Sunday Happy

Well friends we are on the home stretch of what is left of 2021. Another year gone (which happens every year) and I am not feeling much of anything about it at the moment. It was a year and that is pretty much it.

The past week, well it was hectic like I knew it would be but it was good. There was snow and that right there made me pretty happy. The mr and I were able to go to the woods for a nice snowy day hike and take in the goodness of all that I love. Then there was a lot of running around and last minutes this and that. There was grocery shopping at multiply stores for Christmas food which was just ridiculous. I had to finish up a few gifts things and did some last minute mug sales. I did some baking, waited in a long ass line in the freezing cold to get a couple Covid tests so we could be safe for Christmas, and had the littles over for snow globe making, cookie baking and paper candy cane crafting. The result of that was amazing but also now there is glitter EVERYWHERE! So yeah, you know, it was just all the normal days before Christmas stuff.

Then Christmas came. I woke up, went for an icy run, fell on my ass, and come home to prepare all the food and house for the mass of family that were to descend. All was going well, all the food cut up and set out. I was finishing up frosting Camerons birthday cake (Happy Birthday CAM!) when I heard a crash. The mr, at the top of the stairs, had dropped a jar and it tumbled down and shattered. everywhere. After the initial reaction of oh shit, then came the blood. Short story short, the mr cut his hand. Bad. And then everyone showed up. Luckily Shannon took a look and wrapped it up while Meg helped clean the glass. After the assessment of needing stitches, we feed the family, did quick gift exchange thing, did cake and then I shooed everyone out and we headed up the hospital. There we were sent to a room, the mr got his gash looked at and we then found out he sliced one of his tendons. And now he needs surgery for that. 5 and a half hours later, we were let go with, his gash stitched and up plus a cast up his arm, a stack of finance papers. a prescription, and a nice 1/4 inch thick coating of ice on the car. That was the topper there. We were both exhausted and hungry and I must of spent 10 minutes chipping ice of the windshield. Then the 5 minute drive to the hospital turned into a 20 minute drive home. The roads were shit be we got home, I shoved something into my mouth (not sure what) cleaned a few of the dishes from the day, and basically assed out. Merry Christmas. HA!

Today. I am tired but there is stuff to be done. I am going to spent the first half of the day cleaning the food and glitter the is imbedded into the cracks of the floor, wash everything that was touches by hospital air, and make sure there is no glass hiding anywhere. After that s trip to the pharmacy and then we are going to go see Anthony cause it is his birthday today. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANT!) As for the mr. He has to take it easy, not fuck around with his hand, and try not to go to crazy. It is just going to be an interesting next couple months with the mr having surgery and not being able to use his hand. (Bonus, it is his left hand. He is a lefty…) So yeah. Just hope good things for him and also wish me luck. The mr without the use if his hand is not a happy mr. It’s gonna get rough. But hey, could have been worse. We are good! 😬😁

Not internet links from the week because I wasn’t much on the internet.

Pictures from the week

Sunday Happy

Oh thank goodness it snowed yesterday. The past week of the weird warm weather just put me into a funk but last night going for a walk in fresh snow refreshed my brain a bit. I don’t like warm weather in winter. It’s just not right.

The week and just not any week but the week before Christmas week and all seemed a little chaotic. But was it really? Just a bit of running around here and there, trying to get some last minutes things done. Grocery shopping, list making, dealing with people. People dealing with me. I finally got the winter tires on the car, made a dentist appointment, you know, adult things. So maybe not that chaotic but still. I am ready for a couple days if not, you know?

A few nights ago we had the littles over for our traditional cookie house decorating shenanigans and it was a hoot. Spent that day making cookies, waiting oh so patiently for the house cookie cutters that I decided to buy to come in the mail (they were days late and said they would be there). Finally decided they weren’t coming and free handed the cutouts. Just as I was putting the last batch of cookies in the oven, the cutters arrived. That was some shit. Anyways, the cookies might not have been perfectly cut, but they worked just the same and the littles came over, busted open all the sprinkles and frosting they could get their hands on, made the cutest houses, and ate all the sugar. We had dinner then a dance party and then they left. That was Wednesday. I am still finding sprinkles everywhere.

And the rest of the week was. I worked, did some last bits of glazing, cleaned the crap out of the house, and yeah. thats about what I got.

Back to Sunday. I’m excited because the mr and I are going to a lovely spot in the woods for a nice snowy winter hike. Probably going to get some coffee after that and then probably going to spend the rest of the day reading. I want a chill day. I have a feeling (I know!)nthat this next week is going to be a little chaotic too.

Internet from the week.

-An A frame I should live in.

-Can Wax Paper Actually Go in the Oven? What do you think?

-How To Build An Indestructible Gingerbread House. SO I used the marshmallow gleaned it was a damn mess but I must say that after it dried a bt, it was pretty dang strong. How To Build An Indestructible Gingerbread House

-Why some misremembering might show your memory is functioning properly. I like to think that my brain never misremembers but then I remember it does.

