I was a little concerned that Mozart's impression of a Clingon over the weekend meant he was getting sick. He continues to be well. I, however, have a head-cold to beat the band. Sneezy. Stuffy. Drippy. Mess. I thought about calling in today, but managed to get myself up and at 'em.
During a meeting one of my coworkers, who is scheduled to leave for a cruise in a week, and who was sitting two down from me, was making a great show of protecting herself from my germs. Everyone was chiding her somewhat for it, and then, without my permission, my pen flew from my (germ-laden) hand and directly in front of her. I'm not sure I can describe the room at that point. She and the women between us reared back to avoid it as I screamed, "Don't touch it!" And apologizing profusely, went to gather it up. Said coworker had no problem not touching it. In fact after rearing back she leapt out of her chair to get disinfecting materials.
I did not mean to do that. I promise and swear and cross my heart and everything. I will never, ever live it down if she so much as sneezes on her cruise.
At least we're inspiring!
My parents, Nana and Grandad, go to a writing workshop every week. This week Mom was inspired by recent tale from the Money Sink, and wrote the following...
Home Ownership
written by Nana, 1/2013
Stuart woke up with a start – warm and cozy, surrounded by pillows, the bed piled high with down comforters, all should be well, but something seemed amiss.
Easing put of his cocoon, he instantly knew what the problem was. His nose was cold and as he started to speak to Melissa, he could see his breath in chill air. No use waking her, this could only mean one thing – the %@&#!ing furnace they had been sweet-talking and babying all winter was on the blink – AGAIN.
Leaping from the bed he grabbed the nearest article of clothing – Melissa's fluffy pink bathrobe. Not his first choice, but it would do until the current situation WAS remedied.
Gingerly he headed for the basement, taking note of the 42° reading on the thermostat as he skirted through the living room. Sure enough, suspicions were confirmed when he saw that the pilot light had, once again, gone out. An easy fix, and with luck the house will have warmed up by the time Melissa and James woke up.
When they saw the house last summer, it seemed like a perfect fit for their growing family – a three story Victorian, it radiated quaintness in style. Yes, there were a few obvious things that needed fixing – but didn't he pride himself on being a jack-of-all-trades, able to fix anything.
Pride cometh before the fall. No use going there. Although this house had many redeeming features, after living here for six months, he was beginning to keep a tally – and lately the “repair or replace” side of the equation was winning out.
Was it really possible that the roof leaked. The sagging drywall on the third floor was a definite hint. The plaster wasn't actually falling off the ceiling, and thankfully James wasn't old enough or tall enough to investigate the numerous cracks.
The early winter's oil bill was a shock. He had checked out the previous owners usage history with the utility company but assumed the report was full of typos – surely an extra “0” had been added to the amount, or the cost was for several months. Sadly, he was mistaken.
They began wearing more sweaters, the coffee they had given up became a staple. Visitors were welcomed in, then offered a blanket, cap and slippers –just in case they were a bit cold. 60° became the daytime norm, dropping to 55° at night, and still last month's bill was $900.
The utility company offered a free energy audit. Insulation, it turned lout, was not an automatic requirement when building a house in 1900, and was entirely missing from their quaint home.
But, since mold could become an issue, the inspector recommended fixing the water issues in the basement before insulating. The sump pump tried to remove the water, but only helped a three-foot sink hole form by the foundation directing the flow back inside after a freak hurricane drenched the area shortly after they moved in.
With each repair estimated at $10,000 or more and an already-stretched bank account eroding, bundling up seemed an obvious solution – that and praying for winter warm-up and an early spring. For now, he could feel fire once again roaring in the unit.
With thoughts of catching a few more winks, cuddling up to his beautiful wife's warm body, he started the cold jaunt back to the bedroom. On his way, walking over gleaming hardwood floors, past his son's room with the hand painted mural on the wall and a sleeping cherub in his crib, suddenly he felt blessed. Life, even with it's challenges is good. He had so much to be thankful for.
