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.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
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!
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Sunday - Day 48
I slept pretty well last night. I woke up early (while it was still dark) but didn't look at the clock and didn't feel like getting up, though I could have. I made myself go back to sleep for awhile.
I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen and then looked up some recipes to try with massive amounts of watermelon that I'm not sure Bex will eat. I'm not a fan of fresh watermelon, I think mainly because I've been disappointed at the flavor for so long that I just quit trying. I have ideas for fire and ice salsa, sorbet, and .......... meloncello!!! 🤣🤣🤣
I went down to Joann's to get a bigger rotary cutter and blades. Mine isn't cutting it. Literally. I made myself go there and back and did not stop at the farmer's market. As I drove, I tried to figure out what I needed and couldn't come up with anything other than dropping off empty milk bottles. I'm not even sure Strauss is at that particular farmer's market so I'll wait until I'm out on an LBC market day.
I recorded another vocal track for our project. It is so hard not to flub at least once each time!
I worked on masks in the afternoon.
This was the third night in a row that I stepped out the back door and saw a bird fly out of the shed behind the house. The light bulb finally went on. Nest? I went inside the shed and carefully peered around the edges, finally seeing the nest near the door, perched high on a ledge. I carefully positioned my camera over the nest to see if there was anything in it yet. Yes!
I am really hopeful that we can enjoy these little birds to their first flight. I will always be aware of the possibility of heartbreak that we experienced a few years ago. This nest is very well protected from cats and foxes.
I talked to the cows when I went out to howl this evening. I have named this one Harriett because of the mark on her forehead. (Think Harry Potter's sister.)
The cut on my hand is healing amazingly fast. I got another on my right thumb for no apparent reason. It is bizarre to me that the hands I use and rely on and need so much are suffering the most these past weeks.
I go to bed at about 11pm. I hope for another good night's sleep.
We are well and finding our way. I hope you are too.
I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen and then looked up some recipes to try with massive amounts of watermelon that I'm not sure Bex will eat. I'm not a fan of fresh watermelon, I think mainly because I've been disappointed at the flavor for so long that I just quit trying. I have ideas for fire and ice salsa, sorbet, and .......... meloncello!!! 🤣🤣🤣
I went down to Joann's to get a bigger rotary cutter and blades. Mine isn't cutting it. Literally. I made myself go there and back and did not stop at the farmer's market. As I drove, I tried to figure out what I needed and couldn't come up with anything other than dropping off empty milk bottles. I'm not even sure Strauss is at that particular farmer's market so I'll wait until I'm out on an LBC market day.
I recorded another vocal track for our project. It is so hard not to flub at least once each time!
I worked on masks in the afternoon.
This was the third night in a row that I stepped out the back door and saw a bird fly out of the shed behind the house. The light bulb finally went on. Nest? I went inside the shed and carefully peered around the edges, finally seeing the nest near the door, perched high on a ledge. I carefully positioned my camera over the nest to see if there was anything in it yet. Yes!
I am really hopeful that we can enjoy these little birds to their first flight. I will always be aware of the possibility of heartbreak that we experienced a few years ago. This nest is very well protected from cats and foxes.
I talked to the cows when I went out to howl this evening. I have named this one Harriett because of the mark on her forehead. (Think Harry Potter's sister.)
The cut on my hand is healing amazingly fast. I got another on my right thumb for no apparent reason. It is bizarre to me that the hands I use and rely on and need so much are suffering the most these past weeks.
I go to bed at about 11pm. I hope for another good night's sleep.
We are well and finding our way. I hope you are too.
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Saturday - Day 47
I slept better last night. It was gray and overcast this morning. It rained a little bit in the afternoon. I put the heater in my bedroom away this morning and it looks like I'll need to take it out again tonight.
I tried to take it easy today. I did some creative work with music and video. I messaged with friends.
I made soup and worked on masks. I tried to watch TV but didn't watch much. I deleted a lot of shows on the DVR that I know I'll never watch.
I drank some of the tea that I picked up from the farmer's market this week. It is so pretty and pink it looks like fruit punch. It tasted good and I love making tea in the pot Jessi gave me at Christmas and in the cup that matches Tammy's.
I made a big crock pot full of chicken taco soup again. Still as good as the first time I made it.
This evening I drove to pick up a few grocery items from Jess from our shared delivery order and some of her delicious barley and lentil soup. When she asked me what we wanted from the store, I told her:
Plain bagels
Coffee ice cream
Butterscotch bits
Chocolate chips
Flour
I said, "Can you see what stage we're at?" 🤣
The store had no flour but that's okay. I was planning ahead because I know we'll be using it.
I brought some soup to Jess when I got the groceries and I stopped by to bring some to Jon as well. A crock pot fills a lot of bellies and I will probably be the only one in this house eating it.