-Not good. Not good at all. A major Antarctic ice shelf could shatter within five years, scientists warn

-THis is a start.. The largest city in the U.S. bans natural gas in new buildings

-There is just something about this house. Probably the stairs.. Swoon! Dutch Light: A Collector’s Vintage-Filled Home in a Former Tavern in Amsterdam

Pictures from the week

peppermint candy cane sugar cookies

When is the last time you have eaten a candy cane? I feel like I never see people actually eating them, that they use them more as decorations on the tree. And as I say that I realize I am thinking of adults. I never see adults eating candy canes. The littles, well they have stripped my tree bare of the candy many of times. They will, and enjoy eating anything and everything that contains sugar. Especially if you can suck it into a sharp object and I guess that probably makes candy canes are the perfect candy. Ha!

Anyway I forgot to buy candy canes this year and I was planning on adding one to each of my Christmas cards (cause I am an adult!). Sure I could and can still go to the store and get them but I decided cookies are better so I just made candy cane cookies instead band which I think are way better.

These cookies are essentially just sugar cookies with peppermint extract, dyed a little, and twisted into canes. They are fun to make, smell really good, and eaten by littles and adults alike. I would know. Out of 24 candy cane cookies I had made to give out with my cards, I think I ended up with a handful left. The littles came over and ate them all. And the mr too. Oh well, whatcha gonna do?

Now to the candy cane cookies!

The stuff. Sugar, plant butter, oil, peppermint and vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, a flax egg, and some red food coloring.

Make cookie dough. Creamy together the sugar, butter, oil, and extracts until light and fluffy. Then add I the lax egg and mix until combined. The dry then goes into bowl and gets mixed with a spoon until it is just easier to use your hands and knead the mixture until a dough forms. Once a dough, let it sit for a few minutes.

After resting, take dough and on a lightly floured surface, cut in half. Take half and set aside and the other knead red dye into it. How red you make it is up to you.

Now take a chunk or red and white and roll each piece out into 1/2 inch thick ropes that are the same length. Place ropes next to each other and kind of squish them together.

Cut a section of the rope (about 4-5 inches long) and then twist the dough until it resembles the twist of a candy cane. Then shape it into a cane.

Also, if you doughs start o get a little misxd up, well that is quite all right. They will still look like candy canes and people will still eat them.

Place canes onto a baking sheet and pop into a hot oven.

Out of the oven, smelling all like a candy cane cookie should.

Move them to a wire rack to cool and if you just so happen to have a handful of white chocolate chips on hand that you want to melt down and drizzle on top, well then you should do that too.

Make some cookies!

-C

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peppermint candy cane sugar cookies

makes about 2 dozen

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 3/4 cups white graduated sugar

• 1/2 cup (one stick) vegan butter

• 2 tablespoon neutral oil

• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax seed plus 4 tablespoons plant milk or water)

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

• red food coloring

• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (and teaspoon coconut oil optional)

In a large bowl mix together the sugar, butter, oil, vanilla, and peppermint oil until light and fluffy. Add in flax eg and mix until combined then add in the flour, baking powder ask salt ans mix with wooden spoon until it is easier to just knead it together with you hands until a firm dough forms. Let dough rest for 5-10 minutes

Preheat oven 350

Take dough and divide in half. One half dye red, as red as you like, and leave the other half white. Now take a chunk of each color and roll into a rope about 1/2 inch thick and the same length. Place the ropes next to each other and kind of squish together to form one rope then gently start to twist the dough until it resembles a candy can twist. Cut a section any length you want ( I recommend about 4-5 inches) and place on a baking sheet, curling the top to look like a candy cane. Once you have assembled a baking sheets worth, place in oven and bake for 122-13 minutes or until the cookies are barely golden brown on bottom.

Once baked remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool. If you want, melt white choclate and coconut oil in microwave for 20-30 seconds or until almost melted. Stir together until completely melted and drizzle onto cookies.

Now eat some cookies. Or give them to you people. Or some of both.

Cookies are best for about a week at room temperature in airtight container.

Sunday Happy

Anyone else in a slight state of shock at the fact that it is mid December? Every year it’s like this but this year especially seems like a kick in the face. Whoa, that got intense quick..

The week flew by. Nothing much different happened then then usual. I spent as much time as I could outside enjoying all of the winter weather. We went and hung out with the littles and picked up a single cookie saved for the mr made by Miley. I worked, same for the mr. And I made some garland and baked cookies. The n and there, whatever and what not.

Thursday night we had all the littles, Megan, and Erin come over (no one else showed up) for the mr’s yearly grilled cheese birthday dinner. We all danced around, Patty (Mileys boyfriend) braided hair and helped the littlest ones wash their hands. Judah made the mr an inappropriate but so very appropriate birthday card, everyone ate birthday cupcakes (the mr was bing a ass and wouldn't let us sing happy birthday.), and everyone was happy. It was low key and very nice.

