waiting

The park was accessible, so we went and burned off some serious energy, for all of us.  We decided to go to Route 66 State Park yesterday, it's one of the pups absolute favorite places to romp.  And romp they did.  In that giant park there were probably 4 of us brave enough to consider 30° to be warm enough for a nice walk in the snow. I had asked the pups if they wanted to go, around 1 pm, but then thought to ask James when he would be available for a late lunch as he was out in that neck of the woods.  Let me tell you, they were not happy about waiting as you can see from the picture.  Every few moments they turned and stared me down for two hours. 

This morning it was only 19°, so we went to a closer park/path.  Again, most folks aren't crazy evidently and they did not join us on our morning romp.  I am fairly certain my pups are going to sleep a fair amount of the day, heck I might join them.  Romping through the snow is exhausting, especially since I'm short and 8" of snow is past mid-calf. Belle and Beau were definitely chest deep as they ran through the wide open spaces and sunk time and time again. 

our view this morning... Meramec Greenway Park

The fresh air was definitely needed.  Cold fingers and ears, even with gloves and hats on were a welcome feeling.  Being one with nature is so very important to me and them.  

I know I lost it yesterday, I'd had too much time to process too many things.  Listening to the news this morning and hearing all the water main's that are bursting causing me even more concern for the folks around us.  Knowing what my family in the south is dealing with... again, stressful.  Today, I am calmer.  I took time disconnect from it all as we walked.  Thankful for the folks that plowed those pathways to allow the peace to over take us.  

We haven't taken a picture together
in what feels like forever.  Just missed
Belle peaking between us.

Talking to my neighbors that were working on the walks in front of their homes, we were questioning if we are going to see the snow gone before spring.  Standard consensus... nope.  This cold is definitely holding on to it and the snow drifts that we are all creating will probably last until summer at this point.  It's crazy. 

This morning I was looking through photos I took yesterday and then just got sucked into looking at the past few months.  Back in November I checked our local persimmon seeds, wondering what the prediction was for this winter.  Each little seed showed a shovel or knife like seed.  As mild as December was, I though darn, they were wrong.  Well, I guess January needed a moment to get ready.  Because it definitely delivered. 

The persimmons never lie...

I finally decided to make my first batch of lip balm, the dryness in the air was causing my lips to crack and feel a bit tender, I knew it was time.  I've been wanting to try making them with tallow, beeswax and essential oils, the healing properties are amazing.  I did add a few drops of vitamin E oil, as I wanted a bit more of preservative added naturally.  I had purchased all of the stuff I needed long ago, but as usual I kept coming up with a reason not to try. Fear of failure?  Maybe.  Fear of the unknown? Probably.

Today, I am berating myself a bit for my procrastinating nature. I will make more, trying other ingredients that will make it even more nourishing.  Not today, I currently have 6 tubes of lip balm, that should last me for a bit of time. It felt nice to finally not have to carry that task forward to yet another week on my weekly calendar. 

My last soap was finally firm enough to cut yesterday. I was running an experiment, I usually add sodium lactate to soaps, as it creates a harder bar of soap.  This batch needed a bit longer in the mold, okay almost a full week.  I won't know for months yet how it holds up against the soaps that I have added it to.  It is mostly a curiosity thing, not so much a dislike of the addition. 

Well, I guess that I should get busy today.  Since it's still super cold and my pups are snoozing, I guess I will start marinating dinner and then head up to the sewing studio.  Wonder how many more items I can get checked off my list? 

If you are out and about, roads are fantastic, the cold is not!  Stay warm!!

much love, 

b

 

frosty thoughts...

Brrrr... how is everyone doing?  The cold has definitely arrived.  After almost 30 hours of snow, glittery at times, full snow ball size at others, we are finally enjoying beautiful sunshine.  Living in a snow globe is beautiful, and we definitely enjoyed the peace of it all.  When the last flakes dropped Sunday, I went out to shovel, definitely over 8" of fluff.  Thankfully, it weighed very little, so it was super easy.  Unfortunately the plow didn't show up until quite a bit later and they were kind enough to push an 18" by 3 ft wide wall across our entire driveway and mailbox.  

