Oh Tannenbaum

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. ~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

Last year when we went to hunt our tree, Mrs. H said she would not be doing it this year. Of course we had heard that before and thought nothing of it....until this year when she really didn't open her acreage. Oh horror of horrors now where do we go to get a tree?! We found another cut your own Christmas tree lot over an hour away and decided against that. We stopped at one precut lot and found the perfect tree...$100! C-ya! I would spend that on an artificial tree that I could put in a box and reuse but not something I am going to toss into my brothers chipper.

We ended up going to Home Depot where we stood up tree after tree until we found an 8 foot balsam fir for $31. As we all know trees look smaller outside, but we were technically inside an unheated section and it did not look big. It was untied when we looked at it and I knew it would relax some. We got it home and put it in the stand and watered it. We let it sit there overnight and it got huge! I started to think there must be something in the water....maybe that is what happened to my butt!? It is a good thing we never use the front door because you would not get through it!

So Sunday morning after seeing my livingroom eaten by a tree, I happily sit down with a string of lights and my new handy dandy tool that will test all the strings, bulbs, fuses etc etc etc. I take out the directions and find I need two watch batteries. Are they for real? AAA, AA I could understand and have plenty of, but watch batteries?! Tossed that tool in the box and did it the old fashioned way, bulb by bulb....of course after they were finally on the tree I found several brand new boxes of lights. I think I am related to Murphy.

With the lights on the tree, the kids went to work decorating it. Some people tried sticking their beak

in where it didn't belong as they do consider themselves part of the family so thought they had the right. She is standing on the side porch peering in the floor to ceiling window by the woodstove. She is actually there to tell us she wants some treats. They are very spoiled. If you ignore them, they tap on the windows and doors until they get what they want.

When that tree was done (already minus tinsel on the bottom from the dogs rubbing up against it), we put up another tree. This one went up so much faster than the other and with no surprises!

Then we continued to decorate a little more.

Some snowmen on the shelf

And the hot chocolate/cookie stationToday more will come out of the boxes. But before they do, #2 son has an eye doctor appointment and I need to go motivate him. I am not looking forward to the drive as the area I have to go to had a two hour school delay. I hate icy roads but this does give me some guilt free knitting time.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev'rywhere you go ~ Meredith Willson

We woke up early yesterday morning to this...

In the end it was about six inches of snow- then sleet and rain. It was enough to keep the children home from school. Six of them congregated here. My floor was constantly wet and dripping clothes were hanging every where.

I made banana bread and zucchini bread and between the hot cocoa and oodles of noodles they were happy. Then I sent most of them home and I happily enjoyed the quiet...and when mine left for school this morning I reached the 1/2 way point of #1's present.

Which means I will have it done in thime for Christmas so I don't have to go nuts. It gives me time to watch this little fiend whom has decided he needs food more than the birds and sits in the one feeder and eats. The cat is having fits becasue she can't get to him!

First Snowfall

“The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event”
Yes our first snow! And it truly did look magical when I left the fire department on Saturday. I did a craft fair with my cousin there. Afterwards, I came home to sit by the fire and watch it snow. I was afraid they might cancel our night plans but they didn’t.

Saturday night was the local VFW’s prize bingo. All the money goes towards the kids annual Christmas party and the Christmas dinners they deliver to the needy/homebound. If you are a diehard bingo player you do NOT go. It is slightly unorganized and rowdy. If you want to donate to a good cause, have a couple of drinks and just have a night out, it is fun.

My mother had gone to it every year, then I started to go when I moved back home. I got the man going and last year #1 son and his gf came. This year the man and I, along with all four of the kids and significant others went. I thought this would give us a better chance of winning…..three of the kids won several times. The rest of us went bingo with others and only got picture frames or a bottle of wine. #1 daughter gave me some of her winnings…a $50 gift certificate to the local phone company and a $25 gift certificate to the local grocer. (Thank You)

Sunday was a very relaxing. #1 daughter started baking while I painted some more miniature houses for her village. She made caramel nut cookies, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter and chocolate chip. The baking gene passed me by and went straight to her. The guys filled up the holder with firewood and changed the oil in my car. Too soon it was time for #1 and Sir T to go back home.

