Sunday Happy

Did any of you get a chance to see any of the meteor shower yesterday morning? I did. I woke up at 430, shook the mr awake only for him to fall back asleep, grabbed a blanket and went out to the back yard. (our yard is pitch black at night)  I spent a good forty five minutes with my head tilted up just watching.  I saw a least a dozen if not more meteorites  and wow, it was pretty amazing. I think that from now on I need to start my day with watching the stars, it centered me in a very real way and gave me all sorts of feelings. Just me and the sky. I like the sound of that.

We had a few littles all week long. Miley, Judah, and the baby, Coco. Everyday after school we picked them all up, came home and did the homework, ate all the peanut butter and cinnamon apples and carrots, kept trying to spell dick out of the nick refrigerator magnets, then played in the trees.  One of the days while I was inside getting dinner together, the mr and the two bigger littles were out back in th e giant cedar tree cutting down branches to get ready for the tree house that they are going to build. (No one asked me to help OR whether I thought cutting any of my tree was ok, but you know) So littles all week, Sunday through Friday. But that was just that. We also had a planned birthday party lunch here for Barb and her friends. Chill, bread, ice cream cake, and tandem bike riding. A bunch of 18 year old ladies and their very fancy high heeled shoes. The mr was a little scared and stayed out back playing with his tools while I got to feel like an old lady trying to decipher the language of the cool kids. (I think I did ok) Then that night we took the littles to Barbs field hockey game and watched them play a game that I have to grasp for. All I know was that even though they didn't win, they still played pretty good. That was her actual birthday.The next day the littles didn't have school so we woke them up,  I made the best pancakes ever, grabbed Barb again, and headed to the pumpkin patch. This year the pumpkins at the farm got flooded early in the season so no pumpkin day for this year (so sad) We were left to find a replacement farm to tide us over. We found a cute little farm stand with a good selection of pumpkins (no hay rides) where we each picked out our carving pumpkins for next weeks Hocus Pocus watching and pumpkin carving party . I forgot how difficult is is to pick a pumpkin. You have to consider the size, stem, color, and over all feel. But which one is best? Life decisions right there. We got the pumpkins, feed the littles, and sent them back home to their mother. Wiped out and reeling, we spent the rest of the day running around feeding Megan's cat, cleaning up the house, and restocking the fridge ( the kids ate all the food) 

On the work front, I didn't get much done, It was hard starting any projects because we only could work mornings due to  the children infestation. We did get all the tile for the bathroom which is nice and stacked in a pile on the front porch. No it's not on the floor or the walls where it is suppose to be, but at least we got it so there is that. The mr was out most days (until the littles came over) doing work for a few other people. I got to spend a day one the phone trying to figure out how I had a almost $1800 phone bill then only to figure out after a very frustrating day  that I accidentally paid one of the mortgages to the phone company and that they owed me money. That set me off and I spent another day trying to get my money back so I could actually pay the mortgage (once a place has your money, they do not want to give it back) I also had an eye appointment one morning were I had my eye dilated and was freaking blind for like four hours and was told I am suppose to wear glasses all the time, which I figured, but dang. And now I need to shop for glasses for the eyes on my face and I don't like things on my face and I don't like shopping so suck. But I am going to do it because being able to see better will be kinda nice I think, but I'll let you know.  

Then last night another party. Barb had her birthday party at my house on her birthday, but I guess my mom was feeling extra special toward her youngest of nine  now being an adult and threw her a surprise party. All her family and friends at the old man Eagles Club with a DJ, tons of food and a cash bar (for the adults) Barb though she was on her way to go out to dinner (which she was really excited about) and how she ended up going into the VFW without knowing something was up I have yet to ask, but she was surprised, and happy, and it was all really cute. I got to dance my dance moves (the mr took a video and now has material for blackmail) and got to play ballon chase with all the littles that were there, and snack on the broccoli that no one else was eating. It was all a lot of fun and then I came home and assed  the f out. 

That was one heck of a week. 

Today, oh today is all about the river. The mr and I are packing up food and coffee, a blanket, me a book, him his fishing pole, and off we are going. A calm and quite day outside, away from people is exactly what we need. I love my family but I need a day away from them all. 

Interneting from the week

-Why We Should Be Cooking Like Our Grandmas From scratch and all. 

-It's not gonna happen this year, but a definite for next. KNIT OR TREAT: HOW TO MAKE A (SUPER EASY) GIANT KNIT PUMPKIN FOR HALLOWEEN

-The 36 Questions That Lead to Love Do you believe that answering theses equations brings love? I don't know, but some of the  questions are a little whoa. 

-Sleep Scientist Warns Against Walking Through Life 'In An Underslept State' Heed the warning...get your shut eye!

-This is happening and it's kind of crazy. Should College Professors Give 'Tech Breaks' In Class?

I have used youtube to learn a few things, like knitting and I think that is actually it, but still. But at least young adults are trying to figure out how to do things for themselves, even if it means watching youtube. Without YouTube Videos, Young Adults Now Lack Even Basic Life Skills

-Want to Escape to the Wilderness? This Job Comes With a Colorado CabinTwo years living in the woods, sign me up!

