Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Crafts

One of the things that I put on my list for 2010 is learning how to do the toothbrush rag rugs. Well, I got a jump on things today. Here is a link to the instructional on them. It seems really easy to do. I will be working on them in January as I have some material that I can spare. I think that this will also be one of those crafts that I will be able to make to sell. You never know!

Also I came across this and how perfect it fit me trying to get all of my projects done for Christmas.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me was unfinished knitting not under the tree. The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care 'cause the heels and toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, but I had not finished the caps for their heads. Dad was asleep; he was no help at all, and the sweater for him was six inches too small.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I put down my needles to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tripped over my yarn and fell with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow reminded me how much I still had to go. Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise, I thought it would wake both Dad and the boys.
And although I was tired, my brain a bit thick, I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick!
What I heard then left me somewhat perplexed-ed, for not a name I heard was what I expected. "Move Ashford; move Lopi; move Addie & Clover; move Reynolds; move Starmore; and Noro - move over!"
"Paton, don't circle round, stay in the line. Come now, you sheep, you'll work out just fine! I know this is hard being just your first year, I'd hate to back to eight tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing, eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a'grazing.
And then, in a twinkle, I heard at my door Santa's coming across the porch floor. I rose from my knees and got back on my feet, and as I turned round, Saint Nick I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toes and his cloths were hand knit from above to below. A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back, and his toys were all stuffed in a aran knit sack. His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace, a beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile, and the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle. The backs of his mittens bore an intricate cable, and suddenly on one I spied a small label.
SC was the duplicate stitch on the cuff, and I asked "Hay Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"
He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did. I learned how to knit when I was a kid." He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man, and I laughed to myself for I'd thought of a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped in the air, the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair. He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two; for the first time I thought I might really get through. He put heels on the stockings and toes on some socks while I sat back drinking scotch on the rocks!!
So quickly, like magic his needles they flew, that he was all finished by quarter to two. He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free, and over his shoulder he looked back at me.
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon "Next year start your knitting sometime around June!"

- Author Unknown

Gotta Run,

Yart


Out with the Old

No I'm getting rid of Grim.... LOL! I got rid of my old template for something new and different! I don't know yet if I like this lay out or not. I will keep it for a while and see if it grows on me. I had the other one up for so long that it just became rutty.

One of the monsters got Wii Fit Plus for Christmas. Last night I got on there and did all 15 new activities... Well, needless to say I can barely move today! I know my own fault. But oh, what fun it was. I love all of the new games. I really like the golf putting thing. I am really good at it even though I don't golf in real life.

I have chores that really need to be done. My room really needs to be cleaned before the new year. The rest of the house has been kept on. But the bedrooms, well, lets just say I am thankful that there are doors! I don't really mind cleaning my room, because I can sit for most of it. I just HATE folding clothes and putting them away. And since my room is the room for the clean clothes to come to, it tends to get shoved everywhere. Honestly, we aren't slobs, or even lazy, we are just un-properly motivated.

I have pictures of things from the holidays. They are on the camera and Grim hasn't had time to download them for me. But once he does I will get them on here for show!

I have the dehydrator going. In it there is mushrooms, tomatoes, green peppers, green onions, and cucumbers! And I also got some of the priority boxes from the postal service... Getting excited to start working on Etsy!

Oh, I almost forgot. I was chosen as an alternate winner! I am going to be the recipient of a copy of Magus of Stonewylde's book by Kit Berry. I can't wait to read it!!!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Recap 2009

Since I am getting ready to gear up for 2010! I thought that it was time to take a quick look back at everything that was accomplished in 2009. It was a really weird year. And one that I am very happy to say good bye to!

Some of the food stuffs that were processed in 2009. Not everything made it into the list. I would have like for them to but didn't have time... LOL! Next year I will try and do better!

  • 10 pints Strawberry Sauce
  • 14 half pints Lemon Juice
  • 14 pints Hamburger
  • 14 pints Strawberry Syrup
  • 17 pints Dilly Beans
  • 18 Bananas Dehydrated
  • 19 pints Kidney Beans
  • 2 - 2 ft Ristas Cayenne Peppers Drying
  • 2 Dried Apples
  • 2 pints Yellow Peppers Frozen
  • 2 quart Jalapeno Peppers Frozen
  • 21 quarts Tomatoes
  • 22lbs Dried Onions
  • 25 pints BanBerry Jam
  • 2lbs Strawberries Dehydrated
  • 3 bunches Celery Dehydrated
  • 3 head Cabbage Dehydrated
  • 32 pints Potatoes
  • 4 pints Banana Jam
  • 4 pints Turkey Broth
  • 5 Tomatoes Dehydrated
  • 6 pints Strawberries Frozen
  • 6 quarts Beef Broth
  • 6 Tangerines Dehydrated
  • 7 pints Peach Ambrosia Jam
  • 7 quarts Chicken Soup
  • 7 quarts Green Beans
  • 7 quarts Turkey Soup
  • 8 bunches Green Onions Dehydrated
  • Swiss Chard Leaves Dehydrated
  • Swiss Chard Stems Dehydrated
Things that I wanted to accomplish in 2009 and actually got done!

  • ~ (Doing) build a better food storage
  • ~ (Working on) pay off debt
  • ~ (Done) winter sow seeds
  • ~(Working on) get alternative cooking device
  • ~(Done) build shelves
  • ~(Working on) paint kitchen and redesign cabinet doors
  • ~ (Done) get the basement checked out
  • ~ (Done) put a roof on the house
  • ~(Done) put in grape vines
  • ~ (Done) take out the raspberries and transplant
  • ~ (Done) plant an herb garden
  • ~ (Done) plant a vegetable garden
Some of the things that I learned in 2009
  • ~ (Done) Learn to Knit
  • ~ (Done) Learn to pressure can
  • ~ (Done) Learn to make breads from scratch
Researched ideas in 2009. I know that there was more these are the only ones that I reported.
  • ~(Done)Log Splitting
  • ~(Done)Kefir Grains
  • ~(Doing)Bee Keeping
  • ~(Done)Angora Rabbits
Now on to working on 2010! Wow, I am so hoping that this year is way better then last. Even though I have done wonderful things this past year, the next holds new possibilities!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

I hope that everyone was visited by Santa last night! I know the fat bugger came here... LOL! Grim's traps didn't work again this year though.... poor Grim he was so disappointed! One year he might catch Santa! The monsters got a ton of stuff! They are even going to be warm with the scarves that I was able to get done... and Grim's feet will be warm also (got the slippers done)! I am so happy that I was able to get everything knitted up. I guess that I am a knitter after all! LOL!

The monsters had a ton of fun on Yule. We decorated the gingerbread house that I bought (maybe I will try to make one next year....doubt it though ;o). And the oranges studded with cloves was a big hit. They loved making them for all the family and friends! We welcomed in the light of day.... (no sun just light). They thought that was a waste of good sleep time.... awe well they are young yet! But all in all they did have a good day and that is all that matters!

All that is left to do today is eat.... I cooked most of the meal last night! The turkey, bread, squash and pound cake are done. Veggies cut, potatoes peeled, ham rolls, potato & macaroni salads are made. The ham, kielbasa and heating everything back up is today's chore.

