What We Needed

 Hello Friends

It's been a while.

Truth be told, I had a post written and never posted it.

It didn't feel right.

I know, how very queer of me.

I've not only not written here, but have not written anything.

I usually have a story I'm working on in the background somewhere.

I've felt ragged, I s'poze.

We've been very busy at work and with the garden

and with life and with. . . . 

An example:

This weekend is Father's Day,

Hubby's Birthday & his twin brother's birthday,

and my dad's birthday,

and two graduates (from the same school),

and a wedding.

I don't really consider myself a social person ~

yeah, go ahead and laugh.

We had intended on going camping last weekend

even though we knew there would be many others since

it was Memorial Day weekend, but life happened.

So Hubby suggested we go this past weekend.

May I just say,

three days out of service in the woods

was exactly what we needed.

It was perfect weather.

We had plenty to eat.

And there were very few vehicles at all - maybe half dozen all weekend.

So each day we woke up,

drank our coffee and went for walks.

Hubby went for longer walks.

I took stitching and would stitch then go for a walk,

then go back to stitching, then another walk.

And what might we find on these walks?

Well, let me show you.

I don't even care for mushrooms, but Hubby loves them.

I think total we found about 15-18 lbs.

I do like looking for them.

They would emerge right in camp.

It was amazing.

In case you are wondering, morels, calf brains, chanterelles, and a couple oysters.

Made it home Sunday about lunch time & got busy.

Hubby smoked one batch, and we kept some for fresh,

but the rest went on the dehydrator.

Monday morning, I put the smoked ones on the little dehydrator.

For your reference:

About 5 lbs. of mushrooms fits in a quart jar.

That was a bit of a shocker.

Now we are back at it but with the lingering scent of the fir trees

in our lungs and the sound of the morning birds still in our heads.

It's like fueling up the car.

We can go for a few more miles now.

Wishing you all the peace that nature brings.

 

A Special Gift and A Special Find

 I am just going to say it right out the gate:

I dun got spoiled 😊

As some of you know, 

we have a metal fabrication shop.

I am the only one without a Y chromosome

that I work with.

One of our contractors we work with

is a craftsman with wood as we are with metal.

I was out of the office last Friday.

Hubby was off on a job site so only one of our guys was there.

When Hubby got back to the shop,

he called me to tell me I had a surprise.

I had no clue what he meant.

He said someone really likes me.

I told him I'm mean that nobody likes me 😉 

Well, the fella who does amazing cabinetry

had stopped in with this.

Before your imagination gets going,

he is married and has a family and is a good family guy.

We had invited them to our annual cidering gathering.

You can see our process here.

It's grown to a little event for several families to gather

at our place for some wholesome autumnal fun.

I have yet to use the board, but I will.

I've had to simply admire it for a while before using it.

I love when quality meets up with beauty.

And as if that weren't enough to feel special.

This weekend, Hubby saw that there was an estate sale

and asked if I'd like to go check it out.

Sure!  I need nothing, but sure (heehee).

So we went.

We didn't get much, because like I said,

we don't really need anything, but. . . 

We came home with this little darling.

(Please excuse the mess - garage is a disaster right now)

Isn't she a gem?

Made in 1923 so it's currently a centennial.

It's a 3 burner kerosene cook stove.

I am so excited to use it, I can hardly contain myself.

We are working on getting it cleaned up first.

I will primarily use it for canning out in the summer kitchen

or if the power goes out.

We no longer have a wood stove so I've missed having a back up to electric other than the BBQ.

I'm also excited to use it for canning, because

often electric isn't a consistent heat.

I will have to "play" with it of course,

but once I get it worked out, it should be great.

I'm not usually a materialistic sorta gal,

but I'm feeling pretty spoiled at the moment.

Maybe a new handbag or diamonds do that 

for some ladies, 

but I'll take a cutting board and old cook stove any day!

Just got to thinking.

Do you think maybe food is a priority for me?

Go ahead and roll your eyes or laugh.

It's all good.

I know I'm not normal 😜

 

On the docket for this weekend is dipping candles.

I showed that here.

I am either using my last one or have one more pair.

Either way, I'm due.

October is the perfect month for dipping candles

as the wax hardens quickly (without freezing)

after being dipped.

It's a slow methodic process that brings me peace.

And with all that,

I welcome autumn, the dance of golden leaves,

and the crisp nights that remind us

a new calendar will soon be called for.

I hope you enjoy today for the blessings it bestows.

Have a beautiful week dear friends. 

