Sydney Smith
Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.
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This is a special time for me, and many in my family. When I was growing up in Flushing, NY, actually East Elmhurst, News Years Eve was a special day and night.
It was my grandparent's anniversary.
Every year on new Years Eve the family went to my grandparents house. Actually it was my great grandmother's house, and until I was 7 years old, it was right next door. Later on, we moved to LI and made the trip into East Elmhurst every week for Sunday dinner. But New Years Eve was a party.
There was a big dinner, at 2 or 3 in the afternoon, and then at about 5 or 6pm until midnight, the table was filled again with food, and homemade pies, and we were allowed to stay up late. And again, there was food just before, and at midnight, cold cuts and snacks, and all sorts of appetizers, and finger foods. There were relatives and friends, some who traveled from other states to be there, and some just stopping by, came to wish them a happy anniversary, and neighbors stopped in just to say hello, and sometimes drop off more food, and stay for a bite.
Every year it was different people, depending on whether anyone had other plans, except for the core of the family, of course.
When we were very young, we thought the WHOLE world was celebrating with them. And when we were older we continued to laugh at that.....knowing by then what that day was, for most of the world. But for us it was special, in a different way.
My "Irish twin" sister (we are 11 months and 3 weeks apart, and actually there is nothing Irish about us. But Italian, on my father's side, and German/English on my mother's side), and my brother, for as long as he could stand, and eventually our baby sister, and whatever cousins were there that night, would sit in my grandmothers bedroom upstairs in the old Victorian house, with the radio, and listen to the years music count down with Cousin Brucie. And Sing.....It was such a carefree time.
Later on, after my great grandmother died in 1963, my grandparents moved out to a little house in Smithtown. We still made the trip from Levittown, every Sunday for dinner, and of course, spend New Years Eve with them. But the party was smaller, friends and relatives were older, and could not always make that long trip. Some had moved away, children and cousins were teens, and often had their own plans, but our family still went to be with them..and listened to the music count down, and watch the ball drop, and have cold cuts before midnight, and eat homemade pies. And wish them a happy Anniversary, along with the rest of the world.
My grandparents, of course, are not here any more, but New Years Eve continues to be, for me, their Anniversary, above all else...and now, instead of parties, I find it a time to reflect.... and plan...and make an effort to live life more consciously in the coming year...hopefully, improving as years go by....and hopefully, make someone happy everyday.
Oh, and I still Sing on New Years Eve...
What do you do on new Years Eve?
No matter what you are doing, have a safe weekend everybody...
See you later,
Janie
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Oh well...
Well, the Giants are in trouble...NOW not only do they have to win, but someone else has to lose too, so we will see...and the way they have been playing, makes you wonder what would happen if they DID end up in the play-offs!
So we got our first winter snow....
About 20" or so. The hardest part is clearing paths to get to the animals..I didn't even open the chicken house today..they have everything they need so they are ok for a day or 2 until we can get to them...
We had an "emergency" visitor last night. My sister (my baby sister..), who is a State Aid in a VA Nursing Hospital, was on her way home at 11:30pm, and knew she was not going to make it home, so she made a detour here, and stayed the night.....she had to work today too, so did my son...
Tonight will be the real trick, because they say it will be slippery....black ice......my sister gets out of work at about 11-11:30pm, and my son said he does not know what time he is going to come home tonight (the place he works at had no power until this afternoon) ..so here's praying they both make it home safely...
See ya later,
Stay warm...(and safe)
Janie
About 20" or so. The hardest part is clearing paths to get to the animals..I didn't even open the chicken house today..they have everything they need so they are ok for a day or 2 until we can get to them...
We had an "emergency" visitor last night. My sister (my baby sister..), who is a State Aid in a VA Nursing Hospital, was on her way home at 11:30pm, and knew she was not going to make it home, so she made a detour here, and stayed the night.....she had to work today too, so did my son...
Tonight will be the real trick, because they say it will be slippery....black ice......my sister gets out of work at about 11-11:30pm, and my son said he does not know what time he is going to come home tonight (the place he works at had no power until this afternoon) ..so here's praying they both make it home safely...
See ya later,
Stay warm...(and safe)
Janie
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Are You Ready For Some Football??
It is a little after 4pm, and the animals are fed dinner.... the chickens are closed for the night...I probably won't open them tomorrow... and then I can finally go watch my much Loved NY Giants...if they win this one they have a spot in playoffs....Jets lost, but they are ok....
We will be all tucked in, the house is warm, the animals are fed, although the horse ( a Vermont breed...) is standing outside her stall covered in snow right now...it is how she likes it...( and I will still have one more hay feeding later tonight..maybe I will make it a little earlier).
I didn't ask her to pose..she had her nose in the bucket...nothing can tear a mare away from her food....
White out!
I am making soup tonight, with a grated home made noodle. It is generally a chicken soup, but I am using a turkey stock I had in the freezer. It is flavored with nutmeg and served with a Parmesan/Romano mix of cheeses. My grandmother made it all the time...
See ya later..have to go watch some Football...
Janie
We will be all tucked in, the house is warm, the animals are fed, although the horse ( a Vermont breed...) is standing outside her stall covered in snow right now...it is how she likes it...( and I will still have one more hay feeding later tonight..maybe I will make it a little earlier).
I didn't ask her to pose..she had her nose in the bucket...nothing can tear a mare away from her food....
White out!
I am making soup tonight, with a grated home made noodle. It is generally a chicken soup, but I am using a turkey stock I had in the freezer. It is flavored with nutmeg and served with a Parmesan/Romano mix of cheeses. My grandmother made it all the time...
See ya later..have to go watch some Football...
Janie
Friday, December 24, 2010
Ahh..It's That Time of Year Again...
...THE PEACEFUL TIME...
There is a kind of excitment at this time of the year, as we look past this last week in anticipation of a coming new year...a reflection of the past year, what worked for us, and what didn't. And there is a "looking ahead"..that we do almost as instinct, at this time of the year.
There are last minute projects to wrap up, many people are off from work and school now, so there may be relatives to see that you haven't seen in a while, or traveling to do....
The past year was a trial for many, to say the least, and we all wonder if things will improve, or prove to be more of the same...one can only hope for the best, and plan out what we would like to see come to fruition for ourselves, and our loved ones, and look forward with a positive mind...
Every year we all have a chance to make plans to grow, as individuals, partners, parents, neighbors...in general, as human beings. To make ourselves better people....kinder, more thoughtful, understanding of others sufferings and triumphs..perhaps thinking less of ourselves, and OUR rights, and putting ourselves in the places of those who may think differently, and/or live differently, then we do...("walk a mile in their shoes".. )
With that in mind, I have a list of books to work on..they should get me through the beginning of the winter anyway...I am book crazy and always am adding more books to read through...my dream is to have a house with enough rooms to have one room, or some other fair sized space, just to use as a library.. I also ALWAYS have a pen in my hand, and generally either a pad or at least a piece of paper..I carry a small note book in my bag, just in case i get some sort of idea, or thought, or even a sketch...one thought to page goes in those small notebooks..when the idea is used the page comes out...
This should get me started..and OH I already forgot to add one (how could I!)
Baked Explorations - Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito
I am also working through Dorie Greenspan's 2 books, "Baking, From My House to Yours", and "Around My French Table". (I can't say enough about this book. Every recipe is a winner, and I know I will be going back to this one often.)
Winter is upon us, and it is time to think about our next moves..our next gardens, our next projects, healthier living and eating, maybe theres a job change ahead for us, or a move, new friends, or travel to a far off place... or some new venture...
Time for sitting by the fire with a good book, and glass of wine, (if you so choose) or a good cup of tea...
Earlier this week they had said this area might get snow Sunday night, so my son and I ran all over this week to pick up pet foods, and things we might need to hold us over if we do, like butter..so I can bake to my hearts content...and of course cheese and milk... the basic staples, so we would't have to run out. HAHA! NOW they are saying we will probably not get anything but ...it's weather...wait a few minutes, it will change!
But because we were so well "prepared" ahead of time, and whether or not we do get any snow...it is still cold outside, and now we don't have to go out for anything besides taking care of the animals, and bringing in wood... I am pretty excited about that because the past couple of weeks have been hectic, and I feel like we were out more then in, so I am looking forward to just spending time around the house reading, and cooking, and just relaxing together.....I remember when our sons were young, and we would go camping, we always tried to have everything we needed for at least the first 3 days, so we wouldn't have to get in the car for anything! Those peaceful cool mornings with a hot cup of coffee, and fresh eggs, and toast were even more peaceful knowing we didn't have to rush off anywhere..
So today I have been starting sour dough starter, and will make some bread (a fruit filled bread), and bake a batch of Dorie's cookies...
So see ya later, maybe by the fire.
Where ever you are, or are going, or whatever you are doing, have a safe weekend....
Janie
There is a kind of excitment at this time of the year, as we look past this last week in anticipation of a coming new year...a reflection of the past year, what worked for us, and what didn't. And there is a "looking ahead"..that we do almost as instinct, at this time of the year.
There are last minute projects to wrap up, many people are off from work and school now, so there may be relatives to see that you haven't seen in a while, or traveling to do....
The past year was a trial for many, to say the least, and we all wonder if things will improve, or prove to be more of the same...one can only hope for the best, and plan out what we would like to see come to fruition for ourselves, and our loved ones, and look forward with a positive mind...
Every year we all have a chance to make plans to grow, as individuals, partners, parents, neighbors...in general, as human beings. To make ourselves better people....kinder, more thoughtful, understanding of others sufferings and triumphs..perhaps thinking less of ourselves, and OUR rights, and putting ourselves in the places of those who may think differently, and/or live differently, then we do...("walk a mile in their shoes".. )
With that in mind, I have a list of books to work on..they should get me through the beginning of the winter anyway...I am book crazy and always am adding more books to read through...my dream is to have a house with enough rooms to have one room, or some other fair sized space, just to use as a library.. I also ALWAYS have a pen in my hand, and generally either a pad or at least a piece of paper..I carry a small note book in my bag, just in case i get some sort of idea, or thought, or even a sketch...one thought to page goes in those small notebooks..when the idea is used the page comes out...
