I slept okay but had a hard time waking up. Still couldn't get back to sleep, though I tried.
I spent part of the morning cooking - we need to eat this food. I let one tomato wait too long and it actually had a sprout coming out of it!
I took a run to the hardware store to pick up something I'd ordered online. Then stopped by the nursery for a couple of lemon balm plants. I received my first "senior discount." I totally forgot to stop by Jessica's to pick up flour that she'd gotten for me.
I spent some time reading this afternoon to get the craziness of the world out of my head.
Lily got out again. When I got home from the hardware store, I walked in the back door and saw Lily on the other side of the house, looking as if she was going to walk in through the open slider. She tested the loose hanging screen for a while until I put her back into the pen. I then sat on the front deck to watch and see where she is escaping. She was restless, laying down, getting up, numerous times, but not escaping. I gave up after a half hour. She was out when I went outside to put the goats in the barn for the night.
Bex and I cooked shredded chicken burritos tonight - it was good. She made guacamole from scratch. We watched a show and tried to ignore the news for a while, though Nixle reports kept coming in about road closures due to protests. We hope things are less destructive tonight.
We are well and safe. I hope you are too.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Saturday - Day 75 - A Disjointed Day
I slept pretty well last night, but long rolling booms of thunder woke me just before 5:00 a.m. and I couldn't get back to sleep.
It's not often you see someone writing about you in the third person. Tears came to my eyes this morning when I read an old friend has always admired my softness. It's that softness that was so hurtful yesterday as I try to figure out what we can do as community to stop the hate and divisiveness. But that's a good quality to hold onto, so I can use that with strength to get through and find a better way. Love is always the answer. It's just trying to figure out a way to help others find it in a hurting world.
I gave myself some heart healing by listening to John Denver in headphones for a while in the morning. I let YouTube run through the songs as I did other things on the computer. Just the first sounds of his guitar relaxed my entire spirit and transported me to a time in my life when things did not seem so dark or complicated, when people cared about each other and the planet. At least those in my community.
I was able to do a little bit of creative planning related to music, which is always a good thing, and have a good e-mail conversation with a friend.
Mandi and kids needed to get out of SF tonight in case protests get bad. She is staying nearby so she stopped by Amy's Wicked Slush for some treats and came by for a while, along with Jon. We sat in a big circle in the back with masks when needed and had a great visit. So needed.
Lily escaped several times while the kids were here. She finally stayed in when I tried to stake out the pen and figure out how she was getting out. She is too smart.
Bex made a good pasta dinner and we watched a show to try to get away from the news.
We are well and safe at home. I hope you are too.
It's not often you see someone writing about you in the third person. Tears came to my eyes this morning when I read an old friend has always admired my softness. It's that softness that was so hurtful yesterday as I try to figure out what we can do as community to stop the hate and divisiveness. But that's a good quality to hold onto, so I can use that with strength to get through and find a better way. Love is always the answer. It's just trying to figure out a way to help others find it in a hurting world.
I gave myself some heart healing by listening to John Denver in headphones for a while in the morning. I let YouTube run through the songs as I did other things on the computer. Just the first sounds of his guitar relaxed my entire spirit and transported me to a time in my life when things did not seem so dark or complicated, when people cared about each other and the planet. At least those in my community.
I was able to do a little bit of creative planning related to music, which is always a good thing, and have a good e-mail conversation with a friend.
Mandi and kids needed to get out of SF tonight in case protests get bad. She is staying nearby so she stopped by Amy's Wicked Slush for some treats and came by for a while, along with Jon. We sat in a big circle in the back with masks when needed and had a great visit. So needed.
Lily escaped several times while the kids were here. She finally stayed in when I tried to stake out the pen and figure out how she was getting out. She is too smart.
Bex made a good pasta dinner and we watched a show to try to get away from the news.
We are well and safe at home. I hope you are too.
Friday, May 29, 2020
Friday - Day 74 - Not Much to Share Today
Sleep was no bueno again. It seems to be an every other night thing?
Work today was in a blissfully cool house. But I kept getting distracted by feeling angry about local issues.
I didn't do a lot creative today but am looking forward to a break from work this weekend so I can focus on the house, garden, baking, and sewing. I need some relaxation.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Work today was in a blissfully cool house. But I kept getting distracted by feeling angry about local issues.
I didn't do a lot creative today but am looking forward to a break from work this weekend so I can focus on the house, garden, baking, and sewing. I need some relaxation.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Thursday - Day 73 - Not Much Happening
Ah, sleep was good last night and the day started off nice and cool.
I needed to get more chicken feed, so called in an order for pick-up at the feed store. I am getting used to this system and am not sure I'll go back to wandering around store aisles. It will help stop some impulse purchases.
I headed out and traded limoncello for an empty bottle from Jon, then feed store for a chicken feed loaded into the back, then a quick outdoors stop at the nursery on the way home to have a couple bags of soil loaded into the back so we can get that garden finished. I'm looking forward to this upcoming break in the weather so we can do some outside work without dying.
It was neat to see 2020 senior portraits on banners hanging from the street lamps in Healdsburg.
I can't remember much about the afternoon. More work, chasing Lily after she escaped, and enjoying a cooler evening.
We are well. I hope you are too.
I needed to get more chicken feed, so called in an order for pick-up at the feed store. I am getting used to this system and am not sure I'll go back to wandering around store aisles. It will help stop some impulse purchases.
I headed out and traded limoncello for an empty bottle from Jon, then feed store for a chicken feed loaded into the back, then a quick outdoors stop at the nursery on the way home to have a couple bags of soil loaded into the back so we can get that garden finished. I'm looking forward to this upcoming break in the weather so we can do some outside work without dying.
It was neat to see 2020 senior portraits on banners hanging from the street lamps in Healdsburg.
I can't remember much about the afternoon. More work, chasing Lily after she escaped, and enjoying a cooler evening.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Wednesday - Day 72 - Heat Wave
When you wake up two hours before your alarm and the house is still hot, despite open windows and fans pulling cooler air inside.
When you wait until 7:00 to let the cat out because it's light enough outside to be safer from the foxes and you expect that it will still be cool as you feed and let the animals out of their enclosures, but it is hot already. It's 75 degrees at 7:00 a.m. "They" said it would be cooler today. They lied. There is no movement of air, no breeze, nothing to help speed the overnight cooling. I knew this afternoon would be tough because this morning it was already Too Hot indoors.
Even though I'd logged what I thought were sleep hours, my app showed that I had never really sunk into a deep sleep. At about 1:30 p.m., I took a half hour nap just to keep going. The heat became horrible by noon. It was like trying to work in an oven.
It was a busy day with some time to hang out with Bex. It was super hot like yesterday but cooled down quickly about 5pm so I am hopeful for tomorrow and an easier night.
As hot as it was today, we may be wanting heaters in a few days. I'll be grateful for a break.
We are well. I hope you are too.
When you wait until 7:00 to let the cat out because it's light enough outside to be safer from the foxes and you expect that it will still be cool as you feed and let the animals out of their enclosures, but it is hot already. It's 75 degrees at 7:00 a.m. "They" said it would be cooler today. They lied. There is no movement of air, no breeze, nothing to help speed the overnight cooling. I knew this afternoon would be tough because this morning it was already Too Hot indoors.
Even though I'd logged what I thought were sleep hours, my app showed that I had never really sunk into a deep sleep. At about 1:30 p.m., I took a half hour nap just to keep going. The heat became horrible by noon. It was like trying to work in an oven.
It was a busy day with some time to hang out with Bex. It was super hot like yesterday but cooled down quickly about 5pm so I am hopeful for tomorrow and an easier night.
As hot as it was today, we may be wanting heaters in a few days. I'll be grateful for a break.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Tuesday - Day 71 - House Like an Oven
I slept surprisingly well last night given it was so fricking hot.
By 9am, it was already feeling oppressive outside and I shut everything down in the house to hold onto the little bit of cool I'd collected overnight. I knew it wouldn't be enough. There is not a lot that I miss about going into an office five days a week, but AC is one of the few things I do miss.
I worked. I sweated. I felt queasy. I received a great gift of coffee delivered at the gate by Jon. I picked up online ordered groceries from Jess and was grateful for the ability to use AC on the trip.
At 9pm it was still sweltering in the house. Comfortable outside. But no breeze to bring relief indoors.
I feel like crap and have a harder time than usual concentrating. I feel stuffed full because of the water I am drinking.
I discovered a new pine cone growing on the blue spruce. It is so pretty!
It is still super hot but I'm going to try to sleep. Looking forward to a cool morning.
We are sweaty and stinky and well. I hope you're well too. And cool.
By 9am, it was already feeling oppressive outside and I shut everything down in the house to hold onto the little bit of cool I'd collected overnight. I knew it wouldn't be enough. There is not a lot that I miss about going into an office five days a week, but AC is one of the few things I do miss.
I worked. I sweated. I felt queasy. I received a great gift of coffee delivered at the gate by Jon. I picked up online ordered groceries from Jess and was grateful for the ability to use AC on the trip.
At 9pm it was still sweltering in the house. Comfortable outside. But no breeze to bring relief indoors.
I feel like crap and have a harder time than usual concentrating. I feel stuffed full because of the water I am drinking.
I discovered a new pine cone growing on the blue spruce. It is so pretty!
It is still super hot but I'm going to try to sleep. Looking forward to a cool morning.
We are sweaty and stinky and well. I hope you're well too. And cool.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Monday - Day 70 - Memorial Day
Slept well, but woke up way too early for a holiday.
I shut everything down early today, closed all the curtains, turned on cooler. I started to feel the heat inside the house anyway at about 1:30 p.m.
I did some transcription and then finalized the video for our music collaboration that we've been working on the last month. So happy to be able to share it!
Love You By Staying Apart
I tried to do as much as I could today but it was all slow going after the temperature rose in the house. By the time it started to cool down, I was wiped out. I'm hoping to cool the house down well tonight and keep it in better tomorrow, though I'm not sure what more I could have done.
The walk out to howl was nice and cool. We have an expanded group next door so I think there were five of us tonight.
We are well. I hope you are too.
