A Day with the Amish

We had a great time yesterday. I was able to get the 18 half-gallon jars that I wanted and the cabbage crusher thingy... LOL! I wasn't able to get the sweet mustard but thanks to Skippymom I have several recipes to try! We did get to the bulk store. If the monsters would have sat in the car I would have bought more. But they were tired by that point. I did get a ton of stuff though. Here is the list:

bollion cubes chicken, beef & vegetable
orange lentils
soft white wheat berries
black beans
chicken corn noodle soup
wheat germ
ready potatoe slices
split yellow peas
vegetable flakes
graham cracker crumbs
hard red winter wheat berries
mustard seeds
garlic powder
onion powder
clear jel
corn starch
blueberry muffin mix
whole egg solids
50 lbs of unbleached & unbromated flour
&
Silver Jimmies

Grim had a blast running the vac and seal to seal all the jars last night. Now they are air tight.  I love when the family gets involved with the prep work. It makes it so much easier. While Grim was doing the vac and seal, we got talking to the monsters about putting marshmellows into the jars. So we dug out 2 differnt bags and vacusealed them in the jars. Had to do it a couple times since they want to try one after it did its thing. They said they tasted very fresh after the vacuseal.

As I type I have the pressure canner going. Yep, I got on that turkey. 3 quart jars are full of meat and a little broth and 1 quart has a little meat and a lot of broth. I'm processing at 10lbs for 90 minutes. I took the broth and defatted it. Then I put the turkey jello in a pot and slowlyyyyyyyy heated it up. I cut up and pulled apart the meat. It was added to the now liquid broth. Once that was brought to a boil I added to the jars, then into the pressure canner. I know your wondering why I just wrote the directions. I just thought you all might like to know. But remember don't take my word for it. Always check your canning guides for the recommended way to do things. (disclaimer).

I have pictures but I didn't up load them yet.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Another busy day

Friends and family have come and gone today.... We had a great visit, even if it were to short for the littest ones. They got along fabulously and both cried when they had to part.... awww! It will be some time before we are able to see them again. They live in Vegas. But Grim and I are going to try and get out there at least once this coming year. It will be an experience. We have never been.

Tomorrow we head for Amish country.... I can't wait! The main reason for the trip is to stock up on dry goods. They sell bags in 50lb size. Not sure how much I'm coming home with but I know my car will be loaded for bear.... LOL! I need to replenish my spices, flours, sugar, oats, puddings and whatever else catches my fancy. I love love love this store. Since we're there we will go to the big Amish run restaurant for lunch/dinner. I also need to stop in at the Amish run hardware and see if they have the sauerkraut plunger in stock?!? and then to the English run hardware for gallon ball jars. I think I need at least 3 cases. Its only 18 jars. We will go to the bakery and see if there is anything we can't live without. Oh, almost forgot, there is a consession that sells sweet mustard. This time 4 jars will be bought. Everyone loves the stuff. I wish I had the recipe for it.

As you can tell I'm very excited to go. We go down 3-4 times a year. It takes about three and a half hours to get there. The weather is suppose to be ok going and no snow predicted for coming home. When we went down after last Christmas, we got caught in a blizzard. It took forever and a day to get home. When that stuff happens I wonder why I quit smoking.....

Ahhhhhhhhhh, to have a smoke, again! I know, I know..... the price in money and to my health. I smoked becuase I enjoyed it and quit because I had to. If they were the same price as then, and I wouldn't have to go through withdrawls again. I digress, since it ain't never gonna happen. Ahhhhhhh, the good old days!

I think Thursday after Grim and Band monster get home from yet another dentist appointment. The decorations inside are going to come down. I really didn't feel it this year. Maybe it was because we wern't running around like crazy and it was very relaxed. This year something felt like it was missing. I don't have a clue what it was that caused this feeling. It's time to move on to the new year. Thursday the turkey will get canned up. I would hate to loose all that meat and broth. The sweet potatoes will be frozen in individual size bags. That way I can have them for several more meals.

The house is still clean. So that is one thing I won't have to do before the new year. My room got cleaned yesterday. The rest of the house got cleaned this morning, for company. I'm rambling again... Need to go to bed!

