Sunday Happy

Welcome fall, I have been waiting for you. Now please stay.

We started last week  with a picnic lunch at the state house then driving to the middle of the woods and checking out a piece of land then made our way over to our campsite. Went for a nice long hike, the mr did a little fishing, and I saw more amazing mushrooms then I was able to take pictures of. Then back to the camp site we went. I always bring along a book that I am pretty into for camping (because that is what one does while camping) but this time I grabbed a new book from the library right before we left. And well shit, was I ever so surprised that is was more or a less a smutty graphic romance novel and so because I am not really into that crap, I was bookless and felt kind of lost. Goof. But it really wasn't so bad, the mr kept me company and I found an old newspaper to use as my morning reading so there was that.  And I went and returned that book when we got home and got some books that were not so smutty.

Then we had  dinner at Sha na na's with Paul, Barb, and my Mom. I made a salad with lots and lots of corn in it. Huge hit that Paul has requested that I make him that exact salad for his birthday that is in like 5 months, because I guess I can't make him a salad any time before that? Ha. My family.. weirdos. 

And then I went and done it.  I dropped the fucking blender on my big toe and it pretty much ruined my life. (but not really)  My toe swelled up turned a nice shade of bright red and the nail, slowly but surely, turned completely black, and I was barely able to walk for like 2 days. It was tough goings for a while  there and I almost performed my own medical treatment involving a lighter and a paperclip but the mr was not having it and in the end, my nail just started falling off anyways so you know, not so bad anymore. And that is enough about my gross toe.

Mid week was the same as usual. This is that, work, me hobbling around and listening to way way way too much  of the supreme court hearings on NPR, which just made me mad but I did it anyway. There was farm share, so many garden tomatoes, cooking all those garden tomatoes, freezing and eating all the garden tomatoes. My garden is getting to that point where I am starting to rip stuff out. I was going to do a fall planing but the little fuck of a rabbit that is living somewhere close keeps eating everything so I am just going to call it for the season. No more new plants, I'll just get all my kale at the farm. But that rabbit, he needs to get his shit together and find a new place to live next year cause I am getting sick of his attitude. I yell at him but he just keeps come back and taking what he wants. Not cool rabbit, not cool.  

 And after 2 years of research and saving money, I finally got a new camera!!! My old one finally is dead so I needed to do it. I have barely used the new one, only for a couple hours because I am scared I am going to break it (haha, but really) or cover it in bread dough (which will eventually happen). Annnnnd we finally got a new tent! I am very much excited about that. We even named her (yes, it is a she tent) Marigold because thats the color she is.  A new camera and a new tent, all in one week. That was very mentally draining.  I'll  still buy groceries and toilet paper, but thats as much I can handle for a good long while. 

Littles came over for dinner on Friday. Miley started field hockey so we had the just the boys for a while. The mr ands Judah played soccer (Judah won) while me and Coco sat in lawn chairs with a giant bowl of cantaloupe. Every time one of the boys scored a goal he would get up and walk the bowl over to them for a snack score. It was pretty freaking amazingly cute. Then when Miley got home, I made pizza (in the shape of a W for Judah be cause he was a WINNER) and was some how conned into letting the mr and Miley go to the store and come back with 3 apples and a giant bag of sour patch kids. I ate an apple, they all ate candy. 

Woke up early yesterday morning and I was cold. YES, COLD! And it was amazing and I was so excited because I wasn't hot. I threw on a sweater, socks, and a hat and the mr and I went on to paint the outside of one of our houses for a good part of the day. Then home I went to scrub the paint off my body, run to Costco to get the Judah his new glasses ans a hot dog, then back home to scrub clean the house. (if you haven't caught on by now, Saturday evenings are my "clean the shit out of the house" days)  L

Today we are off for more land exploring and camping adventure. I am so excited, first to see some more land  because maybe some of this land will be what we are looking for and might be our land! And secondly because camping in cooler weather is the best. We can actually sit near the fire, want to sit near the fire, without sweating our asses off.  I got my knitting, a book (a good book), and tea bags galore. An extra blanket, the long underwear and socks, and even a pair of mittens and a hat are packed. It is going to be fantastic. 

 Time I invested in internet looking

- Plastic is terrible and this is where it is all going.  THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH  which leads us to  Scientists get ready to begin Great Pacific Garbage Patch cleanup.

-SO lets all try to use a hell of a lot less plastic, yea?.  6 Doable Ways People Are Going Plastic-Free

-What are the smartest animals in the world and how do we know? We know cause we be smat too.  

-Have you ever seen a praying mantis? I have ans they are pretty crazy. It's Praying Mantis Mating Season: Here's What You Need To Know

-Pink and green swoon. A COLORFUL HOME WITH HEART.