This should get me started..and OH I already forgot to add one (how could I!)
Baked Explorations - Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito
I am also working through Dorie Greenspan's 2 books, "Baking, From My House to Yours", and "Around My French Table". (I can't say enough about this book. Every recipe is a winner, and I know I will be going back to this one often.)
Winter is upon us, and it is time to think about our next moves..our next gardens, our next projects, healthier living and eating, maybe theres a job change ahead for us, or a move, new friends, or travel to a far off place... or some new venture...
Time for sitting by the fire with a good book, and glass of wine, (if you so choose) or a good cup of tea...
Earlier this week they had said this area might get snow Sunday night, so my son and I ran all over this week to pick up pet foods, and things we might need to hold us over if we do, like butter..so I can bake to my hearts content...and of course cheese and milk... the basic staples, so we would't have to run out. HAHA! NOW they are saying we will probably not get anything but ...it's weather...wait a few minutes, it will change!
But because we were so well "prepared" ahead of time, and whether or not we do get any snow...it is still cold outside, and now we don't have to go out for anything besides taking care of the animals, and bringing in wood... I am pretty excited about that because the past couple of weeks have been hectic, and I feel like we were out more then in, so I am looking forward to just spending time around the house reading, and cooking, and just relaxing together.....I remember when our sons were young, and we would go camping, we always tried to have everything we needed for at least the first 3 days, so we wouldn't have to get in the car for anything! Those peaceful cool mornings with a hot cup of coffee, and fresh eggs, and toast were even more peaceful knowing we didn't have to rush off anywhere..
So today I have been starting sour dough starter, and will make some bread (a fruit filled bread), and bake a batch of Dorie's cookies...
So see ya later, maybe by the fire.
Where ever you are, or are going, or whatever you are doing, have a safe weekend....
Janie
Saturday, December 18, 2010
How I Grow Christmas Cactus...
this is how I grow them......
I find they are pretty easy to grow. I put them outside in the spring when it starts to get warm (after danger of frost) I set them on a plant stand on the east facing side of our covered porch. They get sun in the morning, into part of the early afternoon, and then are shaded for the rest of the day. I ONLY water them if they are very dry..otherwise I let the rain do it. (and even though they are cactus, I have seen them sitting in deep water, but I do drain them after a few hours)
Before it gets cool, sometimes in the end of August (it depends on the weather) I bring them in and put them in a southern window. They start to bud almost immediately. I rarely ever change pots..although I may add some dirt to the top but not too deep. I let them get nice and crowded..There have been times when I thought they were dying only to have them spring to life.
I have to say this is my favorite one although I was pleased with my new red one this year too.
I have one other one that is a dark pinkish, that I grew from cuttings I got from one of my sisters. They do not have any flowers yet..they seem to bud and bloom in the early spring...These I might pot in bigger pots next spring, since they were only leaf cuttings and in small seedling pots.
More later...I have been baking cookies and the farrier came today...so busy day.
See ya later,
Janie
I find they are pretty easy to grow. I put them outside in the spring when it starts to get warm (after danger of frost) I set them on a plant stand on the east facing side of our covered porch. They get sun in the morning, into part of the early afternoon, and then are shaded for the rest of the day. I ONLY water them if they are very dry..otherwise I let the rain do it. (and even though they are cactus, I have seen them sitting in deep water, but I do drain them after a few hours)
Before it gets cool, sometimes in the end of August (it depends on the weather) I bring them in and put them in a southern window. They start to bud almost immediately. I rarely ever change pots..although I may add some dirt to the top but not too deep. I let them get nice and crowded..There have been times when I thought they were dying only to have them spring to life.
I have to say this is my favorite one although I was pleased with my new red one this year too.
More later...I have been baking cookies and the farrier came today...so busy day.
See ya later,
Janie
Thursday, December 16, 2010
I am so Bad....
Well I did it again..just can't seem to stop myself! After reading Girlichef's review of Nigella's new Book "Nigella's Kitchen", I had to run on over to amazon and order it...
It wasn't the first review I have read about it, Confessions of a Cardamon Addict wrote about it too, as have others, but after reading even just one more review, I was just moved to order it...Girlichef's pictures were so yummy I wanted to eat the page....(so were the Cardamon Addict's pics..and they both showed different things)
So to make myself feel better about ordering yet another cook book ( and my list is growing) I am adding some pictures of the flowering cactus in our "mud room" area...
This is a cactus I have had for, oh, probably over 25 years. Many times I thought it was near death only to have to give me as many as 23 flowers in once stand. It was even knocked out of it's pot once and stuck back in (they thought I wouldn't notice...) It is an apricot, and changes colors as it ages..sometimes being more pink mixed with the apricot, and even sometimes streaked with yellow. It was an ordinary plant bought in front of a grocery store many years ago. It was just such a different pretty color.
This one is a surprise to me. I JUST got this one and did not expect it to flower this season...
Come spring I will find them some new pretty pots, and give them a summer outside on the porch....
I have a habit (besides collecting cookbooks) of collecting plants..sometimes they work sometimes not..
I have 2 Plumeras (the flowers they make Hawaiian Leis out of) for a couple of years now. They are about 2 1/2' tall, or maybe closer to 3', and have not flowered yet...being tropical in nature I am wondering if they will having to be brought in every year ...I am also wondering what I am going to do with them when they get taller!
I also just got 2 Dragon Fruit plants..also tropical, and I understand they ( in the ground in their natural setting) can grow to 4-5'!! What was I thinking?? If and when they ever get a flower I will put it on..it is a nice cactus like flower...(It actually reminded me of the Prickly Pear Cactus flower) I am wondering how these will do, as they really did not have any root ball on them (they appeared to be cuttings) when they came. I do know that cactus and tropicals CAN sometimes be grown from a cutting, but the instructions for planting that came with them, kept mentioning the root ball..so we will l about them as well..
Oh, and last summer I got 2 Pony Tail Palms..one of which may already have died (it was weaker right from the start so we'll see what happens) The other is thriving...
Don't ask me why I keep picking tropical plants..I have been doing that since High School, trying to grow tropical fruits in my bedroom!! Maybe I am supposed to be in the tropics!
It wasn't the first review I have read about it, Confessions of a Cardamon Addict wrote about it too, as have others, but after reading even just one more review, I was just moved to order it...Girlichef's pictures were so yummy I wanted to eat the page....(so were the Cardamon Addict's pics..and they both showed different things)
So to make myself feel better about ordering yet another cook book ( and my list is growing) I am adding some pictures of the flowering cactus in our "mud room" area...
This is a cactus I have had for, oh, probably over 25 years. Many times I thought it was near death only to have to give me as many as 23 flowers in once stand. It was even knocked out of it's pot once and stuck back in (they thought I wouldn't notice...) It is an apricot, and changes colors as it ages..sometimes being more pink mixed with the apricot, and even sometimes streaked with yellow. It was an ordinary plant bought in front of a grocery store many years ago. It was just such a different pretty color.
This one is a surprise to me. I JUST got this one and did not expect it to flower this season...
I have a habit (besides collecting cookbooks) of collecting plants..sometimes they work sometimes not..
I have 2 Plumeras (the flowers they make Hawaiian Leis out of) for a couple of years now. They are about 2 1/2' tall, or maybe closer to 3', and have not flowered yet...being tropical in nature I am wondering if they will having to be brought in every year ...I am also wondering what I am going to do with them when they get taller!
I also just got 2 Dragon Fruit plants..also tropical, and I understand they ( in the ground in their natural setting) can grow to 4-5'!! What was I thinking?? If and when they ever get a flower I will put it on..it is a nice cactus like flower...(It actually reminded me of the Prickly Pear Cactus flower) I am wondering how these will do, as they really did not have any root ball on them (they appeared to be cuttings) when they came. I do know that cactus and tropicals CAN sometimes be grown from a cutting, but the instructions for planting that came with them, kept mentioning the root ball..so we will l about them as well..
Oh, and last summer I got 2 Pony Tail Palms..one of which may already have died (it was weaker right from the start so we'll see what happens) The other is thriving...
Don't ask me why I keep picking tropical plants..I have been doing that since High School, trying to grow tropical fruits in my bedroom!! Maybe I am supposed to be in the tropics!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
BRrrrrrrr!
It's cold out there! With an ever so light dusting of snow. But nothing compared to what the Mid west got over the past couple of days! Guess it is their turn this year..last year was brutal for us. Since we are having January February temps now, do you suppose that means this winter will have a LONG January....into February... "January thaw" stretch? One can only hope...
Today is Tuesday's With Dorie and the item is Apple -Coconut Family Cake, which looks really good, but I just baked an apple pie, and there is Still some left...I'll let the guys finish that tonight. I will probably bake it when I can take it down to my sister's place.
I am going to make Beef Daube (French Fridays with Dorie) tonight..it's a good night for stew, and I think I will make some gougeres to go with..trying to keep in the French theme...
Be back later.....
Today is Tuesday's With Dorie and the item is Apple -Coconut Family Cake, which looks really good, but I just baked an apple pie, and there is Still some left...I'll let the guys finish that tonight. I will probably bake it when I can take it down to my sister's place.
I am going to make Beef Daube (French Fridays with Dorie) tonight..it's a good night for stew, and I think I will make some gougeres to go with..trying to keep in the French theme...
Be back later.....
Monday, December 13, 2010
Busy day before the cold....