Little Jack Horner and the Clingon
That is what we are taking away from the weekend. Yesterday, after a riveting morning at the Train Show (I do believe that will be a yearly event), I did the usual batch of yogurt (I've gotten it down now and, crossing my fingers as I say, haven't messed up a batch in awhile - even with regular boilings over. I also made mayonnaise, which is quite easy, actually, but I do need to do it in a heavier bowl as I cannot hold the bowl, beat the mix, and pour the oil with only my two hands. Trying to do such things with the lightweight bowl I had resulted in a spinning bowl and therefor half-made mayonnaise sprayed around the kitchen. I also made a blueberry pie. It was chilling in the fridge and in full Little Jack Horner style, Mozart got very interested in the fridge and especially said pie, and stuck is whole hand into it. And I kid you not, he had a blueberry stuck to his finger at the exit! I guess when there are things as wonderful as pies that one can get into inside the fridge, it's no wonder he views them akin to the entrance to Narnia.
Today he's been a bit of a Clingon to whichever mom is most busy. After a needed afternoon nap, the Wife reported that he has stuck to her closer than her shadow.
Today he's been a bit of a Clingon to whichever mom is most busy. After a needed afternoon nap, the Wife reported that he has stuck to her closer than her shadow.
Lost in space.
I had an email account with Yahoo! ages ago. I opened it up in the mid-90's and had it until a year or so ago. I got worried that my very simple password was not sufficient and so I, foolishly, changed it - to something that I promptly forgot. I tried to contact Yahoo! then, but kept running up against walls. I kept trying for months, but nothing. Then, a couple weeks ago, I remembered that I had copies of a bunch of poetry that I'd written - long ago - in that account. And I wanted it. Bad. So I tried again. And found more walls.
But I wrote out a long inquiry and explanation to Yahoo! and after a week or so got a response. Today I sent in all of my identifying information and, finally - FINALLY - regained access to said account. But it is all gone. Every single one of my old messages. Every single one of my poems. Every single memory that I was hoping to revisit - and some that I'd just assume have left behind. Well, now they are all left behind.
And apparently my ultra-simple password, was far more fool-proof than the forgotten one that I changed it to because my account was most certainly hacked since my last entry. By someone in China. While I have no messages to take me down memory lane, my name on the account was changed to nonsense and I had apparently moved to China. Yeah. Not so much.
*sigh*
But I wrote out a long inquiry and explanation to Yahoo! and after a week or so got a response. Today I sent in all of my identifying information and, finally - FINALLY - regained access to said account. But it is all gone. Every single one of my old messages. Every single one of my poems. Every single memory that I was hoping to revisit - and some that I'd just assume have left behind. Well, now they are all left behind.
And apparently my ultra-simple password, was far more fool-proof than the forgotten one that I changed it to because my account was most certainly hacked since my last entry. By someone in China. While I have no messages to take me down memory lane, my name on the account was changed to nonsense and I had apparently moved to China. Yeah. Not so much.
*sigh*
Before I forget...
...or before the moment passes, because I can't fathom forgetting...
Mozart and I have this thing these days. I ask him, "How much do I love you?" and he says, "soooo much!"
He actually says, "Eye muh," but he means it.
Every once in awhile he will look up and say, "Eye muh," just out of the blue. And I will say, "I love you, too, sweet boy."
Yep, I do love that kid. Eye muh!
Mozart and I have this thing these days. I ask him, "How much do I love you?" and he says, "soooo much!"
He actually says, "Eye muh," but he means it.
Every once in awhile he will look up and say, "Eye muh," just out of the blue. And I will say, "I love you, too, sweet boy."
Yep, I do love that kid. Eye muh!
Most grateful...
...to Cake Master for her delivery of a space heater and a wonderful care package!! I was certainly not looking for handouts (sympathy and outrage, sure...) in that last post about our financial/heating woes , but that was the most thoughtful gesture! Thank-you!!
And boy are we using the whole mess of kindness today!! Mozart was sent home from daycare today with a fever, so I left work in a rush and scooped him up to come home to - wait for it - 45 degrees again. *sigh*
But, the heat is on again and while the rest of the house is still very cold, the living room, where we are watching a riveting video of Thomas the Tank Engine, is bearable. And by the time the Wife gets home, dinner is ready, and I head back to work to wrap things up before a big meeting tomorrow, we'll be at our balmy 57 once again...
