Sunday Happy

When I was picking up farm share the other day, I got really confused for a minute or two. There were watermelons and cantaloupe. We don’t get melons until the late summer…. And there is was. I felt the time warp hit me hard right then and there. I honestly felt a wave os shock run through me, like how could this possible be? Well it is. And it’s now August and I don’t even know.. But hey, at least I got some watermelon so there is that. Ha.

The week was good. The mr and I went kayaking, we hung out with the littles and let them meet Gigi, had dinner with my mom, voted by mail, and I cleaned out my closet. I also cried again about my garden. The woodchuck, he came back, got under the fence, and ate my first zucchinis, beans, and flowers. That fucker has destroyed my garden AGAIN this year. AGH! The mr is trying to trap him but I kind of feel like I have given up. There is no replanting again this time, but I still have tomatoes, as of now anyway….

Besides that, nothing really new. The mr has been working a lot on a few big projects and I have been spending a lot of time in my studio working, getting ready for when the studio opens up again and I can start getting more work fired and glazed and out into the world. Hopefully I will have a massive shop update in the next month or so!!

And we made it back to Sunday and I am happy for it. The mr and I were planning on going camping tonight but as of last night that was still up in the air. We might just take off for the day and find a quiet spot away form people and chill out. Either way, we are heading out of town to the woods. Our happy place.

Stuff the internet contained this week.

-When We Were Bread Heads. What did we want from sourdough? And did we get it after all? I totally forgot that everyone in the world was trying to sourdough at the same time. I haven’t heard of anyone making bread lately….

-When Did Recipe Writing Get So...Whitewashed?. Really good read.

-Oh the trees lets just let them be. Believe It Or Not, Forests Migrate — But Not Fast Enough For Climate Change

-These cakes are gorgeous. Sumptuous Cakes Designed by Tortik Annushka Emerge as Elegant, Sculptural Desserts

-How Solitude Can Help You Regulate Your Mood. The more alone time, the bette. For me that is.

-The best way to cook dried chic peas. Plus The Very Best Ways to Store Fresh Bread

-Would you go to a strip club right now? I think I would have to pass. There’s no way to socially distance in a strip club”: A dancer on working through the pandemic

-Living Tree Bridges In A Land Of Clouds.Wow.

-Avocado Green, Beige, Mauve, and More: These Are the Colors That Dominated Homes the Last 70 Years. Harvest gold is where it’s at.

-A COZY YELLOW READING NOOK IN A SHARED ROOM FOR THREE GIRLS. I am so so jealous.

Pictures from the week.

Sunday Happy

Happy last week of April! You know what that means? Nice weather!!! Sure there was that day earlier this week that snowed and I was like WTF, but after that, thie weather has made life just a little more on the great side with sunshine and temperatures slightly above freezing. Don’t you think?

A decently busy week. I went for so many walks with family, lunches made for littles, and bike rides all over. Early in the week the mr and I went for a long drive to the cedar mill for cedar (the mr is making these amazing food pantries for the community). Then there was the weekly grocery shopping trip where I bought no less then 30 zucchini (on sale for 87 cents, you bet I am going to stock up. And don’t worry there was soooo many, I don’t feel bad to grab a bunch). I did a little paperwork, worked in the studio a bit, and went at doing more yard work. The mr has been busy working on a few projects and is now a proud owner of a fish tank full of shrimp (I don’t even know). There was coffee on the front steps with Megan, cupcake making with Barb and Miley while the mr and Judah finished building the fire pit (I don’t really like it), and just a lot of cleaning and organizing. We sure do know how to keep super busy.

Yesterday the mr and I took off for the afternoon. He got in his first fishing day of the year while I hiked into the woods and back out along the river. I found a waterfall and lots of hawkweed and basically just floated around like a wood nymph. Then we had a picnic on a grass knoll in the woods in the middle of nowhere and just basically had the best day. The sunshine was so nice with the green buds all over everything bringing color to the world.. I took my socks offmand only had on a flannel and realized that it is actually happening! Vermont spring! It creeps up on you but when it does, bam! It’s like magic. Oh Vermont, you are so good!

Today is going to be great. First things first, I’m going for a run and I am so excited! It’s been 10 (maybe 12?) days since hurt my ankle but I am feeling so much better. Still, I am gonna take it easy (thinking just 2-3 miles) because I can’t deal with screwing up my ankle again so I am going to bike to the high school and run the dirt track. I can’t wait! After my successful reentry into running I am going to come home, change the sheets on the bed, do laundry, bake some more bread, and maybe plant some more seeds. Then later this afternoon I am going on a nephew walk with Jackson. After seeing his pasty white ass face a couple days ago, I am dragging his ass out into the world for fresh air and sunlight.