-These Are The 6 Types of Minimalists. Which One Are You?  I am  a sustainable- thrifty minimalist.

-His Dark Materials are without a doubt one of my top two favorite books (I know its a trilogy, but I count them as one) And now a new trilogy!!! The first book came out this week and I am picking up my copy this week. With ‘La Belle Sauvage,’ Philip Pullman Begins a New Trilogy

-BEST OF: COLORFULLY PARISIAN.I love the floors.

Lots of kiddo pictures from the week

Sunday Happy

The leaves are finally changing, the weather is finally kind of cooling off, and I am finally getting a chance to wear a few of my fall sweaters that I pilled out a month ago and have basically neglected because it has been way to freaking warm out.  (and there is still some people that think global warmer is fake) Worst part is I have been holding off on pumpkin picking just because it hasn't felt right. I need a cool overcast day for it to work for me. Be cool, be dreary, I need a pumpkin!

This week didn't exactly turn out as it was suppose to. It started out strong with knocking out doctors appointments, having dinner and doing laundry at Shannon's, the mr even halfway cleaned out one of the barns. But when it came to getting any work done on the house, not so much. We were suppose to start tiling the bathroom but lucky us, the tile that we have and thought we were going to use, well we don't have enough if it. And  it's no where to be found so we had to go back to figuring  out what to use for tile. We figured it out but now we need to buy it  and blah blah blah. Long story shore, the bathroom is still not done and I really miss having two toilets in the house.(especially when the little are over) The upside of this week was that we ended up spending a good amount of time hiking and doing things outside. I even started peeing outside (haha, mot really but I have thought about it)

Yesterday the  mr and tried our hands at bird watching. There was an article in the paper about snow geese and how there is this spot out in Addison that thousands of these  geese come and rest on their journey south. We decided that it is time we harness our inner bird watchers and made the journey to that field. And bummer, no geese in sight. We spent a good long hour waiting, then did a little hiking through some woods (got scared away by hunters)  in search od the geese, but no real luck. We did get to see a handful flying around in circles, but unlike all of the other seasoned birdwatchers we saw (we saw a lot) we did not have binoculars. That was a good lesson for next time, and yes, there will be a next time. I think it might be my calling in life. Watching birds. Sounds so simple and so good.  

Today I hope to get some major things done, mainly birthday present making and cleaning out the freezer for the birthday cake  Barbs turning 18 this week!!! and (of course she wants an ice cream cake... I don't know what I am going to do with all the frozen tomatoes) Also probably going to make another loaf of squash bread because the littles are coming over for dinner and I want to stink up the house all nice and good.And coffee. So much. I spent all week only drinking one cup a day (acid reflux flare up) so i need to catch upon my caffeine intake.  

Internet reading from the week.

-Amazon Will Now Deliver a Tiny House Directly to Your Door. What won't they deliver is the question. 

- We are all family, despite race or tribe Why Race Is Not a Thing, According to Genetics

-Wild animals are not pets. Wolf Puppies Are Adorable. Then Comes the Call of the Wild.

- Swedish Death Cleaning Sounds a little disturbing but is actually something I think more people should do.

-People Can’t Get Over Food Network’s Ridiculous ‘Brilliant Peanut Butter Hack’ Its kinda ridiculous but has potential for greatness. (I can see cookie cutter peanut butter shapes for cakes and shit)

-Working to Disarm Women’s Anti-Aging Demon We all get old... Why does everyone try to hide it? 

-Of course food is medicine. SEAMUS MULLEN MAKES THE CASE FOR FOOD AS MEDICINE

-The Centuries-Old Strategy That Turbocharged My Productivity. Paper, pencil, make a list. It's what I do every day.

-Are you a Morton or Diamond Crystal ? I am a Dimond gal. The Kosher Salt Question

-An Optical Illusion Tile System Designed by Casa Ceramica I couldn't stop looking at it. There is no flat plane.

Weekly pictures.

Bye

-C

Sunday Happy

 I am kind of unprepared for August. Not that there is really anything to prepare for, I just can't believe that it's almost here. This summer is blowing by so fast and I don't feel like we have done any summer time fun stuff. I need to get on that like soon before it's to late and I am all like apple picking and knitting. We need to get our summer on!

The week was good. More things got done work wise and life wise. We are getting down the nitty gritty and I just want it all to be done. A few more things and we are going to call it. (like the stairs. We have not front stairs anymore)I think that highlight of the week was when the littles came over for dinner and Judah learned how to fart with his arms. He spent most of his time arm farting and laughing at himself. It was fantastic. I am trying too think about what else happened this week but my head is a bit foggy. I either have a really bad sinus infection or my brain is about to blow up, either way I am tired and feeling crappy.

Feeling like shit means that today I just need to take it easy, drink lots of water and rest. A nice chill day. I am down with that.

Internet from the week.

