Sourdough Vacation Club

 I'm thinking of starting a little sourdough vacation club. For those people who have sourdough starters and want to take a vacation they can drop off their starter and we can take care of it while they are away.

This probably would have been a great business after quarantine. People going back to work and, who is going to watch the sourdough starter?

Luckily my starter is pretty simple and very easy to care for, so I am able to get away without a babysitter. Just keep it in the refrigerator.

Have you tried making sourdough bread?

Do you make your own starter?

Do you treat your starter like a newborn baby?

Who takes care of your starter when you go on vacation?

What time is it?

 Took the child to the doctor the other day. I sat in the uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room. At one point I looked up and was unable to find a clock. Luckily I had my phone with me so I could see the time.  What's up with not putting a clock in the waiting room? Is it so a patient has no idea how long we have been sitting there waiting for the doctor? Are the doctors afraid we might charge for our time waiting for them? How would that work?

"I sat in your waiting room for my 2:00pm appointment. They didn't call me back until 2:25pm. I then had to wait another 20 minutes in the exam room before the doctor showed up. I will be deducting $37.50 from my bill."

I think even as patients we should be able to deduct our time spent waiting for the doctor from our bill. If you set an appointment time and you make the effort to show up on time, the doctor should, too. If there is a problem, you should be notified. Everyone's time is important. 

Sourdough Starter

 I'm a little late to the Sourdough bread making game. A lot of people were making bread during quarantine. Instead, I was outside doing yard work.

In December, on a cold, snowy day, I decided I would attempt breadmaking. I found a sourdough recipe in an old Farm Journal (I've had it since we got married, not sure how it came into my possession). They gave a recipe for a sourdough starter. Apparently, it's equivalent to what the pioneers used when traveling across the country in covered wagons. The recipe makes 5 1/2 cups (enough for an army) which is probably a good thing because who knows how many people you will be feeding at each stop? It's also a bad thing when there are only two of you to enjoy the bread(s). I put an "s" on the end of that because the recipes make two or three loaves of bread. Much more bread than what two people can eat. We might have to buy a wagon and some horses and travel across the country in order to use up all of that bread.

If you are looking for an easy sourdough starter, one where you just feed the starter, no discards, then this recipe is for you.

Here's the recipe:

Sourdough Starter

Farm Journal Homemade Breads 1985

2 pkg active dry yeast

2 TBSP sugar

4 cups warm water (105-115 degrees)

4 cups unsifted flour

directions:

In large glass bowl, sprinkle yeast and sugar over 1/2 cup warm water; stir until dissolved.* Do not use metal utensils, since prolonged contact with metal will drastically reduce the purity and change the taste of the starter.

Add remaining 3 1/2 cups warm water alternately with flour, stirring well after each addition. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let stand in warm place (85degrees F) for 6 to 24 hours.

The starter is ready to use in any of the sourdough recipes. It will look bubbly and a clear liquid will rise to the top. Stir the starter before measuring.

After removing the required amount of starter, pour remaining starter into glass jar. Cover loosely and refrigerate. Do not cover tightly. As the starter stands it ferments. The fermentation produces a harmless gas and if covered tightly the container might burst. The starter can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator.

Replenish starter at least once a week by stirring in 1/2 cup warm water and 1/2 cup unsifted flour.** {Make sure starter sits on counter 45 minutes prior to this step). Cover with towel and let stand at room temperature overnight. The next morning, stir down starter. Cover loosely and refrigerate. Makes 5 1/3 cups.

Tips I have learned along the way:

*I always proof my yeast in a glass measuring cup.

** Make sure to let starter sit on counter for 45 minutes before you replenish (or feed it). 

Let me know if you have any sourdough breadmaking tips in the comments below.

Click it or ticket!

 I remember a time when seat belts were optional when driving or riding in a car. When I started driving, I always used a seat belt. I think our drivers ed instructor made us wear it while driving and riding.  If you were in the car with some of those beginner drivers, you were happy to wear that seat belt. I clearly remember when this one girl in our group had to drive. I think it was her first time driving...ever. She pulled out of school onto a major street.  All the cars are driving the speed limit, 40mph while our driver was going 10 mph. I sat in the back seat with another girl, and we could see cars flying by us and coming up fast behind our car. We had our seat belts on and all we could do was pray silently.