I was able to get peanut butter, toll house, M&M, and russian tea cookies made... all the rest will have to wait until another day. This was one of the most peaceful holiday season's that I have ever had. I even decided that I will be making orange inspired jelly this week since all of the citrus is in season. That way this jelly will make it into the gift bags next year!

I think the one thing that I do want for next year is a type of drink. Maybe ginger beer or something festive that everyone can drink... so no booze! Not everyone likes eggnog or mulled cider.

I am looking forward to this next week of relaxation. It's good to be the Queen... LOL! Tomorrow we are going to be watching all 3 of the Pirates of the Carribean.

Gotta Eat,
Yart

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Winter Break

Finally, it has arrived! I am so happy! Two weeks that I don't have to get up and go out into the cold! And the monsters are happy, too! Well, this weekend is a busy one. I have a potluck Christmas party to attend at the Legion tonight, then at noon we have to take the monsters to the kids Christmas party at the post. They have a good time and last year they each got a gift certificate for Toy's R Us!

One Monday I have some activities planned for the monsters to do. They are going to adorn oranges with cloves and decorate a gingerbread house! I'm not sure yet what I will be cooking for dinner but I am sure that it will not be anything elaborate. We will make our wishes at night and then burn the wishes in a old ashtray. Then I will take them driving around looking at all the lights! Well, that will happen after I get back from working bingo..... I know, I know I signed up for it way before I payed any attention to the date.

Also on Monday we will begin making cookies for the season. I don't think that I will be making quite as many as I usually do. I want this year to be very peaceful! And for that to happen I don't need to get all stressed out by the prep work. I need to clean and cook and bake. Most of which I can handle. But with some of the expectations that I put on myself I get frazzled. Not this year, at least I am going to make a conscious effort.

I also want to thank Mother Moon! You are a very generous person. I received your gift in the mail today. I am so touched by your kindness. I absolutely love the bracelet. And the chocolate is a great indulgence! Thank you again so much!

If I don't make it back on here before Yule. I would like to wish each and everyone one of you a Blessed Yule!!

Gotta Run,
Yart

The walking is still going very well.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Absentee

I know I haven't been around again. But with the mad dash to get everything finished before the monsters are out of school has been very time consuming. And we still aren't done yet. One scarf is almost done. With that one done then if need be she will be able to see her sisters being done... and I will just have to tell her that if I get time I will make her one... You all know how that goes!

I have been doing really well with exercising everyday. I have only missed 2 days all month but in my defense I worked bingo and probably did more there then I would have on the treadmill anyways.... LOL! I'm still not seeing any improvement. But will keep at it at least until the end of January. I figure that if in 2 months I still don't see any change in my weight then I need to contact a doctor to see what else could be wrong.... I am keeping fingers crossed that I will see something as I HATE doctors!!!!

With the exercising I have been watching more television then ever. I have started watching Martha Stewart. I know, I know but she really does have on some really kewl things. The other day she had on an attachment for the Kitchen Aid Mixer it was the Pasta Press! I want one..... It shapes the dough into pasta shapes. You make the dough separate and then add it to the hopper. So if you wanted you could make 10 pounds easily in a day. But with the cost being over $200 I will have to wait until I hit the lottery! It will be on my wishlist for just in case someone has a butt load of money they want to spend on me.... Hint, Hint, Honey! LOL!

2 more Bingo's and then I'm done until February. And I also got some other really good news. The fish fry's are being cancled until the middle of February. That way they coicide with Lent. So we will only have 6 or 7 to do for next year! That made me very happy. So if the weather is crappy in January like it should be, I will be snuggly warm here at home. Not driving from obligation to obligation. YEAH!

I have an etsy shop and I sent for the priority boxes from the post office. I am hoping to have the shop up and running just after the holidays. I know I probably should have set it up for before the holidays. Since I have never done anything like this before I thought it was best to wait till I had time to deal with it properly. I am going to put the hats I've knitted and the afghan's that I have crocheted on there. I have a couple of other things as well, I sewed up a few bags and small towels that I knitted. 2010 is going to be another learning year for me. Which is wonderful. I am all about learning new things. It will also be a year of getting out of debt. We made some strides this year but with the added expenses of being sued and then the bike braking and all of the band stuff, we didn't do as well as we thought we were going to. To recap though we did pay off one of our loans and we did put a new roof on the house. All in all it wasn't a bad year!

I got another $5 certificate to amazon from epoll (survey site). While I added it to my account I was looking around at the books in my wishlist. I noticed that they offered reccomendations. Of course I went looking to see if any of it interested me. The are really good at knowing what I like. I found a ton of books on making soaps, shampoo and cleaning products. All of them went on the wishlist until I earn more certs... LOL!

Time to go watch Martha and exercise!

Gotta Walk,
Yart

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Blue Balls of Christmas

Here is a recipe I came up with.... I made them last year and everyone just loved them!

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8oz cream cheese softened
food coloring (I use blue, hence the name)
1 tsp of almond extract
1 lb package of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of sugar

Combine cream cheese with enough food coloring to get the color you want. The add the powered sugar and white sugar. As you are mixing add almond extract. I used the medium size cookie scoop this time so I only ended up with just over 2 dozen. If you use a smaller scoop you will get a lot more. Once the balls are on the tray I put it in the freezer. Once they are frozen I put them into a zip lock freezer bag. Now they never come back out of the freezer. We eat them frozen. They are so yummmy!! Since they went so fast last year I'm not sure how long they will last

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Irish Rose Creations Giveaway

Irish Rose Creations is hosting a giveaway!



You can earn up to 10 entries for this beautiful afghan!



I'm hoping that I win this, my mom would love it..... And if I don't then maybe I will just have to buy her one!

Monday, December 7, 2009

A New Week

Lets see where to begin. I was able to do 1 hour of walking on the treadmill every day in December so far. (Not today yet). So that means I have walked 6 hours for a total of 12 miles. The scale isn't showing any progress, it actually showed that I gained weight. But I am thinking that this is muscle weight. I will continue until the end of the month and hopefully, some of the pounds will start to come off.

Band monster is now done with all aspects of marching until July of 2010. I can't tell you just how happy that makes me. Now all I have left to do is fore fill my obligations to the Legion for this year. We hold elections in May. And I really don't want to be President again. But I am going to go out with a bang. I want to hold a psychic fair, rock and roll rummage sale and a craft sale. All of which have already been turned down. But we need to do something so since everyone wants to bitch and tell me what I can't do but won't help with what I can do, (screw em'). *sorry a bit of a rant there* Back to our regularly scheduled blog!

I got the idea last night to write a book. Now it won't be full of my witty quips, it will be a how to manual of sorts. I still haven't talked to Grim about it yet. So I won't go into to much detail here yet. I need to make some things up and then talk to a publisher. I figure if I'm going to do it I want to go all the way!!! And worse come to worse I can e-book it....blah!

