My mom made delicious meatloaf, baked potatoes and green beans for dinner tonight. Did I mention it was delicious? I really enjoy that meal. And to compliment the dinner, we had homemade carrot cake. Also delicious. I might possibly be indulging too much on said cake.
My mom watched the young ones, while Gary and I registered our older young one for kindergarten. Really, can my baby be old enough for kindergarten? It hardly seems possible. Next thing I know, she'll be turning 13, eying boys, getting her license, leaving for college, getting married, having her own babies, and sending them off to kindergarten. Where does the time go?
Oh, and it isn't just my birthday today. Amazingly Ellie's is today also. She tells me it's because she loves me. She apparently has a birthday whenever anyone else has one.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I have a facebook page, if anyone is interested. I don't mind checking things out there every once in a while, but I am not going to be getting into all the things there. I am requested left and right to do this or that. Sorry people it isn't going to happen.
And why are people I hardly know asking to be my friend? Just because I knew your name in high school, doesn't mean we can be best buddies now. Maybe they are just curious about whom I am now. I don't know.
And why are people I hardly know asking to be my friend? Just because I knew your name in high school, doesn't mean we can be best buddies now. Maybe they are just curious about whom I am now. I don't know.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Hown grown produce - here we come!
In reading Claire's blog about getting ready for farming in '09, I have been thinking about our little plot of dirt. What should we grow, and how might we do it? Granted we have about a hundredth of the space that they have, probably even less, but I think we have enough space to grow what will meet our needs. If not, Dad grows an abundance.
I definitely need to maximize the small space we have. Maybe we'll have enough to can a jar or two of something.
I definitely need to maximize the small space we have. Maybe we'll have enough to can a jar or two of something.
Opera - love them or leave them.
Flipping through channels today, my eyes caught a program on PBS. It looked as though they were going to be showing an opera. I usually keep flipping, but the title was "The Barber of Seville." I stopped. It got my attention because in high school marching band we played music from that opera. I wanted to watch it.
For the next two hours I read and listened to the opera. It is the story of a Count who falls for a maiden who is kept locked inside her guardian's house. The barber (why a barber, I don't know) helps the Count rescue her, so they can live happily ever after. It was very well preformed. I liked the solo by the barber the best. I think it is the most known aria of the opera.
The thing about operas is that they sing the same words or phrases many times. In another language it isn't so bad. I imagine in English it would sound really silly. "I want to walk to the park, I need to walk to the park, need to walk, want to walk, need to walk to the park, to the park, to the park, the park. I want to walk to the park!"
Although Gary was napping for most of it, he had to endure the last 30 minutes. He is glad I don't care for all operas. At one point I left the room for just a moment, and he had muted it.
Another opera from which we played music is "The Marriage of Figaro." Interesting. I just looked up both operas, and "The Marriage of Figaro" is a sequel to "The Barber of Seville." And I found out why a barber is called to help win the lady. He used to be a servant in the guardian's house.
Well enough culture, back to cleaning the house.
For the next two hours I read and listened to the opera. It is the story of a Count who falls for a maiden who is kept locked inside her guardian's house. The barber (why a barber, I don't know) helps the Count rescue her, so they can live happily ever after. It was very well preformed. I liked the solo by the barber the best. I think it is the most known aria of the opera.
The thing about operas is that they sing the same words or phrases many times. In another language it isn't so bad. I imagine in English it would sound really silly. "I want to walk to the park, I need to walk to the park, need to walk, want to walk, need to walk to the park, to the park, to the park, the park. I want to walk to the park!"
Although Gary was napping for most of it, he had to endure the last 30 minutes. He is glad I don't care for all operas. At one point I left the room for just a moment, and he had muted it.
Another opera from which we played music is "The Marriage of Figaro." Interesting. I just looked up both operas, and "The Marriage of Figaro" is a sequel to "The Barber of Seville." And I found out why a barber is called to help win the lady. He used to be a servant in the guardian's house.
Well enough culture, back to cleaning the house.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Birthday Outing
I have been looking forward to today for over a week now. My mom took me clothes shopping for my birthday. Just me and my mom. We also had lunch at Applebees - a yummy treat.
We went to Kohl's and 2nd Avenue. I got new toasty warm gloves at Kohl's, and a pair of jeans, a pair of lounge pants, and two white shirts and a cream shirt at 2nd Avenue. In case you are unaware, 2nd Avenue is a thrift store. Yes, I was excited to go shopping at a thrift store. The prices are great, and I am reusing textiles.