Gotta Run,
Yart

How one thing leads to another

I started looking for how to build a rabbit hutch on you tube last night. I found some really great information. Then I found how to breed and set up for birthing of the kits. Of course then how to dispatch and butcher said rabbit. After that I looked at food storage and water storage.  There is a ton of great information on you tube. I was even reminded about http://www.ready.gov/ It has a great basic plan that you can follow. There is even a printout that you can give to family and friends that think you might be a bit kooky for the things you do. And it's from the government ( our taxes paid for it so you might as well use it)..... so its good for the sleepers ( the ones who think nothing will ever happen to them)!

Here is a site that you can use for a food storage calculator http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7498-1-4070-1,00.html
Here is the Home Storage Center Order Form
http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7977-1-4352-1,00.html

Deals to Meals Is another great site on food storage
Prepared LDS Family Has a ton of information

See this post was just suppose to be about you tube and I ended up spending two hours looking at new site and blogs... LOL! Good thing I had the time to do it. Thats what happened last night and I didn't even get to see Joel. Even though I'm not a Christian, I still think what he talks about applies to each and everyone of us.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Randomness

 Here are a few pictures of randomness.

This is the barn the monsters made!

Candle light

What the presents looked like under the tree!

Plus, I am tring out a new font.... I think this one looks so much better. Hopefully, I can get this to take. To much coding right now.

Gotta Run,

Yart

Its over

Yeah! LOL! The gifts have all been opened and the trash all tossed out. The leftovers are in the fridge and most of us have belly aches from eating so much. Santa was very good to the monsters. He didn't disappoint me either. I got a counter top composter, all the attachments for my kitchen aid mixer... (no more hand pureeing for me), I also got a steam juicer....(now I need to find out how to use it). Grim also got me a new wedding ring.... my old one was to small and was causing me alot of pain. He took it upon himself to order it for me.... I am so happy with it. It doesn't have a stone but it does have the eternity symbol on the top of it... I will get pictures.... I've just been busy cleaning and cooking.

Today and tomorrow are lazy days. Leftovers and jammies! And of course gun fire..... LOL! The monsters got nerf suction cup guns.... so they are shooting everything and everyone. The only one that is safe is me. I didn't get one so they know I'm not part of the game. Its a good thing to, cause two got shot in the face yesterday. Now they all have safety glasses. Those have been the hit of the season.... The Wii games have only been just opened. I love when a plan comes together.

It has been decided that we will be staying home for new year's eve this year. Everyone has been invited to come here. It will be more of a relaxed time. We are going to move the tv out of my room into the dining room and hook the Wii to it. So we will be playing Wii and having a great time. I'm going to make meatballs and mash taters, veggie tray and dip, cheese ball and crackers. I'm asking everyone to bring something. Usually, I don't ask anyone to bring things. So this is a switch. But this is also the first time I've hosted a New year's eve party. I think we will have fun. The monsters will be at my mom's house and she will be here. LOL!

We have friends coming in from out of state to visit on Tuesday. I'm not sure what I'm going to serve them. I might just go out and get broasted chicken from the local butcher. That actually doesn't sound to bad. I'm going to have 10 people here. But it will be nice to see them.... The one is my oldest monsters godmother. And the other is my mother in laws goddaughter.... LOL! I know, I know.....

Well, those leftovers are calling to me.....

Gotta Run,

Yart

Merry Christmas

Sending wishes of Peace and Love to you and yours this Christmas day!!!

Happy Solstice!!!

Did you see the moon last night.... I did and it was beautiful!!! So now winter is officially here, what to do.... LOL! Most of the holiday chores are done for me, yeah!!! Now we will be getting into the what needs to be done before spring thing.... LOL!

Grim and I took my car in to get the front brakes done. Then we had to walk home. It was only about a mile and about 31' out. But I got light headed near the end. After we got home I had a panic attack. God, I hate those things. They scare the bajesus out of me. Plus, I didn't eat breakfast before we went to therapy this morning and I took all my vitamins on an empty stomach.... I know, stupid!!! I'm feeling better now.

I forgot to tell you all I got the hamburger and all the chicken canned up. Very happy with the results. I got 11 pints of burger and 10 pints of chicken. My pantry is becoming more well rounded. I still have not gotten into the freezers to can up what's there. But I fear I had better soon. The light on the big freezer is blinking. So what I'm hoping is that I can get in there and clean it out, defrost it and it will be good as new. Well, I can hope. Either way it will be cleaned out and ready for fresh food!