I shut everything down early today, closed all the curtains, turned on cooler. I started to feel the heat inside the house anyway at about 1:30 p.m.
I did some transcription and then finalized the video for our music collaboration that we've been working on the last month. So happy to be able to share it!
Love You By Staying Apart
I tried to do as much as I could today but it was all slow going after the temperature rose in the house. By the time it started to cool down, I was wiped out. I'm hoping to cool the house down well tonight and keep it in better tomorrow, though I'm not sure what more I could have done.
The walk out to howl was nice and cool. We have an expanded group next door so I think there were five of us tonight.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Sunday - Day 69 - Predators and Elixir
When I went to bed last night I felt nauseous enough to set up a barf bag next to the bed "just in case." I fell asleep quickly, though, and slept eight hours, which was good. I think it was the heat that was getting to me last night.
When I went to the chicken coop to replenish food and water and let them out for the day, I was surprised to see poop on top of the coop. 😠😠😠 An internet search shows me it could be either of our known predators in the area, bobcat or fox. I'm having trouble with my camera showing things clearly at night and am still working on getting nighttime images of the coop. This was impetus to work on that again.
While I was out this morning, I gathered some elder flowers.
The berries are beginning to form, so I wanted to nab some flowers before they were all gone. I used them to start an elder flower lemon elixir.
The recipe also wants lemon verbena but I don't have any. Yet. It's a plant I want to add to the medicinal garden.
This will steep for 6 weeks and then I'll strain and add honey. It is good for the common cold and general health.
As I added this jar to my collection, I realized that I may need to establish a cupboard area just for brewing infusions. I have vanilla extract and meloncello in there now and will add another jar of limoncello shortly. I just finished a batch of limoncello and like to start a new one after it's bottled so I don't run out and still have plenty to share.
It was so hot today I wilted. Bex went to get sundae fixings from Baskin Robbins, which brought some sweet relief in the late afternoon.
After a late dinner, I opened everything up I could to try to cool the house down overnight. It's supposed to be hot again tomorrow.
Our music project is almost ready! I am hopeful we can share it tomorrow, so tonight feels like Christmas Eve. 🎅🤶🎅
We are well. I hope you are too.
When I went to the chicken coop to replenish food and water and let them out for the day, I was surprised to see poop on top of the coop. 😠😠😠 An internet search shows me it could be either of our known predators in the area, bobcat or fox. I'm having trouble with my camera showing things clearly at night and am still working on getting nighttime images of the coop. This was impetus to work on that again.
While I was out this morning, I gathered some elder flowers.
The berries are beginning to form, so I wanted to nab some flowers before they were all gone. I used them to start an elder flower lemon elixir.
The recipe also wants lemon verbena but I don't have any. Yet. It's a plant I want to add to the medicinal garden.
This will steep for 6 weeks and then I'll strain and add honey. It is good for the common cold and general health.
As I added this jar to my collection, I realized that I may need to establish a cupboard area just for brewing infusions. I have vanilla extract and meloncello in there now and will add another jar of limoncello shortly. I just finished a batch of limoncello and like to start a new one after it's bottled so I don't run out and still have plenty to share.
It was so hot today I wilted. Bex went to get sundae fixings from Baskin Robbins, which brought some sweet relief in the late afternoon.
After a late dinner, I opened everything up I could to try to cool the house down overnight. It's supposed to be hot again tomorrow.
Our music project is almost ready! I am hopeful we can share it tomorrow, so tonight feels like Christmas Eve. 🎅🤶🎅
We are well. I hope you are too.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Saturday - Day 68 - Relatively Quiet
I woke up way early again today. A little over an hour before I wanted to.
As I was scrolling through Facebook, a notification popped up that my friend request from yesterday was accepted. It will be interesting, and I feel confident healing, to be in touch with my favorite priest. I was curious about how he is doing and if he was still in San Francisco. I read articles about his healing masses and memories rushed back of laying hands in the 70s and 80s. I checked to see if he was on Facebook, and he is, though not active in the priesthood. I sent him a note thanking him for his guidance and encouragement 40 years ago.
I ordered a new hose to replace the one I broke the other day, and went out to town for curbside pickup. Before I left, I whipped up a quick batch of sourdough lemon scones. They were pretty good, though I can think of some adjustments I'd like to make next time.
Soon as I got home, I received notification that mail had been delivered. I was so happy to see a gift from Mom - a book of humorous Chicken Soup stories. I've started it already.
Transcription for much of the day and reviewing what I hope will be our final version of the song.
Heading to bed on a hot night and hoping it will cool down.
We are well. I hope you are too.
As I was scrolling through Facebook, a notification popped up that my friend request from yesterday was accepted. It will be interesting, and I feel confident healing, to be in touch with my favorite priest. I was curious about how he is doing and if he was still in San Francisco. I read articles about his healing masses and memories rushed back of laying hands in the 70s and 80s. I checked to see if he was on Facebook, and he is, though not active in the priesthood. I sent him a note thanking him for his guidance and encouragement 40 years ago.
I ordered a new hose to replace the one I broke the other day, and went out to town for curbside pickup. Before I left, I whipped up a quick batch of sourdough lemon scones. They were pretty good, though I can think of some adjustments I'd like to make next time.
Soon as I got home, I received notification that mail had been delivered. I was so happy to see a gift from Mom - a book of humorous Chicken Soup stories. I've started it already.
Transcription for much of the day and reviewing what I hope will be our final version of the song.
Heading to bed on a hot night and hoping it will cool down.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Friday - Day 67 - Grandma and More Washer Repair
Sleep was awful last night. I woke up at 3:00 a.m. Then made myself go back to sleep but woke an hour before the alarm. When I looked at the graph in my sleep app, it shows I basically got an hour of sleep after the 3:30 a.m. wake-up, and barely any the rest of the night. I was tired but got up anyway.
I ordered a gift for my grandmother just before Mother's Day. It was my hope that she'd be able to receive it in time for that holiday but as with everything these days, sometimes it just takes a while to create custom gifts and get them shipped. It was scheduled to arrive today, so I called her to let her know to expect it. I couldn't put a card or note in the box, so I didn't want her to wonder where it came from.
I had such a good conversation with her. She was 2 months old when her parents died in the 1918 flu epidemic, and I knew she didn't have memories of that time and what it was like, but I wondered if anyone had told her about what it was like. She said no one really talked about it. She knew a little bit but not much. It was a sad, sad time. She and her siblings were separated and raised by different families, but she became close to her sister as adults and her brother came to her graduation while he was enlisted in the Army.
She said she needs a haircut. I suggested ponytails might be in order, and she thinks she might be able to pull that off now.
I'm trying not to worry about her, as she shared that they had their first (and hopefully only) case of COVID in the building she lives in. The person is in another section of the building and they are keeping everyone in their rooms now and sanitizing regularly.
It was good to talk with her and I look forward to more conversations. I wish we didn't live so far apart and am grateful for the technology that allows us to talk.
Today the knob to my washing machine arrived, and I installed it. I cannot believe that it's been broken for years and I never knew it was so easy to fix. No more pliers to start a load of wash!
The rest of the day was work focused. I had a good evening with Bex. I am looking forward to more time to work on projects I want to work on for a while this weekend.
Also hoping for a good night's sleep.
We are well. I hope you are too.
I ordered a gift for my grandmother just before Mother's Day. It was my hope that she'd be able to receive it in time for that holiday but as with everything these days, sometimes it just takes a while to create custom gifts and get them shipped. It was scheduled to arrive today, so I called her to let her know to expect it. I couldn't put a card or note in the box, so I didn't want her to wonder where it came from.
I had such a good conversation with her. She was 2 months old when her parents died in the 1918 flu epidemic, and I knew she didn't have memories of that time and what it was like, but I wondered if anyone had told her about what it was like. She said no one really talked about it. She knew a little bit but not much. It was a sad, sad time. She and her siblings were separated and raised by different families, but she became close to her sister as adults and her brother came to her graduation while he was enlisted in the Army.
She said she needs a haircut. I suggested ponytails might be in order, and she thinks she might be able to pull that off now.
I'm trying not to worry about her, as she shared that they had their first (and hopefully only) case of COVID in the building she lives in. The person is in another section of the building and they are keeping everyone in their rooms now and sanitizing regularly.
It was good to talk with her and I look forward to more conversations. I wish we didn't live so far apart and am grateful for the technology that allows us to talk.
Today the knob to my washing machine arrived, and I installed it. I cannot believe that it's been broken for years and I never knew it was so easy to fix. No more pliers to start a load of wash!
The rest of the day was work focused. I had a good evening with Bex. I am looking forward to more time to work on projects I want to work on for a while this weekend.
Also hoping for a good night's sleep.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Thursday - Day 66 - ADD day
I slept really well and woke up an hour before the alarm!
Our reunion retreat was canceled yesterday. We're bummed about it but are exploring other options to get together safely in August for a day of music and connection. St. Dorothy's Rest is a special place to us and we'll miss being there. They are closed for events for the rest of the year and could use some help. If you have a chance to help them, donations can be made via their website - either a one-time donation or a monthly contribution. More information about their hospital camps for sick children, other camps and functions, and how to donate can be found at their website here.
Ollie always seeks a morning ray of sunshine.
I had a really hard time maintaining focus today and just allowed myself to move from thing to thing. Work, transcribe, a little baking, a little TV (but I could only watch until the next commercial break), a little reading. I have no idea what the deal is but I just went with it rather than stress out.
I got an early start on garlic cheese sourdough scones and another batch of pretzels.
The photo's a little blurry because I was in a hurry to get some while they were fresh out of the oven.
The afternoon and evening was another exercise in jumping from one thing to another. Howl was solo, which was fine.
I caught up on All Rise tonight and was surprised to see a shelter at home episode. It was interesting. I do enjoy the show. The gap between that episode and now, over two weeks later, means it may be done for the season. I never follow things closely enough to know. Hoping it will return.
I'm tired. And a little stressed and sad today.
But we are well. I hope you are too.