Oh, the sadness.   That batch wasn't light, it wasn't fluffy.  It was soggy from the ice melt and heavy.  Our house sits right at the limit for the snowplow around the circle.  It will always end up right where it did.  It's so incredibly frustrating.  I've called the city, we've had long discussions about it.  Fact is, if we want out of our driveway or the mail delivered before these snow drifts melt, it needed moved. 

Move it I did.  Superwoman mentality is reminding me of my age yesterday and today.  A couple of Aleve and a few slow days have definitely been on the agenda.  On the flip side of that, my sweet Hubs was able to safely get out of the driveway on his way to work yesterday - so thankful my little Subaru is AWD.  I have my own opinions on that, but evidently, they will forever collide with decision makers.  

Belle is not interested in the cold at all!

Sunday, while resting between shoveling sessions, I was browsing social media.  I gotta tell you, I definitely don't understand people, I'd like to say anymore, but I guess it's always been there.  I mean I understand that most folks don't cook at home anymore.  I get it, when we both worked outside of the home we rarely ate at home. I also understand that when you haven't got things to do, due to the weather it can lead to some serious stir crazy ideas.  I completely understand being lonely without someone to talk with or hang out with. I mean, we are programmed to work, to be on the go, to always be doing something. Rest and calm have been demonized in our society for so very long, that we feel guilty when we pause. A forced pause is even more frustrating and anxiety inducing. I'm guilty as charged, it is definitely something I am working on, not very successfully, but I am working on it. 

Beau is on the impatient bus, 
cold doesn't bother him at all

I do not understand the level of ugly. The people that were defending closures and folks staying home safe and not getting in the way of the road crews if they could help it, sure got beat up.  Sometimes even by the shop owners, harshly justifying their reasons for opening in a snow storm. 

Many times over my corporate work life, I was made to feel I didn't matter. That my life and safety were second to profit and others wants. I've worked out in the brutal cold making it safe for the people that couldn't "safely go to work" to be able to come to my place of employment for their personal wants, I can't even call it needs.  I have driven to and from work in dangerous blizzard like conditions so that others weren't inconvenienced from their leisure activities. The decisions being made by folks that didn't have that 25 minute drive turn into 3.5 hours of pure terror. 

So to hear people that are always shouting from rooftops about safety, caring, and protecting others automatically shift into the "Why are you inconveniencing me? What do you mean you aren't open - I have the day off.  I pay for this or that, I have a right to be there whenever I want." Frankly, it's mind boggling.  

after being shoveled twice on Saturday

Did I go out yesterday, yep.  After the city had said it was safe to travel and go about your life.  On Saturday morning before the storm even rolled in I saw a car slide out of control on a flyover ramp.  They were facing the wrong direction on the highway when they finally came to a full stop.  A flyover ramp that was easily 20 ft or higher over the interstate.  Last winter someone went over a guard rail on a bridge after hitting the snow bank when they lost control.  I remember reading all the praising of that wonderful person, how it shouldn't have happened, etc.  I felt so sorry in my soul for their loved ones, family and friends.  All while wondering if they were rushing to a job, that demanded their presence with zero concern to their safety. 

If you have to eat a sandwich instead of a fancy meal.  I'm sorry.  The person making it has a life also, they probably want to continue living it.  And for the shop owners losing their tempers at people voicing concerns... So happy that you live in the same building as your shop.  Bet all those folks searching for somewhere to go, don't.  So who are they endangering getting there?

As for the folks not able to go to the movies, shopping, the fitness center etc... Here's an idea to get your workout in, entertain yourself and also help your fellow man.  Every social media site has people that are elderly, disabled in someway, a single parent that cannot leave their children alone for very long (you get the picture right?) that are pleading for someone to shovel their driveways and walks.  Asking where the kiddo's are that used to beat down their doors every snowfall with their shovels in hand asking for $10 - $20 to shovel a walk and driveway.  I can assure you after doing our drive, walk and then the road to exit our home.  I am 100% aware that I am now 60, but I am not regretting missing my daily walk, because I definitely got a full workout. 

