Time Changes Nothing

Not much has changed since we chatted last!

My family member that is injured, remains so.

Finally, after about 2 months and a month of therapy, we got an MRI.

The results of those we still have to wait for... ugggh!

I have been such a slack when it comes to any needle work.

I finished the main part of The Spice of Life, but still have to do the border.

I'm almost done with the 2nd popcorn square (free time, take with me project) out of 20

I did complete the first part of a viking helmet.

This is one of the horns!

I still have to make the beard.

I think it will be amazing!

I have seriously fallen behind on the temperature blanket. I'm still writing down each day's temps. But have yet to finish February.

One of the reasons I have been slacking, is I've actually been working on my Thirty-One Gifts Business.

I came up with an idea, fingers crossed that it works.

Wish me Luck... I will take all I can get!

Smile Loudly,

Yart

Abandonment Issues

I'm back, did you all miss me! LOL! We went up to see our monsters that are away at University! It was a great couple of days. We really missed them. We missed them so much we even brought the oldest her boyfriend. The first night we were there we went to the schools hockey game. Home team won! It was a great game. Very old school, if you know what I mean. The next day rained all day. So whats a family to do?!? We went shopping. Even the fella's got in on it. I was finally able to get a pair of winter boots. What I should say is that I finally able found a pair that I love. They have water proof stitching, wool lining and they are knee high. I even got myself a pair of lifetime warranty wool socks. If they ever get a hole in them they will replace for free. I'm thrilled about this part! Can't go to the dorms without going grocery shopping. You know for the kids that didn't pay attention to the fact that mom usually buys sale, couponed, or discounted items. They now have enough food to get them through till they come home at Christmas.

The next day we hiked on of the big hills and then we went out to the bog. We also got to meet all of the friends. It was nice to be able to put a face with a name.

We are all home safe and sound. The trip took me completely out of my routine. But I did pretty good. Grim has been home this week on vacation. So we have been trying to get stuff done around here.

Tuesday, we got the engine put back together. We need to get the timing reset and it should be good to go... Well, as good as a car with no fenders can go! Soon, she will be back together completely.

Wednesday, we had to go and pick up a dresser for his mom who is in a nursing home. The one she had didn't work very well. So my SIL purchased a new one, and since we are the only ones that have a truck we picked it up and delivered it. Then we met up with my SIL and her family and had supper together at our favorite Chinese restaurant. Oh, almost forgot Grim got a laptop of his own. Now he doesn't have to be stuck in the basement by himself on the old desktop.

Today we have been running around like crazy. Doing a ton of little things and one big one. Grim got me a new stove. Its a whirlpool, made in the USA. I'm so happy. Its going to be delivered tomorrow and I will be baking bread before the day is out. Little miss says she gets dibbs on using the oven first to make cookies.... LOL! We really have missed having an oven. I can't wait to put the electric roaster in the closet.

It was 38 this morning. I'm hoping for November 15th before turning on the furnace. We will see. Last year we made it to November 9th. 2 of the windows are completely shut, storms and all. I foresee more being shut up soon rather then later. But they are calling for 60+ next week. This weather is crazy.

Gotta go do dishes,

Yart

Changes

As you know I have been the long term care taker for my mother in law. Just a quick recap.... in early January she fell and landed on the hospital and then to short term rehab. She then went home against doctors wishes.... can you say stubborn. Then near the end of March, she fell again. Again to the hospital. This time though she ended up in long term nursing care. With that came a great deal of relief.... now we no longer have to be worried about her safety. But it also brought a ton of stress. Trying to get her medicaid, her apartment cleaned out, and on and on.

While all of this was going on, I got let go from my day job. All because both parties couldn't come to an agreement and I got caught in the middle. Grim, applied for a promotion. We still haven't heard anything. We are still hopeful.

I finished the mystery afghan. I will post pictures later. As I'm writing this post from my phone.

We are in the process of bringing home our oldest from University. 2 years down. In the fall both of the oldest will be away at school. Big changes are coming.

I was able to be outside for awhile yesterday to usher in Beltane. I was very pleased. I picked up fallen sticks, saw the wonders of Spring, & spun in circles. Unfortunately, I didn't have any ribbons to place in the trees.