Our reunion retreat was canceled yesterday. We're bummed about it but are exploring other options to get together safely in August for a day of music and connection. St. Dorothy's Rest is a special place to us and we'll miss being there. They are closed for events for the rest of the year and could use some help. If you have a chance to help them, donations can be made via their website - either a one-time donation or a monthly contribution. More information about their hospital camps for sick children, other camps and functions, and how to donate can be found at their website here.
Ollie always seeks a morning ray of sunshine.
I had a really hard time maintaining focus today and just allowed myself to move from thing to thing. Work, transcribe, a little baking, a little TV (but I could only watch until the next commercial break), a little reading. I have no idea what the deal is but I just went with it rather than stress out.
I got an early start on garlic cheese sourdough scones and another batch of pretzels.
The photo's a little blurry because I was in a hurry to get some while they were fresh out of the oven.
The afternoon and evening was another exercise in jumping from one thing to another. Howl was solo, which was fine.
I caught up on All Rise tonight and was surprised to see a shelter at home episode. It was interesting. I do enjoy the show. The gap between that episode and now, over two weeks later, means it may be done for the season. I never follow things closely enough to know. Hoping it will return.
I'm tired. And a little stressed and sad today.
But we are well. I hope you are too.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Wednesday - Day 65 - Washing Machine Repair, Discoveries, and Goat Escapes. Still.
I slept deep last night. Woke up with alarm with no problem.
Work this morning. Then waiting for the appliance repairman to fix the washing machine that quit spinning a while ago. I had a temporary fix, then when I decided to repair it myself, it broke when I unscrewed the old part. So it became time to get a professional on board. Thankfully, the laundry room is at an outside door and we are all prepared to stay distant and disinfect.
After reading a funny story about Amish Friendship Bread, I got to thinking that sourdough starter could be the perfect pet (when not in a pandemic in which flour is in short supply). It doesn't make noise or a big mess, doesn't shed, and only requires water and flour as food.
The repairman showed up a half hour past the window I was given with no communication about delay, and was friendly enough. When he took apart the machine while I was talking with him, suddenly I realized I was kind of trapped. There was a door to my back so I could have left and gone in through the front of the house, but I had no shoes. And suddenly all I could think about was that I needed to fart. 🤣🤣🤣 I maintained control of course. And the washer is now fixed and given the seal of approval to keep. He said the newer machines might be fancier, but they're not as well made or ultimately as smart as these old machines. I later researched the serial number to see when it was made. 1992.
Want to know one good thing about standing in your laundry room, looking at all the stuff you've stored on the shelving above your head? You find the bright red emergency go bag that you were searching for to use for wildfire evacuation 7 months ago. In the most logical place possible, and in none of the places you had previously looked all over the house. I'll remember where it is now.
Today Lily got out for the second day in a row. This time when I stepped out to see what was causing the dog to bark, this is what I saw.
Work this morning. Then waiting for the appliance repairman to fix the washing machine that quit spinning a while ago. I had a temporary fix, then when I decided to repair it myself, it broke when I unscrewed the old part. So it became time to get a professional on board. Thankfully, the laundry room is at an outside door and we are all prepared to stay distant and disinfect.
After reading a funny story about Amish Friendship Bread, I got to thinking that sourdough starter could be the perfect pet (when not in a pandemic in which flour is in short supply). It doesn't make noise or a big mess, doesn't shed, and only requires water and flour as food.
The repairman showed up a half hour past the window I was given with no communication about delay, and was friendly enough. When he took apart the machine while I was talking with him, suddenly I realized I was kind of trapped. There was a door to my back so I could have left and gone in through the front of the house, but I had no shoes. And suddenly all I could think about was that I needed to fart. 🤣🤣🤣 I maintained control of course. And the washer is now fixed and given the seal of approval to keep. He said the newer machines might be fancier, but they're not as well made or ultimately as smart as these old machines. I later researched the serial number to see when it was made. 1992.
Want to know one good thing about standing in your laundry room, looking at all the stuff you've stored on the shelving above your head? You find the bright red emergency go bag that you were searching for to use for wildfire evacuation 7 months ago. In the most logical place possible, and in none of the places you had previously looked all over the house. I'll remember where it is now.
Today Lily got out for the second day in a row. This time when I stepped out to see what was causing the dog to bark, this is what I saw.
Feed Me Please!
She knows where to find food. I'm grateful she didn't help herself to the unopened bag of goat feed sitting nearby.
When she got out yesterday, the rest of the crew got very upset, and Salsa and Moonshine jumped the fence (and broke a fence post), leaving poor Luna behind and leading me on a merry chase.
I'm pooped tonight. It's felt like a disjointed day, moving from task to required task. Hoping for more smooth sailing tomorrow.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Tuesday - Day 64 - Some Disappointment, Funny Goat, and Booze
Yes, I'm still talking about sleep. It took over a half hour to fall asleep last night, but then it was good, and I woke up easily with the alarm.
I had a lot more work today and a ton to catch up on. I was able to play some music on a break.
Our August retreat was canceled today. I was able to talk to a good friend about it tonight and plan for other options. And to catch up. It's funny how in high school we knew each other but didn't get close until well into our adulthood. Now she's one of my favorite people. I don't get to talk with her enough, but when we do talk, we try to make up for that by making sure it's a long, real, and very heartfelt conversation. That was the perfecting ending to my day.
At about the time I finished that call, Bex called. She was on her way home from errands and was being blocked by Lily, who had escaped from the pen and wasn't interested in letting Bex pass.
Bex tried to FaceTime me when Lily was at her window so I would see this when I answered.
🤣🤣🤣
She is such a character.
I finished making the limoncello this afternoon. Dang, that stuff is smooooth this time. Really good. I'm not sure if it's the extra time infusing (a little over four weeks) or the vodka blend of half Round Rock and half Tito's. It's the best I've made yet. I need to start another batch tomorrow or I'll run out before the next one is ready.
I finished Idol and Voice with Bex tonight. No spoilers in case you haven't seen them (like me - sometimes I don't watch the DVR for a few days) but I was happy with one and disappointed in another. But the disappointment isn't huge because I know that artist has great things ahead and will not be locked into the television show contest contract.
We are well. I hope you are too.
I had a lot more work today and a ton to catch up on. I was able to play some music on a break.
Our August retreat was canceled today. I was able to talk to a good friend about it tonight and plan for other options. And to catch up. It's funny how in high school we knew each other but didn't get close until well into our adulthood. Now she's one of my favorite people. I don't get to talk with her enough, but when we do talk, we try to make up for that by making sure it's a long, real, and very heartfelt conversation. That was the perfecting ending to my day.
At about the time I finished that call, Bex called. She was on her way home from errands and was being blocked by Lily, who had escaped from the pen and wasn't interested in letting Bex pass.
Bex tried to FaceTime me when Lily was at her window so I would see this when I answered.
🤣🤣🤣
She is such a character.
I finished making the limoncello this afternoon. Dang, that stuff is smooooth this time. Really good. I'm not sure if it's the extra time infusing (a little over four weeks) or the vodka blend of half Round Rock and half Tito's. It's the best I've made yet. I need to start another batch tomorrow or I'll run out before the next one is ready.
I finished Idol and Voice with Bex tonight. No spoilers in case you haven't seen them (like me - sometimes I don't watch the DVR for a few days) but I was happy with one and disappointed in another. But the disappointment isn't huge because I know that artist has great things ahead and will not be locked into the television show contest contract.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Monday, May 18, 2020
Monday - Day 63 - Chickens and Humans and Baby Birds
I slept well last night again. I'm hopeful this is such a good streak that I don't feel the need to mention it again.
I'm tired of the simple countdown titles. I'm going to try others for a while and see if creativity holds.
I called the feed store this morning to order curbside pick-up. I also had a chance to talk about the Americauna strike. The general consensus is that there's nothing I can feed them to encourage them to lay if they are scared. Some hens are more scared than others and they are likely being hassled by wildlife. This was confirmed when I mentioned the bobcat in the area. I'm considering what to do to make them feel more comfortable and make sure nothing is roaming around the coop. I'll try setting up the camera again once weather dries out. I am considering moving the coop closer to the house. That could be a challenge. Right now it's near the house, but the far side abuts a wild area full of blackberry bushes where the bobcat is probably hanging out.
The drive to and from the feed store was uneventful. I was glad to see less traffic still, though the roundabout in Healdsburg was surprisingly busy. I also stopped by Joann's to pick up an order of thread. I grabbed a cold beverage from Starbucks drive-through on the way home, using my mobile app to place the order. Apparently I can now use Siri to do that for me.
I made pretzels today. Because Bex and I love them. And because I cannot face a cracker failure - or potential failure - yet. I wanted a smashing delicious success, and that's pretzels. With mustard.
Mandi sent me a photo of her salsa in the food processor. I love it when the kids share food that they made from recipes I shared with them. It's an invisible thread between us that contains joy now and in the future and memory all at the same time. And it warmed my heart earlier this week when she sent me a photo of her sliced apples and peanut butter and told me it reminds her of me. My favorite snack. And sometimes breakfast these days.
I miss my kids. And I love them so much. And I am so proud of them. I'm listening to the podcast, Everything Happens For a Reason and this afternoon finished Kate Bowler's (yes, isn't that awesome, just a single letter off in her last name, pronounced the same) interview of Alan Alda. Alan Alda. And his interview of her at the end. And I said out loud, "What a beautiful human being you are, Mr. Alda." And I reflected on how I want to see more human beings like Alan Alda and Kate Bowler and the incredible, loving, wise, empathetic, and funny humans she interviews who are struggling and reaching and finding some answers and sharing them with love and laughter. And then I realized that I have grown three of those. And the ripple reaches out and out because Angelo is so wise and loving and funny already. And I hope and pray it spreads fast and far and wide because we need wisdom and empathy and humans trying with laughter and love. We need it so much.
I think the little nest in the shed has been abandoned. After I found the one egg on the ground, scooped it up and put it back into the nest as quickly as possible, Mama Bird continued to shoot out of the shed when I opened the back door. Then when I saw the five had dwindled to three and I heard something moving in the shed, I was so mad and so protective, I grabbed the bottle of coyote pee and applied it around the outside to keep predators away from the eggs.