I understand that landscaping businesses are looking for work, not at all trying to take that away from anyone, but the prices people are quoting to clear a sidewalk and driveway blows my mind.  If I hadn't caused some pain (due to other health issues of my own) I would have shoveled a few of my older neighbors walks/drives for them.  I wouldn't have charged them.  I would have done it.  

Driving down to our daughters house yesterday, I saw all the places where the sidewalks didn't get shoveled.  I completely considered going and doing those walks to connect the sidewalk for everyone walking their pets.  Physically, I can't.  I will not harm myself further.  But if you are looking for a solid workout and a feel good community service opportunity.... 

I simply don't understand why people can't help each other.  Bond together, provide support.  Instead we attack those online or in person questioning why their lives are less important than the ones asking them to risk them. 

Sadly, some of those people asking the questions will also be the ones showing up.  Maybe they can't afford the unpaid day, or maybe they can't risk losing their jobs because the bosses simply didn't understand.  Maybe they drive an older vehicle or rely on public transportation and getting there is simply impossible and beyond unsafe.  Maybe they live on a street that will not be plowed.  My friend lives in the city - check that - in the CITY, yet their street will never be plowed.  It's not deemed important to get those small side roads, except by those that live there.  

My head is spinning, my anger level is a bit high - I cannot fathom such a self-centered world.  I get it, we are all conditioned to getting what we want when we want it.  I was going to buy something on Amazon (yes, I know) the other day, but when I saw that it would take me over a week to get it, I hesitated (it gave me pause to think).  I'm not used to waiting, my impatience definitely leads me to buy things that when I think, I might not buy.  

I didn't really need what I went to pick up yesterday, I wanted it, but I didn't need it.  I wasn't angry that I had to wait in line for almost 15 minutes, I was simply thankful for the folks that were there.  I was grateful to be able to safely get where I was going and be able to buy what I wanted.  

Driving there Hubs and I watched a car literally pull out right in front of a massive snowplow.  Cut them off.  I was so thankful for that snowplow drivers attention.  He had the right of way - on many fronts - but he was able to stop, the folks that were behind him were able to adjust and stop or pull to the other lane.  And the self-absorbed person was able to safely drive away.  Why are people so detached from any form of personal responsibility? Who would have been sued if those steps hadn't happened just as they did?  

Whew... you can tell I'm fussy.  I am trying to give grace, but I am fussy. Today is another day, the sun is out, the temperatures will move above zero.  I thought about walking my babies that are getting a bit stir crazy, but I heard the snowplow come through dropping more salt.  Too dangerous for their paws and those sidewalks are still at least 7" deep with snow. So we will continue to have patience. 

As I am bringing down my temper, granted a great deal of it stems back to decades of being less important than others in these situations.  I can completely empathize with the ones pleading for someone to see their value, I can understand their fears and sadness at being over looked. I have always maintained that if it is bad enough for others to be off work to keep them safe, then it should be bad enough to simply stay home.  

Those poor essential workers (God Bless them!!), the hospital workers, the road crews, the emergency crews, police, fire fighters, you know who I am talking about, they need for more of us to listen.  To make their lives easier in an already stressful situation.  They didn't want to risk their lives going out either, but they did.  Why not support them as do a task that the majority of us opt out of?

enjoy the snow...

Okay... it's time for me to back away.  It's time for me to work on some activities and projects. And wait for a safer day to walk my pups. After I call the repair shop and get a wiper arm and blade for Hubs truck... seems it was cold enough for it to fail and snap in two.  That's a first for both of us. 

much love, 

b

the cold...

brrrrrrr... yep, that sums it up perfectly.  I have no idea how much snow we will end up with, but we've already shoveled the drive and sidewalk twice since 8:30 am.  It wasn't supposed to start until after 2 pm, but man plans, God laughs.  It was a soft airy snow as it began to fall, shortly after Hubs and I went up to top off our gas tanks.  You definitely do not want to be low when the weather is bad.  

I decided I'd have plenty of time to run south to my quilt shop. I definitely had time, but just barely.  Within an hours time, the roads had hit the end of my comfort level. We'd planned one more stop, but the intersections and one and off ramps had gotten far too slippery for comfort and I have an AWD. We got home at the same time, shoveled for the first time and stopped for the day. 

