transitions...

The title is rarely where I start.  Usually thoughts are simply fighting to spill out and somewhere in the midst of the typing and proof reading a title comes together for the jumbled mess. As I was finishing up the ironing this morning, lost deep in a sense of nothingness, my mind feeling strangely calm and uncluttered the word "transition" simply started to creep in.  

I kept hearing it over and over again.  Like I was being led to think about it.  Transition. Transition.

I continued working my way through the task, my mind started thinking it through.  I don't know if we realize how much of an absolute impact it has on everything.  We live our lives in a state of transition.  Moving from one thing to the next, almost like an assembly line. 

Although I am fairly certain it was the bigger transitions that are going on all around me that led my mind down the path it seemed determined to follow. 

I woke up to the news that the Pope had passed away while I slept.  I'm not Catholic, so this news doesn't have much weight on my day to day life.  I hope he receives the reward he has earned.  As I am not of that faith, it is vague to me the impact it has. Yet, it somehow seems like a large transition in a world that is already spinning out of control. 

The entire world is going through a period of massive transition.  Good or bad remains to be seen.  The immediate pulse from it all is chaotic and stressful.  But isn't all change?  This just happens to be on a global scale. 

On the global stage it seems there was an incredible wave of transitions this weekend.  Lots of deaths of leaders or top people in many countries and companies.  The same could be said with some major resignations.  Good or bad?  Again it remains to be seen. 

When I move my thoughts to a smaller more intimate space full of family, friends, and acquaintances the level of transitions is just as powerful, even if the circle the ripples impact is smaller.   There have been births, life altering illnesses, losses of careers, beginnings of new ones, relationships ending, relationships starting.  People are moving and starting different stages of their lives, others are contemplating it.  Young adults are stepping out on their own, while some are returning to the safety of their parents nests. 

All transitions seem to come with some degree of chaos, uncertainty, a bit of loss, a bit of hopefulness.  Sometimes those transitions are traumatic and sudden.  Sometimes they happen as smoothly as walking into the next room and starting another "thing". 

The truth seems that all of them have the potential to be good or tragic.  I can't help but feel our reaction to it is what forms the result. 

When my career ended, almost four years ago.  That was a major transition.  I was full of fear and doubt for years leading up to it.  Ultimately, it has led to such an amazing shift our lives.  Hubs and I are happier than ever, we have balance, peace and calm in our world.  So much that was missing, returned.  It actually returned ten fold.  At the time, I had doubts, fear, anger and so much mistrust. This side of the coin, I have absolutely nothing but pure gratitude.  I don't dwell in regrets, there is no ill will.  I guess there could have been. 

I felt the same way when my first marriage ended abruptly.  In fact looking back at my life's journey, there were many transitions that appeared to be horrible, life altering changes that I absolutely didn't or couldn't face or make on my own.  And then life did as it always does and made the u-turn for me.  I choose to believe that God redirected my path each time.  That is what my heart tells me.  He turned me away from self-destructive paths and put my feet on the one I needed to follow.  

Each time, the reward ended up being far greater than what was left behind.  And it wasn't that the path left behind was devastating, horrible, life threatening or any of those things.  It was simply not my path. I hold nothing but love and gratitude for the lessons learned on those paths.  For the people that were part of those journeys. 

I know that not everyone believes in God and that is okay.  Maybe you believe in the universe or a divine power (who knows maybe God is just the name we humans have assigned to that power), goodness knows I have no idea.  It is just how I choose to think.  But something is definitely driving all of these transitions, something is always trying to correct our path., to give us the lessons we need to learn.  At least that is my belief. 

I think the problems usually arise when we as mere mortal humans decide we know everything.  When our free will gets in the way of the flow we are part of.  When other humans decide to inflict their will on us, to push us a direction we are not meant to go.  

I don't know.  I'm not a philosopher, I have no background in theology (nor any desire to), I am merely a human trying to navigate this experience called life.  Sometimes it feels huge and unruly, sometimes calm and serene.  Most of the time it just feels like a bumpy dirt road.  The kind that kicks up dust and makes a minor mess in the process. 