And boy are we using the whole mess of kindness today!! Mozart was sent home from daycare today with a fever, so I left work in a rush and scooped him up to come home to - wait for it - 45 degrees again. *sigh*
But, the heat is on again and while the rest of the house is still very cold, the living room, where we are watching a riveting video of Thomas the Tank Engine, is bearable. And by the time the Wife gets home, dinner is ready, and I head back to work to wrap things up before a big meeting tomorrow, we'll be at our balmy 57 once again...
Let us remember.
On this MLK day, let us remember his words:
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
New words - sort of.
Mozart has many a new word these days, but with some the pronunciation is just, er, off.
For instance: Before "Dinder" tonight I told Mozart to go get in his seat, but the light was out in the dining room so he came back to report that it was "Gark". We had soup, "Bic" and stuffed "Eppers". He really likes "Bubber" on his "Bic" and any "Bwed" product. He wanted to eat the "Eppers" with his "Fart", but couldn't manage, so then he tried his "Poon" and finally just ate them with his hands. Also, throughout the day today, he had a fascination with his "Cock".
Mmmmm, yeah. So most of those could be self explanatory with the context. But, yeah, certainly not that last bit. He does say "Cock" for clock, which we had no problem looking past because we knew exactly what he was saying, but this is his own new word and it took MANY repetitions to figure out what he meant. You see he has this toy car that is elongated in the back and has tail fins. When he first got it, he called it a truck, very well pronounced. But I kept correcting him and tried to get him to call it a car (he can also say this quite well). But he just can't get that whole truck feeling out of his mouth when he refers to this car. And so it is his "Cock". Much to our horror.
Staying positive in the money sink.
I guess that title isn't very positive. I'd like to just stay positive with the bumps, but right now it feels like this house is just one big money sink. Every year we debate about which repairs we may or may not be able to make. Every year we go with the one(s) that are most pressing. This year that was, clearly, the roof. It should have been the roof, the water heater, and insulation, but hey, we got one of them done. Along with another bill that needs to be paid each month. And a new-to-me car, which we sorely needed, but also - another bill. Yesterday we got the oil bill. Before I tell you how much the bill was, I want you to know that we keep our house at 57 degrees. That is, 57 degrees when we are home and awake. 55 degrees when we are asleep. And 50 degrees when we go to work or will be away for more than a couple hours. We wear a lot of sweaters around here. We have the 3rd floor, the guest room, and the dressing room (can you say brrr?) closed off so that no heat needlessly escapes into unoccupied areas. We try to keep active when we are home so the chill doesn't set in. We keep blankets and extra sweaters on hand when we have guests. So with all of that, you'd think we'd be saving bucket-loads of money on our heating bill, right?
$907.81 That's right, for one month of heat - if you can call it that, cuz right now, and I sit here my nose is cold...
So you've heard about the recent cuts to the phone, etc, but with those oil prices and our paper-thin walls... I am looking into part-time work. Scoring tests, data analysis, other things that I can do from home or have a very flexible schedule/availability. One application out already. I'm hopeful.
What I want to know is how on earth are other people making it? We may have a money-sink for a house, but lots of people do. And we are both gainfully employed. Securely in the middle class, but in months like this (it's gonna be a long one, I can tell), it sure doesn't feel like it.
I'll try a make a more uplifting post tomorrow or later on.
$907.81 That's right, for one month of heat - if you can call it that, cuz right now, and I sit here my nose is cold...
So you've heard about the recent cuts to the phone, etc, but with those oil prices and our paper-thin walls... I am looking into part-time work. Scoring tests, data analysis, other things that I can do from home or have a very flexible schedule/availability. One application out already. I'm hopeful.
What I want to know is how on earth are other people making it? We may have a money-sink for a house, but lots of people do. And we are both gainfully employed. Securely in the middle class, but in months like this (it's gonna be a long one, I can tell), it sure doesn't feel like it.
I'll try a make a more uplifting post tomorrow or later on.
Day One
We are now on Measured Service for our phone. No more calls from the house line. No more caller ID. No more voicemail. No more unlisted number.