I tried explaining to #1 that I didn’t make her a Christmas present this year (except the houses) but she said I had to be joking or I would break her heart. Well gee, pile the guilt on! After they left, I sat down and started knitting as any mother that did not want to break her daughter’s heart would have. I have tried this pattern before and didn’t get far but I will preserve and try it again.

Yesterday, the man returned to work. Yes, he got a clean bill of health and we are scheduled for a head to toe and everything in between physical the first week in January. Last week was so stressful and then the busy weekend so I am hoping things finally have slowed down. Of course the weatherman just said the kids will be home tomorrow as he is calling for a snow/ice storm. There is plenty of wood, the fridge/freezers/shelves are full so and I don't have to go anywhere. So....let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Medicine & Love

A Short History of Medicine
2000 B.C. - "Here, eat this root."
1000 B.C. - "That root is heathen, say this prayer."
1850 A.D. - "That prayer is superstition, drink this potion."
1940 A.D. - "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."
1985 A.D. - "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."
2000 A.D. - "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root."
~Author Unknown

I hate doctors...when I am the patient. I have absolutely no qualms about taking people to them, telling people they should go see one, or holding them down while they get a shot! And so far this week I have done all of the above.

The man took #2 son hunting on Monday. He came back (sans deer) and was getting ready to go to work, when he informed me his left arm and hand hurt. He couldn't make a fist. He thought it might be from working on the Kubota. Of course he also mentioned that he wasn't really feeling "right". It was decided (aka I bitched a little and he was humoring me) that he should at least go to the ER before going to work. Low and behold they decide to keep him! The cardiologist came in the next day and checked all the information from the various tests they had run and released him with instructions for rest and a stress test. As the man is walking in the door, I am walking out it to pick up #2 daughter. She had to go get more blood work done as last time she was at her doctor's her insulin was high. I am happy to say she received a clear bill of health and only has to show up for her physical next year. One down and one to go.

The man and I left before daylight Wednesday, to get him to the hospital for the test....with plenty of guilt free knitting in the bag. While he was in jogging away I was able to get a sock knit down to turning the heel and work on a wine bag. He exited with instructions to not return to work until he gets the results which we go to hear on Friday. He just started a new year with the company so thankfully he has sick/personal/vacation days to play with.

We came home and while he rested by watching tv, I finished my socks.Tomorrow we get the results. Beyond the fact that he is my husband and I want him healthy, I also want him back at work....he is destroying my peace and quiet, he loses the remote, he drinks all the coffee, he throws my whole schedule off. I love having him home when he is able to motivate but for now, he is just always THERE, in the same spot or direction I have to go. I need him to stay out of the hospital so I stay out of the hospital or jail....and I say this with love in my heart.

Post Thanksgiving

“...in a well regulated kitchen nothing is ever wasted, but with careful preparation even the 'rough ends' of a beef steak may be made into a wholesome, tender and appetizing dish; that 'stale bread' may be used in the most delicious 'desserts' and 'farcies,' and 'left-over' food from the day before need not be thrown in the trash-box, but may be made into an endless variety of wholesome and nutrious dishes.” ~The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book (1901)

The fridge is still full of leftovers even though platters of food left here Thursday. The stock pot was simmering on the stove with the turkey carcass and is now turkey and rice soup. Yet another pot vying for space.

I would love to say things went off without a hitch but they didn't and at first I was upset. But then I realized they never really had...sometimes the casseroles were cold on the inside and had to go back in oven a little longer and the rolls have been forgotten more times than I can count. So this year was following it another long tradition. But in the end the food was good and plentiful. We had one of our turkeys, the breast of a wild turkey, ham and a venison roast and all the side dishes.

#2 son had been sick with a stomach virus on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. I bleached the bathroom and prayed nobody would be sick on Thanksgiving. Shortly after consuming probably the biggest meal of the year....#2 daughter got sick. I bleached the bathroom again.

