It SNOWED!!!%u2744%ufe0f%u2744%ufe0f%u2744%ufe0f Finally. And after a good bout of freezing rain. But you know what, I liked that too. But snow. It%u2019s like all of a sudden the natural world makes sense again. No more balmy 50 degree days, just nice and cold. Freezing in fact but I love it. And seriously, my body does too. Those flip days where its damp and cool but not cold makes my hand swell and hurt. Give me teens and I am all good.
Besides the good weather we have had this past week, there hasn%u2019t been to heck of a lot. The mr and I did drive Megans face (and body) down to Boston for a quick hot minute (or literally an hour) to a doctors appointment and then jumped back into the car and drove home. That was a whirlwind of a day. Mostly I have been spending a lot of time down in the basement studio working on mugs and plates and a few other things, trying to stock up on stock for selling purposes and what not. Because after a lot of though and second guessing of myself, I have decided that I am going to try and start selling more of my pottery. Even have a little online store thing (which I am trying to build now and is harder then I care for it to be). I even started a new instagram account for it%u00a0(stemandnode) and am trying to figure out how to sell from that. So yeah, been busy trying to do business things.
Otherwise, same same. The mr has barely been home, working away on a few projects, shoveling snow, and showing apartments. We did get a to have an awesome hang out time and dinner with Judah. We did some drawing, ate some food, and just talked about how awesome we were. (That kid, he is one of my favorite humans.) I also spent time at the studio pugging clay and chatting up members. And finally, with a heavy heart, I moved the Christmas tree out of the house. It now resides on the front porch where it will probably stay for another few weeks. It just looks right out there.
We got even more snow last night (!!!) and snow means snowshoes and that is what we are doing today. I am very much excited. This will be the first time this winter that we are able to go! (due to lack of snow.) After snow shoeing, I think I am gonna hit the library, maybe go restock my spices from the bulk bins at the coop, maybe stop in an see the littles, and then hopefully, just come home and chill a bit. Get ready for a week of things and stuff. Make a big pot of split pea soup and go to bed early. Mellow and quiet. Sounds like an A+ day to me.
Some links from the internet to read.
–How Did Humans Boil Water Before the Invention of Pots? Whoa, what a process.
-Spending to much time looking at kilns. Maybe someday or maybe someone will just buy me one. HA
-Should we buy it?
–Our average body temperatures seem to be dropping. I know my average is like 97 something. I always thought I was special. I guess not.
–Apparently Cleaning Our Homes Gives us Just as Much Adrenaline as Race Car Driving. I guess I know how reach car drivers feel on a regular bases.
–Taking care of yourself has a few more benefits other then not feeling like shit all the time. Scientists Calculated How Much Longer You Can Live With a Healthy Lifestyle
–The New York Public Library Has Calculated Its Most Checked-Out Books Of All Time. I love LOVE that is was a children’s book, about snow!
-Oh this is so tempting. I miss working in coffee shops. This Irish Island Will Pay Room and Board for You and a Friend to Work in a Coffee Shop
–The Dark Side of %u2018Compostable%u2019 Take-Out Containers. Not as good as you thing.
–Awesome. Delicate Embroideries Feature Anatomically Accurate Lungs, Brain, and Facial Vessels
Pictures from the week
I have two questions. Is it crazy that we still have or Christmas tree up? It is just so nice and still looking as fresh as the day we cut it so I am having hard time saying goodbye to it. I did take all the ornaments off, just left on the lights, so it is kind of like a big house plant right? That is what I am telling myself because that it what it is. Once it start dropping needles or most likely, just after this week, to the goat farm. But as of now, it stays.
Anyway, my other question is, where the hell is winter? For real. When I went to bed Friday night there was a few inches of snow on the ground and when I woke up Saturday morning, it felt like freaking late spring and I barely needed to wear clothes, much less a jacket. And everyone I talked to was all, %u201cOooh, so nice. Love it love it , blah blah blah%u201d. Me, I hate it. This overly warm winter shit has got to stop. It is making me sad. I need winter, real winter. And that is global warming for ya. Fuck!
Yup, that and everything else this week. I stole (but not really) a new batch of balloons from the gym (the heart finally went down). Went for a nice pre snow melt, snow hike with the mr. Made lunch for Anthony and fixed his fancy pants. But a big part of the week has been spent over at the loft, packing, cleaning, and fixing things because as of this past Friday, little miss Barb is staying there. And now my back porch is full of all the stuff I brought home that I have been meaning to bring over here for the past 3 years. Mostly books, which we have no good shelves for yet (build shelves are on my list of things to do), and a good amount if shit I have to go through again and get rid of. Agh, I hate stuff. I might just stick it all on the curb with a free sign and walk away.
I also have been trying to get into my studio as much as possible. I threw some more mugs, glazed hearts, cleaned tools. Spent time with myself and my goals for selling more pots more seriously which then kind of turned into spending time with all the paperwork that seems to be flowing in from all the other thing in the rest of our life. Because who could forget, new year means new taxes. Oh taxes. I am going to stop there and not think to much more about them for at least another couple weeks, then I will start stressing. The usual way I do it. Ha.
And now its Sunday. Currently raining and still to freaking warm but is getting colder as the day goes on which means a nice layer of ice on everything making for a crap shoot of any outdoor activities today. I really wanted to try and go or a hike but it%u2019s not gonna happen so I will probably just go to the gym, maybe stop in and see the littles ( I haven%u2019t anyone really this week because everyone is back at school and I have been so busy) and then veg out on the couch with my books (recurrently ready 3), coffee, and a sketch pad. Need to get these book shelves designed and built before the momnuent for the need dies and the books stay in boxes an the porch forever.
Links to things I spent time looking at on the internet.
–Feeling Artsy? Here’s How Making Art Helps Your Brain. Art is life, or my life at least.
–I am a hand eater, or I mean, I eat with my hands, a lot. It is much easier then getting a sharp fork into my mouth with our stabbing myself in the face. HA. Why Food Tastes Better When You Eat With Your%u00a0Hands.
-Plant based is the new buzz word. What Does %u2018Plant-Based%u2019 Actually Mean?
The Germantown Laundromat: An Eco-Minded Gathering Spot in the Hudson Valley, Mending Services IncludedI love everything about this so much!
-Me and the mr.? Meet the couple who sailed across Mongolia in a handmade cart. Yeah, I think so.
-Genius. I would totally be into this if it didn%u2019t mean I had to interact with people. Maybe set it up blog style? Why Cookbook Clubs Should Be the New Way We Entertain
-Every time I start to bitch about the crowds of all the new people in the gym these days I stop myself because really, good for them for being there. Stop Complaining About the Gym Being Packed, Because It’s More Damaging Than You Think
–Planting Trees Is Good. Eliminating Deforestation Is Better. So lets stop cutting down the trees. Yeah, thats a good idea.
-Oh shit, you never know, you might be getting some new next door neighbors. HA. Meghan And Harry ‘Step Back’ As Royals %u2014 What Does That Mean, Exactly?
-Oh hell no. Do Bathtubs Belong in Bedrooms?%u00a0But I guess a lot op people think its a good idea..? And sure, it looks cool, but wet water in the bedroom, just seems wrong to me.
Pictures from the week.
December in action and we are taking it at full speed. All the activities, the birthdays, the holiday celebrations%u2026 So much and I love it all, even if I feel like a crazy lady and want to run screaming from groups of people bigger the 2. I%u2019ll deal with the interactions now and just plan to spend the month of January hiding and recovering. I%u2019ll be ok.
The week started with the hunt for our Christmas tree. The Green Mountain National Forest, seventh year running, and this year did not disappoint. A fantastic hike into the woods near a beaver pond with lots of trees, snow on the ground, and no people. Exactly how I like to find our tree. And find it we did, the most perfect (too perfect?) tree. And it only took about an hour of almost cutting down like 20 other trees. Once we were positive, the mr cut it down, we said our thanks to the world, then hiked our tree out of the woods and slid it into the back of the car. Hopped in, cranked the Christmas music, and we were good to go. A perfect Christmas tree expedition.
Then life. Kind of a busy week in terms of birthdays. The beginning of the week Justin turned older by a year, then the next day Sophia did to so we partied with spaghetti, chocolate chocolate cake with tiny apples (she wanted it to be apple shaped but I just made little apples instead), and ballerina style dancing. Then there was a little lull in activities as far as birthdays where the mr and I did some stuff like work stuff, (more him then me), decorated, hung out with Barb, did the doings.
