Thursday, June 04, 2009

4 white 55 gallon drums...

We're pretty lucky to have a Pepsi bottling plant not too far away.

Did you know that you're able to buy their used 55 gallon drums for $10? Awesome!!!

Well, I got on the waiting list about a month ago... and today I got the call. I rushed over and purchased 4 white drums.

For what... you ask???

1. To make a DIY rainbarrel... or two....
2. To store my 50 pound bags of wheat berries
3. To store my bulk rice
4. To store my bulk oats

Hmm... I may need some more of those drums... for EXTRA rain barrels!!! ; )

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Out playing in the rain...

I'm on a mission... a gardening mission...

My mission is to get my remaining 4 boxes filled with Mel's Mix this week!!!
So... with that in mind... I was out playing in the light rainfall and filled what will be my carrot box! Yeah!!!

You should see my shoes! All caked with mud!

Those of you who have traversed this journey... know that... it is NO small feat to accomplish this goal...

For local readers of my blog, who may still be filling their boxes or looking for Mel's Mix ingredients...

Try here:
Peat: The Lumber yard on Main St in Lovell has 4cu' bales of peat for under $7!!!!
Vermiculite: The coop in Powell has it for under $27/bag for 4cu'!

It's raining here

In honor of this glorious rain here in the high desert of northern Wyoming... I'm making meatballs and sauce!

Can you smell it simmering in my crockpot?

Gotta love crockpots!!! They sure are a life saver.

Now to put some bread together... then I'm off (while it rises) to visit my garden.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Sometimes I blog about good deals that I find!

I'm on Staple's email list. Often times they give out $30 online coupons.. which is awesome for me when I need to order shipping boxes for my nursing pillow business.

Here's another thing that caught my eye... and I'm mad... because when I bought my Quickbooks a few months ago... I paid over $100.

So... if you've been thinking that you want to get Quickbooks! Staples has it for $59.99. So... NOT FAIR!


Happy June!

Happy June! Let the summer vacation begin!

My pre-teen boy starts art camp today. It'll run m-th 2-4pm.
He's very creative. I think that he'll enjoy it!

Got to run and pick up ice cream for hubby's birthday party celebration at work.


Friday, May 29, 2009

Friday...it's work at the house day

It's another beautiful sunshine filled Wyoming almost summer day!

I was thinking that it would be so cool to setup the tent this weekend... and have a fire at the fire pit... maybe...

My garden is doing so well! There's something very special about planting a seed and watching it mature into a healthy plant... bearing something yummy!

It's another build your own house adventure day!!!! Water lines...
Oh to have a flushing toilet....

Thursday, May 28, 2009

I'm am so enjoying this weather!

The kids are out of school now... so summer has officially started!

My teen set up his tent at grandma's... and seems to have taken up residence there... sometimes with a buddy... sometimes with his pre-teen brother...

The weather has been so absolutely perfect! Yes, I'm loving it!!!

Spent a good part of the day working on my garden. Can't wait to get all my raised beds filled with soil... and get my 30 some Roma Tomatoes planted! Visit my garden blog for more details on that!



Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Says the teenager to his mother...

Yes Mom, I wore this T-Shirt yesterday. It's got 3 days left!!!

Says the Mom to her pre-teen son... Would you drink out of this glass? Smell it?
Re-wash the dishes!!!!

Monday, May 25, 2009

The house is very quiet this Memorial Day. The kids spent the night at Grandma's....

It's overcast and windy. The sky is heavily laden with thick dark clouds, a promise of s rain... maybe???

I covered my garden last night just in case the wind got to be too gusty for my tender plants.

The summer has just begun here in my little town... no more pencils... no more books... no more teachers.... Our kids are out of school for the summer!

Rich and I will be pulling more water lines today for the new house. I'm sooooo anxious to move in! Shoot... we even have central air going... while I'm sweltering in this little rental.

It's truly a lesson in patience.... and hard work... and creativity!!! Well better 'git er' going!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

True Value Hardware store $5 dollars off coupon

Thought that I'd share this coupon with you!

http://www.startrightstarthere.com/?utm_source=GOOG&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=TV09

I've got to buy some tomato cages... and other stuff. Just printed out my $5 coupon!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Mini Quiche... yummy!


I found this recipe for Mini Quiche.

Made them for supper tonight. Yummy!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Can't we just skip it?

OK... can't we just skip the whole pre-teen... teen thing? URgggGGGG....

Great Coupons

Some how I stumbled upon Coupons.com. Wow, do they have great coupons!

And I get to print them off on my printer! Today, I'm printing off:
$1 off Miracle Whip
$1 off Triscuits
$1 off Tombstone pizza
$1 off Philadelpia cream cheese
$1 off Kraft singles

And my most important coupon... or at least my teenager would say is...
$1 off A1 sauce (this is his most favorite condiment... and the most expensive!)

...and more!

Got to run!

Monday, May 11, 2009

We love quiche!

My family enjoys quiche. I found this easy mini quiche recipe this morning... Would be great for brunch. I bet that it would freeze well for storage!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Mini-Quiche/Detail.aspx

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Scatter sunshine... all along the way...

Love the sunshine!!! Most days are bright & sunny here...

The raw water was just turned on! The countryside will be turning green now... which is good... because I'm soooo tired of beige!

I did some work on my SFG yesterday. More on that here. Can't wait to get my boxes loaded with soil... and get some planting done!!!


Friday, May 01, 2009

Friday... date night!

Rich and I went to the movies tonight. One of our favorite things to do on Friday nights!

Went to see the new X-Men movie. I did NOT like it! Way too much violence for me.


Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Where did the mountains go?

Somehow, spring has become winter... temporarily!

Walked Aaron to school today, but came home wishing that I had worn a hat, gloves... and regular pants... not cropped pants!

I've been spending a lot of time learning about Square Foot Gardening. I'm so excited to enjoy fresh salad fixing from my garden in a little while! And look forward to canning lots of veggies this fall.

Rich and I continue to work on our new home. We're plumbing waste lines now! More on that... HERE.

The boys will be out of school soon! Can you believe that school ends May 22?
I love this time with the boys!!! Love to take them to the zoo... out for day events... and camping.