A few years later, Illinois police officers started pulling people over for not wearing a seat belt.  This was the start of the "Safe Driver" program. I remember being in the kitchen and having my dad tell me that I should make sure I'm always wearing a seat belt when driving. Before I was able to answer, my dad proceeds to tell me a story.

My Uncle George was driving his car and was pulled over for not wearing his seat belt. He was given a ticket for 80 dollars. My dad said if I get pulled over for not wearing a seat belt, then I would have to pay the ticket.

At the time, $80 was a lot of money, especially when you are making $3.35/hour at a part time job. I decided to wear the seat belt and save myself $80.

A little side note. My dad was never a big fan of the seat belt. I'm not 100% sure he used it all of the time when driving, but, hey, that was his $80 gamble.

Fall is here!

 "Fall is here!  Fall is here!

It's my favorite time of year

Football games and falling leaves
I'll take mine with turkey please"

It's that time of year set aside to think about falling leaves and all things pumpkin!  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, pumpkin spiced latte, pumpkin potpourri, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies and just plain pumpkins.

Are you a pumpkin person?  A football person?  How about a Halloween person?

It's time to get your craft on and get into that Fall spirit!  Below are links to some of the Fall Halloween crafts and Costumes that I've blogged about in the past.  Some of these are great ideas to do with little kids and some are great to do with your Girl Scout Troop!


Halloween Crafts

Bat Pencil Cup  uses an empty can and construction paper

Extra Crafts - using construction paper, make owls, witch, ghosts and foam monsters

Mosaic Pumpkin - using paint chips

Mosaic Pumpkin - using construction paper

Owl - using construction paper

Pony Tail Craft - using ribbon (great for a Girl Scout Troop!)

Pumpkin and Ghost - using Popsicle sticks and paint

Pumpkin Magnet - using foam

Spider - using pipe cleaners and google eyes

SPIDER  using construction paper

Spider (under $1 craft)  using an egg carton, black paint and google eyes

Witche's Hat  uses foam and glitter glue

Pumpkin Soap


Have a party to go to and need a quick, easy Halloween costume?  Look no further! 

Costumes
Easy Halloween Costumes
Eye Candy Costume
Target Employee

It's also time to grab that apron and whip up some fall goodies!  Everybody loves pumpkin!  (well, at least I do!)

How about some Fall food ideas:

Vegetarian Chili
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Pie (from a Pumpkin)

Halloween Candy Dessert 

The Great Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins 

Hope this inspires you to get into the fall spirit!  I think I'll go make some pumpkin cookies.

Enjoy!

My Weird Dog - Farewell

 One look at your picture online and I fell in love. You were so happy to see us when we met you. There was no way we would leave there without you (you made sure of that). I was the lucky one who held you on our ride home.

You had some "issues." Double Dew claw and fleas.  Luckily those were easily handled.

It was brought up that you might be part pit bull terrier.  I didn't know much about the breed and decided to look it up.  The first and only sentence I read, "Pitbulls are fiercely loyal." I looked at you and said, "Yep, that's you."

You were quite the entertainer for our family. Squeezing through our fence, only to find yourself on the outside, standing by the gate waiting to be let back into the yard. I learned that when I pointed, you ran around to the front door and I let you back into the house (the first of your many attempts to escape).

My all-time favorite was chewing the lower board of the fence (about 5-6" high) and squeezing through. I don't think RT was a fan (he had to fix the fence). I would have loved to watch how you made it through. You were pretty smart when it came to escaping, thus the nickname, "Houdini." You knew how to get out but, you always wanted back in. I think you knew how good you had it here.

We lovingly refer to you as our weird dog. Well, lovingly from me.  RT just thinks you're weird and that it's normal behavior for you.

Things that contribute to your weirdness: 

Fear of: 

Loud lawnmowers

Thunderstorms

Fireworks

Purple Squeaky bone

The tea kettle

The nail clippers

A new dog bed

Water bowls left out for dogs (poison water)

A few more:

Need company when you are eating.

Eats birdseed

Opening doors (especially in the middle of the night)

So many fun memories with you. Like the time you got skunked (OK, that wasn't fun at the time). You getting high for our long car rides (fun for both of us), getting excited to play in the snow with me and singing along with us on your birthday.