It is a busy day for me. I need to take care of some of the outside chores left before it gets cold tonight...and do all the laundry I can, while I can (our drain pipe runs around the back of the house....when it gets too cold, I have to be careful water doesn't freeze in the pipe.) This is January/Feb weather down here on LI!!
Once I get some of those tasks out of the way I am going to continue my Blog roll moving project.
I have been using My Yahoo for a long time, but I have so many blogs on it that it doesn't always download them all..so I would sign up on email too. So what I have been doing in the evenings, is moving favorite blogs off My Yahoo and putting them on this blog...I may still keep some of the emailing since I get the recipes right to my mailbox.
There are just so many good ones..I Love variety in food..I always did..my husband used to joke that we never ate the same thing twice...but that wasn't always true..I did have to make concessions for favorites, and for the kids favorites...he was a good one to cook for..he was not fussy and would try anything...
These days, my sons are older, and not always home..so now there is less to cook for. My cousin, Judi, always says she always wanted to open a bakery..I said..sure..a bakery with at least, soups and sandwiches...maybe small casseroles...but she is WAY up there in Rochester, and I am WAY down here on LI......and lets face...I am at a stage where I want to relax!!
Probably be back later....
Once I get some of those tasks out of the way I am going to continue my Blog roll moving project.
I have been using My Yahoo for a long time, but I have so many blogs on it that it doesn't always download them all..so I would sign up on email too. So what I have been doing in the evenings, is moving favorite blogs off My Yahoo and putting them on this blog...I may still keep some of the emailing since I get the recipes right to my mailbox.
There are just so many good ones..I Love variety in food..I always did..my husband used to joke that we never ate the same thing twice...but that wasn't always true..I did have to make concessions for favorites, and for the kids favorites...he was a good one to cook for..he was not fussy and would try anything...
These days, my sons are older, and not always home..so now there is less to cook for. My cousin, Judi, always says she always wanted to open a bakery..I said..sure..a bakery with at least, soups and sandwiches...maybe small casseroles...but she is WAY up there in Rochester, and I am WAY down here on LI......and lets face...I am at a stage where I want to relax!!
Probably be back later....
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Rainy Rainy Sunday...
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Well, I had a nice post all ready but not yet posted, and I left the computer one ONE minute and it crashed and I lost it..that'll' teach me not to save!!
The choice this week on French Fridays With Dorie, is her "Go To Beef Daube..which is a French beef stew.
But since it is supposed to get really, really cold I think I will wait until Tuesday, and give my son a nice hot hearty meal when he gets home (he works out doors all day) ..it is not supposed to climb out of the 20's here! And be windy too so it will feel a lot colder...
SO, this afternoon, I baked an Apple pie, and roasted some Cauliflower, in garlic and oil, to mix with pasta, red pepper flakes and Parmesan...yum...for Lunch.
And what else is there to do on a rainy day besides cook, read, or surf the web....and if there is any time left wedge in an old movie...and that's what I did (didn't get to the movie though), and I added some new blogs to my list at the right.
29 Black Street
Flourchild
Cannelle et Vanille
"Goodbye House, Hello Home"
Life's Too Short to Not Eat dessert First
And I moved the blogs I follow onto the front page. There's so many good blogs out there.. I just can't help myself..I Love these Blogs....Some of these kids are amazing...
I took some rainy pics earlier in the day but didn't get them on the computer yet...
See you later...
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Well, I had a nice post all ready but not yet posted, and I left the computer one ONE minute and it crashed and I lost it..that'll' teach me not to save!!
The choice this week on French Fridays With Dorie, is her "Go To Beef Daube..which is a French beef stew.
But since it is supposed to get really, really cold I think I will wait until Tuesday, and give my son a nice hot hearty meal when he gets home (he works out doors all day) ..it is not supposed to climb out of the 20's here! And be windy too so it will feel a lot colder...
SO, this afternoon, I baked an Apple pie, and roasted some Cauliflower, in garlic and oil, to mix with pasta, red pepper flakes and Parmesan...yum...for Lunch.
And what else is there to do on a rainy day besides cook, read, or surf the web....and if there is any time left wedge in an old movie...and that's what I did (didn't get to the movie though), and I added some new blogs to my list at the right.
29 Black Street
Flourchild
Cannelle et Vanille
"Goodbye House, Hello Home"
Life's Too Short to Not Eat dessert First
And I moved the blogs I follow onto the front page. There's so many good blogs out there.. I just can't help myself..I Love these Blogs....Some of these kids are amazing...
I took some rainy pics earlier in the day but didn't get them on the computer yet...
See you later...
Saturday, December 11, 2010
how often does THIS happen?....
It's 12-11-10
How often does that happen?? Seems like something special should happen today...
A busy day...much more rushed and busy then I had planned.....but yet somehow DID plan for it and I am still rushed...traffic is horrendous and take twice as long to get anywhere...'tis the season....
(no snow here yet but this is so pretty....)
Have a safe day everyone...
How often does that happen?? Seems like something special should happen today...
A busy day...much more rushed and busy then I had planned.....but yet somehow DID plan for it and I am still rushed...traffic is horrendous and take twice as long to get anywhere...'tis the season....
(no snow here yet but this is so pretty....)
Have a safe day everyone...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Oh the Promise of the New to Come....
It's that time of year.
Everyone is hurried, worried, and busy...cold, and happy all at the same time.
But it is also the time of the year to get a jump on making plans for the coming year. I wonder what I can do to make next year more peaceful, more relaxed, more productive.
I am lining up books to read and projects to start.
This is my list so far (I say so far because I am addicted to books...I can't seem to stop buying them!)
This year, I am reading:
-Heat (Bill Buford) About learning the tricks of the trade in the restaurant business..with insight and humor.
-The Art of Non-Conformity (Chris Guillebeau) If you feel you never fit in, or travel to a differnet drummer, this book aims at giving you the tools (or at least the incentive, or the ideas,) to live differently
I have been knitting for a very long time. I have done sweaters, scarves, blankets, lace, hats, mittens (never gloves) Last year I wanted to learn how to knit socks. But most tutorials on socks are so complicated..at this point in my lfie I do not need complicated....I finally found a book on another way to knit socks...
-Socks from the Toe Up (Wendy D. Johnson) I am determined to learn this..maybe it will be my first project besides planning the garden next year.
-Of course I am also reading and cooking through Dorie Greenspan's Around My French Table and I just ordered Baked Explorations ( Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito) (who own a Brooklyn based Bakery) to also cook through
-and my big creative project for the year-and this for me will be a tough one, is to work my way through-
-A Writer's Book of Days (Judy Reeves) This is not a new book, but it is what has been considered an ideal writing coach.. I am not sure, yet whether I will post what I do as exercises or just write about them...there is an assignment for every day. I might also during the year check out some of her other books.
These are my book projects. (for now..like I said..I am addicted to books...) Of course there is also that bathroom project. Our plumber is going away this week, to Hawaii to visit his daughter, and won't be back until the end of the month..so that is a bit on hold for now...
so for now-here is a pic of my sweet Lass ...from this fall
and here are some Fall pics from our driveway .....towards the park..
back by the stall (looking towards the house....I hope to be able to add more pictures..our camera is old but serves a purpose..for now. Of course at the present moments the back is COLD and bare looking.....Here comes winter which has been early for us in S Eastern NY this year! Maybe it will be over quick...
Until then..see you later
Everyone is hurried, worried, and busy...cold, and happy all at the same time.
But it is also the time of the year to get a jump on making plans for the coming year. I wonder what I can do to make next year more peaceful, more relaxed, more productive.
I am lining up books to read and projects to start.
This is my list so far (I say so far because I am addicted to books...I can't seem to stop buying them!)
This year, I am reading:
-Heat (Bill Buford) About learning the tricks of the trade in the restaurant business..with insight and humor.
-The Art of Non-Conformity (Chris Guillebeau) If you feel you never fit in, or travel to a differnet drummer, this book aims at giving you the tools (or at least the incentive, or the ideas,) to live differently
I have been knitting for a very long time. I have done sweaters, scarves, blankets, lace, hats, mittens (never gloves) Last year I wanted to learn how to knit socks. But most tutorials on socks are so complicated..at this point in my lfie I do not need complicated....I finally found a book on another way to knit socks...
-Socks from the Toe Up (Wendy D. Johnson) I am determined to learn this..maybe it will be my first project besides planning the garden next year.
-Of course I am also reading and cooking through Dorie Greenspan's Around My French Table and I just ordered Baked Explorations ( Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito) (who own a Brooklyn based Bakery) to also cook through
-and my big creative project for the year-and this for me will be a tough one, is to work my way through-
-A Writer's Book of Days (Judy Reeves) This is not a new book, but it is what has been considered an ideal writing coach.. I am not sure, yet whether I will post what I do as exercises or just write about them...there is an assignment for every day. I might also during the year check out some of her other books.
These are my book projects. (for now..like I said..I am addicted to books...) Of course there is also that bathroom project. Our plumber is going away this week, to Hawaii to visit his daughter, and won't be back until the end of the month..so that is a bit on hold for now...
so for now-here is a pic of my sweet Lass ...from this fall
and here are some Fall pics from our driveway .....towards the park..
back by the stall (looking towards the house....I hope to be able to add more pictures..our camera is old but serves a purpose..for now. Of course at the present moments the back is COLD and bare looking.....Here comes winter which has been early for us in S Eastern NY this year! Maybe it will be over quick...
Until then..see you later
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Look What I Found...
I hope this link works. I have found another Blog to read off Cozy Little House...All About Jane's Ranch.
She is an amazing writer, and on a new venture/life change, living on a ranch in CA. I hope to, not too long from where we are now, also being able to write about, maybe not a ranch, but a small farm....that would be nice...to put everything I have learned to good use.. (but for me that might involve the economy..so we'll see)
http://www.allaboutjanesranch.com
All About Jane’s Ranch: The journey of a woman as she leaves the city and awakens her inner country girl.
