Another Trip to Bob's Red Mill

Today I planned a trip into the city, or close to it, to get a bunch of errands done.  We were out of Oat Groats which we can only get at Bob's Red Mill.  That being the furthest destination, I headed there first.  I love going there and I really wasn't in a hurry so I did a little Christmas shopping in their kitchen gadget section.  I bought some spatula's and pot scrapers to use as stocking stuffers (for adult kids). They are bright and colorful and useful.  I bought four sets and tossed them into my cart on top of the 25 lb bag of Oat Groats.

When I loaded everything into my car I noticed that one of the little pot scrapers had fallen underneath the bag of oats. Sure enough, when I pulled out my receipt there was one missing.  I grabbed my purse, hit the door lock button, slammed the door and turned to go back inside the store. Instinctively I reached into my coat pocket for my car keys and - you guessed it - my pocket was empty. A quick look through the window confirmed my worst fears.  My keys were laying on the passenger seat and the doors were all securely locked.  What to do?  In all my years of driving I cannot recall ever locking my keys in the car.  Fortunately we bought a roadside assistance policy for our 5th wheel and it covers the cars as well.  Also, luckily, I had my cell phone and it was actually fully charged! 

I called the 800 number, got everything settled and went back into the store to pay for my 99 cent pot scraper.  It was a cold day but dry, thank the good Lord, so I decided to have some hot coffee while I waited for the Pop-A-Lock tech to arrive.  I paid for my scraper and told the gal at the register about my keys and she gave me the coffee for free :) 

I went outside where there were some tables and chairs, thinking I would sip my coffee and write all of this down. (I keep a small spiral notebook in my purse).  Of course, the pen I keep in my purse was nowhere to be found.  As I contemplated the ice cold chair I was sitting on imagine my surprise and delight when Mr. Bob himself walked up the entryway.  You would know him anywhere.  He looks exactly like his picture on all of his products.  I watched as he escorted a woman to the door and then he turned to me and smiled.  He said I must be freezing sitting where I was, and he pointed to the other side of the entry where the Espresso cart was, and said there was a heater over there and it would be much warmer.  What a friendly guy.  And if I hadn't locked my keys in the car I would have missed that.  Made my day.

Blessings,

Red

Back To Work

Today was was first day back at work after a weeks's furlough.  I am truly grateful to have my job, but it's dang hard to go back after lollygagging around for 9 days.  Yes I was canning, cooking, cleaning, baking, and all that stuff, but that's where my heart is. I guess it's good to know that my heart is in the right place. Right?

Have a blessed week everyone.

Red

Gotta Love Those Bikers

My brother rides a Harley.

These signs are on a restaurant near by.

They were put there for a biker charity and were never removed.

I love them.  I think they are quite charming!

A Bunch of Stuff

Things have been super busy around here.  It seems like everything in the garden ripened at the same time and needed to be canned.  I have been wanting to learn how to string onions since last year and this year I planted onions with that in mind.  This is my first attempt at stringing.  Not too bad! Once I got the hang of it  (no pun intended) it was really fun.  Next year I'd like to try braiding garlic.

These are some of the ones that were too small for stringing.

Still quite tasty though!

As you may remember, this is my first official year of canning.

I was very intimidated by the tomatoes.  But in the end I did it!

Ta Da! Canned tomatoes.

Harriet the Hen helping herself to a drink of water from the dogs bowl.

A head of cauliflower is enough to bring  them all together.

Yikes!  Wipe your feet!

 

I have really loved using my new/old stove.  It's awesome.

I have decided if we move it is going with me.

Last year I wanted to can Apple Pie filling but was too worried about the Clear Jel vs. Corn Starch dilema.  I finally found Clear Jel for sale at a Cash & Carry store not too far away.  When I got there I found out they only carry it in 25 pound bags for $47.00.  I passed.  Actually I almost passed out!  If the USDA says that Clear Jel is the only safe way to can pie filling  then it should be for sale at Wal Mart and everywhere else that sells canning supplies.  I am opposed to being forced to order the stuff online in a baggie.  So, I did what any red blooded woman would do - I used the corn starch and canned my pie filling.  Guess what?  It turned out awesome.  AND, we tested one jar and it cooked up wonderful.  So what is all the fuss about?

Pears and applesauce. Yum.

Green beans. More important than air.

Just a nice shot of the back yard looking toward the garden, orchard, and hen house.

That crazy Border Collie face.

Last weekend Tim went deer hunting with the neighbors. In two different locations they were bombarded with these giant HEAVY pinecones.  The squirrels were actually dropping  them on the hunters.  Two of the guys were so freaked out they got back to the truck in a hurry!  LOL.  Evidently they make a huge bang when they hit the ground.

And finally, the painted bathroom.  Yes the sinks are 1950's Aqua.  So is the tub which is around the corner on the right. The toilet is white, so it has been replaced.  Someday they will all match.  Maybe even in my lifetime. :)  Let's hope. . .