Well... the morning is fast turning into afternoon! Better run!

Monday, April 06, 2009

This is where I live...

Just watched a great video about this beautiful area of Wyoming. Want to see it? Watch Video of Cody & Yellowstone

The views can be breathe-taking... and sometimes have brought me to tears of admiration... and awe.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

What a grand day!

We're wrapping it up down here at the new house (for details about that... go here) and it's just about dusk.

We roasted hotdogs over a fire for supper! That was fun!

We worked a bit more on our fire pit after... digging down about 8 inches or so... and making it a bit larger... and adding more river rocks.

I'm going to try to do some dutch oven cooking. But first... I need to buy a dutch oven!

It was a beautiful day here with bright sun and warm enough to be out in a t-shirt.

Nice afternoon with the family!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

How to Survive Lowes...

Mom and I were walking to the post office this morning... talking about our Lowes adventures... and how long we spend at Lowes with our hubbies...

Rich and I are building a house. Have you been to my house building adventure blog? NO??? OK... here's the link: How's the House

Well, when you're building a new home... you spend LOTS and LOTS of time at Lowes! I mean... hours... 3, 4 hours... maybe more. And you spend LOTS and LOTS of money there!

I have to share this with you...
Last week I was to Lowes with my older son who is now 15! He said, "Mom, where is your parking spot?" So, I'm like... "what do you mean?" So he proceeds to tell me that we should have a special parking spot there at Lowes because we spend so much time & money there.

On one of our recent trips to Lowes... this would be ONE of the "we're there till closing... or they're waiting for all of our stuff to be rung up... so that they can CLOSE!" kind... The assistant manager calls over to us from the customer service booth thingy and says, "Don't you guys ever see daylight?"

Oh and YES... we do know all the department heads in the crutial departments... like mill works, flooring, and electrical. Great guys actually! Very helpful!!!

OK... so... How to Survive your 3-5 or more hours at Lowes... when you're the support person...

Step 1... (Mom and I agreed on this one! Actually this was her suggestion.)
Dress in layers. It is so hot in that place. Be sure to wear a t-shirt.

Step 2...
Bring some water.
I get so parched there... this is crucial! A snack might be nice too!

Step 3...
Wear comfortable shoes.
For me... it's my Brooks sneakers or my Keen sandals.

Step 4...
Bring a book along.
I have scouted out all the places where you can find seating.... like in plumbing... or flooring... or the kitchen cabinet area. That cement floor gets to me after a while!

Step 5...
Bring your cell phone.
Well, you want to connect with your Lowes enthusiast when it's time to go on your next adventure... like maybe to Costco!

If I missed anything that you've found helpful, let me know!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Why did I wait so long?

Cold today... we even snow... enough to cover the ground. How can it be? It was 65 yesterday!!!

After spending a few weeks with an aching back and not sleeping well because of this knot in my lower back... I decided to go visit the chiropractor.

It was my first time and to be honest... I was nervous about it.

Well, I was poked, twisted, and thumped. Wow....

Oh my goodness!

I felt sooo great when he was done! That was Thursday. Went back today (Monday) for another adjustment. Can you see the smile on my face?

I only wonder... WHY... WHY??? Why did I wait so long to go?

My whole body feels sooo much better!!!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Every Friday & Saturday... until it's done... or

Just back from "the House." We work there every Friday & Saturday. Sheetrock & Plumbing going on right now....

The guys helped me build some boxes for my square foot garden. And we picked out a place to put them.

Beautiful day today... sunshine and warm enough to be out in a t-shirt... still lots of snow on the mountains though.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Tax Time...

It's that time of the year...

April 15nth is coming fast...

I'll be working on taxes today.


I'm dreaming of...


Greetings! As I sit here in my itty bitty office... in my itty bitty rental home... I'm dreaming of the not so distant future of moving into our new home...

I'm dreaming about....
Gazing out the Family Room windows at the snow-capped mountains... and watching for deer to pass...
Cooking bread in my new 60" RNB BlueStar double oven range.
Working in my new... big... office...

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Grilling deep dish pizza


I watched Emeril make deep dish pizza in a cast iron pan... and decided to give it a try.

Oh my goodness... talk about yummy! Here's a photo of the one that I cooked on the grill.

I find that if I set my pizza pan on a brick that it's up high away from the heat so that the bottom doesn't burn.

Last year I learned how to cook lots of things on our outside grill. I made a lot of bread... pizza... meatloaf... yes... regular stuff too. Our stove in this little rental just wouldn't hold the heat in the oven... so I got creative!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

-4... but bright sunshine!

Oh my... everything looks so pretty in a new blanket of snow. In our little town we have a dusting... about 1".

As I got Aaron in the truck this morning and turned on the ignition... the truck groaned... what??? -4 degrees F this morning! Wow.. what a change from the warmth of last week.

Looks like tomorrow it'll warm up to 29... then the rest of the week will be in the 40's.

Sure is nice & sunny this morning. Sure doesn't feel like -4...

Friday, March 06, 2009

Pink Panther 2

Rich and I took Aaron with us to see Pink Panther 2.

It was cute... had some good laughs...

I still don't know if Detective Cluseau said "Hamburger" or "Hambereghaa" LOL!

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Went for a walk... came back with a chill...

Wow, the weather really changes fast here in Wyoming.

Mom & I were out for a walk a bit ago. I just happened to grab my hat... thankfully... because about half way through... I was wishing that I had worn gloves!

We stopped at the Post Office to warm up and get our mail. My mother-in-law was there working today.

Well... I'm looking around my cluttered office. Time to do some organizing... maybe box some things up that I'm not using. (Can't wait to move into our new home...)

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Spring is in the air...

I really do love the weather here in the Big Horn Basin in northern Wyoming.... well... except when the wind blows!

I'm just back from a walk with my mom around town... then to the Post Office. Beautiful sunshine... warming up temperature... so great not to have to defrost the truck in the morning!

My dear friends in New England had quite a storm. Sure don't miss shoveling all that snow... but... I do miss taking the kids sledding!