This blog is also listed on my favorite blogs....
See ya later,
Janie
PS..yesterday was Cookie Day! I mixed up some dough, but didn't bake them yet..more on that another time...
And I think I am joining Baked Sunday Mornings (My Baking Heart also on my blog roll list) (using the book (Baked Explorations..by Matt Lewis, Renato Poliafito), as well as Around My French Table, Dorie Greenspan, for French Fridays)
I have been collecting and cooking from Cookbooks since I was in high School (well, no, actually I got my first cookbook at age 7) and Dorie Greenspan's French cook book is so good that I want to cook every recipe in it...
This is what winter is for right!?? Cooking and Baking!
She is an amazing writer, and on a new venture/life change, living on a ranch in CA. I hope to, not too long from where we are now, also being able to write about, maybe not a ranch, but a small farm....that would be nice...to put everything I have learned to good use.. (but for me that might involve the economy..so we'll see)
http://www.allaboutjanesranch.com
All About Jane’s Ranch: The journey of a woman as she leaves the city and awakens her inner country girl.
This blog is also listed on my favorite blogs....
See ya later,
Janie
PS..yesterday was Cookie Day! I mixed up some dough, but didn't bake them yet..more on that another time...
And I think I am joining Baked Sunday Mornings (My Baking Heart also on my blog roll list) (using the book (Baked Explorations..by Matt Lewis, Renato Poliafito), as well as Around My French Table, Dorie Greenspan, for French Fridays)
I have been collecting and cooking from Cookbooks since I was in high School (well, no, actually I got my first cookbook at age 7) and Dorie Greenspan's French cook book is so good that I want to cook every recipe in it...
This is what winter is for right!?? Cooking and Baking!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Changes and Choices...and Giving Back...
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
—Robert Frost
**********************************************************************Life is full of choices.
We find ourselves at a cross road with every decision we have to make. Some are small decisions and some are life challengingly huge...
There are no wrong choices, only different ways to get to the same place. Some maybe easier then others.
What happens when we find we made a choice, that lead us in a direction, that at first might have gone in the direction we needed to go, but later on, turned out to take us farther away? When we are young, we think have all the time in the world, to go off and do whatever it is that strikes our fancy (so to speak) But do we really have all that time we think we have? After all, "Time and Unforeseen Occurrences Befall us all...", and in that, give us more decisions and choices.
Maybe the choice we make, while not a bad choice, is the "easy way out"? The choice that meant less decisions to make, because they were all made for us, so we think we will have less mistakes to face, because we didn't have to struggle to climb that mountain, or ladder. And maybe it meant less struggle, or maybe we DID have struggle, but in an easier area of life for us to handle. Mistakes are really our way to learn, and it might just take some of us longer then others, to realize we have made a mistake, and what to do to correct it. But if we don't make mistakes how to we grow?
We are all born with gifts. Maybe we were given a gift and chose to use it in ways that benefit us, and maybe a few around us, and in that way felt content. Maybe it could have benefited many, but it was "easier" to just be content.... then to find out who we really are, and how to use use our gifts to benefit others. And, then, maybe we were just meant to give our gifts in small amounts to those close to us.
As we get older, we might feel we do not have as much time to make the course correction, that we had when we are younger. You might feel that if you change courses now, it will disrupt everyone's lives around you, and maybe even disappoint some. But if you feel like that, maybe were not your "real" true self all along. Or at least not your WHOLE real self...
Some might feel like they have not grown, and that is a regret, or it's too late to change or "too late to do it now", and they might think, "oh well, that's life"... but is it?
I recently read about an 86 year old woman who always wanted to live on a farm. When her husband died a few years before, she decided now was the time. She didn't "regret" her life with him, or the children she had, but she wanted to live out that goal, fantasy, direction, in her life for however many year she had left.
So she bought a farm. At 83 years old, she bought a farm! And collected animals, and grew small crops. The article didn't spell out how she did this, although I think she seemed to be pretty vibrant, maybe she had help from local kids, or family, I don't know..but she was doing it. She found a way. And she was happy and, to herself, finally fulfilled... and she was giving back to her community...
There are countless articles in local papers about people in their 80's, and even 90's, going back to school to learn what they always wanted to learn...or write that book they always wanted to write....to give back in some way to others...So it's never "too" late...
I read these articles and view them as "incentive"...
You are never too old to learn...
You are never too old to make a course correction in life, even if it is a total turn-around from your "past" life...
You are never too old to "make mistakes".
Just maybe all that living we've done, can help us put those mistakes into perspective, and actually, this time around, learn from them...and GROW...Really grow!
We are all here for each other. To help each other, encourage each other, learn from each other, hold each other up when we are down....whether it is our family, or our friends, or our neighbors, or even the stranger on the street.
If we are alive, we will always have choices...because that is what Life is about..
At some point in life....it is OUR turn to give back to each other, in some way....if that means a change in direction, then that is what we need to do....whether it is a small change or a huge change....
Maybe a life change can do that....Maybe it is a way to get back to that Path we might have taken....or it is simply a way back after a detour.....back to business after "the scenic route".....or maybe the path we took WAS our correct path, and now it is just time for a change..the next cross road...
So when you feel like you are 'too old', and don't have enough time left, think of those 80 and 90 year old's who are DOING it....Maybe that's what growing is all about.....being true to ourselves, and in the process, giving back to others...because let's face it...
They ...ALL of the people in our lives, whether we knew them or not.....helped us get to where we are today.
No regrets....only choices.....
See ya later,
Janie
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Fritter Day!
"God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December."
- J. M. Barrie
***********************************************************************************************
It is Fritter Day! Who knew!?
You can make fritters out of just about anything.
There are sweet ones, and savory ones..but the ones I remember were Corn Fritters.
My dad got paid every 2 weeks. By the end of the second week we were just about out of everything. But one thing my mother was able to do, and she did it well, was whip up a fast meal out of "nothing".
One of the meals she would make, was Corn Fritters, with apple sauce and sausage. We had the fritters with maple syrup....
It may have been an inexpensive dinner "out of nothing", but it was memories for us (me and my 3 siblings) and one of our favorites.
I am not big on frying things these days, but in "honor" of Fritter Day, I am going to give my son's a choice; Ricotta fritters, corn, or apple...
Enjoy your day!
See ya later,
Janie
- J. M. Barrie
***********************************************************************************************
It is Fritter Day! Who knew!?
You can make fritters out of just about anything.
There are sweet ones, and savory ones..but the ones I remember were Corn Fritters.
My dad got paid every 2 weeks. By the end of the second week we were just about out of everything. But one thing my mother was able to do, and she did it well, was whip up a fast meal out of "nothing".
One of the meals she would make, was Corn Fritters, with apple sauce and sausage. We had the fritters with maple syrup....
It may have been an inexpensive dinner "out of nothing", but it was memories for us (me and my 3 siblings) and one of our favorites.
I am not big on frying things these days, but in "honor" of Fritter Day, I am going to give my son's a choice; Ricotta fritters, corn, or apple...
Enjoy your day!
See ya later,
Janie
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Rainy December 1st........
"Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold,
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay."
- Robert Frost, Nothing Gold Can Stay
Well for sure the rain and wind have taken the last leaves off the trees...
HAPPY December everyone......!!
Her hardest hue to hold,
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay."
- Robert Frost, Nothing Gold Can Stay
Well for sure the rain and wind have taken the last leaves off the trees...
HAPPY December everyone......!!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Well here it is...
Almost the end of November....time to review the year....and plan ahead.
I have a few ideas for projects for the coming year, for both our home, and for my own self improvement. One that seems to be a big one this year, for many bloggers and writers, is letting go of the perfectionism that tells us that we have to be in control of every little detail or we are failures, but in fact it only strangles us further.....(more on those projects and plans later as I put them all into perspective and prioritize)
I want, of course, to work on my bathroom (which does not mean simply decorating, since much of what is needed is down right re-doing! (and repair in some cases)
And I have a lot to think about this coming year..such as whether to stay here and make the best of it, or move to another location...I LOVE NY, so it will not be easy to leave, and most of my family is here..(if not all of the important ones)
Moving would involve, and change, the lives of other people, so it is a lot to think about for one person...but financially, it may end up to be a necessity. In the meantime, I am trying to move forward (things keep getting in the way....like LIFE...like loss and grief (we lost my husband almost 8 years ago (Dec 13, 2002), my dad 2 3/4 yrs ago (March 31, 2008), my mother 1 3/4 yrs ago (March 28, 2009), and my long time brother in law..our go to person, our substitute anchor, suffered a near fatal accident (January 9, 2009), almost 2 years ago, and suffered head trauma that forever changed his, and my sister's life, and coming to grips with that, and even contentment with what we have..)
One thing I do NOT plan on doing...I am not going to a Mall until after January! I will stick to stores that aren't often crowed.....like AC Moore and thank goodness many places offer sales on line! I LOVE Amazon!
Time to fly! (I think my electric extension cord might not be working so off the check that..maybe that's the problem..)
See ya 'round the corner...
Janie
I have a few ideas for projects for the coming year, for both our home, and for my own self improvement. One that seems to be a big one this year, for many bloggers and writers, is letting go of the perfectionism that tells us that we have to be in control of every little detail or we are failures, but in fact it only strangles us further.....(more on those projects and plans later as I put them all into perspective and prioritize)
I want, of course, to work on my bathroom (which does not mean simply decorating, since much of what is needed is down right re-doing! (and repair in some cases)
And I have a lot to think about this coming year..such as whether to stay here and make the best of it, or move to another location...I LOVE NY, so it will not be easy to leave, and most of my family is here..(if not all of the important ones)
Moving would involve, and change, the lives of other people, so it is a lot to think about for one person...but financially, it may end up to be a necessity. In the meantime, I am trying to move forward (things keep getting in the way....like LIFE...like loss and grief (we lost my husband almost 8 years ago (Dec 13, 2002), my dad 2 3/4 yrs ago (March 31, 2008), my mother 1 3/4 yrs ago (March 28, 2009), and my long time brother in law..our go to person, our substitute anchor, suffered a near fatal accident (January 9, 2009), almost 2 years ago, and suffered head trauma that forever changed his, and my sister's life, and coming to grips with that, and even contentment with what we have..)
