Doom and Gloom!
Seems there is another cold wet spell headed to the sunny south. With mixed reactions I am stocking the cupboards with the makings of comfort food in mind - plenty of coffe, hot chocolate and lots of soup makings and of course some light sweets to replace the energy that seems to evaporate in the cold air.
The heating and air man is here checking out the system. The electric bill soared this past month and I still froze. However, I know I am not alone. My little bill of just over $400 was mild compared to the $700+ that one lady had to pay. We Southerners are just not equipped to handle the icy weather of our Northern counterparts. Heat pumps are not efficient in prolonged below freezing temperatures. Hope this maintenance visit helps our units to perform more efficiently and I will stay warm as toast with or without my fleece.
Like most of the residents of the sunny south, I enjoy a glimpse of the beautiful white fluffy stuff as long as it doesn't continue for more than 2 days and I can stay inside. The ice is another story. I don't like it and it doesn't like me. Cold and wet there is little beauty in iced over trees struggling to stay upright in their heavy coats. The roads become impassable and dangerous, but still have the ability to entice the foolhardy and adventurous out to see if they can best the elements. I would move north if I wanted to experience mountains of snow and ice. I am thinking of moving to Florida to escape the whole ordeal.
My daughter and her family are in north Georgia on top of a mountain. For the first time in her life I heard her complain that she was cold during the cold snap of the past few weeks. She couldn't get off the mountain for several days and I'm thinking it is time for her to come south.
The coldest month is yet to come. February, the month of snow and ice, is still a few days away but already I am dreading its icy fingers creeping into my bones. Yep, I firmly believe that old is not made for cold. Ya'll keep warm and stay dry.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Me and the Bean Bag
I went shopping for some bean bags for the grandchildren for Christmas. I guess my head has been in the wrong place for way too long. The last bean bags I purchased were many years ago and cost me $16.99 each. Not too bad and kids love these things for rolling around on while watching TV. I was looking for something in the girls colors of pink or purple, of course and for one special young man maybe a camo, black or brown, but all definitely needed to be plush. Soft and fuzzy means comfort.
Following my penchant for shopping online, I went to work. Okay, so the first ones I found were not plush, but pleather and the colors were not quite right, but my word these little devils had jumped to $129.99. Where in the world have I been?
I continued on my search and finally found some bags on "clearance" at $59.99, but those colors! And, they were denim! The search went on and on. I found that these wonderful, comfortable little chairs cost in excess of $200.00 and I still could not find my colors.
How hard can a bean bag be to make? I went to work. I wouldn't get them made for Christmas, but I would get them made. I worked my pattern out and found me a piece of fleece - not their colors, but this one was going to be my experiment. Found the pellets on clearance for $17.99. That must be where the cost comes in because the other vendors for pellets started at $37.00. The first step was to make the inner lining, then fill with the pellets, and finally the cozy cover.
The inner lining I made from cotton and adjusted my pattern as I went. It went together pretty well, but was bigger than I wanted. After adjusting I was ready to fill with the pellets. Sounds simple right!? Well, think again. I had left an opening in the top thinking I could just push the end of the bag into the opening, dump the pellets into the liner and stitch it up. Nope! It didn't happen!
Gravity is not stronger than static electricity! (I should have remember those lessons from school, but that was such a long time ago.) Those pellets did not budge, not even one of them! I even tried to squeeze them out - no go. They climbed up the sides of that plastic bag and stayed there. Removing the opening from the liner, I sat and watch those little devils jump around - I think some of them were even laughing! Realizing that there really were not that many pellets (3.5 cu ft) I grabbed a large plastic cup and started scooping them up to pour in the liner. They jumped, slid, and hopped right out of that cup. The trick was out smart these tiny devils! I started to scoop, pause, pour. It worked! I was moving right along until I dropped the blasted cup.
Pellets went everywhere. Plopping down on the floor I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry, but not being much of a crier, I laughed and then laughed some more. Taking a break from the liner filling, I chased styrofoam pellets all over the place. I would get close and they would scramble away.
I spent more time filling the liner than making the whole bag. It was a wonderful project for the day. I am thinking that these will be great for next Christmas and really $59.99 isn't so bad. I would probably consider $129.99. No, I don't think I would cheat myself out of having so much fun.
