December Homesteading Notes

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It is almost winter and sure cold already. 21°F yesterday morning and that's the coldest yet. We are promised a nice Saturday before another cold blast hits on Sunday and even colder on Tuesday. We'll enjoy being outside while we can. The forecast changes to quickly, it's hard to plan when I can get outside and do some work. I have plenty to do inside so I can always be very busy. 

I put together a page of the pictures taken of Randy putting together Max's new house. It was the tree house but it found a new use. I keep trying to get a picture of Max inside his house but if I go to look at him, he comes outside to see what I want or have for him. He has a good blanket and a light. That's much better than last winter.

I just thought I'd be back here in time to make another entry into the November Section. Here we're trying to figure out what to give for Christmas and when to do it. 

Last week was very cold and then we got warm again. Today was humid but about an hour ago a huge storm kept building and has just hit. The thunder is dying back and the rain is letting up so I might not have to turn off the computer.

Randy had taken a bunch of photos of the pretty fall colors along the road where he and Max go for their walks. Such pretty times. With the very strong winds this morning, the leaves were blowing into the sky in huge flurries. Wanda in Washington State was having snow flurries. 

One of my homemade mousetraps caught another mouse in the lighthouse. By the smell, it was caught perhaps yesterday. Yuck! But I set another one figuring there are plenty more. I have tomato plants in a giant sized pot and the rodent had dug out most all the dirt. We are sending off our tomato and cucumber seed order and as soon as it comes in, I will plant some of the cukes. They are an all female variety and won't need cross pollination. I am trying to get some of the geranium cuttings growing and the aloe vera are doing fine. 

My dad has decided he wants a new computer. Randy had offered to set up one for free but his only space is in the Center lobby. Not a good idea. The one that was provided is no longer any good. When he was using it, he decided he didn't like it and wanted to write and mail letters. So I got him paper and envelopes and stamps and labels with the addresses for everyone. Then he decided he didn't like all that writing by hand and wants the email back. There is no space at all in his room. He thinks he can set it on his dresser but his tv wouldn't even fit, how can a three piece computer, monitor and keyboard fit? Much less be where he could sit down and use it. Dad saw an ad for a $350 Dell and thought that meant a laptop. Oh yeah, sure dad. They go for over $1,000 and then he'd still have to have a phone link and email account. His last phone bill went unpaid and is the only company in town. The pause in his conversation was waiting to see if we'd buy him a laptop. No, dad. No we cannot. He had read an article about how easily they were stolen so at least he knows how dangerous it would be for him to try and keep one. 

The worst of the storms dissipated but the rain was fierce while it lasted. The winds are still strong and gusty but they seem over for now. Randy had been working out in the new garden this weekend and has the new section ready to finish clearing. Then I can put up the rest of the fence and open the section into the chicken yard. The chickens can get started on scratching and cleaning the area. 

The sun is shining and the sky is nearly clear. What a difference a few minutes makes. 

I am taking the day nice and slow. An easy day with lots of laundry and little chores. May even get out the vacuum cleaner and put some of the sand back outside where it started. I put up a few of the Christmas decorations yesterday. It is bright and sparkly even if the lights don't flash. The big window is covered with garlands, lights and ornaments. I haven't got out the most beautiful Christmas cards yet but they are always fun.

But that's for things to do around getting the Newsletter finished and ready to upload onto the Internet. It has been a fairly slow week. There was one lady who wanted to start writing but has yet to send anything. I'd love to have the money to buy all of Becky's beads. I think I could put in the time for turning them into sell about items and giving many as presents. But just like she is, my hands are not as young as they once were and I don't think I could keep at it so well. Much less justify the big expense. Maybe someone who is already doing such crafts. I sent a note to Rose B. but have not heard  back. She's way too busy for such chit chat. Anyone already buying for use in a business is already buying at much less than the suggested retail prices. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Wanda already has finished her Christmas cards so that is a sign I should hurry and get mine done and ready to mail. I have so little space on my desk, I will make it a priority before I start the next newsletter and need my notebooks all at hand.

Tonight we order up China Garden carry out. It is my birthday! Happy Me! And don't be going to the Birthday List and seeing when I was born just so you'll know how old I am now. Oh goodness, no.