-What it is really like to life off grid( in a warmer climate) Here's What It's Like to Live in the Woods, Off the Grid

-I wonder if space bread taste any good. 3, 2, 1 ... Bake Off! The Mission To Make Bread In Space

-Does Your Family's Century-Old Pyrex Still Rule The Kitchen? Pyrex for it all.

-Love this cottage. A Petite Farmhouse, Hidden Within A Beautiful Garden, In Oakland

-Are Avocados Actually About to Get Cheaper?! I hope so. I haven't been willing to pay the nearly 2 bucks a pop for one so we have been avocadoless for a while now.

-Scientists Have Created a Food They Believe Can Alleviate World Hunger

-Food news about meatless burgers and eating a donut.

-Life ideas.  How I Started a Small Suburban Farm

-Maybe don't use sponges. Your kitchen sponge harbors zillions of microbes. Cleaning it could make things worse

Pictures from the week

Happy weekend

-C

Sunday Happy

It happens every year. Mid May, the mr and I gear up for apartment turn overs. Usually just a few,like 3 or 4, but not this year.

This year we have 7 turnovers and a shit ton of work to do. Painting, tiling, lawn work, counters.....the list is hefty. And there is only so much we can do while people are still living in their apartments so all the shit happens all at once. Like right now it's all happening all at once. feel like I am busting ass, but the mr., that guy is a machine. He work work work work works. I think after the next few weeks when the craziness is over I am going to have to kidnap him and take him on a vacation. He needs one, we both do.

3 day weekend should be exciting, but honestly, just going keep on plugging away at the apartment stuff. Once Barb wakes up (she slept over last night) and goes to work, off we will got too. I think the goal today is to start painting walls in one apartment, seal tile and replace toilet and sink in a bathroom, and the mr is going to be doing some washer and dryer plumbing situation.  Not exactly the most thrilling or relaxing way to spend the weekend but it needs to be done.

I hope your weekend it a little less hectic.

Internet to brows if your feeling browsy.

-It's pretty much summer now and you might need to make some ice cream. Behold: Our All-Time Most Popular Ice Cream Recipes

-You’re Not Imagining It — Certain Fruits Really Can Make Your Mouth Itchy. I have had it happen.

-There are things that we don't know we need to know until we know them.Scientists Pinpoint How A Flamingo Balances On One Leg

-A "Rough Luxe" Organic Farm & Homestead on Hawaii's Big Island. I could live here.

-Sassafrass is a leaf, I just though it was attitude. 10 FLAVOR-PACKED LEAVES FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO BRING INTO YOUR KITCHEN

-Has Anyone Seen Ina Garten’s Feet? I guess I never stopped to think about her feet, but now I really want to see them.

-I wish I could be a ballerina.  Pain, satin and paper towels: What it takes for ballerinas to dance on their toes\

-I want to make a few of these little gems.

No pictures from the week. My hands have been covered in either dirt or paint and I am trying to spare the camera from that.

Have a great great long weekend.

-C

Sunday Happy

I am getting excited about this snow storm we are suppose to have tonight and am hoping we get dumped on. It had been too long sense we have had a good snow. I really want to build a snow fort in the backyard because that's why we have a yard.

Earlier this week I had myself a little dance party (what usually happens when I am home alone) and while dancing around, I tweaked my neck. Happens right? Well this really screwed me up.  I spent almost an entire day laying on the couch with ice and a hot water bottle thinking I must have broken my neck. Not the best way to spend a day but at least I was able to binge watch a bit of Parks ans Rec (Leslie Knope is my hero) So all week I have taking it kinda easy and doing more paperwork and tax crap (aahhhh!!) than anything else. I am still sore and a little weary about moving my head, but feeling a lot better. Already back to dance parties.

So I guess today I am being dragged to a far off town to pick up a washer and dryer for one of the apartments. Not really what I want to do and I am a little worried about the weather, but it will be ok, we are leaving early. Plus I have trained myself to read in the car without barfing and there is always big cups of coffee on road trips so I will be distracted.  And when I get home, I can go back to Parks and Recs, bread making, spoon carving, and watching the snow fall.  Good stuff.

Stuff on the internet.

-This is just so good. Harvesting Carrots

-Pretty sweet way to get in a workout. Raise Your (He)art Rate With A Workout At The Met.

-I have heard a lot about this burger and I am still not sure how I feel about it. I don't think I want to eat something that tastes like meat. Would you? Saving The Planet, One Burger At A Time: This Juicy Patty Is Meat-Free

-NPR’S ARI SHAPIRO ON WHAT A REPORTER LEARNS EATING ON THE ROAD. Always listening to Ari.

-Do you temper chocolate? I usually just stick it in the microwave. Thinking I might give it a go.
A BASIC GUIDE TO TEMPERING CHOCOLATE

- How Much Do You Hate the Sound of People Chewing? Sometime I could care less, but sometimes a lot. 

-These photos are amazing.

-Melissa McCarthy As Sean Spicer Is The Best Thing On SNL In Years. i have watched it like 3 times....So fucking funny.

-Sex, Drugs, and Rock n' Roll. Music Tickles the Same Brain System As Sex and Drugs. For real.

Some pictures.

Enjoy the day!

-C