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Sunday Happy

December 2, 2018 Colleen Stem
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It just hit me, it is December, the last month of the year. The year is almost over, again. I never get used to it, that feeling that it can’t possible be the end of the year because it just started, right? But it’s cool, I love December and I love me a fresh new year so we are good. Welcome December, I am going to enjoy the hell out of you.

The past week has basically been one big hack fest here at my house. The mr way worse then me, but we both have been coughing up our lungs unaccompanied by feeling like garbage. Being sick had put a slight damper on everything. Bed by 8 (or 7), humidifer on full blast, tons of liquids, and just trying to take it easy. We both would go through the day, doing what we need to do, but not really having much energy to do much else. I did work a little on decorating for Christmas and making our cards, but haven’t really gotten as far as I would like to with those (I wanted them done). I worked at the studio (I cleaned the shit out of the glaze buckets.. cleanest buckets ever), baked a cake, dropped a cake, baked a new cake, and cleaned out the fridge. The mr did some stuff too even though he has been feeling worse. Besides work, he finally hung his collection of old trowels on the wall (not sure I like where they are). He also spent a few days in the basement plumbing and setting up a complicated series of buckets to act as a clay trap for the new sink. That took a lot of research and finding of random pipes and such, all for me (or all so I don’t clog the drain with clay) but still. He is so nice. And having a sink in the basement has been so wonderful. Water without having to drag a heavy ass bucket up and down the stairs. It’s the little things, you know.

Anyway, we have been lame for the most part. No big hikes, no hanging with the littles, a quick dinner with Barb, but that was just pastas and lasted just enough time for her to eat and run away and I did stop by Megans to say hi and get some human interaction, but nothing super exciting. But we on the upswing and getting better, in fact we are getting much better which leads us to today!

Today is the day I have been waiting all year for (or really, the past week). The mr and I are going to hike the mountains and bring us home our Christmas tree!!!!! Per our tradition, we hike into the Green Mountain National Forest, find the finest tree (our taste differ greatly from most) and drag it back to the car. Spend the entire of the hour or so drive home listening to Hanson Christmas album, get giant coffees, and worry the entire way that the tree is going to fly of the top of the car. I am so excited!!!!

Some of that the internet has from the week.

-NPR’s Book Concierge. Our Guide To 2018’s Great Reads. Look forward to this list every year. It is so noes to be able to click on a book and have it give a little blurb. I have and will read a many of these books

-Going to pull some taffy this week (hopefully) Fun Taffy Facts: Its Origins & Why You Pull Taffy

-Geminid meteors peak, and more can't-miss sky shows in December. Always a fan of a good meteor shower.

-I get ladybugs in the winter and always thought it curious. 5 Things to Know About Dealing with Ladybugs in the Kitchen

-Hell yeah, a vegan bodega is a fine idea. This guy knows whats what. Beyond Bodega Bites: This Man Wants More People To Eat 'Vegan In The Hood'

-4 Words to Say to Someone Who Has to Get a Root Canal. Hahahaha.

-The older I get the less color I want in my house… This is pretty much what I want my house (and my wardrobe) to look like color wise. A NATURAL HOME IN THE NETHERLANDS.

-The Controversy Over Parents Who Eat Lunch With Their Children at School. I remember be jealous of the kids that had a lunch visit from parents. But I probably would have thought a regular lunch date a bit strange.

-But what is lunch exactly? Lunch, Explained

-Magic Rhinos. Siberian unicorns lived alongside humans, and they were so much cooler than the mythical version

And pictures from the week

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In sunday happy, pictures, internet links Tags everyday life, pictures, sunday happy, Vermont, photography, life, interent links
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Sunday Happy

November 11, 2018 Colleen Stem
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Are we all ready for it? Mid November and all. The holidays are creeping up fast and furious and I am starting to feel that bit of excitement and anxiety and over all buzz that one gets this time of year. I think seeing the neighbor putting their Christmas tree up in the window the other day (Which in my opinion is way to early. You need to wait until after Thanksgiving for the tree) really hit it home for me. So I located my boxes of decorations and pulled the box of glue and glitter for holiday arts and crafts. I restocked all my flours, sugars, and chocolate chips, and I already have a few of those cake orders in. It’s go time. Now all we need is a snow storm. Or all I need anyways.

The week has been slow. Daylight savings has did a little number on me. I have been waking up at like 415 but my ass is in bed by 830. I could probably get myself to adopt a later bedtime and maybe wake up a little later, but you know what? It works for me. I am nothing, if not an old lady.