Be creative! They are not hard to make and can be very entertaining! Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Following my penchant for shopping online, I went to work. Okay, so the first ones I found were not plush, but pleather and the colors were not quite right, but my word these little devils had jumped to $129.99. Where in the world have I been?
I continued on my search and finally found some bags on "clearance" at $59.99, but those colors! And, they were denim! The search went on and on. I found that these wonderful, comfortable little chairs cost in excess of $200.00 and I still could not find my colors.
How hard can a bean bag be to make? I went to work. I wouldn't get them made for Christmas, but I would get them made. I worked my pattern out and found me a piece of fleece - not their colors, but this one was going to be my experiment. Found the pellets on clearance for $17.99. That must be where the cost comes in because the other vendors for pellets started at $37.00. The first step was to make the inner lining, then fill with the pellets, and finally the cozy cover.
The inner lining I made from cotton and adjusted my pattern as I went. It went together pretty well, but was bigger than I wanted. After adjusting I was ready to fill with the pellets. Sounds simple right!? Well, think again. I had left an opening in the top thinking I could just push the end of the bag into the opening, dump the pellets into the liner and stitch it up. Nope! It didn't happen!
Gravity is not stronger than static electricity! (I should have remember those lessons from school, but that was such a long time ago.) Those pellets did not budge, not even one of them! I even tried to squeeze them out - no go. They climbed up the sides of that plastic bag and stayed there. Removing the opening from the liner, I sat and watch those little devils jump around - I think some of them were even laughing! Realizing that there really were not that many pellets (3.5 cu ft) I grabbed a large plastic cup and started scooping them up to pour in the liner. They jumped, slid, and hopped right out of that cup. The trick was out smart these tiny devils! I started to scoop, pause, pour. It worked! I was moving right along until I dropped the blasted cup.
Pellets went everywhere. Plopping down on the floor I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry, but not being much of a crier, I laughed and then laughed some more. Taking a break from the liner filling, I chased styrofoam pellets all over the place. I would get close and they would scramble away.
I spent more time filling the liner than making the whole bag. It was a wonderful project for the day. I am thinking that these will be great for next Christmas and really $59.99 isn't so bad. I would probably consider $129.99. No, I don't think I would cheat myself out of having so much fun.
Be creative! They are not hard to make and can be very entertaining! Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
One Dead Rooster!
Rudy died.
It could have been from fighting (the neighbors rooster put his eye out last weekend while their were fighting) or it may be the new chickens infected him with some strange disorder. OR he could have worked himself to death trying to service all the new chicks. Now I have to keep a close watch on the other chicks.
It could have been from fighting (the neighbors rooster put his eye out last weekend while their were fighting) or it may be the new chickens infected him with some strange disorder. OR he could have worked himself to death trying to service all the new chicks. Now I have to keep a close watch on the other chicks.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Update on my Chickens
I called him Rufus and Hubby called him Roscoe. He is now known as Rudy and has easily been tamed. My ole rooster with his pecking at my feet and flying at me with his deadly spurs has calmed considerably over the past week.
Something devoured two of my layers and left the emptied carcass for me to move. Matilda has never been a good layer (and not too friendly, to boot) so I needed more chickens if I wanted to continue to get eggs everyday. After making the coop and the barn a bit more secure, off to the local sale barn we went and there they were - beautiful Rhode Island Reds just waiting on me. We purchased five of these beauties and in the mix was a young rooster. We wanted all layers, but were willing to take the rooster to get the other four. Rhode Island Reds are proficient layers, but are also known for their aggressive nature.
We move the transport pens into the barn and slowly released our new friends. It being dark, Matilda and Rudy were already on the roost, so we knew there would be no interaction. The new birds went right to roost and settled in with no fuss. The next morning was a different story. Yes, Rudy had a gleam in his eye with all the new chicks about, but that young rooster really irritated him. He pranced and clawed and showed his stuff for two days finally settling down and accepting the fact he was no longer the cock of the walk. The new layers explored and ignored Rudy and Matilda and "took over" the chicken coop and barn. They definitely outnumbered Rudy and Matilda.
