When I am upset, need a distraction, or need to keep my mind occupied, I usually resort to kitchen activities. Cooking and feeding people are my comfort zone. I mentioned that I went shopping over the weekend. What I didn’t mention is that I hit a mega sale at Checkers. They had blueberries, mushrooms and other produce for 88 cents. They had 10 pound bags of potatoes for $1.98.
I have been spending some time on the homesteading pages in the last few days. Why? I have no idea. Gotta keep my brain busy. Last week, my aunt Diane was telling me she dehydrates potatoes and then uses them just like you would if you bought the boxes of Uncle Ben’s au gratin potatoes. That is something that my old boy Jim loves. Inspired by Aunt Diane, cheap prices, and some ex-Amish homesteading women I have never met, I filled a cart with 30 pounds of potatoes, 8 pounds of blueberries and 8 pounds of mushrooms. Feeling determined, I came home and broke out the dehydrator.
Why does anyone need 30 pounds of dried potatoes, or blueberries or dried mushrooms? I’m not exactly sure. But they are shelf stable for 2 years so I guess I have lots of time to figure that out.
I have made good use of my mandolin, only severing one finger so far.
Ok….severing might be exaggerating, but I cut myself bad enough to warrant buying a box of fingertip band aids and am now using the safety tool that the mandolin comes with. Also, I saved this little container that I KNEW would come in handy someday, and it was perfect for dried mushrooms. The ex-Amish lady also had a video on now to make your own cream of mushroom soup. That is a staple around here….I am planning to try it out with my dehydrated mushrooms!
I am so into the project, that I actually purchased a second dehydrator. Because 30 pounds of potatoes is a lot of potatoes. Jim didn’t say a word about my purchase, but I noticed he was talking a lot about beef jerky!
Sparky is getting pretty big. I started her on eating from a dish rather than a syringe this week. We also introduced soft cat food. I am guessing she can go back to her owner in a week if so. I will miss her - she is a sweet one, but I am happy she has a good home to go to!
I mentioned here before that I bought a tree to plant in our yard, to honor my brother. I had not had time to plant it until yesterday. I came home to take care of that, only to find that one of the dogs had chewed on it! I am blaming Maude. The tree is a dwarf mulberry. I have fond memories of running through pastures with my siblings, eating mulberries, gathering walnuts, playing in the creeks and chasing snakes, of skipping rocks and just being free....being kids. And that is how I am choosing to remember Eric. Before life got hard, before we had to make adult decisions and pay bills and fight for time to do fun things. Happier times. And my granddaughters love mulberries, so I am hoping that this tree grows, reminds us of happier times and gives us something to enjoy for years to come. (And because it is a dwarf, it won't get so tall that we have to climb a large ladder to get the fruit- a good short person tree).
I don't think the dog actually hurt the tree, and mulberries are generally fairly hardy, so I hope with a little TLC it will end up being ok. Crazy dog!
I hope it lives. I hope it will be a good memorial to my 'little' brother.
Never in a million years did I think we would be at this place. I never prepared myself for saying goodbye to my siblings - I hope I will never have to again. I was raised by people who taught us that death is a part of life. It was never a taboo topic; we were never hidden from the sorrow of it. We probably saw more of it, living on the farm, and surrounded by elderly neighbors, than we ever should have, more than what is "normal." We were allowed to grieve, and we were taught that when it is your time, you must go. My grandparents were extremely open, not afraid of death, and forthcoming with their expectations for how they wanted to be buried (DO NOT PUT GRANDMA IN A COFFIN!). And when they passed, I was met with profound sadness at the loss, but I was somewhat prepared. You sort of expect that you will bury your grandparents. I did not expect to be going to a funeral for my brother, or if I had the thought, I would have placed it in some distant future world. Not now, not when he was only 50 years old. Not when he still has a young son living at home. Not now - when he still had so much left to do. Not now. The message is the same as always though - prepare. Live your life the right way. Tell your people you love them. Take the pictures. Give the hugs. Make amends. Adopt the dog.
Madison is babysitting. They walk over to put the older boy on a bus for preschool in the late morning. I love this photo - Wrenley holding hands - being one of the "big kids!"
I had to snap a photo of all the dogs lined up to get snacks. Mallory was at the house with Daisy and Olive - every single one of them was lined up getting the snacks that Madison left here. Wrenley too! When Mallory is at the house, we have 7 dogs. It is a full on dog pack! Nothing brings more joy into a house than grandkids and dogs!
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