Monday, March 02, 2009

Hi there! It's a beautiful sunny day here in northern Wyoming!

Being a city girl gone country... I'm always struck by the wonders of my surroundings...

We live in the beautiful Big Horn basin, surround by mountains... mountains everywhere you look!

This morning as I was heading outside, getting ready to take my little guy to school. I heard... the rooster singing... the birds churping... I saw the horses in the pasture next to us all waiting patiently by the hay bales.. all bathed in the gentle morning sun!

Time for my walk! Goal... 10,000 steps/day. I'm heading out to the post office... and around town.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

I'm back!

It's a beautiful sunny day here in northern Wyoming. We got some snow yesterday, but it's going away pretty fast!

We've had some really nice weather lately... I'm thinking about gardening! I'm going to give square foot gardening (SFG) a try this year. Got a bunch of seeds ready to go...

Not quite ready yet... still learning about SFG. Have to figure out when to start my tomato plants... and got to buy Mel's soil mixture... but don't know how much I need yet... or where I'm going to set up the frames!

I set up a new site to blog about my Square Foot Gardening adventure! If you're interested, come on by and become a "follower". Here's the link: My Gardening Adventure

Sure is fun to think about all this stuff though...

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Aaron went back to school today! We'll see how his day goes...

It's a foggy day here. Can't even see the mountains. The air is very moist... a special treat for this high desert area!

Oh... yesterday... I was driving home from the grocery store (keep in mind that it's all country here) when I saw this big bird in a cottonwood tree in an open field. There it was... a bald eagle!

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

The stomach flu hits....

My poor little guy has the stomach flu. I'll spare the gory details... It struck on Saturday afternoon at Walmart... bang... temperature...

Took him to the doctor today after noticing quite the rash... all over him! Still running a slight temperature... day 4...

School tomorrow? Hmmm...

Monday, January 15, 2007

Been a long time! I'm back!!!

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

I slipped on my little guy's snow boots to run to the car this morning. It's a little strange to be able to wear my almost 8 year old's shoes!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

I'm on a sour dough bread making kick.

When I lived in Melrose, Massachusetts in my big old turn of the century colonial house, I used to make bread all the time.

Oh, I loved to bang it down on the counter top. What a great stress reliever!

The boys loved my sour dough bread so much that my oldest decided that he was going to sell it. I would make 6 extra loaves each week and he would sell them to neighbors and teachers.

Just walking down memory lane here...

Saturday, December 10, 2005

You know you're in the country when...

You're on the way to the movies to see Chronicles of Narnia, moving along at 60ish mph, when suddenly... deer appears out of nowhere and insist on planting themselves in the middle of the road!

Luckily my husband was able to stop the van in time without hitting them!

***************************************************************************

We had homemade meatballs with spaghetti and my canned tomato sauce. It was yummy!

Friday, December 09, 2005

Just finished writing my Christmas letter that will be enclosed in my Christmas cards. Actually, I've got the first round of cards all ready to go!

I just love receiving Christmas cards! They are part of our decorations as they get taped to around the doorways and windows. It is so much fun to hear from old friends!

Funny... we've only received one card so far... I was bemoning this fact when my dear husband reminded me that I hadn't sent our cards out yet.

We're off to see Chronicles of Narnia tonight for our date night and supper at the mexican restaraunt. I'm craving their shrimp dish....

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Peanut Butter cookies topped with Hershey's Kisses.
Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
Hershey's Kisses.

At our local grocery store, I found some really cute Christmas decorated felt stockings for $1 each! What a buy!!!

I made cookies to fill them. Tomorrow I'll visit some friends and share these goodies.

We're off to the church Christmas Party in a little bit... but first I'm making homemade pizza for supper.
You know you're in the country when...

You're traveling down the highway looking at the multitude of black angus cows grazing in a passing field with snow covered mountains in the background... and you don't get into an accident.


It's so cold here today! -19!!!

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

A new day!

Must be about 3 inches of snow out there today. Got a few more inches of that light fluffy (still broomable!) snow. It's a very cold day here in the single digits... Burrrr....

Several weeks ago when the cold hit, I made up quilt curtains out of that warm window stuff. It's like having a warm winter jacket for your windows and doors. I made one for the drafty front door and one for the back hall entry way. It is soooo much more comfortable in here!

Does anyone make Pizzelles for Christmas? Can you recommend a pizzelle maker for me?

Monday, December 05, 2005

snow...

The snow is falling in fine snow flakes. If I was back home in Massachusetts, this type of snow would accumulate into mounds requiring snow blowers and shovels to remove.

But, here in northern Wyoming... it doesn't seem to amount to much. I've got my broom ready to sweep the walk when it's all done.

This is my 3rd winter here. My first winter was very dry and at times cold. Last winter, we had a light blanket of snow throughout most of the winter. This year seems to be much the same.

My husband (he grew up here) says that when he was growing up there would be feet of snow. But the weather seems to have turned more mild and dry since then.

Massachusetts has been hammered since I left in Fall 2003. I sure don't miss all that shoveling!

I do miss the homes all bright with lots of Christmas lights and decorations.
I do miss going into Boston to see the window displays. Downtown was especially pretty this time of year.
I do miss the earthy pine smell of pine bows lining the pews of the Congregational Church that I attended when I was young.
I do miss those Pizzelle cookies that my Italian neighbor used to make at Christmas time.
I do miss all the Christmas Parties at my neighbor's homes.
I do miss going to Mom and Dad's for Christmas Eve. We'd enjoy shrimp and fish chowder... and all kinds of wonderful food.
I do miss Aunt Shirley's New Year's Day Party with all that yummy food and being surrounded friends and family.

OK, let me wipe my tears and gain my composure here. I guess that I miss home at this time of year.

But, I still DON'T MISS SHOVELING!

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Again...

I liked Dreamer so much that I took my 11 year old to see it this afternoon. Just the 2 of us. I had him buy the snacks-he had to calculate how much money would be needed and pay the cashier.

Later he held the door for me to go out of the theater and we walked arm in arm to the car.

We just enjoyed a bowl of my leftover Turkey soup. The longer it sits the more tasty it gets!!!