I haven't named the new layers or the rooster, but I am working on it. These layers are very friendly and love to eat out of your hand and enjoyed a bit of rubbing, too. One has already started laying and I am looking forward to getting more than one egg every two days.
Thanks for letting me share my day on the farm with you and
Happy reading!
Belle
Something devoured two of my layers and left the emptied carcass for me to move. Matilda has never been a good layer (and not too friendly, to boot) so I needed more chickens if I wanted to continue to get eggs everyday. After making the coop and the barn a bit more secure, off to the local sale barn we went and there they were - beautiful Rhode Island Reds just waiting on me. We purchased five of these beauties and in the mix was a young rooster. We wanted all layers, but were willing to take the rooster to get the other four. Rhode Island Reds are proficient layers, but are also known for their aggressive nature.
We move the transport pens into the barn and slowly released our new friends. It being dark, Matilda and Rudy were already on the roost, so we knew there would be no interaction. The new birds went right to roost and settled in with no fuss. The next morning was a different story. Yes, Rudy had a gleam in his eye with all the new chicks about, but that young rooster really irritated him. He pranced and clawed and showed his stuff for two days finally settling down and accepting the fact he was no longer the cock of the walk. The new layers explored and ignored Rudy and Matilda and "took over" the chicken coop and barn. They definitely outnumbered Rudy and Matilda.
I haven't named the new layers or the rooster, but I am working on it. These layers are very friendly and love to eat out of your hand and enjoyed a bit of rubbing, too. One has already started laying and I am looking forward to getting more than one egg every two days.
Thanks for letting me share my day on the farm with you and
Happy reading!
Belle
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Around the Corner
Time is speeding by, whether this is due to my age and me moving somewhat slower or whether everyone else has sped up, but regardless the days are not marching but racing toward . . . something! Goodness, it seems only yesterday we were celebrating the beginning of a new year and now we are in the middle of the month.
We are just a couple of weeks away from starting our indoor seed beds for those plants yearning to be given a chance to flourish and produce. As I have stated before February is my month of depression. Not yet the end of the cold, wet and windy weather that keeps me inside and not yet the beginning of the warm spring temperatures that so heal my mind.
I have tried in the last few years to save some of my more interesting projects for the month of February to keep me busy and my mind stimulated. Planning my garden is probably foremost on my mind. I actually have two gardens - one for vegetables and one for herbs.
As I have aged, I have searched and researched methods to reduce the physical labor needed for a productive garden. As much as I enjoy neat and clean rows, mulching reduces much of the labor and results in happier and healthier plants and saves my back from much bending and pulling.
March is my month of renewal. The later part of the month always brings the first warm days as we start our turn toward the sun. I watch the temperatures change as we slowly make our turn back to the sun and the warmth motivates me once again. I probably should just hibernate from December through March! Spring cleaning come early here as the outside starts calling to me around the end of March when everything must be prepared for the spring days. My anticipation grows as I wait for my hummingbirds to return so I can watch their antics. I scour the garden for the first peek of green shoots hoping that I haven't lost too many plants over the harsh winter that has been so rough on humans and animals alike.
April arrives awakening all living things and I smile from inside. The month of showers doesn't bother me as I know God is watering his plants and bringing joy to my heart. The ground has warmed and the air is refreshing.
And then right around the corner . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
We are just a couple of weeks away from starting our indoor seed beds for those plants yearning to be given a chance to flourish and produce. As I have stated before February is my month of depression. Not yet the end of the cold, wet and windy weather that keeps me inside and not yet the beginning of the warm spring temperatures that so heal my mind.
I have tried in the last few years to save some of my more interesting projects for the month of February to keep me busy and my mind stimulated. Planning my garden is probably foremost on my mind. I actually have two gardens - one for vegetables and one for herbs.
As I have aged, I have searched and researched methods to reduce the physical labor needed for a productive garden. As much as I enjoy neat and clean rows, mulching reduces much of the labor and results in happier and healthier plants and saves my back from much bending and pulling.