The storms that blew threw last night were violent.  The rain coming down was heavy and harsh.  Pretty sure a lot of my seeds were washed away.  Those that weren't will be stronger for the lesson of surviving the storm.  They also felt affirming, like they were trying to wash away some of the ugly that is going on. 

Who knows.  I sure don't.  All I know is by typing this out, the word has quit echoing in my head.  Maybe there is a bread crumb or two in this ramble that someone needed.  Maybe I needed it? 

Since it's silenced and I feel a deep calm.  I guess it's time to get busy.  Dry my hair and dig into the things that bring me joy and peace....

love and prayers... b

a different kind of way...

When the kids were young, Easter was full of adventures and egg hunts.  These days it is simply a peaceful day, where welcome rest sneaks in.  Hubs has been watching old Charlton Heston movies, I am bouncing around doing a bit here, a bit there.  A nice break in the rain meant the pups got a walk and the little pup I was watching got an extra walk this morning too. 

Now it feels like a moment of simply waiting.  Not sure for what, not sure where to dig in and if I even want to do the things.  I don't sit still well, I get antsy and fidgety if I am simply sitting.  And then I get fussy.  It's completely internal, but sadly it can spill out and others feel I am frustrated with them.  I'm not.  I just feel at lost ends. 

I have some treats for the grands in the freeze dryer, I have a few more to finish before I get down to trying other things.  The only thing that I am finding frustrating with the freeze dryer is waiting.  I thought 90 minutes waiting for the canner was excruciating.  Some of this stuff will take over 40 hours in the freeze dryer.  Again, there is the patience thing.  Why do I keep choosing to do things that will force me to use patience?

Hubs and I sat outside with the pups for a few hours.  It was beautiful, breezy, overcast and mild.  We'd probably still be sitting there if the wind hadn't started to pick up so hard.  The non-stop updates on our phones interrupting the music was getting pretty annoying also.  Seems like we are under a tornado watch for the rest of the evening.  Isn't that special. 

how my mornings start... that's 106lbs 
that tackled me

I guess the wild, unsettled spring weather matches my mood and mindset.  I feel like that today.  Like I'm drifting.  I have so many things to tackle and I don't have the will to start anything.  And at the same time, I didn't feel like doing nothing.  Ugghhhh.... maybe I should've joined my pups for a late afternoon nap?

their happy place

The day is drawing to a close, my distraction has kept me from being very engaged in life today.  It's taken me most of the day to write a few short paragraphs, I've watched another storm front slide through. I am now wondering if the rain will wash away all of my grass and flower seeds, as tonight the rain is anything but soft and gentle.  There is a small river moving rapidly down the road towards the drain.  I just keep reminding myself that we need it. 

Well, I've got a few more things to do before Beau gets his last medication of the night, then I can finally lay my head down and rest.  

I hope you've had a blessed day.  Time with loved ones.  Time to be at peace. 

love and prayers, b

waiting...

This world feels like it is spinning out of control at an unprecedented rate. So many loved ones are going through so much.  The helpless feeling is almost overwhelming at times.  All I can do is say prayers and keep busy.  

If I stop the busy factor, the worry and stress creeps in.  None of it is within my sphere of influence, they are just parts of my heart, parts of my life.  I am finding myself slipping deeper into my quiet space.  A spot where I can function without losing grip myself. 

I have to say I'm beyond over people being ugly to others.  I'm tried of this weird entitled world that we somehow slipped into.  I'm not sure I really know how to function in such a place. 

Right now I am waiting on the freeze dryer to hit it's sweet spot and then I am getting back to being super busy on this rainy day. Hard to believe it was so beautiful yesterday at sunrise.

Do you have things you do when life is too big?  I find myself pulling inward.  I get quiet, I get lost in to do lists.  Things that are distracting and productive. 