The next showing is at 7pm. I'm going to take my 7 year old now. Just the two of us...

This movie is a keeper. I definitely want a copy of the DVD when it comes out.

Friday, December 02, 2005

Dreamer...

Went to see the movie Dreamer tonight. It was sooo good. A wonderful family flick. Think that I'll take the boys to the matinee to see it tomorrow.

I left the theater thinking... am I dreaming big enough?
You know you're in the country when...
Went to the local grocery store yesterday. A cashier opened as I was waiting in line to checkout. As she was running my groceries through, she noticed a bag of stuff that was not given to the previous customer.

She was thinking out loud when she said, "Now was that Cindy Smith or Joleen Lindon? I know that it was one of them."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Wednesday we finally cooked up our Thanksgiving meal. Just a small turkey. Today I'm simmering turkey rice & vegetable soup on the stove and I have homemade sour dough bread that's just about done cooking.

The house smells soooo good. Wish I could share!

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Just spent an hour sweeping the snow out of our "in-process" house.

We had such a scare yesterday...

Our town Christmas celebration is tonight. The town is providing turkey and ham. The North side of town will furnish salads and the South side will bring deserts.

I'm off to the grocery store.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Woke up to a dusting of snow. Everything's all white.

As I walked Aaron to school we were noting all the tracks in the snow. Gosh we have a lot of rabbits here!

The calves in the pasture were not too happy this morning. They were crying out for something to eat!

I spoke to a friend yesterday. Shoot the crud is going around again. That terrible flu stuff. She's got it, actually her kiddos shared it lovingly with her.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Traveled to Cody this afternoon. Past lots of grazing cows and horses.

I love how the afternoon sun hits the Pryor Mountains in the afternoon. They turn almost a purple pinky color, just gorgeous! Purple Mountain Majesty!!
For the past few days the Pryor Mountains have been hidden by thick low grayish clouds. Today with bright sunshine, the snow capped mountains seem to be glistening.

It is a good day!

Monday, November 28, 2005

Wyoming thru the eyes of a Massashusetts city girl:

The cows are grazing in the pasture.
The sheep and mini horses are down the street.
I miss the maple trees!
Large Cottonwood line the streets.
I heard an owl hoot.
The neighbor's black angus cows got out again.

Oh Oh... traffic jam...
The cowboys are moving the cattle across the highway.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Just back...

Just back from a craft fair in Powell Wyoming. There were some really nice things there. One gentleman had cottonwood bark carvings of Santa Claus, bird houses... what detail!

There were so many people there that you could stop to see the exhibitors! And that's something for Wyoming!!!!

I had my boys and my neice with me. They had their own agenda which didn't always jive with my own!

Next year I'm going to go at lunch time and avoid the first thing in the morning rush!

Friday, November 25, 2005

Question of the Day...

My 7 year old was snuggled up next to me this morning when he asked...

"I wonder how Santa Claus can go down those chimneys, you know, the ones with the pipe that runs down the middle?"

What an observant little guy!

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Busy Mom just shared with me her recipe for Fudge Pie. Hmmmm. A chocolate lovers piece of Heaven!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Good morning! Greetings from northern Wyoming, cowboy country. It's really, really, chilly here this early morning. Just a little above 20 degrees. Crispy!

There is snow on the tops of all mountain ranges. It looks really pretty!

A friend here in town gave us 3 dozen fresh eggs the other day. Sure makes me want to raise my own chickens. They taste so good, so much more flavor than store bought eggs.

Didn't get my pumpkin pies baked yesterday... that's on the agenda for today.

I'm also going to get started on my Christmas cards. I love to receive them and love to send lots of them out! It's a tradition to keep in touch with friends. I was actually hoping to pop them in the mail by Friday...

If you're traveling with little ones tomorrow, don't forget to check out that Storynory.com site for some free downloadable stories to take along. How fun!!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Just finished canning the last of my garden tomatoes. 5 more quarts of sauce! That makes about 55 quarts in total! That's a lot of tomatoes!!!

I even saved some fresh tomatoes for our Thanksgiving Day meal.

Did you go check out storynory.com?
Was over to Busy Mom's blog just a bit ago. She shared a link to storynory.com, a site that features FREE ipod downloadable stories for children. This is awesome!

I imagine these wonderful stories playing as we travel about countryside of Wyoming and Montana. We spend a lot of time in our car. It's an hour to our nearest Walmart and 1 1/2 hours to Billings for Home Depot and Red Lobster... and most importantly... Costco!

I'll be processing the last batch of tomatoes today! We'll have some fresh garden tomatoes for Thanksgiving, but the rest will be safely tucked away into my canning jars for enjoyment later this winter.

Thoughts of next year's garden:
I'm thinking that I'd like to grow sweet potatoes next year. I love sweet potatoes!

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Harry Potter...

We stood in line for an hour, then waited another hour inside the theatre for the newest Harry Potter movie.

A few of my dear blogger friends have asked my oppinion of the new Harry Potter movie. I have to admit that I did enjoy it. But... if you have young children, you may want to do a preview run before taking them.

It could be scary for little ones, especially when Harry is dueling with Valdemort (did I spell this right?).

In case the week gets really, really busy...
I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! May you travel safely. May you enjoy the gathering of family. May you eat lots of delicious food and not gain one pound!

Friday, November 18, 2005

Harry Potter TONIGHT!

Just about time to walk little guy to school. It's pretty cold here this morning. I'm not sure that it's even 30 degrees as of yet.

My Christmas Cactus is blooming! I picked it up as a Christmas markdown last season. I've always loved the beautiful blooms of this plant. In my back hall, severely neglected by a lack of water... there it was with beautiful pink blooms.

We're going to see Harry Potter tonight! The boys have been counting down the days. Are you going to see it?

Tomorrow the boys and I are exhibiting my photo postcards. You should see the $$ in my son's eyes! We'll just see how it goes! It will be a good lesson in entrepreneurship.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Good morning. I'm just back from walking my little guy to school. A beautiful dusting of snow covered the ground.

We saw bunny tracks along the way and had fun making our own crazy tracks.

