just happy to have some to freeze for winter meals.

Started two jars of mullein tincture.

Started one jar of sage tincture.

This and That

Here is a photo of the vintage tablecloth I bought while on the island last weekend.  I love it!  I need more of the longer ones too.

Overnight breakfast casserole has been made and baked.  We love this one.  It's spicy but good!  I don't make it often, as it's loaded with sausage.  I'll be playing around with homemade sausage to see if I can whip up a better flavor and much healthier.

I finally got a few bunches of swiss chard in the freezer.  I lso froze the stems for saute's with the leaves, or to mix in with celery and onion as well this winter.  I blanched the leaves for 2 minutes and the stems for 3 minutes (bagged separately).

We finally got our Kelley's Island Christmas ornament in the mail.  She only made 200 and I ordered it during our July trip there.  It's our first island ornament to go on our Christmas tree this winter.

Well, we are going through another rough patch with family and health.  Hubby's sister  "P" was in the hospital twice, and then moved to a bigger hospital one hour away.  Emergency surgery was scheduled for Wednesday.  My husband went to the hospital very early to see his sister prior to surgery (which is now delayed until they drain her infection).  I had to stay home because it takes me took long to re-bandage my leg and get ready.  Honestly, I was afraid to go, so I'm glad I was home.  I can't risk catching any germs with my leg procedure coming up.  By the way, I'm just waiting on the insurance to approve one of two possible procedures.  One is a quick in-and-out where the veins stay in, and the other is invasive, I'm put under and the veins removed.

While he was up at the hospital, I had plenty to keep myself busy, along with the puppy (who is doing great by the way).  I had one mess of a kitchen.  I got the tables completely cleaned off (they sure can pile up when the wifey is not able to do it).  I had boxes, dry teas, the griddle, my mixer, blender, food processor, and a lot more that needed to be put away.  It was nice at the end of the day to have vintage tablecloths donning the clean tables (we have two, for large gatherings).

I'm glad I had time to do some de-cluttering and tidy up time.  I uncovered my pre-pay form for propane, which saves us almost $100 on our next fill up.  The deal was expiring 9-30, so I am so glad I found that and got that done.

We also had a birth in the family.  We have another grandnephew now.  

Garden Goodness Arrives!

Yep.  You read the title of this post correctly.  I'm so glad we are getting "something" from this garden.  I picked these last Monday morning - 4.5# of hot goodness.   I have more on the plants too.

We also enjoyed a homegrown bell pepper and some of those jalapenos for dinner - southwestern black bean burritos (and they were delicious!).

I canned one batch of cowboy candy.  I have forgotten how long it takes to slice up the peppers.  I'm just happy I got some canned.

So happy to get something from the garden this year.  Now I sort of feel on the normal side again.  I have green bell peppers out there yet too.  I'm waiting until after this week's rain, in hopes for some to get a bit bigger. 

I'm Back! ~ An Island Retreat ~ Happy Homemaker Monday

Friday morning's sunrise.  Thank you to all of you who sent me a card.  It was much appreciated.

We stole away to the island for our "off grid" retreat, and it was very restful and much needed.

It's truly off grid.  You can't get text messages or cell service for internet either at our rental.  Only at one end of the island.  We all really had a peaceful time.    They have very few stores, which we like about it.  The have a re-sale store inside an old house that funds a local island church.  I bought a vintage table cloth.  

Funny where you meet people.  Our waitress at breakfast is from my birth town, and she is a teacher at daughter's school.  Her parents are from the island, and she works there on the weekends.  The island is a little over an hour away drive, so that was just pretty funny.

We saw so many deer on the island this trip too. One crossed the road in front of our golf car.  I saw a fox early morning too.  I bet the deer taste good too during their hunting season.  There are cattle, horses, goats and chickens on the island, but no crops other than grass to feed the animals.