My mom said she felt weird giving me thrift store clothes for my birthday, but I am quite pleased with my new found clothes.
Thanks a bunch Mom!
We went to Kohl's and 2nd Avenue. I got new toasty warm gloves at Kohl's, and a pair of jeans, a pair of lounge pants, and two white shirts and a cream shirt at 2nd Avenue. In case you are unaware, 2nd Avenue is a thrift store. Yes, I was excited to go shopping at a thrift store. The prices are great, and I am reusing textiles.
My mom said she felt weird giving me thrift store clothes for my birthday, but I am quite pleased with my new found clothes.
Thanks a bunch Mom!
The G & B Restaurant
Tonight was great. Gary and I prepared a scrumptious meal for my parents' Christmas present. And since today is their anniversary, it was also an anniversary dinner. They have been married 38 years.
We served herb roast pork, mashed potatoes, a sweet potato (my dad's request,) green beans, salad with homemade dressing, applesauce, homemade bread, and homemade apple pie. We have a swinging door between our kitchen and dining room, so we shut it and pretended they were at a restaurant. Though, we joined them for the main coarse.
I had the table set beautifully, with my fancy folded napkins and used our more formal dinnerware and glassware. I had a great time.
We get to do it two more times, also. Tonight with Gary's mom and step-dad, except we are taking the meal to them, since Dan can't get out. And we still need to pick a date for Gary's dad and step-mom. Tonight is also Mom and Dan's anniversary, 22 years I think, so they get a Christmas and an anniversary dinner, too. Their dinner is the same as my parents'. We'll see if it turns out as well.
We served herb roast pork, mashed potatoes, a sweet potato (my dad's request,) green beans, salad with homemade dressing, applesauce, homemade bread, and homemade apple pie. We have a swinging door between our kitchen and dining room, so we shut it and pretended they were at a restaurant. Though, we joined them for the main coarse.
I had the table set beautifully, with my fancy folded napkins and used our more formal dinnerware and glassware. I had a great time.
We get to do it two more times, also. Tonight with Gary's mom and step-dad, except we are taking the meal to them, since Dan can't get out. And we still need to pick a date for Gary's dad and step-mom. Tonight is also Mom and Dan's anniversary, 22 years I think, so they get a Christmas and an anniversary dinner, too. Their dinner is the same as my parents'. We'll see if it turns out as well.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Recycling
If you remember me talking about the show "Living with Ed," you might also remember me saying that I would like to be able to do more of the stuff he talks about. But the funds are not readily available to me as they seem to be for him.
So, I do what I can. The easiest is recycling. To some recycling can be a nuisance in that you have to rinse/clean containers, sort, remove non-recyclable parts, or haul it yourself to a recycling place. I do not find this to be objectionable. I am glad to do my part. Our trash hauler, Ches-Mont, had only taken plastics 1 and 2, glass, and paper. The rest - plastics 3 - 7, paperboard, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic lids, straws, small electronics and many other things - had to be hauled by yours truly to Pottstown.
Now I am here to announce that we are splitting trash service with our neighbor, who uses BFI. And low and behold they take cardboard, paperboard, and several more numbers of the plastics. I organized our current pile of extra recycling located inconveniently in the basement and now can take four bags of paperboard, one bag of plastics and a cat litter container to the trash can out back, instead of driving a distance to Pottstown. I am so excited.
Now instead of taking all that extra recycling to the basement, I can just put it in the bin in the kitchen with the regular recycling.
So, I do what I can. The easiest is recycling. To some recycling can be a nuisance in that you have to rinse/clean containers, sort, remove non-recyclable parts, or haul it yourself to a recycling place. I do not find this to be objectionable. I am glad to do my part. Our trash hauler, Ches-Mont, had only taken plastics 1 and 2, glass, and paper. The rest - plastics 3 - 7, paperboard, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic lids, straws, small electronics and many other things - had to be hauled by yours truly to Pottstown.
Now I am here to announce that we are splitting trash service with our neighbor, who uses BFI. And low and behold they take cardboard, paperboard, and several more numbers of the plastics. I organized our current pile of extra recycling located inconveniently in the basement and now can take four bags of paperboard, one bag of plastics and a cat litter container to the trash can out back, instead of driving a distance to Pottstown. I am so excited.
Now instead of taking all that extra recycling to the basement, I can just put it in the bin in the kitchen with the regular recycling.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What's that about deodorant?
OK. So here it is. Armpits. Oh, excuse me - underarms. I have decided to include this subject on my blog, since this is a thing of my life. Now if you don't want to read about my dilemma with the above topic, than avert your eyes.