There was the time you went on vacation at Nick's and we found out that you love camping. There was the time RT brought you up to Michigan and you ran away from him. He drove all around in a panic trying to find you. He didn't want to be the one to tell me that he lost you. Luckily he found you (a block away).

So many stories.

So much weirdness.

So much love.

Thank you for being a part of my life. You will truly be missed.

Until we meet again on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.  Goodbye, my faithful friend.

*If you want to read more about Pippen, type in "My Weird Dog" on the search bar to the right. There are quite a few entertaining stories about him.

National Rescue Dog Day

 Over 3 million dogs enter shelters every year.  (THREE MILLION DOGS!)  Each dog is in search of a loving fur ever home.  

Most rescue dogs overcome extreme obstacles.  Some are abused or raised in poor conditions.  Most are abandoned and left to the streets.  With training, these dogs can provide comfort to people as emotional support pets, help people with disabilities and provide comfort to elderly.  People with autism enjoy the therapeutic benefits of comfort dogs while military personnel with PTSD get relief from anxiety and depression.

How to celebrate today:

Volunteer at a shelter.  

Shelters are always looking for donations.  Old towels and blankets.  Some even have an Amazon list of needs.

Consider adopting from a shelter for your next pet.

You can use #NationalRescueDogDay on social media.

I will be spending the day (like every other day) spoiling my weird dog rescue dog, Pippen.  

Sourdough Bagels - Vegan

 I'm still rocking my sourdough breadmaking era.  Lately I have been making bagels. Once you have a good, homemade bagel, you can't go back to store bought.  These remind me of the tasty bagels we had while visiting Boston.

Don't let the bagel making process scare you off.  The first time making these might seem a little scary. Especially the three risings, boiling the bagels and then baking them. The second time you make these will be a breeze.  Trust me. 

Here's the recipe:

Vegan Sourdough Bagels

ingredients:

1/2 cup Sourdough starter (that has been fed)

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup water

2 TBSP Sugar*

2 tsp salt

Toppings:  Everything bagel seasoning**, poppy seeds, sesame seeds

directions:

In large bowl, mix the Sourdough starter, flour, water, sugar and salt.  Mix the dough using a wooden spoon and knead with your hands for about ten minutes. (Electric mixer with dough hook for five minutes). Dough should be very thick. Place dough in glass bowl and let proof for 8 to 12 hours.

After proofing (about 12 hours): Remove dough from bowl and knead for ten minutes.  Place back into bowl to rise again for another hour.  Two rises will moisturize dough and make it airy.

Using silicone baking mat on cookie sheet, divide dough into eight equal parts. Roll them into disks and poke a hole through each one using your thumb. Put back onto baking sheet. Cover with towel and allow to rest for 1-2 hours.

Preheat your oven to 425F. 

Place a large pot with water onto the stove to boil.  Add the bagels a couple at a time and boil for a minute on each side.  When done, place them back onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle on toppings of your choice (I make sure to press them in a little so they stick).

Place baking sheet into oven and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

*Sugar, maple syrup or honey.  Your choice.  If vegan, then not honey.

**You can make your own Everything Bagel Seasoning by clicking here.

***Silicone baking mat or parchment paper for the win. Makes clean up easier.

****You can use bread flour or all-purpose flour. I have tried both and they both work.

If you make the Vegan Sourdough Bagels, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Enjoy!

National Limerick Day

There once was a man from Nantucket

Who kept his cash in a bucket

But his daughter, named Nan,

ran away with a man-

And as for the bucket, Nan-tucket.

You guessed it!  Today is National Limerick Day!

This day celebrates the birthday of Edward Lear, an artist, illustrator, author and poet.  Limerick poems became popular after Lear's book, Book of Nonsense, was published in 1846. A limerick is a very short, humorous, nonsense poem.  It contains five lines with an AABBA rhyming pattern.

How to observe #NationalLimerickDay

Write your own limerick poem.

Share on social media.

Enter a limerick contest.

Read some funny limericks.

I thought I would participate by sharing my limerick.

There once was a woman who lived by the beach

she loved to brag about it to everyone within reach.