March is my month of renewal. The later part of the month always brings the first warm days as we start our turn toward the sun. I watch the temperatures change as we slowly make our turn back to the sun and the warmth motivates me once again. I probably should just hibernate from December through March! Spring cleaning come early here as the outside starts calling to me around the end of March when everything must be prepared for the spring days. My anticipation grows as I wait for my hummingbirds to return so I can watch their antics. I scour the garden for the first peek of green shoots hoping that I haven't lost too many plants over the harsh winter that has been so rough on humans and animals alike.
April arrives awakening all living things and I smile from inside. The month of showers doesn't bother me as I know God is watering his plants and bringing joy to my heart. The ground has warmed and the air is refreshing.
And then right around the corner . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Monday, January 11, 2010
Projects
I am starting some new sewing projects and plan to open an Etsy shop in the near future. I have some unique items in development and would love some feedback when they are posted.
The ties that I have made have been confiscated by Hubby. I guess I will have to get outlandish before he will leave them alone; his interest and praise is a huge boost to my confidence.
The time is now for summer planning and I have several items chasing around in my mind. If summer is as warm as winter has been cold, the styles will have to be cool and comfortable. I have definitely not presented much style this winter as I seem to have lived in my sweats, but I have stayed warm and cozy.
The grandchildren have also provided many ideas. They have even picked the material for their requested projects. It is surprising what little ones can envision when all they see is a piece of material.
I am off to my sewing. Thanks for dropping in - I look forward to your visits.
Happy reading!
Belle
The ties that I have made have been confiscated by Hubby. I guess I will have to get outlandish before he will leave them alone; his interest and praise is a huge boost to my confidence.
The time is now for summer planning and I have several items chasing around in my mind. If summer is as warm as winter has been cold, the styles will have to be cool and comfortable. I have definitely not presented much style this winter as I seem to have lived in my sweats, but I have stayed warm and cozy.
The grandchildren have also provided many ideas. They have even picked the material for their requested projects. It is surprising what little ones can envision when all they see is a piece of material.
I am off to my sewing. Thanks for dropping in - I look forward to your visits.
Happy reading!
Belle
Friday, January 8, 2010
Cold Weather Appetites
It was in the teens this morning with ice and frozen snow covering the lawn and trees. It didn't take long for the hunger to set in so I headed to the kitchen. With only the two of us at home, I quit making biscuits a long time ago. Mary B's frozen buttermilk biscuits suit us just fine and I don't know how to make four biscuits at a time which is all we need. If I cook more, we will eat more. This morning I made a pan of two dozen buttery biscuits (yes I remembered how)! We quickly consumed five of those delicious beauties.
Yesterday in anticipation of the ice, snow and temperatures in the teens, I dropped a chicken in the boiling pot with some onions, celery, and garlic. The house smelled delicious! Late in the afternoon, I pulled the chicken out of the stock to cool and spilt that rich chicken broth between two pots. In one pot I added a cup of rice and a quart of milk. After pulling the chicken off the bone, I dumped it into the pot and allowed the soup to simmer below boiling for about an hour. Today the other half of the chicken broth is the base of a pot of potato soup.
This weekend is wood splitting time. There will be enough trees cut and split to heat five households for the rest of the winter. When all the guys get together it doesn't take long for the stacks to rise and the air is filled with the smell of resin from the split wood. They get mighty hungry from the labor and the cold. Soup, biscuits and cornbread go a long way in appeasing their appetites without making them tired and lazy and the babies love milk biscuits!
Well, one pan of biscuits are gone, so I must get in gear for the next batch. Stay warm, be happy and eat well!
Happy reading!
Belle
Yesterday in anticipation of the ice, snow and temperatures in the teens, I dropped a chicken in the boiling pot with some onions, celery, and garlic. The house smelled delicious! Late in the afternoon, I pulled the chicken out of the stock to cool and spilt that rich chicken broth between two pots. In one pot I added a cup of rice and a quart of milk. After pulling the chicken off the bone, I dumped it into the pot and allowed the soup to simmer below boiling for about an hour. Today the other half of the chicken broth is the base of a pot of potato soup.
This weekend is wood splitting time. There will be enough trees cut and split to heat five households for the rest of the winter. When all the guys get together it doesn't take long for the stacks to rise and the air is filled with the smell of resin from the split wood. They get mighty hungry from the labor and the cold. Soup, biscuits and cornbread go a long way in appeasing their appetites without making them tired and lazy and the babies love milk biscuits!