One thing I do NOT plan on doing...I am not going to a Mall until after January! I will stick to stores that aren't often crowed.....like AC Moore and thank goodness many places offer sales on line! I LOVE Amazon!
Time to fly! (I think my electric extension cord might not be working so off the check that..maybe that's the problem..)
See ya 'round the corner...
Janie
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Back to the Drawing Board....
It is a beautiful Sunday morning in NY...the wind died down, the sun is out...
......and my hose idea doesn't appear to be working!
So its back to the drawing board.
There was a thin coating of glass like ice on all the water surfaces this morning...It went down to 30 degrees last night. So I thought that in a "small" way I could test out my heated hose and the extention I bought.
Nope...what happened? Yes, thin ice came out of the heated hose, but then nothing..I went up and down the hose, and felt the extension hose over and over again..there doesn't appear to be any ice in the extension hose...so now what??? How will this work when it is 15 degrees?!
I have one more idea to try...the thought of hauling water out from the house, all winter, is NOT thrilling me..I have been doing it for far too many years....(I need a REAL barn! .... with water and electric!!! Can't do that here and we all know what THAT means.... and, "THAT" would be a project and a half...!.)
Right now, the temperature is over 40 degrees (and the next few days they say will be fairly normal for this time of the year, which means not freezing or below at night (yet), so I will have to wait to see if the idea works...
I am eagerly looking forward to having all the winter planning finished, and done with, so I can spend the winter, garden planning and re-doing my bathroom! I don't have a good camera yet (not that its bad it is just an older one), and that might take time, but I hope to get some pictures on with the one we have...we'll see how they turn out...
I have a turkey breast carcass simmering in a pot, on the stove, with onions and carrots to make stock...(I have no celery until I go out later). I made an herbed turkey breast during the week, and it smells so good!
I always make more then enough stock, so I can freeze it for those cold, cold winter nights when you just NEED to make some soup, and there it is, already to go...a hold out from the days of Homeschooling and living on one income.....maybe that was training for now...
See ya 'round the corner....
Janie
......and my hose idea doesn't appear to be working!
So its back to the drawing board.
There was a thin coating of glass like ice on all the water surfaces this morning...It went down to 30 degrees last night. So I thought that in a "small" way I could test out my heated hose and the extention I bought.
Nope...what happened? Yes, thin ice came out of the heated hose, but then nothing..I went up and down the hose, and felt the extension hose over and over again..there doesn't appear to be any ice in the extension hose...so now what??? How will this work when it is 15 degrees?!
I have one more idea to try...the thought of hauling water out from the house, all winter, is NOT thrilling me..I have been doing it for far too many years....(I need a REAL barn! .... with water and electric!!! Can't do that here and we all know what THAT means.... and, "THAT" would be a project and a half...!.)
Right now, the temperature is over 40 degrees (and the next few days they say will be fairly normal for this time of the year, which means not freezing or below at night (yet), so I will have to wait to see if the idea works...
I am eagerly looking forward to having all the winter planning finished, and done with, so I can spend the winter, garden planning and re-doing my bathroom! I don't have a good camera yet (not that its bad it is just an older one), and that might take time, but I hope to get some pictures on with the one we have...we'll see how they turn out...
I have a turkey breast carcass simmering in a pot, on the stove, with onions and carrots to make stock...(I have no celery until I go out later). I made an herbed turkey breast during the week, and it smells so good!
I always make more then enough stock, so I can freeze it for those cold, cold winter nights when you just NEED to make some soup, and there it is, already to go...a hold out from the days of Homeschooling and living on one income.....maybe that was training for now...
See ya 'round the corner....
Janie
Saturday, November 27, 2010
One of those cute little quizzes...
Your fairy is:
Bindweed Goblinwitch
.."She brings riches and wealth.
She lives at the bottom of tangled gardens and in hedgerows.
She is only seen in the enchanted moment between sleep and waking.
She wears tangled multicoloured skirts made of petals and has gentle green wings like a butterfly..."
....Interesting because one of my grandmother's friends used to call me a 'Fairy Child'...
Monday, November 22, 2010
Where were you....
47 years ago?
I remember it, as if seared in my brain with a branding iron, and I am sure almost everyone of that era also feels that way...
I think as much as that horrid moment is part of my history, our history, an even bigger part for me was, I think that was when my father saw me as an adult for the first time.
I was 17 and in school when "it" happened..everything shut down...teachers and students crying....school closings.... not for a "school shooting", because of fear and hate, but for a National tragedy that affected the world, and we were closing down to a great collective mourning...
I am sure that the whole rest of the family was aware of what was happening, but it is my father and I, that I remember staying up around the clock watching tv coverage..he talked to me about his political feelings and feelings of what happened that day, and days afterward, adult to adult....
My dad died 2 1/2 years ago, and I miss him every day.
Love you daddy...
Janie
I remember it, as if seared in my brain with a branding iron, and I am sure almost everyone of that era also feels that way...
I think as much as that horrid moment is part of my history, our history, an even bigger part for me was, I think that was when my father saw me as an adult for the first time.
I was 17 and in school when "it" happened..everything shut down...teachers and students crying....school closings.... not for a "school shooting", because of fear and hate, but for a National tragedy that affected the world, and we were closing down to a great collective mourning...
I am sure that the whole rest of the family was aware of what was happening, but it is my father and I, that I remember staying up around the clock watching tv coverage..he talked to me about his political feelings and feelings of what happened that day, and days afterward, adult to adult....
My dad died 2 1/2 years ago, and I miss him every day.
Love you daddy...
Janie
Monday Monday...Counting Your Blessings
A lot has been said about Mondays...
There have been many jokes, comments that make you think about whether you are "working", or have a "job"...
Many dread Monday with a back to the "grindstone..." mentality...
For most people, Sunday is their day of rest..and maybe it is as it should be...but when you kick off Monday by thinking you have to get; "back to the grindstone"; or dreading the coming week feeling; "chained to your desk"; maybe you should be re-thinking what you are doing.
For me, Monday is a time of a fresh start..whether it is for a new project, taking care of business for the week (whatever it is that sets you up for the week, or even months, ahead), or getting back to "what I Love"....(maybe that long term project that you really Love doing)
I try to think of Monday as my "set up day"...and in doing so, it makes the rest of the week easy-as-pie......fall into place. And by getting the "business" out of the way early in the week, I think it also helps over come any "surprises" that come my way too. I can look over what was accomplished last week and look ahead...
Oh, and what happens when the 'surprises are on Monday? I make Tuesday my set up day that week!! Because generally when you set up your week, and follow your plan during the week before, the really important things might already be taken care of!
So with that in mind...I am finishing up leaves in the front, today (have not touched the back yet, except for a small part of the corral...(it is not unheard of to put out over 100 bags in our area.). I store my leaves for the chickens in the winter and the garden in the spring, and in that way feel like in some SMALL way I am helping the landfills, by keeping at least my 100 bags out of them, and helping the environment, by putting some of them back into the ground.
Then it's off the the local home center to pick up some final items to get ready for winter, some sand (I don't like using chemicals or salt on the front path and back deck), more caulk for the windows, and pots to put up some stray plants that have outgrown what they were in... I have this CRAZY notion that if I keep some of my favorite plants (or plants that were gifts from family members and friends) I can MOVE them when we move..if the housing market ever picks up, even if it is in the winter......
So off we go...see you around the corner...
Have a great day!
Janie
(pictures to come soon...if all goes well..)
There have been many jokes, comments that make you think about whether you are "working", or have a "job"...
Many dread Monday with a back to the "grindstone..." mentality...
For most people, Sunday is their day of rest..and maybe it is as it should be...but when you kick off Monday by thinking you have to get; "back to the grindstone"; or dreading the coming week feeling; "chained to your desk"; maybe you should be re-thinking what you are doing.
For me, Monday is a time of a fresh start..whether it is for a new project, taking care of business for the week (whatever it is that sets you up for the week, or even months, ahead), or getting back to "what I Love"....(maybe that long term project that you really Love doing)
I try to think of Monday as my "set up day"...and in doing so, it makes the rest of the week easy-as-pie......fall into place. And by getting the "business" out of the way early in the week, I think it also helps over come any "surprises" that come my way too. I can look over what was accomplished last week and look ahead...
Oh, and what happens when the 'surprises are on Monday? I make Tuesday my set up day that week!! Because generally when you set up your week, and follow your plan during the week before, the really important things might already be taken care of!
So with that in mind...I am finishing up leaves in the front, today (have not touched the back yet, except for a small part of the corral...(it is not unheard of to put out over 100 bags in our area.). I store my leaves for the chickens in the winter and the garden in the spring, and in that way feel like in some SMALL way I am helping the landfills, by keeping at least my 100 bags out of them, and helping the environment, by putting some of them back into the ground.
Then it's off the the local home center to pick up some final items to get ready for winter, some sand (I don't like using chemicals or salt on the front path and back deck), more caulk for the windows, and pots to put up some stray plants that have outgrown what they were in... I have this CRAZY notion that if I keep some of my favorite plants (or plants that were gifts from family members and friends) I can MOVE them when we move..if the housing market ever picks up, even if it is in the winter......
So off we go...see you around the corner...
Have a great day!
Janie
(pictures to come soon...if all goes well..)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Off we go...
