| Jeffy's new dresser is finally done |
[07 Nov 2008|10:08pm] |
On August 10 this past summer, I ordered an "Avington chest" of drawers from Target.com for Jeff. While he was at camp in July, I took everything out of his room, repainted his walls and put up new trim. The bottom half of the walls are red, the top very light grey with oak trim which matches the base boards between the two colors. The window faces east so heavy dark drapes for the window to block the morning sun. We choose dark espresso colored furniture: a tv stand spans the window; Just the right height to fit that space. He also got a tall, but narrow bookcase that matches the tv stand. A dresser was available, but only as an online item. So, I checked daily until it became "available: ships in 4-6 weeks." It finally came on Sept 29, but was damaged. UPS actually dumped it at my gate, crushing a portion of one side panel. It took a full 4 weeks and many calls/emails to target to get a replacement and have the damaged one picked up. Anyway, it finally arrived last Friday. Mom helped me put it together yesterday and it looks fabulous. Jeff has moved all his clothes from his old dresser to his new one. On Sunday we will take out the old one, replace it with the new, and his room will finally be DONE!
Hurrah!
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[05 Nov 2008|10:54pm] |
George got out this morning. I do not know he he just wanted out or if something scared him and he bolted.
Brought the eldest daughter out to the bus this morning. When I got back, poured myself a cup-o-joe, leashed the Snoop and headed out into the morning chill. Released Conner and headed towards the barn to fetch George his breakfast. He was already helping himself to some cornstalks. Hmmmm...that is interesting. You have a 52 inch tall stockpanel fence with 2 strands of hot wire, what are you doing in my garden?
"Oh me? 'morning mom. My this corn is tasty. I think I'll off now."
So I went to investigate. Unplugged the hot wire and beheld the tangled mess that was once a proud fence. Two bent posts, one mangled stock panel. Cut the panel loose, righted the posts, found a replacement panel and then began the joyous task of convincing a 800 pound bovine that his pen is his home and he should really go back into it.
"Oh George....I have some tomatoes for you...Oh George, I have your hay, how about you quit eating directly through the barn window. Oh..duh..Georrge...would you like this delicious apple?"
At the word "apple" George's ears pricked forward. His nostrils flared and he began to drool. He cautiously approached the open spot where he had gone through the fence. When I tossed an apple into his pen, he ambled in. I tossed a few more onto his morning hay and he began munching his breakfast in earnest. Conner had to be called from the pen. Only then could I replace the panel, wire it into place, splice the electric fence and plug the charger back in.
So, where was the Snoop in all this? Why hiding in the barn from the big scary thing. Finished the "morning constitutional" and brought her in for breakfast. Whew, how quickly the time passes. It was already time to get the two other kids up and off to school.
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| How the hell?!? |
[04 Nov 2008|10:32pm] |
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mood |
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Can they call the election 1 minute after my polling place closed? 55 elector college votes from CA assigned with only 7% of presincts reporting? 11 from WA. So, once again, my presidental vote did not count. Well, at least I got some more posts set.
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| Thank you to the person that returned my mail |
[29 Oct 2008|10:20am] |
Thank you for returning my mail to me. I found it in my driveway when I took my children out to the bus. I noticed you actually left it about 75 yards from my gate, so it was not actually on "my" property, but my neighbor's. Thank you for taking the time to write, "Don't litter" on each piece of mail. I wonder: would you have made this concerted effort if it had been a tax statement, birthday card, or twenty dollar bill with my name and address on it as opposed to a political ad?
I'm not sure exactly where along our road it fell out of my vehicle. If at the end, you would have had to come nearly a mile to get to my drive to leave it on my neighbor's property. I'm glad you hold yourself to the same high standard to which you hold others. I'll make sure those items actually make it into my recycle bin. Thanks again.
Your neighbor
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| Fall day |
[26 Oct 2008|09:48pm] |
Today was a beautiful classic fall day in washington, sans rain. Temperatures topped out in the mid fifties, clear skies and the sun was shining. Laundry was at the top of the list though, followed by bathrooms :(
Snoopy got several walks so I could take advantage of the sun, and Snoopy was pleased.