Other then a little bit of work, nothing to exciting happened. The mr and walked in the rain to vote. We went for a nice mid week hike , then stopped at the new Harbor Freight store to play with axes. I spent some time throwing, loaded kilns at the studio, grocery shopped, and scraped ice off my car for the first time this season. The littles were over for food and play. Judah and I stating making turkey hand prints that we are going to finish this week. Coco just got snot everywhere and Miley just wanted to get our nightly walk over so I would giver her candy. Then Barb came over for baked beans (amazing baked beans), and Megan stopped by one day to hang with me for a while. It’s nice getting a little human interaction once in a while. HA.

The mr and I finally trapped Only in the house, gave him a bath and even tried to brush his ratty ass out. He is pretty much 100% an outdoor cat in the summer months, but I don’t like him out during the winter so he gots to stay inside. And he hates it. Meows all night long, try to sneak in between legs out the door. But I think it’s better for him and he will get used to sitting around all day on the heated floors again. The guy is to old to be hanging out there like a young cat.

And the leaves. So many leaves. The mr has been doing battle with the trees in the driveway. He spent a day raking and mowing, all pretty much in vain because the next day the driveway was just as bad, if not worse, covered in leaves. My suggestion was just to wait a few more days, let all the leaves fall, but he is a determined man. Plus he noted that the dents in leaves actually help the over all mission.

That was the week.

Today the mr and I are heading to the mountains. We (well I) want to see some snow and really, we just want to get out of town for a few hours. I am feeling a little crazy.

Hope today finds you happy and cozy. Doing you.

Interenting from the week.

-Antarctica scientist allegedly stabs colleague for spoiling the endings of books. I do not condone violence in any way but, I mean, I kind of get it.

-The best way to deal with fall leaves. The mr needs to read this.

-Take it from someone that burns herself on a daily bases. Be prepared in the kitchen. I keep burn cream (propolis calendula salve) right next to the knives. I use it all the time. How to Soothe a Kitchen Burn, STAT

-10 Things to Clean Now Before the Holiday Season Gets Going. Add to list…A good place to hide and a good alibi if needed.

-Interesting idea. A Meat Tax Sounds Nice to Me

-Knowing your flours is important. What’s the Difference Between Cake Flour, Pastry Flour, All-Purpose Flour, and Bread Flour

-I play sudoko when I am feeling worried or anxious. Can't Stop Worrying? Try Tetris To Ease Your Mind

-Meet the Plantfluencers. I could totally be one, I have like 70 plants and counting. And if people are liking and then getting house plants, well heck yeah. Plants are the best.

-I don’t neeeeed , but I really, really want these sheets. They are amazing.

-Does stress eating actually make you less stressed? Whats your stress eating food? Mine is cabbage. I think there is something about peeling back cabbage leaves that I find soothing, and I a weirdo.

And pictures from the week.

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Bye

-C

In vermont, the great outdoors, the fam, sunday happy, pictures, internet links Tags sunday happy, everyday life, interent links, pictures, family, Vermont, the great outdoors, hiking, photography, sunday
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Sunday Happy

June 17, 2018 Colleen Stem

When a 18 month old stacks dinosaurs and animals better then you, you know he is destined for greatness... or just really good at stacking. Haha

What a week. Miley graduated 5th grade and holy shit I can't believe she is gonna be a middle schooler. Then  the next day Barb went and  graduated  from high school and double holy shit I can't believe she is going to be a college kid. Everyone is getting so old so fast, including me! Besides those two having graduations, all the rest of the littles are done school for the summer so things are all summer vibes up in here. To top it off, it suppose to be like 90 degrees and super humid today and tomorrow so I guess that’s one way to start summer. (Blah, I hate humidity, but what we gonna do? I think I shall find me a sprinkler) Other then spending a lot of time trying to sit still in school gyms on uncomfortable plastic chairs or wooden bleachers, the mr and I have been busy as usual. Nothing new. Hung with the Little’s, did this and that and ran all over town. The mr started building the tree house. I picked the first bunch of radishes and lots of greens from the garden.  And then yesterday, it happened.  I found it.... A coffee table! It was pretty much  exactly what I have been looking for.  And why I found it  was more or less a fluke. The mr and I were out doing chores and one of the places we were going to wasn’t open yet so we swing by the goodwill, just to kill time.  (good will was the mr's idea.. he wants credit)  And low and behold, my table was waiting right there for me. And it’s a beaut, vintage mid century piece that is is perfect condition and it was  cheap as hell.  Meant to be! So good, so good.  Not even summer yet and I have knocked one thing off my bucket  list. It feels so good to finally have coffee table. I feel like more of an adult already, like I have accomplished the un-accomplishable and now I  can take  on the world and do and find anything!  (These feelings are very much illogical but they are my  feelings non the less.) 