Those last gasps of fall..
So beautiful....it is as if every leaf but the brilliant reds, and pale apricots, and bright yellows, of the shrubs, fell over night....
And the Japanese red maples are surrounded buy a bed of red.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Off we go today to run errands..and when they are through we start to rake leaves... Living next to the park that can be an all winter process, because lets face it....NO ONE rakes leaves in the park!
See ya 'round the next corner....
Til then..have a Great day!
Janie
So beautiful....it is as if every leaf but the brilliant reds, and pale apricots, and bright yellows, of the shrubs, fell over night....
And the Japanese red maples are surrounded buy a bed of red.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Off we go today to run errands..and when they are through we start to rake leaves... Living next to the park that can be an all winter process, because lets face it....NO ONE rakes leaves in the park!
See ya 'round the next corner....
Til then..have a Great day!
Janie
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday Beautiful Wednesday
And beautiful it is....
This morning it has been 60 degrees since almost 7am! It is dropping now a little and it is windy, and the wet leaves are now drying. I noticed almost ALL the trees suddenly dropped their leaves over night! So the lawn is covered with leaves!! Guess I know what we will be doing the next couple of days!
I ordered my new coiled drinking quality hose for the winter and we are set to go.. a quick trip to Home Depot for sand (for ice this winter), and window caulk will get us set for the winter...
It's not easy....I sometimes feel like I am taking 2 steps forward and 3 steps back (and sometimes it is reversed) ...but we are moving forward .... things feel like they are coming together..where they will lead I do not know...but..
Life is Good!
This morning it has been 60 degrees since almost 7am! It is dropping now a little and it is windy, and the wet leaves are now drying. I noticed almost ALL the trees suddenly dropped their leaves over night! So the lawn is covered with leaves!! Guess I know what we will be doing the next couple of days!
I ordered my new coiled drinking quality hose for the winter and we are set to go.. a quick trip to Home Depot for sand (for ice this winter), and window caulk will get us set for the winter...
It's not easy....I sometimes feel like I am taking 2 steps forward and 3 steps back (and sometimes it is reversed) ...but we are moving forward .... things feel like they are coming together..where they will lead I do not know...but..
Life is Good!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Planning Season
We are into fall and the colorful leaves are gently raining down. It seems like a never ending stream..they just keep coming..yet there are many shrubs and small trees still holding leaves and color.
It seemed that LI was going to have a dull brown fall but it suddenly came alive...(it has been better on some past years but it turned out pretty nice.) We have many Euonymous Burning Bushes all around the property some large and some small. Depending on where in the yard the are, some are brilliant red, (hense the name) and some are a golden red orange and some even a pale apricot...very nice...
Well, I have found another back/hip saving hose...The electric one is not long enough for where I need it to go.. It is very expensive, and only 50'. I need it to go at least 85'. So even if I bought a shorter electric one, which is still expensive, it wouldn't reach (they come 25' and 50') the fence line.
I found one that was way less in cost, from another company. It is not heated but it keeps the hose from freezing to just below 32 degrees. But, oh wait, it is not recommended for drinking.....oh, they said animals can drink from it, but not humans, and I don't give my animals anything to eat or drink that I woudn't!..
So the search went on. Then I remembered Sears has drinking quality hoses. So I did a search and I found one that is a coil hose so it retracts and makes it easy to store...well now, I can do that! It isn't electric or a insulated hose but I can detach it from the end of the electric hose after every use (no problem) and keep it on the patio until it is needed again. That should work just fine..so now I will have a hose that heats the water, and thaws any water left in it, and another one to extend to the fence rail, that will not get in the way because it coils so nicely..the cost is about 1/3 the cost, of having to buy another electric hose (which wouldn't have worked because ..well, where am I going to plug it in mid way out into the yard!! I can't have 2 extension cords running out of the garage!!) ....I am so happy..
So the hardest part of animals in the winter is the water issue....now that is all planned out..I put some of the potted plants in the trenches yesterday morning, and have to dig one more row and check the roots of my potted Japanese maple, and that will be done, snug and ready for winter...the next part of planning is what to plant next year..THAT'S the fun part! And indoor winter projects...nice...
See you around the corner...thanks for stopping by.
It seemed that LI was going to have a dull brown fall but it suddenly came alive...(it has been better on some past years but it turned out pretty nice.) We have many Euonymous Burning Bushes all around the property some large and some small. Depending on where in the yard the are, some are brilliant red, (hense the name) and some are a golden red orange and some even a pale apricot...very nice...
Well, I have found another back/hip saving hose...The electric one is not long enough for where I need it to go.. It is very expensive, and only 50'. I need it to go at least 85'. So even if I bought a shorter electric one, which is still expensive, it wouldn't reach (they come 25' and 50') the fence line.
I found one that was way less in cost, from another company. It is not heated but it keeps the hose from freezing to just below 32 degrees. But, oh wait, it is not recommended for drinking.....oh, they said animals can drink from it, but not humans, and I don't give my animals anything to eat or drink that I woudn't!..
So the search went on. Then I remembered Sears has drinking quality hoses. So I did a search and I found one that is a coil hose so it retracts and makes it easy to store...well now, I can do that! It isn't electric or a insulated hose but I can detach it from the end of the electric hose after every use (no problem) and keep it on the patio until it is needed again. That should work just fine..so now I will have a hose that heats the water, and thaws any water left in it, and another one to extend to the fence rail, that will not get in the way because it coils so nicely..the cost is about 1/3 the cost, of having to buy another electric hose (which wouldn't have worked because ..well, where am I going to plug it in mid way out into the yard!! I can't have 2 extension cords running out of the garage!!) ....I am so happy..
So the hardest part of animals in the winter is the water issue....now that is all planned out..I put some of the potted plants in the trenches yesterday morning, and have to dig one more row and check the roots of my potted Japanese maple, and that will be done, snug and ready for winter...the next part of planning is what to plant next year..THAT'S the fun part! And indoor winter projects...nice...
See you around the corner...thanks for stopping by.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Homemade cranberry sauce
I found a really good and very different recipe for cranberry sauce, at BrokeAss Gourmet (blog). Gabi has some very interesting and brilliant recipes on her blog...Low cost ways to cook gourmet...she is one of the blogs I read....(and use)
http://brokeassgourmet.com/
Balsamic Cranberry sauce
by Gabi Moskowitz
Allow to cool slightly before serving (or chill if you prefer cold cranberry sauce).
Makes about 1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce.
http://brokeassgourmet.com/
Balsamic Cranberry sauce
by Gabi Moskowitz
Prep Time 0:02
Cook Time 0:22
Everyone puts orange juice in their homemade cranberry sauce. It’s delicious, yes, but I have an inherent opposition to doing things the way other people have always done them for lack of another option. Well, here’s your other cranberry sauce option. Here’s your (dare I suggest it?) better cranberry sauce option. - ingredients
- 1 12-oz. bag frozen whole cranberries $2
- 1 cup sugar Pantry
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Pantry
- pinch salt Pantry
- 3/4 cup water
Total Cost of ingredients $2
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Cover and bring to a light boil. Tilt lid so a bit of air can escape and reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20-22 minutes, or until cranberries break down and a thick sauce forms.Allow to cool slightly before serving (or chill if you prefer cold cranberry sauce).
Makes about 1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce.
Updating....
I am updating my blog to add who I follow.
There are so many My Yahoo is now full!!
It is going to be beautiful in NY today and I am expecting friends, from NJ, this afternoon....perfect! But I will have to leave the leaves for another day...I am not worried. We (my sons and I) run the mower over them and bag most of them for winter footing for the chickens and the garden as mulch in the spring, any waste from the garden goes to the chickens..my aim is to toss a LITTLE as I can into the landfills...
I am thinking of starting a worm bin.
I had compost for many many years, but living where we are now causes lots of Rats to come out of the woods! So maybe a worm bin is in order...(of course the chickens eat a lot of waste too.
Some time I have to write about chickens...They are better then goldfish! Great stress relievers....AND they give back too!
See ya around the corner....enjoy your day..
There are so many My Yahoo is now full!!
It is going to be beautiful in NY today and I am expecting friends, from NJ, this afternoon....perfect! But I will have to leave the leaves for another day...I am not worried. We (my sons and I) run the mower over them and bag most of them for winter footing for the chickens and the garden as mulch in the spring, any waste from the garden goes to the chickens..my aim is to toss a LITTLE as I can into the landfills...
I am thinking of starting a worm bin.
I had compost for many many years, but living where we are now causes lots of Rats to come out of the woods! So maybe a worm bin is in order...(of course the chickens eat a lot of waste too.
Some time I have to write about chickens...They are better then goldfish! Great stress relievers....AND they give back too!
See ya around the corner....enjoy your day..
Friday, November 12, 2010
Ok I admit it....I like Sci Fi...and Patchwork Quilts...
I am a Sci Fi/technology nut....not to the extent that I would ever dress up up a costume and go to an icon...although if that's your thing all the power to you...(I have gone to Sci Fi Icons in the past but not as a character!) but I just Love some of the Sci Fi shows and movies...you know..Star trek, Star wars...(I have sons what can I say!)
The latest movie, that I want to see (and have not yet seen) is, "Unstoppable"..it has Rosario Dawson in it....has anyone seen "Seven Pounds"? (with Will Smith a few years back)
If that isn't the most haunting movie ever...(although not Sci Fi), anyway, this new movie (Unstoppable) is SO different in character for her...she is my new idol...I want to be her friend!! She is adorable...
That's my excitement for the day.....a "person of many colors"....
We are all patch work quilts... made up of many different parts, and sides, and likes and dislikes...patch work quilts...
And a patch work quilt is then made up of many different pieces, and when finished, they all fit together..even if you think they won't....it is the same with a garden...and together..it makes a whole...