Till next time!
Yart

2014

There is no point in doing a year in review.... There was so much that happened and most of it I didn't post about.....Sad I know, but no worries... On to bigger and better.

We had a couple folks over last night. Everyone was gone before midnight, so we watched the ball drop in our room. Then Grim watched Counting Cars and the monsters played on the computer. I finished knitting the first of the second pair of leg warmers.... By the way I wore the first pair yesterday with my boots and I got a compliment on them... YEAH!

Today we took the monsters sledding. We were there for almost an hour. Since it was still snowing they really weren't doing very well. They had a ton of fun though and hope to get back there before Un-monster has to go back to school.

While they were out there I sat in the truck and knitted. I got a got 3 inches done of the second of the second pair of legwarmers done... I like this yarn, its Loops & Threads Impeccable in Charcoal Tweed... Black with flecks of other colors. pictures will be coming soon.

Today I officially started being Paleo. Bacon and eggs for Breakfast, spaghetti squash and sauce for dinner. Plus, I'm also juicing 1x a day. Also did 10k today. I would like to be down 50 pounds by my b-day in June. But it not at least I'll be healthier, even if I'm not.

Yart

I never did show you....

This is the cake that I forgot to order... With everything that was going on, with the orientation 9 hour drive and 3 days away from home... Not to mention the spur of the moment trip to Amish country with my mom, the monsters and a friend... I really did forget! Luckily, the bakery was wonderful about making it with only 3 days notice. I think it turned out great!!! And it was actually the flavor I wanted!

Still can't believe she's done with High School!

Yart

Drive In

We took the monsters to the Drive-In for the first time over the weekend. We saw Despicable Me 2 & RIPD. Both movies were very good.

The monsters loved the concession stand and the bathrooms. I know weird, right?!? But I guess both of those things lost there appeal for me years ago. 

Intermission was a hoot. They kept watching to see how many minutes they had left before the next movie started.

Of course we had many a fight about who's arm was where and who was touching who. All in all they had a great time. Grim and I were exhausted.... The drive in is an hour and a half away from us. We didn't get home until about 3:30 in the morning. That's the main reason why we never went just way to far away.

With UN-monster not being home for our annual trip to the ren fest I thought she needed to be included in something special and this was it.

What you don't see in the food pictures is the rest of the food. Do you know how much food 5 people who didn't eat dinner can eat. The kids loved being able to run back and forth to get more stuff before the show started.

We didn't even have to worry about the window speaker as now they have it set up so that you can pick up the sound on your radio! How cool is that! It was a very nice night, a little on the chilly side. That made it great to have the windows open and not be bothered by the mosquitoes.

Yart

Did you do it yet?

I'm referring to taking the turkey out of the freezer to let it have plenty of time to thaw! I'm the queen of the fast thaw, but it is better to let your bird defrost for a couple days before. Picky pulled ours out of the freezer last night. So we should be all set.

In other news... I forgot to post that I was able to get sauerkraut made on the 21st of October... Only 2 more weeks and it should be ready to be canned up! I'm so looking forward to that. I won't can all of it though, I need to make Kapusta to freeze so that it's ready for Christmas!

We also broke down and turned the heat on the 14th of November. I'm telling you as much as reminding myself. This way Grim will know when to change the filter and I can say that we are almost a full two months later this year then last... Last year was horrible. We got hit with a cold spell and of course I got sick.... So you know I turned the heat on really early.... But this year was much better. I would have loved to have waited till December 1st.... Alas, the monsters were revolting and they smelled funny, too! LOL! I love that line!

Mouthy monster has to go back to the dentist tomorrow.... That tooth she broke near the end of school last year, well it got broke again.... Luckily it was just the filling that broke and not more of the tooth. That kid just won't be careful.

So far I have two big items made for Christmas, that's why I haven't been around lately... Just trying to get everything done in time. I still have more canning to do. Not to mention the turkey stock that will need to be jarred up over the weekend. Non stop straight through the holidays! But I love it!

Yart

Seriously

I have pink eye... well, now it is really pink eyes. This sucks!

Yart

Great Time Camping

We had a great time camping again. We brought up both of the tents. But the site was to rocky to get the second tent up. So the monsters were stuck with us. Good thing the new tent was big enough. We did a ton of site seeing. There was a haunted lighthouse and a haunted bar. No ghosts made themselves known to us. But the bar had great food, it wasn’t a total loss.

