Journaling Bible ~ Porch Message ~ Breakfast ~ Care Package to Mom

Got out my journaling Bible.

Youngest sent us all a porch message using sidewalk chalk.

Breakfast prep the other day - burritos.

After more than 3 weeks, my MRH order finally came.  However, it came minus my stinging nettle, so I'll be checking the barns for it.

We made a trip to town, due to the mower blade needing replaced (which we forgot to bring with us).  We, at a safe distance, paid Mom a yard visit and dropped her off some groceries and necessities.  By necessities I mean wine.  She told us if she ran out she was "leaving her house."  We were not having any of that happening.  Nope.  We even scored toilet paper for her and us.  We looked like a gang with our masks on.  Mom was so happy to see real faces and talk to real people. I had gotten text messages prior to doing this and she sounded so depressed and crying.  I'm glad we made her day much better.  It was a drive for us, so we didn't get anything done at home, but if I can say I did something, it was take care of my mother.

Update on the "case" of the virus at Hubby's work.  He tracked down the person, and it was one who is habitual at finding an excuse to not work for months on end.  He told Hubby he had a sinus infection, which is why he had a fever, but they treated him as a virus case (without testing) suited him up in a hazmat suit and sent him home.  That's the problem now.  How are the numbers even showing true facts when they mark any illness (without testing) as the virus?

Our county is stating 49 "cases" but they are not testing all those "cases" either.  They stated "probable" and this is making a lot of shake our heads.

Once again, we woke up around 4am.  We are just now trying to pick items off our to-do list considering it's 30-some degrees out right now.  

Oh, one new tidbit - after shelling out $300 for Jesse's vet bill (which I felt was much lower than we expected), we had to shell out another $250 (much more than expected) to an emergency vet last night for Jasper (20 year-old daughter's cat).  He apparently has an inflamed bladder due to stress from moving.  He's now on meds.

Getting the new mower blade is back on the to-do list.  I guess our brains are not remembering stuff correctly right now.  If we can find someone open anyway.

One last note.  One of the cats that most likely were dropped here is pregnant.  We will be making calls to see if any animal control can pick her up before she has them.  I'm already feeding 3 cats right now, and another stray that hasn't left (we had 3 strays, now down to 2).

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ Power Outage Prep

It rained the entire day Saturday, but we went to town and bought some chicken wire, and took advantage of some sales.  We earned 50% off all general merchandise at the grocery store in the "Big City" and earned some rewards at another store.  We basically shopped for our youngest daughter's birthday and Christmas presents.  

Thanks to our one time 50% off reward, I finally own a coffee press in case we lose power for any reason.  I only paid $4.99 for it too. 

We were exhausted upon arriving home.  Nothing got done after that.

Sunday I was woken up at 5am by the dog, and then I remembered I promised Hubby and our youngest daughter a big breakfast.  Slowly, I sipped coffee and woke up with a power shower.  We ran more errands, but with a $20 roll of chicken wire, old barn wood and a ton of staples, we fixed the coop.  We definitely need to build a new coop.  There better be eggs out there today too.  Our mistake as a new homesteader was building one with chicken wire.  It lasted almost 11 years though.  Lesson learned.

The new coop will be like a shed with windows and doors, very secure, with a run.  We were discussing the location, and we actually have a cement slab where an old chicken coop was years and years ago.  We just have to clean the giant rocks off of it (left there from past owners), and cut down trees that grew around it. It'll be closer to the house too.  At least it's on our agenda now. 

We are talking about using the old goat fence for the dog and future dog, until we can put up a fence closer to the house.  I'll need a push lawn mower to keep it mowed down though.  or a larger gate, but that would be tearing apart the fencing.  It has to stay mowed down due to foxtail in it (very dangerous to a dog).

Homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, eggs, and potatoes (we indulged since we don't eat potatoes that often now).  Oh, and crock pot "fried" apples.

I sold this set!  Woohoo to that.  Adding that cash to the new coop fund.

We named them.  The calico is "Dolly" the coat of many colors, and the black and white one "Waylan" land bedside the road.  They definitely were dumped here.  They respond very well to "here kitty kitty" and they come running when I call them.  They are still too shy to come all the way to me though.

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

The weather outside is . . .
28°F and snowing.  More snow to fall today as well.

On the breakfast plate  . . .
Leftover biscuits and gravy, eggs, potatoes and "fried" apples.

As well as homemade mochas, using organic coffee, homemade hot cocoa and organic mint syrup.