I can't tackle the massive wood pile in the rain.  But that isn't stopping finding lots of things to tackle inside.  The rain is soft and gentle, while also being the kind that soaks the earth.  You can almost see the leaves unfurling in real time.  Each moment I look out it is a bit greener, soon I won't even be able to glimpse my girls house down the hill.  

I am struggling to determine what "busy" work I want to tackle today.   I have a t-shirt order that needs finished.  I also need to get that darn soap made, because we 100% are not going to go back to using the store bought chemical bars.  I'm still in the midst of working on Hubs' quilt and I just remembered that he committed me to putting together an auction basket for a veteran's fundraiser. 

I have regular daily chores to complete, ironing, dishes, mopping, ya know the things... So it isn't like I don't have things to do. It's simply a matter of pushing aside things and focusing. 

I am pup sitting for the lady down the street.  Her baby is sweet as can be, I'm getting ready to walk down and make sure all these storms are not causing her too much anxiety as my babies have decided to
lay down and rest finally.  Thunder storms are stressful for pups. 

Well sweet spot achieved (now we wait for a few hours), breakfast made for Hubs and pups, dishes finished... I guess I'd better get focused on the rest of that list, because watching for my grass seed to grow magically overnight, is probably a waste of time. 

Enjoy your day, I need to keep busy...

love and prayers... b

carry water...

Thirty minutes to fill.  Doesn't seem like much time.  In the grand scheme of things it isn't.  But when you are bone weary exhausted, it feels like days.  It's been an insane few days.  Full to the brim from wake up to putting my head on my pillow at night.  Seems like Friday was the last day that didn't involve non-stop work and things to do.  It is highly possible that it was crazy busy and I simply don't remember it. Not a huge stretch of the imagination at this point. 

Hubs and I managed to fill the weekend to over filling.  So many little things all add up.  Saturday we installed the freeze dryer and spent time with tech support making sure we had done all the things.  Then we went and picked up our camping fence.  We needed to be able to block the pups from the entire side of the yard for the foreseeable future.  

As we'd used up all the hours the compost lot was open we settled for just starting to migrate the dirt that had eroded down the hill since the tree was taken out back up to where it belonged. Little did either of us realize the undertaking ahead.  Both of us were about to get a reminder we are not in our 30's or even 40's anymore. 

that smile

7th heaven... only thing better
would be flying

Sunday started off bright and sunny.  Hubs was supposed to go for a flight in the Ford Tri-motor plane.  The same type that Lindy flew if I remember what he told me correctly.  That is his special birthday present.  We got up super early and headed to the Spirit of St. Louis airport.  Toting both pups with us, because of the timing of Beau's medication. With this being the mid-west we should have probably expected the weather to not cooperate.  And in true mid-west fashion, it didn't.  The winds were gusting well over 25 mph, there was no way that plane was taking off on Sunday.  We've reschedule it for May, although we will have to travel a bit further for him to fly.  

what's dad doing?

Of course he blinked 

The morning was not a total loss, he did get to spend a good amount of time inside the plane and checking out every inch of it.  And he was guaranteed to fly in the copilots seat when he does go up next month.  On top of all that we finally have the connections to get him a flight in a bi-plane.  Again, I am not about to go up with him in either, but I am happy that he will finally be able to do both.  Sometimes you do get to tick off things on your personal bucket list. 

Upon arriving home, we decided to tackle the hill.  Good Lord have mercy... that was a massive undertaking.  Our youngest grand spent her Sunday afternoon helping us move topsoil and compost from the back of the pickup to the hill.  It was exhausting and a touch overwhelming.  And a solid reminder that we are definitely not spring chickens.  It was so hot, but rain was coming in later in the week and we knew we wanted the seed and straw down before it hit. 

Reflecting on it as the evening sun started to set we realized we were going to need more dirt.  LOTS more.  By the time the afternoon sun was starting to head deep west yesterday I had unloaded another 2 cubic yards of dirt and dragged it down that hill.  We'd spread lime and grass seed and topped it with straw.  The fence was up and some of the sunflowers were planted.  

load #3

just a start... 

