2013 Blogs

October 8, 2013

Its that time of year again. October has arrived and all the various tasks and chores that need to be done before the snow flies. We harvested our Lima beans for seed for next year. We're planning on doubling our gardens next year since we know we'll have more land to work with. Harvested the last of our purple, yellow, and orange varieties of carrots. Harvested the last of our cabbages, onions, and broccoli. We have some swiss chard growing yet, we'll wait til the first frost for that one. Might get another crop of peas harvested too, all flowering in this chilly weather.

Lots of native and local honey bees spotted this summer in our gardens. Not using any chemicals or chemical fertilizers has brought quite the list of beneficial insects to our gardens. We doubled our garden space this year... less lawn to mow... he he. Yet next year the plans to double again will hopefully give us a harvest large enough to share with our family and friends. Anything not used after that will go to my Farmer's Market stall. Fortunately my mother gave me some fruit trees she didn't have time to plant this year. Apricot trees and a few apple trees as well. We're going to plant them tomorrow and hope they survive the winter and the deer. My hubbie plans on putting some mesh around them to keep the deer from rubbing them to death.

Along with harvesting and planting fall veggies its also time for yard cleaning. For me it also means spring cleaning... since I was too busy to do it this last spring with the addition of the larger gardens. I admit I like cleaning to a certain extent. Slowly ridding your house of stuff you haven't used in years and de-cluttering your frequently used areas of the house is therapeutic. It also gives you a fresh start right before winter. Clean areas to work on those scrapbooks or crafts. Plenty of room to cut fabric or sew clothes for the kids. Unfortunately our sewing machine cord frayed. We have to purchase another one before those projects can start, but there is always something to do.

So toodles my lovelies and have a safe October beginning!

October 13, 2013 Tackle a Nagging Task

One of the goals on The Happiness Project was to tackle a nagging task. I like that idea. I have lots of nagging tasks. When I put them all on a list and try to weedle them down... I actually DO them. Whether its finally getting to Spring cleaning, creating an emergency kit to keep in the vehicle, or the dreaded Last Will and Testament. I have been neglecting this little task for years. I have found that this task nags more than any other one since I now have 3 children. Who will take care of them if something happens to hubbie and me? What about their savings accounts and my small businesses? What about a Living Will? What happens if I am incapacitated and no one knows what I want?

Well, its time to write it out and get it done. The more research I do to find the best way of doing so makes me feel better that I am finally taking care of this task. As someone below the national poverty line, I need to find the cheapest way to do it as well. Preferably free. Alas! The internet becomes my ally! Many free, customizable documents can be printed for free! And all you need is a notaries signature, which some banks offer for free if you have an account with them. Bonus!

So off I go in all my free glory to get a nagging task done! Once I have purchased ink for my printer.... which is also on my task list...

October 22, 2013 Memories

Family has always been important to me. I try to make it to every event I can to support my loved ones. The ones I find hard are the funerals. I'm usually the one trying my best not to cry, but to support others that have been closer to any tragedy or loss. Then I get hugged and all dry eyes fly out the window as the dams burst forth and it sinks in. I have lost someone close to me. I have lost someone I cared about. Even though they are no longer in pain, I miss them.

This month was a bit of a double blow to me. My cousin, Adam Poole, was killed in a duck hunting accident on October 5. He believed firmly in safety and even the most prepared are not immune to accidents. He was a light extinguished too soon. He always gave me a hug when it looked like I needed one... no matter what some of his friends might have thought back in high school. He did his own thing and was loved for it. His grins were contagious and his little pranks were a hoot. They even had a camo day at the local high school in his memory. Teachers & staff, along with all our relatives and friends were at the funeral. I was told they stopped counting at 600 people. There was a line to get into the church. The joke was that he was late to his own funeral since the line took 20 to 30 extra minutes to get everyone seated. It became standing room only after that. I have never seen a line at a funeral. Many tears were shed over the obvious show of support for the family who lost their young loved one.

The kicker... he just got married last month to his sweetheart. As I couldn't get out of work for his wedding... I first met his bride at the funeral. Such a sweetheart. My love and prayers are with the rest of the family as they also deal with this tragedy.

Then there is today. Today is the anniversary of my cousin Ron Hamm's death. I believe I was one of the closer cousins to Ron. He made time for me even tho he was a lot older. Born January 23, 1973 and died October 22, 1992. Just 19 years old. From what I remember of the funeral and the details surrounding his death, he was hit by a drunk driver. I may not remember much about the scenario back then... but I remember Ron. I remember him letting me use his small trampoline to jump onto a top bunk, even after my parents said I'd hit my head on the ceiling. I remember him sneaking me candy when we came to visit. I remember his laugh and his wide, toothy smile. Most of all... I remember him. He will always be close to my heart.

November 3, 2013 Baking Euphoria

November 14, 2013 Cold Day, Warm Kitchen

After not feeling well and just being sick in general for a few days, I have a tendency to get stir crazy. Once I have recouped for the most part, I go on a baking binge. So this morning when my baby boy (he is 3, but hey still my baby) asked for pancakes... I said sure! He immediately runs to the kitchen thinking they are going to materialize before his eyes or be transported to the table by some mysterious means. He has yet to understand we have to mix them up and cook them first. It makes me smile a lot lately. Especially when he wanted pizza last night.... which I botched the GF crust on but its coming along. Still experimenting on something that is not too dry or tasteless.

So with our gluten free pancakes this morning we also decided to take some pictures. So these have been updated under the recipe.

Along with GF pancakes, GF pumpkin pie, and GF pizza..... we also made gluten free banana bread. Here is a picture of the mini loaf. This recipe has also been updated.