Lots to do today before I run off to bingo!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Lack of Sleep

I didn't sleep well last night. Troubles with mouthy monster. The school is saying that she has some form of learning disability, what they don't know. They want to test her. I had a parent/teacher today. I agreed to have her tested. But I also went digging through boxes at 3 am to find the hooked on phonics that I bought at a yard sale this past summer. All but one of the cards is there. So guess what we started doing today! Yep, you got it! She is doing better then they said she was doing in class......hmmmmmm! Go figure. But she will be reading and doing much better with the math by the end of this year. And if she isn't then Grim and I have already talked that we will need to do something more drastic. I really don't want to have to homeschool but I will do what is best for my monster.

I did an hour yesterday and an hour today on the treadmill. As long as I keep doing it at least my core will get stronger and maybe I will loose some weight....but then again with the holidays right around the corner I will be happy not to gain any....LOL!

Tomorrow we are going to take my FIL and lay his ashes to rest at a military cemetary. He passed away a year ago. And my MIL wasn't sure what she was going to do with the remains. Then she was speaking to someone at another funeral and they said they would help to get a spot for my FIL. The color gaurd will be there and from what I understand he will be placed in a tomb thing, not in the ground. All this will take place while 2 of the 3 monsters are at school and we need to get back by the time they get out of school. The cemetary is about an hour away. I don't think it will take long but I have never been to this type of service before. Then band monster has a concert that she is part of all weekend.

Now I'm off to get band monster from practice!

Gotta Run,
Yart




Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Getting back on Track

I think that I am getting back into a routine. Last week was so hectic that I almost forgot what it was like to do housework....Almost! LOL! I need to get the bones into a pot so that I can make stock out of that turkey. I really should have done it last night but I just didn't feel like it.

I wanted to let you all know about The Magical Holiday Artists on Etsy are having a December Giveaway! You can find out all the information on how to enter by clicking the picture below!

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Today I need to get my butt moving on scarf #1. It still isn't done yet and I still need to make another one also. Since I can only knit them when they are at school it makes things difficult to say the least.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

First Day of the Silly Season

This week is another hectic week. Meetings, bingo and more band stuff, oh my! But on the bright side, my mom is almost completely moved. There is only a few more things left in the house. She is now officially living in the new house. The next thing will be to sell the old house. I need to call the realtor for her to get that ball rolling. Then she has two storage units that need to be gone through and cleaned out. Yard sales and donations.... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Thanksgiving went really well. The Band monster did most of the sides for me. I got the turkey in and the sauerkraut and cabbage going and she did everything else. That was such a huge help and a great experience for her!

Grim and I are going over the plans for the secret present of the year.... I will fill you all in later. Little eyes tend to look over my shoulder. So I don't want to give anything away. But I will share pics when I can.

I recently read in Woman's World that I could walk off 20 pounds by Christmas/Yule. To this you just walk 1 hour every day. This plan doesn't care how fast or how far you go, just the time you put in. I figured that now was the best time to start. As with the silly season this should be a relaxing thing, not a strenuous one!

So I'm off to do chores that were put off by the move...

Gotta Run
Yart

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving all! I am not cooking until tomorrow. With the move it is just to hectic. I have the pies made and the sauerkraut in the crockpot and the eggs are cooked and peeled. I am ready! Just have to toss the bird in, in the morning. Band monster will peel the taters and clean the veggies for the tray. I still have to make bread tonight and biscuits for tomorrow.

And somewhere in all the cooking and cleaning I have to be there to supervise the move of my mom..... I am the mover in the family. I personally have moved like 6 times in 20 years and have moved so many other people that I'm like a professional now. We have been moving what we can since Saturday. But we have the truck now so we should be able to move everything from the basement to the storage unit today. Maybe even some of the stuff from the main floor as well. Now your saying how much stuff does this woman have.... Tons! My mom is a bit of a hoarder. This came about after my dad passed away. Shopping is what she did to fill the void. And now we are working her through it. Not to mention I grew up in a 5 bedroom house and was an only child. My mom had a ton of stuff even before the hoarding began.

But to everyone that is celebrating today! May you have a lovely day with family and friends and memories of those that have passed! Of course the health warning try not to eat too much food.... You will only regret it later.... LOL!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Monday, November 23, 2009

Moving

Not me... LOL! I am moving my mom... We have family coming over to help as well. But I am on Hiatus for the next week. Just wanted to let everyone know that all is good. Even if I am so sore and the move has just begun!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A new day

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for your kind words yesterday. They helped with a bad day. But as with everything this too shall pass, as if I could do anything about it anyways.... :O)

Well, let me tell you all a little story. When my dad was in the hospital the last weekend, we didn't know he was dieing. They didn't tell us until they thought he only had hours left. So Grim had wanted to go hunting deer. This was his first opportunity to go hunting in like 100 years. I told him to go as I thought everything would be fine. Grim and a neighbor go out and he gets a deer. The only problem is that he shot the things front leg clean off. Fast forward a couple of days and we are at my dad's wake. My mom's sister goes out and buys my Grim a beanie baby deer and taped its leg up. So that he would always have a souvenir of the day. It made a hard day bearable. And we were able to laugh for the first time in days.

Now fast forward again to last Friday night. I stay in the car as Grim and Band monster go into get the other two monsters from grandma's. Picky monster had to come down as the buzzer thing didn't work. So Band monster goes in one elevator and Grim and Picky go into the other. Meanwhile, I'm sitting in the car waiting. My phone rings, Grim says I'm stuck in the elevator......what?......I'm stuck in the elevator with Picky, get me out of here..... (Grim is claustrophobic). So into the building I go. We go to where the elevator is showing on the second floor I can here them and he pushes the call button. The woman on the other end wants to know where he is and what the problem is. She asks if he is near Chicago.... To this he replys "I'm going to die"......LOL! Mind you this is a senior complex. One of the ladies calls 911. So now we have 2 ems and 1 firetruck there to try and get them out. 2 1/2 hours later it is discovered that it was just a blown fuse. They made it out safe and sound. Thank God, that Picky was in there with him as he would have paniced.

Now on to Saturday, it is deceided that since it is such a beautiful day that Grim & the monsters would set up the Christmas lights.... (to many years out there in the freezing cold). A couple of years ago I got an inflateable snow globe with penguins in it. Grim had to carry it up the stairs as the box gave out. He got tangled up in the stabilzing cords and tripped. He put his elbow through the glass in the back door. So off to urgent care we go. Luckily, they just butterflied it up, no stiches. But I did get a new window out of the deal and it is plexi-glass! The lights went up and all is now good in the house.

Today is just a lazy day. We didn't do anything but play on the puters. I am making Italian Chicken for dinner. Then we are going to hang out and watch some of our missed tv shows.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Monday, November 16, 2009

Remembering

Today is the 11th anniversary of my dad's passing. I still miss him terribly. He was a larger then life kind of guy. Everyone that knew him, respected him. Even if they didn't like him. He was a man of very strong convictions. And wasn't afraid to tell anyone that would listen. My dad was a large man in stature and usually scared the hell out of most. If you looked up in the dictionary what a biker should look like, act or just plain be, my dad's picture would be there.

The past couple of years I have done really well with today. But for some reason this year is hard. I didn't sleep very well last night and I am already in tears. My dad and I were extremely close. He was a great dad!!! And no I'm not make a saint out of a sinner... LOL! My memory hasn't faded that much yet. He always remembered important dates. He always sent flowers and cards. He always did special things like "I love you day presents", for no other reason then because he loved us.