   She walked her dog there everyday

    went in the sand to play

but had to keep her dog on his leash.

Let me see your limericks in the comments (and try to keep them clean!).

National Dog Mom's Day

 I have yet to find the source for this holiday. I'm happy that this day is set aside for us weird dog dog moms.  We really need it. 

Some activities for dog mom's day:

Go for a walk.  Oh, yea.  Don't forget to bring your dog.

Treat yourself.  Oh, and the dog, too.  Go out for a special treat.  Maybe get matching t-shirts?

Some interesting facts about dogs:

They are as smart as a two year old (sounds about right).  They can learn up to 200 words.

They can hear four times better than humans.  Especially when you open a dog treat bag or peanut butter jar.  And when you quietly grab their dog leash.

Being a dog mom improves your health.  Obviously, the person who said this never spent time with my weird dog Pippen.  Bad breath in your face.  Staying up all night because of a thunderstorm.  Having to lug 50lb dog food bags up and down the stairs.

Being a dog mom helps you socialize more.  Again, this person never had to walk Pippen.  I have to avoid people with dogs so he doesn't attack them.  He makes me antisocial. 

Being a dog mom makes you more responsible.  Responsible for letting the dog out, taking him for walks, feeding him, protecting him from the scary thunderstorms and fireworks.

Happy Dog Mom's Day to you.

Oh, and I expect a card and a real nice gift, Pippen!

Weird Random Journal Prompts

 I'm back!  After months of banging my head against the wall I finally figured out what to write about: headaches and how to get rid of the pain.  Just kidding.

Journaling seems to be quite a popular activity for most people.  There are a variety of journaling you can get involved in: Bullet journals, gratitude journals, smash journals, art journals just to name a few. I was searching on Pinterest to see if they could offer any suggestions but keep coming up with the same old, tired suggestions.  Here is a quick list of examples:

• What made you smile today?
• Name one thing you’re grateful for right now.
• Who made your day better today?
• What’s one thing you love about your morning routine?
• What’s a small win you had today?
• What’s a childhood memory that still brings you joy?
• What is something you’re proud of yourself for?
• What was the best part of your week?

I understand that you have to start somewhere when you begin your journal writing journey. I'm not here to discourage anyone. It's great to have a list of ideas that can get you started. While these questions are good if you are starting out, I think there needs to be a follow up list of questions/prompts.  I mean, how many times can you write about what inspires you?  You need to spice up that journal a little!  Really dig deep and put those thoughts on the page.  

I want to see you reach that writing goal and came up with a few prompts to get you going. No better time to start than the present. 

Let's start this list so you can get into journaling! 

1.  Name some annoying celebrities.

2.  The strangest scenario that you have been involved in.  Pretending to be someone's mother at a trampoline birthday party so you can sign their parental waiver.  No, that one's too easy.  

3.  The worst pick up lines.  While at Walmart, "Hey, Baby!  I'm really diggin' your pajamas." Ok, wait, that might actually work, but you get the idea.

4.  The one food/drink everyone is crazy about and you pretend to like it but deep inside can't stand the sight/taste/smell.  That might have to be any type of beef product for me. 

5.  If you could torture one well known person, using only tools that they are familiar with, who would it be and how would you do it?  I'm thinking Marie Kondo and putting her in one of my kids rooms.  The only way she can leave is if she cleans and organizes it.  You may think that's easy for her, but I know which kid's room she would be going into and....yea, she might be there for a really long time. Heck, we may never see her again!

I hope these prompts help you out.  Let me know what you think in the comments.

Vegan Sourdough Cheeze It Crackers

I have officially entered my sourdough bread making era.

I'm a little late jumping into the whole bread making scene.  It seems like everyone was making bread during Quarantine/Pandemic.  I thought I should try to catch up and join in on this sourdough game.  I mean, I've been waiting a LONG time for "someone" to bake a loaf for me.  "Someone" tends to brag about his bread and even sends photos.  One of these days I'll get some bread from "someone".......

I started to branch out a little with my breadmaking.  The first crackers I tried were a little too flour-y (I'm sure that's a word).  Then I stumbled upon these vegan cheeze it crackers and, well, all I can say is they were a big hit in our house.  In fact, I now make a double batch of these crackers every time I make them!