My children ate the first mini loaf as soon as they safely could. Its always cute when they run off with a goodie and scarf it down with laughter. At least I know when they like one of my new recipes. My favorite time is when my oldest boy hid under daddy's desk. Every once in a while you would see this little hand sneak out from under the desk and swipe a cookie off daddy's plate. Daddy would come back with his coffee to find an empty plate and laugh, then you'd hear little giggles from under the desk. Usually chocolate chip cookies. This was before our gluten free and wheat free restrictions.

So if you are having a cold day like us today, make some memories and bake up a storm!

November 19, 2013 Good People, Kind Hearts

Once in a while, I will be behind someone at a grocery store who is a little short on cash. Usually a small child trying to buy a simple toy and is 20 cents short or an elderly lady who has misplaced a couple bucks. They always look so heart broken. I'm usually one of those to reach into my own wallet and hand them what they need with a smile. I always receive a smile, an earnest thank you, and sometimes a few tears. I had never been on the receiving end of this situation until yesterday.

All I wanted was a 2 pack of heirloom tomatoes to go with my groceries. I was thinking of treating the kids to a taco night. For some reason, the tomatoes were not ringing up as a food item and therefor didn't qualify for my food stamps.(yep, even hard working people need food stamps) They were also ringing up at the wrong price. We got the price figured out, but they couldn't get the tomatoes, which are obviously a food, to ring up correctly. Its not the cashier's fault. It's not even the manager's fault. It's whoever entered the item into the system. It happens. I happen to also work at this place, so I know how often it does happen. I smiled at the cashier and told her its ok, I guess we just wouldn't have tacos tonight.

I was tired from just working and finding my various cornucopia of baking supplies. There was no way I had the energy to walk all the way back to produce and grab a different, questionable tomato. Plus there were 3 people in the line behind me.

The sweet lady behind me handed me 3 dollars and smiled. I looked at her and for the first time ever I was the one to say thank you for a kindness. The kindness struck me so hard that I tearfully said thank you and paid for the tomatoes. She said she has been in a bind before and that it was no big deal. Well, to me it WAS a big deal. A kind stranger helped to give my kids a healthy dinner that night. I couldn't stop the tears as I paid for my groceries and wished the lady a nice night. She told me to enjoy those tacos. I said the kids will be excited and once again said thank you.

I feel the need to do so again. THANK YOU! There are kindhearted people out there. Just when you think you are hitting rock bottom, someone reminds you of that fact. Not everyone is mean spirited or hates their job. Not everyone is after what you have or trying to harm your children. Some people care, some people are just good at heart.

December 2, 2013 Simple Dinners During a Snowstorm

December 11, 2013 Locally Made Leathergoods

I have to pass on a business in this area I think has been a big impact locally. Itasca Leathergoods of Lake George in Minnesota. They started out with moccasins and boots, but have branched out to so many products I can't stay away from their page. Their locally made footwear feels so soft and durable. I have even tried my hand at stitching a few together when my father-in-law tried to patiently teach me. He is one of many locals working from home for this wonderful company. I thought it would be a great idea to lace them at home for some extra money. Turns out I don't have much strength in my hands for such intricacies. Thats ok, my father-in-law does an awesome job!

These wonderful people have increased their workforce using local people. Their products are made in their Lake George store, but they have expanded their stores to include Crosslake, MN and Hayward, WI. Placemats, belts, and a whole lot more. Tho I am always pinching my pennies, I hope one day to be able to order a custom pair of grape Cota shoes. I do have to chuckle every time I navigate to their website and peruse their goods. After all... my mother will wear moccasins all summer long if she can. So maybe its ingrained in my memories. So for now I daydream as I look at their site. Who knows, maybe one day I can pinch enough pennies to afford a quality product from a local shop.

I encourage everyone to check out their website. They also will trace your feet for a custom fit. How nice is that! So toodles and enjoy the eye candy on their site!

(Logo image belongs to Itasca Leathergoods, check them out on Facebook)

December 18, 2013 Our Businesses

I realized with my last post that I have yet to actually provide any links or solid information about our businesses. So here it is. A blog about our businesses.
Rowland Computers Plus Facebook

My hubbie repairs, disinfects, and builds computers and networks. Our regular website is currently down due to borrowing some parts from our server box to fix my computer. Because my hubbie loves me :D . I do basic websites and advertising.
Caveman Woodworking and Crafts Facebook

We are currently working on the gallery for our regular website. We are hoping to include an online shop eventually and a link to our etsy.com shop once that is operational. For Caveman Woodworking and Crafts, my hubbie currently builds window boxes, birdhouses, napkin holders, business card holders, and other wooden items. He made our bathroom vanity too. Pictured to the upper left. I hand paint rocks and seal coat them so they can be outside (hand painted garden rocks) year round. My hubbie crochets hats and other accessories as well. An example of my rocks is posted below. Frogs, snakes, turtles, ladybugs, cootie bugs, penguins, and bumblebees. This winter I am developing a few new designs. I had requests for loons, owls, fawns, and bunnies. We'll see how far I get once I catch up on my regular stock.

So there are our businesses in a nutshell. This summer I plan on bring our goodies from Caveman Woodworking and Crafts to our local Farmer's Market for the whole summer season. Well, toodles my lovelies!

December 22, 2013 Gluten Free Sandwich Bread

Wanted to add a link to the best gluten free sandwich bread I have tasted so far. It also has nice flexibility so it doesn't fall apart on you. Its not dry and tasteless either.
Gluten Free Sandwich Bread that doesn't suck (yes that's the name of it) Enjoy and toodles!