I have two mystery quilts going this year and I wanted to get the fabric for the one as full yardage. I have no idea what it will look like when unveiled in October, but this one is going to be my first black and white one.  I've been wanting to try one for a long time, but I never seem to get to the ones I want to make for me. So the wonderful young lady that owns Your Quilt Shop helped me pick some fabulous colors. I cant wait to see how it will turn out.  I'm excited to start. Although I am a bit frazzled today and not in a sewing mindset, so I will head up tomorrow morning once I've given all the meds and made breakfasts.  I will work on both of my mystery blocks then.  

The second one is a 250th year Celebration quilt.  It will be red, white and blue.  I did grab a few more fat quarters for that one.  It will be scrappy, so I will probably pick up odds and ends throughout the year. It is 12 months long, so I have plenty of time to acquire additional colors and prints as the mood hits me. 

We were supposed to have a lull in the snowfall, but so far it appears to have decided not to happen.  I wonder if that will affect the amount of snow we finally get. Who knows.  I'm not at all worried about it, although my Pups are a bit concerned about the lack of a walk.  We toughed it out yesterday, but I'll be honest, I am not tough enough for -15° wind chill.  My fingers were burning from the cold through my very thick gloves. They are going to have to wait until the temperature gets out of the single digits. 

No sunrise this morning...

It wasn't supposed to start until 2 pm,
this was noon... 

I was doom scrolling earlier while cooking lunch and came across a sentence that really resonated with me.  "When you prepare, you don't have to get ready".  That is truly how this week has felt to me.  While everyone was scrambling to stock up on bread, eggs and milk.  We weren't.  We weren't rushing around to buy staples, take care of pet needs, or any of it.  I went into Pan Asia to see if they had any beef femur bones, as my pups love them and we'd run out.  I thought they might help them stay "busy" while stuck inside.  They didn't, in fact they didn't have any bones of any kind... I moved on.  I did pick them up some duck feet that are still thawing, I will pop them in the dehydrator once they can be comfortably handled. 

I didn't need fabric, I wanted it.  

We are prepared for most anything that is heading our way.  As the cold was going to be so extreme, we did go buy insulators for both outside faucets.  Something we haven't needed before, but felt it wise to err on the side of caution. 

I didn't truly need gas, the 4 gallons I added were not exactly going to cause a huge difference for us, but in the event that this is not a pleasant experience, I have almost 400 miles I can drive before I need more gas.  

Our biggest concession was to fill the garden tub with water, simply as a precaution.  As cold as it is, it isn't hard to imagine a water line breaking somewhere in the city.  And I did place towels at the base of all the doors.  That cold is creeping in from every crack it can find, I want to be ahead of it. 

Shortly I will start a pot of chili for Hubs, I'm not a fan, but he loves it.  And today feels like a chili kind of day. But for now, as soon as I wrap up writing, I am going to give my thumb a test run with the knitting needles.  I was about 70% finished with a sweater when I broke my thumb.  It's been killing me not to finish it. I hope it will not cause discomfort, it is still a little stiff from lack of use. 

I hope everyone is tucked in tight, that your pets are cozy and you have a pot of soup on the stove and warm blankets to snuggle in as this event moves across our country. 

Be safe!  Stay warm!

much love, 

b

choices

I absolutely love the sounds of a productive and busy home. I simply wasn't tired last night.  I struggled to fall asleep and woke up at 3:30 am.  I tried laying around in bed, but my brain was arguing that it was definitely not a productive use of my time. I simply wasn't tired.   It's rare that I wake before Hubs, so the fact that I did and had an incredible amount of energy was a combination of disappointment (I am usually the one that stays up to give Beau his meds) and exhilaration. 

I gave up by 4:00.  No point in lying there wide awake.  I had soaked some beans yesterday and wanted to get them canned today.  I am serious when I say I am sick of chemicals in my food.  I'll buy organic beans, I'll process them, I'll store them on my shelves.  I will feel better about what I am feeding my family and friends.  Easy peasy.  Right now there are two canners steaming and coming to pressure.  In the next two hours I will have plenty of kidney and red beans for many pots of chili and soups.  I hauled the great northern beans down to the cantry yesterday.  It feels good. It feels like I am doing what I am supposed to do. 