I'm waiting for the water to boil so that I can have some Peppermint Ginger tea( I just pop a couple of these tablets into hot water... hmmmm.) My ears are still cold!

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Thanksgivings food traditions...

It is so cold today!! I think that my bones are even cold. Worked with Rich most of the day today on our new home.

I heard that the old theatre in Cody is replacing their wooden seats. I'd love to have some for our media room. I left them a message earlier today about it.

Hey, what are your plans for Thanksgiving? I can't believe that it's next week!!! We'll be local, surrounded by Rich's family eating turkey and the traditional yummies.

What is typically served for your Thanksgiving Day meal? Leave a comment and share!

We have:
Turkey
stuffing (I love pepperide farm stuffing!)
mashed potatoes
squash
carrots
cranberry sauce/jelly
green bean casserole
fresh veggie tray
deviled eggs
rolls

apple pie
pumpkin pie
cherry pie

Oh my! I'm getting stuffed already!

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

It's Tuesday...

It's Tuesday, but it feels like Monday because the kids were off from school yesterday.

The sun shining bright this morning. Sure hope that it warms up nice today! A big improvement over the wintery weather of yesterday!

I made 18 quarts of Salsa last night. I'm actually coming to the end of my tomato supply. Whew! My pantry is overflowing with yummy canned tomato stuff.

We're getting ready to for a craft fair this Saturday. We're going to be exhibitors! The boys like to sell my photo postcards... so we're going to give it a go....

They are budding entrepreneurs! I thought this would be a really good experience for them. Matthew can be in charge of the $money$ and Aaron can do "promotion."

Matthew wants to raffle off one of my 8x10 framed photos. Probably a sunset photo... Hmmm... we'll see how that goes...

I'm waiting for my photos to come in. I ordered them thru York Photo. Would you believe that they print digital photos for 10cents each without a pre-paid plan? That's the best deal that I've found!

Monday, November 14, 2005

OK... Who ordered SNOW?


Yes, winter has arrived. It's snowing. Looks so pretty.

Guess we won't be working on the house today, though.

My ripening tomatoes are crying out...
Salsa sounds good.

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Keeping the Cold OUT!
It was pretty cold here on Saturday night. The furnace was pumping away... The front door and hallway were so cold. There was a nice breeze blowing right through that door!

So I grabbed the warm window stuff that I had purchased last winter with great intentions...

I proceeded to make a very simple curtain to cover the inside of the front door. That worked so great that I then proceed to do the same thing for the back door and one of the windows. It's made a huge difference in the comfort of our little cottage rental!

My Father-in-Law... an update...
We were to see my father-in-law after supper tonight. He has made amazing, absolutely amazing progress. He's no longer in Billings. Thank goodness because that 180 mile trip each day for my mother-in-law was a killer!!! He's at our local care center for a few weeks for continued therapy.

He's walking now and is a "warmer" version of his old "gruff" self.

I just can't get over how far he has come in a few short weeks. What a blessing!!!!

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Been de-cluttering...


Oh it feels so good to de-clutter!

It all began when there wasn't room on the pantry shelves for my newly canned tomato sauce and salsa. Look how organized my pantry shelves are!! All thanks to my hubby who has excellent organizational skills!

Then my office/sewing room was next. Wow! What a difference!
My desk still needs a lot of work though!

Tomorrow I'm going to a class at Northwest College Cody campus. I'm going to learn all about selling on eBay. Fun!

Thought that I'd learn all about it because my parents want to get into selling their antiques online... and maybe my mother-in-law might want to sell some of her collections of "stuff." And I have these printer cartridges from my printer that just stopped working... that maybe I could sell???

Monday, November 07, 2005

Return of the red ripe tomatoes!

Saturday cooked more sauce from my abundance of tomatoes. Canned 18 quarts!

Looked at my tomatoes today and decided that I'd better get back to work... lots more ripe ones. So my Vita Mix blended up more yummy tomatoes. Got another stock pot full of sauce and still another sink filled with clean tomatoes...

My pantry needs to be rearranged again to make more room for canned tomato stuff.

We're having homemade pizza tonight. It's a favorite at my house.

I've been having fun on ebay. Just bid on this book on Square Foot Gardening. It's about doing gardening in 4x4' raised beds. Supposed to be easier than the traditional row gardening... It sounds interesting. Thought that I'd read about it.

Yes, I'm already dreaming about my garden for next year!

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Busy Saturday...

Hi there. Rich and I went to see the movie, The Greatest Game Ever Played. I really enjoyed it. Would be a good family movie.

Made bacon and eggs for the boys this morning. Matthew is off to the farm to help sort pigs. Rich will be heading down to the house to finish building walls. Maybe Aaron will go with him to help.

I'm teaching the women tomorrow at church, so I've got to get my lesson all together. Also on my agenda is to can up the sauce that has been slow cooking all night... And help Rich with the walls this afternoon...


Busy Saturday!!! What's on your agenda?

Friday, November 04, 2005

Red Ripe Tomatoes

You know all those boxes of tomatoes that I've been posting about?

Well... the majority of them are red... and ripe... and ready to be processed into something yummy.

I've got two stock pots full of sauce simmer... with NO END of ripe tomatoes in sight!

Good morning...

Well, thanks for stopping by. Take a seat at my kitchen table. Would you like some hot cocoa or some herbal tea? Happy Friday!!!

Excuse the dishes... they seem to just keep growing not matter how many times they get washed.

I think that I'll have an Energy drink this morning. I need a boost. Maybe you'd like one too? Rich has been working me pretty hard on that house. We moved a pallet and 1/2 of that heavy chip board yesterday. Things are coming right along, though! We'll have to celebrate when the roof goes up!!!

2nd floor is almost all framed up. Hope to finish it today. Come on by for a visit!

Not as cold out today. Should be quite nice by this afternoon.

We're all getting our hair cut at 1pm today. We are all turning into hairy beasts! Especially me!! I just can't stand it another day!!!!

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

I'll be heading out the door in a minute to help Rich push up the center wall in our new home. It's so exciting to see our home coming together.

My mother-in-law was by last night and gave us an exciting update on my father-in-law. He walked yesterday with the help of a side walker. He is finally able to move his right leg a bit. This is a momentus event!!!!