I Love what makes people different.... in fact....it is OFTEN the
"annoying" differences, in people that we remember fondly when they are gone....How much better would it be to embrace those differences when they are alive...
We are the world...A Patch work quilt of people...
How great is that!
The latest movie, that I want to see (and have not yet seen) is, "Unstoppable"..it has Rosario Dawson in it....has anyone seen "Seven Pounds"? (with Will Smith a few years back)
If that isn't the most haunting movie ever...(although not Sci Fi), anyway, this new movie (Unstoppable) is SO different in character for her...she is my new idol...I want to be her friend!! She is adorable...
That's my excitement for the day.....a "person of many colors"....
We are all patch work quilts... made up of many different parts, and sides, and likes and dislikes...patch work quilts...
And a patch work quilt is then made up of many different pieces, and when finished, they all fit together..even if you think they won't....it is the same with a garden...and together..it makes a whole...
I Love what makes people different.... in fact....it is OFTEN the
"annoying" differences, in people that we remember fondly when they are gone....How much better would it be to embrace those differences when they are alive...
We are the world...A Patch work quilt of people...
How great is that!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
I am So Excited....
Little things make me happy...my husband once got me a manure fork and a pitch fork, for some occasion...I forget what now...(I think it was an anniversary..can you imagine!?)
I got a package from Lee Valley today..a heated hose!!
For a long time, during the winter I have had to lug water out from the kitchen, to the animals 3 or 4 times a day....ever try to carry a full bucket of water? It ruined my hip...(I do get help from my sons but it was starting to ruin their hips too and I thought they are too young to start having trouble with hips..) My husband did it for 10 or 12 years before he died, and I have done it myself now for 8 years......
The way our back patio is "installed" (not by us) it would be impossible to put a water line in without digging up the whole patio and starting over...I'm afraid I can't do that...A friend of mine, in Alberta Canada, told me Lee Valley has a heated hose, so I looked into it.
The hose has a heating coil in it and a plug for an outlet..now again, because the way this house is "arranged" I will have to run an utility extension cord from the garage, to the hose and faucet. I am hoping I will not have to leave it plugged in all the time....I don't like having an extension cord plugged in all the time..especially running through the garage and over the HAY!! It will not go all the way out..I got the 50' hose (they had 2- a 50' and 25') but the distance is 85', so I will use a shorter hose I hook up and unhook as needed, to run the extra distance...if that doesn't work I will buy another one....here's hoping it works..this might save my hip!!
My absolute greatest dream is to someday have a place, with SUNNY rooms, and with a real barn, with heat and electric, to keep everything in....that isn't going to happen here...so I make the best of what I have now...
Bathroom projects have to wait for leaves and garden while I can!! (and I am hoping to see if I have any yard pictures on the old camera to post...I will check on that later,...off to feed the animals, do some garden clean up and go food shopping before it gets dark..! Can't see so well in the dark any more.)
Have a GREAT day,
Janie
I got a package from Lee Valley today..a heated hose!!
For a long time, during the winter I have had to lug water out from the kitchen, to the animals 3 or 4 times a day....ever try to carry a full bucket of water? It ruined my hip...(I do get help from my sons but it was starting to ruin their hips too and I thought they are too young to start having trouble with hips..) My husband did it for 10 or 12 years before he died, and I have done it myself now for 8 years......
The way our back patio is "installed" (not by us) it would be impossible to put a water line in without digging up the whole patio and starting over...I'm afraid I can't do that...A friend of mine, in Alberta Canada, told me Lee Valley has a heated hose, so I looked into it.
The hose has a heating coil in it and a plug for an outlet..now again, because the way this house is "arranged" I will have to run an utility extension cord from the garage, to the hose and faucet. I am hoping I will not have to leave it plugged in all the time....I don't like having an extension cord plugged in all the time..especially running through the garage and over the HAY!! It will not go all the way out..I got the 50' hose (they had 2- a 50' and 25') but the distance is 85', so I will use a shorter hose I hook up and unhook as needed, to run the extra distance...if that doesn't work I will buy another one....here's hoping it works..this might save my hip!!
My absolute greatest dream is to someday have a place, with SUNNY rooms, and with a real barn, with heat and electric, to keep everything in....that isn't going to happen here...so I make the best of what I have now...
Bathroom projects have to wait for leaves and garden while I can!! (and I am hoping to see if I have any yard pictures on the old camera to post...I will check on that later,...off to feed the animals, do some garden clean up and go food shopping before it gets dark..! Can't see so well in the dark any more.)
Have a GREAT day,
Janie
Monday, November 8, 2010
Four Letter Words!! And REAL time...
I have heard the first of the winter 4 letter words today!
SNOW!!
Snow! Early November! In NY!! at 36 degrees!!
I haven't even finished my leaves yet...granted it came with rain, but it did stick on the dirt in the garden and the deck...!! (maybe we get an early early winter and then it gets mild real quick... maybe!?)
It was a hard, hard week last week. On top of all the work to do before real winter starts in, we lost a dear friend last Saturday night, everyone is sick with colds and viruses, and our 16 year old kitty (one of 4) is sniffling today....
BUT we did go back to REAL time.....(does anyone remember that?!)
Best of the day for you, on this first Nor'easter of Fall...(gonna mess up our plans for a mild week I hear...)
....once things calm down a bit I can get back to this site...put up some pictures...
Until then..or maybe later...
Janie
SNOW!!
Snow! Early November! In NY!! at 36 degrees!!
I haven't even finished my leaves yet...granted it came with rain, but it did stick on the dirt in the garden and the deck...!! (maybe we get an early early winter and then it gets mild real quick... maybe!?)
It was a hard, hard week last week. On top of all the work to do before real winter starts in, we lost a dear friend last Saturday night, everyone is sick with colds and viruses, and our 16 year old kitty (one of 4) is sniffling today....
BUT we did go back to REAL time.....(does anyone remember that?!)
Best of the day for you, on this first Nor'easter of Fall...(gonna mess up our plans for a mild week I hear...)
....once things calm down a bit I can get back to this site...put up some pictures...
Until then..or maybe later...
Janie
Monday, November 1, 2010
Today's The Day....
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Good morning..it is a cool breezy November 1st..
Leaves are piling up..yet because of the wind, you rake and turn around and they are all back again...maybe that's where they are supposed to stay!
I am starting a new project..I am doing the bathroom, that has been unfinished for longer then it should have been....once I get going I will put up pictures of before and after...
Enjoy your day...
Good morning..it is a cool breezy November 1st..
Leaves are piling up..yet because of the wind, you rake and turn around and they are all back again...maybe that's where they are supposed to stay!
I am starting a new project..I am doing the bathroom, that has been unfinished for longer then it should have been....once I get going I will put up pictures of before and after...
Enjoy your day...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
A New Start...
It is Sunday morning, and I am on the new computer....YAH!!!
I still have to figure out some things and complete the set up.
I am not sure how the photo center works yet, some pics I tried to open opened way too small and could not save (not sure why yet) some opened beautifully...
I have to still retrieve the older pics on the old computer so there is still work to be done.
Speaking of work...it is cloudy right now, and about 52 degrees with no wind..so it is pretty nice...the sun is supposed to come out later, and it will be a perfect day for starting to rake leaves. I say starting because it is not unheard of to have 100 bags, or more of leaves to put out here! Problem is that they have not all fallen yet..and since, as I have said, some of the oaks don't drop their leaves until spring, and others drop them a little at a time through the winter, it is a never ending job. The maples are not completely done, but there is ankle deep leaves beneath your feet as you walk through the yard...
For us, we never have that many leaves to put out, because I use them in the garden as leaf mold mulch, for the chickens (our own private recycling plant), and bag some to save for winter so the chickens have something to walk on when it snows.....but it is still work.
I am torn, because I would rather be inside playing with the new computer, but I can't let a good day go for doing outside work..soon enough there will be days that are just too bitter to be out in for long...
So, out to play in the leaves......er... I mean work...I didn't even make my apple pie yet.
Come again soon..hope to get some pictures up and favorite blogs listed, that I read..(there are many..so many good blogs out there now....)
Janie
I still have to figure out some things and complete the set up.
I am not sure how the photo center works yet, some pics I tried to open opened way too small and could not save (not sure why yet) some opened beautifully...
I have to still retrieve the older pics on the old computer so there is still work to be done.
Speaking of work...it is cloudy right now, and about 52 degrees with no wind..so it is pretty nice...the sun is supposed to come out later, and it will be a perfect day for starting to rake leaves. I say starting because it is not unheard of to have 100 bags, or more of leaves to put out here! Problem is that they have not all fallen yet..and since, as I have said, some of the oaks don't drop their leaves until spring, and others drop them a little at a time through the winter, it is a never ending job. The maples are not completely done, but there is ankle deep leaves beneath your feet as you walk through the yard...
For us, we never have that many leaves to put out, because I use them in the garden as leaf mold mulch, for the chickens (our own private recycling plant), and bag some to save for winter so the chickens have something to walk on when it snows.....but it is still work.
I am torn, because I would rather be inside playing with the new computer, but I can't let a good day go for doing outside work..soon enough there will be days that are just too bitter to be out in for long...
So, out to play in the leaves......er... I mean work...I didn't even make my apple pie yet.
Come again soon..hope to get some pictures up and favorite blogs listed, that I read..(there are many..so many good blogs out there now....)
Janie
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Today's the Day....And Signs of Fall
I am off to the computer store, today, to see about my computer .....YAH!!! (if all goes well!)
It is a crisp cool morning on LI, NY, and many leaves are now down because of the wind yesterday. (and we will get more today I hear) And although we are surrounded by tall (some well over 80') Oaks, some of which hold their leaves until spring, the fall has been kind of subdued, brownish and many leaves are already off the trees without even reaching their peak normal color... I thought it might be that way this year, because of the heat and dryness of the past summer...