But what if I scared Mama Bird too? I think it was around that time that I stopped seeing her fly out of the shed. I wrote it off as timing. I checked the nest every other day. Then I realized that the eggs hadn't been moved. Typically, they should have shifted position from time to time if Mama was on them.
I wish I had recognized what could have happened with my intervention. If I caused it. I don't know.
I knew when I found the nest that the odds of a happy ending weren't good. But I always hope. I always do. I'm really sad that I might have messed this up on my own.
Howl was another duo. We take turns howling so we can listen for others. I wish we had a whole bunch of us who could howl all at the same time. I still enjoy the evening walk out. I took the opportunity to fill the goats' water buckets tonight instead of in the morning.
We are well. I hope you are too.
I'm tired of the simple countdown titles. I'm going to try others for a while and see if creativity holds.
I called the feed store this morning to order curbside pick-up. I also had a chance to talk about the Americauna strike. The general consensus is that there's nothing I can feed them to encourage them to lay if they are scared. Some hens are more scared than others and they are likely being hassled by wildlife. This was confirmed when I mentioned the bobcat in the area. I'm considering what to do to make them feel more comfortable and make sure nothing is roaming around the coop. I'll try setting up the camera again once weather dries out. I am considering moving the coop closer to the house. That could be a challenge. Right now it's near the house, but the far side abuts a wild area full of blackberry bushes where the bobcat is probably hanging out.
The drive to and from the feed store was uneventful. I was glad to see less traffic still, though the roundabout in Healdsburg was surprisingly busy. I also stopped by Joann's to pick up an order of thread. I grabbed a cold beverage from Starbucks drive-through on the way home, using my mobile app to place the order. Apparently I can now use Siri to do that for me.
I made pretzels today. Because Bex and I love them. And because I cannot face a cracker failure - or potential failure - yet. I wanted a smashing delicious success, and that's pretzels. With mustard.
Mandi sent me a photo of her salsa in the food processor. I love it when the kids share food that they made from recipes I shared with them. It's an invisible thread between us that contains joy now and in the future and memory all at the same time. And it warmed my heart earlier this week when she sent me a photo of her sliced apples and peanut butter and told me it reminds her of me. My favorite snack. And sometimes breakfast these days.
I miss my kids. And I love them so much. And I am so proud of them. I'm listening to the podcast, Everything Happens F
I think the little nest in the shed has been abandoned. After I found the one egg on the ground, scooped it up and put it back into the nest as quickly as possible, Mama Bird continued to shoot out of the shed when I opened the back door. Then when I saw the five had dwindled to three and I heard something moving in the shed, I was so mad and so protective, I grabbed the bottle of coyote pee and applied it around the outside to keep predators away from the eggs.
But what if I scared Mama Bird too? I think it was around that time that I stopped seeing her fly out of the shed. I wrote it off as timing. I checked the nest every other day. Then I realized that the eggs hadn't been moved. Typically, they should have shifted position from time to time if Mama was on them.
I wish I had recognized what could have happened with my intervention. If I caused it. I don't know.
I knew when I found the nest that the odds of a happy ending weren't good. But I always hope. I always do. I'm really sad that I might have messed this up on my own.
Howl was another duo. We take turns howling so we can listen for others. I wish we had a whole bunch of us who could howl all at the same time. I still enjoy the evening walk out. I took the opportunity to fill the goats' water buckets tonight instead of in the morning.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Sunday - Day 62
I slept better last night.
I have a lot of work to catch up on, so most of the morning was spent doing that. I took a break to start and then finish baking sourdough scones. They turned out good.
These are vanilla scones. I think I'll try cheese next.
I spent the day working and resting in between. And doing a little music video work, which was fun. And listening to new recordings coming in on our project. Which is exciting.
The howl is just down to me and my neighbor again. I wonder if the other howlers will come out when the weather gets better again. I dodged out between downpours and was grateful.
I love these trees - I think they are blue spruce - near the end of my driveway. They hide behind the bushes that I can never remember the name of - the poisonous ones that line freeway center dividers.
And I'm pooped out early.
We are well here. And ready to tackle Monday. Kind of. I hope you are well, too.
I have a lot of work to catch up on, so most of the morning was spent doing that. I took a break to start and then finish baking sourdough scones. They turned out good.
These are vanilla scones. I think I'll try cheese next.
I spent the day working and resting in between. And doing a little music video work, which was fun. And listening to new recordings coming in on our project. Which is exciting.
The howl is just down to me and my neighbor again. I wonder if the other howlers will come out when the weather gets better again. I dodged out between downpours and was grateful.
I love these trees - I think they are blue spruce - near the end of my driveway. They hide behind the bushes that I can never remember the name of - the poisonous ones that line freeway center dividers.
And I'm pooped out early.
We are well here. And ready to tackle Monday. Kind of. I hope you are well, too.
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Saturday - Day 61 - Not a Saturday In the Park
No Saturday in the park, but we're lucky to practically live in one. I do miss the ability to safely ride my bike but am grateful for mostly quiet and calm. The most annoying noises are jets flying over, of which there are none now, and the neighbors shooting firearms perhaps twice a year. Hearing a siren is unusual and always cause for alarm because it's so rare.
Sleep was better last night. Thank goodness.
I lost time today and barely did what I had intended to. I was unfocused and low and just needed some mindless rest. I did do some work. I did work on masks. I am finally figuring out the binding and ties. That has been the biggest struggle.
Sourdough crackers were a bust again. Reviews on the web site with the recipe show others succeeding and many having the same problem I am. I have some ideas to try next time. It doesn't take long so I can try again.
One highlight today was when Bex came back from a trip to the gate to pick up seedlings left by Tammy (yay!), she asked if I wanted to drive down with her to look at some plants. We stopped along the way and took pictures and samples. I swear we smell oregano in one patch but cannot find the plant. Everything there was different. It may be snuggled underneath what we were looking at.
I howled in the rain tonight. It felt good, though there was no echo.
I read a little and watched part of a show and tried sewing but when the bobbin ran out in the middle of a long tie without me knowing it and the whole piece fell apart when I took it off the machine, I just turned it off and cried for a little bit. I don't know why I am so low energy today but I do know it will pass.
We are well and hoping for a sunny day tomorrow. I hope you are well too.
Sleep was better last night. Thank goodness.
I lost time today and barely did what I had intended to. I was unfocused and low and just needed some mindless rest. I did do some work. I did work on masks. I am finally figuring out the binding and ties. That has been the biggest struggle.
Sourdough crackers were a bust again. Reviews on the web site with the recipe show others succeeding and many having the same problem I am. I have some ideas to try next time. It doesn't take long so I can try again.
One highlight today was when Bex came back from a trip to the gate to pick up seedlings left by Tammy (yay!), she asked if I wanted to drive down with her to look at some plants. We stopped along the way and took pictures and samples. I swear we smell oregano in one patch but cannot find the plant. Everything there was different. It may be snuggled underneath what we were looking at.
I howled in the rain tonight. It felt good, though there was no echo.
I read a little and watched part of a show and tried sewing but when the bobbin ran out in the middle of a long tie without me knowing it and the whole piece fell apart when I took it off the machine, I just turned it off and cried for a little bit. I don't know why I am so low energy today but I do know it will pass.
We are well and hoping for a sunny day tomorrow. I hope you are well too.
Friday, May 15, 2020
Friday. It's 60 days now.
At milestones like this, I remember fighting panic when I thought we were going to be at home for two weeks, and the preparations I made to make sure humans and critters all had enough food to last that long. Bex remembered tonight about being frightened about potentially being out driving home after midnight when Sonoma County shut down, visions of National Guard causing fear because so much was unknown.
I did not sleep well to start with last night. When the alarm went off, I snoozed it, then turned it off and slept another hour and a half. I felt okay but was disappointed with the late start.
This is the first thing I saw when I walked to the kitchen today.
Vesuvius did provide enough starter for me to make a loaf of sourdough bread and a batch of sourdough crackers. The crackers got overcooked - lessons learned the first time - but the bread is delicious. The house smells great. I fed Vesuvius and will try crackers again tomorrow.
I spent a lot of time working this afternoon - lots to do. I couldn't believe it was after 5:00 pm when I looked at the clock. No TV or mask time today. But it's Friday.
The two packages that had been misdelivered yesterday were delivered today! Our regular carrier is awesome.
A quiet evening, much more to do tomorrow. Here's hoping for a better night's sleep.
We are well at Day 60. Intending to stay that way. I hope you are too.
I did not sleep well to start with last night. When the alarm went off, I snoozed it, then turned it off and slept another hour and a half. I felt okay but was disappointed with the late start.
This is the first thing I saw when I walked to the kitchen today.
I think I'm going to name the sourdough starter Vesuvius.
Vesuvius did provide enough starter for me to make a loaf of sourdough bread and a batch of sourdough crackers. The crackers got overcooked - lessons learned the first time - but the bread is delicious. The house smells great. I fed Vesuvius and will try crackers again tomorrow.
I spent a lot of time working this afternoon - lots to do. I couldn't believe it was after 5:00 pm when I looked at the clock. No TV or mask time today. But it's Friday.
The two packages that had been misdelivered yesterday were delivered today! Our regular carrier is awesome.
A quiet evening, much more to do tomorrow. Here's hoping for a better night's sleep.
We are well at Day 60. Intending to stay that way. I hope you are too.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Thursday - Day 59
My mind raced last night and I didn't sleep well. My sleep app says I slept great, but also shows I was awake five times. I slept to the alarm and through snooze. My headache was not mild and my body hurt.
This is what bedclothes look like after a night like that.
It looked like I was grabbing everything into a pile to do laundry.
Speaking of which, the washer has broken and my efforts to fix it didn't work. I've spent two days trying to get a repairman out.
The hens didn't lay at all yesterday, so I was happy to see two brown eggs in the nesting box first thing this morning. The Americaunas are still not laying. I've started supplementing with meal worms and hope that the increased protein is all they need. Still working on this puzzle.
The rash on my hand may be from poison oak somehow infiltrating the lead lines where the goats drag them on the ground. Once I started treating it like that, it started to clear up. Still itchy, but getting better.