And then Friday. After an afternoon of loading kilns next to other kilns that were 2100 degrees and almost burning my face off, it was a rush to get home and prepare for the masses. Not technically the mr%u2019s birthday, but we had his annual grilled cheese and soup birthday celebration. Pretty much the whole fam at the house again. Lots of grilled cheeses sandwiches were made, so much soup was scooped (tomato and split pea per usual), and cake and ice cream concluded the night. And I only found half a grilled cheese sandwich under the couch when I was cleaning yesterday%u2026 Progress? I don%u2019t know, but there definitely was a few big dried soup puddles on the floor. But not on the couch! So there is that.
Back to Sunday. Not sure whats on the agenda for today but I have some stuff I need to do and I know that the mr has some stuff he needs to do. Plus together we have some stuff we need to do so we will see what gets done. Mostly though, I think I am shooting for a small hike, some coffee, and a chill afternoon of reading on the couch, facing the lit up Christmas tree. That would be swell.
Check out what I checked out from the internet this week.
–The Farmers’ Almanac Winter Forecast Is Here%u2014and Brrr!. Give me all the snow!!!!
-I can%u2019t imagine a life without reading. Not A Regular Reader? 4 Strategies To Make Reading A Habit
–Why Your Kid Loves the Garbage Truck So Much. I liked the cement trucks%u2026they don%u2019t stink an they spin.
-I am sorry, but this is some bullshit. Italian Artist’s Duct-Taped Bananas Are Selling for $120,000 Each
–How to Stop Making Excuses and Start Composting Already. And in Vermont, it%u2019t the law!
-Netflix is perverted. Ha! The Brands Are (Literally) Too Horny and Must Be Stopped
–Food delivery and takeout are on the rise. So are the mountains of trash they create.I like the idea of reusable metal tin. Could we get there?
–Here’s Why Your Favorite Headband Always Leaves You With a Headache. I used o wear headbands all the time, but had to stop because of the head pressure it caused.
–How Often, Really, Do You Follow This Recipe%u00a0Instruction?. Never but always. I like to add color to food, but only when it is edible and adds flavor.
-The sink that looks kind of like a mini tub%u2026. Swoon. For a Long Winter%u2019s Nap: A Manor House and a Schoolhouse in the German Countryside, Available for Stays
And pictures from the week
A well placed porta-potty. Enough said. HAHAHA
Summer is really just coming along nicely. I have heard many a people complaining that it is not warm enough yet, but I would like to completely disagree. It is plenty warm and I am loving this not to hot start of summer. Even the rain. The only downside I see to it is the late start planting for farmers. But talking to a few farmers made me feel better about my rain loving self. The are alright and getting things in the ground. They will good. So I can go back to be happy about it again.
Besides the wonderful weather, the week had been pretty good. The mr got to go fishing a couple of different time, I have been biking all over the world (within the surrounding 20 mile radius). We had dinner with Barb which always makes me happy. Miley also came over for her own dinner night. We talked about dealing with mean girls (so hard to not go track each one down and flip the F out on them) and her summer bucket list. Then she ate a gallon of ice cream because why not. I worked the studio, the mr worked the work, and being fully functional adults we did all the doings that needed to be done. We are good like that.
Then there is this thing that I have noticed this week with my brain that is driving me crazy. I think that I might have summer brain fog. I%u2019ll be thinking about something and all of a sudden I forget what I am thinking about. I don%u2019t know if it because I have so much I want to think, and so many little things I want to do, but it keeps happening and is driving me nuts. There is a rabbit hole of reasons for why this is happening that I am trying not to go down. I am not a hypochondriac per say, but I am definitely staying off any web based medical sites that will tell me I have all and any brain diseases possible. I don%u2019t need help visualizing my demise, thank you-very-much.
Today is a day for home stuff. After I bike into town to go to the gym and drop off a hundred library books, I am coming home, throwing on my overalls and spending a good amount of time weeding the garden, mowing the lawn, and lets be honest, sitting around drinking coffee and reading. The mr, I think he is going to finish making a picnic table for me to sit at. I am excited for that picnic table.
Oh, and call my dad cause it%u2019s Fathers Day. #1 Daughter here!
The stuff on the internet that I looked at and am now sharing with you.
-Labels can be tricky and misleading.Good to know what they all mean. Why Food Reformers Have Mixed Feelings About Eco-Labels
-I have been in Love with Keanu Reeves ever since I saw him jump off that bus. And knowing he is not an asshole, only makes me love him more. Keanu Reeves Is Too Good for This World
–The Invention of the %u201cBeach Read%u201d. Sometime a good, easy read is what we (I) need.
-I love the idea of the Prefab Treehouse, but it seems a little sketchy.. Who checks if the trees are safe? But still cool.
–Meet the Coolest Inflatable Pool Ever from Mylle. My kind of kiddie pool. I want one.
–What your grip says about your odds of surviving a health crisis. Now whenever I shake someones hand I am going to crush it. HA
-It is true. Behold, the Age of %u2018Salad Frosting%u2019 Is Upon%u00a0Us. And I kind of think it is brilliant and also wrong.
-I used to hate arches but now, well I am kind of obsessed with them. THE ART OF THE ARCH.
-In love with these Found Leaves with Delicate Crochet Embellishments by Susanna Bauer
–Scientists Are Figuring Out How To Change Blood Types. The things that science and smart people can do is crazy and mazing and scary.
Pictures from the week.
And it%u2019s Sunday again. Time is just flying by.
The camping was amazing. I guess there are not a lot of people that go camping this late in the year because we basically had the entire Lake Carmi state park to ourselves. I think we were the only people there besides and old couple in a cabin far away from us. The weather was perfect, brisk, but not too cold, the sky was a grey, the colors were popping. We went for a jaunt in the fields and a hike in the wood, the mr went fishing off a giant tree, and we enjoyed a lentil and campfire squash for dinner. Simple and sweet and all the best of the world. Sure it rained that night, but we stayed dry and yes it started to pour in the monring while we were picking up camp but then it stopped and all was good. And really, what%u2019s camping all the time without a rain day or two. It%u2019s part of the adventure.
And is was Alex%u2019s birthday, he turned 13, and he had a family birthday party, but we ended up not going cause I was feeling like crap. I think it was a crash and burn, but I was weary because everyone is getting sick around me. Snotty, coughing, grossness. I am trying to avoid it if at all possible.
The next day I woke up tired but feeling better and went about the day doing the this and thats and thats and running around here and there. The mr started a rat trapping job (not for any of our properties) that turned into a whole big week long thing and I just don%u2019t even want to deal with that. I stay away from anything that involves animal. If I were to get involved, we would probably and up with a few pet mice and a squirrel or two. And definitely a skunk or possum. So again, I stay away from that stuff.
Then there was Wednesday. I had one of those days where everything was going wrong. To start my day I woke up with a door handle smashed into my hip which I then thought was broken (the mr sure knows how to open a door). When I got to the gym my toe started throbbing and opened up and starting bleeding again (gross), but whatever, not that bad. I then went and spent a few hours over at the loft cleaning the F out of it so that my dad had clean sheets, toilet paper, and no tools in the middle of the floor when he stayed. We are over there all the time, but something about being there that day was making me just super sad and nostalgic and I basically was just thinking about Washer and I might have cried a little. But that happens and well, yeah Then it was lunch time but I was not getting lunch, which is never a good thing with me, I was taking a trip to the dentist. Hooray for me! Good thing my teeth looked great, said I am doing a good job as usual taking care of my mouth, except I was told again that I should really consider smashing my jaw and my palette and get braces and wire my mouth shut and blah blah blah. Just give the dentist $500 million dollars and they will fix all my screwed up bite and jaw problems. Yeah, no. Dental stuff is a sore subject for me so I%u2019ll just leave it here.. So dentist made me in a bad mood on top of being sad. But I made it home and made a cake for Alex%u2019s birthday party (his friend party) which I ended up burning it. So ok, that shit happens too but then the second cake, looking all perfect when I pulled it out of the oven, well I dropped one of the pans, and burned myself a few time. And then I cried little more..Yup. Oh, and knocked over some greenware pots by my wheel because why not add some more misery to the day. I think after all that I just gave up and crawled into bed at like 730.
Thursday went a lot better. I managed to turn the broken apart cake into a single layer cake (genius) and make it actually look pretty good. I picked up farm share and got out to the fields before it started to rain (hurray for me) Barb came over and made me smile while we talked of all things Italy and I fed her broken cake bits. I hung up all my halloween bats and did some laundry and stuck a dent in paperwork and bills that needed addressing. A way better day.