As I look out my window . . .
We have snow!


Right now I am . . .
Getting ready to post this, stoke the fire and get this day started, and starting breakfast egg muffins.  Oh, and laundry started too.


As I look around the house . . .
It's a mess.  Ugh.  Too much running around this past weekend and daughter had tons of homework.


On today's to-do list . . .
A ton of dishes (a friend is giving us their dishwasher next month so we won't have to look for parts for our current one)
Get dinner in the crocky - Chili
Load money to daughter's school lunch acct
Laundry
Change bedding
Put wire cutters, staples and staple gun away
Clean entire master bath
Vacuum
Sweep kitchen
Breakfast for the next few days
Renew library books
Bake a pie


On this week's to-do list . . .
Finish Christmas decorating
Put totes away
Wrap birthday and Christmas gifts
Finish a set of hot pads (an order)
Work on scarf (another order)
Start another set of hot pads (another order)
Finish nail polish bottle ornaments
Confirm dates to visit the island next year (emails sent)
Confirm a date for the cabin for our anniversary



On the menu this week . . .
Chili, cornbread

Ham beans and leftover cornbread

Chicken noodle soup

Salmon patties, roasted veggies
Leftovers


Currently reading . . .
Nothing


On the TV this week . . .
Netlfix and library movies

What I am creating . . . 

A double wrap infinity scarf that was ordered, and two more nail polish tree ornaments.  On a side note, I made her a headband and she wants a matching scarf.  I went all over looking for the same yarn (not knowing the brand nor color because I forgot to clip the wrapper to it ugh).  I ended up finding the exact color yesterday.



Prayers. . .
My Mom.  She's setting up her tests at Cleveland Clinic.  Not sure yet if they will set a surgery date.  Just so you know, Mom has had two heart surgeries already.  For our 20 year-old and her finances (just got bombed with a $1,000 bill {after insurance} from her car accident last fall).  A family friend.  She borrowed $100 from us months ago, and has not paid us back.  I'm praying she does the right thing.

Random Tidbits

I should have paid more attention to the weather.  It's much warmer, but 90% chance of rain, and it's raining.  No wood cutting today.  Ugh.

My sets didn't sell at the craft show.  Not one, so this one went into my youngest daughter's hope chest.

I found these reindeer antlers in the Christmas totes.  Romeo didn't like them, but let us put them on for a short while. 

I finished the granny square scarf with matching slouchy hat for our 20 year-old daughter.

The stray cats are trusting me a bit more lately.  I found both looking inside the door at me this morning.  They will run off if I open the door though.  Just ignore those doggie nose marks on the glass, ha ha!

I went out to the "Big City" for a few errands and one was to find paint brushes for water painting books.  Believe or not, I found the books at the dollar store, but no brushes. I found those at Wal-Mart.

Getting Away

2018 didn't go by without another grave to dig.  Sapphire will so, so greatly be missed at the homestead.  Thank you all for your kind words.  We just didn't think that it could ever happen, as both cats came with the place, and we've been here over 10 years now.

We've been running strong over this Christmas, and with Hubby working on our anniversary, we took off for a night.

We started out early and made a few purchases.  We ate lunch at a locally run (nearby big city) Mexican restaurant and were pretty happy with our food.  We made a few other stops and walked through one of the largest (oh my aching back) antique malls.  I couldn't believe I only left with one item - a beautiful red butter dish.  

We were going to visit a local winery and listen to live music, but us "old" people couldn't stay up that long, and retreated to our hotel room (which by the way got a good spray down with my anti-ill oil I brought along).  We were quite disappointed in the steak and potato restaurant though - cold potatoes, dry steak, and the mixed drinks were horrible.  After a first bad one, I ordered one I know and it was the worst ever, finally sending it back.  Overall, it was a fun, fun, and relaxing (other than our hike through the antique mall), and we even stopped at a local chocolate/ice cream shop.  Mmmm.

We brought our youngest daughter home a few goodies, and I bought myself a new sweater (which I need more of).  I of course wanted to visit the yarn store, as we are so limited near the homestead, but I put it off for another day.  I don't think we'll be browsing through many antique stores too often anymore.  We both get to coughing and itchy eyes from all the dust.  I do love them, but we'll stick to smaller ones in the future.

Hubby and I plan to do a lot more celebrations for our 20th anniversary, so I hope that involves more bike rides too.  