And so far the world has not collapsed!! AND, apparently, it didn't effect the internet! I watched a short clip on Hulu to test it out, but it worked just fine, so I'm seeing that as an awesome sign! The real test will be Saturday when we Skype with Nana and Grandad.
That's all for now folks. I'm exhausted after and early morning wake-up call by Mozart (really, before 5am is a bit much) followed by much shoveling of snow. Will now go partake in mindless Facebooking and Hulu-watching.
And so far the world has not collapsed!! AND, apparently, it didn't effect the internet! I watched a short clip on Hulu to test it out, but it worked just fine, so I'm seeing that as an awesome sign! The real test will be Saturday when we Skype with Nana and Grandad.
That's all for now folks. I'm exhausted after and early morning wake-up call by Mozart (really, before 5am is a bit much) followed by much shoveling of snow. Will now go partake in mindless Facebooking and Hulu-watching.
Chug. Chug. Chug. Chug.
He still loves trains. And if I was to forget, I am reminded with scenes like this evening.
We are fortunate to get most of Mozart's clothes as hand-me-downs from Lashes and Curls. Generally he does very well, but somehow we only ended up with a couple pairs of PJs, so I was quite pleased when one of the local ladies offered up her son's outgrown 2T PJs.
After picking up the loot, we went home to take inventory. Well, oh, well! The firetrucks were a hit, but when Thomas the Tank Engine came out Mozart exploded with glee, in a high-pitched, "Traiaiaiaiaian!" He then excitedly showed Mommy his new Train PJs, and then showed me his new Train PJs, and once we each had acknowledged his new-found treasure, he held them at eye-level and walked around the house saying, "Chug. Chug. Chug. Chug." Each chug had such emphasis, it is hard to describe. Kind of as if he was telling the PJs or the Train that they are truly loved. He did this for about 20 minutes, and was interspersed with the random imitation of a train whistle or, "All aboard!" I cannot believe that I didn't think to get this on video. It. Was. So. Cute!
We are fortunate to get most of Mozart's clothes as hand-me-downs from Lashes and Curls. Generally he does very well, but somehow we only ended up with a couple pairs of PJs, so I was quite pleased when one of the local ladies offered up her son's outgrown 2T PJs.
Snip, snip, says the budget.
So, I called and cancelled my monthly order for Young Living (effective immediately). And I went to the Y and cancelled our membership (effective February 1st). I also cancelled our package for the landline phone service, but kept a measured service - pay per call, no long distance, but can receive calls, no voicemail, caller ID, etc - and what may be a slower internet (effective on Wednesday). Add that to the recent cuts we made to our cell phone bill and we are now saving about $170/mo, which will certainly give us a little more breathing room! After a couple months at this, we'll see whether we need to pull the plug completely on the landline and internet. Really hoping we can make this work.
In other news, have I mentioned that Mozart's favorite body part is the elbow? Well, it is. He likes very much to kiss elbows, while saying "Tiss, bebbo". So flippin' cute. Tonight I went shopping in the cellar* and came back with the makings for mac'n'cheese with hot dogs and dilly beans. He was fascinated that the pasta was called elbow pasta (how could I not point that out?!). So tonight for dinner, in Mozart world, we had "Bebbos", "Dot Dogs", and "Bean Beans". All of which he enjoyed immensely, especially with the copious amounts of ketchup a.k.a. "Sitsup". Just love this kid.
In other news, have I mentioned that Mozart's favorite body part is the elbow? Well, it is. He likes very much to kiss elbows, while saying "Tiss, bebbo". So flippin' cute. Tonight I went shopping in the cellar* and came back with the makings for mac'n'cheese with hot dogs and dilly beans. He was fascinated that the pasta was called elbow pasta (how could I not point that out?!). So tonight for dinner, in Mozart world, we had "Bebbos", "Dot Dogs", and "Bean Beans". All of which he enjoyed immensely, especially with the copious amounts of ketchup a.k.a. "Sitsup". Just love this kid.
The big jump...