All in a day.

My internet link history for you to peruse.

-Are you excited about the day you can eat out again? Me, well I never ever eat out, but this still seems like a crazy future for restaurants . Here’s What Eating Out Might Look Like When Restaurants Reopen

-How the fuck is this guy so fucking stupid!!?!?!??!!! Under No Circumstance': Lysol Maker, Officials Reject Trump's Disinfectant Idea. Please don’t listen to a thing that comes out of his mouth!

-“Wishcycling” Is a Thing, and You’re Probably Doing It. It is sad but there are things that you would really thing could be recycled but actually can’t.

-Have you been having weird dreams? I have, but I always get them in the springtime. And they are really weird. The Science Behind Your Weird Coronavirus Dreams (And Nightmares)

-I just really like these cubbies. Building cabinet cubbies for extra storage.

-Remember When Grocery Shopping Was Fun? I definitely miss the days of leisurely walking around the store, not feeling the anxiety of whether or not I am going to be able to get my main staple foods, or just being able walk in and out without the dread of even being there.

I Shopped Around for a House That Was Perfect for My Dogs. Yes, Really. We did it. We basically bought our house so Washer could have a yard to run in.

-The Beastie Boys takes me back. Brass monkey, that funky monkey! Yo, Hello! The ‘Beastie Boys Story’ doc is exactly the fun, goofy music history lesson it should be

-Isolating With A Partner? Relationship Therapists Share Stress-Reduction Strategies. Because it is very stressful to be around someone ALLTHE TIME!

-Need a one of a kind rainbow or heart mug? Come and get one here. Think Mothers Day!

Pictures from the week.

-C

Sunday Happy

The past week was a blur.

A friend sent me a meme the other day that really hit home for me. It said “I wish this would all be over so everyone would just leave me the fuck alone” Yup.

And a few days ago I accidentally dropped my new toothbrush into toilet. But I am ok. And in case you are wondering, I had a new toothbrush on standby so my teeth are ok too.

How are you holding up? Going crazy? Are you getting shit done? Are you loving it or hating it? Or are you just getting use to it but then freaking out about how use to it you are getting? That last is me. Usually what happens is I will be feeling calm and fine but then I will read or hear something totally fucked on the news (I listen to NPR for most of the day so it’s my own damn fault but I have been switching my listening habits to mostly music or podcasts. I have made some pretty sick quarentine playlists for sure.) and the emotions go haywire again. But I think mostly, for me, I am just feeling kind of, well I don’t know, wonky? Itchy? Irritable? All of the above, plus a little scared, sad, and crazy. But also happy, grateful, and calm. So many feelings and I am not good with a lot of feels at once. Thats it! I am a EMOTIONALLY OVERLOADED!

Anyway, the weather, so nice! Good thing to because besides taking the littles almost everyday out for their daily hikes, or being able to walk around the block with my mom (10 feet apart), either the mr or I might end this thing living up in the tree house. Hahaha. No, we are so good, we just have our moments that may or may not end in obscene hand gestures and lots a vomit. 😁 But seriously, the tree house. It’s our contingency plan. The mr has spent a fair amount of time up there carving spoons or just sitting, just to give me space. (he is so nice!) And I have discovered the amazingness of headphones. I don’t usually have a need to wear them but this week I busted out an old pair and realized how amazing it is to not hear anything other then music. Really loud music. It’s like being alone. Ah, the small things.

Today. Sunday, in case you were wondering. It is not a great day for me. It’s 4 years ago that Sean died so I am emotional and cranky and blah. So what I am going to do is go for a run, call my mom, text all my siblings that I love them and then tell everyone to leave me the fuck alone. The mr and I are going to take a drive, find some woods where I can be with no one else around hide away for a while. Then we need to go grocery shopping. I am down to my last serving of carrots and ran out of my St Patricks day stash of cabbage. I am really hoping people have calmed the fuck down and haven’t emptied the produce section by the time I get there. I will lose my shit if I can’t get some carrots. Not today. Just have the fucking carrots.

My internet looking from me to you.

-Read a few and you will laugh and feel better about wanting to punch a wall or bite your partner. The Social Distance Project

-Fuck It, Let Them Eat Cake. If it makes things ok, even just for a little while, then why the fuck not.