I'm back home today cleaning up the kitchen and stoking the fire.  "Big Red" is getting worked on, in hopes she'll be running later today.  It's sunny, but cold.  I'm just glad there's no snow (yet).

Gettin' Fresh Air ~ RIP Sapphire

The weather yesterday was fantastic as fantastic can go in winter.  Not only myself, but the laundry was out getting fresh air.  Low 50's, a bit breezy, but cloudy.  I still took advantage of it and put the laundry outside to dry.  I even got a load of towels dried outside.  Felt great, since it's been awhile to be out.

What went up, must come down.  I am starting early due to our schedule right now.  I feel like it's coming down as fast as it went up though.

I pulled out my recipe book for my 4 Thieves vinegar and was short of one ingredient.  Thankfully, I got an order placed and will restock my ACV as well.  My gallon jug is almost empty.  I have one more jar of 4 Theives already made.

Other than laundry, bills got paid and one daughter came for a visit.  She took her Jeep to a dealership to have the heat looked at (not working properly) and when she took her Jeep home (heat not fixed) it was making a horrible sound.  They told her it would cost her $100 to be tested.  Instead, she drove to our place where Hubby fixed it and helped her fix a few other things after work.

Thankfully, she was here too.  While I had thought someone hit a raccoon across the street from our homestead, she had walked across the street to double check. 

Sadly, it was our barn cat Sapphire.  In all the 10 years we've lived here, both her and Aurora have been safe.  My heart is so heavy.  Sapphire had a thing with me, while Aurora with Hubby.  They'd love on us daily.  Strangest sort of barn cats - kill rodents, but love on us.

The two were like glue.  Always cleaning each other, sleeping with each other, hunting with each other.  We always believed Aurora was her mother, but there was no way of telling.  Sapphire is the gray cat and we called her "Sassy" and I will miss her greatly.  She would kill full sized rabbits and bring them to the porch.  Nothing got past her either.  She was a good guard cat.  I'll never forget the day the cats were screeching out back.  They were warning us of a black water snake at our back door.  Oh, my heart is so heavy today.  She'd be the first to greet me in the morning and the last, while out with the dog.  She even loved on Jesse and the other dogs.  She visited me in the garden, barn and anywhere outside.  Sapphire will be upset she can't hunt in heaven.  RIP Sapphire. Aurora will miss you, but we'll give her extra attention and love.  

Random Tidbits

It's been a week of "random" everything here.  I made it to the library.  I have never read this book, and sort of excited to read through all the recipes.  

I have found the first "new" thing I'll be doing this year.  Once I have supplies, I'll be posting about it.  This "new" thing is not the "biggest" of all things, but a new experience for me.

I keep asking Hubby to let it be the year we butcher our own hen, and learn how to do it, but that darn lingering tree is keeping him from any other decision.

Random Tidbits

I finally got my hot bath, using tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and bath salts.  Boy it felt great, especially on my belly.  It's slow going for sure, just to get my walking balance back.  The slow intro of food is the most frustrating.   I'm starving, but I know I have to introduce slowly, and meats are far down on the list sadly.  I could devour a homemade bacon/potato omelet this morning, ha ha!  Coffee is back in action, followed by afternoons of tea and water and rest.   Jesse and I took a short nap together.  He pretty much was on top of me, making sure I didn't over due it, ha ha!

First goal, wash a load of laundry, and put it on drying racks.  In a day or two anyway.  Second goal?  Mix up a frittata for Hubby to take to work (easier than standing to mix up a scramble).  That may take a few more days longer.  Bills are an entirely different big job.  I had it all under control, but with being gone so long, we are very far behind on daughter's college.  This part worries me, but I keep praying.  She is doing so well, and now they are giving us a "cut off" date if we don't pay by and if we do not, she can't go to college.  Our medical bills just quadrupled.  Thanks to me. Ambulance ride, xray by the ton, medications, hospital room, etc etc.  I have to keep calm and pray and pray and make some calls.  I haven't put a dent in Hubby's hospital bills yet either.  Anyway.....

~ our egg supply is about 5 dozen right now (ha ha ha!).  With Hubby staying at the hospital (then going to work) and me not cooking, the eggs are piling up.  We are boiling them for me for one "soft food" and the kids are planning to bake up some holiday fare (I get this year off).

~my araucanas are now laying of all times.  Lol!  They must have listened to me about going into the stew pot.