Friday dawned bright and early. The man went to work, #2 daughter slept the whole day. #2 son left with his uncle to site the guns in for deer season is fast approaching. #1 daughter and I started going through the Christmas decorations. Later in the evening #1 and Sir T headed for home so they could go to Christkindlmarkt with his family the following day. I have never been but I am told I should go.

I awoke early Saturday morning....sick. I bleached the bathroom again, not that it has helped any, and crashed in bed. So far as sick goes it really isn't that bad. The bathroom part is done and over with in 30 minutes. The rest of the day you just have a stomach ache and sleep.

I woke early this morning which is no surprise when you have slept almost an entire day away. I started knitting, made a pair of fingerless mitts and started on a simple cowl. Can't say I feel like doing the jig quite yet, but I feel much better.

The man has stayed out of the house as much as possible! We still had a huge pile of dirt (and weeds) in the front yard and he has spent the past couple of days dispersing it....with a little help from his friends....I think they are trying to show him how helpful they can be as they were glad to have not been Thanksgiving dinner. I should tell them that is not why they are here but not until we get some more work out of them. Now I am off to hopefully finish the cowl....or take a nap.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

"For moving forward is rarely accomplished without considerable grief and sadness. And while our sorrow may be profound... ...the clouds will clear... ...and the sun will shine on us again. And in that warm, bright light... ...we will find ourselves facing a glorious future. A future of exciting challenges... ...and infinite possibility... ...in which the horizon will stretch out before us... ...rimmed in the heavenly glow... ...of the sunrise of our tomorrow. "

Today we face our first major holiday without my mother and my uncle. Yesterday as I was making some of the things that can be made in advance, I missed bantering back and forth with her. But last night my oldest daughter arrived and today we are putting together the rest of the foods that have become traditonal for us.

Tradition states we have to watch the parade while working. Then Christmas carols get played for the first time this season. I am trying to remember everything. The china has been washed and the silver polished. My mother had two dishes which traditionally only came out during Thanksgiving and I found both of them on Ebay! My Uncle was the gravy master so I bought jars of gravy just in case I screw it up. My kids know I don't make good gravy and will be upset if it comes to store bought but will then agree that one can not have turkey and mashed potatoes without gravy!

So while we no longer have mom or uncle, our memories and traditions will carry us through. And while we are not facing the future we wanted, we are facing new and exciting things. With the good food, our family and friends, we still have much to be thankful for this year.

I wish everyone something to be thankful for and a Happy Thanksgiving.

May flowers?

Q: If April showers bring May flowers what do May flowers bring?
A: Pilgrims!

Q: Who is not hungry at Thanksgiving?
A: The turkey because he's already stuffed!

Like most Americans at this time of year, I have turkey on the brain. Right before Thanksgiving and we are just as busy now as we were in July. I received a windfall of strawberries and bananas this week and made jam's or froze them for later use.

Friday, #2 daughter had her birthday party so we took 4 of her friends to dinner and to see the Twilight sequel, New Moon. Exhausting! I now know there are other kids that can talk faster, louder and more than #2 and that they all are as obsessed as she. I didn't think it was possible but it is so.

And because the man likes to wait until the last minute, this weekend he worked on the house at the same time I was trying to get it spotless for company. I got a dishwasher and he finally installed that. I made extensions for each end of my table so we will all be able to fit. It now goes from 6' to 9' 8" and I actually have a tablecloth to fit it! Also more molding is finally going up. He got a great deal on fencing which he had to go fetch. Not sure if I will use it for garden or fence in more pasture for the sheep. I do know I am not going to worry about it until after the holidays, regardless of how many seed company's can inundate me with their catalogs beforehand.

I have been making kids hat and mitten sets.
I also made the pocketbook slippers and just have to sew them together. I also sewed up the miniature Santa and Mrs. Claus clothes for the clothesline. #1 daughter saw my garland and wanted it. I told her I would make her one. I made Santa's mittens, scarf, hat, socks, gift bag, shirt and pants. Mrs. Claus got her dress, apron and mop cap. It is approximately 6 feet long but I think it needs a little something. All the ones in the magazines don't have anything else so we will let #1 be the judge when she comes home on Wednesday. Can't wait to see her.