Conner thought he should be a lap dog, but at sixty plus pounds, He's not a lap dog, just a dog crushing your lap! He has also decided that apples are the new ball. Hmm....can't find my ball........i'll just get an apple instead. Whoops! Did I just chew-up my "ball"? It was delicious! I had better get another. Hey mom-these balls are great! I'll bury one here...and here....and another one over here...Auughhh!!!! Turkey birds are pecking at my ball! I must chase them...and so on and so forth. Crazy dog.
George got many spent tomato vines. He thought they were great. Finally got to work outside for a bit around 3ish. Mixed up some cookie dough and make a pumpkin pie. Thanks be to Jose the fruit man who actually had sugar pumpkins. (The people at Safeway looked at me like I was crazy when I asked for sugar pumpkins.) Said pie is cooling in the fridge and will most likely be devoured at work tomorrow.
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| Election Blues |
[23 Oct 2008|07:45am] |
It has been nearly four years since our last major election. We keep hearing "Every vote counts," but is that really true? In the last general election, my vote did not count. I don't mean it blended in with the others, it actually was not counted. I received a post card several weeks after the election stating, "The signature on your ballot does not match the signature card on file." So, my vote really did not count, and I'm still angry about it.
I've taken to listening to NPR for the past few weeks as they are not airing political ads. I've already made my decisions. Hopefully my voice will be heard this time around.
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| Thinking about college |
[21 Oct 2008|10:27pm] |
Kait told Gramm the other day that she wants to go to Calvin College.
"Oh, in Grand Rapids, Michigan?"
"You know where it is !?"
So I asked her what prompted her decision. Was it because of the high rate of employment for graduation educators? The small class sizes? The fact is a private, Christian college?
It seems she did a search for colleges with clean well lit campuses, low crime and homicide rates that offered Early childhood and Elementary education as a major. So, we checked out their website and requisites. We discussed what kind of GPA she would need to obtain and maintain in order to qualify.
Terry's folks are from Holly, MI which is about 125 miles for the college. Maybe we can combine a visit to the family with a trip to the college. hmmm.
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| Home grown dinner |
[21 Oct 2008|10:18pm] |
Tonight for dinner we had:
Two roasted chickens baked with new potatoes. onions and garlic from the garden, home canned carrots and fresh corn. Erin wanted rice instead of potatoes, so I taught her how to make rice. She made a bit too much, but we will have stir fry with the left over chicken.
Tomorrow we are pressing more cider. We will can some and freeze some, then decide which was better for next time. The hard cider I started last week it still bubbling away. The air locks "bloop" on a regular basis. I hope to start more tomorrow.
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| Common Sense Part 2 Saving on food |
[20 Oct 2008|10:20pm] |
We all have to eat to survive but do we only want to survive? Most of us eat by what we like, not necessarily what is nutritionally wholesome.
Step one: take an inventory. Check your cupboards, pantry, fridge and freezer.
Step two: make a menu plan.
Step three: write a list and have a budgeted allotment for food and a shopping frequency in mind.
Step four: prioritize your list things you need for your meal plan vs things you would like to have for convenience and snacks.
Step five: have a regular store you shop at. If you shop at the same store consistently, you will come to know their regular prices and can more readily spot a good deal or one that is a teaser ie buy one get one free is not a good deal if they first mark the price up by 70%.
Step six: have a snack or meal before you shop. If you are not hungry you can more easily resist impulse buys.
Okay, you took your inventory, made meal plans, wrote your list, you know what you need and what you want, you know the regular prices at your regular store. you had a snack you've clipped your coupons and checked their expiration dates and now-- you are ready to shop...right?
Perishable foods. How often are you shopping? This is the first step to saving on perishable foods. If sour cream is sold in 8, 16, and 30 ounce containers for 1,2,and 3 dollars respectively and you buy the $3 carton, yes you have saved more per ounce, but if you only use 16 ounces before it out dates, you are actually out $1 even though you pay more per ounce.