My dad was always very healthy. Then one day at work he moved wrong and a lump appeared under his arm. We all prayed that it was just a fatty tumor. But god must have been out that day. It ended up being Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After he was diagnosed, he fought for 5 more years. He got to meet two of the three monsters. He fought through the last weekend of his life. Even though they had him heavily sedated he was still asking for the right medicine to make him better.

He passed away quietly at 8:35 am November 16, 1998. My mom and I were at his side.

We go out for the day to celebrate his life. We go to where he liked to go and remember him and tell the kids stories about him. I want them to know him even though they were so young when he died.

Love,
Yart

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Please help Make a Christmas wish come true

There is a 5 year old little boy that is in the last stages of his disease. His family is celebrating early this year as he is not expected to live for long. He loves Christmas cards, so that is what his mother is asking for. Here is the news story link.

And here is his address:

Send your card or letter to:

Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI 48178

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Lost Week

Where has the week gone... Lets see, Thursday I had my meeting at the legion. It went well. We were able to get a couple of things decided. And the meeting only lasted 50 minutes... That is with all of the pomp and circumstance. Woo Hoo! Left the post and picked up band monster from her last practice!

Friday, went to try and find a hobby lobby. One is being built in my area, but won't be open in time for Christmas. We couldn't find it. Better luck next time. I did go to Michael's and got 6 skeins of yarn. 2 for scarfs and the other 4 for hats. I finished the hat I was working on. But since my computer doesn't like my camera's new memory card I can't show you. Still working on that.

Saturday, hmmmmm! Oh, yeah.... LOL! We went to State finals. In our division we came in 6th place out of the entire state! And there were 10 teams preforming on Saturday. I think that we did really well. I guess last year we were in 7th at the end of finals. So we did better and the kids were so excited!

Sunday, just hung out at home. I did dehydrate the rest of the carrots and I had picked up some mushrooms on clearance so those went into the dehydrator as well! I finished hat #1. I am hoping to get some good pictures of all this stuff so that I can get it up on the etsy shop.

Monday, shredded the zucchini finally! I got 10 - 2 cup zip bags. That is enough to make 20 more loaves of bread. Now you see why I procrastinated on processing them.... It really didn't take long with the food processor. But the task was just really daunting. I worked bingo! Only a few more for this year. Then I'm taking January off. Yep, the whole month! Then when I go back in February, they are going to really train me on calling. They might as well, as I have 3 1/2 more years to do this. I also started hat #2 and scarf #1. I also signed up today to do the Domestic Witch's Home 'Crafted Holidays. If you would like to sign up you can by going here... but hurry as I don't know when the cut off date is.


Tuesday, went and did my first mystery shopping job. I will get paid $10 and upto $2 reimbursement. It was very easy to do. The forms I had to fill out once I got home took longer then the job did... LOL! I was so pumped from doing that I made 4 loaves of bread and a peach cobbler. Yep, food and money go hand in hand for me... Plus, since I had to buy something in the store I picked up something for the monsters for lunches and they are going to pay me back... How kewl is that!

Today, so far I haven't gotten a lot done. I worked a bit on the hat. I got 2 heads of cabbage shredded. It is sitting in the salt right now. I smashed it down but I am letting the salt do it's job. In a bit I will go back and smash it down again and see if it needs anything else. Hopefully, this batch turns out. It should, today was the first time I have had icy build up on the car this season.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Friday, November 6, 2009

Giveaway!

Dawn over at Domestic Witch is giving away a really pretty rose quarts rune set with book! If your interested in entering you can check out the giveaway here!

There is a ton of stuff going on right now... Hopefully, we will do really well at finals tomorrow and I will have tons of kewl stuff to share on Sunday!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wednesday Musings

Wow, were has the time gone. It is already the 4th of November. I guess that I am just posted out or is it because I don't fell like I need to post every day. But in my defense I have been super busy. Where to start?!?

Monday, I decided to run to the store and get two chickens. We were going to have baked chicken for dinner. I cleaned them and stuffed them with onions. Then I had Grim go and get me some carrots out of storage. Needless to say, he brings up both of the 25 pound bags. They are rotting and need to be processed right away. I don't know what happened they should have been fine in the cold storage?!? So I go through the bags and salvage what I can. I lost about 5 pounds, 10%. I washed and cut off all the ends. Got dinner going and after dinner went to work bingo. Band monster peeled all of them for me. Once I got home from bingo I diced them all up and into the fridge they went.

Tuesday, the monsters didn't have school due to election day. So we all slept in. I got up and made sure all of my facebook apps were ok. Then I started to pressure can the carrots. It went alot faster then I thought it would. The last thing I pressure canned was meat and that takes forever. But I was able to get 21 quarts done last night. (3 more quarts, maybe? to do). I made hamburgers for dinner and Band monster had practice.

Band monster had practice, because they are going to state finals this weekend. So the instructor wants them in tip top shape! We are going into finals in 7th place due to issues with the judging last weekend. Not happy with the judges. They know better. Since we are freshmeat, this is our first trip to finals. I guess that there is a ton of stuff that we can buy. YEAH! Sorry had to toss out some sarcasm. Like band hasn't cost enough. That is why I work the bingo's to off set the costs.

Today, Picky monster had a half day of school. We have conferences this afternoon. I will be leaving in a few minutes to run to the Legion to help with an Audit for the District. I am hoping that it will only take a short while. I am very disappointed with the group as a whole right now. And unless there are big changes in the near future I won't be a part of the active group. There is very little participation and I can't do it all my self. And with having been busy with band and school and monsters not much has been done at the post.

Once all that is done, I still have to do dinner?!? Get Band monster to practice, finish the carrots and work on the hat more!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The end

I am always saddened by the end of October. Most of the leaves are down now and snow and cold are just around the corner. I know they are always just around the corner. But now that Halloween is over.... Well, anyways! The monsters had a ton of fun last night. It was a brisk night, but the full moon guided our way and scent of balefires filled the night air. I love Halloweens like last night. They remind me of when I was a little monster!

I have put up The Soccer Mom's to Wicca button for "31 days of Yule daily contest" Button. I can't wait. It I have the luck that I had with the October giveaways then I will be very happy indeed. And if not, then I will have kept myself busy, having fun entering into all the contests.

I need to get working on making things for Christmas/Yule! Next week we are done with Band for this year.... So I will be making cookies and freezing them. The monsters today started putting in requests for their favorites. I have a ton of preserves already to go into baskets with the baked goods. I have the zucchini bread made. I need to make cherry nut bread. Oh, and the nuts should be showing up in the stores soon. Last year I paid $1.98 a pound for unshelled walnuts. I will do this again this year and shell them. I saved a ton of money and once they are shelled they go into the freezer so I have them when I need them. Last year we did almost 10 pounds and I used them in everything all year. I like having that type of staple on hand.

I started to knit a hat. I got all twisted around so I had to frog it. I went to talk to my knitting teacher and she was able to set me straight on it. And she also showed me how to lock in the last stitch on the casting on row. Good thing she did cause what I did was completely wrong... LOL! I can't wait to get back on to that project I think that making a hat and knitting in the round will be great fun.