I have everything I need for dinner and it is just timing everything right. #1 does not think that a turkey and ham is enough to leave her a sufficient amount of leftovers so I will cooking up the wild turkey breast my brother gave me also. The kids get out of school early Tuesday and Wednesday for parent teacher conferences so I will have extra hands...and they thought they were getting a break!!!!

Now I have to wash windows are they are covered in wet dog nose prints. Or maybe I should go knit and leave it for the kids to do tomorrow!!!

Turkey Talk

I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. ~ Christopher Reeve

If you stand and look at our house it sits at the bottom of the mountain, then there is a small hill on the right side. It is here that I have my bird feeders. Last fall and winter the wild turkeys would come down and have their fair share of these easy offerings. Like the cardinals, titmouse, chickadee etc, they thought it was there just for them.

This morning I attended the animals and as is their norm, the chickens and our domesticated turkeys walked over to the ground below the feeders to see what pickings they could find...as if their automatic feeder is empty and they are so starved! So I tossed out some strawberry tops for them and went to sit down to knit for a few minutes. My knitting was interrupted by their squawking.

It would seem the natives wanted to come dine and the domesticated turkeys would not let them. Red & Gray tried to be nice and explain that they (the natives) had the whole forest from which to obtain their food, so please don't egg in on ours. But the natives got nasty, as is their way, and would not listen but continued to head toward the feeders.Gray quickly jumped up on the nearest grape vine to demand their compliance to the new rules. But got no where. Red jumped up and yelled at them too but nobody was listening to them. They were outnumbered 9-2. The natives said they were soft from befriending man and since they had their food handed to them they had no right to begrudge them any droppings...a little reverse psycology. Red & Gray returned to the feeders to gather strength and format a new plan. It was decided that the natives could pass but still not go near the feeders. Red & Gray would stand between them and the feeders. When one of the natives decided to go rogue and sneak in on their flank, the ever vigilant chicken had Red and Grays back. Oh, they were slick and tried every trick in the book. They tried acting like they had surrendered and were going back up into the woods from which they came. But Red & Gray would have none of that! They pulled back to once again. Another brazen little native tried to act all coy by flashing feathers, but Gray said "see ya"! And once again they got between the natives and their meal ticket. Mr. Squirrel was highly amused by these proceedings and devised his own plan. While he sat up in the tree watching, he had the Mrs. down on the ground picking up what the natives missed and making runs to the feeder while Red & Gray were occupied with more important dealings. Very opportunistic of old Mr. Squirrel. Bandit, the cat, reminded me that it was I that rescued Mr. Squirrel from his clutches a short time ago....if my feeders get chewed apart, I have nobody to blame but myself. I made my point by telling Bandit if she didn't go preen herself somewhere else she would be chasing Mr. Squirrel for food instead of fun. Her response was "now look who is being catty".

But back to Red & Gray...Their new plan was a formidable united defense...no more of the divide and conquer.The natives in a desperate moment tried to act all big and bad but Red & Gray were not impressed and looked upon them with disdain. And as the first rays of sunshine fell up on our little parcel, the natives were still a distance away from the feeders. Some looked down thinking of making one last valiant attack on the line. But with a last longing look over their wing they went back into the woods. Red & Gray returned to dine victoriously. The chickens lavished praises upon them for their heroic acts. That is our story and we are sticking to it!.

Season Influences

"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." ~ Henry David Thoreau

Around here the food of the season is sauerkraut. When the kraut was checked on Wednesday it was decided that it was done. The man calls everyday at lunch time and when he found out it was ready he requested pork and kraut for dinner...and he got it. I canned the rest as it is easier to give the oldest two kids jars to take home. I got 39 quarts of sauerkraut.

I also canned up lard. When we picked up the pork, we got some fat back also. I canned up 6 quarts and gave the rest of the fat to a friend. I melted some fat, added the cracklings, some apples that were going bad, oatmeal, sunflower seeds and corn and poured it into pans to harden and be cut up into blocks for the birds.