We bought the paint for Mouthy monsters room. I was in there last week and I cleaned it all out. Toys, clothes and garbage went. Now she has room for whatever Santa brings. Of course while I was in there cleaning, I noticed that the paint is showing it's age. So another room to get done before the end of the year. I was suppose to paint the hallway over the summer, never got around to it. Maybe I will knock it off also, next week.

I'm almost feeling like I miss Christmas and it isn't even here yet.... Sounds odd I know. But being done with all the major stuff and not having to stress is going to some getting use to.... LOL! This kicking back and relaxing during the holidays is a wild concept. Who knew, the holidays could be like this.

I think I'm going to sew up some of the aprons I cut out a couple weeks ago. With them done maybe I can get a few more cut out..... This free time thing is kewl..... Oh, yeah, I'm going to make play dough with the little ones today. Here is the recipe that I will be using... and probably put together the gingerbread barn..... Yep, gingerbread barn! I got that at Tractor Supply..... I love that store.

Gotta Run,

Yart

Happy Holidays!!

School is officially over until next year! Saturday morning we went on to the Bowling Christmas parties.... All the monsters had a ton of fun!! There was comic bowl, pizza, cupcakes, gifts and a ton more food that folks brought. We ended up there for a couple of hours. We were suppose to go to a texas hold em party. But the people we were going with couldn't go because thier monster got sick. So instead we stayed home and I baked. I made sugar cookie dough for the monsters. Then I made spiced ginger cookies (new to us recipe) and almond thimble cookies. The spiced ginger I need to make more of, I only got 2 1/2 dozen and they were a huge hit. So these are going to be added to the yearly must make list. Then once the baking was done it was time to teach the older two how to play rummy. The littlest monster was spending the night with my mom. They had a good time..... I think they got it?!? But you never know.

Sunday, I got up and made a toll house dough, left out the nuts and chocolate chips, but added M&M's. It was a double batch, I got 7 dozen. I know it seems like a lot but most of the cookies will be going into gift packs. Then my mom came over and rolled out the dough for the monsters (I'm not a pastry chef, I don't roll).... The monsters had a blast cutting out the shapes and decorating the cookies. I wasn't really happy with this sugar cookie recipe. So I will have to find a different one for next time. We had a simple dinner, mac and cheese and smoked sausage. Then we watched the Muppets Christmas Carol. Mouthy monster ended up in bed early, poor thing has a cold.

This morning we were back at therapy, only two days this week! Then went to the health food store, needed some vitamins. Back home to get the dog. Off to the vet we went..... He has another ear infection and his eyes are both yucky this time.... His nails got trimmed, we were there for over two hours and I spent almost $300...... Seriously, Teenage monster had better get to being a great vet soon..... These animals are going to put me in the poor house. He is already feeling better and that is all that matters. Poor baby! And I have to work bingo tonight.... Last one for this year!

Everyone but me has a dentist appointment wednesday. The monsters to get cleanings and Grim to get a filling! Then we will be done with the dentist for this year.... Maybe, I can hope. The monsters might have a cavaty or two that need to be filled. If so maybe they can get it done before next year. Then after we get home, I need to make mini loaves of zucchini and cherry nut breads, and buckeyes. Once that is done I am done with the holiday baking.

Out of what I wanted to get done 10 types of cookies and 5 candies. I will have made 8 cookies, 2 candies and 3 types of bread. Not to bad for an over stressed mom of three.... LOL! Things always just seem to have a way of working themselves out don't they. All I have left to do is wrap a few little things and get the gift bags together. Cook the meal on the day and a bit of prep work and we will be good to go.

Gotta Run,

Yart

Videos

I just figured out how to add videos from you tube on the blog..... I know.... Sometimes it like just nudge me to get the train back on track.... LOL! So I found a ton of Christmas type videos. There are cookies and drinks..... I think I heard a preview for some show that says "I'm just having desserts and liquor"..... LOL! I guess that she was talking about Christmas.... but then again probably not.