Enough chit chat, here's the recipe: 

Vegan Sourdough Cheeze It Crackers

Ingredients:

1 cup flour*

1 cup sourdough starter unfed/discard**

4 TBSP Olive Oil

3/4 tsp salt

3 TBSP Nutritional Yeast

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp rosemary (optional)

Coarse Sea Salt/Pink Himalayan Salt to sprinkle on top

Directions:

Mix first seven ingredients together in bowl. Dough should be smooth, not too sticky.

Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Oven 325F

Divide dough in half. Place half on silicone mat (or parchment paper)*** and roll dough until it is 1/16th inch thick (REALLY REALLY THIN). You will have uneven edges, and that's ok. Make sure that the thickness is even, or it will not bake evenly.  Sprinkle tops with salt.

Cut through the dough (I used a pizza cutter for this) into little squares (1x1")

Bake time is 20 minutes. Once starting to brown, turn tray so the crackers will brown evenly.

Remove crackers from oven and let cool before placing in sealed container.

Makes about 100 crackers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*Can be made with white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour

**perfect recipe for those of you who have sourdough discard

***I use silicone baking mat and don't flour it. Feel free to flour the mat/paper prior to rolling out the dough.

****I use rosemary bc I like rosemary.  Feel free to omit.

*****Want to double the recipe?  

Try this:

2 cups flour

2 cups sourdough starter

8 TBSP Olive Oil

1.5 tsp salt

6 TBSP Nutritional Yeast

1 tsp garlic powder 

2 tsp Rosemary

Salt to sprinkle on top

If you make these Vegan Sourdough Cheeze It Crackers, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Enjoy!

Moving - Homeless

 Once we closed on the sale of our house, we were homeless.  Well, we had a home that we were going to move into, but it was being rented out for the summer.  With no place to go, this gave us the freedom to travel.

Our first stop, Oak Park, IL.  Yea, not too far from where we lived.  We stuck around for a few grad parties and last minute goodbyes.

We traveled through many states, including, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Wisconsion.  We made sure not to drive through Illinois on our return.

During our homelessness, we realized that we were able to live on a minimal number of things (clothing, shoes, etc.) It made us wonder what we packed into our storage units.

Some sites we took in:

The Corn Palace

Wall Drug Store

80Ft Dinosaur

Mt. Rushmore

The Badlands

The Black Hills

Deadwood - Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok

Devil's Tower

Breckenridge

Snowmass Mountain

Boulder

Buena Vista

We ended our homelessness by picking up My Weird Dog Pippen (earlier than planned) and drove to our new home.

National Tea Day

 Today is National Tea Day in the United Kingdom.  A day for Britain to celebrate it's love for this hot, steeped beverage. It's so loved that they consume over 60 billion cups of tea a year!  That's a lot of tea!

Every year, the Britains host a "Fes-Tea-Val" where they showcase new teas, bringing together tea drinkers, servers and the entire tea industry.  This year's slogan is, "Brew more. Do more." 

Here is a list on how my fellow tea infusiasts can celebrate #NationalTeaDay: 

Host an afternoon tea (it is National Afternoon Tea month, after all)

Visit the festival.

Learn proper tea decorum (in case you get invited to afternoon tea with King Charles)

Here are some tea etiquette tips, in case you find yourself with tea royalty.

Dispensing the tea:

The host should pour the tea for every guest.  Make sure to leave the teapot on the table with the spout facing the host.

Dunking:

Dunking a biscuit in your tea is not appropriate.

Food:

A tiered cake stand is the appropriate serving piece.  The upper tier is filled with scones, the middle has sandwiches and the bottom has treats and pastries.  Food must be eaten in this order: sandwiches, scones and then desserts.

Too bad I'm not in Boston to celebrate this holiday.  

I think I'll go make myself a cup of tea!

How will you celebrate today?

Χριστός Ανέστη

 Happy Easter!  Καλό Πάσχα!

We are celebrating Greek Orthodox Easter at our house.   

Xristos anesti

ek nekron,

thanato thanaton patisas,

ke tis en tis mnimasin zoin xarisamenos

Christ is risen

from the dead,

having beaten Death by [his own] death

and having given the gift of life to those in the graves.