Oh, and I can't forget. We have a birthday today.... Mouthy monster is 6 today! She will keep the name Mouthy, just change the age. She wanted cheeseburger helper for dinner and homemade chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Needless, to say she was very happy with the day that she had!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Pumpkins

Here are the pumpkins all done and placed outside for their big night!
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Friday, October 30, 2009

I won again

I entered myself into a drawing over at The Modern Pagan. I won!!! Not sure which prize I won but WOW! This is my second time winning this month and I'm entered into several other drawings as well!

Grim, wants to get the monsters to carve their pumpkins tonight before the festivities of the weekend begin. We have to be up at Mouthy monsters school for the parking lot parade! The kids in costumes all walk around the parking lot showing off! They have a ton of fun doing it and we have lots of fun checking out the costumes! Mouthy went to school with cat ears. Now this isn't her costume... she will be a fairy with pretty pink, sparkley wings and a wand of pink satin! But since I didn't want these to get ruined before the real deal... She will be a kitten today! The reason I don't trust the good stuff not to get ruined.... I sent her to school in a brand new sweatshirt (pink) and she came home with marker all over it.... front and back!

I have to say that the lentil stew is just as good if not better the second day! I had enough leftover for a couple of lunches and another full meal. I will freeze the rest and see how that works out. Since the monsters will be gone to grama's for a few hours tonight, Grim and I will be having hotdogs and French fries for dinner.... It is quick and I don't have a huge clean up to do. Then we are going out with a blast from the past for a drink.... Gotta love facebook! We used to 100 years ago hang out so her and her DH and me and mine are meeting up tonight!

Tomorrow Band monster has an all day competition. She is going to miss out on Halloween. The other 2 will be going to grama's to spend the night. We are going to the post for a Halloween party. Grim is going as Michael Myers from Halloween and I am going as an English Tavern Wench! I love the ren fest! That is where all of my costumes come from! I need to pull it out so that it isn't wrinkled. I even have a cloak to wear so I don't freeze to death... LOL!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Recipes

I just wanted to let you all know that the calzones turned out really good. I used the pork chops that I had left from the night before. I also used pumpkin from the freezer and some green peppers. I cooked down the pumpkin, green peppers and some milk. Then I blended it. I added the pumpkin mixture with some of the pork and a little bit of cheese. Those were mine and I made pizza ones for everyone else. They turned out very well.

Tonight I used Mother Hen's recipe as a place to start making my own version of lentil stew. I used:

2lbs of chicken
1 can corn
1 can carrots
1 can potato
8oz tomato paste
2 medium onions
1lb of lentils rinsed
3/4 cup barley
1 quart of tomato juice
6 cups of water
pepper and paprika to taste

It turned out great! Everyone really liked it and I will keep making this. Next time I might use beef instead of chicken. This will be a fall favorite from now on.

I just realized that we still have to carve the pumpkins..... Well, if we don't carve them I hold off on them and cook down over the winter.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Thoughts

I was hit with a thought this morning. And I'm saddened a bit by it. When I took the monsters to school it was still very dark out. The side streets were all but deserted. The wet leaves that had finally given up their last hold were laying lifeless on the ground, shining in my headlight beam. After Band monster was dropped off dawn decided to make its appearance. Reddish and purple hues of autumn, reflected on the world. This breif moment in time only lasts for about a week, as the fime change happens this weekend. And come next Monday the sun will be out and the birds will already be starting the day way before we even open our eyes. I love this week but it is bittersweet as it only lasts as long as the blink of an eye!

I had a bit of a fright yesterday. Nothing major just got me to open my eyes and appreciate what I have a lot more then I had been. I see now that I was slacking in some important parts of my life and those of my family. So with an empty head (LOL!) and open heart, today is a new day with a chance to make/do things different. I know that probably didn't make all that much sense from the outside, but from here it was just a reminder in print of what I want to try to accomplish.

Yesterday was a busy day. So busy in fact that I forgot that I was suppose to go to a meet and greet with the special ed teacher for Mouthy monster. Mind you there is nothing wrong with her, she just didn't go to preschool. What that means is they actually need to teach this one... LOL! And they put the kids who need this into the special ed class. Now I have Band monster who generally is a straight "A" student and I have Picky monster who is in special ed because she is Dyslexic and needs accommodations, because by the time they figured out something was wrong she was already behind. Enough of that. But with Mouthy, she gets it, she just isn't where they want the kids in 1st grade to be.

Back to yesterday, wow, I do ramble! I cooked pork chops in a tomato puree /w some BBQ sauce and green peppers. It was a bit hit. I also got around to making laundry soap again. The laundry is only a little backed, up maybe 3 loads. The 5 gallon bucket will last me for months now. I love saving money. And the work isn't hard just time consuming. Same with making bread. It's not had work at all. It can be daunting in the beginning. After you do it a time or two, you can get a rhythm down. Like for me, got home from taking monsters, mixed the bread and kneaded it. Cleaned kitchen, dining room and living room during the first rise. The punched the dough down, separated it for individual loaves. Now they are rising for the second time and I am doing laundry and all my internet stuff. Then once the loaves go into the oven I will clean the bathroom.

I don't know what I'm going to do for dinner. I might make calzones tonight and lentil stew (got the idea from Mother Hen over at Ship Full of Pirates) for tomorrow night.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

More Halloween Activity

I found more Halloween activities in Woman's World.

View Scary movies on line here or here.

Read Spooky stories here and for the kids they can read more age appropriate stories here.

Take a look at pet costumes at i-Pets and also here.

Creepy Snacks here.

Ghoulish Games can be here.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Secrets

Last night I got out a journal and started practicing the power of 3. I wrote down 3 things that I was grateful for, 3 things that I want and 3 things that I see in my future. I also added an affirmation. And low and behold my luck has already started to change!

I got a comment from Mrs. B from over at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom
I am a winner of the 31 days of Halloween Giveaway! I am the winner of the ebook,
Me and My Ghoulfriends by Rose Pressey. The book looks really interesting. I can't wait to get to read it!!!! Thank you Rose for donating this prize! If you haven't gone over and checked out the prizes for today its not to late! Get those entries in! Dreams really do come true!

Bingo tonight! The jackpot for the progressive is around 15K. I think that they are going to have me sell the cards and call the numbers again tonight. Surprisingly, I'm bothered by it. I really don't like being up in front of people. Things are changing all over!!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Pajama Day

Even though Marching season is winding down, with only one more competition left in the regular season. We are still doing Jammie day on Sundays! I think that this is going to be a tradition from now on. The kids really seem to enjoy it and I love not having to do anything. Come summer we will be back into the swing but for now I am enjoying this! By the way we are in 5th place in our flight! If nothing changes we will be going to State Finals!

The monsters and I just finished watching Van Helsing!
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It is listed as PG13 movie so it safe for my monsters to watch! Plus, Hugh Jackman is just way to hot in all that leather.... sorry *running for a cool drink* LOL!

Oh, I forgot to tell you, I got all the rest of the apples done the other day. I had 8 quarts but 1 broke in the canner. Boy, was I upset!!! All that work just to have some of it go to waste. Still have to make the sauerkraut. Yes, if you haven't noticed I do procrastinate. But surprisingly, once I see that I've written it here a few times I really do get moving on it.