And now it's Sunday. Not going to lie, it’s been a trying morning. My computer has not been behaving and I actually thought it was broken for a while, but I got it to start to  kind of work. But I needed  an update which took like 2 hours, but now my computer seems to be fine. But I am still afraid  because I have dealt with computer sudden death and it’s a terrible so I am weary at the moment, but what can I do?  I am just going hope for all the best and back it all up today. (reminder to all... back up yo shit!)   Pat on the back for me though cause while I was waiting for the computer to update, I had time to check in with the dad because today is Father’s Day and I didn't forget! I am such a good daughter and deserve an plaque or some shit. 

As for the rest of the day, I got some projects that I am working on, some wood/clay things and such. And I'll probably read a lot because again, the humidity and I am shit when it gets like this.  I think if I don't melt away into a puddle, I'll be a success. But I might even go try and find that sprinkler that is out there waiting for me.

Internet stuff from the week. 

-I have talked about it before, I am #1 example of hangry. How Hunger Pangs Can Make Nice People 'Hangry'

-What turns bees into killer bees? It can make killer fruit flies too. Don't science them into anything other then gone. 

-To Rinse Or Not To Rinse: How Washing Some Foods Can Help You Avoid Illness Good to know and share.

-Why Every American Should Care About the Farm Bill. We ALL really should care, even if you are a hundred percent self suitable.. its about the lives of the people around you too. 

-Who doesn't love a good sunset/sunrise picture. 21 Gorgeous Sunrise and Sunset Photos

-6 Multi-use Flowers that Do Double Duty Never thought to set sunflower stalks n fire. Door idea

-Book recommendations are always welcomed. 9 New Books About Nature & Hiking That You Should Add To Your Summer Reading List

-Cyclo Knitter: A Bicycle-Based Machine That Knits a Scarf in Five Minutes I kind of want to make a bike like this for myself. It's pretty freaking sweet.

-So Your Garlic (and Onion) Grew a Sprout. Can You Still Use It? 

-My Mom Won’t Stop Giving Our Kid Sweets It's always my sisters with the nieces and nephews that are sweet pushers. Me, I push the carrots.

Pictures from the week 

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In vermont, sunday happy, photography, internet links Tags graduation, internet links, everyday life, vermont, sunday happy, family, photography, pictures of the week
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Sunday Happy

June 3, 2018 Colleen Stem
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The ladies are home in their hive, living the life that bees live. We have a great view of them from the window on the porch and when you are just sitting there quite, you can hear them buzzing. It's a great spot if you want to just sit there and watch them. (without getting mosquito bites)  Bees, in and out, doing their little flight dance up into the sky. It's mesmerizing. 

The week was good, if not a little hectic. The last week of May always is. It is time for apartment turn overs so we had few people moving out and in, plus the mr has been doing side work all week and has been crazy all out all day, everyday. So things have been busy. But we still managed to get in dinner at Shannons, a evening on Mills river, and even a nice bike ride. Then there are my new garden woes. I have been spending more time then I really want to around the garden, keeping the slugs away because the cooper strip doesn't do shit, (I am now hand picking the fuckers and sticking them in a bowl of water. The birds love it) and getting an insane amounts of mosquito bites. I don't think I have ever been bitten on the face as much as I have been in he past week. And I have noticed that bubmble bees have made a home under one of the raised beds which also sucks because it 's right where I walk and I have almost collapsed there spot. I wish I could get them to move so I don't accidentally kill them so I am going to do a little research and see what I can do. Plus squirrels. I hate them right now and that is about as much as I can do or say on that subject. Anyway, On top of the garden and all the running around for people and life,  I mowed the lawn, cleaned the car, adjusted the kitchen cabinets, and got rid of a bunch of shit. We are so, what can I say,  productive? Or is it, In need of a vacation?  So soon, so soon. The van life is calling our names.....

Today is got a lot going for it. It is suppose to be beautiful, I have a stack of books, some wood to carve, some canvas to paint. My bike tires are still inflated and haven't popped yet (I really need new tires) so I am definitely going for a bike ride, and maybe the mr and I will adventure to do some picnicking while I read and he fishes. A well needed take it easy day. 

The world of the wide web.

-Um, yes. I have listened to this many many times. Weezer Covers Toto's 'Africa,'

-Read This Story and Get Happier. Oh, well ok. Doesn't hurt, right? 

-Going to do some wild foraging for stuff to make some stuff, like medicinal stuff. Guide to Making Tinctures

-YOU'VE NEVER SEEN WAVES LIKE THIS BEFORE. Erie and beautiful.

-I want it but have no need for it. Maybe get it and save for a later house? Fabulous vintage square bathtub

 -The Pits: An Endearing Short Film Follows a Lonely Avocado Searching NYC for its Other Half The music makes it great.