"Past summer"....sounds so far in the distance already!
I snapped some pictures yesterday although I probably won't get them on right away. A subdued fall indeed...and hey! I found violets in the lawn! VIOLETS in the end of October!! Always interesting to see what will be next!
It was a crazy busy week, and I didn't even get to cook the Tuesday with Dorie recipe. It was an Apple Pie. I like apples, my oldest son LOVES apples..but when I make something with apples it HAS to be my mothers Apple Pie...so that is what I will do this weekend...The Fr Fri with Dorie is an Apple Cake..so I think I will have to do that one later on in the fall...it's not even winter yet and I am already gaining weight!
A flock of geese just flew over outside my window. I know many consider them a nuisance, but I will never tire of hearing them call to each other as they fly over in their amazing formations...and it saddens me when I hear of some of the ways they plan on reducing the population. They mate for life, and if a mate dies, after a mourning period, and I am sure depending on age, they might mate again eventually... It is only because of US, closing in on THEIR territory, feeding them in the winter, and combined with the changing climate, that they choose to not leave as they once did in the cold months...
But as for me...I Love seeing them fly over..and hearing the wind beneath their wings....
It is a crisp cool morning on LI, NY, and many leaves are now down because of the wind yesterday. (and we will get more today I hear) And although we are surrounded by tall (some well over 80') Oaks, some of which hold their leaves until spring, the fall has been kind of subdued, brownish and many leaves are already off the trees without even reaching their peak normal color... I thought it might be that way this year, because of the heat and dryness of the past summer...
"Past summer"....sounds so far in the distance already!
I snapped some pictures yesterday although I probably won't get them on right away. A subdued fall indeed...and hey! I found violets in the lawn! VIOLETS in the end of October!! Always interesting to see what will be next!
It was a crazy busy week, and I didn't even get to cook the Tuesday with Dorie recipe. It was an Apple Pie. I like apples, my oldest son LOVES apples..but when I make something with apples it HAS to be my mothers Apple Pie...so that is what I will do this weekend...The Fr Fri with Dorie is an Apple Cake..so I think I will have to do that one later on in the fall...it's not even winter yet and I am already gaining weight!
A flock of geese just flew over outside my window. I know many consider them a nuisance, but I will never tire of hearing them call to each other as they fly over in their amazing formations...and it saddens me when I hear of some of the ways they plan on reducing the population. They mate for life, and if a mate dies, after a mourning period, and I am sure depending on age, they might mate again eventually... It is only because of US, closing in on THEIR territory, feeding them in the winter, and combined with the changing climate, that they choose to not leave as they once did in the cold months...
But as for me...I Love seeing them fly over..and hearing the wind beneath their wings....
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thoughts on music
Music..no matter where you are where you live what color you are or what language you speak..music connects us....
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741
Have a great day...last spring-like day in NY I hear!
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741
Have a great day...last spring-like day in NY I hear!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Something in the air....
Seems like something is in the air here in NY...Everyone I talk to is sick. Even ones who just "went through" NY on their way to someplace else...if they were here for even a day they are sick within a week or two.
Isn't it strange how when you are under the weather (which by the way is GORGEOUS and about 10 degrees warmer then the normal temp for this time of the year...) you notice ALL the work you have to do...
Why is that? When we are healthy, and could be doing the work, we "put it off" (procrastination). When we feel sick, we see it all in front of us like a sign telling us to get busy...yet we can't...
If we could just figure out a way to SEE the work we need to do, and DO IT when we are healthy, then when we are sick (or even just not feeling up to par) we can concentrate on getting healthy again.....with NO guilt! Now THAT would be progress, no?
Working on that camera and computer....
Janie
Isn't it strange how when you are under the weather (which by the way is GORGEOUS and about 10 degrees warmer then the normal temp for this time of the year...) you notice ALL the work you have to do...
Why is that? When we are healthy, and could be doing the work, we "put it off" (procrastination). When we feel sick, we see it all in front of us like a sign telling us to get busy...yet we can't...
If we could just figure out a way to SEE the work we need to do, and DO IT when we are healthy, then when we are sick (or even just not feeling up to par) we can concentrate on getting healthy again.....with NO guilt! Now THAT would be progress, no?
Working on that camera and computer....
Janie
Friday, October 22, 2010
Computer trouble still....
I was (in my last post) writing about how the wind wasn't as bad as they said it would be...before I could hit send the wind knocked out the whole house...
I was already having computer trouble with my comnputer and using my son's...
Well it blew out my son's brand new monitor..so that took a while to replace.. (it was on a surge protector too).
So now I am in the market for a computer..trouble is (what a dilemma!) do I stay with a desk top, or get a laptop...maybe get a lap top and eventually another desk top...choices choices!
MEANWHILE...this has sort of put my search for the "right" camera for me and my uses, on hold...soon..all things in their own good time, right?
I am still in the process of figuring the Blog thing out but that is going to have to wait!
I was already having computer trouble with my comnputer and using my son's...
Well it blew out my son's brand new monitor..so that took a while to replace.. (it was on a surge protector too).
So now I am in the market for a computer..trouble is (what a dilemma!) do I stay with a desk top, or get a laptop...maybe get a lap top and eventually another desk top...choices choices!
MEANWHILE...this has sort of put my search for the "right" camera for me and my uses, on hold...soon..all things in their own good time, right?
I am still in the process of figuring the Blog thing out but that is going to have to wait!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Computer troubles
Not a good way to start!
Yesterday I said I was going to try to have some pictures taken, and uploaded, of the French Fridays With Dorie recipes, obviously that didn't happen...I have been having computer trouble for a while now, but this morning it won't even turn on. I am on one of my son's computers right now, and so my time will be limited...
My greatest fear is I lose my pictures....some of which I may not be able to get back...
My FR F W/Dorie, Mustard Tart was such a success that there is nothing left to take a picture of..so alas..I will have to make another one (this is a punishment?!) I think this one is going to be a regular part of our "often used dishes"... I made it with tomatoes ..some of the last in the garden, so before I have no fresh tomatoes left I am going to do it again...
Preparing for more rain (and wind) ...a Nor'Easter is to hit this area tomorrow and Friday....although so far they are saying that, in this area, it will be divided and we will get rain Thursday and wind Friday...so we'll see how that goes...
So I am off....to fix my chicken door, clear off the patio in case it does get windy, and do some more garden take down before it gets wet again...
Yesterday I said I was going to try to have some pictures taken, and uploaded, of the French Fridays With Dorie recipes, obviously that didn't happen...I have been having computer trouble for a while now, but this morning it won't even turn on. I am on one of my son's computers right now, and so my time will be limited...
My greatest fear is I lose my pictures....some of which I may not be able to get back...
My FR F W/Dorie, Mustard Tart was such a success that there is nothing left to take a picture of..so alas..I will have to make another one (this is a punishment?!) I think this one is going to be a regular part of our "often used dishes"... I made it with tomatoes ..some of the last in the garden, so before I have no fresh tomatoes left I am going to do it again...
Preparing for more rain (and wind) ...a Nor'Easter is to hit this area tomorrow and Friday....although so far they are saying that, in this area, it will be divided and we will get rain Thursday and wind Friday...so we'll see how that goes...
So I am off....to fix my chicken door, clear off the patio in case it does get windy, and do some more garden take down before it gets wet again...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Good Day Ahead...
“May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.”
Old Irish Blessing
Woke up to rain this morning...but the clouds have parted and the sun and sky are showing a beautiful Fall day to come.
Yesterday I spent a good amount of time in the garden getting ready to put it to sleep for the winter. Today I have feed to pick up for the chickens and oats to order for the horse.
Later on I hope to post some pictures of the past 2 weeks French Fridays with Dorie projects.
It feels like it is going to be a good day.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.”
Old Irish Blessing
Woke up to rain this morning...but the clouds have parted and the sun and sky are showing a beautiful Fall day to come.
Yesterday I spent a good amount of time in the garden getting ready to put it to sleep for the winter. Today I have feed to pick up for the chickens and oats to order for the horse.
Later on I hope to post some pictures of the past 2 weeks French Fridays with Dorie projects.
It feels like it is going to be a good day.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Howdy!
What is your "True North"?
We are all looking for our True North..to find our way...what to do with our lives.
Whether we are newborn or 120, we are always moving forward. There's so much to learn...about ourselves...about the people in our lives....how those people affect us, and how, and what, we might learn about ourselves from them....
About what we might want to do and what we are purposed to do. And most important how to get where we are going.
This is my journey, and along the way I write about projects I undertake, and interests I have, and sometimes even the people I Love.
Its all about learning about ourselves through interests and Loved ones...
its about the journey to find our True North..
It is YOU..the direction you are supposed to be going in...the likes and things that make you, you...
This is my new project...this blog is my first...
One of the first things I did is join the cooking "club" project..."French Fridays With Dorie".
To start with this will be very simple..I am going to enlist my youngest son to take pictures of things for me..when he is available....
So bare with me as we go on this journey...
We are all looking for our True North..to find our way...what to do with our lives.
Whether we are newborn or 120, we are always moving forward. There's so much to learn...about ourselves...about the people in our lives....how those people affect us, and how, and what, we might learn about ourselves from them....
About what we might want to do and what we are purposed to do. And most important how to get where we are going.
This is my journey, and along the way I write about projects I undertake, and interests I have, and sometimes even the people I Love.
Its all about learning about ourselves through interests and Loved ones...
its about the journey to find our True North..
It is YOU..the direction you are supposed to be going in...the likes and things that make you, you...
This is my new project...this blog is my first...
One of the first things I did is join the cooking "club" project..."French Fridays With Dorie".
To start with this will be very simple..I am going to enlist my youngest son to take pictures of things for me..when he is available....
So bare with me as we go on this journey...
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