This is over lake Huron. The weather was hit and miss the first day.

Here is the haunted lighthouse. I only made it to the first landing. To much for me to walk. LOL!

This little guy is at a bear sanctuary. They are rescued from the wild. They have huge roaming areas and they come out to visit only if they want to. That part I think is awesome.

This is the bell from the Edmunds Fitzgerald

Gotta Love waterfalls…. Good thing I was very far away… Yep, water and heights scare the crap out of me.

Told ya the weather wasn’t all bad.

This is the mast from the coast guard cutter that patrolled the great lakes for over 50 years.

Yart

Crazy Days

Didn't go to the gym today, as Mondays are my late day. All the kids start later on Mondays... It is suppose to be better for the teachers... I think that they should get out early on Friday... But that's my opinion!

Grim is on his first day back to work... Thank the Gods!!! Now our life will get moving again. This holding pattern we have been on this past year has been fine, but it got old pretty quick. He will be getting his new Harley next month. The Credit Union said the loan is his.... They just need a paystub. Not a problem.... So he is very happy!

Since I signed the 4 of us up to do the 5k before he was back to work, I don't know if he will be there or not. So I got my mom to fill in... Then if he is home I will just pay for here to go also. It will be fun as this will be her first 5k... The monsters are already planning on running most of it. I will just walk really fast... LOL!

Picky monsters team did a roll off and lost. But I told her that they made it to that point and they should be very proud of themselves. Of course being 13, she took it to heart. When asked if she wanted to do summer bowling she said yes, that she needs to get better. So at least there's that.

The monsters and I got out in the yard yesterday and started cleaning it up. Today, I moved all the jars of dehydrated and jars of beans and the like on to the new shelves. I am sorely lacking in the organization department in the pantry. That is why it was essential to move this stuff. The pantry will still hold the home canned food. What a job... LOL! I need to empty out jars... Every year I go through and toss out any thing that has hit the 2 year mark. Can't wait for pigs... then I would just slop it out to them.

Speaking of pigs... I am still reading Farm City by Novella Carpenter. This book is for anyone with a slighty off view. I mean really she kept 2 duran pigs in her back yard. If there isn't something just a little odd about that in todays times I don't know what is. Now it all works out for the best. But she lets the reader know that this was not at all easy and shouldn't be for the faint of heart. One thing that I was very ignorant of was that most major cities at one time not only allowed pigs but had great interest in them. There were clubs all about pigs.... Who knew. See people kept pigs to clean up the garbage, since they are omnivores they eat pretty much anything. We no longer have city pigs because we have trash collection!

I wonder if the economy keeps going on the downward, will cities let us have pigs and chickens and ??? oh my! Will the government not only push us to have victory gardens but help us along the path... Hmmmmm! Will we once again be allowed to feed ourselves or are we going to be forced to eat garbage.... Hey, I guess there still are city pigs... Yep, I went there!

Gotta Run,
Yart

Laundry Lines and Rain

Happy Spring to All!!! How fabulous that we made it through another winter. This past winter touched me in ways that I will always remember. I am happy that nastiness has pasted and we can move on to warmer pastures ( so to speak).

Grim hung up my close line! Haven't used it as of yet though, to much rain! Hello Spring Rains! I am so happy that I have my rubber boots! Hang on let me go get them and get a picture.

I got them last year near the end of the rainy season, so they didn't get used much. But I can see that they are going to be a life saver.

The past couple of days I have strayed a bit on the diet... not the exercise though. So tonight, we had a big salad (love yogurt ranch dressing) mosstacholi and green beans (steamed). It's hours later and I am still full. Gotta love them veggies!!! I still am about the same weight I have been at for the last couple weeks. But I have been building muscle mass. And since muscle weighs more then fat that is what I'm figuring has happened. I'm ok with that, the clothes are fitting better and people are starting to notice the differences. YEAH ME!!!

Grim was suppose to go back to work tomorrow, but there has been a hold up due to paperwork issues. So hopefully, he will be back to work one day next week. Just when I thought he would be gone.... LOL! Really, I think I am going to have a hard time adjusting to him being gone. Nope, no 9-5 job here. He works on call and the shifts could be 10-16 each and everyday, not to mention if there is drive time too. The pay is good, as is his job. We are thankful that he has one to go back to.

