Snap!

....and just like that (snap!) my tidy quiet house went to noisy, chaotic nerve ending mess.  Once the dogs wore each other out, it was finally quiet again.

Due to complicated events, and work schedule not all of our daughter's belongings have been moved.  What a mess. Sigh.

We need to find her an apt. like yesterday, for my peace of mind.  It'll be tough considering the pandemic, and the number of animals she has.  

Keep us in your prayers.  I'm so stressed with anxiety right now.  I found my 18 year-old in my closet doing homework, but when I walked in, she was sobbing.  Her peaceful space upstairs has been disrupted for now, and he's having trouble accepting it temporarily.  We all are, but to have our 20 year-old here is the only thing we can do to help her.  We are all trying our best to think positively about it all.  First, finding her a car....not sure how that's gonna happen.

On a good note....

Dinner last night.  Biscuits and sausage gravy, eggs, fried potatoes and "fried" apples (using a crock pot).  It was so good. Note:  the photo of my original post/recipe looks like I was a bad baker.  The post here shows what a better baker I've become making them.

Now, I need to find homemade masks today.  With the help of social media/daughter, we'll find 4 for us.  Two work.  One has a mask, one doesn't.  We have to shop inside stores for toiletries and disinfectant.  People are still hoarding, so it may require more than one store.  Last I heard, 39 dead in our state, but not one media is sharing how many are surviving.  

Our state Governor stated yesterday that they are working on modifications to the order to stay home.  I'm guessing more closings.  There are churches still holding services when they shouldn't be.  I hate watching the TV at 2pm anymore.  They are warning elderly to not leave their homes for anything over the next two weeks.  My Mom and Dad have been locked in for more than 5 weeks now.  My younger brother now is the only one left to seek their needs. 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Quarantine day 15.  Just like the rest of you, we are in this until April 30th now.

Daughter and I have been doing virtual zoo tours online with our favorite area zoo.  It's been a fun way to keep a bit of normalcy and keep our sanity time.

Okay, now I need a tried and true pizza crust recipe using all-purpose flour (now that I cannot make Einkorn flour pizza crusts).  I have yeast.

I spent Sunday mostly in the kitchen.  I was tickled pink to get organic zucchini, and spinach, so those went into the freezer. There is a lot I am not able to get in organics, but thankful for what I can get.  I also made us some hummus.

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


The weather outside is . . .
Over the weekend we had to deal with flooding, heavy rain, thunderstorms and high damaging winds.  Today's weather is a high of 45°F, rain later again.


How I am feeling this morning . . .
Frustrated, worried, anxious....who isn't, but our world just turned.  One daughter moved in, so we have 2 more dogs, another cat and a rabbit.  I'm not going to go into details, other than it was not due to her not having an income.  I am not feeling very "happy" this morning, as we have more to "think" about right now.  Sorry if this post is a bit down and out.  Just so much slammed on us in the last 24 hours, and a lot to deal with.


On my mind . . .
How this devastation is affecting everyone.  I don't know if there will be craft shows at all this year here.  Churches are still holding services with groups of people (I got word it's still happening in our nearest "Big City" and it's very alarming). Pick up your Bible, go online for a online service....do not gather in groups!! 


On the breakfast plate . . .
I have no idea.


On my reading pile . . .

On my TV . . .
Re-runs of everything now that shows cannot operate live shows.  We are still watching Lonesome Dove off and on too.


On the menu . . .
Have no idea.  I may update this later.
-breakfast for dinner


From the camera . . .
I have nothing.  I haven't been out of the house other than to take the dog out or take care of the chickens.

If you didn't see my post a few days back....newbies.  Two barred rocks, one silver laced wyandotte, and three prairie bluebell eggers.


Looking around the house . . .
Who cares?  I'm just trying to remain sane. Our daughter's belongings are everywhere reminding me of her situation.  She has no car either and has a job.  Another pressing issue on our hands.  My car is still at another location, and not fixed due to all this stay-at-home order going on.  We have a plan to get it fixed, considering it's in a garage and safe distancing can still work.


Chore I'm not looking forward to this week . . .
Planting free organic lettuce seeds I received with a recent seed order.  Maybe...all depends on if I can do a pick up order for the soil.


To relax this week I will . . .
Pfht!  Adult drink.


Recipe I tried or want to try . . .
Stay tuned.

Prayers  . . .
Myself, our 20 year-old, my mother, the world, my husband and 20 year old who still work in this madness of what we call world, my Dad, our 18 year old (graduation is still in limbo), and any special requests. 

Day 14 of Self Quarantine ~ Chicks!

Hubby made us omelets with veggies and leftover ham.  The muffins are organic from the store since I still cannot find wholewheat flour anywhere.

We did a grocery pick up (no toilet paper...again).  It's limited now, and we never know if we'll get what we need.  I try to get some sort of greens in each order we need to do.

Pan of veggies we had one night.

I got an email that stated one seed order was shipped.  The other order came back with "out of stock" on about 4 of my items.  Sadly, I had to go and reorder them from another source, crossing my fingers this all arrives timely.  We did not start any seeds indoors this year, so that means relying on our garden resource for a few other items, especially tomatoes.  

Hubby dropped a jar of 4 thieves vinegar and spilled the remaining goodness.  He looked like he was going to cry.  Literally.  I had another jar, so he was relieved, and I'm making more, but using the stove top vs. a  warm window (because it's still too cold here and we lack the sunshine to make it all happen).