-This Start-Up Will Get Rid of All Your Ex's Sh*t For You SO I guess no more trashcan fires full of clothing and pictures?

-Wouldn't to be nice to not be aware, but better yet, just not to be stressed at all.. Can You Be Blissfully Unaware of Your Own Stress?

-Can You Eat Something That Has Freezer Burn? Here's What the USDA Says.

-Why are Americans obsessed with front lawns? Good question.

And of course pictures from the week.

Sunday Happy

I can't believe it is Sunday already. The last week has just blown by so fast. These summer days, they can do that. But they are coming to an end and I might be a tad sad about it but I caught myself  longingly looking at all of my sweaters the other day... I will leave that one alone for a little longer. 

Our camping adventure last week started off with us under a bridge. It was so freaking hot out that my earwax was melting so the mr found the coolest place he could think of to fish, and that was under a bridge. After that, we just headed up the mountain to our campsite.  When we got there to check in we were pretty much guaranteed  to see a bear because there had been so much bear activity, especially at our site. So I was a bit nervous, a lot excited, and ready and prepared.  After the mr started a fire from logs he threw into the air and dropped so they would break (we forgot a saw) and ate our dinner, all traces of food were then packed away in the car.  All evening every little noise we heard, I was expecting bear but nothing. So we went to bed. I had my noise maker ready at my head, my shoes untied and ready to slip on, and my camera because I would need to get a picture. Every time I woke up (I wake up a lot) I would poke my head out the tent window looking for a big fury mass, but all night I did not see one. We didn't get a bear. So much for that. 

After packing up camp super early, it was back to a river for some prime fishing and coffee and reading before heading back to the real world of noise and work and people. And we needed to get back to the cat, which I keep finding in piles of leaves next to the house looking dead. I was scared once or twice but it turns out he just likes looking like a dead cat in a pile of leaves.  Yup. 

Tuesday we had the littles over for a sleep over. We gardened, drew pictures, sat around and read, ate lots of corn, and walked down to the neighborhood cornerstone for creamees. After we sent the baby back to it's mother, the littles and the mr watched another inaproperate Adam Sandler movie, I went to bed, they stayed awake all night watching cooking shows, and I had to shake them awake the next morning in order to feed them all the brightly colored pancakes before  dropping them off at camp. Those guys are doing summer vacation right. 

Wednesday the mr and I had to quick quick run up to see our friends in the north at Ikea. It was last minute, we needed a countertop, so no I did not have time to call everyone I knew to see if they wanted me to buy them anything. But shitty shit, when we got there, the countertop we needed was not there, so that kinda sucked. But I did end up getting a new toilet paper roller, a toilet brush, and the mr picked out a new pillow. We drove all the way up there, we couldn't leave empty handed. 

And how is your fresh farm and garden food these days? Farm share is at it's peak and so is my food consumption. I find myself eating more then I really want to just because we have so much fresh and beautiful goodies that I just can't stop myself. The tomatoes are so ripe and sweet, how can I not eat like 10 a day? (my acid reflux is kicking up a little)  And not only are the tomatoes going gang buster at the farm, but my garden is like a tomato jungle. There is probably going to be a day when I am buried alive by the tomatoes. It so could happen.

Saturday was work at the studio. I was on fire and unloaded  2 kilns (someone piece blew up in one) and loaded a glaze kiln in record time. After that I was pretty tired, my hip was sore (to much bending over kilns) so I came home, had a snack, cleaned the shit out of my house (there was watermelon stickiness on everything) and called myself ready for bed at like 8. The days are getting shorter again so I don't feel so bad crawling into bed earlier. HA

Today is family day. Our cousins are up in Vt at the camp so we are heading there to spend the day with them. After that, the mr and I are camping in some field somewhere (probably a baseball field?) outside of the city to each the meteor shower. It's at it's peak tonight and I am super excited to sleep under the stars and watch. Hopefully we don't get any shit for illegally camping in a park. We aren't going to have a fire (so we can see the starts, duh) so it really shouldn't be a problem. Right? 

Some reads from the internet this week. 

-It's tonight guys! How to See the 2018 Perseid Meteor Shower

-It’s Time to Admit That Iceberg Is a Superior Lettuce. I wouldn't call it superior but I have to admit, I do like me some iceberg. It's kind of like my junk green. Not much nutritional value but taste so mighty fine dipped in mustard. Crisp an refreshing. 

-I know some people (mom..) that might have a slight buying books addiction, even when they won't necessarily read them all. Tsundoku: The art of buying books and never reading them. I stopped buying books (or rarely do and its usually a book I have read and love so much) and just do the library. It would be very expensive if I just bought books... I read to much. 