We are smarter with our money now that he has been off for almost a year. So if something else were to come up, I know we will be fine. There are only a few small bills left for us to pay off. I feel that those will be done by the end of the year. Then we will only owe on the vehicles and the house. Not to shabby, considering where we came from. But I digress!

Anyways once he is back to work I will be able to get back to baking. I found some really good recipes that call for white bean puree and bean flour. If you don't want to wait for me to try them out and show you, you can go to Deals for Meals. I still have flour to use up before I can get started on grinding my own.

Speaking of grinding my own. Do I need to sift it to get the ground shell out? Since I have never done it before I thought I would ask.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Weekend Recap!

This weekend wasn't quite as busy as I think it was. We got our new mattress on Saturday night. But before that we were up early to go to bowling. After a few hours of that, we went and picked up our weekly csa share.... of course I didn't remember to take pictures. Once we got home I tossed a roast in the oven. Then me and the two older monsters got out the old mattress and box spring. Grim got Mouthy's room painted. Picky was helping paint and then proceeded to step and slouch the paint everywhere. Had to clean up that mess. I worked on day 3 of my 5K training. Once the mattress arrived Grim and I got it on the frame... snug fit! Then I had to go and search for bedding. Of course the stuff that was on the bed needed to be washed. Got the bedding on and watched a couple movies.

Sunday, I got up and made myself an omlette with 2 eggs, broccoli and bean sprouts. Yummmy! Then we had to run up to Sears for something. Came back home and I painted both windows and both doors.... did a bit of touch up on the walls. While that was drying Grim and Teenage monster went and got Chinesse food. Then it was time to put Mouthy's room back together.... Well, I should vaccumm her room right.... Yep! So I get the vacuum and it isn't working.... I guess the last time I used it the belt broke. So off to Kmart we go. Since we're there I pick up Picky an new pair of shoes, since the other ones got paint all over them. Get home and finish putting Mouthy's room back together in time for her bed time.... Then Grim and I watch the wild within.... good show, I hope they keep it on.... We watch Iron Chef and off to sleep I went.

Today was really no better. Got the monsters off to school, then therapy, then gym, lunch, strength training, shower, picked up a new propane tank, got new brakes and drums for Grim's truck, picked up the monsters, ate dinner (leftovers), off to bingo.... Now I'm home and exhausted. Man, typing it out really put into perspective. I did do a lot.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Spring Fever

I know that we are weeks away from winter's end. But I have had the worse case of Spring Fever. I got into the bathroom and washed the ceiling, walls and cabinets. Still need to do the floor. In my room we finally got around to getting a new mattress set. So right now I am waiting for it to be delivered.

Grim and I went out to the LDS Home Storage Center this week. First, let me just say how very nice the people were that were out there. They were very helpful and were able to answer all of my questions. I got quite a bit of red and white wheat, black & white beans, powdered milk and some pasta. Oh, they even had a couple cans of apples. So I got 2. I opened one as soon as we got home, cause I have always heard how good they are. And let me tell you they are as good as everyone has said they are. Since I don't have any experience with #10 cans and dry goods I picked up a couple of the started kits. They have 2 Hard red wheat, 2 white rice, pinto beans, quick oats, all #10 cans. The boxes also have recipes and some other good beginner information. All in all, Grim and I had a good experience and are planning on going back again in a couple of months. I still have to put everything away.

Ok, now I'm going to brag... Picky monster won first place for creating a bookmark for the school library. She got her bookmark lamenated, a certificate and $5. I am so proud of her. She plans on being a CSI that is an artist by night.... LOL! To be 13 again with all the dreams and aspirations!

Almost forgot.... I found the cord to my camera so I will have some pictures in the next few days to share.

Gotta Run,
Yart

Sunday's Musings on Monday

Since it really is Monday, first let me say Happy Birthday to One of the Most Wonderful Kids in the World!!! Teenage monster is now over half way through her teenage years! Man o man, where has the time gone.

Yesterday, Grim took her to the show. With them gone, me and Mouthy got started on planting seeds for the garden. Here is a list of what is planted.