Tonight we went to the Verizon store to see about options for a hotspot rather than landline + DSL. We almost got upgrades (with two-year contract) and a Smart Phone for me (with a hotspot built in), but then realized the Wife is still under contract for her hotspot she uses at the market for another year and a half. So we didn't do it.
Now, tomorrow, I need to call Verizon and take the jump into the deep end. Just cut off the landline and internet. We will use her hotspot, with much curtailed internet usage, and hope for the best (I have no idea if Skype will work, and if it doesn't, it would be a huge loss for Mozart and the Grandparents). I will set the landline to be cut off for, probably, the 21st. That should give us enough time to get our photos on Shutterfly, get a good long queue in Netflix, clean up our email accounts, and switch our contact number on all the utilities. And maybe watch an episode of Bones or Castle or the like...
I am not looking forward to this jump. I feel much like I am being pushed. But we have to in order to cut back on expenses. I guess that's the economy these days. I was talking with other friends, in similar financial situations, and while we are all gainfully employed, the money just doesn't go as far as it used to. What used to be a comfortable middle class is still middle class, and still comfortable for the most part, but also very thoughtful about where each penny goes. I am very grateful to be in the middle class, and not truly struggling, but there are sacrifices to be made.
P.S. the pie crust was a big fail, so no recipe to be posted.
P.P.S. my mom ( Nana) does make an excellent crust that is mixed and pressed right into the pan. I'm looking for one that can be rolled out... I think I'll stick to Mom's for now.
Now, tomorrow, I need to call Verizon and take the jump into the deep end. Just cut off the landline and internet. We will use her hotspot, with much curtailed internet usage, and hope for the best (I have no idea if Skype will work, and if it doesn't, it would be a huge loss for Mozart and the Grandparents). I will set the landline to be cut off for, probably, the 21st. That should give us enough time to get our photos on Shutterfly, get a good long queue in Netflix, clean up our email accounts, and switch our contact number on all the utilities. And maybe watch an episode of Bones or Castle or the like...
I am not looking forward to this jump. I feel much like I am being pushed. But we have to in order to cut back on expenses. I guess that's the economy these days. I was talking with other friends, in similar financial situations, and while we are all gainfully employed, the money just doesn't go as far as it used to. What used to be a comfortable middle class is still middle class, and still comfortable for the most part, but also very thoughtful about where each penny goes. I am very grateful to be in the middle class, and not truly struggling, but there are sacrifices to be made.
P.S. the pie crust was a big fail, so no recipe to be posted.
P.P.S. my mom ( Nana) does make an excellent crust that is mixed and pressed right into the pan. I'm looking for one that can be rolled out... I think I'll stick to Mom's for now.
Perfect batch!
The fourth batch of yogurt came out the best yet! It is still thinner than your average grocery store yogurt, but it is perfect for us, and the taste came out just perfectly. Mozart has given it the proverbial thumbs up.
Cake Master and Lashes are coming over for dinner this evening and bringing a box of Lashes old clothes, and if we're lucky, some extra train tracks. If the kitchen is clean in time (ahem - I say nothing) then I will make blueberry pie to go with dinner. I generally buy my pie crust, but being in the lack of extra funds mode, I think it's time try making my own. I've always shied away from it because so many say that it is tricky... Well, I'm up for it. Biscuits were supposed to be tricky as well, and they turned out fantastic! If the easy looking recipe I found really is, then I'll post it. In the mean time, I suppose I should clean up the rest of the house for the 3rd time this morning - it is amazing how quickly a small child can take out every toy he owns!
Cake Master and Lashes are coming over for dinner this evening and bringing a box of Lashes old clothes, and if we're lucky, some extra train tracks. If the kitchen is clean in time (ahem - I say nothing) then I will make blueberry pie to go with dinner. I generally buy my pie crust, but being in the lack of extra funds mode, I think it's time try making my own. I've always shied away from it because so many say that it is tricky... Well, I'm up for it. Biscuits were supposed to be tricky as well, and they turned out fantastic! If the easy looking recipe I found really is, then I'll post it. In the mean time, I suppose I should clean up the rest of the house for the 3rd time this morning - it is amazing how quickly a small child can take out every toy he owns!