If you would like to check out my latest video,

here's that link

Groceries: How You Shop Could Cost You

~*It Usually Works Out*~

Well, the New Year is already a month in.

How does that happen so quickly?

I would like to share a quirky little story

about something that happened to me recently.

~For any of those who are feeling stressed

or in doubt about a pressing matter

or uncertain about a decision to be made.~

I know that's a lot, but I do feel that many folks are struggling

with abnormal levels of pressure lately.

I will even name the incident.

The Spud Basket Incident

Shortly before Christmas, I was in a local thrift shop

looking for something particular.

While there, I saw this wonderfully made, nice quality

and very large basket.

It was probably three feet tall and almost as big around.

It was in great condition and the kicker was,

it was marked at $17.

Wowza!

I wasn't there for a basket.

The first thing that comes to mind with a basket of that size,

of course is a laundry basket.

I already have very nice laundry baskets

that I very much appreciate.

I walked away from that basket.

It wasn't something I needed at the time, and I couldn't think of 

an immediate use for it.

(first strike)

Now that basket sorta haunted my mind for a day or two.

It really was remarkable and a great bargain.

I decided to give it to God as the saying goes.

I thought finally what a nice potato basket it would be.

How many spuds could a basket that size hold?

How many spuds do we eat each year?

That seems like a lot of spuds.

Where could I put a basket of spuds that size?

With spuds in mind, I thought if I went back and it was there,

I would get it.

If it wasn't there, then I wasn't meant to have it at this time.

So Monday morning, I went back.

That's when I discovered they were closed on Mondays.

At that point, I counted it as a second strike.

I went back again on Tuesday.

You can probably guess by now, the basket was gone.

(Strike three)

I knew it was fine and accepted that I wasn't meant to have it.

But to be quite honest,

I was pretty deflated.

Yes, I know.

It sounds absolutely ridiculous - it's just a basket after all.

Go ahead and roll your eyes - I understand.

However, the idea of a basket for our spuds still lingered.

I went about preparing for Christmas.

As I was walking in the spare room for some wrapping paper one day,

I saw it.

You might as well roll your eyes again because here it is.

I had a basket.

Wait. . . what?

It's sturdy with a wire frame and well made.

It has handles for moving and is a much more realistic size.

My mom had given me my baby blankets and clothes

and not knowing what to do with them,

I stuffed them in the basket.

I had purchased the basket because it was so sturdy and a good price.

(Yes, I evidently have a weakness for good baskets.)

I dumped those blankets on the spare bed to deal with later

and examined the basket.

It was perfect!

I didn't have time to make a proper liner for it right then 

as we were heading right into Christmas with plenty to do on that front.

But I did get to it shortly thereafter.

I made a liner of a good quality muslin.

I've not yet made a "lid" or cover for the top,

but I have our spuds in their basket and use them as needed.

It's working wonderfully.

Had I caved and bought that giant basket on impulse,

I would have a great big basket with a small amount of spuds in the bottom

or be tripping on it in our little house, or who knows what else.

It was a really good reminder of how 

even if I want something and don't get it - 

something else better is apt to show itself.

See, it's really not about a basket.

I needed the reminder,

because like many others,

I've had stresses weighing on me too.

That silly spud basket lifted a little weight from my shoulders

by knowing I don't have to have everything figured out all the time.

Trusting that it will all work out is often easier said than done.

Whatever giant basket is haunting your mind,

just know something better will present itself

and that it usually works out.

And with that,

I hope, dear friends, you have a splendid day~ 

It's all about the Food!

Recently, I popped over to a blog I enjoy but hadn't heard from in a while.

I left a quick message hoping all was well and wishing her a fine day.

She responded via email and her words were almost heartbreaking.

She had scaled down and felt it might not be very interesting, but what was really pressing

 on her mind was the criminal dealings of doctors and Big Pharma.

I would like to avoid political discussion here on the blog (please and thank you) 

as it seems folks can't discuss it without deep emotional involvement.

I believe it was Mother Theresa who said she wouldn't participate in an anti-war rally, 

but if they held a pro-peace rally, she might attend. 

I guess that's what I try to do (all this time you were wondering, I know:-)

Hubby and I both work full time.

I would call our income average, though it's actually less than the national median
it is above poverty level.
I tell you those things so you know we aren't "special."
We are both away from home a lot and are not rolling in riches.

What we've done is quit taking mainstream as the correct path.

We walk our own path which just happens to look a whole lot like 

how things were done for generations - that is up until about 40-50 years ago.

What we do:

We eat at home, at the dinner table, together.  

It's just hubby and I now, but when the kids were home, it was the same. 