I just saw a trailer for a new movie coming out.... Old Dogs
Here is the trailer!

And here is another one

I wish I could have put them on here. But they are Disney, so you have to go to You tube.


Saturday, October 24, 2009

Eventful Friday

I should have posted this yesterday but time got away from me. Grim and I went grocery shopping and then to the farm market. I really wanted to get pears. The reason is because of a picture I saw here at Put up or shut up. But they didn't have any that looked good.

I did make The Vintage Sage's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. Yumm! I got 2 loaves one to eat and one to freeze for the holidays. I love those types of recipes. Nope sorry no pictures of this bread. But there have been a lot of ohhhhh's and awwwww's!

Went out last night... What started out as a great night turned shitty and then found its way around to great again. The only part I will share is Grim and I went to a new restaurant in town. They serve Italian cuisine. I got butternut squash ravioli with a cream sauce and then a pumpkin cannoli for dessert.... To die for!

Gotta Run,
Yart


Thursday, October 22, 2009

Thursday Afternoon

I have been busy trying to get stuff done. Yesterday I made the weekly bread. Good thing to, cause tonight I want to make grilled cheese and soup. It is still in the 60's after our little bout with Indian Summer yesterday. But the chill is starting to set in the basement as I type. I think I am going to look into getting electric baseboard heaters. Since we live in a town that makes its own electicity it is way cheaper then heating with gas. Once we can get the basement dug out so that it doesn't leak anymore, we will be able to finish it the right way. But until then it gets fricking cold down here.

Tonight after dinner, when I get back from dropping the band monster off, I have a new recipe to try. It is thanks to The Vintage Sage, she posted the Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chip recipe. It looks like it is going to be a family favorite! Then hopefully, this weekend I am going to have the monsters help to make a whole slew of items that I found over at Cat In The Moon. She posted 3 yummy recipes that I just am dying (LOL!) to try!
Homemade Marshmallows, S'Mores Hot Chocolate With Graham Crackers, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Oh, and before you get to the recipes you get to read a ghost story... It is very fascinating! Considering that it could be true...

I have one slipper done! And I'm half way done with the second one. By tonight I should have my feet in Handmade Slippers! Then I need to adapt the pattern to fit Grim's foot. He had picked out the yarn about a month ago. He has been patient waiting for mine to get done first. Remember the orange and varegated yarn I was telling you about I am going to make a hat. Well, maybe two if I can stretch the 2 skeins. It should work. They will be mirror images. That's if I get to it.

I have been looking on line at different activities for gift giving this year. I know, but we only have a short time for those of us who either procrastinated or didn't have cash until the last minute. I have seen what is being called a recycled Christmas/Yule. Where everything is bought at Salvation Army, Goodwill, yard sales or from a charity (Humane Society). I have already picked up a couple of things. My MIL is done (yard sale find), the monsters have a couple things I've picked up so far (yard sale finds), Grim will get new ( Just because I can't buy his gift used), my mom will get ?, she has enough stuff now, maybe a gift card. With my mom that's not a copout either. There is a Goodwill in another town I might try to take a trip to and see what they have.

Well, I've rambled enough!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Carve your own Pumpkin

I thought this was so cool! Have fun!!!



Monday, October 19, 2009

Monday Chores

That seemed to be all I got done today. I love feeling better. But I hate looking around at all that has been neglected. Got a ton of laundry done, dishes and washed down the bathroom (still needs more work), garbage ready to go out. Tomorrow I need to make more bread, shred the cabbage for sauerkraut & finish up the applesauce.

I took the easy way out tonight, I made hamburger helper for dinner. It was fast and filling. I cheated like that because I had to work bingo tonight also. I figured I would sell the tickets like I usually do. Nope they had me sell one of the specials and then I had to call it. I have a phobia about people, (now Grim would say that is bull - He would say I just don't like them enough). I don't like being the center of attention at all. I am fine to stand in the background. Everyone said I did good. I just looked at the numbers and didn't look at the crowd. It worked, good thing to since they want me to do this more. They eventually want me to be a regular caller. That is because I have a freshman and I will be stuck doing this for the next 3 1/2 years.

I have been diligently working on my slipper. I had it done once and had to rip out all the stitches because the pattern was for pixies. And I don't have pixie feet. But I think I am about 3 inches from being done with the first one. I can't wait to have a pair done. I even already bought the yarn to make Grim a pair. Oh, when I was at the yarn store the other day I got the pretties variegated purple and orange skein & a solid orange skein. I don't know what I am going to make yet but they sure are pretty.

I got the other day at the farmers market a cinnamon broom. It is in a bag, on the bag it says not to hang on painted surfaces. So now I have a dilemma as to whether or not to hang it up in the bag. Or do I just prop it up near on of the registers to send the scent through out the house.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Quick Note

I got 8 pints and 2 - 1/2 pints of carmel apple butter done today. Still not sure if I like it or not. I'm going to wait to see how it sets up. I still have a ton of sauce left. That will have to be canned up tomorrow.

For dinner I made chicken breasts baked in Italian dressing, stuffing and corn and peas. Everyone is stuffed. Plus there are still a couple chicken breasts left for lunch tomorrow.

Like I said just a quick note!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Pictures 1 of 2

As promised here are some pictures that I took.

These houses are right next to one another and compete for who can put the most up in the yard.

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Next are only a couple of pictures of the Museum. There were a lot of people and I didn't want them in my pictures to ruin them... LOL!

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This is the mantle of the fireplace in the Dining room! Love it!!!

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Here is a picture of my boy little boy Princess. I just had to get him this costume!

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Doesn't he just look like the cutest chicken..... I thought he was going to bite me... LOL!

And here is a picture of some of the green peppers from the farm market yesterday!
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Gotta Run,
Yart

Apples almost done! 2 of 2

Well, the last of the apples are cooking down right now. Yeah! Tomorrow they will be made into carmel apple butter. Then if I get the chance I will be getting a 1/2 bushel of Jonathon's. But then again I might be sick of apples by then.. LOL! Tomorrow I also plan on working on more sauerkraut. I got 4 really big heads for $2 at the farm market the other day. This batch should turn out as the basement is now on the cool side. I also need to move the pie pumpkins down so that they don't spoil. Oh, that reminds me, I have to find out what to do with the hubbard squash?!?

Grim and I got out to the garden today. We pulled all of the plants and cover all the beds with hay. Where the corn was planted, Grim layered in grass clippings before we put down the hay. The only thing out there right now is the strawberries, garlic and a couple of onions that I left in the ground. So we will have to wait for spring to see what if any of it survives. Then we took all of the garden waste to the recycling center. I didn't feel right about composting it as it had blight.

I used a muffin tin to make brownies, tonight. It turned out to be the best brownies ever. They were even and no cutting sticky misshaped pieces to deal with. For dinner we had hot dogs, leftover chili and baked potatoes. Every one is stuffed. Only a couple hot dogs left and no chili. I like when I really don't have to cook, but no food was wasted! Now the only thing that remains in the fridge to eat up is a few pieces of pizza from the other night. That should be gone for Lunch tomorrow!

