Sunday Happy

Mid January. I love this time of year. All the big holidays are over so the pressure is off, my body is acclimated to all the snow and cold so I handle it just fine, and every day gets a little bit longer. I feel like it's when I really get  focus on and enjoy winter for all it's greatness. It's just so dang pretty and I am again wondering why I do not live in a little cabin in the middle of the woods. Or why I have yet to go sledding. On the agenda for the week...Build a cabin and speed down a hillside on my ass. Can't wait. 

The beginning of the week I was still feeling like garbage. I thought for sure that what I had was a 24- 72 hour thing, but it lingered well into the week. (watch out, everyone is getting it) I feel better now, but am still a little low energy. Getting sick sucks so I think I won't do it again. 

And the twins turned 20. I would tell you all about how great it was to hang out with them but they are too cool and didn't return any of my texts for hanging out and I guess they don't care about me any more so whatever. Instead the mr and I brought Judah over to Shanons to crack eggs and make giant bowls of marshmallows with Cameron for dinner. So Happy Birthday Mark and Paul. You suck.

The mr and I made a trip out to Barton for a day of hard work. We gutted a bathroom, the mr moved some plumbing, and Jes and I starred down an actual "shit hole"( i.e. a hole that shit comes out of and is the proper use for the term), while sewage spewed all over the place and the mr stood strong and held up all the pipes in a sea of shit. It was a very dirty job, but someone had to do it. Unfortunately it was us, but there are worse things I guess.  And now Jes is well along her way to putting a floor down over the hole  and spending quality time with the purple swans the adorn her bathroom walls. 

After that, the week just flew by. There was the farm share (thank goodness, I was starving), more family stuff with my and the mr's family,I re-pierced my ear and may have gotten it infected, and I started a new sourdough starter (the yeast loves Red Cat Farm flour!). And let's not forget the crazy ass weather. Friday afternoon I had all the windows and the front door wide open and the heat turned off. 60 something degrees and almost every speck of snow had melted. It was so, well, it was nice, but so weird. And very short lasting because we got like 6 inches and dropped like 70 degrees by the next day. Ah, Vermont. Love it or go crazy. 

Today is one of those days where it could go either way. I have a pile of papers that I need to go through, people to see, laundry to do, but I am also thinking that an afternoon of wondering outside, reading and knitting might just take priority. Next week is going to be hectic so maybe I rest up today. And ice my ear because it really hurts.

What the Internet had for me to read. 

-I love these so much I need to print them out, especially Backpfeifengesicht because it makes so much sense. 30 Untranslatable Words From Different Languages Illustrated By Anjana Iyer

-The Rolling Huts: An Architect’s Alternative Approach to Camping. My new life plan right here. Seriously. Buy the land and build the huts. It's gonna happen.

-After reading this book I feel like I should just make life all about the bread. Sourdough: A Novel.

-Mushrooms are magical, and not just the magical kind. Do Medicinal Mushrooms Actually Work?

-Are Gummy Bear Flavors Just Fooling Our Brains? It's all the colors. Our brains do weird things. 

-I could eat that whole thing. Giant Cabbage. 

-Periods piss me off. There’s a reason using a period in a text message makes you sound angry

-Inside One of America’s Last Pencil Factories. This is pure awesomeness and make me really happy. 

-Talk about some sweet ass sweaters. Custom Hand-Knit Sweaters Blend Subjects into Urban Environments

-It's January: Time to Plan Your Garden. I can't wait for seed catalogs!!!

Pictures from the week. 

Have a great day.

-C

Sunday Happy

Happy Merry Christmas Eve you guys. I hope today and  tomorrow brings rest and relaxation and excitement for all the fa la la las la to come. 