13 Tomato Cherry Rainbow blend
7 Roma paste
14 Polish Linguisa paste
7 nasturtium
7 calundula
7 chamomile
13 Mammoth sunflowers
6 black bean dry
7 scarlet runner dry
14 bush beans
7 Italian rose bean dry
5 sugar snap peas
5 dragon tongue dry
5 trionfo violetto fresh
5 bright lights Swiss chard
5 ford hook Swiss chard
5 spinach
5 jack o lantern pumpkins
5 white pumpkins
5 jack be little pumpkins
3 sugar baby watermelon
7 warty French pumpkins (my seeds)
7 Boston marrow winter squash

Once the soil can be worked I still have to plan shell peas, carrots, beets & onions... Oh, and potatoes, too!

Last year I stated late and my plants never really got going. So I had to purchase most of what I planted. So this year with the help of the grow lights and an early start I should be really good shape. Oh, but I will be buying lettuce to plant. I know it is so easy.... every time I've tried to grow from seed it just never works for me. So what's a couple dollars for a summer full of lettuce.

Now if only my apple and pear tree, blueberry bushes and grapes produce this year, I will be ecstatic!

Man, I almost forgot. I started another batch of sprouts for the family and sourdough.

Grim and I had to go to our fruit market tonight. I was shocked to see that green peppers were $1.99 each. Most of the shelves of produce were empty. I can say thou that there was still a big supply of cabbage, sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, turnips and carrots. Thank the gods, that I know how to cook. I can cook these things even thou my family isn't very fond of them. I am a firm believer that it is going to get a lot worse before long. I'm blessed that my family trusts me enough to go along with what I think we need to do.

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

Thankful part1

I am thankful that this cold that has grabbed me hasn't killed me yet!?! This is the first major cold I've had since last years bought with the flu. But I think I brought this on myself. With all the eating good, vitamins and supplements, and exercising my body decided it was time for a formal detox.... YEAH, NOT! It started off as me being very cold and sneezy. Then my head stuffed up and so did my chest. Was in bed all day yesterday and now I'm to the stage that it is breaking up.

It's a good thing the house is almost clean.... LOL! I still have to go over the bathroom and the kitchen. As with past years we put out the invitation to friends and family for Thanksgiving dinner and those that can show up do. So from year to year I never know how many people are coming so I prepare for an army. Good thing I have the monsters. Especially, since Grim has therapy, then I have a dentist appointment for a filling, a couple hours free then bingo on Monday. Tuesday, Grim has more therapy and we need to make the wine and get started on cooking. I haven't even started any cookies or breads yet. But I do have turkeys in the freezer from last years sales. I think that I'm going to cook 2 of them. One to eat and one to can. Yep, you guessed it, I still haven't cleaned out my freezers yet.

I am almost done with the third knitted hat. So see I haven't really been wasting my time.... LOL! Even though it seems like it to me, I know that I'm still accomplishing things. And I got most of a blanket pinned so that I can get the back sewed on. Once this hat is done I will be moving on to sewing once again. I have ton of material that I bought last year that needs to be used up. Same with the yarn but I think the aprons need to be made. And the reusable bags are crying that they need to be sewed up also... So many things so little time.

What I'm thankful for part 1:

I'm thankful for my family. My Grim is a wonderful man who tries very hard to take care of us, even when he is feeling under the weather. He has a great big smile and boasterous laugh. He is rough and tumble on the outside but soft and squishy on the inside.... Shhhh, don't let him know I said that....LOL! I couldn't have asked for a better father for my children or a better husband for me. I'm thankful for my monsters. The oldest for being very helpful and a bit sassy. And a great help around the house and with the little ones. Picky monster is the humor of the family. She helps to make hard times easier with her antics. And last but not least for Mouthy who is the ever lasting drama queen. She makes the most mundane things exciting with her imagination.

That's all I'm up to for today!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Who woulda thunk it

This weekend wasn't as quite as I would have liked it to have been. First I found a travel trailer that I want.... So I called my local city ordinance officer.... after playing phone tag I was able to get clarification on storing it in my driveway behind the house. But it was to late to go to the bank and call for an appointment (found on craigslist).... I want to have the cash in hand, so that way if it is decided to buy it, it can be done right away. Now that is on the agenda for next weekend.... that is if the people who own it still own it.

