Saturday, February 23,2007

Posted on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 06:04

Good Saturday morning everyone! I've been so busy tonite! Busy surfing this website and I've not even made a dent in it. Wow, I've learned a lot but the sad thing is that I've been to visit so many that I don't remember who all I've visitid. I'm so new and don't quite feel like I'm able to respond to some bloggs yet. In time. I do enjoy reading about your lives on your homestead. I find it interesting the different views, how things are approached and done yet all have a common goal and seem to me to reach it in some way, shape or form. If there's anyone out there who happens to come across my little blogg here and can point me in the direction of another "urban homesteader" or two I'd greatly appreciate it.

Yesterday I deviated a bit from the menu. Our grocery store had "Amish Chicken" for a very cheap price so I picked up a package of thighs. I browned them in my cast iron dutch oven then when they were almost done dumped a bag of "broccoli slaw" , a sliced onion and some frozen peas on top then let that all steam. MMMmmmmm sure was tasty. I also had mixed up a small batch of biscuits which also turned out very well. My brownies I made for work tonite turned out interesting. As you may or may not recall, my stove hasn't worked since a little before the holidays so I do all my baking in a toaster oven. Well, I checked the brownines and they jiggled a bit too much so I thought another 2 minutes would do the trick. Well, it wasn't long before that pleasant chocolate smell turned into a panic smell. Well, the edges were a bit overcooked!  I was so afraid they would taste burnt but I was assured they don't. They are quite goooooooey tho - almost to much but everyone's been eating them.

How ironic that Thursday night I wrote about my maple syruping Uncle and last night I ran into him and my Aunt at the store. They are sweet folks. He said to stop over and he'd just give me some syrup - I couldn't do that without hauling sap and earning it. I know to well how much work goes into it.

I need to go finish cleaning church this afternoon when I get up. Those 3-11's took a lot out of me and right now I'm fighting to stay awake. Uff da! I still need to go 25 miles to get home. That wind is wipping out there at 25 mph. Snowed a little earlier but not now. Just blowing what snow we did get.

Yesterday I made a list of things I need to get done before I can put the house up for sale. Quite a list but very doable. I'll just have to be patient with the upstairs until my daughter turns 18 and moves out. Long unpleasant story there but let's just say that until then it just wouldn't be worth the effort as it would be destroyed.

Do any of you feel "different" because of the lifestyle you chose? I admit, my family thinks I'm absolutely nuts because I make my laundry soap, clean with vinegar and baking soda, turn my front lawn into a veggie garden, can everything, and live so simply. My daughter thinks I'm certifiable. They think I'm weird because I'm "one of those" - yes I am and proud of it!!! I recycle everything, I have a small but abundant storage system, I am pretty self sufficient for living in town. I'd not starve that's for sure. I collect rain water in several areas off the house and garage. I buy organic whenever I can, use only unantibiotic meat -  of any kind, hang my stuff on the clothsline year round (I've one in my bacement), and I believe in function - it can stay if it has a function or purpose in my home. I don't have a moderen kitchen because I've so many hand tools vs. larger electric versions. Hand held can openers work great, I use wire wisks for everything, I pulled out the old rotted carpet so don't need a vaccum on a daily basis. Make do with what you have is my motto and they don't get it. Sigh......

Well, gotta go. Everyone have a wonderful day! Sending out warm fuzzies to everyone. See ya tonite!