Friday was a little hectic. The political stuff brought out a slight crazed rage over the craziness of the world and I am still trying to wrap my head around it (along with the last 2 years%u2026) But besides begin little wild eyed, I finish decorating the cake for Alex. Worked at the studio where I loaded 2 kilns and then some. Dropped the cake off to Alex then went to the groocery store for food for the party the next day, and somehow got pizza dough to rise at just the right speed (in and out of the fridge all day) in order to have dough for pizza birthday party for Coco (he turned 2 on Thursday!) that night. The littles came over for just a small something special for Coco. We had pizza, cookies, and a buzz lightyear balloon. He was sick so he ate no pizza and cried at the candle on his cookie, but then he ate it and that sugar made him happy, even when he was blowing super snot bubbles from his little nose. . And then Erin brought him home so he could have a sugar crash and be sick at home and the other littles could sleep over. They watched a Wrinkle in Time, while I started prepping apples and pie dough for Dads birthday pie the next day. And then we all fell asleep early. These darker nights really make it easy to crawl into bed at an early hour. (not complaining at all)
Saturday went swimmingly. I woke up made a pie and a loaf of pumpkin bread all before the littles woke up for breakfast pancakes. Barb came over, they all ate, then off we all went, the mr and I, Barb, Miley, Judah, to the farm for wagon ride and pumpkin picking. It%u2019s out tradition, and this year, we brought Coco too.(and Buzz light-year of course) The ride went great, the pumpkin patch was pristine, we all got a good pumpkin and some gourds, and no one fell off the wagon. A very successful pumpkin picking adventure. After that we all ran home and I got lunch ready, The rest of the family came, ate the food, made the mess. The mr thought it would a great idea for the medium kids to have something productive to do to keep them out of trouble so he gave them all shovels and let them dig a giant hole in the middle of the back yard because why not? Uh huh, yeah. So on top of the normal mess everyone makes, there was a heavy extra layer of dirt tracked in and out of the house. After everyone left, I got to spend a little extra time cleaning late into night. How they got mud on the bathroom walls is pretty impressive.
Today we are doing something with Dad and his other children. Either a bike ride or hike, not sure yet, but something outside that will involve trees. After that, the mr and I are going to try and find a place to camp tonight. The weekly camping is just too good. We can%u2019t not. Plus after a full week of people interaction, I could really use a night of peace and quite in the woods.
Internet from the week.
-Pumpkin Knowledge. The Best Pumpkins for Baking and Cooking. And 3 Ways to Use Those Pumpkin Guts. And What’s Actually in Your Canned Pumpkin Pur%u00e9e?
–Wigstock, ‘An Iconic Piece of Drag History,’ Lets Its Roots Show At 2018 Revival. Oh my.. SO amazing. I wish I could be there!
-100% agree with this, it really is the best brand. The One Flour You Should Buy, According to a Professional Bread Maker
-Have you heard? Drunk birds are wreaking havoc in Minnesota
-Yeah, I would live here (that tree!) or definitely in this row house%u00a0(the front door!)
–Most Introverts Would Like to Be More Extroverted. Yes and no. I love being alone and do not find it lonely, but I do wish I didn%u2019t get completely drained and feel like I have ran a marathon from being around people.
–DARK MATTER IS A HUGE MYSTERY. THIS DEVICE IS TRYING TO DETECT IT. This makes me think of the His Dark Materials Books by Phillip Pullman. (read them if you haven%u2019t, they are in my top 3 favorite books of all time)
-I kind of love this. Banksy auction prank leaves art world in shreds
-I follow this families adoption and it is so heartwarming and amazing and I just love them (Their daughter is so freaking cute, it kills me). And they are adopting again! I love how she does a Q and A about the whole thing.
And some pictures from the week.
The beginning of the week started off with cabin time with family and friends. All the sisters went up with their kids and we ate food, made bracelets, walked to the river, and just hung out for the afternoon. Seeing the family is (almost) always a good time. Then the mr and I ventured our way to our secret camping spot,%u00a0went for a little hike, then ate our dinner in a park where I watched the mr open a can of beans for me by rubbing it against a rock. It was like magic, especially because I was starving and was smashing the end of the can like a rabid beast against, well everything. I forgot to bring the can opener for my can of beans which could have been the end of me. Luck for me the mr is so good and I never will need a can opener again. Anyway we ended up not camping out for the night. Our main reason for camping was to see the meteor shower, but the sky was all clouded so we couldn’t see squat. Plus the mr was tired and feeling sore, I was little tired, so we just headed back home. When we got home we sat under the %u00a0slightly less cloudy sky in the backyard for a bit until the mr sprayed %u00a0bug spray that turned into bug bomb and %u00a0that not only kept all the bugs away, kept me away too. He had to take shower to ge the stink off and still he smelled. The smell lingered for days.. And to think it was just essential oils. %u00a0Then we slept in our bed which was way more comfortable then usual because we were really suppose to be sleeping on the ground.%u00a0
The rest of the week went as usual. %u00a0Had little bursts of rain, although never quite enough to help the heat, only enough to up the humidity. Qui came over for dinner where he drank out a a mug with his face all over it and tried to talk the mr into getting his own scooter. I told the mr if he wants one, well then he should go for it. But I don’t think its happening any time soon.%u00a0%u00a0Barb and So came over for %u00a0lunch and spent time harvesting all the goodies out of the garden. So picked a watermelon that turned out to be not quite ripe (so sad) and Barb picked all the kale that she could stand picking. Other then that, there was farm share, lots of running around, a chocolate zucchini cake, and the realization that I have Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder. (yes, it is a thing) %u00a0A well rounded, semi productive, way to hot,%u00a0week.%u00a0
And then there was yesterday.%u00a0It was amazing.%u00a0Sure I was at work inside most of the day glazing hundreds of pots that little kids made, but when I got out, the sky was covered in big grey clouds with a slight rainy drizzle. The temperature was like 68 degrees, and there was a cool breeze. I might have even gotten a slight chill. It was everything that I have needed all Summer long. Seriously, to much warmth and sunshine is not good for me. I need cool rainy(dare I say snowy) days to help keep that balance, so yesterday really hit the spot. I was even able to wear a long sleeve shirt for like the first time in months. %u00a0And when I went to bed, I was able to sleep under the blanket. So nice. So nice.
And we made it to today.%u00a0The mr and I were talking last night about going comping today so we might do that. Or we might not and just veg out for the day here at home, maybe stop in to see the littles that are home from sleep away camp.%u00a0I am leaning towards camping.%u00a0We skipped out last week and if the nights are going to be anything like last tonight, (%u00a0nice and cool), a fire will be ever so lovely and welcome. %u00a0And I am sure the mr would love to do some fishing and I of course can be happy reading and drinking coffee just about anywhere. %u00a0
Stuff I read on the Internet this week.
-%u00a0Amazing music, amazing person. She will be missed. Aretha Franklin: In Memoriam Playlist.
–The exhilarating history of roller coaster photography. And to have your picture taken at a “Oh Shit Point”… Makes for some good pictures.%u00a0
-This is a place I would love to stay (or build An A-Frame Cabin Celebrates the Zero-Emission Lifestyle in Finland
–We Discovered Helium 150 Years Ago. Are We Running Out?%u00a0I never thought about helium as being anything that we could run out of. Huh.
-Seriously, what the fuck dudes.%u00a0Traces of Weed Killer Found in Cheerios and Quaker Oats Oatmeal-
–Genius Hidden Messages People Didn%u2019t Expect To Find On Everyday Products.%u00a0Sometimes it about the little extra attention to detail, and a little humor that keeps people coming back for more.%u00a0
–12 Signs You Suffer From Summer Depression. See, its for real. and I have it.. number 2 and 6.%u00a0
-Because in VT, we will pee on on your tomatoes. Haha.%u00a0%u2018Pee-Cycling:%u2019 Vermont Researchers Look at Value in Human Urine
-What’s the Difference Between White and Yellow %u00a0and%u00a0%u00a0Popcorn 101: Butterflies, Snowflakes & Mushrooms (oh my!)%u00a0
-The colors and patterns really caught my eyes.%u00a0New Synchronized Photographs of Swimmers by M%u00e1ria %u0160varbov%u00e1
Pictures from the week.