I've been busy, busy, busy yet again.... or is it still. Who knows, right. I should be in bed, my sleep has been disrupted with thoughts of plans running in my head. This time of year is really hard for me. I tend to take on everything and run with it. It ends up being perfect but not fun or a happy time. So this year, things have been a bit different. The monsters have been allowed into the sacred alter (the kitchen). They have been taught the ways of olde! They are learning the ceremonies behind the rituals. With Grim being home it has really been an eye opener for him as well. Like I put off wrapping the gifts earlier in the week because other things came up. So the opprotunity presented itself today. And there was a second of we can wait till tomorrow.....Then I came to my senses and got to it. Good thing I did. Grim now has a new doctors appointment in the morning and we have to go and help out a friend in the afternoon. Had I waited it would never have been done.

Its things like that and the lists of what still needs to be done.... cookies, gifts, crafts, canning, cleaning, planning...... Believe it or not.... this really is a simplified Christmas for us. Since Grim still can't drive, I will be taking him and teenage monster to church on Christmas Eve. This will be the first time in almost 20 years I have been in the church for a service. I don't mind doing it for Grim, because of all the things he does for us. It's just its one more thing on the list of things to do. Bah Hum Bug! No, I don't mean it. I love the season, the sights and sounds. I'm just tired.... So off to bed I go!

Gotta Sleep,

Yart

Paula Deen's Snowflake Cookies-Food Network

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies-Food Network

Holiday Cocktails and Mocktails from the World's Premier Culinary College

Sandra Lee, Semi-Homemade, "Holiday Cocktail Party" Part 1

Sandra Lee, Semi-Homemade, "Holiday Cocktail Party" Part 2

Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Ultimate Holiday Cocktail Party

Sandra Lee - Chocolate Yule Log

Sandra Lee - Santa's Sleigh Cocktail

Sandra Lee - Candy Cane Cookies

Sandra Lee's Heirloom Noel Cake (The green monster cake thingy)

Christmas pomegranate cocktail

Christmas Crackers - Festive Food

Kiwi!

This is just what the power of I can, really can accomplish!

The Trews - Poor Old Broken Hearted Me

Don White - I Know What Love Is

CANNER’S ODE TO CHRISTMAS

"CANNER’S ODE TO CHRISTMAS"

written by Jeanne P. Maack 

‘Twas the night before Christmas and here in the house,

the pressure canner exploded and killed Mr. Mouse.

The canning jars were all stacked on the counter with care,

in the hopes that Mrs. Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of apple butter danced in their heads;

With me in my apron and Pa taking his usual nap,

I could sure use her help peeling the apples on my lap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the kitchen to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

gave the luster of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

but a miniature shopping cart pulled by eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old lady, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be Mrs. Saint Nick.

More rapid than eagles her coursers they came,

and she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, PECTIN! now, CANNER! now, LIFTER and CUTTER!

They came with the rest to help with the apple butter.

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!

Now can away! Can away! CAN away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

with the sleigh full of jars, and Mrs. Saint Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,

the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

in the kitchen Mrs. Saint Nicholas came with a bound.

She was dressed in an apron from her head to her foot,

and her clothes were all spotless, not covered with soot;

A bundle of jars she had flung on her back,

and she looked like a peddler just opening her pack.

Her eyes -- how they twinkled!  Her dimples how merry!

Her cheeks were like roses, her nose like a cherry!

She had a sweet face and a little round belly,

that shook, when she laughed like a bowl full of jelly.

(What did you expect from a canner?)

She was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

and I laughed when I saw her, in spite of myself;

A wink of her eye and a twist of her head,

soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

She spoke not a word, but went straight to her work,

and filled all the jars; then turned with a jerk,

And carefully turning every last canning ring,

She placed the jars in the canner and we all heard "pling pling".

She sprang to her sleigh, to her team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

but I heard her exclaim, ‘ere she drove out of sight,

"HAPPY CANNING CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"

Remember!

The other day I was complaining that I didn't seem to be accomplishing anything but was super busy. Well, here is what I had been doing that took up so much time......

First are the towels that I embroidered. The one photo will not go right.... sorry! This is the first time I have done this type of needle work in over 20 years. I'm just happy I remembered how to do basic stitches.

 Here are the 3 hats that I completed in November. Both of the variegated are the new pattern. The dark blue is a beanie type.

 This is the 10 pounds of chicken that I picked up yesterday. I raw packed it. This is a first for me. I have done burger before but never chicken. It seems to have cooked up well. So this is a nice addition to the pantry. Especially since today was the first snow day of the year!