So muted this morning, 
you can almost see the chill in the air

This morning as I was looking at a few sites I follow there was an intense discussion about ferments, something I have been longing to seriously dip my toes into.  I know they are amazing for you.  Natural probiotics far outweigh the functional nutritional value of capsules.  Not to mention the cost difference.  She was talking about the fermented apples that she had made.  It got me to thinking I still have some apples downstairs, if I haven't waited too long.  It wasn't originally on the schedule for today, but I think it might move there.  Or maybe tomorrow at the latest.  Ferments are so good for you, we just moved away from them as a standard method of preserving and storing food.  Might be time to move back in, I know it will be an adjustment to the taste-buds, but honestly, I am a huge fan of things that are tart.  

Yesterday was fire and brimstone time....

In addition to the slight rattle of the canner coming to pressure the wash is almost finished.  Far too cold outside to hang anything to air dry, but by the time this snow storm moves in, if it does.  My plan is to have a perfectly clear schedule to relax and enjoy.  Do some sewing and watch some movies or tv with the Hubs.  Or even better waste the day away playing cards.  

What do you mean no walks?

Sadly the pups won't be getting a walk for a few days.  I draw the line at zero or lower wind chills.  My Belle doesn't have a thick coat like her brother and even a sweater won't protect her long enough for a walk.  She's more of a southern type pup, he is part husky (I'm sure of it!) hard to believe they are actually litter mates.  He has that nice thick double coat.  Sadly, she doesn't.  It's all good they have a fenced yard for the burst of snow fever they will both get, if it falls. 

Beau was letting Dad know he could
fish come springtime... he loves fish

I was wasting a few moments while my canner was coming to pressure the other day, and doing a bit of doom scrolling.  I have my own thoughts about the enzymes they use to make cheeses, and it was a hot topic, I was reading in awe the feelings people were sharing.  I'm a very firm believer that life is about choices.  And we all have to navigate where we are, how we feel about things and what we will do with the information shared with us. 

I am a very traditional homemaker.  By choice.  It soothes and centers me.  This morning as I was wiping up the counter and starting the canners, my sweet Hubs came up behind me to tell me he was heading up to shower.  A soft kiss, him calling me his little homemaker and he was off.  I was in heaven.  Being acknowledged and appreciated for my choices felt amazing. 

Great Northern beans, ready for storage

Making cottage cheese - still not perfect...
but coming along

As I read those comments, I felt sadness and some shame as a woman.  Shame that other women would attack someone for trying to teach people to make a simple cheese. A way to help you if you chose to go that route.  Some of those females were downright nasty.  Saying their time was too valuable to waste on such stupid stuff, especially when you could simply buy it at the store. 

Here is how I see it.  If you want a high powered career, more power to you.  If you despise homemaking, okay, I get it.  If basic cooking, causes you immense stress of angst, okay.  I appreciate those choices. But if someone wants to be a traditional homemaker, if that is their "career" choice, why do you have to be so stinking ugly? 

I personally feel it is all about choice.  For me, I love being responsible for all things home.  I mean I'm not a huge fan of dishes, dusting and poo patrol.  No lie there.  But the rest of it fill my spirit to over flowing.  Some seasons are crazy, there are moments that feel like I will never catch up and sleep becomes a dream that isn't going to come to fruition.  Other times are calm, full of peace, plenty of time for just being.  

For me it is about control.  Yup, I definitely can go to the grocery store.  I can buy products off the shelves.  I can hope that the chemicals and high processing won't impact us too greatly.  I mean we are at the tail end of our lives, it might not be so bad... right? And honestly, it will definitely cost less for some of the items. But... and it's a huge but... what is the trade off?  A bit more time to doom scroll, in exchange for poor health?  Not driving to the next town to pick up my raw milk, cream and butter... what is the cost associated with that 45 minutes of my life?  When I weigh that out.  I'm good with it. 

Hubs had a meeting with his whole health doctor this week.  They did his whole body scan.  Not only has he lost a good amount of weight, he's also gained healthy muscle, lost dangerous fats and inflammation that weren't something you see with the naked eye.  He's in incredible shape, probably better than men half his age. He'll be 74 in a few months and other than that pesky back issue (jumping out of planes in service of his country definitely played into that issue) he is super healthy. 