Today the rain was supposed to make an early arrival.  When it didn't I decided to plant the rest of the flower seeds. Three packs of different sunflowers, four packs of zinnias and a small package of cosmos later, we wait. If even a small portion survive our renegade deer, it will be lovely. If not... well lessons learned.  

On top of all that I have been learning my freeze dryer, making lots of treats requested by the grand daughters. Made another batch of yogurt, the youngest grand is in love with it and manages to devour a pint on her own each time she is here.  And of course the regular every day stuff.  I am exhausted, but in such a good way. 

gummy nerds and skittles

almost done drying

ice cream sandwiches anyone?

straining the yogurt

So many folks that are dear to my heart and such major parts of my life are going through struggles.  Big struggles.  I think I have been slightly internalizing those burdens and focusing on "chopping wood and carrying water" for them.  I can't fix any of it.  I can be there if and when they need me, but I simply have zero ability to right their ships.  I'm a bit of a fixer, so that is horribly difficult to process.  I want to be able to offer that magic cure, solution, relief.  I want to be able to make it all better and lighten their loads. 

As I can't, I am pushing myself to do what I can to create a safe zone, a space that is full and productive. As I sat on the steps tonight chatting to Hubs basking in the beauty of the setting sun I felt peace.  Surveying the product of my hard labor made the pain of my sore muscles seem small and distant. While we sat and chatted, my brain was already planning out my ideas for next week, for the space of time after the weekend of rain. The path that needs put in, the plantings that need to start happening...

The world is insane, things are moving so fast, twisting and turning.  A little left, a little right.  Nothing is the same from one day to the next. In this chaos that is swirling I am finding incredible peace and contentment in a full calendar and check boxes of tasks that are lined through with bright yellow highlighter as they are completed. 

mom, we want snacks

sunbathing time

mommy snuggles in a rare
quiet moment

I can continue to "chop wood and carry water".  It clears my spirit, my mind and the restlessness that helplessness causes for me.  I hope and pray that it gives me more in my own bucket so I can share with those I care for as they need it. 

Well, the final dose of meds have been delivered.  My chore list is cleared for the day and my incredibly weary and sore body is going to head up and see if the puppy that was curled up in my spot, might consider moving so I can rest. 

Remember, idle hands are definitely the devils playground... 

love and peace... b

it's back...

Cold, wet and dreary, yup, that sums it up.  It's typical spring in the mid-west. You start feeling sassy, enjoying the warmth of the sun deep in your cold aching bones.  You start daydreaming about planting, about the feel of the sun on your bare shoulders, about sandals and sundresses... and thing BAM!  

Winter comes running back in.  Laughing hysterically at your naivety.  The cold, wet wind digging into your very core reminding you that you once again fell for the trick.  Forgetting that it happens every stinking year.  As both the Red buds and the Dogwoods are blooming, I'm not sure if this is Red Bud winter or Dogwood winter. Whichever it is definitely holding on hard.

Just as summer refuses to be polite at the end of the season and exit in a graceful manner, winter is the same way.  Seems the two seasons with the potential to be the ugliest, often refuse to be cordial and give way to the softer seasons.  They are the ultimate bullies. 

I slipped on a t-shirt and sweater when I got ready to face the day.  Now I am wondering if a heavier sweater is needed to combat this chill.  It's a pretty much inside kind of day.  Although I need to run out the farm where I buy my goats milk and some eggs, I think today will be a bundle up kind of day.  Considering turning up that darn thermostat, because 65° is feeling a bit too cool today.  Unless I'm giving up on adulting and curling up in a quilt all day. 

Oh don't tempt me. 

Today is definitely going to be an adulting kind of day.  I never made it to the kitchen to soap, nope not surprised.  Storms rolled in and my pups needed extra support.  They were the kind that bother both of them and considering Beau's latest seizures could have been triggered by the storms (according the vet the extreme anxiety they cause could be a trigger) I admit I was a bit apprehensive. 