Happy November!
Here in northern Wyoming leaves are falling off the trees covering the ground. Large 100 year old cottonwood trees reveal their many branches reaching high up in the sky. The air is crisp and filled with aroma of burning wood. Late afternoons between 2pm and 4pm are the warmest part of the day... then the sun drops down for the night at 5pm.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Just back from a nice walk. The weather is so different from yesterday. Nice warm sun... didn't even need my winter jacket this morning.

Rich and I will be off to push up some walls at the house in a bit.

I had all of 3 trick or treaters last night. I guess that I was thinking about my previous life in Melrose, MA when I bought those 3 bags of candy. We used to run out!

Monday, October 31, 2005

Advice?

I've listed my very first product for sale on ebay. Yup, this is my first time! Was pretty easy actually.

My parents have an antique business and I wanted to learn how to do it... so that I can help them get started.

Anyone got any sage advice?

Booo ya!

My littlest gremlin woke up bright and early this morning... ready for the Halloween Day to begin. He's going to be a gremlin and Matthew is going to be an army guy.

The elementary school costume parade is this afternoon. I'm in charge of bringing Aaron's gremlin/devil fork to complete his costume. It's so fun to see all the kiddos dressed up! Yes, I'll have my camera in hand for lots of pictures.

Oh... speaking of pictures... I attended a women's business expo on Saturday. The keynote speaker was Nancy Hill. She was wonderful! What an inspiration! She was the pioneer of the scrapbooking industry!

Have a fun Halloween!!!

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Help!

Good morning!

I'm just back from a crisp walk to school with Aaron and my niece, Jennifer. I headed out in my winter jacket, hat, mittens, and scarf... but it really wasn't too bad out there. It's warmer than yesterday.

My niece had some allergy testing done the other day. Poor thing is allergic to Wheat, Corn, dogs & cats, dust.... and "soo ya". What the heck is "soo ya?" She said, you know... "soo ya sauce... and soo ya beans." Oh... SOY! OK!

She's so sad... that... they're will be no more pizza nights... no more bread...

Anyone out there got a good pizza crust recipe that uses grains other than wheat? Or even a good recipe for bread without wheat?

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

What NOT to do...

Filled up one sink with tomatoes, was soaking dishes in the other. Rinsed out a water bottle for Rich. Headed down to the house to have lunch with Rich.

Returned hmmm, maybe 1/2 hour later to the sound of running water.

Ummm...

Running water and pools of standing water in my kitchen...

Ummm...

Water running down the gas pipe into the basement bedroom... into Rich's dresser...

OK... I swear that I shut the water off before I left! Honest!
Turns out it was left running just a little bit.

Well, the floor got a good wash!

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

I sorted through my boxes of tomatoes yesterday. I filled up my two kitchen sinks with water and a squirt of Basic-H. Got them all cleaned up... Blended them up in my Vita Mix...

Several hours later, my stock pot was full with yummy sauce. Made some pizza for supper.

Canned 11 quarts of sauce last night.

Tonight is meatballs with pasta.

I have yet more tomaotes to process!

Monday, October 24, 2005

You know you're in the country when...

Your brother-in-law calls frantically looking for your husband needing help with a pig that just gave birth...

Black Angus cows appear in your back yard for an afternoon snack after getting out of their pasture...

You have so many tomatoes ripening tomatoes that your the making of tomato sauce becomes a weekly occurance!

Friday, October 21, 2005

Practice Your Flute!

The middle school requires that all the students participate in band and choir. My 6th grader is studying the flute.

Flutes are tiny instruments that fit perfectly in backpacks. They don't weigh too much or make loud head-splitting noises (most of the time, anyway).

"Matthew have you practiced your flute today?"

110 minutes each week is required... or you fail...

"Matthew, your recorder is not your flute... get back to practicing!"

Oh, there's my nephew Joe, who's in 8th grade practicing his saxophone, outside. He actually sounds pretty good!

And Matthew is coming right along... "Matthew, your practice time is not done..."

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Green, Greenish-Redish, Red...

I started sorting though my multitude of tomatoes (boxes on boxes). I've been going to do this for a few days... maybe 7 or so... But today, I noticed a funky smell... so... the sorting took on a bit more priority(it wasn't even on my to do list for today!).

I can't believe how many beautiful ripe tomatoes I have. I'm in the process of making salsa for the first time. It's a messy job! Just got my tomatoes prepared. Lots of chopping and dicing of onions and peppers still to be done. But NOT tonight!!!
How can it be almost lunch time already?

Shoot I'd better get off the computer and get some stuff done like:
-folding laundry
-hanging the jeans out on the line
-washing yet... more... laundry...
-sweep the kitchen floor
-and vacuum the living room!

Well, I have gotten the dishes done... my least favorite task.

I came across this apple oatmeal bar recipe in my father-in-law's farm paper. It looks pretty good. But will it pass the kiddo test?

I've been wondering why I'm so tired today....
My little guy crawled into my bed at some time during the night saying that he had a nightmare. Poor guy!!!

I managed to get back to sleep when suddenly I was smacked in the face with his arm, ouch!
Then I got too hot... but couldn't get any covers off... I was surrounded!

Better go to bed earlier tonight!

Think that I'll put a roast in the crock pot for supper.

OK, I'm getting off now! I really am going to go take care of that laundry...

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Service Engine Soon...

Oh man, just replaced the transmission in my van a couple months ago.... And yesterday that darn Service Engine Soon light came on.

OK, took it in because the oil needed to be changed anyway. I figured some sensor had gone as we've got 109K on our 1999 Dodge van. Well, yes indeed. The CO2 sensor went out... $233 for the repair.

I think that it's time for one of those new snazzy hybrid deals that gets a gazzillion miles per gallon.

Arrrggg...

Tuesday, October 18, 2005



Have I mentioned that tomatoes are taking over my house? I still have about 4 or so more plants covered up in my garden. Covered... and chock full of beautiful greenish tomatoes.

Yup... tomatoes under my kitchen table. Tomatoes in my front hall(boxes upon boxes)... We even have a tomato partition in the kitchen.