So much nice weather this week. I spent a good chunk of time in and around the garden, getting everything planted (it’s all in the ground) setting up a kinda fence of driftwood and yarn, running a strip of cooper around all the beds to keep the slugs out, and mad running with stick in hand screaming at all the squirrels. It’s been a lot of work but so very very satisfying. The only sucky part is %u00a0with all this nice weather comes those stupid f-ing mosquitoes.%u00a0%u00a0I have already gotten my allotted bites for the year. Back to wearring heavy carports and hoodies while I garden, or walk out the door. Meh.%u00a0
Other then all the gardeining, the week was productive. I did a lot of baking (cookies, banana bread, bread, hot sauce, some other shuff as usual), I picked up the last winter farm share (summer share starts in 3 weeks!!!), purged a bunch of crap, repotted plants, and finally got the taxes DONE. The big goal of the week of was for the mr and I to pick a paint color and buy primer and paint for one of the %u00a0buildings in town we are repainting. We were close. We kind of picked the color but are going to wait until next week to make sure we really like it so we didn’t buy the paint. But we will so we are on track. As for the primer.. A whole day trying to track down what we needed and no one seemed to carry the product that we were looking for. Everyone said it was a %u00a0special order and it will take forever to get. We did manage to find %u00a0a few gallons so it’s a start.%u00a0
And I still have not found the vacuum attachment which I keep looking for. I really should just order a new one, but I know as soon as I do I will find it. Life without the attachment is getting pretty dirty. Gurrrrr.%u00a0
Then the littles slept There was more hole digging (because why not), pizza with Barb,%u00a0tandem bike riding, and apparently while I was inside cleaning up food messes, there was a bike, rope, and scooter thing that only stopped because of a cop?…. Yeah. %u00a0I also taught Judah how to play the amazing card game of solitaire. He was at it all night then after a breakfast of 10 pancakes, went out to the front porch like an old man and contuined to play. He is obsessed and its awesome. And I think I have got the Miley hooked on NPR. I was able to listen to Morning Addition through Wait Wait Don’t Tell ME without complaint. She even asked me to turn it up.%u00a0That right there is win for the week.
I am hoping that today is not all rain, although the garden is loving it all up and I could spend the day doing inside things.%u00a0%u00a0I wanted to go for a bike ride or maybe a little hike of some sort. Going to have to wait and see. Other then that, no big plans. Probably make a few more phone calls about primer, doing a little weeding, drink a pot of coffee, and definitely take a nap. I need to reinstating summer weekend nap time. I end up staying up later during the long light hours so naps are greatly appreciated.%u00a0
Interent links from the week.%u00a0
–Are octopuses aliens from outer space that were brought to Earth by meteors?%u00a0I mean, this just makes you wonder right?%u00a0
–For Animals, Plastic Is Turning the Ocean Into a Minefield. Plastic is just not good. Not good at all.%u00a0
-Avoiding Plastic When Grocery Shopping.%u00a0Learn how to go grocery shopping and stock your kitchen without buying any plastic products.%u00a0Lots of good advice here. Again, think of the animals.
-It’s ok to eat romaine lettuce again, for now.%u00a0How salad became a major source of food poisoning in the US
-Would Your Cat Choose You Over Its Food?.%u00a0The stereotype of cats. Yes is the answer. I know that Only’s one true love in life is food.%u00a0
-This is my kind of Earthship.%u00a0
-Food as art when there are starving people… Something to think hard about.%u00a0THE RISE OF THE EXPERIENTIAL FOOD MUSEUM
-Some of my best memories from my childhood was when my mom would blast music (usually Whitney Huston or Toni Braxton) and make us dance with her. Good good times.%u00a0The Surprising Benefit Of Moving And Grooving With Your Kid
–Frozen Food Fan? As Sales Rise, Studies Show Frozen Produce Is As Healthy As Fresh. I always have a bunch of frozen veggies in the freezer.%u00a0
-Delicate Accumulations of Colorful Spring Flowers Installed in a Historic French Home%u00a0Just lovely
Pictures from the week
I woke up this morning with a very vvid recollection of the dream I was having. In it I was the inventor of a thing called The Fire Stick, which essentially was a fishing pole with fire on the end that you stick in water( know, it makes no sense )%u00a0and it somehow propels you around. In the dream, I was using my Fire Stick to cruise down a river on a makeshift raft because I was fleeing something and I needed to leave by water. %u00a0Thats it, but I know in my dream I was damn proud of my Fire Stick. Dream me is very strange and scares me a little.%u00a0
The mr and I have no big projects going on right now so he is doing a bunch of side work and I am doing little things around the house plus trying to get through the taxes (I am procarsinationg so hard) I am getting a touch of cabin/spring cleaning fever and am starting to think about running away or %u00a0repainting all the walls… which is crazy because %u00a0it hasn’t been more then a year since I last painted. So I guess that leaves running away. Ha. %u00a0What I really need to do is build a shit ton of shelves and reorganize the closets, but that takes measuring and buying wood and power tools and the mr so it will have to wait.%u00a0( I have to sweet talk him into having a shelf making day with me.. I would do it alone, but it will be much easier and nicer if he helps) And the running away part, well we are working on that part too.%u00a0
Other then my crazy, the week has been pretty good.%u00a0The mr got me another new power tool (I am returning the scroll saw in favor of band saw)%u00a0The back porch has unofficially turned into a wood carving studio. And not just for me, the mr is really into wood carving right now too. We even braved negative temperatures to walk around on the beach to find cool pieces of drift wood to make spoons out of. (he gets pretty jazzed about stuff and there is not stopping him) Before that freezing %u00a0cold returned there was a day where we were able to walk the wold without jackets and that was the day we took Shannon out for a walk. That lady just got a new hip and already she is walking better then I can. Maybe I will get myself a new hip too. Or new knees. I could be unstoppable.%u00a0
%u00a0Qui came over for a vegan banana bread baking how to, which got me thinking that %u00a0I should start teaching vegan baking.%u00a0%u00a0Then Barb came over for chili and a dance party party, and %u00a0then we had the little over for a sleep over and all around house trashing. I don’t know how they do it, but those littles %u00a0make the biggest mess out of nothing. And they are sticky and gross and even surface needs to be wipes after they leave.%u00a0
We did treat ourselves to a little culture and went to the Shelburne Museum to check out the Sweet Tooth art exhibit. It was cool, but not exactly what I was expecting.%u00a0%u00a0It was only a small room with a handful of pieces and I wanted more, and bigger and more, like the giant ring pops. Those were cool. I want a room full of giant candy, but no candy wrappers. The wrappers freak me out. But the next exhibit I am really interested in seeing too. It’s a puppet exhibit and that’s got be be some kind of fantastic.%u00a0
Are you super bowling today? Yesterday the mr and I ran into the grocery store and it was packed with people, with shopping carts all full of chips and beer and garbage food. It was kind of crazy. We figured it was all for the football game. Then we started to blame everything that was annoying on the football game. It’s nice to have a reason for it all.%u00a0%u00a0This football game day thing always makes me feel like it is a holiday that I am not celebrating and I am ok with that.
So no football here today, just keeping it easy, maybe getting out into some woods at some point then maybe some reading or Netflixing some Grace and Franky.%u00a0%u00a0Keeping it low on this non holiday day. People be crazy and I want to stay away from them. Plus I have the Fire Stick to think about. Haha.
Stuff from the internet that I read this week.%u00a0
–The ‘IKEA Effect’ %u2014 And Getting Kids To Eat Their Veggies. Eat what you make and be proud of it, veggies and all.%u00a0
-Things we should all know.%u00a0Why Dogs Have Floppy Ears: An Animated Tale
–It%u2019s Reportedly Becoming %u2018Normal%u2019 to See Whole Foods Employees Cry at Work. I think I cried a little when I worked at Heathy Living.%u00a0
-I have had a conversation with the littles %u00a0about what shape carrot tastes better (when they are cut into chips) Does Chopping Change Your Vegetables?%u00a0
-Interesting planned, one that I think humans should leave alone. It’s enough to destroy one plant, lets stay away from the others.%u00a0%u00a0Pictures of Mars
–The Many Questions We Have About These Cookbook Covers. When I saw this, all I could think was douche bags. If anyone came up behind me while I was chopping anything, well there might be a unintentional stabbing.%u00a0
-I don’t know if I ever will do this, but I really like the idea.%u00a0HOW TO MAKE A LARGE SCALE (PATCHWORK) DIY RUG
-This is no Why Procrastination is Good for You
–What to Do When You Worry Yourself Awake. %u00a0Do your worrying during the day.%u00a0
–Axe-Throwing Bars: Why Mixing Weapons And Beer Is Surprisingly Good Business. But is it? Got to keep the hipsters happy.%u00a0I guess it is kind of like really big darts, which I could totally get behind, but there is some real potential for some crazy shit to happen.%u00a0
THE LOVELY CRAZY
January 23, 2020 by maximios • Blog
It SNOWED!!!%u2744%ufe0f%u2744%ufe0f%u2744%ufe0f Finally. And after a good bout of freezing rain. But you know what, I liked that too. But snow. It%u2019s like all of a sudden the natural world makes sense again. No more balmy 50 degree days, just nice and cold. Freezing in fact but I love it. And seriously, my body does too. Those flip days where its damp and cool but not cold makes my hand swell and hurt. Give me teens and I am all good.