I'm not going to say you are less of a human if you are shopping at the grocery, if your priorities don't lean towards buying raw milk and meats fresh from the farm, those are your choices.  I don't believe that makes anyone less than or more than.  I just believe that we have different priorities, different beliefs.  It's all good. 

I'm thankful for my choices.  Hubs is always saying he still works when he is scheduling appointments or things like that.  I laugh in my head a bit, because yes technically, I am "retired", but only from the corporate rat race.  I work harder than I have ever worked in my life.  I spend countless hours doing activities that I know will require a mineral bath and some healing lotions to calm my poor body afterwards.  I also know that my choices will never have an "end" date.  A time where I pull up the welcome mat and just stop.  Well, at least not when I will still be here on this plane.  I will still be working, because that is what we are here to do.  And I will be happy doing it.  Even on those days where the muscles ache, there isn't an ounce of energy left and I long for my bed or a hot bath.  And I am so thankful for that!

Hubs is fond of quoting "do something you love and you will never work a day in your life" or something like that - I'm more of a paraphrase kind of woman.  He's right.  

Well, my choices are calling.  The laundry needs folded and switched over and I need to call Beau in from his morning romp. 

If you are in the path of the extreme cold and possible snow, please be smart.  Please stay warm and definitely don't go traipsing around if you don't need to.  There is very little we actually need, we're just programmed to be out and about. 

take care & much love, 

b

the moment...

Today crept in soft and muted.  None of the vibrant colors that started this week. No bright pinks, yellows or reds.  The oranges were more of a peach, the colors soft and serene.  All I could think was here we go, the storms that have been whispered about were definitely going to sneak in. The full hour between meds had me looking cautiously at the forecasts, wondering if we could get a long walk in.  

Then just as quietly as it seemed to creep across the sky this morning the sun made a grand appearance.  Blindingly bright, bringing the promised warmth with it. So much so that the Pups were bouncing and happy as we walked a full 2 mile walk today.  No longing looks to turn around.  Just two little butts swaying in perfect unison, the same way they have since they first come here 4 years ago. Belle would occasionally bounce forward more, as soon as a scent or sound caught her attention, only to quickly return to that rhythmic walking they do. 

The whispers of bad weather are getting a bit stronger, they are talking about snow in our neck of the woods.  The bigger concern for us is our family down in Arkansas and Alabama.  Both states are directly in the path of the worst part of this storm if it comes to fruition.  It worries me.  Up here we have snow plows, although they haven't been great about using them the past few storms - at least we have them. Down there... an inch could shut down the whole state. 

We'll just have to wait and see what the weekend brings in. I'm not going to worry about it and we don't really do the whole french toast thing.  Although ironically I am picking up our milk and cream order on Thursday night.  And I did increase it to 3 half gallons.  Not so much for drinking as for making cheeses. Guess we'll be prepared for whatever comes our way. 

I've already made my plan to go to the quilt shop on Saturday.  I mean it is national support your local quilt shop day.  How could I not go?  So I will definitely have enough to stay busy for a solid year or so if the storm should come. 

My sweet pups are outside soaking up their yearly dose of Vitamin D all in one afternoon, as the sky is clear and the sun is warm.  I've been equally as busy inside today.  The canner is making it's normal rattling as the batch of great northern beans finishes processing.  And I am debating on a few other "cooking" type projects that I want to get done.  

Since I've been at it for a few hours now, I am fairly sure that is going to be the end of it for the moment.  I don't know why I find myself obsessed with getting so much done in a day, why is that necessary?  I'm trying to do better this year.  I'm trying to learn pacing.  Some days I succeed, others I fail miserably as I end the day sore and exhausted and questioning my own mental state. 

Today, I might just need to take another stroll in the sunshine with my two willing walking partners.  Or sit with my feet up and a cup of tea reading a real book.  Ya know, the kind with pages and hard covers. And if I drift off to a nap, would that be so bad?

