Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Monthly Update

It is that time of month when I need to be held accountable for the goals I set myself

1.    Continue keeping up with garden produce and weeding.   Well I have managed to keep up with processing the produce coming in from the garden..... The weeding however fell by the wayside by the end of the month.

2.     Work on projects.    Did follow through on this, in fact I have even managed to finish some projects that are necessary for Christmas. I did have to set aside my embroidery for a bit, but Christmas is coming quickly and these things need doing.

3.     Get items ready for selling on Craft sites.    I have managed to get a few items done and once Christmas preparations are done I hope to have more to list.

4.     Take more pictures while on our mini vacation.    Yes.

5.     Get printer/scanner up and working again.    Done thanks to Kris.

Project Declutter did not go very well this month. I did remove another 4 items from the house bringing my total to 660. Still hoping to reach that 750 mark.

Back tomorrow with my goals for next month.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.
    

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

First Christmas Project

Every year I try and make most of my gifts for Christmas giving. Sometimes I even succeed, sometimes I don't.

My first set of gifts are completed. Each of my brother's daughters will be getting 3 pairs of mittens. If I have time after my other sewing projects I found a lovely hat project that I may make an ear flap hat for each of them as well.

Tonight I will cast on the stitches for the first of two rugs that I am making for Kurt and Kris.

Here are some pictures of the eclipse last night. They did not turn out very well, but I will share them with all of you anyways.

The beginning of the eclipse. Notice how the clouds are moving in.


That tiny little dot above the eaves is all I could see of the eclipse. You can see however that the moon is now no longer silver but reddish.

A friend of my cousin took this one. Sure wish we could have seen it this clearly.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.


Monday, September 28, 2015

Menu Monday

Monday

Hot dogs, baked beans, and fresh veggies with dip.

Tuesday

Ham and scalloped potatoes, fresh veggies and dip (lots of cherry tomatoes that need to be used up).

Wednesday

Hamburgers, fries and once again veggies and dip.

Thursday

Lazy Perogies.

Friday

Salmon, rice, and broccoli.

Saturday

Clean out the fridge night.

Sunday

Pork roast, mashed potatoes and carrots.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Lunar Eclipse and Sunday Ramblings

It has been a fairly quiet day today.

I attended Mass this morning and watched a video about our Archbishops Appeal instead of listening to a homily. The video talked mostly about those men who have entered the Deaconate program and how our giving to the Appeal helps fund their way through. This is something new for our Archdiocese and we are just getting used to having a permanent Deaconate once again.

This evening we have spent some time watching the lunar eclipse. It was very cloudy for the beginning of the process, but it cleared up enough for us to see the end. I did take a few pictures and I hope to sort through them tomorrow and share a few.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Catching Up

Harvey's surgery went very well yesterday. It took longer to get into the Ambulatory Care surgical area then it did for the surgery to take place. We drove straight home after it was completed.

Today I thought I would share a few more pictures from our little vacation.

The lodge we stayed at was named after this mountain.


In fact the cabin was nestled between a fork in the river, and we could look up into the forest climbing it's way up.

The name of the mountain.... 
And while it wasn't the highest mountain around, we got to call it home for almost a week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Whew That Was Tough!

When we finished our boat cruise it was decided that perhaps we should take a bit of a walk down the gorge we had found the day before. There was a well developed trail and 6 lovely bridges we could use to see into it.

Hmmm, perhaps we should have paid a bit more attention to the group of young tourists coming up the night before. Suffice it to say the climb  down was much easier than the climb back up.

Here are some pictures of what we did manage to see.




Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Monday, September 21, 2015

Menu Monday

Monday

Soup and sandwiches, I have some stock in the freezer downstairs and I need to use it asap.

Tuesday

Leftover beef roast, mashed potatoes and the last of the corn.

Wednesday

We need to travel to Regina for Harvey to have some minor surgery done. I don't know what time we will be home so it may be a fast food pick up somewhere along our route back.

Thursday

Smoked sausage, pasta and beans. Comfort food in case Harv is still feeling the effects of his operation.

Friday

Fish Fillets, homemade fries and sliced tomatoes and cukes.

Saturday

Depends, since Harvey is going to hunker down in the house for a bit (at least until he is mostly healed) I might do the stock up shop myself. This means he will have leftovers from the fridge and I could be eating out. Just have to wait a bit and see. If I do stay home I will make some sweet and sour ribs, served with fried rice.

Sunday

Roast Ham, potatoes, carrots and perhaps a salad.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Friday, September 18, 2015

The Columbia Ice Field

One day we decided to travel to the Columbia Ice Field. While heading down (or perhaps I should say up) the road we hit snow, after teasing each other about being snow bound up in the mountains the snow disappeared and we had the most lovely time.