Besides the good weather we have had this past week, there hasn%u2019t been to heck of a lot. The mr and I did drive Megans face (and body) down to Boston for a quick hot minute (or literally an hour) to a doctors appointment and then jumped back into the car and drove home. That was a whirlwind of a day. Mostly I have been spending a lot of time down in the basement studio working on mugs and plates and a few other things, trying to stock up on stock for selling purposes and what not. Because after a lot of though and second guessing of myself, I have decided that I am going to try and start selling more of my pottery. Even have a little online store thing (which I am trying to build now and is harder then I care for it to be). I even started a new instagram account for it%u00a0(stemandnode) and am trying to figure out how to sell from that. So yeah, been busy trying to do business things.
Otherwise, same same. The mr has barely been home, working away on a few projects, shoveling snow, and showing apartments. We did get a to have an awesome hang out time and dinner with Judah. We did some drawing, ate some food, and just talked about how awesome we were. (That kid, he is one of my favorite humans.) I also spent time at the studio pugging clay and chatting up members. And finally, with a heavy heart, I moved the Christmas tree out of the house. It now resides on the front porch where it will probably stay for another few weeks. It just looks right out there.
We got even more snow last night (!!!) and snow means snowshoes and that is what we are doing today. I am very much excited. This will be the first time this winter that we are able to go! (due to lack of snow.) After snow shoeing, I think I am gonna hit the library, maybe go restock my spices from the bulk bins at the coop, maybe stop in an see the littles, and then hopefully, just come home and chill a bit. Get ready for a week of things and stuff. Make a big pot of split pea soup and go to bed early. Mellow and quiet. Sounds like an A+ day to me.
Some links from the internet to read.
–How Did Humans Boil Water Before the Invention of Pots? Whoa, what a process.
-Spending to much time looking at kilns. Maybe someday or maybe someone will just buy me one. HA
-Should we buy it?
–Our average body temperatures seem to be dropping. I know my average is like 97 something. I always thought I was special. I guess not.
–Apparently Cleaning Our Homes Gives us Just as Much Adrenaline as Race Car Driving. I guess I know how reach car drivers feel on a regular bases.
–Taking care of yourself has a few more benefits other then not feeling like shit all the time. Scientists Calculated How Much Longer You Can Live With a Healthy Lifestyle
–The New York Public Library Has Calculated Its Most Checked-Out Books Of All Time. I love LOVE that is was a children’s book, about snow!
-Oh this is so tempting. I miss working in coffee shops. This Irish Island Will Pay Room and Board for You and a Friend to Work in a Coffee Shop
–The Dark Side of %u2018Compostable%u2019 Take-Out Containers. Not as good as you thing.
–Awesome. Delicate Embroideries Feature Anatomically Accurate Lungs, Brain, and Facial Vessels
Pictures from the week
I have two questions. Is it crazy that we still have or Christmas tree up? It is just so nice and still looking as fresh as the day we cut it so I am having hard time saying goodbye to it. I did take all the ornaments off, just left on the lights, so it is kind of like a big house plant right? That is what I am telling myself because that it what it is. Once it start dropping needles or most likely, just after this week, to the goat farm. But as of now, it stays.
Anyway, my other question is, where the hell is winter? For real. When I went to bed Friday night there was a few inches of snow on the ground and when I woke up Saturday morning, it felt like freaking late spring and I barely needed to wear clothes, much less a jacket. And everyone I talked to was all, %u201cOooh, so nice. Love it love it , blah blah blah%u201d. Me, I hate it. This overly warm winter shit has got to stop. It is making me sad. I need winter, real winter. And that is global warming for ya. Fuck!
Yup, that and everything else this week. I stole (but not really) a new batch of balloons from the gym (the heart finally went down). Went for a nice pre snow melt, snow hike with the mr. Made lunch for Anthony and fixed his fancy pants. But a big part of the week has been spent over at the loft, packing, cleaning, and fixing things because as of this past Friday, little miss Barb is staying there. And now my back porch is full of all the stuff I brought home that I have been meaning to bring over here for the past 3 years. Mostly books, which we have no good shelves for yet (build shelves are on my list of things to do), and a good amount if shit I have to go through again and get rid of. Agh, I hate stuff. I might just stick it all on the curb with a free sign and walk away.
I also have been trying to get into my studio as much as possible. I threw some more mugs, glazed hearts, cleaned tools. Spent time with myself and my goals for selling more pots more seriously which then kind of turned into spending time with all the paperwork that seems to be flowing in from all the other thing in the rest of our life. Because who could forget, new year means new taxes. Oh taxes. I am going to stop there and not think to much more about them for at least another couple weeks, then I will start stressing. The usual way I do it. Ha.
And now its Sunday. Currently raining and still to freaking warm but is getting colder as the day goes on which means a nice layer of ice on everything making for a crap shoot of any outdoor activities today. I really wanted to try and go or a hike but it%u2019s not gonna happen so I will probably just go to the gym, maybe stop in and see the littles ( I haven%u2019t anyone really this week because everyone is back at school and I have been so busy) and then veg out on the couch with my books (recurrently ready 3), coffee, and a sketch pad. Need to get these book shelves designed and built before the momnuent for the need dies and the books stay in boxes an the porch forever.
Links to things I spent time looking at on the internet.
–Feeling Artsy? Here’s How Making Art Helps Your Brain. Art is life, or my life at least.
–I am a hand eater, or I mean, I eat with my hands, a lot. It is much easier then getting a sharp fork into my mouth with our stabbing myself in the face. HA. Why Food Tastes Better When You Eat With Your%u00a0Hands.
-Plant based is the new buzz word. What Does %u2018Plant-Based%u2019 Actually Mean?
The Germantown Laundromat: An Eco-Minded Gathering Spot in the Hudson Valley, Mending Services IncludedI love everything about this so much!
-Me and the mr.? Meet the couple who sailed across Mongolia in a handmade cart. Yeah, I think so.
-Genius. I would totally be into this if it didn%u2019t mean I had to interact with people. Maybe set it up blog style? Why Cookbook Clubs Should Be the New Way We Entertain
-Every time I start to bitch about the crowds of all the new people in the gym these days I stop myself because really, good for them for being there. Stop Complaining About the Gym Being Packed, Because It’s More Damaging Than You Think
–Planting Trees Is Good. Eliminating Deforestation Is Better. So lets stop cutting down the trees. Yeah, thats a good idea.
-Oh shit, you never know, you might be getting some new next door neighbors. HA. Meghan And Harry ‘Step Back’ As Royals %u2014 What Does That Mean, Exactly?
-Oh hell no. Do Bathtubs Belong in Bedrooms?%u00a0But I guess a lot op people think its a good idea..? And sure, it looks cool, but wet water in the bedroom, just seems wrong to me.
Pictures from the week.
December in action and we are taking it at full speed. All the activities, the birthdays, the holiday celebrations%u2026 So much and I love it all, even if I feel like a crazy lady and want to run screaming from groups of people bigger the 2. I%u2019ll deal with the interactions now and just plan to spend the month of January hiding and recovering. I%u2019ll be ok.
The week started with the hunt for our Christmas tree. The Green Mountain National Forest, seventh year running, and this year did not disappoint. A fantastic hike into the woods near a beaver pond with lots of trees, snow on the ground, and no people. Exactly how I like to find our tree. And find it we did, the most perfect (too perfect?) tree. And it only took about an hour of almost cutting down like 20 other trees. Once we were positive, the mr cut it down, we said our thanks to the world, then hiked our tree out of the woods and slid it into the back of the car. Hopped in, cranked the Christmas music, and we were good to go. A perfect Christmas tree expedition.
Then life. Kind of a busy week in terms of birthdays. The beginning of the week Justin turned older by a year, then the next day Sophia did to so we partied with spaghetti, chocolate chocolate cake with tiny apples (she wanted it to be apple shaped but I just made little apples instead), and ballerina style dancing. Then there was a little lull in activities as far as birthdays where the mr and I did some stuff like work stuff, (more him then me), decorated, hung out with Barb, did the doings.