Love / hate relationship
I have this new tablet pc. It was a gift. I just love it. But I am veeeerrry frustrated at learning all of its ins and outs. My brain feels there is not enough space in my skull at present. The manual is a very poor translation from Chinese - or something... It is clearly well made, but it is an off-brand - or something, because Dr. Google barely recognizes it and Amazon just doesn't. I am figuring it out. Slowly. Surely. Without the help of the aforementioned manual...
Favorite things
Mozart has a couple of favorites. He continues to like "mouse" a.k.a. Stuart Little and "Memo" a.k.a. Elmo and/or Nemo, but really these days its trains. He wakes up talking about them, talks about them through breakfast, at daycare, when we get home, and whenever he hears any sound that could remotely sound like a train - um, that, by the way, is any sound at all that is new to the environs - this makes sense when it is a whistle of some sort or a car horn, but I question him when it's running water, birds outside, the cat bounding down the stairs...
The other day I pulled out the step stool and had him "help" me cook dinner. Since then he REALLY wants to cook. All the time. Now what he means is that he wants to play with the water, brushes, and sponges in the sink, but to this it is cooking. And I will support him in this endeavor for as long as it lasts - even if it means I am forever changing him out of soaks shirts and mopping the floor.
The other day I pulled out the step stool and had him "help" me cook dinner. Since then he REALLY wants to cook. All the time. Now what he means is that he wants to play with the water, brushes, and sponges in the sink, but to this it is cooking. And I will support him in this endeavor for as long as it lasts - even if it means I am forever changing him out of soaks shirts and mopping the floor.
Priceless repetitions.
I don't know what possessed the Wife to yell out, "Boobs!" from the other room while Mozart and I were waiting for her to take over on his bath.
But she did, odd as it was, and the completely priceless response from the dear young man in the tub was to squeal with absolute joy and declare, "Yeeeya! She said BOOBS!"
We busted up. Couldn't help it.
That is all.
But she did, odd as it was, and the completely priceless response from the dear young man in the tub was to squeal with absolute joy and declare, "Yeeeya! She said BOOBS!"
We busted up. Couldn't help it.
That is all.
3rd time's (almost) a charm.
Indeed, this yogurt batch was much, much better. This one didn't have quite as much tang as I'm looking for, but it was definitely drinkable. I keep seeing that you have to keep the milk at 185-195 for about a half to gain the natural thickness, but I haven't yet had the patience for that. And frankly, I quite like the convenience of drinking it. For both my and Mozart's sake - and how cute is a kid with a "go-gurk" mustache?! Still want to try for the thinker kind, but I'm pleased with the last outcome.
I am wiped out from today. I think I may have had about the most productive Monday I've ever had at work. Constant go, go, go in a million different directions and, although I really did get a lot accomplished, I didn't truly finish anything. Sometimes I feel all full of futility in cases like this, but today I felt - mostly - satisfied with the progress that I did make!
I am wiped out from today. I think I may have had about the most productive Monday I've ever had at work. Constant go, go, go in a million different directions and, although I really did get a lot accomplished, I didn't truly finish anything. Sometimes I feel all full of futility in cases like this, but today I felt - mostly - satisfied with the progress that I did make!
Beginners Luck?
Alright, so the yogurt is on the 3rd try. I am hopeful. I have put it in a water bath of exactly 100 degrees, wrapped it for extra insulation from our cool house, and set the timer. Will report results tomorrow. I'm not so picky about how thick it is as I like both kefir and yogurt, but it must be consumable to the Boy.
As we sometimes do, Mme. Child shared our dinner this evening. This time at our house (this happens much less often then us going over there). She called while I was out getting milk for the aforementioned yogurt project this afternoon and since I already had a chicken thawing, and an idea of sides, she and Goose got an invitation. On the menu was roast chicken with potatoes and shallots and butternut soup. Mme. Child provided broccoli rabe. As I was about to sit and await their arrival I decided biscuits were in order. I have made biscuits about three times in my life, so Dr. Google was my assistant in finding a recipe. I liked the sound of Easy Biscuits with 4 1/2 stars.