Friday was the mr’s actual birthday and we were suppose to hike a mountain but when he woke up his old man hips were hurting a bunch so we decided to skip the hike and just have a chill day. Instead we went for a little drive, ate lunch by a pond, got coffee. I made dinner (lasagna), Barb came over, we ate, and then attempted to watch a movie together. Sadly I only lasted abut 1/2 hour in before I passed out but you know, I am an old lady too.

Yesterday I just spent the day cleaning and getting increasing pissy about how all the snow melted and how warm is was getting.

Now we are back to Sunday. Well it’s like spring out there and I am not really interested. All the hiking trails are going to be complete shit so I think the mr and I are going to keep it clean and just go walk the paved bike path on the lake and maybe have a picnic for lunch because that is how freaking warm it’s gonna be. Other than that I am going to spend a few hours at the studio finishing up some glazing, repot a few plants, probably clean off the porches, maybe clean the car…I don’t know. Or maybe I will do nothing and sit around and read and drink all the coffee and tea I can handle. What will br will be.

Internet from the week.

-How to slow down time because you’re not getting any younger. Perfect reading for the mr this week.

-Christmas food, regular food, everything as we know it. Is Gen Z changing Christmas food?

-I could definitely shut myself away in this little cabin.

-Here’s How to Build Your Own Cat Trees, Catwalks, and Cat Furniture. I know a few people that will be interested in this.

-Do you know? Where Does Vanilla Extract Come From?

-How to Remove Sticky, Clingy Tree Sap From Your Clothes. I was covered in sap, ans so was my shirt ans socks just making a couple feet of garland.

-If You Can Fantasize For Hours, There's a Name For That: Maladaptive Daydreaming. I don’t know about hours, but I definitely have had long bouts of daydreaming that last a while and it is an anxiety thing. Happens on planes, on long car ride, when I can’t sleep…

-Love this 70’s house.

-This is a very good idea. New Zealand's plan to end smoking: A lifetime ban for youth

Pictures from the week.

Roasted Celeriac and Squash with Apples and Onions

One of my most favorite root veggie has arrived in the farm share…Celeriac, also know as celery root and nothing has made me happier (with like food stuff)!. I know a lot of people do not know the deliciousness of the root and that makes me a little sad for them, but hopefully this simple little recipe inspires you to go get some and try it. Yeah sure it looks a little crazy, a little gnarly, but what do looks got to do with t? Celeriac taste like the best celery/apple/potato all mixed together but only better. And when it is roasted it gets nice a soft and just so freaking tasty. When I pick up my share, I make sure to get enough celeriac to eat a whole bulb a day.

So now that we all know how amazing celeriac is, we can roast it with some other amazing stuff. Squash, apples, and onions. All tossed together. All roasted til tender. All super delicious on their own but maybe even better together. A easy little dish that is perfect to make for a quiet evening at home, a mid day snack, breakfast, or to place on the table at any holiday meal. It is that versatile and really, you don’t need to have a specific reason to make it, just do. You won’t be sorry.

Now to all the roasted things!

The stuff. A large celeriac bulb, a small kobocha squash, a couple apples, a couple onions, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper.

First thing is to cut everything up. Cube the squash, celeriac, and apple to about the same size and the onion just cut into rings.

Toss all the cut up stuff onto a lightly oiled sheet pan, toss with a tablespoon or so vinegar and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper and place in the oven. Roast for about 1/2 hour, but flipping and drizzling another tablespoon or so of vinegar all over about 20 minutes in.

Roasted and done. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Now scoop it all into big bowl and serve it or just eat it all to your very own face like I did. No shade in that.

-C

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Roasted Celeriac and Squash with Apples and Onions

• 1 large bulb (softball sized) of celeriac

• a small winter squash (can use any variety. I used kabocha)

• 2 medium apples (I used Macs)

• 2 onions. Red, yellow, or one of each

• salt and pepper

• A couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 425

Grab squash and cut in half. Remove seeds then cut into cubes about 1/2 and inch thick. Grab celeriac and peel it if you want (I do not peel it) then cut into cubes the same size ad the squash. Now the apples. Cut in half, remove seeds, and cube. And lastly grab onions and slice into 1/2 thick rings.

Toss together all the cut up stuff and place onto a lightly oiled baking sheet and sprinkle with a couple tablespoons of vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stick the pan into the hot oven and roast for around 20 minutes, removing to give everything a flip and drizzle on another tablespoon of vinegar, then place back in oven for about another 10 minutes or so or until everything is lightly browned and fork tender.

Remove form oven and transfer into a big bowl. Serve right away or at room temperature or heck, it taste freaking awesome cold too.