Christos Anesti. (Χριστός Ανέστη)  (Christ has Risen)

Alithos Anesti.  ( Aληθώς ανέστη!)  (He has risen indeed)

My Weird Dog - Takes a Vacation

 I thought I would continue our conversation about our move.

We are two days from having to be completely out of our house.  We still have some loose ends to tie up, but first we need to pack up My Weird Dog Pippen and take him to his vacation destination:  N's house.  A lovely three hour drive.

A little background on why we were forced to waited until the last minute for this transfer.  We planned our move very carefully, down to every last detail.

Getting rid of stuff

Fixing things around the house

Packing boxes

Parties (Easter celebration)

Graduation

Drop off Pippen

First moving truck

Selling off stuff

Pack up remaining items

Second moving truck

Pack up car and get out of town

Before that first moving truck, Pippen was scheduled to "go on vacation."  We discussed this with N back in January.  He agreed to take Pippen.  There were monthly reminders of his commitment.  A week before the drop off, N tells us that he can't take him at that time.  He had other plans.  Yes. He agreed five months ago to our plan, but I guess things change.....

Luckily, RT and I are pretty flexible.  We had to move our dog drop off right after the second moving truck.  Sadly, this required My Weird Dog Pippen to watch (from the deck) people enter our house and take all of our stuff.  This did not set right with Pippen.  It became worse because he saw RT and I leave with the truck full of stuff.  Luckily (or unluckily, depending on who you ask) he had B to hang with him until our return.

When we returned, we packed Pippen's belongings, popped some CBD in him, loaded him in the car and started on our three hour journey.  He was happy to see N but not happy when RT and I left.

Pippen had quite the adventure.  N brought him camping.  Turns out Pippen loves camping.  He loved being inside the tent and was always sad when they took it down.  He even tolerated car rides (with out being drugged).  That last one is huge since he is a pain to travel with in the car.

N called us with updates on Pippen and his antics.  There were also photos and videos of mischief Pippen.  About two weeks in, N called and asked when we were picking Pippen up.  Not a good sign since N signed up for a four month visit.

After our vacation, we decided to stop and pick up Pippen on our way to our new home.

My Weird Dog - Celebrates the big 13

 Today is a big day in our house.  We are celebrating My Weird Dog's Pippen's 13th Birthday. 

We started off the celebration by waking up at 2 am.  I think Pippen wanted to make the most of the day and get as much celebrating in one day.  I really don't think that it had anything to do with the thunderstorm that rolled in at that time.  He got himself worked up and took a couple of hours to calm down.  Even with the help of CBD treats. 

Luckily we just had a trip to the big city planned, dropping off the baby at the airport and some shopping.  

Thanks for making our lives, well, interesting.....

We love you, Pippen!

My Weird Dog - Moving

 All this talk about moving and I should mention the effect it had on My Weird Dog Pippen.

I honestly didn't think any of this would affect Pippen..  I mean, little fixes around the house, items disappearing.  A dog doesn't have any idea how much stuff you have and that some of it is slowly disappearing from the house. Especially when this dog is living his best life on the back deck, terrorizing dog walkers as they pass our house (I'm sure there are quite a few people happy that we moved). (In fact, I bet there is probably some people who changed their walk route and will now go past our old house because there isn't a psycho dog barking at them.)

There was a couple of months of keeping the house immaculate for showings.  During the showing, we took Pippen for long walks. Props to RT. I worked during this time and he had to do a lot of this himself (home prep and dog walk). 

Once our home sold, you would think we could relax a little, but that's when "it" hit the fan.

We did not move everything, sold quite a bit of the furniture.  Once things started disappearing, the "weirdness" kicked into gear.  After the first truckload, Pippen knew something was up.  When the movers showed up for the rest, well, I think he was afraid we would forget him.

B and Pippen were the last ones to stay in the house.  Pippen didn't know at the time, but he was going on a little vacation. 

Moving

 I'll try to hit all of the highlights and also try to make it brief.

We talked about moving for years. The move would take place after B finished High School.  Why stay in a huge house when there is only two of us, and pay ridiculous taxes?

People around us thought we were crazy.  That we didn't think this through. What they didn't know was this was an ongoing topic between RT and I. The only problem? Where would we move?