The recipe is as follows:
As we sometimes do, Mme. Child shared our dinner this evening. This time at our house (this happens much less often then us going over there). She called while I was out getting milk for the aforementioned yogurt project this afternoon and since I already had a chicken thawing, and an idea of sides, she and Goose got an invitation. On the menu was roast chicken with potatoes and shallots and butternut soup. Mme. Child provided broccoli rabe. As I was about to sit and await their arrival I decided biscuits were in order. I have made biscuits about three times in my life, so Dr. Google was my assistant in finding a recipe. I liked the sound of Easy Biscuits with 4 1/2 stars.
The recipe is as follows:
Ingredients (Makes about 12 biscuits):
So hey, apparently, I can make biscuits! Or maybe it's just beginner's luck, but I'll take it!
- 2 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup oil
- 2/3 cup milk
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Put oil in measuring cup and add milk. Do not stir.
- Add to dry ingredients.
- Mix lightly to moisten ingredients and knead one or two times to form ball.
- Roll out between two sheets of plastic wrap to about 1/2" thick.
- Cut into 2" biscuits.
- Bake on an ungreased pan at 475F for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned.
So hey, apparently, I can make biscuits! Or maybe it's just beginner's luck, but I'll take it!
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| The impromptu spread. |
Yogurt Making Fail
Ok, so the first batch was fantastic, but the second batch... mmmm, not so much. I made one quart instead of two, and put the heating pad around it right away, but then forgot about it and maybe the heating pad was too much heat, or maybe I left it too long, but it was a runny and grainy tart mess in the end. Mozart, a kid who has loved every previous yogurt I've ever given him, wouldn't even drink it. He took a sip (because there was no way it could be considered food - definitely drink) and kind of looked at me as if I was trying to trick him. I tried it and, indeed, it was very tart. And the texture was just off. I've been trying to figure out if I can use the same batch for a starter for the next round (I think I'll skip it and start from scratch again), and found a Food in Jars (a site I will surely return to) post that I may use to guide my next try. I'm a bit miffed about wasting a quart of milk, but hopeful that my next batch will be better.
It snowed last night. It is nearly 10am. I need to shovel, and have stalled long enough...
It snowed last night. It is nearly 10am. I need to shovel, and have stalled long enough...
Where's the app for that?
On Wednesday Mozart and I came home to a house maintaining a frigid 45 degrees. I was not happy. I knew what had happened - well, sort of - the water went down on the boiler and it went off while we were at work. It's easily fixed in the short run. Just go down and add more water. But you can never tell when it will happen next.
This has happened on and off since we bought the house. We've had the professionals come and look at it and, previously, were that we just need to keep an eye on it, add water every couple of weeks (more in the winter) and everything is normal. Well, guess what folks? It's no longer normal. Something is very, very wrong. My educated guess says it's actually the water heater - seeing as there are rivulets of water coming out of it. But that doesn't explain how the water in the boiler goes down. And as long as it keeps turning back on, we really just need to watch it and hope for the best. After the new roof and new-to-me car, there is no room in the budget for any additional bills. Grrr. Or should I say, Brrrr.
Because it happened again last night when we were sleeping. We typically keep it quite chill in the house and I where plenty of layers and warm things, so I didn't wake up (maybe I should rethink this?) until the usual time, but when I put my glasses on they fogged up. THAT's not a good sign. I found my slippers, checked the thermostat (it was 41 - yeah, brrrrrrr!) and got the boiler to work again. Got Mozart up and dressed, put extra layers on him as we left his heated room, and got him out the door with a hastily-put-together Wife (no heat means no shower unless you want to do it African Bath style, but that take bravery and/or planning).
I have switched last night's laundry to the dryer, put a new load in - and I know the boiler is doing it's job because the "cool" water was feeling downright warm on my frigid fingers - and now I sit with a heating pad for the time being. The heat is up to a balmy 45, so in my humble opinion, it is still too cold to shower even if there is hot water. I'll give it another 10 minutes before I get up and start doing some housework - that'll at least keep me warm while the house warms up.
I may have mentioned that I have a not-quite-as-bright phone, but still, I think there ought to be an app to tell me the moment the water goes down on the boiler. Because this is just no fun.