No sourdough baking today. The next recipe I want to try calls for twice the amount of starter that I have each morning, so I took a deep breath and just fed the whole thing without discarding. It's going to be a lot of sourdough starter, so I put it in a bigger jar.
But late this afternoon I texted Jessica, worried that the starter was going to ooze out of the jar and take over the country like the blob.
That's a half gallon jar. Eight cups. I was looking for 2 1/2. We'll see how it pans out in the morning after it's deflated a little. It has started to come down now and I am not worried that it will overflow overnight. I'm looking forward to baking tomorrow.
Howl was just two of us again. But what a beautiful evening sky. I enjoy the walk out to the end of my driveway each evening.
A good evening chilling with Bex. Hoping for better sleep tonight. I was scatterbrained and back to no focus on anything for very long today.
We are well. I hope you are too.
This is what bedclothes look like after a night like that.
It looked like I was grabbing everything into a pile to do laundry.
Speaking of which, the washer has broken and my efforts to fix it didn't work. I've spent two days trying to get a repairman out.
The hens didn't lay at all yesterday, so I was happy to see two brown eggs in the nesting box first thing this morning. The Americaunas are still not laying. I've started supplementing with meal worms and hope that the increased protein is all they need. Still working on this puzzle.
The rash on my hand may be from poison oak somehow infiltrating the lead lines where the goats drag them on the ground. Once I started treating it like that, it started to clear up. Still itchy, but getting better.
No sourdough baking today. The next recipe I want to try calls for twice the amount of starter that I have each morning, so I took a deep breath and just fed the whole thing without discarding. It's going to be a lot of sourdough starter, so I put it in a bigger jar.
But late this afternoon I texted Jessica, worried that the starter was going to ooze out of the jar and take over the country like the blob.
That's a half gallon jar. Eight cups. I was looking for 2 1/2. We'll see how it pans out in the morning after it's deflated a little. It has started to come down now and I am not worried that it will overflow overnight. I'm looking forward to baking tomorrow.
Howl was just two of us again. But what a beautiful evening sky. I enjoy the walk out to the end of my driveway each evening.
A good evening chilling with Bex. Hoping for better sleep tonight. I was scatterbrained and back to no focus on anything for very long today.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Wednesday - Day 58
Sleep was good. I snoozed the alarm this morning.
It started to rain. AGAIN. I had uncovered the hay last night. I hate slogging through chores in the rain.
I made sourdough pretzels again. We enjoyed them so much yesterday, they're easy, and thee's plenty of starter every day.
I preheated the oven without looking into it, which is something I never do. Because who knows what might have been put in there that we forgot? Like leftovers from dinner last night? Luckily, the oven wasn't very hot and I smelled something before it became a problem. Brain fog has me doing things that I would normally never do.
I had a family law meeting this afternoon. Not a lot of information. And I felt exhausted from trying to work today.
At 4:00 pm I wanted a nap.
Bex made a good dinner tonight. I forgot to howl until five minutes after the time. Too late.
There were only three eggs left in the nest this evening. I heard something in the shed tonight, so applied more coyote pee to the shed area in the hopes of keeping the nest, mama, and babies safe.
It's been a rather low day with a couple of good moments. Time to get some rest and look forward to a better day tomorrow.
We are well. I hope you are too.
It started to rain. AGAIN. I had uncovered the hay last night. I hate slogging through chores in the rain.
I made sourdough pretzels again. We enjoyed them so much yesterday, they're easy, and thee's plenty of starter every day.
I preheated the oven without looking into it, which is something I never do. Because who knows what might have been put in there that we forgot? Like leftovers from dinner last night? Luckily, the oven wasn't very hot and I smelled something before it became a problem. Brain fog has me doing things that I would normally never do.
I had a family law meeting this afternoon. Not a lot of information. And I felt exhausted from trying to work today.
At 4:00 pm I wanted a nap.
Bex made a good dinner tonight. I forgot to howl until five minutes after the time. Too late.
There were only three eggs left in the nest this evening. I heard something in the shed tonight, so applied more coyote pee to the shed area in the hopes of keeping the nest, mama, and babies safe.
It's been a rather low day with a couple of good moments. Time to get some rest and look forward to a better day tomorrow.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Tuesday - Day 57
I slept well again last night, waking easily with the alarm. Progress!
The cinnamon rolls are really better warmed up. I still ate one cold but heated some up later. I started sourdough pretzels in the morning. I'm sure I will eventually put the starter in the fridge but it's like a new toy - I want to play with it and make something new and delicious every day! I am soooo grateful to Jess for sharing this. I know she put a ton of work into learning how to make starter and many days (weeks) of care and work.
I covered the hay with a tarp yesterday to protect it from rain. I always gingerly lift it and sheesh am I glad I did this morning! It wasn't a snake, but it was evidence that a snake had been there. From the shape of the head, I think I know what this was shed from.
I have a big bag of pepper flakes that are supposed to deter snakes. Once these rains stop, it's time to spread some out and hope it helps.
Luna is not doing so well so I kept her out of the goat parade to the pen so I could check her out, give her some loving, and give her some wormer. Salsa and Lily have been picking on her lately and it pisses me off - she is the smallest and sweetest of the bunch. When I put the goats into the pen, as usual Salsa went after Lily. I closed the gate, looked up, and Lily was standing in a corner holding one leg up, not standing on it. I gave her some time to see if she felt better after I took care of Luna, and she was standing normally when I got back. Geez. We all need to stop with the injuries!
I've been wearing gloves when handling the lead lines and that is helping with the issue with itching and raised red areas on my hand. It doesn't really look like a "rash" but I don't know what it is. The injury from Yellow biting me is slowly but surely healing.
The pretzels turned out really good! I sent some to Jess this evening, along with some cinnamon rolls and other things.
When I headed out to do chores this evening and saw mama bird shoot out of the shed, I decided to check on the nest. I try to do it every 2-3 days. As I approached the doorway, I saw a tiny, white egg on the ground just inside the door. It it hard to see from the photos I've taken so close up how small these are. If you have ever had Cadbury mini eggs, they are just a little smaller than those. Tiny. I gently scooped up the egg and deposited it immediately into the nest. I took a photo which showed 5 eggs, so that was the only one that slipped out somehow.
I howled alone tonight. No cows. No turkeys. No neighbors. Just beautiful pre-sunset sky in a cool evening with beautiful cloud formations.
I spent some time hanging out with Bex after dinner. Later than I had expected but schedules are all messed up these days.
We are well. I hope you are too.
The cinnamon rolls are really better warmed up. I still ate one cold but heated some up later. I started sourdough pretzels in the morning. I'm sure I will eventually put the starter in the fridge but it's like a new toy - I want to play with it and make something new and delicious every day! I am soooo grateful to Jess for sharing this. I know she put a ton of work into learning how to make starter and many days (weeks) of care and work.
I covered the hay with a tarp yesterday to protect it from rain. I always gingerly lift it and sheesh am I glad I did this morning! It wasn't a snake, but it was evidence that a snake had been there. From the shape of the head, I think I know what this was shed from.
I have a big bag of pepper flakes that are supposed to deter snakes. Once these rains stop, it's time to spread some out and hope it helps.
Luna is not doing so well so I kept her out of the goat parade to the pen so I could check her out, give her some loving, and give her some wormer. Salsa and Lily have been picking on her lately and it pisses me off - she is the smallest and sweetest of the bunch. When I put the goats into the pen, as usual Salsa went after Lily. I closed the gate, looked up, and Lily was standing in a corner holding one leg up, not standing on it. I gave her some time to see if she felt better after I took care of Luna, and she was standing normally when I got back. Geez. We all need to stop with the injuries!
I've been wearing gloves when handling the lead lines and that is helping with the issue with itching and raised red areas on my hand. It doesn't really look like a "rash" but I don't know what it is. The injury from Yellow biting me is slowly but surely healing.
The pretzels turned out really good! I sent some to Jess this evening, along with some cinnamon rolls and other things.
When I headed out to do chores this evening and saw mama bird shoot out of the shed, I decided to check on the nest. I try to do it every 2-3 days. As I approached the doorway, I saw a tiny, white egg on the ground just inside the door. It it hard to see from the photos I've taken so close up how small these are. If you have ever had Cadbury mini eggs, they are just a little smaller than those. Tiny. I gently scooped up the egg and deposited it immediately into the nest. I took a photo which showed 5 eggs, so that was the only one that slipped out somehow.
I howled alone tonight. No cows. No turkeys. No neighbors. Just beautiful pre-sunset sky in a cool evening with beautiful cloud formations.
I spent some time hanging out with Bex after dinner. Later than I had expected but schedules are all messed up these days.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Monday, May 11, 2020
Monday - Day 56
I slept well again and woke up with the alarm.
My right hand is really bugging me. Not only have I had two injuries, one still healing, and the annoying bump, but for the last two weeks I've experienced itching in the web between my thumb and forefinger. Now there's a lesion there (from scratching maybe?) and it's crazy itchy. Plus I found another cut on my thumb of unknown origin. Because the lead line often runs through my hand at this location, I am wondering if there's plant matter on it that is causing the irritation. So now I'm going to start gloving up when I move the goats.
It's raining today. Right after I purchased some small cooling devices for the house after last week's heat wave. The good news is this will help soak the ground for wildfire prevention. The bad news is this will create a growth spurt for all that vegetation. Weed whacker will come out again after it's dry. There's still a lot to mow down.
I fed the sourdough starter and began the process of making cinnamon rolls. I had the big idea that I'd also make sourdough popovers but I was not sure I had the gumption to do both so put that off.
Mail was good. While Bex and Q were on their way to the post office to pick up the package that was mysteriously "held at post office at customer request," it was delivered. I was able to call and get them out of the line at the post office.
Also in the mail were these beautiful earrings from Yellow Door Merchants! Remember the folks who made that cute clean/dirty magnet for my dishwasher? This was sent simply because they felt bad I'd had to deal with post office misdirection. I love them and plan to wear them - and share with Bex because they're just her style too.
I've mentioned before you should check out their Etsy shop. (Link in the words there.) I mean it. They also have a Facebook page with even more examples of their work. Ya gotta check 'em out.