-Angry People Tend to Overestimate Their Intelligence. Ever have to deal with an angry know it all.... its enough for me to run away screaming. So frustrating. 

-"If you've ever seen someone with testicles get kicked in the groin, then you probably know that male genitals — often portrayed as a symbol of male strength and virility — aren't actually that tough." hahaha, what a great opening paragraph. Boxers Or Briefs? Experts Disagree Over Tight Underwear's Effect On Male Fertility

-What's the Difference Between Zucchini and Yellow Squash?. One is zucchini and one is yellow squash. 

-Spent $200 on a Weighted Blanket, and It's Changed My Entire F*cking Life. I don't think I will ever spend $200 on a blanket, but I am really into the idea of getting a weighted blanket..I think Ikea sells one for like $30.

-I could live in a state of natural silence for ever (or for a very long time) Are You Listening? Hear What Uninterrupted Silence Sounds Like

-8 Fruits and Vegetables You Shouldn't Be Refrigerating

Pictures from the week.

Have a wonderful day.

-C

Belvidere

I finally looked at all the pictures from the family get together last weekend. Got a few good shots, but man oh boy do I need to get a new camera. It's on my list of shit to do this coming week. (Blah, I hate buying stuff)

So here they are, the pics of the fam in Belivdere Vt. The cabin in the mountains with no  internet or cell signal, no TV, no news, no other people. Just hanging out with all the goobs, swimming and hiking, finding salamanders and fossil, and spent some good time with the old man before he headed back to PA. And so what if a little almost got swept down the river or if our tents were washed away in a flash flood. Nothing we can't handle. It was quite and beautiful and a hell of a lot cooler then back in the city. It's a little magical kingdom. No better place to be. 

-C

-C

Sunday Happy

How wonderful has the weather been for you? Around here, it couldn't have been any better. Warm, not to hot, lots of sun with some good rainy spell, even a really cool thunder storm. Everything is growing and blooming and it is just so fantastic.  A good spring week. We deserved it for sure. 

The week was full of all sorts of things. We finally got out taxes done after having to file an extension (well, there are still few more things were need to do, but the accountant has the pile of papers so I don't have to look a them anymore), Now I can finally stop thinking about them and focus on anything but, because taxes suck, like literally sucked the life out of me.(lets never speak of taxes again..until next year)  There were stairs rebuilt, shelves moved around, mirrors hung, so so much yard work, my first bike ride, sunburns (the mr, not me) and best yet, we found and installed a new (to us) bathroom faucet. Hooray!!  It's pretty cool, one we have never seen and looks really good with the green sink. We found it at the salvage yard attached to a sink that we did not need so we removed it, brought it home, dragged our heavy ass sink out to the backyard, and the mr installed it. Then we brought the sink back to the bathroom and stuck it back in place.  Now we can stop brushing our teeth and washing our hands in the bathtub. Things are going good. 

 I feel like I have been rolling in the green all week (green as in plants and stuff). The mr bought me the coolest plant called the escargot begniioa (see picture below) and that's the plant that made me realized that I am now obsessed and need to start the worlds greatest begonia collection. I also got a few more house plants because I just can't stop/won't stop. (Our house is basically made up of chairs, books, and plants. Not a bad house if I do say so my self.) So now the inside could be mistaken for the outside. Outside we planted a bunch of raspberry bushes our neighbor gave us which I am so super excited about and I have a ton  more  seeds in the garden, Or I hope I do. I kept getting seed/plant robbed by the birds and squriells. All the greens that I had started inside and planted in the soil were eaten and a good chunk of the seeds I directly planted were also dug up. Little fuckers, but I think the chicken wire I placed over everything really helped. And it is still kind of early so I just planted and started more seeds because thats what we do.  I basically spent all all my time this week thinking about plants and I am ok with that. 

And it's Sunday. Today I am going to spend more time then I would like digging splinters out of my hands because for some reason I just don't think about putting on gloves when doing any yard work. I know of one really big one in my thumb from a tree root that won't come out, but all the twigs and sticks I picked up gave me quite a few little pesky ones. Other then that, as long as it is not super rainy, I 'll probably spend a good chunk of the day outside again, doing more yard stuff, probably without gloves on, because why would I do that? And I will  try to throw in a bike ride too. If I am lucky, once I get tired,  it will start raining this  afternoon so I can not have to water and I can spend the rest of the day reading on the back porch with all my new plant friends. 

Internet I looked at that you can look at too.

-I am a plant lady in all the ways. My new obsession.  Begonias. BEAUTIFUL BEGONIAS: TYPES & CARE. 