 As promised here is the wool and my welcome letter from Jenna at Cold Antler Farm. I was so excited to start on it. When the rest of the yarn arrives next year, I will have to come up with something else. But this is going to be a scarf.

Four posts in one day, no wonder I have no time... LOL! Oh, and I am down to only 2 1/2 skiens left for the prayer shawl... One day I will get pictures of that.

Gotta Run,

Yart

Snow Day!

The phone rang at 5:30 this morning, telling us that school had been cancled due to the weather. The school system has phone recording that calls for all announcements. It was nice not having to wait and see when our district flashes across the screen. The down side to that is the phone rang at 5:30 this morning. You guessed it..... Now I'm wide awake! I'm sitting here in long john's and my robe, drinking a hot cup of Yogi Chia Tea with just a touch of honey.

I didn't get a chance to tell you yesterday, I burned my first batch of cookies. I've done it before years ago. But this is the first time in recent history that it has happened. I had the timer on the stove set for the canner and I used a hand held timer for the cookies. Well, the little hand held didn't work. So the cookies were in the oven for like 22 minutes before I realized it. At least it wasn't the canner that got screwed up.

Speaking of the canner I was able to get 5 quarts of beef stock and 2 quarts of water canned up yesterday. I will be doing more turkey stock after Christmas.

 It is days like today that I am very thankful that I have a house full of food. If we decided not to go anywhere for a couple of days we would be perfectly fine. With the temps dipping into the teens for the day time highs, I'm thinking that we will be doing just what needs to be done. Grim has therapy in a couple of hours and we need to go to the gym since we will already be out.

I didn't get a call for bingo again. But this time I am going to call and see what is going on. Two weeks ago they didn't call and I missed. Then last week the woman called, my phone rang once, no message. And now again no call. I'm starting to think they don't like me. Oh, well! No bingo for me.... The only reason I work the bingos is to add money into the monsters account. It helps with expenses like band camp. I think we are going to go back to selling candy bars and pretzels. Just so I can get out from under this bingo thing. Blah!

I will have pictures in another post but I wanted to let you know..... I got my package from Jenna at Cold Antler Farm. I was lucky enough to be one of the first participants in her fiber csa. It is so much different feeling working with natural fibers vs acrylic fibers. The first being that it isn't as think and the second is that it isn't as soft. I'm not complaining, just saying as this is the first time for natural fiber. I think the differences is neat. As soon as I read the information packet that Jenna included, I balled up the wool. Then last night I got started knitting a scarf. The pattern is very simple. I adapted it from a Lions Brand Yarn pattern, which you can find here. I am making mine wider.

The clock is playing Christmas music and I notice that the sun has finally broken the horizon. The dull gray of early morning has now been replaced with the pink and blue hues of daytime! So with that I must awaken sleepy monsters and a grumpy Grim......LOL!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Blizzard, Zoo and the Crazies that love it

 Yep, you guessed it I drove over 40 miles to get my family to the zoo! It wasn't to bad going down. The roads were a little rough but still drivable.

 While we were there the weather really took a turn for the worse. I had to use my scarf to cover the camera so it didn't get all messed up.

 Everyone was very happy that we really know how to dress for winter weather. We were all so warm. Unfortunately, others were not so lucky.... I just don't understand what people are thinking sometimes.

 We got to see a sleeping polar bear & 2 timber wolves. The rest of the animals were off doing animal things!

 I managed to slip off one of the pathways and twist my already screwed up ankle. I struggled through..... My family comes first (I'm accepting votes for my martyrdom......LOL!)

 We all got our hot chocolate. The best part is that we got the souvenir cups so when we go back this winter we will be able to get the cheap refills. They will last us for years. I just tossed out the last of the old ones not to long ago. We had them for over 6 years. Now even the monsters have one of there own! No more sharing..... YEAH!

 By this point we all had a layer of snow on us that would not blow off..... wet snow.... ;( This is the first time we have been there while it was snowing.

 The lights were just fantastic though. Every year they get better and better. They have switched out almost all of the old light to LED. So it makes it not so much of a guilty pleasure anymore.

 I didn't get pictures this time, but the zoo added a ton of solar panels in the parking lot. They are to help power all the lights in the parking areas. There are also solar panels on the entrance buildings. As they remodel the bathrooms they are switching over to low flush and 1/2 button on the toilets.