-I could totally be quarantined here. Detailed Minimalism’: A Designer’s Bucolic Cottage in the Welsh Countryside

-There's No Better Time to… Use the Oldest Thing In Your Pantry. Seriously. I went through my pantry and have been using all the oldest stuff first. I haven’t even restocked half of my beans because I am trying to use up all of what I have. (I have like 12 different varieties so I have a tone of beans) IT feels good.

-This is very important. How to Not Completely Hate the People You’re Quarantined With.

-STARTING SEEDS INDOORS: HOW AND WHEN TO START SEEDS. I started a bunch of stuff this week!!!!

-You wanted to know, you just didn't;t know you wanted to. The Wild but True Story of How One Writer Figured Out the Origin of the “Triscuit” Name

-As a potter and a perpetual hand washer anyway, my hands are always dry as fuck. This is one of my favorite hand creams (I use it on my face at night in the winter too) Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream Also this. Hemp Hand Protector

-How Nature Has Become America’s Saving Grace As We Shelter In Place. Just remember to take care and maybe consider what will happen if we don’t take more steps and keeping this planet healthy….

-Still have a couple rainbows and mugs for sale on the web store. Going to throw some rainbow mugs up there later this week too. stem+node Ceramics

Pictures from the week.

Sunday Happy

What. The. Fuck.

We are all thinking it in some shape or form because this new world we are living in so strange, and kind of scary. But I am ok. Are you ok?

So the week, well it’s been a blur. Ever since Sunday we have stayed away from everyone except my two older sisters with the littles and Barb. And those guys are staying away from everyone too. We are in our own quarantine bubble. With Megan still working and Erin being a single mom with 3 kids, the mr, Barb, and I have become child care for the other guys. A kid walking service as it may seem.(HA)  Everyday we have been taking the littles hiking in the woods. It is so good for them and so good for us. Fresh air, trees, the sound of bird chirping… Nothing beats it. And I think after this is over, that’s what I’m gonna do. Dog walkers are a dime a dozen. Little walkers, that is where it’s at. I’ll pick up your littles, run them through the woods and then drop them off exhausted and covered in mud. Now that is genius! I am so smart!

Other then that, just staying away from everyone! We are not doing any jobs at the moment and are lucky that we can still do a few things that need doing without having to worry about being in contact with people. The mr has done a few things for some elderly people this week that are to vulnerable to go out into the world because he is an amazing and generous person, but he is being safe and keeping all the distance. I know that this has been harder on him then on me. He is a very social person and usually sees and talks to dozens of people everyday. Usually in and out of multiple peoples houses, in stores, just basically all over, so this week he has been home and I think he might be going a little nuts! But he is fine and is dealing pretty well. Then there is me. Besides from not working at the studio or going to the gym, my life has not taken a hit what so ever. And my food diet has stayed exactly the same and I know I am very lucky to have been living the life of a vegan hermit for years now. Beans, oh I got beans. Bread, well that gets baked here everyday. Boared, um, heck no, I have a million things on my list of things to do and my studio is in the basement so there is always work to be done. And no, I would rather not you come over to my house. Ever. This has already been my life. I think the hardest thing for me at the moment is just the worrying about the world and worrying about my parents and those that are high risk. It is overwhelming and that is when I start to feel crazy and scared. That is when I open a book and read. Everyone is doing all this TV watching right now and I get that. You do you. Me, reading is what is keeping my brain sane, it’s my escape. What about you? Are you a reader or a watcher? If a reader, what are you reading now? I think after I finish this book I am currently on I’m going to go for round 5 of re-reading all the Harry Potters. It’s been a few years and I think it’s the perfect time, don’t yo think?

Today. Well the mr and I are going to drink coffee together, talk about the news that happened over night and then some things that are a little less heavy. Then I am going to bake another loaf of bread for lunch, rake the yard and assess the garden beds, and drink more coffee. After lunch we are grabbing the littles and walking them down to the waterfront to get their daily dose of sunlight and exercise and yes, we are going to feed the ducks.

Oh, and Happy SPRING!!!! And stay healthy.

Internet that I have looked at this week.

-Even though shit is mad crazy right it is not an excuse to waste food! What to Do With Ingredients That Are About to Go Bad. Also. The Right Way to Freeze Basically Everything

-I think this is a lot of peoples truth right now. I Can't Stop Eating My Coronavirus Food Stockpile

-Let the fart jokes begin! Let the Music Play: Joe Yonan’s Guide to Minimizing Bean-Induced Flatulence

-These are the coolest puzzles. A LITTLE SOMETHING OLD SCHOOL.