I hope that you are finding peace this day.  I hope that rest comes before the possible storms this weekend. And most importantly if you are in the path of this weekend... I pray you are safe and prepared for anything. 

much love, 

b 

hello winter...

Brrrrr... yup that is officially the season that we have stepped into.  The past two weeks were simply a teaser, a promise of a springtime that is still months away. This morning is just plain cold! I considered taking the pups for an early morning walk, I promise I did.  A romp in a local park, a stroll down an unfamiliar trail.  My poor body said no freaking way you crazy woman!  Both knees reminded me that they don't particularly like icy cold mornings.  Heck even the fake one felt the need to get involved.  

So we will wait a few hours, by noon it is supposed to be a balmy 36°, I feel I can accept that a bit easier.  Although given that this afternoon has a Hubs appointment, I am terribly afraid they will be stuck walking the boringly familiar path around the neighborhood.  I really want to take them walking at the park started to explore yesterday, we'll have to see how timing is looking. 

Today's the day they are going to try injections for Hubs.  They originally wanted to do surgery, but we weren't altogether sure if that was the best course or if they are claiming it's the best course because he has great insurance.  After working with the pain management doctor we are definitely far more inclined to follow a more holistic path forward, neither of us are huge fans of surgeries of any kind and prefer to exhaust all other modalities first.  And we've only begun to try the alternatives.  I'm praying the injection works, if it does it leads us to another one that will have a longer lasting effect.  One that could give him 6 months to a year to lose weight, do physical therapies, and so many other non-invasive cures.  

Considering the first hip replacement almost killed him, I am really good with his never needing a surgery again.  Especially as the only surgeon I trust retired last year.  Not that he could have done the work on his back, but at least he could have referred us to someone he trusted to proceed forward.  Although given the amount of pain he was in, versus where we are just 3 months in, I am having some serious faith in this path being the correct one.  I guess time will tell. 

It's been a busy and productive morning, so sitting here chatting with you and drinking my now cold coffee is so relaxing.  I think today is going to be a hot tea kind of day as soon as I finish this cold coffee, my brrrrr factor is kind of off the chain.  It's probably the hazy gray sky mixed in with the dampness in the air.  

There is a possibility of a bit of snow again this weekend.  The pups will definitely love that.  Beau was running around catching snowflakes in the air, or at least trying.  They humor me so much. I was checking the weather down south in Arkansas and Alabama the week, gotta make sure the family is good too ya know... seems they are going to have more nastiness than we are up here.  It's odd to watch the shift of the past few years.  I remember teasing my Dad when he was still alive, when he moved back to the mid-west after living in Arizona for a few years he chose Arkansas.  He used to tell me, he wasn't moving back to Missouri or Illinois because of all the damn snow.  Ironically, the last few years of his life, they had more snow down south.  

each box has at least 12 soaps & you can
see my little dish soap dishes peaking out

I was able to get most of the soaps cut and curing on the shelves, there is still one that is a bit too soft.  I think I will give it a couple of more days.  As I was putting them all up, I realized that I had allowed us to get way too low on soaps, all that was left fit in one box.  Oh, well, we definitely have enough to last until this new batch is ready in six weeks.  And should be more than enough for 2026, with plenty to share. That is definitely a comfortable feeling. 

Charcoal Facial Soaps

waiting for the other soap to fill

all that remains of 2025 soaps... 

Hubs indulged me with an after Christmas sale and bought me a Ninja Creami - I've been on the fence about it for a long while.  I hate to spend money and they are usually crazy expensive. But my KitchenAid ice cream maker that he bought me last year appears to have sprung a leak like the previous one.  And they are simply too expensive to keep replacing almost yearly. He loves his ice cream and I am fussy.  I want it made with real ingredients.  Have you looked at the ingredients on ice cream lately?  Not good.  So yesterday we tried the first batch, made with raw milk and cream.  It was incredible.  I assure you there will always be a pint or two in the freezer ready for his snack attacks.  

I'm going to order extra milk and heavy cream this week.  I want to try my hand at making mozzarella cheese, I also want enough for cottage cheese and yogurt, as we will be getting low on yogurt by Friday and I will need to make more. Each time I don't have to buy something processed to last a long time, I feel much better about it all.  Fewer trips to a conventional grocery makes me very happy, supporting a farmer makes me even happier!  