Well, one pan of biscuits are gone, so I must get in gear for the next batch. Stay warm, be happy and eat well!
Happy reading!
Belle
Monday, January 4, 2010
It's Here
It is freezing outside! So cold that even my demonic animals are inside by the fire (and it has been gong constantly). The wind is sending daggers of cold right through the body making all barriers useless. The promise of snow later in the week brings a smile to my face until I open the door and slide into the frigid air.
In 1984 we hosted a New Year's Eve party in 4 degree weather. Everyone was gathered around the fire and still froze. Worst party I have ever had the pleasure to attend much less give. At midnight, everyone rushed to their warming vehicles to escape the angry weather making it the shortest party ever for this celebration. Strangely enough it warmed up a great deal with the departure of the guest. Believe me cold doesn't always mean snow, so there was no reason to keep opening and shutting the door to "see if it's snowing".
Well, for those of you who think we must have 3-5 days of freezing temperatures to kill the insects - we should not have any bugs, insects or anything else for the next year or two after this weeks temperatures. Do you think it will drive the armadillos south again?
Those beautiful palms that I refused to put in the ground year before last and now in the ground and will probably perish after this front finishes dumping its icy temps. I look for them to jump out of the ground and run back to Jekyll and the warm soil of the coast. I think it will be safe now to prune the trees and shrubs and shape them up for a beautiful spring. Surely the sap raced down the stems to escape the wintry blasts.
My grandchildren are on the way and I am so happy! I will fill their little tummies with good gooey chocolate pies and fruity strudels. There is so much I need to share with them and I will have only a few days in which to catch up and build memories. I so need to see the sparkle in my daughters eyes and hear her joyful laugh.
I know I have rambled a bit tonight. I lost a most important and longtime friend this New Years. I had things to tell him before he left us and so many things to thank him for before asking God to take special care of him. Life was not always good to our friend, but then God knows that and will grant him peace. Hubby and I spent a day in remembrance and thankfulness for our friend - so many years takes a little bit of time - but we enjoyed the journey and we enjoyed the friend.
Thank you for returning to check on me and my thoughts. They will come back together over the next few days and maybe the writing will be more sensible.
Remember, you can't build a future if you live in the past. Move forward, thank God and be nice!
Happy reading!
Belle
In 1984 we hosted a New Year's Eve party in 4 degree weather. Everyone was gathered around the fire and still froze. Worst party I have ever had the pleasure to attend much less give. At midnight, everyone rushed to their warming vehicles to escape the angry weather making it the shortest party ever for this celebration. Strangely enough it warmed up a great deal with the departure of the guest. Believe me cold doesn't always mean snow, so there was no reason to keep opening and shutting the door to "see if it's snowing".
Well, for those of you who think we must have 3-5 days of freezing temperatures to kill the insects - we should not have any bugs, insects or anything else for the next year or two after this weeks temperatures. Do you think it will drive the armadillos south again?
Those beautiful palms that I refused to put in the ground year before last and now in the ground and will probably perish after this front finishes dumping its icy temps. I look for them to jump out of the ground and run back to Jekyll and the warm soil of the coast. I think it will be safe now to prune the trees and shrubs and shape them up for a beautiful spring. Surely the sap raced down the stems to escape the wintry blasts.
My grandchildren are on the way and I am so happy! I will fill their little tummies with good gooey chocolate pies and fruity strudels. There is so much I need to share with them and I will have only a few days in which to catch up and build memories. I so need to see the sparkle in my daughters eyes and hear her joyful laugh.
I know I have rambled a bit tonight. I lost a most important and longtime friend this New Years. I had things to tell him before he left us and so many things to thank him for before asking God to take special care of him. Life was not always good to our friend, but then God knows that and will grant him peace. Hubby and I spent a day in remembrance and thankfulness for our friend - so many years takes a little bit of time - but we enjoyed the journey and we enjoyed the friend.
Thank you for returning to check on me and my thoughts. They will come back together over the next few days and maybe the writing will be more sensible.
Remember, you can't build a future if you live in the past. Move forward, thank God and be nice!
Happy reading!
Belle
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