Gotta Run,
Yart


Friday, October 16, 2009

Friday

Woo Hoo! No football game tonight. The monsters are just going to grama's for a visit and Grim and I will be heading down to our hometowns monthly walk. They have been trying to increase foot traffic in the city and they came up with this. The town museum is all done up for Halloween. It is fun every year.

Grim and I went to the farm market for the last time yesterday. I got a ton of squash, 100 pounds of potatoes, 50 pounds of onions, 50 pounds of carrots and a bunch of pumpkin's for the monsters. They were only $1.50 per carving pumpkin. Not bad the monsters were a little upset but they each got 2 to carve up so that made up for it. I also got 8 pie pumpkins. Oh, and a ton of green peppers and a hubbard squash made there way into the cart. I processed the green peppers and got 8 quart bags of chopped and sliced peppers for the winter.

I also got started on making the apple pie filling. Only problem was the apples that I got for that are more suited for sauce of some type. I didn't know this when I bought them, went off the recommendation of the salespeople. Not to fear. I cooked down some last night and the rest will go tomorrow. I will be making carmel apple butter. Haven't tried the recipe but it sounds so good. If it is I will post the recipe for everyone.

I will have pictures later to make up for the lack of a post yesterday, later!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Getting Caught Up 1

Since I missed posting the other day I needed to do 2 posts today. That's ok, I have lots to say. LOL! The chili last night was a hit. And I also don't have a ton leftover. This was a much better recipe. Tonight I will be making baked mac and cheese with canned ham. Yummmmm! This is a family favorite.

Mouthy monster came home from school yesterday with an envelope that contained a tooth. Then while eating dinner she lost the other one. So now she is wanting her two front teeth for Christmas. Hopefully, from the looks of things she won't have to wait to much longer. I am so happy when teeth just come out. No pulling, no blood no crying (me). But isn't it always in the fall that they seem to loose these particular teeth? Hmmm? I think the other two lost theirs around the same time. Must be all the apples!

Right now I am waiting for the oven to heat up so that I can get the bread in the oven. Yes, I finally got everything out and the dough made. And yes, like I thought I loved getting my hands back into the dough, kneading it and punching it down. Now that I have started again I don't know why I waited so long. :O)

I watched the last hour of The Biggest Loser last night. I really thought that they should have voted off Tracey. She is just a drama queen, who needed to go. Will they have another chance to vote her off? We'll just have to wait and see. I think they keep the drama llama on the show to add excitement.

Speaking of the drama llama, it keeps shitting all over my facebook account. You all have one of those friends that no matter what happens in their life they just need to share it with the world. Well, I have 2 such people on my friends list. They are constantly tell all the world what is wrong with them or their lives. I rather try and stay on the positive side of things and be proud of my accomplishments. I know I don't always succeed but at least I try. Ok, enough of that topic!

Grim has been a working fool the past couple of weeks. We went from him working a day or two each week to every day. Not complaining, loving every minute of it! But I do miss him when he isn't here. Some days I don't see him at all. Some times that isn't all bad though.... *TEASING* Grim reads the blog. Gotta poke fun sometimes.

We only have 3 more competitions for Band and then if they make it to State finals. That means in 4 Saturdays from this one we are done with Band until May of next year. Counting down the days. But I will continue with working the Bingo's, as it is putting a lot into her account.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Getting Caught Up 2

Here are some of the Halloween things that I have found to add to my ideas book for next year. Just click on the pictures to take you to The Taste of Home website.

Dracula Cookies Recipe
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Marshmallow Witches Recipe
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Strawberry Ghosts
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Quick Ghost Cookies
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tuesday Ramblings

With yesterday being Thanksgiving in Canada, that meant my mom was home from work. One of her friends came over and they went shopping for the day. They were nice enough to call me to go to lunch with them. Nothing fancy just Big Boys. The food was alright, but the company was fantastic. I love this friend of my mom's, she is always ready for a good laugh.

I tried to get the sauerkraut canned up yesterday. Needless to say, it didn't go well. I made it way to early and it went bad. So now I need to go and get more cabbage. I am fine with that. I only spent a dollar on the cabbage last time. And it was a learning experience. Don't make sauerkraut until the first frost. Not because it changes the cabbage but the area that it will ferment will be cooler. So now I just have the apples, zucchini and 2 acorn squash to process. Then I can decide if I want to get carrots to put up and if I want some more apples to make an apple liquor. And anything else that might catch my fancy at the farm market. LOL! I know, I'm terrible. I look forward to canning and then I complain and then I look for more things to do so it doesn't end.

I have a pot of chili simmering on the stove as I type. I made it a little different this time. I did a quick soak with the beans, I like this method way better. And I didn't add as much liquid. Have to wait and see if they like the thicker chili?!? It is 48* outside right now. So I wanted to have something warm in my belly tonight. We will have corn bread muffins to go with the chili. I had to dig around in the cupboard to find these mixes. Need to add it to the grocery list to get more.

Tomorrow will be bread day. This will be the first time in months that I have made bread. I am dreading it. Once I get started with it again it will be like a long lost friend. But it is just the thought of all that work. LOL! I'm already thinking of the cinnamon bread I could make or the banana bread, ohhhhh the muffins and cupcakes. Like I said terrible.

Mom and I took the monsters down to one of the orchards over the weekend. That's where I got the Jonathon apples from. While we were there they were making apple butter in a cauldron over an open fire. The woman had a great big huge paddle that she had to use to constantly stir the apple butter so that it wouldn't burn. I am so happy that the crockpot was invented, among other appliances of convenience. I can see myself outside all day stirring apple butter or anything else for that matter. But then again if I had to do that then maybe I wouldn't have to clean the bathroom or some other dreaded chore.....hmmmmm!
Since I still don't have batteries for the camera and I'm tired of the crappy camera phone pictures I found a graphic to represent the woman and the apple butter.



Sunday, October 11, 2009

Picture Post 1 of 2

Here are the apples I have been talking about. I still had 1/2 bushel of McIntosh and that wasn't enough for me so I bought 1/2 bushel of Jonathan's.
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And here are some of the jars done up into applesauce!
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When it is all said and done, there will be 18 quart jars of applesauce 6 with cinnamon and 12 plain for cooking. I still need to get the wolf creek apples made into apple pie filling. Now that I got this done I feel like I can take on the world.

I turned the heat on this morning. 38' was definitely cold enough for me. I have it set at 56', and that is just if we need it. I was really hoping not to have to turn the heat on for until after Halloween. But it is just to cold for that. Plus, with me just getting over whatever the hell it is. I will only turn the heat up to 62' in the dead of winter. I need to check into what we can do to help heat the house with some type of passive system. A wood stove would be lovely. But I don't know if that is a good investment for this house. Something to think about over the winter.

Picture Post 2 of 2

Here are some of the decorations that I finally got around to putting up!

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This is the mirror that I painted black and now sits on the coffin. My living room table.

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This is the little witch that sits out all year long on the shelf. Watching over and protecting.

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I love this candle holder!