So I am definitely behind.  I have an order to work on, the cantry to prep (yeah that fell by the wayside also - Beau loves the basement, unless it's storming...), the house to tidy (you try living with two big baby pups - you'll understand).  And all the grown up stuff to do.  Go pick up milk, order meds, and anxiously await my new treasures. 

Hubs got me a new table for my featherweight, so I have more flexibility of where I sew, it's my birthday present, but as usual he can't wait.  I told him I'd gladly wait, although I am sure it will be set up and tested out before bedtime.  I'll admit, I'm pretty excited about it.  I love my featherweights, but having a comfortable spot to use them is always a bit of a struggle. 

And of course the long awaited freeze dryer arrives today.  I'm excited and stressed over it.  I hate learning curves and tend to stay in my happy comfortable zone.  This one will have a huge learning curve.  Or maybe not, I guess I could be giving myself anxiety over something that will be super simple. Guess we'll find out. 

I'm hoping the rain is passed, because that beast will be delivered on a pallet and I will need Hubs' help to get it to its new spot.  He is working at one of his furthest out buildings today, so who knows when he will be home for the day.  I'm hoping early.  He worked an incredibly LONG day yesterday and he's tired. 

As I said today is a day for adulting, so... I've got 9 am meds to prepare and then I am going to head out to grab my milk and eggs, so I am home when the deliveries happen.  I swear the soap will be made before this week is over... Please Lord, give me the focus to get it done... 

Love and peace everyone!  Stay warm, safe and cozy!

judged...

It's incredible how a good night's rest can make your day so different from the day before.  I'm only on my second cup of coffee, but haven't drank a single cup hot yet.  Exhaustion can be your friend, I slept so well last night.  Here it is 8 am and I have already tidied the house, showered, fed everyone and now I'm sitting in my chair disappointing my big boy while I write. 

I guess I spend way too much time with my hair messy, roaming around in either my pj's or my "play clothes".  After drying my hair (usually let it air dry) and putting on jeans and a t-shirt I headed down stairs.  Popped my head in to check on Beau on my way down.  He was sound asleep, or at least it appeared that way, as soon as I cleared the doorway, he hopped up and dang near chased me down the stairs.  Running from door to door to see what mischief mom could be up to this early in the morning. Oh the disappointment as he headed up the stairs, glancing back at me with disdain, how dare I get his hopes up and then sit down and not go any where.  

Guess I will have to take them somewhere today, although I have no idea where.  Their favorite park is currently under water from the flooding. And I am fairly positive that my oldest grand daughter would be less than pleased if I showed up to pick her up for work with them in the backseat. Decisions, decisions.

the old lilac is finally getting flowers

The birds are singing and the world is slowly starting to green up nicely.  I love the freshness of spring, the transition from silent and bleak to vibrant and alive.  Definitely makes my world brighter.   We have a male cardinal that sleeps on a hook Hubs put up years ago to hang lights at Christmas from under the eave on the front porch.  He's very vocal when we go outside at night, letting us know that we do not belong in his space. By day he is out back or in the holly tree, very rarely do I spot him in the giant pine outside my sewing room.  He's never far.  My sweet Hubs named him Joe, because they say when a cardinal is near one of your departed loved ones is near also.  He's sure my dad is visiting and staying with us now.  Who knows... 

I used white cheddar, not yellow

Yesterday ended up super productive despite the level of exhaustion I was fighting off.  The Cheez its turned out incredible, so much so that I need to make another batch to go with the tomato soup we never got around to having last night.  I can't really describe the feeling of satisfaction that comes with knowing you can make some of the foods you love, minus the chemical cocktails they put in them. It feels as good as harvesting your own organic veggies and making your own quilts. 

Today will have to include some soap making, did a quick inventory yesterday and we are getting to a critical point.  It takes about six weeks for a batch to cure.  I've been saying for months that I was going to get a batch made, well... it hasn't happened.  Between illnesses, anxiety, the whole life thing... well, it took bottom priority. Hubs is running out of shaving lather and the supply of soaps are getting super slim, so this afternoon is dedicated to soaping.  I was looking through my different oils and feel like I can comfortably make two or three batches minimum.  That means at least 24 or 36 bars of soap.  I have plenty to make his shaving lather, so that isn't going to be a problem at all.  