I had the best wine over on the island.  They have a winery and a brewery.  Actually two wineries.  I enjoyed the wine while over there, but next trip I hope to bring a few bottles home.  It's just pricey - $15.50/bottle.  We plan to take our growlers over next trip too, and bring home some of their homemade beer too.

We've made friends with a woman who sells handmade jewelry out of her garage, so we always make a stop to visit her too.

I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom today.  Last night we got an alert from the Sheriff's office.  There are cars being broken into in downtown of where we live (small town).  I'm on the look out now.

Our broccoli sprouts are growing wonderfully.  What's your best way to eat these besides on a salad or sandwich?


The weather outside is . . .
Raining early this morning, high of 76°, mostly sunny after the rain stops.


On my reading pile . . .

On the TV . . .
Movies.  I just ordered a movie from our library.


On the menu . . .
I have no idea.  Just getting back to reality today.
-tuna and noodle, mashed potatoes, asparagus
-sloppy charlies, veggie
-southwestern black bean burritos


On the to-do list . . .
-start tinctures
-do dishes
-unpack and put stuff away
-laundry
-pick peppers
-water microgreens
-Dr. appt.  (I will have some answers very soon to share) All of our weekend plans will depend on the surgeon's decision.
-Take a form to the school for daughter, pick up another one
-take trash out
-trip to the grocery store
-library returns and pick ups
-email our friends on the island
-crochet two more dish scrubbies (order I received prior to island trip)
-start a XL hot pad (another order)
-start another set of pot holders (another order)



What I am creating . . .
I finished a set of pot holders while on the island.  I started a dishcloth too.  Watch for a handiwork update soon.


Looking around the house . . .
Considering our situation prior to our "wellness weekend" and the fact we just got home last night, it's in need of a good cleaning.  The kitchen is my main focus this week, then the bedroom, front porch and the garage.


From the camera . . . 

The sunrise was not much to see on our trip unfortunately.  It was cloudy, on top of too much obstruction this time of year, but still enjoyable to watch.


Prayer list . . .
Myself and my leg, our daughter who lost her son, personal requests.

Wellness Weekend ~ Going Off Grid

I'm trying to find a coral colored 100% cotton yarn (chemical free) for  a project, but cannot find any reasonably priced.  I like Lily yarn, but if you know of a company selling it, please leave a comment.  I found Sugar n' Cream 2.5 oz in Tangerine, but they want $2.99 per ball for it.  That will make my project cost go up.  I am already paying $1.77/ball at Wal-mart.

Two men were supposed to come Tues. evening to buy the old truck as-is.  They did not show up.  Wed. came around and they didn't show up again.  If they don't show up tonight, we'll be fixing it up and putting it up for sale for a higher price.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

We are going off grid until next week.  We are calling it our "wellness weekend" where we'll pamper our mind, body and souls.  We'll relax and rejuvenate, block out the bad, and soak up some "good."

This and That

I am finally back to the stove for making a good and healthy breakfast.  Swelling in my foot and leg has gone down enough to stand a bit longer.

It's another scramble this week, but I haven't made a breakfast in over 2 weeks now - eggs, potatoes, onion, bacon, zucchini, dandelion greens, fire powder and garlic.

I was almost full swing back into my routine - sorted mail, washed, dried and put away a mound of dirty dishes, ran the dishwasher, washed a load of towels and hung them on the line, watched the pup, spritzed my sprouts (which are already sprouting, emptied trash, washed more clothes and put them on drying racks, and crocheted.  I have an order for a set of pot holders and another order for dish scrubbies.  Nylon netting was cut, but not much.  

I also got around to making crock pot beef burgundy, noodles and mashed potatoes and corn.  Thankful for a good meal and thankful I can pack a lunch for the Hubster (as well as breakfast).  A bit of "normal" has been reinstated.

No call from the surgeon just yet. Praying they call soon.

The totaled car has been hauled away thankfully.  

Hubby said we are having a pepper picking day this weekend.  He said we do have peppers.  I guess I need to check my empty jar supply today.