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Front Door Guardians


Saturday, October 10, 2009

Historic Cemetaries


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Have you ever wondered who takes care of these wonderful treasures? Did you ever think how cool it would be to track and record information? Were you ever witness to the aftermath of a storm or vandalism and wished you could do something about it? Well, here is the "
Michigan Historic Cemeteries Preservation Guide". It is in PDF form. But it is full of information on the how's and how not's to preserve our Cemeteries. Now mind you I think every state should have some form of Preservation Society, but this is the one that I stumbled across. So where ever you are if your interested in helping them out, I'm sure they would welcome the enthusiasm and the help!

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Eastwick

Even though I did catch the first episode I am hooked on Eastwick. Here is the trailer. Got to love the Devil?!? The witches aren't bad either. LOL!


Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tombstones

DH wanted a better looking tombstone then just plywood cutouts. And the ones that are in the store are either to cheap looking or very expensive. So online I go to find what I can. What I found was very ingenious. Here is a link to making foam tombstones and the painting techniques that go along with it. With tombstones you will also need names (Dawn Under & Kerry M. Off are my favorites) that can be found here and epitaphs that can be found here.

Here is also a DIY Video for your viewing pleasure...LOL!


Gotta Run,
Yart

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

1 of 3

I have been busy around the house the last couple of days. So I didn't get a chance to post anything. That's why I did a 3 part posting today. With doing that I am caught up... LOL! I did a ton of laundry. I hate getting sick, cause everything piles up. I was able to get 7 quarts of tomatoe puree canned up the other night. I still have all the apples to do. I think I will get the rest of the apple sauce done tonight though. Wishful thinking! I still haven't gotten the inside of the house decorated. I know, I know. But I did take a picture of the great work Grim (formally known as DH) and the little monsters did.

Photobucket

Crappy Camera Phone!!!!

Gotta Run,
Yart

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Halloween Jokes for Kids:
I borrowed these from the site linked above.

Why don't angry witches ride their brooms?

They're afraid of flying off the handle



Who won the skeleton beauty contest?

No body



What do skeletons say before they begin dining?

Bone appetit !



Where do baby ghosts go during the day?

Dayscare centers



Who did Frankenstein take to the prom?

His ghoul friend



What's a monster's favorite play?

Romeo and Ghouliet



What do witches put on their hair?

Scare spray



What do you get when you cross Bambi with a ghost?

Bamboo



What kind of mistakes do spooks make?

Boo boos



What kind of cereal do monsters eat?

Ghost-Toasties



What has webbed feet, feathers, fangs and goes quack-quack?

Count Duckula



What does Tweety Bird say on Halloween?

Twick or Tweet



Where do spooks water ski?

On Lake Erie



What happened to the guy who didn't pay his exorcist?

He was repossessed



What does a ghost eat for lunch?

A BOO-logna sandwich



Where do mummies go for a swim?

To the dead sea

What's the ratio of a pumpkin's circumference to its diameter?

Pumpkin Pi



Where do ghosts buy their food?

At the ghost-ery store



Where do ghosts mail their letters?

At the ghost office



What's a ghosts favorite ride at the carnival?

The roller ghoster



How do you mend a broken Jack-o-lantern?

With a pumpkin patch



When does a skeleton laugh?

When something tickles his funny bone



Why was the mummy so tense?

He was all wound up



Where did the goblin throw the football?

Over the ghoul line



What does a skeleton orders at a restaurant?

Spare ribs



What do goblins mail home while on vacation?

Ghostcards



What is a ghost's favorite party game?

Hide-and-go-shriek



What do baby ghosts wear on their feet?

Boo-ties!



What did the boy ghost say to the girl ghost?

You look boo-tiful tonight



What is a ghost favorite article of clothing?

Boojeans



What does a ghost put on his cereal in the morning?

Boonanas and Booberries



What kind of roads do ghosts haunt?

Dead Ends



Who did the ghost invite to his party?

Anyone he could dig up!



What is a monster's favorite food?

Ghoul scout cookies



What did the skeleton say while riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle?

I'm bone to be wild!


Why does Dracula consider himself a good artist?

Because he likes to draw blood!



When do gholes cook their victims?

On Fry Day



What's a vampire's favorite candy?

A sucker



What do you call a ghost with a broken leg?

Hoblin Goblin


What do goblins and ghosts drink when they're hot and thirsty on Halloween?

Ghoul-aid!!!


When does a ghost have breakfast?

In the moaning.


What do ghosts drink at breakfast?

Coffee with scream and sugar.


What do you call a witch who lives at the beach?

A sand-witch


What do ghosts eat for dinner?

Spookgetti


What's a ghosts favorite fruit?

Booberries.


What's a ghosts favorite desert?

Boo-berry pie.


Why do girl ghosts go on diets?

So they can keep their ghoulish figures.


Where does Count Dracula usually eat his lunch?

At the casketeria.


Why was the ghost such a messy eater?

Because he was always a goblin.


What tops off a ghost's ice cream sundae?

Whipped scream.


What is a Mummie's favorite type of music?

Wrap!


What song does Dracula hate?

"You Are My Sunshine"


What type of monster really loves dance music?

The boogieman!


Where does a ghost go on Saturday night?

Anywhere where he can boo-gie.


Why didn't the skeleton dance at the party?

He had no body to dance with.


What do ghosts say when something is really neat?

.Ghoul


What kind of tie does a ghost wear to a formal party?

A boo-tie.


Why did the game warden arrest the ghost?

He didn't have a haunting license.


Where did the goblin throw the football?

Over the ghoul line.


What do you call a goblin who gets too close to a bonfire?

A toasty ghosty.


What kind of makeup do goblins wear?

mas-scare-a


Who was the most famous ghost detective?

Sherlock Moans


Which building does Dracula visit in New York?

The Vampire State Building.


Where do most werewolves live?

Howllywood, California


Where do most goblins live?

North and South Scarolina


What do you call a little monsters parents

mummy and deady


What do you get when you cross a black cat with a lemon.

sour-puss


What instrument do skellitens play?

Trom-BONE


Why did't the skelliten cross the road?

He had no guts


Why do vampires scare people?

They are bored to death


How can you tell a vampire likes baseball?

Every night he turns into a bat.


What's it like to be kissed by a vampire?

It's a pain in the neck.


How can you tell when a vampire has been in a bakery?

All the jelly has been sucked out of the jelly doughnuts.


How does a girl vampire flirt?

She bats her eyes.


Why doesn't anybody like Dracula?

He has a bat temper.


Who does Dracula get letters from?

His fang club.


Why did Dracula take cold medicine?

To stop his coffin.


How do you keep a monster from biting his nails?

Give him screws.


What can't you give the headless horseman?

A headache


Why did the headless horseman go into business?

He wanted to get ahead in life.


Where does a ghost go on vacation?
Mali-boo.


What do you call two witches living together?

Broommates.


What do you call a witch's garage?

A broom closet.


Why does a witch ride a broom?

The Vacuum cleaner's poweer is cord it too short.


What do they teach in witching school?
Spelling.

Why don't mummies take vacations?

They're afraid they'll relax and unwind.


Why do demons and ghouls hang out together?

Because demons are a ghouls best friend


Why did the ghost go into the bar?

For the Boos


What kind of dog does Dracula have?

A Bloodhound


What do you give a vampire with a cold?

Coffin Drops!


Why did the vampire quit the baseball team?

They would only let him be BAT boy


Why didn't Dracula get married?

He never met a nice Ghoul