I was at the gate when 8:00 hit, so I howled down there. Amazingly, my neighbor heard me. That was fun!
This is the beautiful sunset that appeared as I headed up the driveway.
Oliver decided to lay on the couch above my head tonight.
I have an egg skelter lined with brown eggs and still only the one green one. It's been about a week and I am still mystified as to why they are not laying.
I got the hiccups for the first time in probably years. That's weird and annoying.
Now to shower and get some rest.
We are well and avoiding the crazies. I hope you are too.
I tried to take it easy today. I did some creative work with music and video. I messaged with friends.
I made soup and worked on masks. I tried to watch TV but didn't watch much. I deleted a lot of shows on the DVR that I know I'll never watch.
I drank some of the tea that I picked up from the farmer's market this week. It is so pretty and pink it looks like fruit punch. It tasted good and I love making tea in the pot Jessi gave me at Christmas and in the cup that matches Tammy's.
I made a big crock pot full of chicken taco soup again. Still as good as the first time I made it.
This evening I drove to pick up a few grocery items from Jess from our shared delivery order and some of her delicious barley and lentil soup. When she asked me what we wanted from the store, I told her:
Plain bagels
Coffee ice cream
Butterscotch bits
Chocolate chips
Flour
I said, "Can you see what stage we're at?" 🤣
The store had no flour but that's okay. I was planning ahead because I know we'll be using it.
I brought some soup to Jess when I got the groceries and I stopped by to bring some to Jon as well. A crock pot fills a lot of bellies and I will probably be the only one in this house eating it.
I was at the gate when 8:00 hit, so I howled down there. Amazingly, my neighbor heard me. That was fun!
This is the beautiful sunset that appeared as I headed up the driveway.
Oliver decided to lay on the couch above my head tonight.
I have an egg skelter lined with brown eggs and still only the one green one. It's been about a week and I am still mystified as to why they are not laying.
I got the hiccups for the first time in probably years. That's weird and annoying.
Now to shower and get some rest.
We are well and avoiding the crazies. I hope you are too.
Friday, May 1, 2020
Finally Friday - Day 46
I slept okay. Not my best night but it was not nearly the worst.
Note there are a couple of photos showing a tiny amount of blood in this blog. Just a head's up.
Salsa was rambunctious this morning and I had to scold her a couple of times. When I was taking Mooney's leash off at the gate, I felt pain on my right hand and realized that there must be a sharp spot on the lead line and it cut me. I gingerly got the rest of the goats unhooked and into the pen and took a look at it.
Damn my hands are dry.
After I cleaned it up, I could see it wasn't too bad.
But of course it hurt like a sonofagun. I have a cool Star Wars bandage on it. R2D2 is taking care of me.
I went out today. I needed chicken feed, goat feed, minerals for the goats. I also received notice that more fabric was available at Joann's - one of those pieces that I was missing.
I picked up at Joann's. Everyone is so good there - carside on the passenger side, gloved and masked, providing me with a bag that I can dispose of and fabric I can toss into the washing machine.
The feed store is mostly good but they messed up my carside pickup today. I need to call and ask them to remind their runners to mask up when approaching customers. I stayed inside with window up and my mask on, but he didn't put one on when he approached my car and asked me questions.
The grocery store was a nightmare. I went in for two items that I didn't want to ask Bex to navigate and that I haven't been able to find online at Raley's. By the time I got out I was crying and swear I will not go back until this is over.
Customers are in a fog and not paying attention to space between themselves and me.
After I grabbed my items, I went down one aisle clearly marked one way, headed in the correct direction, and confronted a shopper coming at me. I pivoted and went two aisles down so I could get to the front of the store.
The woman in front of me in line was wearing her mask loosely and under her nose. I switched lanes.
I didn't notice the cashier was wearing her mask the same way until she'd starting ringing groceries. I stayed behind the plexiglass and had her handle the payment machine. I just put my card in and out with an alcohol wipe in hand.
She wouldn't let me put my groceries in the bag I brought in and had carried tucked under my arm without touching anything in the store. Even when I said I would put the groceries into my bag myself and not allow my bag to touch the counter. She would not let me take the groceries out without a bag. I told her that I don't want the bag and she said they are not charging for them and I can transfer to my own at my car. I started to cry as I walked out of the store. I transferred the groceries to my own bag and threw away their plastic in their garbage can. As per usual, groceries went through decontamination when I got home.
In hindsight, some of my anxiety at the store could have been due to the fact that I was wearing a mask for longer than I have needed to so far. I am not the type to snuggle with my face under a blanket. I must have fresh air on my face. I do remember feeling anxious about it at one point and telling myself to calm and that it was okay.
I am trying so hard. So many people don't seem to care. I'll be calling the grocery store about the mask issue as well to request a training refresher on mask use.