We had to prepare for this move. We lived in our house for twenty seven years, raising three children.  During this time, we had to sell our parents' homes and, unfortunately, some of their things became residents of our house.  We did not want to move all of the stuff that we accumulated, so, downsizing was in order.

Downsizing is just another way to say that you are getting rid of a bunch of crap.  OK. It isn't all crap.  It's just stuff.  Stuff that you haven't looked at in thirty years and, frankly have no desire to look at in the next thirty years.  There were quite a few million texts sent to the kids (by me).  Basically, "Does anyone want this?" And, frequent runs to the Goodwill. I think we were one of their main suppliers for the last five years.

This major "downsizing event" went on for at least five years. Why did it take so long? I don't think we were that serious going into it. We kept thinking we would have more time.  We will do it later. We might need it.  The last six months we were at our house we got rid of more stuff than the previous five years.

There were quite a few things we did to make the house look nice.  I'm still upset we didn't paint the laundry room years ago.  Why did we wait until we were selling it?

We packed up what we could and stacked boxes in the garage. Those first boxes packed, we had no idea what was in them.  Yes, we labeled them.  I wasn't allowed to go back and pull stuff out.

Our house was put on the market in the middle of April.  We wanted enough time to celebrate Easter with our family and friends, watch B enjoy her senior activities (prom, senior celebration), B's graduation and a graduation party.  All with the hopes of moving out at the end of June.

Our house sold (crazy, but it happened on our 30th Anniversary). After the grad party I realized that I had to quit my favorite job and get serious about this whole move thing. 

We packed the rest of our stuff, made a million more trips to Goodwill and two moving trucks up to a storage locker in the town that we would eventually live.

Oh, our house, the one we would be moving into was being rented through the summer, so we were homeless for a while.

More about the crazy move in another post.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies - Vegan

 Peanut butter and chocolate.  

Chocolate and peanut butter.

I had a taste for this combination in cookie form.  This recipe satisfies both cravings and makes a real nice cookie.  Make sure you save the recipe.  They disappear quickly!

Here's the recipe:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan)

ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (vegan)

1/2 cup peanut butter*

1/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg**

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups flour

1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

directions: 

Oven 350F.

In a large bowl, mix butter and peanut butter until smooth.

Add sugars and mix until creamy.

Add vanilla, egg, baking soda and salt.  
Beat in flour slowly until a dough forms.

Add in chips and use wooden spoon to mix.

Chill dough for thirty minutes.

Use scooper to make cookie dough balls and place on cookie sheets.* Use a fork tine to press dough balls.

Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until slightly brown

Cool on wire rack.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*I used crunchy peanut butter, can use creamy peanut butter.

**I used aqua faba egg.  Can also use a flax egg.  One flax egg = 1 TBSP ground flax + 3 TBSP cold water.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

*I use a silicone baking mat.  Feel free to use parchment paper.

*Don't want to make the cookies vegan?  Substitute butter for vegan butter and an egg for the flax egg.

If you make the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas

  It's finally February!  A time for love, hearts and all things red!  Oh, and it's also time for my favorite holiday, Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day, also known in our house as the National Holiday, is coming up and I thought I would put links to some crafts we have done here on A Scary Journey Inside My Life to get you ready for the big day. Some of these crafts are pretty easy and would be great to do with your Girl Scout Troop!  These are also great ideas for an indoor activity on those cold winter days.

Valentine's Placemat (children's craft)

Valentine's Day Bookmarks

Pallet (he)art

Homemade Valentine's Day cards

Felt Heart Pin or Barrette

Felt Heart Ornaments 

Valentine Photo Book

Valentine Love Picture

Valentine Love Frame

Looking for more fun things to do in February?  How about warming up the house (and some hearts) with some baking?  Check out the Recipes page to try something new!

My Weird Dog - Olympics

 It's been quite a while since we have heard from My Weird Dog Pippen. Lots of stories to tell about him.  Pippen has had a crazy year (isn't every day/year crazy for him?).   He loves where we live and gets to decide where he wants to go for his walks every day.  And since he is the only child at home, he can be quite spoiled.* 

A result of one of these spoil sessions was something that didn't quite sit right in Pippen's stomach.  I sensed the urgency, hopped up and start yelling, "Let's go!  Get up!  We're going outside!  Hurry!  Come on!  Let's go, Let's go, Let's go!" and we both sprint out the back door.  