Buy fresh fruit and veggies "in season." Strawberries purchased in June/July are less expensive and far more tasty than those purchased in Dec/Jan. Buy fruits in varying degrees of ripeness. If you buy 3 lbs of peaches for 4 people, they will probably be gone in no time, but if only one person in your family likes them, buy a few that are ripe now and a few that are not ready to eat yet. Most stone fruits can be ripened on the counter top in a closed brown paper bag. Store your purchases properly. Store onions, potatoes, and apples in separate areas to prevent early spoilage.
Non perishables- the staples. My staples are not your staples. I have around 50 lbs of various types of flour in my house- I bake a lot. Baking soda and powder, spices, yeast. Items that are used frequently are purchased in bulk at usually at costco. Costs on baking items are lowest around Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you have the space, stock up. Avoid buying items when there is a "shortage" or perceived shortage. When poor weather comes there is a rush on canned foods and bottled water.
Use your own reusable packages for things like chips and beverages. Buy family packs of meat and break them down for your own family size. Some stores will let you choose a chuck roast and have it ground.
Whew...I'm getting tired, so I will wrap this section up.
-A few things to keep in mind:
-When purchasing bulk items shop "by the ounce/pound."
-When purchasing perishables buy as you use to avoid wasting food (and money.)
-Stores often mark up their regular price before having an "advertised special."
-If you have to drive an extra five miles to save fifty cents on a box of mac-n-cheese, you could have paid reg price at "your" store and broke even.
-Coupons that have you buy something you usually wouldn't buy to get something you want are usually not a good deal.
-Case lot sales are only a deal if you actually use that item.
-Watch for changes in package size/design. Ice cream is suddenly 1.5 qt instead of 1.75, but costs the same a 14 % increase in cost. Sometimes a company will change the design on a package causing stores to discount older stock.
-Cereals and condiments have hugely varying prices for different size boxes/bottles.
-Whole chickens cost considerably less than boneless skinless breast. Just cut it up!
-Make a tally as you go along so you are not surprised when you get to the check out counter.
-Bring your own bags. Many stores are now giving cents off/bag.
-Shop with a friend and split things that you can save on by buying more, but cannot use all of. i,e,25 lbs of sugar at costco.
Happy shopping :)
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| Common sense Part 1 |
[19 Oct 2008|09:54pm] |
So, apparently they (news media) don't want to come out and actually say we are in a recession. They will however, give advice on how to save money in these "hard times." I listened carefully the first few times different news programs announced these "new ways" to save money and wasn't very surprised to find that I already do almost everything they came up with. It is sad people need to be told to do things that I would consider "common sense."
And so I present "Common sense for hard times"
1) Pay cash or do without. Sounds simple right? Not so simple for those who grew up with easy credit. 12 months ago, I would get no less than 3 credit card offers/week. I shredded each and every one of them. (Shredded credit card offers make great bedding for guinea pigs and other small animals.) I have an AMEX, Visa, and Sears MC. I use my AMEX for Costco purchases as I get 2% cash back. It is paid off monthly. I use my Visa for online purchases as it carries fraud protection. I originally got my Sears card to build a good credit rating. I use it for things such as tires and batteries when sears offers an additional 10% off when you use your card promotion. However, if making a purchase would prevent me from being able to pay that bill in full, I don't buy it.
2) Pay your bills early or at least on time. Forgot about a bill and it is due tomorrow? Pay the 10 bucks to overnight it. Most credit card companies charge $40 or more for a late payment. Ten dollars spent is thirty dollars saved in this case.Know what your bills are and when they are due. Allow at least 5 days mailing time or pay online if that is an option.
3) Prioritize your spending habits. I like my house- my mortgage comes first and foremost. I have a lot of meat in my freezer and my well uses electricity- Puget sound Energy gets their share. I own my vehicles, but they must be insured- Statefarm gets theirs. I enjoy being able to contact neighbors near and far- Qwest keeps me connected. I enjoy high speed internet and being able to contact my husband in a timely manner when he is away-- Wave broadband. My animals depend on me for their food and shelter I feed them before I feed myself. The last thing I buy, other than gas, is food.