This has happened on and off since we bought the house. We've had the professionals come and look at it and, previously, were that we just need to keep an eye on it, add water every couple of weeks (more in the winter) and everything is normal. Well, guess what folks? It's no longer normal. Something is very, very wrong. My educated guess says it's actually the water heater - seeing as there are rivulets of water coming out of it. But that doesn't explain how the water in the boiler goes down. And as long as it keeps turning back on, we really just need to watch it and hope for the best. After the new roof and new-to-me car, there is no room in the budget for any additional bills. Grrr. Or should I say, Brrrr.
Because it happened again last night when we were sleeping. We typically keep it quite chill in the house and I where plenty of layers and warm things, so I didn't wake up (maybe I should rethink this?) until the usual time, but when I put my glasses on they fogged up. THAT's not a good sign. I found my slippers, checked the thermostat (it was 41 - yeah, brrrrrrr!) and got the boiler to work again. Got Mozart up and dressed, put extra layers on him as we left his heated room, and got him out the door with a hastily-put-together Wife (no heat means no shower unless you want to do it African Bath style, but that take bravery and/or planning).
I have switched last night's laundry to the dryer, put a new load in - and I know the boiler is doing it's job because the "cool" water was feeling downright warm on my frigid fingers - and now I sit with a heating pad for the time being. The heat is up to a balmy 45, so in my humble opinion, it is still too cold to shower even if there is hot water. I'll give it another 10 minutes before I get up and start doing some housework - that'll at least keep me warm while the house warms up.
I may have mentioned that I have a not-quite-as-bright phone, but still, I think there ought to be an app to tell me the moment the water goes down on the boiler. Because this is just no fun.
In celebration...
...of National Sleep Day. I'm going to bed! Yippeeee!
See here the new good things about sleep.
Zzzzzzz zzzzzz zzzzz zzzz zzz zz z......
See here the new good things about sleep.
Zzzzzzz zzzzzz zzzzz zzzz zzz zz z......
Happy New Year!!
It's been a crazy couple of weeks, indeed! The Parents have come and gone, along with Globetrotter. We have our house back and Mozart is re-acclimating to the quiet - no small feat for one so small - and feels he must make up for it by way of constant talk (cute), whining and screeching (not cute).
I rang in the New Year in my dreams - try as I might I did not make it to midnight. This morning was invited, along with a couple others, to Mme. Child's for breakfast while the Wife slept in. I brought homemade yogurt that I declared done when I woke up this morning.
Who knew yogurt is so easy to make?!?
Honestly:
Heat the milk to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix in 1 Tbsp live yogurt (or packet of culture) per quart of milk.
Maintain temperature of between 95-110 degrees for 4-8 hrs (heating pad, hot water bottle, next to wood stove...
That's it.
Literally.
Seems too easy, right? I got a yogurt maker for Christmas, so I tried it, but really, all you need is milk, a pot, thermometer, and heating pad or the like... I will make many more batches. This one was a bit thin as I let the temp drop too much. I tried to bring it up with the aforementioned heating pad, but still thin - more like Kefir. But Mozart LOVED IT. Seriously - 6 servings (progressively smaller each serving, of course) and wanting more!
I rang in the New Year in my dreams - try as I might I did not make it to midnight. This morning was invited, along with a couple others, to Mme. Child's for breakfast while the Wife slept in. I brought homemade yogurt that I declared done when I woke up this morning.
Who knew yogurt is so easy to make?!?
Honestly:
Heat the milk to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mix in 1 Tbsp live yogurt (or packet of culture) per quart of milk.
Maintain temperature of between 95-110 degrees for 4-8 hrs (heating pad, hot water bottle, next to wood stove...
That's it.
Literally.
Seems too easy, right? I got a yogurt maker for Christmas, so I tried it, but really, all you need is milk, a pot, thermometer, and heating pad or the like... I will make many more batches. This one was a bit thin as I let the temp drop too much. I tried to bring it up with the aforementioned heating pad, but still thin - more like Kefir. But Mozart LOVED IT. Seriously - 6 servings (progressively smaller each serving, of course) and wanting more!
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