And then Friday. After an afternoon of loading kilns next to other kilns that were 2100 degrees and almost burning my face off, it was a rush to get home and prepare for the masses. Not technically the mr%u2019s birthday, but we had his annual grilled cheese and soup birthday celebration. Pretty much the whole fam at the house again. Lots of grilled cheeses sandwiches were made, so much soup was scooped (tomato and split pea per usual), and cake and ice cream concluded the night. And I only found half a grilled cheese sandwich under the couch when I was cleaning yesterday%u2026 Progress? I don%u2019t know, but there definitely was a few big dried soup puddles on the floor. But not on the couch! So there is that.
Back to Sunday. Not sure whats on the agenda for today but I have some stuff I need to do and I know that the mr has some stuff he needs to do. Plus together we have some stuff we need to do so we will see what gets done. Mostly though, I think I am shooting for a small hike, some coffee, and a chill afternoon of reading on the couch, facing the lit up Christmas tree. That would be swell.
Check out what I checked out from the internet this week.
–The Farmers’ Almanac Winter Forecast Is Here%u2014and Brrr!. Give me all the snow!!!!
-I can%u2019t imagine a life without reading. Not A Regular Reader? 4 Strategies To Make Reading A Habit
–Why Your Kid Loves the Garbage Truck So Much. I liked the cement trucks%u2026they don%u2019t stink an they spin.
-I am sorry, but this is some bullshit. Italian Artist’s Duct-Taped Bananas Are Selling for $120,000 Each
–How to Stop Making Excuses and Start Composting Already. And in Vermont, it%u2019t the law!
-Netflix is perverted. Ha! The Brands Are (Literally) Too Horny and Must Be Stopped
–Food delivery and takeout are on the rise. So are the mountains of trash they create.I like the idea of reusable metal tin. Could we get there?
–Here’s Why Your Favorite Headband Always Leaves You With a Headache. I used o wear headbands all the time, but had to stop because of the head pressure it caused.
–How Often, Really, Do You Follow This Recipe%u00a0Instruction?. Never but always. I like to add color to food, but only when it is edible and adds flavor.
-The sink that looks kind of like a mini tub%u2026. Swoon. For a Long Winter%u2019s Nap: A Manor House and a Schoolhouse in the German Countryside, Available for Stays
And pictures from the week
A well placed porta-potty. Enough said. HAHAHA
Summer is really just coming along nicely. I have heard many a people complaining that it is not warm enough yet, but I would like to completely disagree. It is plenty warm and I am loving this not to hot start of summer. Even the rain. The only downside I see to it is the late start planting for farmers. But talking to a few farmers made me feel better about my rain loving self. The are alright and getting things in the ground. They will good. So I can go back to be happy about it again.
Besides the wonderful weather, the week had been pretty good. The mr got to go fishing a couple of different time, I have been biking all over the world (within the surrounding 20 mile radius). We had dinner with Barb which always makes me happy. Miley also came over for her own dinner night. We talked about dealing with mean girls (so hard to not go track each one down and flip the F out on them) and her summer bucket list. Then she ate a gallon of ice cream because why not. I worked the studio, the mr worked the work, and being fully functional adults we did all the doings that needed to be done. We are good like that.
Then there is this thing that I have noticed this week with my brain that is driving me crazy. I think that I might have summer brain fog. I%u2019ll be thinking about something and all of a sudden I forget what I am thinking about. I don%u2019t know if it because I have so much I want to think, and so many little things I want to do, but it keeps happening and is driving me nuts. There is a rabbit hole of reasons for why this is happening that I am trying not to go down. I am not a hypochondriac per say, but I am definitely staying off any web based medical sites that will tell me I have all and any brain diseases possible. I don%u2019t need help visualizing my demise, thank you-very-much.
Today is a day for home stuff. After I bike into town to go to the gym and drop off a hundred library books, I am coming home, throwing on my overalls and spending a good amount of time weeding the garden, mowing the lawn, and lets be honest, sitting around drinking coffee and reading. The mr, I think he is going to finish making a picnic table for me to sit at. I am excited for that picnic table.
Oh, and call my dad cause it%u2019s Fathers Day. #1 Daughter here!
The stuff on the internet that I looked at and am now sharing with you.
-Labels can be tricky and misleading.Good to know what they all mean. Why Food Reformers Have Mixed Feelings About Eco-Labels
-I have been in Love with Keanu Reeves ever since I saw him jump off that bus. And knowing he is not an asshole, only makes me love him more. Keanu Reeves Is Too Good for This World
–The Invention of the %u201cBeach Read%u201d. Sometime a good, easy read is what we (I) need.
-I love the idea of the Prefab Treehouse, but it seems a little sketchy.. Who checks if the trees are safe? But still cool.
–Meet the Coolest Inflatable Pool Ever from Mylle. My kind of kiddie pool. I want one.
–What your grip says about your odds of surviving a health crisis. Now whenever I shake someones hand I am going to crush it. HA
-It is true. Behold, the Age of %u2018Salad Frosting%u2019 Is Upon%u00a0Us. And I kind of think it is brilliant and also wrong.
-I used to hate arches but now, well I am kind of obsessed with them. THE ART OF THE ARCH.
-In love with these Found Leaves with Delicate Crochet Embellishments by Susanna Bauer
–Scientists Are Figuring Out How To Change Blood Types. The things that science and smart people can do is crazy and mazing and scary.
Pictures from the week.
And it%u2019s Sunday again. Time is just flying by.
The camping was amazing. I guess there are not a lot of people that go camping this late in the year because we basically had the entire Lake Carmi state park to ourselves. I think we were the only people there besides and old couple in a cabin far away from us. The weather was perfect, brisk, but not too cold, the sky was a grey, the colors were popping. We went for a jaunt in the fields and a hike in the wood, the mr went fishing off a giant tree, and we enjoyed a lentil and campfire squash for dinner. Simple and sweet and all the best of the world. Sure it rained that night, but we stayed dry and yes it started to pour in the monring while we were picking up camp but then it stopped and all was good. And really, what%u2019s camping all the time without a rain day or two. It%u2019s part of the adventure.
And is was Alex%u2019s birthday, he turned 13, and he had a family birthday party, but we ended up not going cause I was feeling like crap. I think it was a crash and burn, but I was weary because everyone is getting sick around me. Snotty, coughing, grossness. I am trying to avoid it if at all possible.
The next day I woke up tired but feeling better and went about the day doing the this and thats and thats and running around here and there. The mr started a rat trapping job (not for any of our properties) that turned into a whole big week long thing and I just don%u2019t even want to deal with that. I stay away from anything that involves animal. If I were to get involved, we would probably and up with a few pet mice and a squirrel or two. And definitely a skunk or possum. So again, I stay away from that stuff.
Then there was Wednesday. I had one of those days where everything was going wrong. To start my day I woke up with a door handle smashed into my hip which I then thought was broken (the mr sure knows how to open a door). When I got to the gym my toe started throbbing and opened up and starting bleeding again (gross), but whatever, not that bad. I then went and spent a few hours over at the loft cleaning the F out of it so that my dad had clean sheets, toilet paper, and no tools in the middle of the floor when he stayed. We are over there all the time, but something about being there that day was making me just super sad and nostalgic and I basically was just thinking about Washer and I might have cried a little. But that happens and well, yeah Then it was lunch time but I was not getting lunch, which is never a good thing with me, I was taking a trip to the dentist. Hooray for me! Good thing my teeth looked great, said I am doing a good job as usual taking care of my mouth, except I was told again that I should really consider smashing my jaw and my palette and get braces and wire my mouth shut and blah blah blah. Just give the dentist $500 million dollars and they will fix all my screwed up bite and jaw problems. Yeah, no. Dental stuff is a sore subject for me so I%u2019ll just leave it here.. So dentist made me in a bad mood on top of being sad. But I made it home and made a cake for Alex%u2019s birthday party (his friend party) which I ended up burning it. So ok, that shit happens too but then the second cake, looking all perfect when I pulled it out of the oven, well I dropped one of the pans, and burned myself a few time. And then I cried little more..Yup. Oh, and knocked over some greenware pots by my wheel because why not add some more misery to the day. I think after all that I just gave up and crawled into bed at like 730.
Thursday went a lot better. I managed to turn the broken apart cake into a single layer cake (genius) and make it actually look pretty good. I picked up farm share and got out to the fields before it started to rain (hurray for me) Barb came over and made me smile while we talked of all things Italy and I fed her broken cake bits. I hung up all my halloween bats and did some laundry and stuck a dent in paperwork and bills that needed addressing. A way better day.