-Yes, yes they do. Drake’s Lyrics Make The Best Cake Quotes Ever

-This house is pretty cool, but the pineapple light fixture. Amazing.

-I think I might be a sensitive person. Everything to Know About the Highly Sensitive Person

-Now You Can Drink—Yes, Drink—Hummus. Yeah, I don't know. I think I would really like a chick pea tahini shake.  But is it really hummus? Hum.

-Vermont Wetland Types. Became I wanted to know and you might too.

-Should I make one for the mr to push me around in? Haha, but this is pretty cool,, like for the littles. WOODEN RIDE-ON CAR DIY!

-I feel like I could really get down with the contra. Square, Contra and Henry Ford: The History And Lasting Appeal Of Country Dancing

-TALKING BREAD AND EVOLUTION WITH JEFFREY HAMELMAN Who doesn't want to t talk about bread, especially a master baker from VT? 

-This seems kind of crazy and a little gross. Old cake for hundreds of dollars. How about you throw me the money and I make you a fresh cake?  Slice Of History: Pieces Of British Royal Wedding Cakes Up For Auction. 

Pictures from the week.

Have a good one. 

-C

Sunday Happy

Ah winter. Warm and sunny one day, then bam, snow and wind and bitter bitter cold. Why you got to be so fickle winter? 

I shoveled quite a bit this week. We didn't get as much snow as some, but.we got enough to keep me busy.. The world is now heavy with fluffy (although it's pretty heavy now) white. With all the snow we were able to go for a nice long winter hike AND we went snow showing which was fantastic and beautiful and was a great little end of winter treat. Now my hope is that we were going to finish up winter with this last hurrah this week  (another storm is a'comin). One more week is fine, I can handle one more week of really cold and snow and ice  because it will all of a sudden be spring. Then we can finally put the boots away and I can uncover my bike that I prematurely brought out into the world and is now a bike icicle (a bicycle.. haha)  I can make it one more week, I think I kind of have too.

Besides the snow the rest of the week stuff went mostly well. As always there was work, littles, and a grocery cart full of cabbage,  although I did break my freaking camera. I first I thought I just smashed the lense but there is definitely something broken it the body. How it happened? I got the strap caught on a handle while I was taking pictures and it kind of tugged/yanked out of my hand and smashed into the wheel of the kitchen island. So son of a bitch I have to get a new camera. But hey we got new tooth brushes and we all know that new tooth brush day is always a fine day.

Friday night we went out on the town and hit up the opening night of Mileys play Mary Poppins. First off, Miley was awesome and did a fantastic job. Secondly, holy crap was that torture. I totally and completely understand that the play was more for the kids, and like the mr said, we were there to watch the kids learn and have fun, but 3 hours of sitting in plastic chairs with grumpy littles and not being able to even hear a word the kids were sayings... It was rough and it kind of kicked my ass. Yes, an elementary school play kicked my ass. But jeez, 3 hours...I guess I am not one for the theater. 

It's Sunday and I am feeling fine. The house is clean, I washed my hair last night so I don't have to do it today, and I have a good book to keep me reading throughout the day. I am contepletaing weather or not to play around in the kitchen and maybe start making some bagels?... If not today, this week for sure. I might just settle for a  good long walk, coffee, and reading all day long. That would make me pleased as punch. Hopefully your day will make you pleased as ouch too. 

Internet reading from the week.

-The Science of How Your Diet Affects Your Mental Health. Of course it does and in so many many ways. 

-I heard on tv or something that the Unicorn is Scotlands national animal. I didn't believe it but it's true. Why is the Unicorn Scotland’s national animal?

-Tennessee 'Natural' Burial Ground Will Offer A Simpler Farewell — Casket Optional. Talking about what's good after death isn't always fun, but you know, it's gonna happen some day. This place sounds just about right although I  don't want to be buried in Tennessee, I want my own VT natural burial ground. 

-This is my kind of tiny house.

-I am partial to the dumpsters. Haha. But really, kinda of into this. In Britain’s Playgrounds, ‘Bringing in Risk’ to Build Resilience

 -I watched Even Stevens when I was in middle school and had a little crush on Shia LaBeouf. This biopic should be interesting. to say the least..Shia LaBeouf’s Hollywood Comeback Begins with a Movie About Shia Labeouf

-Miniature Faux Fur Landscapes

-Do you hate it our love it? I very much love it.  We Know (Some) People Hate Cilantro, but Why?

-I played (and won) a shit ton of Jenga in college. Meet Leslie Scott: The Woman Who Invented Jenga

-IKEA Made the "Fast Food of the Future" and It Includes Vegan Hotdogs Crickets and carrots and green buns for the win.

Pictures from the week. 

-C