One of my deliveries today contained a free mask.
The sourdough cinnamon rolls turned out really good! In hindsight I they could have been sweeter, but dang - that sourdough baked loveliness really can hold its own without the cinnamon and sugar. I think I'll try popovers tomorrow. Or maybe pizza crust.
A quiet evening and earlier bedtime.
We are well. I hope you are too.
My right hand is really bugging me. Not only have I had two injuries, one still healing, and the annoying bump, but for the last two weeks I've experienced itching in the web between my thumb and forefinger. Now there's a lesion there (from scratching maybe?) and it's crazy itchy. Plus I found another cut on my thumb of unknown origin. Because the lead line often runs through my hand at this location, I am wondering if there's plant matter on it that is causing the irritation. So now I'm going to start gloving up when I move the goats.
It's raining today. Right after I purchased some small cooling devices for the house after last week's heat wave. The good news is this will help soak the ground for wildfire prevention. The bad news is this will create a growth spurt for all that vegetation. Weed whacker will come out again after it's dry. There's still a lot to mow down.
I fed the sourdough starter and began the process of making cinnamon rolls. I had the big idea that I'd also make sourdough popovers but I was not sure I had the gumption to do both so put that off.
Mail was good. While Bex and Q were on their way to the post office to pick up the package that was mysteriously "held at post office at customer request," it was delivered. I was able to call and get them out of the line at the post office.
Also in the mail were these beautiful earrings from Yellow Door Merchants! Remember the folks who made that cute clean/dirty magnet for my dishwasher? This was sent simply because they felt bad I'd had to deal with post office misdirection. I love them and plan to wear them - and share with Bex because they're just her style too.
I've mentioned before you should check out their Etsy shop. (Link in the words there.) I mean it. They also have a Facebook page with even more examples of their work. Ya gotta check 'em out.
One of my deliveries today contained a free mask.
The sourdough cinnamon rolls turned out really good! In hindsight I they could have been sweeter, but dang - that sourdough baked loveliness really can hold its own without the cinnamon and sugar. I think I'll try popovers tomorrow. Or maybe pizza crust.
A quiet evening and earlier bedtime.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Sunday - Day 55 - Mother's Day
I missed seeing my parents and kids today.
The kids surprised me with a video chat this morning. And with a gift Bex had hidden in her car. They all pitched in to replace my dead VCR/DVD player! Now I can begin transferring old VHS home movies again before the videocassettes all disintegrate. It was great to be able to talk with them all at once and see the grandkids. They spoiled me this morning long distance and brought more than a few tears to my eyes.
I made another "depression cake" this morning, substituting some of the water with freshly squeezed orange juice. I added two drops of sweet orange essential oil to the frosting. I was impatient and started pouring the icing before the powdered sugar was completely incorporated, so I needed to slow down a bit and do it right for the second half.
Quincy said the kitchen smelled good - chocolate cake! I told him I added orange to the cake and he thought that sounded like it could be good. It took a second for that to sink in, and then I asked him if he'd ever had chocolate and orange together? No. He'd never heard of it. No chocolate oranges at Christmas. He is getting introduced now, though I found out later he's not a huge fan of chocolate so I'm not sure when he'll sample the cake.
I was able to talk with Mom and Dad today. Dad called to ask if I'd gotten my mail yet. I said no ... it's Sunday. But apparently a surprise was delivered today, so I chatted with them on Bluetooth while I drove down to the mailbox to pick it up. It's an awesome case to hold all my rechargeable (and not) batteries with a battery tester. Perfect! I can get rid of the baggies and guesswork on whether the batteries need recharging or not.
I check the bird nest one time every other day. Mama still flies out of the shed when I exit the back door, and the eggs are there, and have been moved around in the nest.
The sourdough starter was fed today and is growing. I am looking forward to learning how to bake with it.
Bex bought lunch today from KIN and picked it up. I haven't had such a good pulled pork sandwich since Porter Street BBQ closed. Soooo good. And filling enough to make it dinner too. Chocolate orange cake for dessert and American Idol with my youngest. It's been a quiet, and good day.
We are well and abundantly loved. I hope you are too.
The kids surprised me with a video chat this morning. And with a gift Bex had hidden in her car. They all pitched in to replace my dead VCR/DVD player! Now I can begin transferring old VHS home movies again before the videocassettes all disintegrate. It was great to be able to talk with them all at once and see the grandkids. They spoiled me this morning long distance and brought more than a few tears to my eyes.
I made another "depression cake" this morning, substituting some of the water with freshly squeezed orange juice. I added two drops of sweet orange essential oil to the frosting. I was impatient and started pouring the icing before the powdered sugar was completely incorporated, so I needed to slow down a bit and do it right for the second half.
Quincy said the kitchen smelled good - chocolate cake! I told him I added orange to the cake and he thought that sounded like it could be good. It took a second for that to sink in, and then I asked him if he'd ever had chocolate and orange together? No. He'd never heard of it. No chocolate oranges at Christmas. He is getting introduced now, though I found out later he's not a huge fan of chocolate so I'm not sure when he'll sample the cake.
I was able to talk with Mom and Dad today. Dad called to ask if I'd gotten my mail yet. I said no ... it's Sunday. But apparently a surprise was delivered today, so I chatted with them on Bluetooth while I drove down to the mailbox to pick it up. It's an awesome case to hold all my rechargeable (and not) batteries with a battery tester. Perfect! I can get rid of the baggies and guesswork on whether the batteries need recharging or not.
I check the bird nest one time every other day. Mama still flies out of the shed when I exit the back door, and the eggs are there, and have been moved around in the nest.
The sourdough starter was fed today and is growing. I am looking forward to learning how to bake with it.
Bex bought lunch today from KIN and picked it up. I haven't had such a good pulled pork sandwich since Porter Street BBQ closed. Soooo good. And filling enough to make it dinner too. Chocolate orange cake for dessert and American Idol with my youngest. It's been a quiet, and good day.
We are well and abundantly loved. I hope you are too.
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Saturday - Day 54
I'm not sure about this sleep thing or how to make it consistently better. I got some good sleep last night but woke up early again, wide awake, though I wanted/needed to sleep more. That mild headache was back. After chores I did some computer work.
I had too many errands to run today. First stop to meet up with Jon and deliver some things to him. Then I waited in the Home Depot assigned parking spot for a long time for the order I'd made online for pick-up. I could not believe how many people were there, willing to walk in and out of the store with so many others. Home Depot staff was hustling and kind - they offered bottled water to people who had to stay in their cars so long in the sun.
Then to the feed store, where I saw at least 10 people in line outside the store - the first time I've seen anyone going into the store in months. Many were not staying separated by more than 6 feet.
The delay at Home Depot meant I missed the window of opportunity to go to the farmer's market at the LBC, but I might try Windsor tomorrow. I spent a couple hours in my Santa Rosa office alone, sanitizing everything I touched before and after, to get some paperwork cleared from a desk I haven't seen in two months. It was weird to change the wall calendar two pages at once.
Bex picked up groceries from Jessi for me, and Jess shared some of her sourdough starter with me! I'll feed it and see how it goes and if I can create anything with this dough. As I got ready to go to bed, Bex commented that it had already doubled in size since we brought it home!
I was pretty well wiped out in the afternoon. Bex took care of lunch and I watched a television program for a while.
The clouds were pretty cool looking this brisk evening.
We traded howls with the neighbors and I think I heard another way off in the distance behind the house. I did yell "thank you!" to our new howler neighbor. Not sure they heard.
The Meyer lemon tree seems to be recovering. I hope the fruit sticks this time.
There are lots and lots of blooms on the tree. The bottle brush is dropping red petals and I don't hear the bees as much - I'm hopeful they'll continue to do their helpful work behind the house in the garden.
We are well. I hope you are too.
I had too many errands to run today. First stop to meet up with Jon and deliver some things to him. Then I waited in the Home Depot assigned parking spot for a long time for the order I'd made online for pick-up. I could not believe how many people were there, willing to walk in and out of the store with so many others. Home Depot staff was hustling and kind - they offered bottled water to people who had to stay in their cars so long in the sun.
Then to the feed store, where I saw at least 10 people in line outside the store - the first time I've seen anyone going into the store in months. Many were not staying separated by more than 6 feet.
The delay at Home Depot meant I missed the window of opportunity to go to the farmer's market at the LBC, but I might try Windsor tomorrow. I spent a couple hours in my Santa Rosa office alone, sanitizing everything I touched before and after, to get some paperwork cleared from a desk I haven't seen in two months. It was weird to change the wall calendar two pages at once.
Bex picked up groceries from Jessi for me, and Jess shared some of her sourdough starter with me! I'll feed it and see how it goes and if I can create anything with this dough. As I got ready to go to bed, Bex commented that it had already doubled in size since we brought it home!
I was pretty well wiped out in the afternoon. Bex took care of lunch and I watched a television program for a while.
The clouds were pretty cool looking this brisk evening.
We traded howls with the neighbors and I think I heard another way off in the distance behind the house. I did yell "thank you!" to our new howler neighbor. Not sure they heard.
The Meyer lemon tree seems to be recovering. I hope the fruit sticks this time.
There are lots and lots of blooms on the tree. The bottle brush is dropping red petals and I don't hear the bees as much - I'm hopeful they'll continue to do their helpful work behind the house in the garden.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Friday, May 8, 2020
Friday Friday Friday - Day 53
I did not sleep well again, tossing and turning in the heat. I did finally sleep and woke a half hour before the alarm, with a mild headache.
Work this morning. Masks as well. I discovered I've been making a mistake with some of the ties so now have figured out how to make those better.
I found a small gift to send to my grandmother in Florida and called my folks to confirm I had the correct room number to ship it to her. It was really good to talk with them. Consensus is that they think Yellow should go into the stew pot. I'm not ready for that at this point. He was being a rooster and I think he learned his lesson. I put the screen in front of the doorway into the nesting box before checking for eggs, and he doesn't even try to come near me. I feel bad about knocking his head into the ceiling but maybe that taught him to stay away? I'm still not taking chances. And my hand still hurts.