If we want breakfast, we fix it.

We pack our lunch which is usually left-overs from the previous night's dinner.

Then dinner which is made to have enough left over for the following day's lunch.

Just what do we eat?

Well, that depends.  A few years ago, we had lots of peas so we had peas with many of our meals.

I actually kinda got tired of them.  

But then last year, we didn't get any peas.  So this past winter has been pea poor,

 and we have only had them sparingly.

We buy a grass-fed beef each fall which is our main source of meet.

When we talk to the butcher, we ask for the soup bones, oxtail, and heart.

We usually get the liver too, but have tried it sooo many ways and just can't seem to make ourselves like it no matter how we try so end up giving it away.

It's so good for us, we know.

We do hunt but aren't generally very successful.

This past year was an exception, and we did well.

That just saves us elsewhere.

When we do get something, we get any bit of meat we can from the critter.
Then we make broth from the bones.

We aren't about to take a life and waste half of it.

With bear, we also render the fat that makes the best lard on earth!

When something is in season, we eat it and preserve enough

 to hopefully carry us through to the next harvest.

So what's on the grocery list?

Milk, eggs, butter, cheese and misc. fresh veggies.

Oh, and coffee, mustn't forget coffee :-)

I generally place a bulk order for olives and some spices through Azure Standard.

I use quite a few herbs in cooking.

This does two things.  It gets us more greens and it makes food delicious.

What we don't eat:

Grains, sugars, and chemicals.

Not never, but in general.

Based on our research, the food pyramid is up-side=down.

Humans can live on animal fat alone.  

I'm right there with ya, doesn't sound very tasty and is opposite of what I was taught in school.

I've really had to work at making myself like "real fats."

The other big thing that has happened in the past 40-50 years is that

chemicals have inundated the food system.

The FDA approves them based on skewed statistics and/or labeling.

8 of the 11 food colorants are toxic and/or carcinogens.

That's just the colorants, not to mention the preservatives, fortifiers, emulsifiers, anti-caking agents, 

and the list goes on and on.

 Along with these chemicals has come an onslaught of health issues

 from neurological (Alzheimer's, dementia, ADHD, autism, etc.) 

to issues associated with obesity (diabetes, heart congestion/failure, cancer, etc.)

None of these appeal to us.

The typical argument is  "I can't afford to buy meat."

There are three things about this statement that don't jive with me.

1) Where and how do you buy it?  Individually wrapped by your local supermarket?

I can't afford that either.  Even if you don't have a large freezer, you can buy a quarter of a beef and save a tremendous amount over grocery store prices.

2) If you quit buying grains, sugars, and processed foods, you'll have lots of extra money - not to mention, you will feel full and more satisfied longer so won't eat as much.

3) Consider your medical expenses.  If you are healthy (or become healthy) how much would you save on medical expenses?

The other argument is that people have been eating grain for thousands of years.

My response to that is ~ it's not the same grain.

Modern wheat is poison, addictive poison at that.
There are other grains as well, but wheat is by far the most common.

I don't wish the farmers any ill will.  I know several, nice folks.

I just wish they would grow in a way that is healthier and more sustainable.

We are still human and prone to the temptations of certain foods.

A piece of fruit usually satisfies the craving, but every so often, we "cheat."

We say "cheat" only because we don't really know another word for it.
We have eaten a low-carb diet for about 6-7??? years now.
In that 7ish years, we have had 1 "cold" each.
(Mine was my own doing:-/)
Hubby has severe reactions in his joints if he eats wheat.
We went on a quick trip a couple weeks ago and stopped in for a cup of coffee.
There was a sign that said "local non-sprayed wheat" near some artisan breads.
He said he wanted to try some so we bought a loaf.
I can't imagine the look I gave him.
He usually runs and hides from wheat knowing how it hurts him.
So, that evening he had a slice of bread with his supper.
Next day~ no reaction so he had a piece of toast with his breakfast.
Over the course of a few days, we made it through the loaf (shared w/ friends.)
That pretty much confirmed what we already strongly suspected.
They spray wheat 10 days prior to harvest
 so the plant will put its dying energy into the seed head increasing the yield.
Wheat is not washed prior to grinding so we are eating that freshly applied chemical.
Since it's labeled as an herbicide, no testing for human consumption is required.
I have contacted the maker of the bread and have arranged to purchase a small amount of the flour.
We won't go wild, grains are still sugars, but hubby is totally looking forward
to having some biscuits and gravy (one of his favorite meals.)