Problem... the tomatoes turn red... then need to be turned into something yummy... Will today be the day that ripe, red tomatoes turn into Salsa?

The rooster crowed...




Fall is pretty here. But I do miss the gorgeous color of fall in New England, but as I was walking around town after walking Aaron to school, I took note of the beauty around me.

The wide open countryside is dotted with the green of farm land, the yellow and orange of various trees... mostly cottonwood. The sweet smell of processing sugar beets lingering in the air... as I neared home a rooster was announcing the day.

I'd like to have some chickens in the near future. I know nothing about keeping chickens... but I think it would be such a great project for our family. I can see the boys selling fresh eggs. And I can see the chickens running around the yard.

What I can't see is... how my 2 mouser cats would react to chickens running around... cleaning the chicken coup... plucking feathers of older chickens whose day "has come."

There are a bunch of people around town who have chickens... I guess that I'll have to glean some info from them.

Monday, October 17, 2005

And then there were 3011!

Thanks everyone from Mel's awesome blog for coming by for a visit. We hit 3000 today!

It's a coolish, supposed to be in the 70's kinda day here in northern Wyoming. Just fed Rich and our helper Darryl. Had to heat up some soup to go with sandwiches to warm them up.

We pushed up 2 walls today, east and west... the long walls. I'll be posting pictures of our house progress in just a bit. We're almost there!

The kids are off from school today. Hunting holiday I think.... (I'm sure that this only happens in Wyoming!). Matthew's and his cousin are helping out at the hog farm today. Aaron got to go on a field trip to the corn maize in Billings, MT today.

The Check Engine Soon light came on in the van today. Shoot... we just put a new transmission in it... what now???? I hope that it's just some sensor that needs to be changed.

Anything yummy cooking at your house for supper?

Saturday, October 15, 2005

A special thanks to all you of who came over from Mel's blog for a visit!

I'm pleased to report that my father-in-law was doing so much better yesterday! He seemed to enjoy having the boys there to visit. We may go back on Sunday afternoon.

It's a beautiful day here in cowboy country. I've been out in the garden picking more tomatoes. We've had the plants covered to protect them from frost during the night. I'm actually taking a break! Another 2-5 gallon buckets are filled and 2 big boxes. AND... there's still more plants covered up. I'll have to tackle that on Monday. Whew... Now... where to put them?

I started to clean out my wild flower spot too. Looks much better. Still have some pretty flowers blooming. They're yellow and orange. Sorry that I don't know their names.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Off to Billings...

Just got back from walking Aaron to school. Can't feel my face. Sure didn't feel that cold when we started out. Supposed to get up to 70 today.

The boys are out at 12:15 today. So, we're going to head up to Billings, Montana to visit Grandpa at the hospital(they've moved him from the stroke unit to the rehab floor-a very good sign!), then go get Halloween supplies. I'd love to go to the zoo too! Hmmm... we could do that first then visit Grandpa then go to Walmart....

Rich has had a helper the past couple days. Come on over to my house blog for more on that...

Has anyone seen the movie Flight Plan? Is it any good?

Thursday, October 13, 2005

2900 visitors!

How long will it take to reach 3000?

Invite a friend to come by my 'kitchen table blog' for a visit. May even have some fresh zucchini bread to share!
Gathered up the pulled tomato plants this morning with my brother-in-law's help. Still some corn staulks left to pull.

Supposed to get warmer today than yesterday, although doesn't seem so this morning. I plan to get some more tomato plants pulled and fill another couple boxes with tomatoes.

I may be canning tomatoes all winter!!!! I have boxes and boxes of green tomatoes!!!

Once I pull all the plants, I'll get Rich to till the garden spot for me... or maybe I'll attempt to man that big tiller myself. We'll see! Sure is a strong one. I watched it pull my big strong brother-in-law around the yard this spring when we were getting ready to plant grass.

I'm planning my garden for next year. I would love to grow enough veggies and do enough canning so that I don't need to purchase veggies from the store. Oh man... they just taste soooo good!

Tonight I'm going to make some meatballs. Wanted some yesterday but didn't get far.

Well, I'm going to get back to work. A company that I work with just came out with this supplement for people who get sick every fall & winter. If that sounds like you.... you may want to check this stuff out!

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

The horses are back in the pasture. It's neat to see them running around. There are also 2 calves rooming around.

I was out in the garden for a bit this afternoon. We've had our tomato plants covered with old blankets. I picked a whole box of tomatoes. I try to get to one or more plants each day so that I can get them all picked before the real cold weather comes.

Got some tomato sauce simmering on the stove. We're having spaghetti and meatballs for supper tonight.

It's a beautiful sunny day here! Sure hope that we have enough more of these to get the our house enclosed.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Sad News....

My father-in-law had a stroke on Friday. Tests have revealed that he's also had several untreated heart attacks. He's still in the hospital. They're doing tests to see if he needs heart surgery.

So much to think about... Please keep us in your prayers. Thanks.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Canning Beets this morning...

My friend gave us 3 grocery bags full of red beets. I decided to tackle bag #1 this morning.

I had never canned beets before today. They sure make quite a red mess!!!

Just a few minutes ago, there was a knock at my front door. I said, "Oh NO! I'm not dressed!" I was still in my robe because I had started this beet job early this morning. Anyway, it was my mother-in-law bringing by part of her apple pie that she made yesterday. She has an apple tree in her pasture.

I'm waiting for batch #2 to come up to pressure...

I've found this really neat site for canning. It's especially good for us newbies. Here it is: http://www.paulnoll.com/Oregon/Canning/index.html

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Burr....

Monday and Tuesday were rainy... snowy days. Good to have some sunshine

I've finally turned on the heat. It was so funny... Matthew was sitting on the couch on Monday when he asked, "What's that noise?" We were all quiet for a bit... When I said, "Matthew... that's the furnace running!"

We've a couple nights of frost. Note to myself: CLEAR OUT GARDEN BY 9/30, next year!
Lots of green tomatoes still on the plants. My father-in-law covered a whole bunch of plants on Monday evening, thankfully! I picked all the fruit off the ones that didn't get covered late yesterday.... that was about 5 gallons plus several boxes.