A few weeks ago I made him an after shave lotion.  It was the first time he'd asked me to try it.  Thankfully, it turned out great and he's loving it.  Recipe is definitely saved! I'm going to match his shaving lather up with that fragrance oil so he doesn't have conflicting fragrances.

I truly love making soaps so I am sure why I put it off. Oh yeah, I'm not incredibly great at staying focused.  That is what I am currently working on after all.  Ya'll should totally see my calendar, all the lines scratched out, all the added items.  I'm working very hard on keeping myself organized and on track.  

She can be a bit judgy too...

Bless my sweet Hubs' heart he is trying so hard to help me.  It's sort of like the blind leading the blind.  Because both of us are great at making lists and knowing what needs done, but staying on track... well that is a whole different story. Thankfully, we are both focused on reclaiming out yard, before it all erodes down the hillside. 

About two weeks ago we addressed the issue of rerouting the drainage after the tree came down, and all of the storms have assured us that we fixed it correctly. This weekend we will start working on burying the drainage, getting loads of dirt to fix the erosion and finally starting to lay sod.  In the midst of all of that I will get the zinnia's planted at the fence line, combination of erosion control and beauty.  I am putting a lot of sunflowers in this year, so I need to get those planted as well.  They are perfect for healing the soil and ours needs it desperately.  Yep, I'm not a fan of chemicals in my yard either.  

I have a few other flowers we want to plant. Some cosmos and marigolds for the pollinators, some lavender for the pollinators and to harvest to make our own essential oils and such. We'll start on the wood piles before it gets hot, but definitely not this coming weekend.  

We pick up our newest elderberry tree in a couple of weeks.  I'm working on my elderberry forest.   Not really, although it will bring me to three american elderberries all different varietals. I didn't know that I'd be able to get a free tree in exchange for chopping down our massive Bradford pear tree.  I definitely didn't know I could get an elderberry.  I almost went with a PawPaw tree, I would love to include those in our space, but you need two of them also and I am running out of areas to place them, so I stuck with elderberry.  I use the berries for so many things and having three of them I might even be able to eventually be able to harvest enough to try my hand a wine. 

So on top of his birthday present, we have a very hard labor filled busy weekend waiting for us.  Oh yeah, we will also be setting up our new freeze dryer and getting it ready for it's maiden use. Both of us may need some extra rest next week! I guess it's the start of busy season...

Well, the oven beeped to let me know it is ready, so it's time to get busy.  I'm trying to limit myself to an hour total of typing, editing and stopping a dozen times for meds and/or potty breaks for pups. 

I hope you all have a wonderful day!  

love and peace...

exhaustion...

I am struggling to stay awake this morning.  Shifting to Beau's new medicine schedule is taking some getting used to.  I am definitely an early to bed, early to rise kind of girl.  Not to mention that because of the adjustment period for him, he's power sleeping when he should be awake.  Translation... we've had some serious quality time in the middle of the night when he needs a potty break and a snack.  

This momma is tired!  I'm a long way past middle of the night feedings... I'd take a nap, but as his meds are spaced an hour apart, by the time I wait for round two, I have generally found something to keep me awake.  They just finished breakfast and next meds are in thirty minutes, I figured I might as well enjoy my coffee and empty my wiped out brain. 

I believe I mentioned trying my hand at making yogurt, if you have an Instapot, some milk and a bit of plain yogurt, do it! Never been a huge fan of plain yogurt, but this is a keeper. It's wonderful and after doing the cost/chemical additive comparison... well it's a no brainer.  Even a super busy person can handle this one, the Instapot does about 90% of the work. 

I've reached a point that I am beyond tired of the lengthy list of chemicals on all of our "food" products.  I'm worn out from trying to figure out what is trying to kill us off now. It is not better living through science as the saying used to go. I am fairly certain that none of us were born to eat food like substances.