I wrapped up all the presents which I have already made or purchased. I have a huge roll of brown paper so this year all presents will be wrapped in that as I try to use it up. They will look very basic but I have livened them up with homemade tags made from old Christmas cards.I was given my mother's bingo bag but the magnetic pieces are no longer used so I started making tags out of them also....I was going to say it's a cheap Christmas Charlie Brown but it is just a homemade Christmas and I am having a blast. #2 daughter was not happy when she first heard this but then agreed that it really didn't matter what it is wrapped in. She got into the act so her and I made up some borax ornaments to use as package tie on's.

Along with canning, wrapping, gift tag making, I have been knitting. I made this stocking and I am adding holly leaves to it. They are in the making now. I recycled a sweater and made this stocking and I am on my second wine bag.

So we will continue to prepare for and enjoy with all our senses the beauty of the seasons.

Counting down

“Don't agonize, organize.” ~ Florynce R. Kennedy

With the turning of the calendar page, the countdowns seem to have a more hectic tone to them. I look out the window and the trees are bare, the deer are coming down earlier in the day.

The turkeys came down yesterday to check out the bird feeders for the first time this fall. Each of these are just a reminder that the year is drawing to a close and there is so much still to do.

Between trying to make sure I don't forget anything for Thanksgiving, I am also trying to remember all the ingredients for the cookies and breads that my mother and I use to make at Christmas. It was so much easier with two minds! Then there is trying to remember to get things to finish off presents and #2 (who has a b-day coming up) wants a Twilight/New Moon party.

I sat there last night trying to knit and thoughts were flying through my mind of what I still had to do and what I still had to buy along with the regular shopping items. I decided that I had to make lists and prioritize things....Christmas cookies do not come before Thanksgiving pies.

I made a list of foods being served on Thanksgiving and what I still needed to buy.

I made a list of foods being served on Christmas and what I still needed to buy.

I made a list of cookies/breads that I want to bake and what I still needed to buy.

I made a list of presents for Christmas, what I already have and what I still need to buy/make.

Thankfully not all Christmas gifts that are homemade are going to be knit this year, taking some of the pressure of my hands. However, I have been whipping out kitchen towels with crocheted tops to give with breads...They just need buttons, which are on the list!

So with lists tucked in beside the wallet, so I won't forget either of them, I now feel more prepared for...."the moon on the crest of the new fallen snow, gave a luster of Midday to objects below."

November

"No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member -
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds -
November!"
- Thomas Hood

My yard has an abundance of leaves…and nuts. I should be out there raking but I am not. I am waiting for them all to land and will do it in one fell swoop. #2 daughter is home sick so she needs babying right, that’s my story and I am sticking to it.

#1 daughter came home for the weekend. We didn't do much but she did finally get her picture taken for her license. Afterward we stopped at the thrift store and I found a Singer Tiny Serger for $4.99. I just ordered the manual. Hopefully it works but if it doesn't I am not out a whole lotta money.

While we were shopping the man went and picked up the pork. Almost didn’t have enough space for it but we squeezed it in. Thawed out and fried up some bacon as we haven’t had any in a while because I am too cheap to spend money on it when I had some coming. It was delicious and well worth the wait. Now just to wait for the sauerkraut.

Then she went with me while we took care of my cousins alpaca. Her first question was "Why don't you have some of them?" When I hit the lottery maybe. I finally remembered to bring the camera on Sunday. Isn't he adorable. His name is Donner. He doesn't stand still very long when he wants food. This same cousin and a friend bought me this at Rhinebeck... It is called High Strung and is done by Sheep Incognito Conni Togel. You have to see some of the others. Isn't it adorable? It now hangs above my knitting/spinning chair.

And that chair has finally seen some action. I have been in a knitting funk so I spent alot of time cleaning. Well, I woke up at 4:55 yesterday morning because my body thought it was 5:55. Knowing there was no way I was going back to sleep, I spun a little and then started to crochet a tree skirt. Too much crochet and my wrist start’s to hurt so then with the early darkness I sat down and started knitting. I finished a Cherry Garcia cabled neck tube and then started a feather and fan cowl. Do I need to say while the Yankee's were winning? Hopefully I will finish that today as now I find I have projects in the queque. It's good to be back to knitting.