Friday was a little hectic. The political stuff brought out a slight crazed rage over the craziness of the world and I am still trying to wrap my head around it (along with the last 2 years%u2026) But besides begin little wild eyed, I finish decorating the cake for Alex. Worked at the studio where I loaded 2 kilns and then some. Dropped the cake off to Alex then went to the groocery store for food for the party the next day, and somehow got pizza dough to rise at just the right speed (in and out of the fridge all day) in order to have dough for pizza birthday party for Coco (he turned 2 on Thursday!) that night. The littles came over for just a small something special for Coco. We had pizza, cookies, and a buzz lightyear balloon. He was sick so he ate no pizza and cried at the candle on his cookie, but then he ate it and that sugar made him happy, even when he was blowing super snot bubbles from his little nose. . And then Erin brought him home so he could have a sugar crash and be sick at home and the other littles could sleep over. They watched a Wrinkle in Time, while I started prepping apples and pie dough for Dads birthday pie the next day. And then we all fell asleep early. These darker nights really make it easy to crawl into bed at an early hour. (not complaining at all)
Saturday went swimmingly. I woke up made a pie and a loaf of pumpkin bread all before the littles woke up for breakfast pancakes. Barb came over, they all ate, then off we all went, the mr and I, Barb, Miley, Judah, to the farm for wagon ride and pumpkin picking. It%u2019s out tradition, and this year, we brought Coco too.(and Buzz light-year of course) The ride went great, the pumpkin patch was pristine, we all got a good pumpkin and some gourds, and no one fell off the wagon. A very successful pumpkin picking adventure. After that we all ran home and I got lunch ready, The rest of the family came, ate the food, made the mess. The mr thought it would a great idea for the medium kids to have something productive to do to keep them out of trouble so he gave them all shovels and let them dig a giant hole in the middle of the back yard because why not? Uh huh, yeah. So on top of the normal mess everyone makes, there was a heavy extra layer of dirt tracked in and out of the house. After everyone left, I got to spend a little extra time cleaning late into night. How they got mud on the bathroom walls is pretty impressive.
Today we are doing something with Dad and his other children. Either a bike ride or hike, not sure yet, but something outside that will involve trees. After that, the mr and I are going to try and find a place to camp tonight. The weekly camping is just too good. We can%u2019t not. Plus after a full week of people interaction, I could really use a night of peace and quite in the woods.
Internet from the week.
-Pumpkin Knowledge. The Best Pumpkins for Baking and Cooking. And 3 Ways to Use Those Pumpkin Guts. And What’s Actually in Your Canned Pumpkin Pur%u00e9e?
–Wigstock, ‘An Iconic Piece of Drag History,’ Lets Its Roots Show At 2018 Revival. Oh my.. SO amazing. I wish I could be there!
-100% agree with this, it really is the best brand. The One Flour You Should Buy, According to a Professional Bread Maker
-Have you heard? Drunk birds are wreaking havoc in Minnesota
-Yeah, I would live here (that tree!) or definitely in this row house%u00a0(the front door!)
–Most Introverts Would Like to Be More Extroverted. Yes and no. I love being alone and do not find it lonely, but I do wish I didn%u2019t get completely drained and feel like I have ran a marathon from being around people.
–DARK MATTER IS A HUGE MYSTERY. THIS DEVICE IS TRYING TO DETECT IT. This makes me think of the His Dark Materials Books by Phillip Pullman. (read them if you haven%u2019t, they are in my top 3 favorite books of all time)
-I kind of love this. Banksy auction prank leaves art world in shreds
-I follow this families adoption and it is so heartwarming and amazing and I just love them (Their daughter is so freaking cute, it kills me). And they are adopting again! I love how she does a Q and A about the whole thing.
And some pictures from the week.
The beginning of the week started off with cabin time with family and friends. All the sisters went up with their kids and we ate food, made bracelets, walked to the river, and just hung out for the afternoon. Seeing the family is (almost) always a good time. Then the mr and I ventured our way to our secret camping spot,%u00a0went for a little hike, then ate our dinner in a park where I watched the mr open a can of beans for me by rubbing it against a rock. It was like magic, especially because I was starving and was smashing the end of the can like a rabid beast against, well everything. I forgot to bring the can opener for my can of beans which could have been the end of me. Luck for me the mr is so good and I never will need a can opener again. Anyway we ended up not camping out for the night. Our main reason for camping was to see the meteor shower, but the sky was all clouded so we couldn’t see squat. Plus the mr was tired and feeling sore, I was little tired, so we just headed back home. When we got home we sat under the %u00a0slightly less cloudy sky in the backyard for a bit until the mr sprayed %u00a0bug spray that turned into bug bomb and %u00a0that not only kept all the bugs away, kept me away too. He had to take shower to ge the stink off and still he smelled. The smell lingered for days.. And to think it was just essential oils. %u00a0Then we slept in our bed which was way more comfortable then usual because we were really suppose to be sleeping on the ground.%u00a0
The rest of the week went as usual. %u00a0Had little bursts of rain, although never quite enough to help the heat, only enough to up the humidity. Qui came over for dinner where he drank out a a mug with his face all over it and tried to talk the mr into getting his own scooter. I told the mr if he wants one, well then he should go for it. But I don’t think its happening any time soon.%u00a0%u00a0Barb and So came over for %u00a0lunch and spent time harvesting all the goodies out of the garden. So picked a watermelon that turned out to be not quite ripe (so sad) and Barb picked all the kale that she could stand picking. Other then that, there was farm share, lots of running around, a chocolate zucchini cake, and the realization that I have Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder. (yes, it is a thing) %u00a0A well rounded, semi productive, way to hot,%u00a0week.%u00a0
And then there was yesterday.%u00a0It was amazing.%u00a0Sure I was at work inside most of the day glazing hundreds of pots that little kids made, but when I got out, the sky was covered in big grey clouds with a slight rainy drizzle. The temperature was like 68 degrees, and there was a cool breeze. I might have even gotten a slight chill. It was everything that I have needed all Summer long. Seriously, to much warmth and sunshine is not good for me. I need cool rainy(dare I say snowy) days to help keep that balance, so yesterday really hit the spot. I was even able to wear a long sleeve shirt for like the first time in months. %u00a0And when I went to bed, I was able to sleep under the blanket. So nice. So nice.
And we made it to today.%u00a0The mr and I were talking last night about going comping today so we might do that. Or we might not and just veg out for the day here at home, maybe stop in to see the littles that are home from sleep away camp.%u00a0I am leaning towards camping.%u00a0We skipped out last week and if the nights are going to be anything like last tonight, (%u00a0nice and cool), a fire will be ever so lovely and welcome. %u00a0And I am sure the mr would love to do some fishing and I of course can be happy reading and drinking coffee just about anywhere. %u00a0
Stuff I read on the Internet this week.
-%u00a0Amazing music, amazing person. She will be missed. Aretha Franklin: In Memoriam Playlist.
–The exhilarating history of roller coaster photography. And to have your picture taken at a “Oh Shit Point”… Makes for some good pictures.%u00a0
-This is a place I would love to stay (or build An A-Frame Cabin Celebrates the Zero-Emission Lifestyle in Finland
–We Discovered Helium 150 Years Ago. Are We Running Out?%u00a0I never thought about helium as being anything that we could run out of. Huh.
-Seriously, what the fuck dudes.%u00a0Traces of Weed Killer Found in Cheerios and Quaker Oats Oatmeal-
–Genius Hidden Messages People Didn%u2019t Expect To Find On Everyday Products.%u00a0Sometimes it about the little extra attention to detail, and a little humor that keeps people coming back for more.%u00a0
–12 Signs You Suffer From Summer Depression. See, its for real. and I have it.. number 2 and 6.%u00a0
-Because in VT, we will pee on on your tomatoes. Haha.%u00a0%u2018Pee-Cycling:%u2019 Vermont Researchers Look at Value in Human Urine
-What’s the Difference Between White and Yellow %u00a0and%u00a0%u00a0Popcorn 101: Butterflies, Snowflakes & Mushrooms (oh my!)%u00a0
-The colors and patterns really caught my eyes.%u00a0New Synchronized Photographs of Swimmers by M%u00e1ria %u0160varbov%u00e1
Pictures from the week.
