Bella has been practicing her Barack Obama impersonation. At any point during the day you can hear her say, "Good Morning, I'm Barack Obama." I asked her to put her dishes in the dishwasher and she said, "Would you yell at Barack Obama for not putting his dishes in the dishwasher?" I said that I didn't care that he was president at one time and would definitely make him pick up his dishes.
In breaking news, Alex actually cleaned the bathroom floor.
In other news,
RT has switched careers for awhile and has launched his vegetable garden fence making business. His first order was for fences around two gardens. Those little rabbits don't know what they are up against this growing season! Better place your orders soon. I'm sure he will book up fast!
Again, I'm still home.
I'm still walking (as far as I can).
I'm still baking.
And, most importantly,
I haven't killed anyone......yet.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Quick and Easy Artisan Bread
At the beginning of quarantine, I had a difficult time finding flour. You see, I thought it would be fun to have some flour around so I could bake (cookies, bread, pizza, pretzels, cake, etc.). It took me a couple of weeks to finally find a (10 lb) bag of flour. Scary to think that the 10 lb bag came and went rather quickly. I can't believe how much baking I have done in the last 8 weeks.
I think everyone has entered the bread making phase of quarantine. If you haven't, and you have never made bread, the following is an easy recipe that anyone can make. You can't mess it up. Trust me, I've tried. Oh, and you don't even need bread flour! If you need some pictures, you can find the original recipe here.
Here's the recipe:
Artisan Bread
ingredients:
1/2 TBSP Kosher Salt
1 packet active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour, or bread flour
directions:
Place salt and yeast in large bowl. Pour warm water over the top (make sure the water is not too hot).
Add flour all at once. Mix all together. The dough should be sticky. If too sticky, you can add 1 or 2 more TBSP of flour if needed.
Once flour is mixed in, cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap until it doubles in size. You can let rise for 2-3 hours or 12 hours. The longer it rises, the better.
When ready, cover the bowl tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes (dough can be refrigerated for up to one week before baking).
Ready to bake:
Put some flour on your hands and put the dough onto a (lightly) floured surface. The dough will be a little sticky. Do not punch dough down, knead it or roll it out. Just work the dough into a round circle. Lightly dust the top with flour and then, using a knife, add a few lines across the top of the loaf.
Place dough onto a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Bake:
Oven to 450F.
Place stone or skillet in the oven and let it preheat for 20 minutes.
Slide the dough with the parchment paper underneath onto the hot stone. Place a cup of hot water in a broiler pan on the bottom of the oven.
Bake bread for 25 minutes or until browned.
When done, place bread on a cooling rack. Store bread in a paper bag so it doesn't soften.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This bread didn't last long at our house. And by long, I mean, a few hours.
And, I tried to mess this recipe up. Not on purpose. The first time I made this bread, I forgot to set the timer when I put it in the oven. The bread came out nice and crispy. That didn't stop my family from eating the entire loaf.
If you make Artisan Bread, let me know how it turns out!
I think everyone has entered the bread making phase of quarantine. If you haven't, and you have never made bread, the following is an easy recipe that anyone can make. You can't mess it up. Trust me, I've tried. Oh, and you don't even need bread flour! If you need some pictures, you can find the original recipe here.
Here's the recipe:
Artisan Bread
ingredients:
1/2 TBSP Kosher Salt
1 packet active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour, or bread flour
directions:
Place salt and yeast in large bowl. Pour warm water over the top (make sure the water is not too hot).
Add flour all at once. Mix all together. The dough should be sticky. If too sticky, you can add 1 or 2 more TBSP of flour if needed.
Once flour is mixed in, cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap until it doubles in size. You can let rise for 2-3 hours or 12 hours. The longer it rises, the better.
When ready, cover the bowl tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes (dough can be refrigerated for up to one week before baking).
Ready to bake:
Put some flour on your hands and put the dough onto a (lightly) floured surface. The dough will be a little sticky. Do not punch dough down, knead it or roll it out. Just work the dough into a round circle. Lightly dust the top with flour and then, using a knife, add a few lines across the top of the loaf.