I am excited. And really tired, and maybe a little stressed, but still really excited. We are doing the family Christmas tomorrow at our house, all 23-25 of us. Our house is officially the sponsor of all family gatherings. And because of this, I think that my family should all chip in and buy me a robot vacuum because I think I finally have gotten to that point where I am sick of constantly vacuuming (and the mr is sick of me constantly vacuuming too)  

 We started off  the week strong, with a sense that I had everything done, covered, planned, and no stress. There was a bit of running around, especially for the mr, who was finishing up some jobs, but we got things done. I even got the loft cleaned (again) for Jeff when he gets here (he is coming the day after Christmas) I did a morning of gift wrapping for HANDs, finished up my Christmas shopping, picked up the farm share and made it to the  grocery store before all the food was gone. Things were going smoothly. And good things happened too. I made a chocolate babka wreath for fun. Shannon got the news of a New Year hip (but the mr fixed it with his bandaid and gave her a little penis to boot(see photo below)) Barb got excepted to a college, and I ended up with the most fantastical tree skirt that I have ever seen. A panda bear Christmas. If you new me as a little you would know that I was obsessed with pandas and that this tree skirt is perfection for my young self and gives me all sorts of happy feels. 

And all the snow. I think that we got about 5-6 inches of the most fluffy fun warm stuff that makes the world glow. That was the best. 

Yesterday was a nut of a day. It started out slow but by 11, we had the three littles (Coco aka Emersion, is walking now which makes things a littler more interesting to say the least) over for lunch/christmas present making /newspaper snow flakes. It couldn't have been any more crazy and messy. We started out  painting on fabric to make pillows (the coolest pillows ever) for them to give to their mother. (she doesn't read my blog so she I am not spoiling anything here) That was a mess in itself but we topped that off with trying to eat lunch at the same time. Three starving littles with paint all over, we rushed to get them some food. The mr was making the sandwiches and accidentally smashed the bowl of egg salad on the floor. It was eveywhere, glass and egg, and all sorts of gross, and the kids were starving and the baby was walking. But we were still all ok. Then I burnt the grilled cheese very badly while a little spilled the soup all over the table and the iPad.  They finally ate carrots and apples and cheese quesadillas, but they definitely were starting to get a little toody and crazy themselves. Paint and egg, and wetness everywhere (going in and out of the house and it started to rain) the mess was just getting bigger and bigger. And I didn't even mention the soccer net the mr is making that is hanging in the middle of the living room. To top it all off, my mom dropped off enough food to feed an army for the shenanigans on Christmas so there was bags of food everywhere. But she brought me flowers so everything was good. After that we figured what the hell and just made a shit ton of newspaper snowflakes and really just committed to trashing the house. Then they left and I spent the evening cleaning the fuck out of everything. 

I am hoping today goes a little more smoothly, although I am pretty freaking tired  because I spent most of the night tossing and turning over the things that I need to do today. (white chocolate chip or oatmeal white chocolate chip cookies? Do I have a empty recycling box for wrapping paper? Is there enough toilet paper in the house?) I know I am going to have to spend at least 15 minutes removing the sheet of ice that has accumulated over the car last night before I can leave for the gym, but the then that it's, the rest of the day I am going to be spent in the kitchen.  My plan all week was to spend yesterday baking and to spend today relaxing with a book but yesterday did not happen as planned. Todays schedule is now  to make all the cookies, a birthday cake, (Cameron's birthday is tomorrow too) and last minute Christmas things to finish up (doesn't involve shopping!) At least my house is clean for the time being. I know it will be short lived but hopefully someone brings that vacuuming robot with them tomorrow.

True story. The mr likes to pick me up and tell me he wishes I wonuld fit in his pocket so he can carry me around with him everywhere. So sweet right? Yesterday in the midst of my crazy (I was going crazy) he picked me up and said he wished I was tiny enough to stick me in his pocket so I would shut my mouth and be quit. Hahaha.  That is love.

Some internet looking for you browsing enjoyment. 

-11 weird and wonderful Christmas tree patents. These are all amazing, 

-Mary Berry Shares Advice on Getting Party Guests to Leave. Normally I just tell people that they need to get the F out.