This is the vehicle that took us up the mountain to the glacier. The company that runs the tours owns about 14 of these. One is in Banff, and one is in the Antarctic. The machines cost about 3 million dollars each and just one replacement tire is 3K. They can go up and down some very steep inclines, but the top speed is 18 km per hour.

We reached the glacier and got to walk around and take pictures  for 20 minutes.

This is the main glacier. Notice the three rather large steps.

Notice the blue ice at the bottom, ever seen ice that is much older than you or anyone you know?

The second of three glaciers that are in the area.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Boat Cruise

I am going to share some pictures of our cruise on Maligne Lake.

Our cruiser.
The farthest point that motor boats are allowed on the lake. The rest of the lake is classified as a wilderness area and only accessible by canoe or kayak.

Mountains surround the lake. This range is called the Queen Elizabeth range and was Canada's gift to the Queen on her coronation in 1953.

Look how blue the water is!

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God  bless.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Wildlife

When we decided to come to Jasper I was so looking forward to seeing lots of animals in their own habitat. I was even hoping to see them off my cabin deck while drinking my morning coffee. Hmmmm, I was starting to think that everything I had read was wrong. We did see some mountain goats on the way up (pictures on a different camera), bought since then nothing, nada, zip.

Yesterday changed that however..

That little black hump at the bottom of the picture is a black bear. We watched it swim across a small river and clamber up on the bank below us.

On the way back to the cabin after our boat cruise and hike down the canyon we sow this lovely beast trying to cross the road.

A bit later, whilst checking my email, Harvey came in rather quickly and motioned me to join him. I went out, and not 10 feet away stood another magnificent bull elk. We watched him slowly stroll down the path.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

We Are Tucked Snuggly In Our Cabin

After a very long drive, full of stops and starts due to construction  and picture taking, we finally arrived at the lodge. We checked into our cabin and I started picture taking.

We sat for awhile and then did a bit of exploring in the town of Jasper. We didn'the spend too long in town there is always tomorrow.

Thought I would share a few more pictures of the interior of our get away cottage.
 
Little tiny kitchen, but what more do you need when cooking just  basic foods.


Must say that the bed looks very comfortable. Big enough so that Harvey and  I will not be arguing over blankets or space.

More tomorrow.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Long Drive and Relaxing

Well after a 9 hour drive we have made it to Kurt's place.

Now we are resting up for the next leg of our journey. We will be travelling another 6 hours tomorrow through some beautiful country. We can't get into our cabin at the lodge until four or later so a nice drive with some great picture opportunities sounds just the ticket.

Everybody  have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Mid Week and Feeling Rushed

It is only 2 days until we leave on our mini vacation to the mountains. I have spent today making lists, packing a few things and slowly but surely losing my mind.

Tomorrow is going to be very, very busy. Banking, dental appointment, dropping of the keys to the house at a friends, doing the rest of the packing, watering plants, and some extra cleaning.

I think I will be ready for a vacation after all that.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Busy Weekend

I promised you all pictures of what I had been up to this weekend and so I will.

Kris came home and so I needed to make items for a care package for him. Along with potatoes, corn and a cucumber from the garden I managed to send him back with lots of goodies.

First I made a cake. No picture cause it disappeared almost as soon as I took it out of the oven.


First off I made a double batch of Unbaked Cookies, some to fill the cookie jar and some for Kris to take with him.

Next were these beauties (Kris decided they were the best he had ever had fresh out of the oven) Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. Once again half for him and half for us.

I didn't take a picture of the next batch of cookies I made. Snickerdoodles, so very simple and such a lovely smell.

All this baking occurred on Saturday while it was pouring rain. It is hard to read the rain gauge but at this point we had received 5 inches. By the time the storm had passed over us we had a grand total of 6 1/2 inches. We really needed it, but getting dumped on so quickly at times caused flooding in many areas of the city.

Sunday after Mass, I decided it was time to do something with those eggplant I picked.

The first 5 of 7 trays of Eggplant Parma. Six trays are in the freezer and one tray went back with Kris.

I also made a loaf of bread for him to take.

Then of course there were all the frozen meals I made him from leftovers.

I think he will be in good shape for awhile.

Today I made something I have never made before.

Simmering on the stove. I am so glad that food processors were invented. Mine made short work of chopping celery and onion finely enough for this recipe.

Some Chili Sauce for the winter.

I also dehydrated more basil and oregano today. My, the house smelled just lovely!!!!