4) So, how can you curb those cost?
Good luck getting a better rate on your mortgage now. However, you may be able to lower the life of your loan by making biweekly payments. Check how much of your payment is going to your escrow account and how that is distributed. The most common distributions are property taxes, home owners insurance and PMI. If you have enough equity in your home, you may be able to drop the PMI. Shop around for the best rate on your home owners insurance. You may be able to get a better rate by insuring your auto with the same company.
Electric costs can be lessened in a number of ways. If you heat with electric furnace, heat pump, or wall heaters, get a programmable thermostat or keep your setting low: 55-60 should be adequate. Still cold? put on a sweater or get a blanket. Check your seals around doors and windows. If you have old windows and cannot afford to get new ones you can make window quilts or use emergency blankets like curtains to radiant the heat back into the house. During the summer flip them around so the heat it radiated back outwards. Don't just turn appliances off when not in use, unplug them as well. Power strips for your tv/entertainment systems can shut everything off at once
Keep your freezer full, even if that means you have frozen bottles of water. Freezers do not have to work as hard if they are full. Keep it organized- if you know what you want and where to find it, you do not need to have the door open very long.
Run full loads of laundry. Use the warm/cold or cold/cold setting.
Run full dishwashers. Read your manual on how to properly arrange dishes for optimal cleaning. If you only have a few dishes, wash them by hand.
Take 5 minute showers. Yeah, I know "3 minute showers save more power." However, I have longer hair now and it takes longer to rinse :)
Auto insurance: take that "15 minute call could save you a bundle on car insurance" challenge. Longevity with a company, no accidents/tickets, and combining auto/home can save you a lot.
Do you really need high speed internet/cable tv? Dial up works, basic is fairly cheap. Your call. Internet/phone combo packages are available, check with your local providers.
If you have pets, you have a responsibility to care for them properly. Put aside money every month for potential veterinary care. Feed the highest quality food you can afford. Pets fed a quality diet are more resistant to illness.
Tomorrow we will discuss saving money on food. Have a good night.
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| October the 16th |
[16 Oct 2008|10:44pm] |
Got the youngsters off to school this morning then started in on my "off" day before I return to work tomorrow. Repacked the dresser I had ordered from Target. It has a damaged piece and rather than just trading out the one damaged piece, I have to ship back the whole thing and then I get a new one. Washed some bedding and did the dishes.
Mom came over to help out here today. We have decided to swap Thursdays as we are both off on that day. We put up the south side of the retention pond fence. I already had the posts in, but stretching field fence by ones self is not only a p.i.t.a, but can be hazardous to ones physical well being as well. It is now stretched and secured at both ends. I set three posts for the next section (north and East sides), will brace those either tomorrow or Sunday. I have to set 6 metal t-posts for that section, then we can stretch wire again.
Next week we will be fencing at mom's house. Sophia, her cow, is supposed to be moved to her winter pasture, but some posts need replacing. It may seem silly to be doing this in the rain and wet, but it is actually easier to dig when the ground has more moisture in it.
Erin had a friend over for a "play date" (must be one of those east coast things) They played play-doh for hours and ate all the cookies.
Took the kids shopping for some cold weather gear this evening. They each picked out a couple pairs of gloves at Kohl's. Jeff and Erin ech got a new pair of shoes from Famous footwear.
Had a ham hock from one of the pigs we raises and just dug potatoes from the garden, Everyone is in bed, so it must be clean up and bill paying time.
Tomorrow after work I will pick more apples and pick up some grain for the calves.
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| Super Cider |
[15 Oct 2008|12:01am] |
I pressed my apples on a friends press and got 2 gallons of cider! I will start my happy cider making tomorrow. The guy at Olympic Brewing Supply in Bremerton was most helpful. I left with a primary fermenter, 3 one-gallon secondary carboys with airlocks, a hydrometer, camden tablets, a syphon wand, flexible tubing and champane yeast. It was only $41. Woot! He also rents the press for $10.