-On their way to Vermont to give the gift that keeps on giving.  Elderly Couple Stopped In Nebraska With 60 Pounds Of Weed 'For Christmas Presents'

-How To Host A Hygge Holiday Party: Get Cozy, Embrace Imperfection  This is what I need more off.

-Are they laughing at us? Comedy Wildlife Photos of 2017

-I love this idea to set up a ritual or custom based on what works for your family. Science experiments instead of church. Sundays at the Altar of Science

-Never Too Late To Learn An Instrument. I hope the to be true because I really want to learn how to play the cello or the mandolin. I told myself after I graduated college I cud pick one of them up. I need to get on it. 

-On my list of things to do this coming week. Taffy Vinegar Candy Recipe

The search for Santa. Kinda like where is Waldo, but with santas. 

-5 Tips for Keeping Houseplants Alive This Winter. Got to keep the plants happy

And some pictures from the week.

Enjoy the season and Happy Merry Christmas!

-C

Sunday Happy

Hey there friends . Happy Winter, Happy Hanukkah, Happy near Christmas, and just happy happy. No stress right? We are all having a festive and enjoyable time this season? I hope so because we all need and deserve some good vibes. Let take it all and run with it. And eat cookies because because. 

After such a fantastic little snow day, the week went as  usual, although I now have the winter boots and the shovel out (I shoveled the driveway 3 times. Yeh for snow!). Leaving in the car takes a few more minutes now that we have to scrape the windows and just leaving the house involves more effort in clothing putting on then before. It's been between -3 and like 5 degrees almost every morning when I leave so it's been a little cold. (It's all about the layers)

But the cold hasn't slowed us down, just spending a little more time doing more indoor things is all. Like our holiday card. Got that done and sent out!I also have been doing a little extra cleaning here and there (I cleaned the F out of and under the stove) and have been  trying to get the Christmas shopping stuff done and done (I am basically done shopping, it more about the crafting now) The real annoyance is that  Only has spent most of the week inside trying to escape. I usually don't care if he is outside in the winter but with the negative degrees and all I was trying to avoid finding a popsicle cat. He is  a very talkative cat and has basically has been following me around the house yelling to be let out.  I think today is that day I will let him make a break for it. He is driving me crazy.

Had a fantastic and slightly scary cookie party. I don't know what exactly I was thinking was going to happen, but all the littles were as high as I have ever seen them. Miley was hysterically laughing all night, Judah got lethargic and then asked to eat a bowl of carrots but Sophia was the best.  She was running around the house  in circles with a look of shock on her face screaming.  Around and around and around, mouth agape with a steady aaaaahhhhhhh coming out. The child was possessed. It was pretty much the best thing ever. And while the older boys and older ladies went home, Miley and Judah stayed over. While I was cleaning up some of the mess, the mr took them to the store with him and he came back with beer (for him) blackberries, and rented them the emoji movie. ( FYI, from the 3 seconds of that shit that I actually watched I gathered that it is probably the best movie to showcase all the worst parts our culture now) 

We woke up to space pancakes and snow fort building. Then the mr took the boy to have boy time  while the girl, Barb, and I went downtown for coffee. Once I was rid of littles I spent the rest of the  afternoon cleaning the stick off of every surface and hand delivering some holiday cards. After dinner we went to the mr's Aunt and Uncles house for a little holiday party party (I left at like 8 like an old lady but the mr rallied and rolled home well past midnight (I know cause he woke my ass up))  It was a vey full past few days.

The Sunday agenda is simple. Catch up. We have busy week ahead and it's the week before Christmas and all so I just want to get my shit together. I don't want to be  stressing come the end of the week. But If I happen to take a long nap today while watching a Christmas movie, I won't be made at myself. 

Some of the internet I have visited this week.

-Simple Book Helps Adult Men Answer Pressing Question: ‘Where Does Your Penis Belong?’ Hahahaha, but seriously.

-I am sure by now you have heard of these pit-less avocados. I guess I don't underdstand how so many people are managing to cut there hands open but it's happening and so theses. . Avocado Hand Injuries Are Real. Is A Seedless Fruit The Answer?