I feel like today is going to be the perfect day to spend upstairs planning my quilts, I didn't make it that far yesterday.  Although I did get 14 more napkins made, we gave up on paper ones over a year or so ago.  And the ones I bought online, were polyester... pure sadness what happens to them after a bunch of washes.  The smell was HORRIBLE! I threw them all away and have been slowly replacing them with 100% cotton or linen.  I realize 14 sounds like a lot with two people, but I do not want to have to wash them daily. It's toasty up in my sewing room.  A cup of hot tea along with the warmth.  Yup, sounds like a plan. 

I guess I should get up and get busy, I am simply wasting away the day.   Please stay safe and warm everyone... the cold is crazy!

much love, 

b

a new day...

The sunshine rising behind me this morning is a complete lie.  It leads one to believe it is warm and welcoming outside, 16° is hardly warm or welcoming.  I guess we got spoiled by the high sixties that we've been enjoying.  I know I did.  

I developed the habit of taking the pups for a long stroll in the parks, it was inviting.  Now they've developed the habit of taking long strolls and their fur coats keep them nice and comfy, so mom is definitely going to be bundling up.  Especially as the later half of this week promises either rain, snow or ice.  I definitely love walking in the snow, but the other two... well not a fan favorite. 

I can hardly believe how productive the past week has been.  I'm sure some of it was the mental lifting I experienced.  Some was losing the splint on my poor thumb - incredible how freeing that little event was.  And the rest was just a strong desire to become involved in my day to day life again. Waiting for that healing was exhausting and the extra steps to work around it was even worse.  

Today, is going to be another day to catch up on all of the things that have been lingering. Waiting patiently for my attention.  

My broken thumb meant I wasn't able to do the Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt in real time.  That doesn't mean I am not going to do it, just that it isn't going to be "live".  I also signed up for two other mystery quilts.  Thankfully they started this month, so I can get my fabrics picked and my first month of sewing completed before next months clue.  They are both monthly, not weekly.   Sweet Hubs bought me a gift card to my favorite local quilt shop for Christmas, so after I pick from my fabric stash, I can round out the fabrics both quilts at Your Quilt Shop .  I mean a girl needs some kind of reason to go buy fabric that she probably doesn't really need, right??

my original fabric choices for BH

I am also planning to complete all my semi-finished quilts (there are far more than I want to admit) this year.  Done is so much better than perfect and there are some that have been languishing for decades.  I mean my girl is 40, I started one when she was a baby.  Several others were started even further back by my great grandmother.  I definitely do not want to be the third generation that failed to finish them. 

I have 6 batches of soap curing, the cold is keeping them from being ready to unmold just yet.  All together over 3 days, there were a total of 11 body soaps and 1 batch of dish soap made, I felt so productive getting them finished. I put if off for almost a year.  Yet as I was swirling oils and lye, matching mica's and essential oils I felt like a crazy mad scientist - I was in heaven.  Funny how things work out. 

moisturizing avacado bars

calendula cleansing bars

raw shea butter

Lavender and Charcoal

Kokum butter

I'm also going to try my hand at making some lip balms this week. They've been on my list forever, but as usual something else captures my attention and I end up never getting it done.  Ironically, they don't take very long at all to make - same as soap.  I am tired of all the chemicals in my life, and one of my missions this year is to eliminate as many as possible.  Besides, it's simply another skill to add to my life's tool box.  

It definitely feels incredible to feel like me again. I was getting a bit fussy.  Again, some was the stupid thumb issue, but some was finding myself in a bubble of discontent that I hadn't acknowledged.  Sipping my coffee, sitting in the sunshine (false warmth that it is) and just doing life on my terms I can feel my energy and desire to do and be returning.  

play time

I'm still in awe at the effect a small amount of negativity sprinkled on the day can affect everything. It starts to build into an ominous cloud that seems intent on overshadowing everything.  You know it's coming, you start to brace yourself, you start to plan how you will combat it. 

unexpected on Saturday...

Guard yourselves.  Evaluate the energy in your bubble.  Protect your blessings and joy.  

much love, 

b