The straight cider was pretty tasty- Liberty and Gala apples and I'm really excited to pick more apples and try to have another batch going next week with a different type of apple for comparison. First batch should be ready at Christmas.
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| Holy freaking BRRR |
[07 Oct 2008|08:56pm] |
Okay, so it is probably 45-50 degrees out; but when I stepped out on the porch, from my toasty warm: "I've been canning" kitchen, to get my checkbook from my car so I could write checks for the kids' picture day tomorrow, I expected to be able to see my breath.
Please feel free to disect and correct the grammar and punctuation of the above sentence. Thank you, come again.
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| Fruit gleaning |
[02 Oct 2008|08:51pm] |
This has become my latest hobby.
I have come to the conclusion that there are thousands of un- or
underutalized fruit trees in Kitsap and North Mason counties. Today I
went to the home of Miss Nancy's parents. They have two bartlett
pears,two green (maybe granny smith type) and four + greenish-reds :)
Unfortunately they have apple maggots which seems to be VERY common
this year, and are in serious need of pruning. They are the second
oldest orchard I have personally been allowed to pick from. There is
an orchard in Brownsville with a cherry tree so large I cannot reach
around it.
Even with the long handled apple picker, we were hard pressed to
reach to fruit- and then the cows came. No, really...six or seven
large beefy cows. They were quite certain we were in that field for
the sole purpose of knocking down fruit for them, and oh...could you
get on with that please?
But, there was a joyous discovery- one lone tree absolutely covered
in tiny little pears. Yes indeed- Seckle pears right here in Kitsap
county. These tiny little joys are listed as zone 5-8, with 5 being
the better bet. I have never even seen them except as a fruit of the
month type offer. I will definately be returning to pick those little
beauties, oh yes I will. Visions of whole canned seckles are dancing
in my head :)
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[30 Sep 2008|03:01pm] |
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I'm making tomato sauce. It smells delicious!
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| The end of summer |
[28 Sep 2008|10:06pm] |
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mood |
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 satisfied |
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Today I picked a 3 gallon bucket of tomatoes. Tomorrow I will make sauce and salsa. Last week I put up canned plums, plum jam and prunes. I also made fig jam, a first, and it is quite tasty. I made pickles for the first time this year- dills and bread and butter.
I have almost everything I need put up for the upcoming winter and difficult economic times we are experiencing. I need a bit more firewood, but it just needs chopped and put in the woodshed. As long as the weather holds, there should not be a problem. Seed heads on my vegetables are drying nicely ensuring future carrots, spinach, radishes, beans, etc. Fruit trees will be pruned in the coming weeks as they drop their leaves. As each area is harvested, I weed and remove fallen debris then fertilize with composted manure.
The three calves I got in August are growing well and should be weaned at the end of next month. My goats are happy and healthy. The chicks my hens hatched out are finally grown enough that the girls are giving me eggs again. I got five turkey poults this spring- Narragansetts- a heritage breed- that can mate and reproduce naturally. One poult died after 6 weeks, but the others are free ranging, happily munching weeds and bugs. They do like berries though and Conner, my aussie mix, has a jolly good time "herding" them out of forbidden areas. At night the fly up onto the top of the chicken coop and from there to the overhanging alder trees where the roost looking eerily like the vultures in Disney's "Jungle Book." One is most certainly a Tom. I hope the others are female so I can get babies next year.
ALthough I hope the weather will hold for another week or so, I really need an excuse to work inside. Aw well.. soon enough.
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[28 Sep 2008|09:58pm] |
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Hmmm...I have not seen a single "WaMu-WooHoo" commercial all weekend, but last week there were 2 to 3 in every program I watched. Maybe they should have saved the money they spent on advertising and invested it in shoring up their failing assets.
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| Yeah |
[12 May 2008|11:13pm] |
I am Super plumber chick!
Hot water for all!
WooHoo!
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