I know I don't have one of those non-abrasive, ever kind writing styles.
I probably come across as a crotchety ol' bitty.
I don't mean to sound unfeeling.
I know food tastes good (and that they add addictive chemicals to it.)
But if I can help even one person or family question their food choice,
I think it's worth it.
That is what I told my blogging friend and encouraged her to continue writing.
We are trained as a society to flow with the stream, no questions asked.
The more real information that is shared, real life stories
(like Mr. LB ate a piece of garlic bread for the first time in 7 yrs.!)
the more people might be willing to ask a question
and make a change in what is acceptable.

There is a film coming out (maybe out by now.)
 Secret Ingredients, a film by Jeffrey Smith and Amy Hart
You can do a search and see the trailer.
It rather moving, especially as it relates to our children.
I've not yet seen it, and have no affiliation with it, but I'm interested in it.

This is a long post so thank you for sticking with me to the end.
I wish for each and every one of you superb health.
If you don't have that now, know there are ways.

Cost = Free ~ Part II

The other thing I found recently was this amazing table and chairs.

(This is the picture from the ad that I responded to.)

The folks had just moved and it didn't fit in their new house so it had to go.

She said there were multiple calls between the time I called and made arrangements to pick it up 

and when I arrived.

The cool thing about the table is it has two leaves but no seam down the middle.

(Before I got the cabinet in.)

See~

Our old table worked but was an old one my grandmother had 

that we gorilla glued back together multiple times.

The chairs were recently recovered and I love the color, but they must have changed them when they did so.
I think there should be a plywood form as well.
As is when you sit in the chair, you feel like you’re falling into a big toilet seat.
There is no support so you actually sink into the chair.
I need to pull one apart and make a pattern of sorts.
From there, I can do them one at a time just to make sure one size fits all.
In addition to not having much time lately, 
I haven’t been super excited to get to this,
because it involves pulling staples.
If you’ve never pulled staples on this sort of thing,
Come on over - I’ll learn ya how 😉
It will be nice to have them done, and I do have plywood for the job,
Now it’s just that time thing.  

A Working Kitchen

Years ago, I was visiting with a friend about how some folks decorate kitchens.

She told me that hers was a "working kitchen."

I've always remembered that.

And I've evidently followed suit.

I don't really decorate the kitchen.

I don't do themes anyways, and I like things that are useful.

Maybe I don't decorate because at any given time,

you can almost tell what the season is

by what my kitchen looks like.

(See the entirety of my decorating~ the oil can with flowers and pumpkin.)
Right now,

it's rather easy to detect autumn 

by the bucket of spuds, collection of winter squash, the miscellaneous hunting gear, and tailings of canning tomatoes.

It's been slim-pickins for hunting season this year.

Between last winter and wolves (and cats and bear,) the game has suffered.

We even stayed a night up on top 

to see if being up high at dawn would show us anything.

We got snowed on during the night - yowza!

Not ready for that yet.

Anyways, on the way home, I asked Mr.LB if he would mind if we stopped at a little produce stand that's on the way.
It's quite a ways from anywhere, and I like to support such folks if I can.

We did and what a bounty~

For $28 we got: 2 huge spaghetti squash, 1 huge mystery squash,

3-4 lbs. plums, 17-20 lbs. of tomatoes, 5 lbs. red spuds, 1/2 gallon of fresh apple cider, and a peanut-butter cookie for me (yum.)

I went up for a hunt this morning and made it back many vertical feet later

about 12:30 and went to work on the tomatoes.

They are now sauce and cooling in jars on the counter, 

and there is a spaghetti squash in the oven. 

I saved some seeds - hoping to grow some of these biggies myself next year.

Those seeds are in a bowl on the table to dry.

The kitchen is where we seem to congregate when there's company.

Some of my fondest memories growing up are of peeling spuds or cleaning string beans with extended family in the kitchen.

I think that's something that's missing in many families today.

There really is a role for everybody.

The older folks can still chop walnuts and show the little ones how it's done.

You've probably gathered by now that we live along old-fashioned lines.
Years ago, a significant amount of ones time was devoted
to the growing, gathering, and preserving of food not only for the family
but for any livestock as well.

The value of working with your grandparents or great aunts and uncles rather than just seeing them at parties or holidays is unmeasurable.

We use our kitchen.

And if you happen to stop by about meal time, 

you'll of course be welcomed to join us, 

but don't be surprised if you are asked to chop carrots or slice tomatoes. 

You see, it really is a "working kitchen"

and that's all the decor we need.

If anybody knows what kind of squash the mystery squash is,

please do tell.