I love the zoo!

We had a great time. It is one of the favorite family holiday traditions. The snow even though at times it was blinding, made for a unique experience!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Sparkly Balls of Christmas

As promised here is the recipe!

Sparkly Balls of Christmas

2/3 cup of Butter

2/3 cup of Sugar

1/2 tsp of Baking Powder

1/4 cup of Milk

2 cups of Flour

Colored Sugar

Beat butter. sugar & baking powder. Then beat in the milk. Once that is all mixed add the flour. Roll the dough into 1 inch balls. Then put the balls into course colored sugar.

Oven 350' for 10 mins..... Makes about 36 cookies

Of course I didn't remember to take a picture until after they were cooled and in the bag. But you get the idea!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Candlelight and Banana's

I have been lighting the candles that I have around the living room at night. Or I should say mid afternoon.... LOL! It really helps to get into the holiday spirit. It doesn't hurt that I have the radio on the Christmas music channel. The tree is lit up and very festive. As I sit here typing I have the last of the Christmas bread in the oven. This year I went with Banana nut bread, last year was zucchini. I was able to use up all the frozen banana's that I had salvage this year. The other night I made a double batch of Toll House. Those are already in the freezer. Once the bread comes out of the oven I will get started on the peanut butter cookies. I might even make ice box cookies, too. All I would have to do is make the dough and put in the fridge till tomorrow. Since I need to be in the kitchen canning up the beef stock I made. Oh, that really smelled yummy!

*New day.... I got sidetracked last night.......

The peanut butter cookies are done, I made a new recipe I call sparkly balls of christmas..... I will share the recipe in another post. The ice box cookies are in the fridge waiting for me to cut them and get them into the oven. In the process of baking and relaxing in the candle light of the living room I decided that I wanted to partake in some holiday spirits...... I made this recipe with the help of the Franglico site..... It is equal parts of Franglico and Butterscoth schnapps...... It tasted like carmel corn.....It could be sipped or done as a shot! Yummm! As you can see now how I got sidetracked.... LOL!

Our local butcher was having there yearly sale today. I got 10 pounds of burger for $2.59 a pound and 10 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $2.19 a pound. There was a limit so that is why I didn't get more. I'm going to be canning it up, as all my canned meat has been eaten. I'm hoping that Grim can go hunting next year. Oh, I have a question for anyone who might know. Have you ever made deer broth? What does it taste like? I need to get off my butt and get that beef broth in the canner... Be right back! Ok, the stock is in the pressure canner. I'm going to get the ice box cookies now and then I have to get ready to go to the zoo. They do this huge lighting exhibit through out the entire zoo. And today is going to be wonderful. We already have 3 inches of snow on the ground and it is still falling.... Woo Hoo! Hot Chocolate!

Have a great holiday day.... Remember take a few minutes for yourself.... if your stressed then your family feels it and the holidays become a chore instead of blessing of family time!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Isn't it suppose to slow down?

I mean really. The snow is falling, but not sticking. The garden has been put to bed and the house is decorated. Everything should be quieting down now. But noooooo. That's not the case. We have been running around like crazy. Doing what I'm still not sure. Are you ever so busy that you really don't seem to accomplish anything but stuff gets done? Yep, that's where I'm at right now.

Here are two flour sack towels. I iron transferred the image on to them. I have one finished and the other one is almost done. No pictures yet.

 I have 6 of these skeleton aprons to sew up. I bought the material months ago and never got around to doing the work.

 I did finally get the turkey stock canned up. I only ended up with 2 quarts but I also got 4 jars of sterile water also. I can't remember where I saw to do this. So if it was you, thank you for the tip! But it helps to add the jars with water so that nothing bounces around and breaks.

 We took the monsters to the living history museum this weekend. It was a blast. They had people in costume, like below. There were stands that you could purchase things like, roast beef sandwiches off a spitted roast, roasted chestnuts hot off the fire, spiked hot cocoa (peppermint schnapps), spiked hot cider (dark rum) and non spiked for the teetotalers. I had to drive so no spirits for me.... :( Maybe next year.

It started to snow while we were there. It added a magical touch to the evening.

 And even though there were no spirits for me there were fires everywhere to warm ourselves by.