I got a text that a package had been delivered, so I headed down to the mailbox. I saw a small bobcat on the driveway near the blackberry bushes below the house. I thought I had recorded it with my camera but discovered in my hurry I had forgotten to press the record button. It ran into the pasture near the ranch and dairy properties.
Oliver seemed okay with being required to stay inside today.
I got to the road and was surprised to see the carrier still putting mail in boxes. After she left, I looked and there was no package to be found anywhere. I checked the previous house to see if it was there, but they have locked boxes. I drove back up the road and caught the post office van. I spoke with the woman in the back of the van who said she was training the driver and it must have been left at the dairy. She said she would retrieve it and redeliver. I checked back about an hour later and it was there.
All I wanted to do was cry the rest of the day but I got busy with work instead.
Once that was done, I was able to focus on music for a few hours, and that helped me feel a lot better.
When it came time to put the goats in, I inspected the lead lines carefully. I discovered one of them somehow was damaged. I have no idea how this could have happened.
That little corner at the bottom right is sharp. I'll see if I can hammer it down tomorrow. Until it's fixed and safe, it doesn't get used.
I made soup in the crock pot but started it a little late. It was good but needs more time in the pot, so I'll store it overnight and cook it some more tomorrow.
We are well. I know tomorrow will be better. I hope you are well and that your days are easy.
Note there are a couple of photos showing a tiny amount of blood in this blog. Just a head's up.
Salsa was rambunctious this morning and I had to scold her a couple of times. When I was taking Mooney's leash off at the gate, I felt pain on my right hand and realized that there must be a sharp spot on the lead line and it cut me. I gingerly got the rest of the goats unhooked and into the pen and took a look at it.
Damn my hands are dry.
After I cleaned it up, I could see it wasn't too bad.
But of course it hurt like a sonofagun. I have a cool Star Wars bandage on it. R2D2 is taking care of me.
SIX FEET APART AND MASK
I went out today. I needed chicken feed, goat feed, minerals for the goats. I also received notice that more fabric was available at Joann's - one of those pieces that I was missing.
I picked up at Joann's. Everyone is so good there - carside on the passenger side, gloved and masked, providing me with a bag that I can dispose of and fabric I can toss into the washing machine.
The feed store is mostly good but they messed up my carside pickup today. I need to call and ask them to remind their runners to mask up when approaching customers. I stayed inside with window up and my mask on, but he didn't put one on when he approached my car and asked me questions.
The grocery store was a nightmare. I went in for two items that I didn't want to ask Bex to navigate and that I haven't been able to find online at Raley's. By the time I got out I was crying and swear I will not go back until this is over.
Customers are in a fog and not paying attention to space between themselves and me.
After I grabbed my items, I went down one aisle clearly marked one way, headed in the correct direction, and confronted a shopper coming at me. I pivoted and went two aisles down so I could get to the front of the store.
The woman in front of me in line was wearing her mask loosely and under her nose. I switched lanes.
I didn't notice the cashier was wearing her mask the same way until she'd starting ringing groceries. I stayed behind the plexiglass and had her handle the payment machine. I just put my card in and out with an alcohol wipe in hand.
She wouldn't let me put my groceries in the bag I brought in and had carried tucked under my arm without touching anything in the store. Even when I said I would put the groceries into my bag myself and not allow my bag to touch the counter. She would not let me take the groceries out without a bag. I told her that I don't want the bag and she said they are not charging for them and I can transfer to my own at my car. I started to cry as I walked out of the store. I transferred the groceries to my own bag and threw away their plastic in their garbage can. As per usual, groceries went through decontamination when I got home.
In hindsight, some of my anxiety at the store could have been due to the fact that I was wearing a mask for longer than I have needed to so far. I am not the type to snuggle with my face under a blanket. I must have fresh air on my face. I do remember feeling anxious about it at one point and telling myself to calm and that it was okay.
I am trying so hard. So many people don't seem to care. I'll be calling the grocery store about the mask issue as well to request a training refresher on mask use.
I got a text that a package had been delivered, so I headed down to the mailbox. I saw a small bobcat on the driveway near the blackberry bushes below the house. I thought I had recorded it with my camera but discovered in my hurry I had forgotten to press the record button. It ran into the pasture near the ranch and dairy properties.
Oliver seemed okay with being required to stay inside today.
All I wanted to do was cry the rest of the day but I got busy with work instead.
Once that was done, I was able to focus on music for a few hours, and that helped me feel a lot better.
When it came time to put the goats in, I inspected the lead lines carefully. I discovered one of them somehow was damaged. I have no idea how this could have happened.
That little corner at the bottom right is sharp. I'll see if I can hammer it down tomorrow. Until it's fixed and safe, it doesn't get used.
I made soup in the crock pot but started it a little late. It was good but needs more time in the pot, so I'll store it overnight and cook it some more tomorrow.
We are well. I know tomorrow will be better. I hope you are well and that your days are easy.
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