I am trying to replace personal care products as they run out with more natural ones. My latest foray into the all natural is Arm & Hammer Essentials and Tom's of Maine deodorant, hereto for known as AH and Tom's respectively.
First of all, I was told it is good to sweat (I'm undecided about that,) you just don't want the odor (definitely decided about that.) I determined to inform myself about underarm sweat - a lively topic - and learned a bit. If you'd like the experience, click to this article.
Whereas my knowledge already included the truth that most antiperspirants contain aluminum based compounds, and I don't want said chemical on my person, I wanted to try just a deodorant. Enter AH and Tom's. Both options in my bathroom are a clear stick version. My issue is that they are sticky feeling. I care not for that feeling. I have tried airing out the application location before donning my garments. I have tried putting on my garments immediately to wick away the feeling. I have tried applying less product. I have tried, but to no avail. I am accepting what is and hoping that once my skin adjusts to the new product, it will be more comfortable. I am not wasting what has been purchased but will not be purchasing these options for myself again.
The other issue is the non-antiperspirant aspect. I certainly do realize it is not present, however I am aware of the deodorant's ability to work. Let's go nature. I don't care for a wet feeling but care far less for an odor.
One thing I really like about both AH and Tom's is that the ingredients are listed on each product along with the reason it is in the product and from where it was derived.
I am trying to replace personal care products as they run out with more natural ones. My latest foray into the all natural is Arm & Hammer Essentials and Tom's of Maine deodorant, hereto for known as AH and Tom's respectively.
First of all, I was told it is good to sweat (I'm undecided about that,) you just don't want the odor (definitely decided about that.) I determined to inform myself about underarm sweat - a lively topic - and learned a bit. If you'd like the experience, click to this article.
Whereas my knowledge already included the truth that most antiperspirants contain aluminum based compounds, and I don't want said chemical on my person, I wanted to try just a deodorant. Enter AH and Tom's. Both options in my bathroom are a clear stick version. My issue is that they are sticky feeling. I care not for that feeling. I have tried airing out the application location before donning my garments. I have tried putting on my garments immediately to wick away the feeling. I have tried applying less product. I have tried, but to no avail. I am accepting what is and hoping that once my skin adjusts to the new product, it will be more comfortable. I am not wasting what has been purchased but will not be purchasing these options for myself again.
The other issue is the non-antiperspirant aspect. I certainly do realize it is not present, however I am aware of the deodorant's ability to work. Let's go nature. I don't care for a wet feeling but care far less for an odor.
One thing I really like about both AH and Tom's is that the ingredients are listed on each product along with the reason it is in the product and from where it was derived.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Cable anyone?
This whole switch to digital signal instead of analog is a pain. We have a converter box, but it isn't working. It picks up no signal or a weak one, which translates to a black screen. At least if a signal was weak with analog you could still watch a program, even if it was a little snowy. The digital signal may have a better picture, but if there is any interruption, you get nothing. I disagree with all or nothing.
And cable, or FiOS, or satellite or whatever other options are out there are more than free.
I guess come February 17th, I'll be cutting back my TV watching even more. Actually I watch most of the shows online after they have aired, but soon I won't even have a choice if we can't get the converter box to work, or if it can't pick up a signal.
And cable, or FiOS, or satellite or whatever other options are out there are more than free.
I guess come February 17th, I'll be cutting back my TV watching even more. Actually I watch most of the shows online after they have aired, but soon I won't even have a choice if we can't get the converter box to work, or if it can't pick up a signal.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Really all natural?
The label says "all natural." Than what is that high fructose corn syrup and xanthan gum doing in there? You have to be wary about 'all natural' products, since the term 'natural' is not industry regulated, which means just about any company can stick the term on their labels regardless of whether all the ingredients are natural or not.
Check out this article.
Claire has a very good point in her comment. Try looking for local meat at Local Harvest.
I found a local farm that has eggs, chicken, pork, and beef. One stop shopping.
Check out this article.
Claire has a very good point in her comment. Try looking for local meat at Local Harvest.
I found a local farm that has eggs, chicken, pork, and beef. One stop shopping.
Monday, January 05, 2009
All Natural
I have been searching for meat that has no antibiotics or hormones or other such things that I do not want my family to consume. I know that a local meat place has natural pork, alas I could not always locate it in the markets. While on their website to find retailers, I came across this description on the care of their pigs.