Like I said yesterday band monster had an all day practice. And we had to take the littlest monsters to bowling. But since Grim can't bowl, we left Picky monster at the alley and we went yard saling..... Really the middle of October, I'm yard saling. I actually went to more yesterday then I did all summer. I got a ton of really kewl stuff. I got a vintage embroidered blanket, a newer steamer trunk, 2 small Thermos's, 9 vintage aprons, several purses/bags, some glassware, a spice rack, 2 barbies, clothes for the monsters, dress boots for Mouthy, oh and a 100% silk scarf for a dime. Had tons of fun! I am jumping the gun again and went ahead and picked a color for the inside of the trailer....Blues... So I was really looking for stuff for the trailer..... Didn't really find anything though.... The fates didn't smile on me.... LOL!

We went to see Band monsters performance last night. Then we went to the store so I could pick up some stuff to get the tea party started. I worked on a few things last night. But the rest was done today. Man was it time consuming.... Each monster helped out with something. Everyone was drooling and chomping at the bit to help eat the goodies...... But I had to do the photo shoot first.... LOL! I love the Internet..... I have found so many like minded people..... In the real world not so much! If I was to tell real world people that I was hosting an online tea party for Halloween they would think I was crazy..... But there are a lot of people who have signed up to take part in it..... It is so good not to feel all alone in the world......Ahhhhhhhh! LOL!

Well, tomorrow back to the grind.... monsters have school, Grim has therapy and I, not to sure what I'll be doing but I guarantee that it won't be boring!

Gotta Run,

Yart

Leaf me be in peace

 Yep you betcha this post is about leaves..... It really is just one of those things that happens all of a sudden. The weather can do silly things and the calender can date it but once the leaves change and land on the ground fall is here.

The Leaves

The leaves had a wonderful frolic.

They danced to the wind's loud song.

They whirled, and they floated, and scampered.

They circled and flew along. The moon saw the little leaves dancing.

Each looked like a small brown bird.

The man in the moon smiled and listened.

And this is the song he heard.

The North Wind is calling, is calling,

And we must whirl round and round,

And then, when our dancing is ended,

We'll make a warm quilt for the ground.

Anonymous

The monsters will be doing a little bit of raking this year. We only have these yucky trees that have leaves like pin feathers a bugger to pickup and they stick to everything. I think that there will only be like a grocery bag amount for them. If they get really ambitious, I know my mom has a ton that they could go rake.... but alas.... I don't think they will have the gumption. Oh, well!

Band monster had an all day practice yesterday. Poor kid! But she is almost done, they only have a couple more competitions and last night was the last football game unless the football team goes to state finals. And both of the littlest monsters have bowling. They love it. I wish I would have gotten them in years ago.

Gotta Run,

Yart

A day at a Farm!

 stock photo

Well, not your ordinary farm but a Chestnut tree farm. We were some of the last folks to be allowed to pick. The season came on early and in turn ended early. Grim and the monsters had a blast hitting Green Spikey balls of death out of the trees using a hockey stick! There were only a few minor injuries. Mouthy got a splinter, Grim took a spike under the nail and we were each hit in a soft spot with at least one spikey ball. I know it sounds dangerous, but the gang had a ton of fun. We even put our name on the list to be one of the first notified when the season starts next year. Oh, even though we were there at the end. We still got 15 pounds in just about an hour. The owner said that if the season would have been better we would have gotten double or triple the amount in the same time. So since we have never even eaten chestnuts before I need to find and share some information with all of you!

Here is a great site on the how to cook chestnuts plus a couple of recipes. Cooks.com - Guide - Chestnuts

And here is page after page of recipes. Recipes at Epicuious

While I was typing this post the phone rang. It was from my long lost uncle. I haven't spoken with him in about a year and a half. Since he travels quite a bit, he canceled his home phone and never got around to getting a cell phone. I love hearing from him. He is like a big brother to me. He is only a few years older and he was always the one that was there even when he was gone off on his own adventures. I'm happy to hear that he is alive and doing well. Now I have numbers where I can leave messages for him and he knows that I love him and not mad because of our time apart.

Love you Crusty!!!

Gotta Run,

Yart