Our box rental was due April 1. When I called the first week of April to pay over the phone because I wasn't going out, I was told to wait until things eased up. When May 1 passed, I figured I'd best try again. He asked when I would be in. I said I'm not sure because of the shutdown... and he ranted a little about how this is ridiculous, shutting the economy down for no good reason. I just stayed silent, stunned. After a beat, I asked if I could pay by phone and he said yes, and we took care of it.
Remember that package that was waylaid by the post office yesterday? The postmaster at my local office called this morning to say they've been having issues with the San Francisco delivery showing up but the package was in town and scheduled to be delivered this afternoon. I let the seller know right away so she didn't needlessly send another magnet. She is insisting on sending a small gift for my trouble - even though neither of us did a darn thing wrong. I'll share here when it arrives. She is so sweet! But the good thing about her not needing to send me that magnet? That means that there is an adorable, well made magnet ready for you to put on your dishwasher too!
It's just what Bex and I need to keep ourselves from guessing at the constant flow of dishes, now that we are cooking at home all the time. Go get yours at Yellow Door Merchants! They're a young Etsy store and could use your support.
Howling was fun tonight. My neighbor and I traded howls with two other people on a neighboring property. Hearing that first howl from that direction always brings a big smile to my face and I want to shout "Thank you!" I might next time.
The afternoon was hot. I worked a little and read a book. There is more reading and less television this week. I finished a book this evening, a take on Outlander in the opposite direction - Scottish hottie lands from 1702 to 2017. I don't recommend it. It was worthwhile reading a free copy but I'm not willing to pay for the next installment.
I need to pick up hay again tomorrow and should probably place a grocery order soon. The list is growing.
We are well tonight. I hope you are too.
Work this morning. Masks as well. I discovered I've been making a mistake with some of the ties so now have figured out how to make those better.
I found a small gift to send to my grandmother in Florida and called my folks to confirm I had the correct room number to ship it to her. It was really good to talk with them. Consensus is that they think Yellow should go into the stew pot. I'm not ready for that at this point. He was being a rooster and I think he learned his lesson. I put the screen in front of the doorway into the nesting box before checking for eggs, and he doesn't even try to come near me. I feel bad about knocking his head into the ceiling but maybe that taught him to stay away? I'm still not taking chances. And my hand still hurts.
Our box rental was due April 1. When I called the first week of April to pay over the phone because I wasn't going out, I was told to wait until things eased up. When May 1 passed, I figured I'd best try again. He asked when I would be in. I said I'm not sure because of the shutdown... and he ranted a little about how this is ridiculous, shutting the economy down for no good reason. I just stayed silent, stunned. After a beat, I asked if I could pay by phone and he said yes, and we took care of it.
Remember that package that was waylaid by the post office yesterday? The postmaster at my local office called this morning to say they've been having issues with the San Francisco delivery showing up but the package was in town and scheduled to be delivered this afternoon. I let the seller know right away so she didn't needlessly send another magnet. She is insisting on sending a small gift for my trouble - even though neither of us did a darn thing wrong. I'll share here when it arrives. She is so sweet! But the good thing about her not needing to send me that magnet? That means that there is an adorable, well made magnet ready for you to put on your dishwasher too!
It's just what Bex and I need to keep ourselves from guessing at the constant flow of dishes, now that we are cooking at home all the time. Go get yours at Yellow Door Merchants! They're a young Etsy store and could use your support.
Howling was fun tonight. My neighbor and I traded howls with two other people on a neighboring property. Hearing that first howl from that direction always brings a big smile to my face and I want to shout "Thank you!" I might next time.
The afternoon was hot. I worked a little and read a book. There is more reading and less television this week. I finished a book this evening, a take on Outlander in the opposite direction - Scottish hottie lands from 1702 to 2017. I don't recommend it. It was worthwhile reading a free copy but I'm not willing to pay for the next installment.
I need to pick up hay again tomorrow and should probably place a grocery order soon. The list is growing.
We are well tonight. I hope you are too.
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Thursday - Day 52
A somewhat fitful night of sleep but I still woke up a half hour before the alarm. I stayed in bed until it went off, though.
This morning I got a text alert that a package had been delivered, so I drove down to the mailbox. I was a little puzzled because mail doesn't usually arrive this early. And there was nothing there. Digging into the tracking info, I discovered that a magnet I'd ordered from an Etsy shop was in Windsor yesterday but was mysteriously delivered to an unknown address in San Francisco this morning!
The seller and I are working on the issue with the post office. They did nothing wrong, but the sellers are insisting on sending another to me at no charge. I teared up reading the message because while I know I would do the same (and have) without hesitation for one of my customers and I'm just not used to being taken care of that way. If ever you need handmade laser cut and engraved gift items, I highly recommend Yellow Door Merchants on Etsy.
More mask work this afternoon and a little reading. I have been feeling tired and weepy. I let myself and know that it'll pass.
It got to over 90 degrees today and the house was way too hot. It's cooler now so everything is open so tomorrow will hopefully be easier.
Every time I walk to the end of the driveway in the evening, this dang stump catches my attention from the corner of my eye. Sometimes my brain says it's a bear.
My hand still hurts but seems to be healing well.
Time to try to sleep in the heat and hope that the open window helps. As much of a pain as it is to deal with in the middle of the night, I'm hoping to be awakened needing covers.
We are well. I hope you are too.
This morning I got a text alert that a package had been delivered, so I drove down to the mailbox. I was a little puzzled because mail doesn't usually arrive this early. And there was nothing there. Digging into the tracking info, I discovered that a magnet I'd ordered from an Etsy shop was in Windsor yesterday but was mysteriously delivered to an unknown address in San Francisco this morning!
The seller and I are working on the issue with the post office. They did nothing wrong, but the sellers are insisting on sending another to me at no charge. I teared up reading the message because while I know I would do the same (and have) without hesitation for one of my customers and I'm just not used to being taken care of that way. If ever you need handmade laser cut and engraved gift items, I highly recommend Yellow Door Merchants on Etsy.
More mask work this afternoon and a little reading. I have been feeling tired and weepy. I let myself and know that it'll pass.
It got to over 90 degrees today and the house was way too hot. It's cooler now so everything is open so tomorrow will hopefully be easier.
Every time I walk to the end of the driveway in the evening, this dang stump catches my attention from the corner of my eye. Sometimes my brain says it's a bear.
My hand still hurts but seems to be healing well.
Time to try to sleep in the heat and hope that the open window helps. As much of a pain as it is to deal with in the middle of the night, I'm hoping to be awakened needing covers.
We are well. I hope you are too.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Wednesday - Day 51
Another good night's sleep and waking a half hour before the alarm.
I was windy again this morning and Pulse Point still showed the fire as active, but I had no notifications or e-mails when I woke up. I had to assume everything was okay and trust the judgment of the fire chief last night that he didn't expect any evacuations. Late in the day I saw a newspaper article about it that claimed it had been put out by 6pm yesterday.
I checked some emails, did chores, then started some watermeloncello. This photo shows the limoncello already started (ready to finish on Mother's Day) and watermeloncello. There's vanilla extract working in the background.
Thankfully, I have bought vodka from two different stores so neither knows how much I've used the last couple of months! I found it really funny when Bex brought home the last bottle for me and also unpacked orange juice from the same grocery run.
This afternoon I peeked into the nesting box and saw two brown eggs. As I reached in and grabbed one, Yellow (the rooster) ran up the ramp and bit me, drawing blood. When I jerked my hand up, I lifted his head into the ceiling and he ran off temporarily. There was another egg in there. Every time I started to open the nesting box, he would head that direction, so I found a way to block his access so I could safely get the other egg. Then I spent a half hour making sure that the wound is thoroughly cleaned. I know he's protecting his flock, but dammit.
Gloves, or block doorway, from now on.
The good news is that the cut from the lead line healed so quickly I could hardly believe it had been there. I have a hard time finding the tiny scar. Hopefully this will do the same.
I was pretty bummed the rest of the day. I'm not sure why but everything seemed off or to go wrong. I discovered one of the fabrics I bought for the masks is not the right type - it has too much stretch to it so I know it is not all cotton. Then I cut out 10 masks but the pattern on the fabric has been cut so it is in the wrong direction. So I'm trying to figure out how to make it work.
But the moon was gorgeous when I went out.
And when I heard other people howl nearby, that made me smile.
I hung out with Bex for a bit tonight and am tired early again.
We are well and coping. I hope you are too.
I was windy again this morning and Pulse Point still showed the fire as active, but I had no notifications or e-mails when I woke up. I had to assume everything was okay and trust the judgment of the fire chief last night that he didn't expect any evacuations. Late in the day I saw a newspaper article about it that claimed it had been put out by 6pm yesterday.
I checked some emails, did chores, then started some watermeloncello. This photo shows the limoncello already started (ready to finish on Mother's Day) and watermeloncello. There's vanilla extract working in the background.
Thankfully, I have bought vodka from two different stores so neither knows how much I've used the last couple of months! I found it really funny when Bex brought home the last bottle for me and also unpacked orange juice from the same grocery run.
This afternoon I peeked into the nesting box and saw two brown eggs. As I reached in and grabbed one, Yellow (the rooster) ran up the ramp and bit me, drawing blood. When I jerked my hand up, I lifted his head into the ceiling and he ran off temporarily. There was another egg in there. Every time I started to open the nesting box, he would head that direction, so I found a way to block his access so I could safely get the other egg. Then I spent a half hour making sure that the wound is thoroughly cleaned. I know he's protecting his flock, but dammit.
Gloves, or block doorway, from now on.
The good news is that the cut from the lead line healed so quickly I could hardly believe it had been there. I have a hard time finding the tiny scar. Hopefully this will do the same.
I was pretty bummed the rest of the day. I'm not sure why but everything seemed off or to go wrong. I discovered one of the fabrics I bought for the masks is not the right type - it has too much stretch to it so I know it is not all cotton. Then I cut out 10 masks but the pattern on the fabric has been cut so it is in the wrong direction. So I'm trying to figure out how to make it work.
But the moon was gorgeous when I went out.