Our humane and special care of animals is an important part of Leidy’s Nature’s Tradition. The American Humane Association has awarded us their Free Farmed Certification because we raise our pigs in a healthy, low stress environment where they are free to express their normal behavior. They are provided with proper facilities, fresh water, sufficient space, adequate shelter, and comfortable resting areas.
I thought it slightly humorous, especially the 'free to express their normal behavior' part.
Our humane and special care of animals is an important part of Leidy’s Nature’s Tradition. The American Humane Association has awarded us their Free Farmed Certification because we raise our pigs in a healthy, low stress environment where they are free to express their normal behavior. They are provided with proper facilities, fresh water, sufficient space, adequate shelter, and comfortable resting areas.
I thought it slightly humorous, especially the 'free to express their normal behavior' part.
After having watched over 10 episodes of "Living with Ed," my keenness for learning more about the environment has been renewed. I would like to get my masters in some form of environmental something. My first thought was energy conservation, but there are myriad options. However, I can not go back to school until my children are in school, and we have lots more money. I did have the notion that I could learn on my own and read, read, read.
I wish we had the money to do many of the larger scale things we saw on his show. A grey water watering system, solar panels, solar ovens, an electric bike and car (recharged by his solar panels,) recycled blue jean insulation, rain barrels, a remote turn-off-the-outlets-you-don't-need-on-while-you're-away system to name a few.
I can still do my part and save and conserve on a small scale. Everything helps.
I wish we had the money to do many of the larger scale things we saw on his show. A grey water watering system, solar panels, solar ovens, an electric bike and car (recharged by his solar panels,) recycled blue jean insulation, rain barrels, a remote turn-off-the-outlets-you-don't-need-on-while-you're-away system to name a few.
I can still do my part and save and conserve on a small scale. Everything helps.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
TV, Games, and Food
We are here in Alexandria, staying up late, watching much TV, eating good food, and much to Georgia's consternation, not playing many games. [My new nickname for P is Georgia. It was George, but Gary said it should be a female name so there was no mistaking my female friend for a male one.]
And we discovered the show "Living with Ed" on her very fine new LCD HDTV. She set up her handy DVR to record the show whenever it was on. We ended up with over 30 episodes because there was a marathon.
Georgia also introduced us to "Farscape." Gary didn't care for it. I'll keep watching though. We also ventured an eye toward an episode of "Stargate Atlantis." We both liked that.
We had a delightful turkey meal, pizza with the pastor, delicious gourmet great northern bean soup, and tasty nachos. AND my delectable cookies.
Georgia blessed Gary and me with sleeping in. She took charge of the children each morning and didn't send them down to us until 9:00. Ellie usually awakens by 6:00, so this was a prodigious labor of love on her part. Especially when Ellie decided to put a choke hold on Josh one morning and strip them both naked another.
She gave Josh a pocket train and Ellie a purse with makeup for Christmas. The children were not far from their gifts. They took the precious effects with them wherever they went.
And the outcome of the games Georgia and I did get to play, turned out favorably for her. She managed to beat me at Phase Ten, Triominos, and Skip-bo. Her win in Uno Splash was questionable. At least she didn't get a chance to earn back her title in Scrabble yet.
Georgia is on a campaign to return back to a more proper use of the English language. So, when you lay your eyes upon words you might not recognize, it is my effort to support her in her crusade.
And we discovered the show "Living with Ed" on her very fine new LCD HDTV. She set up her handy DVR to record the show whenever it was on. We ended up with over 30 episodes because there was a marathon.
Georgia also introduced us to "Farscape." Gary didn't care for it. I'll keep watching though. We also ventured an eye toward an episode of "Stargate Atlantis." We both liked that.
We had a delightful turkey meal, pizza with the pastor, delicious gourmet great northern bean soup, and tasty nachos. AND my delectable cookies.
Georgia blessed Gary and me with sleeping in. She took charge of the children each morning and didn't send them down to us until 9:00. Ellie usually awakens by 6:00, so this was a prodigious labor of love on her part. Especially when Ellie decided to put a choke hold on Josh one morning and strip them both naked another.
She gave Josh a pocket train and Ellie a purse with makeup for Christmas. The children were not far from their gifts. They took the precious effects with them wherever they went.
And the outcome of the games Georgia and I did get to play, turned out favorably for her. She managed to beat me at Phase Ten, Triominos, and Skip-bo. Her win in Uno Splash was questionable. At least she didn't get a chance to earn back her title in Scrabble yet.
Georgia is on a campaign to return back to a more proper use of the English language. So, when you lay your eyes upon words you might not recognize, it is my effort to support her in her crusade.
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