-If only I didn't already live here. VERMONT WILL PAY YOU $10,000 TO MOVE THERE AND WORK FROM HOME

-Naked-Eye Asteroid and More Can't-Miss Sky Events in June

-I follow a lot of plant people and I must say that those are my favorite pictures, but I am a crazy plant lady so.... Plant People Are Rarely Bullies”: The Leafy, Zen Corner of the Internet That Is Plant Instagram

-You, Too, Can Make a Fancy-Schmancy Pie Crust. I think I am gonna give it a go this week, or maybe next week. I'll wait for fresh peaches.

Pictures from the week

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-C

In sunday happy, life, photography Tags bees, backyard apiary, apiary, sunday happy, everyday life, internet links, photography, city bees, garden
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Sunday Happy

May 27, 2018 Colleen Stem
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To be as cool as those two. Life goals right there. Ha.

How's your week been? Mine has been decent.  I have been running around doing all sorts of shit all week and it has just flown by so fast.  Paint colors, house scraping, kids, family, paperwork, bills, the mr in and out, working until 8 at night all week. We really know how to alway have something to do. (even when were don't want to be doing anything) The apartments need attention, everyone in school is either out or getting out soon, summer is basically here and plans are being thrown around. But what really sticks out in my mind from this week are all the damn mosquito bites that I have gotten, like 8 million because the mosquitoes are so so so so bad around my house right now, like 10 times worse then anywhere else in the world. They are swarming by the hundreds and are starving for blood. I cannot walk out of the house without getting bitten and if I want to spend more then 2 seconds out there, I throw on heavy carharts, a thick hooded jacket and spray the crap out of myself with lemon eucalyptus which does absolutely nothing. It has been kind of miserable and I am praying that they will die down soon. I don't want to be wearing clothes all summer long to be outside. (correction. I don't want to be wearing heavy clothes, I want to be waring summer clothes.) 

We have been having some good time though. Barb swung by one afternoon and ended up on a tandem bike ride adventure with the mr and I (I don't ride tandem, I like the freedom of being the only one on the bike) We biked around town looking at all the junk that people have been leaving curbside because schools out and that means everyone is moving out. We spent a rainy day with the littles where Miley took to reading all afternoon, into dinner, and beyond, Judah and the mr painted, and I ran around with Coco, throwing the Buzz and Woody ball at his head.  And I went and spent far to long at the fabric store, buying 15 yards of fabric to make curtains for the porch. Got to love Memorial Day fabric sales and of course all the displays of  the pretty threads. Fabric stores, they can get this lady here in trouble. 

Yesterday, we drove up to the northern parts of Vermont, had a dinner picnic, stopped at a roadside cajan seafood place (in the middle of VT ) and got the mr an ice-cream cone.  After the sweet treat, it was go time. We got to the apiary at 6:30, just as the bees were coming home from a short, wet day, and picked up our new ladies. Bees Bees Bees. And there were baby sheep there too. So sweet, they actually let me pet them, unlike the bees that were a little fussy and bumping against out heads. We loaded them up, got them home,  placed them next to the hive, popped the cap, and let them be. 

Today I am going to bike into town, hit up the gym and the library, maybe stop at the coop too. Then the mr and I are going to do a quick install of the nuc, get the ladies tucked into their new home, and hopefully get an eye on the queen. After that, I don't know. I would like to spend the rest of the day outside, and my garden could use a little weeding, so maybe I'll just do that. If the mosquitos would just all leave me the fuck alone. 

Stuff from the internet

-An Argument Expert Explains the Best Way to Fight With Your Partner. My new response to any argument..."How can I help you stop being a fuck head." haha

-Those stamp people, so smart. The U.S. Postal Service Is Giving Us the Scratch-and-Sniff Stamps We Never Asked For

-Give Your Best Friend the Perfect Gift – Sheets With Your Face on Them. I don't know if this is funny or just plan evil.

-What a headline, and now I think I want need see this movie . Sesame Street Sues Over Melissa McCarthy’s R-Rated Puppet Murder Movie

-I always wondered how he did those moves..Michael Jackson's Gravity-Defying Lean Continues To Fascinate

-What's a Convection Oven, and When Should You Use It?I have a convection on my oven and never use it. But I might just the next time I make cookies. 

-Hand-Dyed Crocheted Thread Carefully Covers Eggs, Seeds, and Tree Trunks Pretty

-I am planting more medicinal herbs in my garden and around the house. Directory of Culinary and Medicinal Herbs

-I guess I was really ignorant on the subject of shaved ice, until now.

-Live in a dome. I would take one of these for sure. 

Pictures from the week.

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Have a good long weekend.

-C

In sunday happy, pictures, internet links Tags everyday life, sunday happy, photography, pictures from the week, bees, apiary, Vermont, internet links
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