Peas and Cauliflower for Breakfast ~ Mixing up Herbs ~ Timmy

Shell peas are slowly coming on, so I decided to take the first picked bit, and toss it into a breakfast frittata.  I did not have enough for a meal for all of us, nor enough to freeze.

This time I used cauliflower, potatoes (sliced), and peas. 

I had one green bell pepper ready to pick, and one hot banana pepper.  I tossed all of that into my cast iron skillet (cooking all the vegetables first), and did not add any other spice/herb.  I just added salt and pepper and it was delicious.

Homestead Happenings and Tidbits

I was heading out to the barn to close it up for the night, and Leo ran out from under my car and meowed at me.  First time ever for him to come to me like that.  He won't eat with the other cats, so I gave him a water and food bowl.  He wouldn't let me pet him standing up, so I got down to his level, and he rolled over, thanking me for the food.  I guess he's warming up to us.

Stray is Named ~ Homemade Ginger-ale

This young guy has been seen off and on since last winter.  We thought he was housing up in what's left of our largest barn, but wasn't sure.  

Well, my Vet Tech-in-training, has been able to get the cat to come to her, let her hold him (a bit reluctant), and will come to the house to eat the cat food.

Random Tidbits ~ Chicks get Sunshine

Breakfast - potatoes, red bell pepper, dandelion greens and eggs. No cheese.  It's delicious flavored with onions and/or shallot powder.

Sorry this post is so long.  I didn't mean to keep writing, but I think I'm trying to procrastinate my exercise today, ha ha!

Naughty Barn Cat

We have three barn cats.  One is been getting on my nerves lately.  I keep finding her sitting in my thyme, flattening it, and preventing new spring growth.  Grr.


I have since "skewered" the thyme, and after this rain I can finally weed it.  It looks terrible.

Dark Rum Truffles ~ From pile but not quite to the file ~ Tidbits

This time of year I get to itchin' for that crazy, run-around, busyness I'm so acclimated to over the summer.  Sounds crazy in itself, right?

There are days where I just have to do something new.  What's new?  A recipe.  A recipe from the stash pile.

Dark Rum Truffles.  I have never, in my life, made a truffle.  Now I can say I have. However, I'm looking for a different recipe now.

Were they good? 

Humid, Hot and Wet

Some days, okay almost every day, I forget to do something that should already be ingrained in my brain.  You know, the routine stuff?

I forgot to collect eggs one day, and the next day I got this full basket of bounty.  You can see the four araucana hens are now laying as well again.  I got two eggs from them.  However, the full basket indicates that our black araucana is not eating eggs anymore.  She very well could be eating her own, but I'll have to keep watching her.  Maybe all of her isolation, and feeding her mustard filled eggs worked.

Weeding ~ The Stories....

Hubby and I planted tomatoes until we literally ran out of room.  I have to wait until we till up the last area to plant. 

Timmy joined me in the herb garden. 

Randomness ~ Barn Kitty ~ Last Christmas Tree

It's raining here this morning, and the step is a sheet of ice.  Every dog did the "bambi splits" this morning.  Needless to day, the didn't go far to do their business.  
 
I can't really say I am writing out my new year resolutions, but I am randomly writing down a "wish" list of needs and other possibilities for this year.  Of course that is after a good strategic financial plan is in order.

Honestly, I told Hubby that if we only had one thing to reflect on at the end of 2015, I would be elated to write down

Happy New Year ~ Sister's Question ~ Popcorn Storage

Happy New Year!

I was out getting wood for the wood stove, and snapped this quick sunrise photo.  It's not the best photo, but winter sunrises here are difficult to catch. 

 At our Christmas family gathering, my one sister asked me, "so now what are you doing?  You're done with the garden right?"

To answer her question,

Freeze Drying ~ Barn Cat Shelter Update ~ Tidbits

This is a rug (one of two not yet replaced with a homemade rag rug), that Hubby left out to dry overnight.  Ha!  That's what you call "freeze dried" on the clothesline.  It was pretty chilly yesterday, and the snow continued all day, but nothing that was a concern.

Barn Cat Tote Shelters ~ Tidbits ~ I got "notered"

Our 18 year-old daughter wanted to make new winter shelters for the barn cats, so we decided on making one to see if they will use them.  We've always used totes at the door, packed with blankets, but this time we made these:

Random Tidbits

Sunday mornings are my favorite here on the homestead. 

 
There is hardly any traffic whatsoever, and the pure sounds of nature are beautifully making music. 

  The stars could be seen well this morning too.