There's tomatoes that are ready to process. Got to sort through the boxes under my kitchen table according to almost ripeness.

My neighbor came over yesterday with 3 grocery sacks of beets. Better get those processed too! And she asked if I needed any canning jars! Well, I've been spending a small fortune on canning jars... so YES! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! WHATEVER YOU'D LIKE TO PART WITH, I'LL GLADY TAKE!

Lots of work processing garden yummies. But oh, how wonderful it's all going to be this winter! Shoot, I might end up with enough tomato sauce to last a couple years!

The sun is shining. Thanks Dad for sending some of sourthern New Hampshire sun and warmth. We got it.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

More canning!

I have this wonderful tool for making tomato sauce! Last year, I did it the traditional way... that was a lot of work!

This year I invested in a Vita Mix. Oh my do I love this thing! Tomato sauce has become very easy! I wash up my tomatoes using this awesome cleaner stuff. Then plop as many tomatoes as I can into my Vita Mix. Whiz it up... dump it into a stock pot and make my sauce... or tomato soup or picante sauce...

So, I just finished canning 8 more quarts of tomato sauce.

I asked my son and niece to pick some tomatoes for me this morning but what ended up happening was that all the carrots got picked, and cukes, and corn. (NO TOMATOES, BY THE WAY!!!)

I'm almost finished canning lots of carrots too! 14 half pints and 2 quarts... really wanted to use pint jars... but had run out!

Guess that I'd better take a look at the corn next.

Friday, September 30, 2005

It's date night Friday. We're getting ready to head out to see Just Like Heaven and maybe catch something to eat in town. Have you seen it yet?

We had a frost the other morning. The cucumber plants have all died off. Lots of green tomatoes still, though. We need about 3-4 more weeks of growing season to get them ripened up. Guess that I'll just have to pick them green and box the till they turn red.

Monday, September 26, 2005

Beautiful sunny day here today!

I'm just back from working with Rich on the house. We got out early this morning, got most of the measuring done for the floor joists which will become the 2nd floor. For more on the house, come on by http://www.howsthehouse.blogspot.com.

I've got chicken rice soup simmering on the stove... Do I want to make some bread to go with it? Hmmmm...

More tomatoes are turning red from the ones that I picked earlier. Time to make some more....??? hmm... maybe some salsa this time.

Sure miss your comments! Did you know that you can click on comments and leave me a little blurb?

Saturday, September 24, 2005

A little cool today...

It's a drizzly cool day here in northern Wyoming.

The house was a little cool too so I turned on the oven and made some Zucchini Bread. This is my father-in-law's favorite zucchini bread recipe. The house smells just wonderful!!!

It's funny... the cool days just brings out the baker in me... I was even thinking of making some chicken soup and rolls.

Rich is off to work on the house. He'll be putting up the floor joists this up coming week. For more on the house visit the house blog.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

I was out for a walk around town after walking my little guy to school. The fall flowers are just beautiful!!

Last Saturday we attended a home show in Powell, Wyoming. We entered lots of contests... generally we never win! But not this time!

We won a ton of sand stone. It's going to make a beautiful patio! I envision it going just outside the day light basement door and maybe the full length of the house for a nice patio. Yes... we will need to purchase more than the ton that we won... probably 4 more tons!

Have you been by my house blog? We finished framing the 1st floor! I'll be posting more pictures hopefully tomorrow.

Tonight we have a Harvest Dinner put on by our church at the town park. It's a beautiful day for it. My boys requested that I make my "special" desert.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Spent yesterday canning....

I went through another two cases of pint jars yesterday. I made picante sauce and tomato sauce... then got it all canned in quart jars.

Then our very generous neighbors gave us 4 bags filled with corn. Wish that I had taken a picture of the boys, my neice and I shucking and cutting the corn off the cob. That gave us 16 pints and 1 quart of corn.

It's a lot of work to can, but I have to admit that I'm really enjoying it!! Guess that I'm thinking of eating these garden yummies in the midst of the winter.

There's still more carrots to be pulled and beans to be picked... and lots more tomatoes to ripen up!



Just updated the house building blog. Come on by for a visit.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

More Garden Yummies...

This morning I walked my little guy (Aaron) to school through the fog. It was such a foggy morning that I thought for a moment that I was no longer in Wyoming but on the sea shore back in New England!

After my walk around town... I went straight to the garden. We had 2 good days of rain... so the garden was ready for some picking.

Here's what I picked:




Then I got my ripest tomatoes all washed up using this stuff. (Imagine being able to clean your house... your kids... AND YOUR GARDEN PRODUCE with the same cleaner!) Then I put my tomatoes into my Vita Mix (I love this thing!). After my tomotoes were turned into a wonderful juice.... skin, seeds, and all... I poured the juice into my big sauce pan and cooked away.

In my first batch I created the most delicious tomato soup... canned that into half pint jars. Next I added italian seasonings to create a wonderful sauce for our homemade pizza... or for pasta.

Wish that you could have smelled the wonderful aroma floating through my little cottage house.

Later in the day I canned 3 quarts of green beans. Haven't done anything with the assorted peppers yet. I'm thinking that some Salsa is in order. Do you have a good Salsa recipe for canning?

Hey, how have you been? Oh... come on by my house building blog. I've just update it with more pictures.

Friday, September 02, 2005

Canning... canning...

I'm amazed at the large garden on the side of our house. We're growing: Corn, Tomatoes, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Beets, Carrots, Peppers, Cucumbers, and Green Beans.

It's just done so beautifully. I've spent the day picking carrots and green beans... and a few tomatoes. Well, actually... it's the canning part that's taken all afternoon. But now we have some garden yummies perserved for the winter.

There is nothing like fresh canned veggies in the middle of the winter!

I decided to bite the bullet this year and by myself a pressure canner... OK it was on sale... It's a really good investment if you're going to have a garden.

Canning veggies is new to me. So is gardening! This is my 2nd summer as a country girl! I grew up in the suburbs of Boston. Now we're enjoying country life in a little town in northern Wyoming.

Ahhh... I'm a little pooped now! But very happy with my progress!