So much nice weather this week. I spent a good chunk of time in and around the garden, getting everything planted (it’s all in the ground) setting up a kinda fence of driftwood and yarn, running a strip of cooper around all the beds to keep the slugs out, and mad running with stick in hand screaming at all the squirrels. It’s been a lot of work but so very very satisfying. The only sucky part is %u00a0with all this nice weather comes those stupid f-ing mosquitoes.%u00a0%u00a0I have already gotten my allotted bites for the year. Back to wearring heavy carports and hoodies while I garden, or walk out the door. Meh.%u00a0
Other then all the gardeining, the week was productive. I did a lot of baking (cookies, banana bread, bread, hot sauce, some other shuff as usual), I picked up the last winter farm share (summer share starts in 3 weeks!!!), purged a bunch of crap, repotted plants, and finally got the taxes DONE. The big goal of the week of was for the mr and I to pick a paint color and buy primer and paint for one of the %u00a0buildings in town we are repainting. We were close. We kind of picked the color but are going to wait until next week to make sure we really like it so we didn’t buy the paint. But we will so we are on track. As for the primer.. A whole day trying to track down what we needed and no one seemed to carry the product that we were looking for. Everyone said it was a %u00a0special order and it will take forever to get. We did manage to find %u00a0a few gallons so it’s a start.%u00a0
And I still have not found the vacuum attachment which I keep looking for. I really should just order a new one, but I know as soon as I do I will find it. Life without the attachment is getting pretty dirty. Gurrrrr.%u00a0
Then the littles slept There was more hole digging (because why not), pizza with Barb,%u00a0tandem bike riding, and apparently while I was inside cleaning up food messes, there was a bike, rope, and scooter thing that only stopped because of a cop?…. Yeah. %u00a0I also taught Judah how to play the amazing card game of solitaire. He was at it all night then after a breakfast of 10 pancakes, went out to the front porch like an old man and contuined to play. He is obsessed and its awesome. And I think I have got the Miley hooked on NPR. I was able to listen to Morning Addition through Wait Wait Don’t Tell ME without complaint. She even asked me to turn it up.%u00a0That right there is win for the week.
I am hoping that today is not all rain, although the garden is loving it all up and I could spend the day doing inside things.%u00a0%u00a0I wanted to go for a bike ride or maybe a little hike of some sort. Going to have to wait and see. Other then that, no big plans. Probably make a few more phone calls about primer, doing a little weeding, drink a pot of coffee, and definitely take a nap. I need to reinstating summer weekend nap time. I end up staying up later during the long light hours so naps are greatly appreciated.%u00a0
Interent links from the week.%u00a0
–Are octopuses aliens from outer space that were brought to Earth by meteors?%u00a0I mean, this just makes you wonder right?%u00a0
–For Animals, Plastic Is Turning the Ocean Into a Minefield. Plastic is just not good. Not good at all.%u00a0
-Avoiding Plastic When Grocery Shopping.%u00a0Learn how to go grocery shopping and stock your kitchen without buying any plastic products.%u00a0Lots of good advice here. Again, think of the animals.
-It’s ok to eat romaine lettuce again, for now.%u00a0How salad became a major source of food poisoning in the US
-Would Your Cat Choose You Over Its Food?.%u00a0The stereotype of cats. Yes is the answer. I know that Only’s one true love in life is food.%u00a0
-This is my kind of Earthship.%u00a0
-Food as art when there are starving people… Something to think hard about.%u00a0THE RISE OF THE EXPERIENTIAL FOOD MUSEUM
-Some of my best memories from my childhood was when my mom would blast music (usually Whitney Huston or Toni Braxton) and make us dance with her. Good good times.%u00a0The Surprising Benefit Of Moving And Grooving With Your Kid
–Frozen Food Fan? As Sales Rise, Studies Show Frozen Produce Is As Healthy As Fresh. I always have a bunch of frozen veggies in the freezer.%u00a0
-Delicate Accumulations of Colorful Spring Flowers Installed in a Historic French Home%u00a0Just lovely
Pictures from the week
I woke up this morning with a very vvid recollection of the dream I was having. In it I was the inventor of a thing called The Fire Stick, which essentially was a fishing pole with fire on the end that you stick in water( know, it makes no sense )%u00a0and it somehow propels you around. In the dream, I was using my Fire Stick to cruise down a river on a makeshift raft because I was fleeing something and I needed to leave by water. %u00a0Thats it, but I know in my dream I was damn proud of my Fire Stick. Dream me is very strange and scares me a little.%u00a0
The mr and I have no big projects going on right now so he is doing a bunch of side work and I am doing little things around the house plus trying to get through the taxes (I am procarsinationg so hard) I am getting a touch of cabin/spring cleaning fever and am starting to think about running away or %u00a0repainting all the walls… which is crazy because %u00a0it hasn’t been more then a year since I last painted. So I guess that leaves running away. Ha. %u00a0What I really need to do is build a shit ton of shelves and reorganize the closets, but that takes measuring and buying wood and power tools and the mr so it will have to wait.%u00a0( I have to sweet talk him into having a shelf making day with me.. I would do it alone, but it will be much easier and nicer if he helps) And the running away part, well we are working on that part too.%u00a0
Other then my crazy, the week has been pretty good.%u00a0The mr got me another new power tool (I am returning the scroll saw in favor of band saw)%u00a0The back porch has unofficially turned into a wood carving studio. And not just for me, the mr is really into wood carving right now too. We even braved negative temperatures to walk around on the beach to find cool pieces of drift wood to make spoons out of. (he gets pretty jazzed about stuff and there is not stopping him) Before that freezing %u00a0cold returned there was a day where we were able to walk the wold without jackets and that was the day we took Shannon out for a walk. That lady just got a new hip and already she is walking better then I can. Maybe I will get myself a new hip too. Or new knees. I could be unstoppable.%u00a0
%u00a0Qui came over for a vegan banana bread baking how to, which got me thinking that %u00a0I should start teaching vegan baking.%u00a0%u00a0Then Barb came over for chili and a dance party party, and %u00a0then we had the little over for a sleep over and all around house trashing. I don’t know how they do it, but those littles %u00a0make the biggest mess out of nothing. And they are sticky and gross and even surface needs to be wipes after they leave.%u00a0
We did treat ourselves to a little culture and went to the Shelburne Museum to check out the Sweet Tooth art exhibit. It was cool, but not exactly what I was expecting.%u00a0%u00a0It was only a small room with a handful of pieces and I wanted more, and bigger and more, like the giant ring pops. Those were cool. I want a room full of giant candy, but no candy wrappers. The wrappers freak me out. But the next exhibit I am really interested in seeing too. It’s a puppet exhibit and that’s got be be some kind of fantastic.%u00a0
Are you super bowling today? Yesterday the mr and I ran into the grocery store and it was packed with people, with shopping carts all full of chips and beer and garbage food. It was kind of crazy. We figured it was all for the football game. Then we started to blame everything that was annoying on the football game. It’s nice to have a reason for it all.%u00a0%u00a0This football game day thing always makes me feel like it is a holiday that I am not celebrating and I am ok with that.
So no football here today, just keeping it easy, maybe getting out into some woods at some point then maybe some reading or Netflixing some Grace and Franky.%u00a0%u00a0Keeping it low on this non holiday day. People be crazy and I want to stay away from them. Plus I have the Fire Stick to think about. Haha.
Stuff from the internet that I read this week.%u00a0
–The ‘IKEA Effect’ %u2014 And Getting Kids To Eat Their Veggies. Eat what you make and be proud of it, veggies and all.%u00a0
-Things we should all know.%u00a0Why Dogs Have Floppy Ears: An Animated Tale
–It%u2019s Reportedly Becoming %u2018Normal%u2019 to See Whole Foods Employees Cry at Work. I think I cried a little when I worked at Heathy Living.%u00a0
-I have had a conversation with the littles %u00a0about what shape carrot tastes better (when they are cut into chips) Does Chopping Change Your Vegetables?%u00a0
-Interesting planned, one that I think humans should leave alone. It’s enough to destroy one plant, lets stay away from the others.%u00a0%u00a0Pictures of Mars
–The Many Questions We Have About These Cookbook Covers. When I saw this, all I could think was douche bags. If anyone came up behind me while I was chopping anything, well there might be a unintentional stabbing.%u00a0
-I don’t know if I ever will do this, but I really like the idea.%u00a0HOW TO MAKE A LARGE SCALE (PATCHWORK) DIY RUG
-This is no Why Procrastination is Good for You
–What to Do When You Worry Yourself Awake. %u00a0Do your worrying during the day.%u00a0
–Axe-Throwing Bars: Why Mixing Weapons And Beer Is Surprisingly Good Business. But is it? Got to keep the hipsters happy.%u00a0I guess it is kind of like really big darts, which I could totally get behind, but there is some real potential for some crazy shit to happen.%u00a0
Pictures from the week.%u00a0