Tomorrow will be more preserving and dehydrating. Must get as much done as possible before we leave on holiday. We never know when frost will hit and I would like to get as much out of the garden as we can before that happens. Saving money on groceries is my mantra this year.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.





Monday, September 7, 2015

Menu Monday

Sorry for not posting the last few days. I will catch you up on everything once I get a chance.

Monday

Chicken breasts, salad and leftover rice.

Tuesday

Pork chops, potatoes and leftover salad.

Wednesday

Glace

Thursday

Clean out the fridge.

After this we are on holiday for awhile.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Frugal Friday

Hmmm, five frugal things I did this week, many of which were done last week as well.

The air conditioning was not turned on for 3 days this week.

All meals (except for tonight's) were made from things I had in the house.

Pickled peppers and froze tomatoes.

Watched our water usage closely.

Worked on having a zero waste week.

Worked on my projects which are using up items from my yarn and embroidery floss stash.

Oops, guess that is six frugal things I have been doing this week.

Garden harvesting is slowing down. The only new item I managed to harvest this week is eggplant.

A very different shape than what I am used to, but hopefully enough to make a few meals from.

I also had fun making cookies today. My sweet tooth is acting up and I want to be able to send some goodies home with Kris this week.

Lovely Unbaked Chocolate Cookies. I needed to use up my oatmeal as it has been around for awhile and this seemed a good way to do so (still have more and so I am thinking oatmeal raisin cookies next).

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.



Thursday, September 3, 2015

Thursday Tid Bits

Not very much happening around the old homestead. It is still hot and because of that I really don`t venture outside very much. I go for my morning walk, then do some harvesting in the garden and spend the rest of the time working inside. Pretty boring, right?

But at times boring and laid back can be good. I have worked on my projects, read a bit and even baked a cake. I still need to ice said cake, but will be doing that shortly.

I have butter out softening to make cookies tomorrow. Kris will be home and I really need to make sure I fill him up and have some items to send home with him in a care package. He needs to be able to cut down on his bills and any little thing I can do to help him makes me feel good.

The garden has even slowed down a little bit. I only got a handful of cherry tomatoes, 2 large tomatoes, and a cuke during my harvest efforts. The few eggplant that have formed are ready to be picked and I am thinking that I have everything necessary to make my eggplant parmigiana in the next couple of days. I probably won't get as much as I would like, but at least there will be a few packages frozen and a meal for Harvey and I the day I make it.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Recipe Wednesday

I forgot to take a picture of my Cabbage Bread before I packaged it up and put it in the freezer, so I borrowed this one from All Recipes.

They are very simple to make.

Brown about 3 lbs of ground beef with a large diced onion. When the beef is browned (or at least lost the pink colour drain off as much of the excess fat as possible. Add 5 or so cups of shredded cabbage and cook until the cabbage is soft. Add salt and pepper to taste.

I use frozen bread dough (all 5 loaves that are in the package). I thaw and let the dough rise overnight (and most of the day).

Take bun sized pieces of dough and roll them out into a square. Place a couple of large spoonfuls of the hamburger/cabbage mixture in the center of the dough. Fold up the edges and pinch closed. Place on greased cookie sheet and grease tops. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk. Bake at 350 until golden brown.

These make a lovely quick meal.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Thrify Tuesday

It has been a very quiet day around here. I spent a restless night and slept in a couple of hours this morning. I am hoping for a better night as tomorrow is going to be a busy one.

Harvey plans on going fishing and I will be busy stockpiling easy to cook meals for the winter. Thrifty and filling meals as they will consist of either free food or items from our garden for the most part.

I managed to use up some of the leftovers in the fridge and freezer making supper tonight. Gone is the package of frozen leftover pork roast. I also used up some cherry tomatoes, an onion from the garden, some of the celery in the fridge and the last of the green pepper I had picked awhile back. This made a lovely pork sweet and sour at very little cost.

The cost of our electric is going up this month so I am becoming more mindful of what lights are on and what I turn off when not in use.

This was my garden harvest this morning. The red peppers are drying now in the dehydrator, the jalapenos have been thinly sliced and pickled. The carrots are sliced and ready to be eaten in a meal later this week. The cukes are stumping me right now, but I am sure some will disappear in a cucumber salad this week as well. Tomatoes are frozen, but another batch was picked later this afternoon. I think some chili sauce is in our future!! A few pints will be enough.

I did a bit of mending as well. I had a hem coming down in a pair of trousers, and the underwire on a bra was poking through once again. I find mending to be soothing and keeps my clothing in tip top condition.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.