Meet the new additions to the homestead.   I had to go in the store to get the feed (no delivery or pick up) so I left with these ladies - 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte, and 3 Prairie Bluebell Eggers.  They guy helping me said they sold over 1500 chicks last week, and more and more were starting to raise their own, who never did.  I just hope they realize they won't get eggs for a while.  Mine are getting up in age, and with the loss of another recently, I thought it was best.  I had suggested I give 3 away to keep the brood manageable, but Hubby insisted we keep all 6.  

Weather ~ Romeo ~ New Recipe

If it wasn't for this weather, we'd be popping up the camper and roasting weenies over a campfire.  Literally.

 Romeo has free range of the entire house now.  He is loving it.  He can see out all the doors and windows and is a wonderful watch dog.  He came and joined me during my 2pm crochet hour yesterday.  He just melts my heart with love.  And yes, those are Christmas socks on my feet.

Speaking of being a good watch dog, (sorry if I already told you this), a car pulled in, honked his horn and rolled down his window.  He wanted to know where the lady lives that repairs boat covers.  I had a word for this guy, and it wasn't nice.  Anyway, Romeo is always watching out for us.

He later stole my pillow.  He is just so full of love, and we need it right now.  So glad my Mom has her two cats, as she lives alone and has been locked up longer than we have.


Rebecca at Rebecca's Hearth and Home blogspot, shared this recipe.  I have it a try for mini ham sandwiches.

Here is a photo of how mine turned out.

Flavor?  Well, we all thought they were good.  they just don't look like the photo.

Feeling bad for our youngest right now, and seeing her so very depressed, I went online and ordered items to fill an Easter basket for her.  Praying it all arrives in time, and yes I wipe orders down and toss box/packaging.

Update: My Mom heard from our oldest daughter.  Her college of course closed, but she won't be graduating this year.  They canceled it, and I am told she is very depressed.  I now have her address, so I can send her a surprise in the mail too.  I sent Mom a long email yesterday, but will call today and just chat.  We all need to stay in touch right now.

Updates ~ New Recipe Tried/Honey Roasted Chickpeas ~ Freezing Ginger Root

Bigger stores have now put limits on things like toilet paper (which you can't even order on clicklist nor get unless you go early and into a store).  Dairy items are limited to 3, meat to 3 eggs to 3, which is smart considering the hoarding still going on, but I wish they'd limit flour etc.  

School continues to email updates and has postponed prom and graduation (not canceled like many have).

Mom and Dad are still isolated in their homes.  I have a brother and daughter making sure they have what they need, but my younger brother is a first responder in the police force.  That daughter also works in the public.

I finally got an email from one of my other daughters.  She has lost her job, no pay while off, and has not gotten another job.  I am trying my best to help via email with updated places hiring (her apt. complex is still charging rent during this pandemic). I have not heard from my oldest daughter yet.  I know our Governor has put a stop to evictions due to lack of funds to pay rent, but food would be another issue for them.  If you had adult kids, and they could not feed themselves or their dogs, would you let them move back in during a "shut down" right now?

I tried a new recipe to keep things as upbeat as I can here on the homestead.  It didn't require flour.  I saw it on the Doctors show the other day (running re-runs) and looked it up online.  It's called Honey Roasted Chick-peas.  

My crochet challenge from a friend.  The video to make it was in spanish, ha ha!  I found a somewhat written pattern that was in photos (not printable friendly really), and got her one made.  They are "feathers" that work for decor or a bookmark or applique. 

Immune boost tea.  I also looked this up online, minus one ingredient I did not have.  I had mullein, fennel and ginger.  Did you know you can freeze ginger root?  Wash it, dry it, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place in sealed container or freeze bag.  Take out and grate as needed.  Works great and ginger is on hand at all times.

I got some porch time yesterday.  It was in the low 60's and we got some sun, but mostly cloudy.  Oddly, traffic was still very busy (for everyone stuck at home).

Knitting Socks Questions ~ It's a 2 post day today!

I'm looking for a knitted sock pattern online for beginners.  Do you of you recommend one?  There are so many online, and what needles will I need?  I have yarn.  I do not have any sock yarn knitting books.  Guess it may be time to order one.

I have this yarn.  Is it enough for size 11 socks?  Each ball has 247 yards.  I have no idea what size these knitting needles are nor the circular one.  I have a feeling they are too big anyway.  Why do they not label them?  I'll need to order whatever needles I need too. 

Thanks a bunch!

Update: Oh Lordy...my printer is now out of ink.  Sigh...ordering ink now if I can just in case one of you have an online pattern for me.

Another update:  I found the size 6 double pointed in my knitting stash.  Woohoo.  Do I still need a circular?  and is that the right size?

Random Tidbits

Morning coffee on the porch this morning.

Well folks.  I have nothing to update, but there is another case in our county.  A 71 year old man.

Thank you Debby for the black beans.  Can you tell me again what the proper name of them is?  Thanks again!

I wish I took pictures, but something is eating the tops of my garlic.  I spent some time gathering up bits of wire to cover the tops of the grow bags and will move them this weekend.  It could be the stray cat that hasn't left yet (the other 2 have left).

Today I am thankful for. . . 

-my treadmill so I can have daily exercise
-daughter home to have person to person conversation
-Hubby working, so we can pay the bills
-that Hubby's work is following instructions on keeping things sanitized (they even have doors open to not touch door knobs, someone is spraying minute by minute, chair removed from lunch room to make sure they sit 6 feet apart, even their trucks have been cleaned).
-the mail system is still in operation
-daughter washed all the dishes yesterday
-coffee
-not running out of things to do indoors
-awesome outside weather today