-America's Shopping List: Here's What We're Buying The Most. Do you have your oatmilk?

-Nows the perfect time. How to start birding in any US city

-Important. How to Clean Your Ears (Properly), According to ENTs

-Wow. This is awesome Japanese Chef Has Filled Notebooks with Delectable Illustrations of All of His Meals for 32 Years

-I Tried the “Whipped Coffee” Trend Taking Over the Internet. Here’s How It Went. Thinking this could be a great way to frost a cake!

-Now more then ever it is important to know what you are eating! The dark side of convenience food, and what the future holds for ready-to-eat meals

And pictures from the week.

-C

Sunday Happy

I was walking around Costco this week and they have set up all the Christmas trees and decorations. It struck me hard, like what? Did I miss something. What about like fall and Halloween and Thanksgiving. Leave it to Costco to make you feel like you are behind on your holiday preparations. Lucky Home Depot had it right and had only Halloween decorations out. Those little skeletons made me feel a little better, and even excited. Fall be coming for real soon!!!

The last week started with our usual camping Sunday. Stopped at a few pieces of property for sale (fell in love with one except it is really close to high voltage power lines and yeah, I don’t know if I can live that close to that). Found a plastic Santa on the side of a dirt road in the middle of now where and was so pumped. I have been on the look out for an old vintage Santa for the house (this one was a knock off, but still cool) so we grabbed him and stuffed him in-between the tent and sleeping bags.

We got to our campsite, set up the new tent(yeah!) sat out Santa, then tooled to the woods. Did some hiking, some exploring, and just really savored all that the world is in. A good lentil and potato dinner, a fire made by the best fire starter in the world, then assed out as soon as it got dark. Camping is the best. Woke while it was still pitch dark out, made the coffee, packed up, and watched the greatest sunrise before heading to the river for the mr to go and do some fishing. Unfortunately Santa did not make it through the camping trip. When we were packing up I accidentally shattered his head while trying to stuff him back into the car. I was so pissed, but what can you do? He was a fragile old man. But the hunt continues. I will get my plastic Santa. I will.

Then back to life in town, which this week consisted mostly of me miserable because I bit a whole in my tongue (yes I did, and it was gross) and the mr on high ladders and me on the porch, painting away. We need to get this house done before it gets too cold.

Barb and the littles came over for dinner and sour patch kids, I gave the mr a hair cut, and went to Mileys first ever field hockey game (She is so dang good). Barb came over again for dinner because she really likes it when I feed her good food, and basically besides running around doing chores and errands, it was painting. Oh, and I did work at the studio, cleaning and such, and I did get a little time to start the tearing the garden apart process, but yeah, that’s about it. That and I bought my first sugar pie pumpkin of the season… Gonna eat the shit out of that! So excited!

For today, it’s off to the great outdoors. I think the mr was saying something about good fishing soon or whatever, so we are camping out near some rivers that he like to fish. Me, I am just excited to get my hike, and knit, and read on. We only have a few more weeks before all the campgrounds are closed and it gets to cold to camp so I am going to savor every bit of it.

Internet from the internet from the week.

-I didn’t even know, or even thought to think about it. Watch How Steel Ribbons Are Shaped into Cookie Cutters

-This new blood test can figure out what time it is inside your cells Whoa. I wonder what my cell time is?

-Don’t care about the hot tub, but the rest. SO COOL! Next time I am in Wales I guess. Luxury Dome Getaway with Private Hot Tub near Round Swamp in New South Wales

-Cross Back Apron. On my list of things to make within the next week (or month)

-I still use plastic containers because I have them and don’t want to just toss them away, but maybe I really should.(But I probably won’t, at least fora while) There’s So Much to Worry About I Forgot to Worry About Plastic Poisoning

-When Your Child Believes Meat Is Murder It happens, be prepared. I remember when I became a vegetarian when I was 11, the shit I got from my family (And still sometime do, 21 year later) and I didn’t know what to eat. I ended up eating lot of garbage food until I figured my shit out later in my mid teens. Not good.

-I don’t really eat any food that comes in a package, but I would totally be the one to eat the package if I did. Eat Your Food, and the Package Too

-The Truth About How Much Happiness Money Can Buy. All relative though. I make far far less then 85k and I am pretty happy, I think?

-Modular A-frame homes.. Just not in America, yet.

I hate the fidget spinners, they make me anxious. Fidget spinners, weighted blankets, and the rise of anxiety consumerism

Pictures and Barb eating from the week.

Bye.

-C