 A good time was had by all. They are already asking if we can go back next year! I think that this will become one of our holiday traditions from this point on. Next weekend we are going to see the Christmas lights at the zoo. It is a wonderful display!

I have to work bingo tonight. But tomorrow night we will be getting started on the cookies and candy. Unfortunately, we won't be done in one night but it shouldn't take long. Plus, I need to get all the holiday bread made. I think that will have to wait until the weekend. Maybe Saturday after the Bowling Christmas party.

Speaking of bowling. Picky monster got a high enough score in the in house tournament that she gets to go on to the city tournament in May. And we questioned about why she hasn't received any patches yet. The lady came over with a printout and we found that her computer program had a glitch. Picky will be getting at least 2 patches for her shirt. I am so happy.... She was getting very discouraged. But it's all better now!!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Feeling better

Now that the silly season is upon us what to do....?!? Most of my shopping is done. The house is decorated. I still have to can up the turkey broth and leftover turkey. Never got around to it the other day. I went shopping for the pantry again today. It is filling out nicely. Still some holes but we are getting there. Finally, went and worked out again. I feel almost dead... LOL! I really pushed myself to finish the workout. I finished the third hat. Yeah! Now there are 3 more hats sitting waiting for me to do something with them. I know.... I really need to get my butt in gear and post everything on etsy. Did I tell you I even bought a foam head. That way I didn't scare anyone with my head in the pictures...teehehe! If you didn't notice I'm just rambling. I felt compelled to type, but I really don't have anything to say.

Tomorrow Grim and I go back to the dentist. This will be my last visit for the year. Grim is getting a cleaning and work done. It may be his last visit for the year also... LOL! The monsters will be getting appointments for after the first of the year. Then we can all be up to date with the dental.

I decided that it was high time to show off some pictures. So out comes the camera and I start to download all 323 pictures..... Little did I remember that I allowed the oldest ones use of my camera on a road trip we took back in October. They took a whopping 243 pictures. Most were blurry as we were driving. But I would like to share a few other photos.

 A storm was moving in this day... But oh, the colors were just brilliant!

 Here were our pumpkins!

 Yep, those are Indian Corn Cupcakes.

 Baklava....First attempt. Everyone who had some said it tasted just like baklava!

And here are the pies that Teenage monster and I made.

Well, its getting late. And I need to make sure I get to the gym in the morning.

Gotta Run,

Yart

It's official

The Christmas / Yule season is now upon us! Let the games begin! I am staying home today, unlike my crazy assed family that are at the stores as I type. They have been there since the lines started. Probably didn't even bother going to sleep in antisipation of the shopping deals they are going to get today. This woman has nothing on my mom and aunt....Then again my cousin is coming in a close second..... Crazy I tell ya... LOL!

Is it just me or is the tv fireplace above the real fireplace to much.... I'm just sayin'

The monsters are going to decorate the inside of the house today. Yeah! It will keep them busy. I just hope they don't argue to much. I am also going to let them do some wrapping for me. The stuff that I bought for Grim. Since he is going over to a friends house for guy time. It is the perfect opprotunity and it gives the monsters practice.

I think I might even get started on making the holiday bread for this year. Last year was zuchinni and this year it will be banana nut. I have a ton of banana's in the freezer so I shouldn't have to buy any. Plus, I think I might even get some turkey into jars and can it. At least one canner load. I have a ton of broth leftover. Yep, busy busy busy!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Thankful part4

Today I'm thankful for the blue gray morning that allows me time today to reflect. As I sit here with my laptop, the only sound I hear is the little Chistmas clock ticking. I have a great sense of satisfation. Yesterday I got all of the hard work done. Four pumpkin pies were made, 22 cupcakes, 2 loaves of french bread, apple crisp and baklava, all done. Plus the dip is made and the veggies all cut up. Plus, the monsters all helped with different desserts. Now Teenage monster knows the family secret to making the pumpkin pies.... LOL! It was funny she said that making the pies was way easier then she thought it would be. I told her that most things in the kitchen are easier then we think. Just like the baklava, this is my first time making it and Grim comes out and says to me..... Wow, that really looks like baklava.... LOL!