-A vegan bakery that makes it own nut cheeses. Sound pretty awesome. Vegan Knead Bakery to Open in Burlington

-These are some amazing pictures. See the winning images in National Geographic’s 2017 Nature Photographer of the Year contest

-THIS EDIBLE STRAW COULD HELP REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF PLASTIC IN OCEANS. And we should just stop with all the freaking plastic already. 

-This makes me sad. Animals That Could Disappear Because Of Us

-I took the quiz and got 100%. I am awesome and super anal about recycling. Holiday Recycling Quiz. A great resource for now and all year long. 

-What Really Happens When You Mix Baking Soda with Vinegar? 

-Sleep vs. Exercise? I will aways exercise over sleep but ya need BOTH

Pictures from the week. 

Have a great weekend.

-C

Sunday Happy

Because sometime you leave the gym and get stuck in traffic because hundreds of Santas are running down the street. 

The week started off with Sophia's unicorn themed birthday party. I made the cake which was devoted because chocolate chococate chocolate covered in chocolate is a very desirable cake. Sure it was great to celebrate So and all, but the greatest part about her party was the inspiration. Shannon and I have decided that we are gong to make a magical life guide / nose to tale cookbook of unicorns. Life advice of how to live with and eat a mythical creature. And of course sell it at Urban Outfitters because were else to you sell shit like that . HA ha. 

After that party things were pretty basic. Some work here and there, more paperwork, talking to accountants, health insurance bullshit. (BULLSHIT!!!!) The end of the year is creeping up fast and I am trying not to think to hard about it and get overwhelmed. There are more important things like cookies and present making that I need to focus on first. The littles came over for dinner as usual, which is now becoming more of a challenge because every time they come over they no longer like a food that they actually really like. I think they are just trying to drive me crazy but we still all like black beans and green beans so if that is what we eat foe every dinner, then so be it.  Then there was the windy night where the mr's soccer ball was swept away. He has been walking around the neighborhood(we both have)  searching for it, looking under cars, in bushes, asking neighbors, posting on front porch forum. There is suspicion that a kid down the street stole it, ( the mr thinks the kid is jealous of his skills) but we have no proof. I decided that I will wait for a few more day and then it's time, we just need to get a new soccer ball. Little Judah was nice enough to bring over his  ball for them to kick around for the day but the mr needs one right outside the front door at all times. See he had pretty much perfected the rainbow trick and was on his way to being a soccer star, but now the ball is gone. And he is sad and losing his new soccer trick skills by the day so we need to get the guy a new ball fast. It has been a high drama week without it. 

Friday night we had a little birthday party for the mr. It was a grilled cheese and soup  with chocolate chip cookie and strawberry ice cream sandwich party which turned out to be fantastic. I am really starting appreciate simple, easy food to serve people that require little prep time and no oven. People came, people ate, people were mostly happy, and the mr had fun and got new sock. And that was just the kick off of his birthday weekend. Yesterday we went for a drive to where we used to live long ago, went for a little hike. Had some lunch,got some coffee, and just took it easy for the day.

Now today is his actual birthday. No plans yet other then an a really good americano and the traditional lasagna birthday dinner. It's his birthday so we will do as he wishes.  

Happy Birthday my love!!!🎂🎈🎉

Stuff that I read on the internet this week .

-So many good books! I use this list all year to find goo reads. NPR’s Book Concierge. Guide To 2017’s Great Reads

-Can Science Teach Us Something About How To Live? of course it can. 

Scientists Discover Grass Species With Intriguing 'Salt And Vinegar' Chip Flavor

-Yes, It’s Your Parents’ Fault. Validation.

-So yeah, lead is not good so watch out. . Can Your Ceramic Cookware Give You Lead Poisoning?

-What! This is a freaking amazing houseboat. A Dreamy Modern Amsterdam Houseboat

-All the pretty trees.  REAL CHRISTMAS TREES

-Massive Black Hole Reveals When The First Stars Blinked On

- Origami Paper Crane Daily for 1,000 Days These reminded me of the toy fly's the mr ties. 