And when I heard other people howl nearby, that made me smile.
I hung out with Bex for a bit tonight and am tired early again.
We are well and coping. I hope you are too.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Tuesday. It's the 50th day.
I slept well again last night. I have started setting an alarm and woke before it went off today.
It was a typical day. Work off and on. Masks. Music. Television.
I had a good conversation with Mandi. The kids were putting water into a doll bath while we were talking. Then she asked, "Why is the water black?!" The kids had gone outside to put dirt on the dolls so they could really wash them. Playtime went outside, with much merriment. I miss them and am so grateful to be able to talk with my kids and hear the grandkids playing.
Then this afternoon I got word of a vegetation fire caused by downed power lines on Mill Creek Road which is too close for comfort. The map shows it is 3-4 miles north of us as the crow flies. Or as the wildfire moves. But winds are in our favor and fire crews were all over it. By 4:30 p.m. I was better prepared than I had been an hour earlier and had my animal transport plan in place.
The anxiety level skyrocketed and all I wanted to do was run. But I knew I had no place to run to, which makes this even more difficult.
But the good thing is that about this time I got word of a mysterious delivery left at the gate, supposedly by Bigfoot, though I have photographic proof that it was not Bigfoot. The roses and empty egg cartons made me smile and brought some much needed relief.
We had pizza for dinner.
It's a little after 9:30 p.m. and I am tired. Earlier than usual. It's been a day. The fire is still showing on Pulse Point but everyone seems to think it will be taken care of tonight. The winds are dying down and are good for us. The fire is very small and slow-moving and fire crews and PG&E are on it. I am going to try to sleep.
I have 10 more masks ready to ship. Still going.
We are healthy and safe. I hope you are too.
It was a typical day. Work off and on. Masks. Music. Television.
I had a good conversation with Mandi. The kids were putting water into a doll bath while we were talking. Then she asked, "Why is the water black?!" The kids had gone outside to put dirt on the dolls so they could really wash them. Playtime went outside, with much merriment. I miss them and am so grateful to be able to talk with my kids and hear the grandkids playing.
Then this afternoon I got word of a vegetation fire caused by downed power lines on Mill Creek Road which is too close for comfort. The map shows it is 3-4 miles north of us as the crow flies. Or as the wildfire moves. But winds are in our favor and fire crews were all over it. By 4:30 p.m. I was better prepared than I had been an hour earlier and had my animal transport plan in place.
The anxiety level skyrocketed and all I wanted to do was run. But I knew I had no place to run to, which makes this even more difficult.
But the good thing is that about this time I got word of a mysterious delivery left at the gate, supposedly by Bigfoot, though I have photographic proof that it was not Bigfoot. The roses and empty egg cartons made me smile and brought some much needed relief.
We had pizza for dinner.
It's a little after 9:30 p.m. and I am tired. Earlier than usual. It's been a day. The fire is still showing on Pulse Point but everyone seems to think it will be taken care of tonight. The winds are dying down and are good for us. The fire is very small and slow-moving and fire crews and PG&E are on it. I am going to try to sleep.
I have 10 more masks ready to ship. Still going.
We are healthy and safe. I hope you are too.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Monday - Day 49
I slept better again last night and woke up earlier than usual. It got really cold last night and the vineyard fans were on when I got up at 5:30 a.m.
Day 49. 49ers. I listened to a podcast yesterday - kind of half listened because my mind was preoccupied so I should probably listen again - about how COVID-19 has affected sports. The person being interviewed wasn't sure there would be large-scale games anymore. Or concerts. It makes me wonder. I mean, it's possible that this will change everything, but it didn't change after the flu epidemic in 1918/19. Once that was done, everyone went on to bigger and bigger. Maybe that's the problem? Maybe we shouldn't have 50,000 in an arena. It's interesting to think about. But then again, I can't really say because I'm not thinking much about planning anything beyond tomorrow.
BTW, the podcast is called Telescope and is about different impacts of this COVID time. The episodes are short and interesting. It's helpful to see things from different perspectives. Homeless. Sober and trying to stay that way. Running a business. Or not. Running a clinic in another country and getting stuck in the US and unable to help your staff, who only expected to run things for 3 weeks without you. Being a comedian on lockdown. Doing time. There's more. I recommend it.
After working a bit this morning, I decided to bake a new recipe called "Depression Cake." It uses all pantry items, no dairy, no eggs, no milk, and is mixed in the pan you cook it in without the need to grease it. Even the frosting was super easy.
We sampled it with a little coffee ice cream.
Recipe is at the bottom of this post.
After that and a little more work and mask making, I re-recorded a vocal track to replace one that had been problematic after I switched microphones. The collaborative project is coming along.
I have three lead lines because the one that cut me has not yet been made safe to use. So I leave one of the little goats to walk by itself. This has usually worked out. Except I left Luna loose tonight. Almost to the barn, she decided to turn around. So I brought all three goats back to herd her back to the barn. I thought it would save time. As I was linking Luna to Moonshine's lead, the big goats start to head butt Mooney all over the place, then Salsa goes to Lily and Lily walks around me and right onto my foot. Of course, on the bare part exposed in the cheap pink Croc imitations I wear for chores in good weather because they're easy to slip on. So I get all of them into the barn and doctor yet another goat-incurred scrape. And it hurts. Goat hooves on bare feet are no bueno.
And no, I'm not likely to change my choice of footwear. Unless there's a Croc imitation that goes further up the foot. It has to be easy and cool in the summer and washable and mostly protect my feet. Definitely protect my toes.
The night was more of the same of the day. A little music. A little sewing. A little television. I am beginning to feel ADD. I still just don't focus on any one thing for very long. Unless I can get lost in it. I think I spent two hours on a video project yesterday. Or maybe it was the day before. LOL
Time to get some sleep and nurse this aching foot.
We are still well and avoiding the crazies. I hope you are too.
Day 49. 49ers. I listened to a podcast yesterday - kind of half listened because my mind was preoccupied so I should probably listen again - about how COVID-19 has affected sports. The person being interviewed wasn't sure there would be large-scale games anymore. Or concerts. It makes me wonder. I mean, it's possible that this will change everything, but it didn't change after the flu epidemic in 1918/19. Once that was done, everyone went on to bigger and bigger. Maybe that's the problem? Maybe we shouldn't have 50,000 in an arena. It's interesting to think about. But then again, I can't really say because I'm not thinking much about planning anything beyond tomorrow.
BTW, the podcast is called Telescope and is about different impacts of this COVID time. The episodes are short and interesting. It's helpful to see things from different perspectives. Homeless. Sober and trying to stay that way. Running a business. Or not. Running a clinic in another country and getting stuck in the US and unable to help your staff, who only expected to run things for 3 weeks without you. Being a comedian on lockdown. Doing time. There's more. I recommend it.
After working a bit this morning, I decided to bake a new recipe called "Depression Cake." It uses all pantry items, no dairy, no eggs, no milk, and is mixed in the pan you cook it in without the need to grease it. Even the frosting was super easy.
We sampled it with a little coffee ice cream.
Recipe is at the bottom of this post.
After that and a little more work and mask making, I re-recorded a vocal track to replace one that had been problematic after I switched microphones. The collaborative project is coming along.
I have three lead lines because the one that cut me has not yet been made safe to use. So I leave one of the little goats to walk by itself. This has usually worked out. Except I left Luna loose tonight. Almost to the barn, she decided to turn around. So I brought all three goats back to herd her back to the barn. I thought it would save time. As I was linking Luna to Moonshine's lead, the big goats start to head butt Mooney all over the place, then Salsa goes to Lily and Lily walks around me and right onto my foot. Of course, on the bare part exposed in the cheap pink Croc imitations I wear for chores in good weather because they're easy to slip on. So I get all of them into the barn and doctor yet another goat-incurred scrape. And it hurts. Goat hooves on bare feet are no bueno.
And no, I'm not likely to change my choice of footwear. Unless there's a Croc imitation that goes further up the foot. It has to be easy and cool in the summer and washable and mostly protect my feet. Definitely protect my toes.
The night was more of the same of the day. A little music. A little sewing. A little television. I am beginning to feel ADD. I still just don't focus on any one thing for very long. Unless I can get lost in it. I think I spent two hours on a video project yesterday. Or maybe it was the day before. LOL
Time to get some sleep and nurse this aching foot.
We are still well and avoiding the crazies. I hope you are too.
CRAZY WACKY DEPRESSION CAKE
prep time 10 MINS
cook time 30 MINS
total time 40 MINS
This vintage depression cake
recipe (wacky cake recipe) is quick and easy to make with simple ingredients in
1 bowl! It has no butter, no milk, no eggs.
INGREDIENTS
·
1½ cups All-purpose flour
·
¼ cup Cocoa powder
·
1 cup Granulated sugar
·
1 tsp Baking soda
·
½ tsp Salt
·
1 tbsp White vinegar
·
1 tsp Vanilla extract
·
5 tbsp Vegetable oil
·
1 cup Water
Chocolate
Frosting (Optional)
·
1/4 cup Milk Whole or 2%
·
1/3 cup Butter Unsalted
·
3 tbsp Cocoa powder
·
1 tsp Vanilla extract
·
2
1/2 - 3 cups Powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
Cake
1. In a square cake pan (Dimensions:
8x8- Ungreased), add flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, salt
and whisk everything together. (You can use a 9" round pan though when you ice it, it will literally be at the top of the pan.)
2. Use your finger to make 2 small
holes and 1 large hole in this dry flour mixture.
4. Pour oil in the large hole.
5. Pour water over everything.
6. Mix everything together until
just combined. Don't worry if you have some lumps. Just don't over-mix or else
you will end up with a rubbery cake.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 30
minutes or until an toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Chocolate
Frosting
1. While the cake is cooling down,
prepare the frosting: In a non-stick saucepan, add milk, butter and cocoa powder and mix until smooth.
3. Add powdered sugar (1 cup at a
time) until smooth and creamy. (I suggest 2 - 2 1/2 cups, which is plenty sweet and fudgy!)
4. Pour this frosting over your
entire cake and let it set in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Toss some sprinkles on top of the
cake and enjoy!
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