The turkey is in and the family is still sleeping..... I really should be back in bed..... With the stillness of the morning my mind is going a million miles an hour. There is really nothing left todo until later. So I guess I am off to knit some more.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Thankful part3

I am so Thankful that the monsters had a 1/2 day of school today. Now that everyone is home and fed, it is time to start on the food prep. The first thing I am going to start on is the bread. While that is rising, I can get started on the Pumpkin pies, cupcakes and apple crisp. Then all the veggies will get cut up, and the potatoes peels and pot readied. The dip can be made, as well as the deviled eggs.... yummmm!

Only one more room needs to be cleaned. The kitchen is always the last room and sometimes due to time constraints it never gets done. But we are going to try and get all the cooking done so then I can do the cleaning.... Oh, well! I'm thankful for a house that I can complain about cleaning, heating, or repairing. It has sheltered us from the weather, financial and emotional storms, all the while keeping us safe and warm. Yes, sometimes it is a burden of sorts, but in the long run it is worth all the costs.

Well, the cooking isn't doing it itself..... (oh, I wish)!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Thankful part2

I made it to the dentist today. One more tooth fixed! YEAH! But I didn't get a reminder call to come into work bingo, last night. So I figured that I missed signing up for the day... Plus, I'm still not feeling well. I didn't think anything of it. Then I'm helping my brother and they called my cell. LOL! Very rarely do I answer my phone. I was suppose to be there at 4:30 they are calling at almost 5:30 to see where I'm at. Oh, well! So I ended up being home tonight. I think I'm feeling better. I sure hope I am, cause if not I told Grim I would call the doc in the morning.....blech. But whats a girl todo!

I'm Thankful part2: I am so thankful for the food that I have purchased, canned, dehydrated, frozen, or pickled. It is so comforting to know that in case of any type of emergency comes our way we will be well fed. Even if sometimes it falls short. It has taken me years to build a food storage that works for us. In the beginning I only had processed foods. Then as time went on and we found out about the dangers of HFCS, I started adding more items to make meals from scratch. Then came the canning and dehydrating on to the scene. Once these skills were learned I moved on to making bread. I know that my family is very thankful that all the recipes turned out well. I am waiting for "Dinner Is In The Jar: Quick and Easy Dinner Mixes in Mason Jars or Mylar Bags"  Kathy Clark (Author) to come in the mail. I can't wait for this book as it will help with convenience types of food for storage.

I got down in the basement yesterday and had to clean up the pantry. Since I leave the monsters to take the food down and put it away... Every now and then I need to go in and straighten it up. We put away all the empty jars. Added a shelf and filled it up. Some of the jars got moved around to make more room. Then I got feeling poorly and had to go and lay back down. Later in the day I asked Teenage monster to run down and get a turkey out of the freezer to thaw. Well, she looked, Grim looked and then they came to tell me..... See usually I get several turkeys every year. One for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas and one for the following Thanksgiving. That way I usually have several in the freezer. But this year I must have miss counted, no turkeys and no hams either. Oh, well. So Grim and I had to run out today and get two.... LOL! At least this year I didn't wait till the last minute to thaw one and not have it. By the way, I only paid .49 cents a pound with a ten dollar purchase. So I added things that we needed in the pantry. Ohhhhh, and I picked up two cans of plums. I am going to make sugar plums for Christmas this year..... I can't wait to try them.... It is a new to us thing. 

Since I'm talking about Thanksgiving, here is a partial list:

Turkey

Mashed Potatoes homegrown

Sweet Potatoes

Stuffing

Corn

Carrots

Squash

Celery, Carrots, Cucumbers, Crackers & Dip

Homemade Bread

Gravy

Deviled Eggs

Pumpkin Pie with Homemade whipped cream

Apple Crisp

Cupcakes

Oh, happy news. I learned a new skill tonight. I learned how to cut the rabbits nails. They had gotten quite long and very sharp. Every time on of the monsters tried to pet or pick up the rabbit it scratched them. So I got out a towel and got the bunny to calm down then I trimmed them just like I do the cats. I didn't take a lot off this time. I figure a little each time, that way he can get use to it. And yes, our bunny is a he..... While he was on my lap I was able to examine the underside.... He has all three boy parts. Mouthy monster was a little disappointed. She asked if we can still pretend that the bunny's a girl..... Like it matters to me.... LOL! One more step to being confident about raising animals.

Its late and I need to be in bed,

Gotta Run,

Yart