In a short bit, I am going to try my hand at making cheese-its.  I have all the ingredients and they will be a nice snack to have in the pantry for us and for the grands.  I think I'm also going to make up a batch of the Parmesan/Rosemary crackers we love to have on hand too.  Those are great with a nice salad or a quick charcuterie board when I don't feel like cooking.

He needed support yesterday...

Or maybe it was her. 
Super protective Sis

After a lengthy chat with the vet yesterday at Beau's follow up, I feel confident that I am on the right path in eliminating as much of the crap as I can from our diet and the pups.  She fully endorsed them not being fed kibble, yup, I was shocked.  I've been scolded repeatedly, but when I told her what they are now eating, she was supportive and encouraging.  Beau's medicated butt even lost 1.5 pounds last month. I already know he will have a life long struggle because of the medications. 

As I am working on eliminating crap, I'm also working on eliminating more of the waste, with just the two of us there are some recipes and meals that are really hard to make small.  I'm also working on  figuring out how to have access to things like my raw goats milk year round.  Since I can't have my own goats or chickens where I live. 

Some things simply can't be canned safely. Well, along those lines, I did a thing. 

I finally decided to purchase a freeze dryer.  I've been pondering, thinking, pushing it aside and regretting the decision for a really long time. As a result, I never bought one. Hubs and I realized we've been buying a lot of freeze dried treats and meals for the pups.  Our grands are addicted to freeze dried sweets and candies.  The cost of those things is a tad outrageous.  So we did the next logical thing. We bought our own. 

I need to get down to the basement and clean out space in the cantry which is where it will live, because it arrives on Friday.  I am a touch overwhelmed, excited and probably crazy. 

We've been talking for days about what we are going to freeze dry first.  It will probably be either candy, yup bad for you - 100%, but for a maiden run, it's quick and pretty fail proof, or some fruit, again - how badly can one screw that up?  Besides, Easter is around the corner and the grands do love freeze dried candies and sweets. 

After that initial trial run, I am fairly sure my Pups will take the center stage for awhile, they haven't disliked anything freeze dried yet. Liver, salmon, sardines, turkey hearts, you name it they are game.  I figure I will finally over come my revulsion and buy a cow heart and tongue and get those freeze dried up for their meals.  I can't bring myself to figure out how to cook them, and it will definitely require gloves, I just need to focus on the fact that it is really good for their health and not focus on what I am cutting up. Blah!

Then the focus needs to shift to camping meals.  The idea of taking a lightweight bag of food along, instead of hauling all the jars, etc... well, I have to admit, it has me dreaming and planning.  We will be camping this year, we both need it.  Last year was brutal. 

I will still can, there will always be room for dehydrating, this just puts another option into the arsenal. I definitely have some good plans with my newest toy. 

Now if I could just get past my fear of sour dough.  I'm sure it is no where near as overwhelming as my brain has created it to be.  In fact, I'm sure it is something I would enjoy, if I could just stop obsessing over it.  Well, we'll see, that might be more adulting than I am ready for.

The pup has been medicated and he and his sister are down for their morning naps.  I always worked outside of the house with all my other pups, I guess I just assumed they played all day while we were working.  Now, I am fairly confident in stating they slept.   Evidently dogs are a lot lazier than I assumed. 

I guess I will take advantage of the downtime to make my crackers and maybe a nice homemade pot of tomato soup to go with it, its cold outside with a slightly brisk breeze, I'm thinking that means the opportunity for a little bit of cozy on the inside. 

Although a nap myself... awwww stop with the daydreams, maybe some other time.  There is serious adulting that needs to happen. Especially now that Beau has moved off the non-stop watch list and back on to the use caution leaving him alone for long until he's stabilized with the new medication regime. Life is sliding back into the normal bubble. 

Oh and if you are wondering about Hubs' birthday... I'd say it ended perfectly!  The oldest grand made him brownies for his "cake"... 

 

Adulting is calling and I must go!  Love and prayers everyone!