- I really want this Honeycomb Pan

Pictures from the week

Have a great day!

-C

Sunday Happy

Its December again, and again I find my self being shocked at the fact. But Christmas yeh! I am into it this year, with lots of decorations and xmas music, and baking, and all the fun things that the holiday brings. The one thing that is really getting my goat though is the absence of snow. Where the heck is all the snow! It's been way to warm out and that in itself is diving me crazy so I am just gonna wait, hope for the best, and again fantasize about living in Alaska. (the mr would never have it) 

Not a lot happened this week. Looked at some land, cleaned up the yard some more, but It feels like we have spent more time dealing with people over phone calls and tons of paper work then anything. Shit that needed to be done and did, but now I am starting to think about and dread tax season....It's going to mother f-ing suck. So I am trying  not to think too much about it yet, especially with this new tax plan shit. I mean, what the hell does this mean? I am so confused already.. Blah, stupid taxes.. Other then that, Barb came over for an afternoon of picture taking for her senior picture, which was really funny. I have never experienced senior pictures before (I didn't get mine done) and before our photo shoot, I googled senior photos and what the? Why does everyone want to hug a tree or sit on a railroad track? I wasn't really into that look, but if that was what she wanted (it wasn't what she wanted) We did do a little tree hugging, tall grass squatting, (no rail road tracks though), but in the end I got a good Barb one, one without tree hugging or anything to cheesy, just a big ass smile. A real picture and I love it and hope she loves it too.  Then after that we had tacos with Miley and Judah and went for a small Christmas light drive. We sure d know how to have some good times. 

We got out Christmas tree!!! A drive to the ranger station to get our tag then a drive into the mountains for the hunt. We parked, got out of a car and within 5 minutes found a really good looking tree. Way to easy, we hiked around for an hour, checked out a sweet beaver damn, and got all sorts of scratched up before we went back to the tree we first saw.It really was a nice looking tree. The mr cut it down, threw it on the car, and off we went. Now the tree is in it's stand, covered in lights, and last night we did our traditional popcorn stringing while watching Elf.  I dehydrated some orange and apple slice to hang and dug out the box of ornaments. I told the littles that they could help decorate so I am eating until they come over to finish which is fine with me because honestly I don't mind a very minimally decorated tree. And it's less shit for the cat to kick off. 

Today is little So's birthday! 5 years old already. Her party is tonight and I made the cake but I need to finish frosting and decorating it this afternoon. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting covered in chocolate chips and chocolate sprinkles with one pink sprinkle on top. The girl knows what  she wants. Other then that, I think I need to spend a little time  getting  myself organized , get my secret Santa present ordered, figure out what to do for the mr, and start planning for the mr's birthday next weekend. And take a nap. What is a Sunday without a nap?

Internet from the week.

-Tonights the night. Dance By The Light Of The 2017 Supermoon: The How And When It was super bright last night too

-The Hardest Bakery Possible': Reinventing The Meaning Of 'Whole Grain 100% whole grain everything. 

-Its that time of year when we need melted chocolate fast. How To Perfectly Melt Chocolate in the Microwave

-This Modern Home has a Climbable, Ladder-less Bookshelf. I would love a book shelf I could climb all over. That just sounds all sorts of fantastic.

-This had better be excellent, but I am sure it will be. Making it. 

-Being a Vegan With Ham-Loving In-laws Is Harder Than It Sounds. Just worry about yourself, not what I am eating.

-These are so amazing. I can't believe they are not photos. Towering Hyperrealistic Cactus Paintings by Lee Kwang-ho

-This is what Miley was looking up when she was suppose to be picking out Christmas music. Shittens Disposable Mitten-shaped Moist Wipes That is my niece. 

-How To Make A Basic Geometric Himmeli Ornament.  These will look good on he tree (spray painted gold of course) . 

-Twitter really doesn't like the White House Christmas decorations. Because they are scary. 

Pictures from the week

Have a great day!

-C