RT watched the whole show and said that I have made Pippen's nauseous stomach issues into an Olympic event.  It's the "Race to get the dog outside before he barfs in the house," event.  RT is amazed that, over the years, I appear out of nowhere (the attic, basement, the roof), sensing that this is going to happen and get Pippen outside in time.  

Yes, kids, do a little every day.  Always be aware of what could happen and prepare in your mind how you can help the dog evacuate the house.  This isn't a sport that you can just jump into and be the best.  It takes years of practice.   

I would love to talk more, but I have to go accept my Gold Medal.      

*OK.  So, he has always been spoiled.  Nothing new.

Vasilopita Bread - St. Basil's Sweet Bread (Vegan)

 Vasilopita is a Greek sweet bread baked especially for New Years.  The story behind the bread: St. Basil asked the ladies of the church to bake a sweet bread with coins baked inside them.  The bread was given out to the needy people at church for life's necessities.  This was his way of giving them money without demeaning them at all.  It is now a tradition to bake a coin into the Vasilopita (St. Basil's bread).  The person that receives the coin is considered to have luck in the New Year. 

Vasilopita is a sweet bread made with butter and flavored with orange, vanilla, masticha and Mahlep.  

I posted this recipe a few years back and decided to try making it vegan.  This is my first attempt and was pretty decent.  I thought I would share the vegan recipe here for those that want to make it

Vasilopita Bread

ingredients:

1 pkg active dry yeast

3/4 cup oat milk, lukewarm

3 flax eggs*

1.5 tsp grated orange rind

1/2 cup sugar

4 1/2 cups flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground masticha

1/4 tsp ground mahlep

1/2 cup melted vegan butter

vegan butter for glazing

blanched split almonds or sesame seeds

directions:

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup of milk

Add remainder of milk, eggs, orange rind and sugar.

In a warm bowl, add 3 cups flour, salt and spices make a well in the center.

Pour in yeast mixture and stir to blend in flour.  Gradually add warm melted butter.

Mix dough with hands until it comes away from the sides.

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding remaining flour as required.

Knead for 10 minutes.

Place ball of dough in bowl that has been greased with butter.

Turn dough over to coat top with butter and cover bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap.

Leave to rise in warm place until doubled.

Punch down and turn onto lightly floured surface.

Knead lightly and shape into a round loaf.

Place onto large greased baking sheet or greased 10" round baking dish

Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled (1.5-2 hours).

Glaze with beaten egg and arrange almonds or sesames onto the bread (pressing lightly).

Bake at 375 for 45 minutes until golden brown and cooked when tested.

If bread browns too quickly, place greased parchment paper on top.

Cool on wire rack

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I used the 1/2 cup of sugar and it turned out wonderfully.

*one flax egg equals one Tablespoon flax with three Tablespoons of cold water.  Let sit for five minutes before using in recipe.

I did not add the orange rind and the world did not end.

This bread turned out wonderfully. This bread is a sweet bread that tastes great plain or with a little butter (regular or vegan).  Great for toast in the morning.

Let me know if you try making Vasilopita.  I would love to hear how your bread turns out!

Happy New Year!

 Every year our small town does a ball drop in the middle of downtown.  It's part of their Light up the Lake New Year's event.  Along with the ball drop, there is music, fireworks and a beer tent.  All of the local businesses are open and have little events happening prior to the main event. You can shop, drink, sip some tea or hot chocolate while listening to jazz, get your photo taken with the 2025 ball in the background, or just dance in the streets.  

The ball drop was named 2024's best New Year's Eve ball drop in the nation by the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.  The best part is that we were able to attend this event!  

I forgot to mention that we are four blocks from this event.  No driving. No trying to find parking.  Just a nice leisurely walk into town.  When it was over, a nice stroll back home.

Who needs Times Square when you can be in Legacy Plaza?  Yea, I'll take the small-town New Year's Eve ball drop over any other celebration.

How did you ring in the New Year?  

Did you make any New Year's resolutions?

Happy New Year everyone!