Place dough onto a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Bake:
Oven to 450F.
Place stone or skillet in the oven and let it preheat for 20 minutes.
Slide the dough with the parchment paper underneath onto the hot stone. Place a cup of hot water in a broiler pan on the bottom of the oven.
Bake bread for 25 minutes or until browned.
When done, place bread on a cooling rack. Store bread in a paper bag so it doesn't soften.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This bread didn't last long at our house. And by long, I mean, a few hours.
And, I tried to mess this recipe up. Not on purpose. The first time I made this bread, I forgot to set the timer when I put it in the oven. The bread came out nice and crispy. That didn't stop my family from eating the entire loaf.
If you make Artisan Bread, let me know how it turns out!
Enjoy!
Monday, May 11, 2020
New Facebook Friend
During one of our free quarantine moments, where we actually talk and communicate, I asked RT, "Guess who friended me on Facebook?"
I thought this would be an easy answer for him. I figured that he would mention a few people at first, and then eventually figure it out. Instead, he replied, "Elon Musk?"
Me: Yea, you're right! Me and Elon. I thought we were doing well at hiding our relationship from you. We're getting pretty close. You better watch out! Why would you think Elon Musk would friend me on Facebook? I don't know him! We've never even met!
RT: I don't know. How about Marty?
Me: (laughing) Who is Marty? I don't know anyone by the name Marty.
RT: Nooma?
Me: Nooma?
Apparently I lead a secret life and like to party with Nooma and Marty. For the record, I do not know anyone named Nooma or Marty. I'm sure they are great people and I am willing to accept their friend request if asked. I would even enjoy partying with them, if they asked.
I finally had to tell him that one of my coworkers friended me. I've talked about this person quite a bit and figured he would have guessed right away.
Oh well.
I better get going. I have to get ready. I don't want to be late for my date with Elon.
I thought this would be an easy answer for him. I figured that he would mention a few people at first, and then eventually figure it out. Instead, he replied, "Elon Musk?"
Me: Yea, you're right! Me and Elon. I thought we were doing well at hiding our relationship from you. We're getting pretty close. You better watch out! Why would you think Elon Musk would friend me on Facebook? I don't know him! We've never even met!
RT: I don't know. How about Marty?
Me: (laughing) Who is Marty? I don't know anyone by the name Marty.
RT: Nooma?
Me: Nooma?
Apparently I lead a secret life and like to party with Nooma and Marty. For the record, I do not know anyone named Nooma or Marty. I'm sure they are great people and I am willing to accept their friend request if asked. I would even enjoy partying with them, if they asked.
I finally had to tell him that one of my coworkers friended me. I've talked about this person quite a bit and figured he would have guessed right away.
Oh well.
I better get going. I have to get ready. I don't want to be late for my date with Elon.
Friday, May 8, 2020
Mother's Day
I thought I would give everyone a friendly reminder that Sunday is Mother's Day. I don't want you to forget the most important person in your life. You still have time to run to the store and buy something essential for your Mom (I'm sure she can use some toothpaste, toilet paper or a block of cheese, or more importantly, a case (or two) of wine!).
If running out to the store is too much for you, maybe you can make a card at home? All you need is some paper and a pen.
Search Mother's Day on the blog and you will get a few ideas for Mom:
pencil cup
flower pen
How about hosting a Mother's Day Tea? All you need is some tea and coffee mugs. You can even get fancy with cucumber sandwiches and/or cookies.
My favorite Mother's Day gift was a letter from each of my children. Yes. I was a little frightened when I first requested a letter from them. Who knows what they would write about and what they would bring up in these letters? Turns out the letters were a pleasant surprise and are hands down my favorite Mother's Day gift ever. If you plan on writing one to your Mother, don't fret over what to write. She will love it and will be very happy to read it (over and over again).
If you really want to surprise Mom this year, National Clean Up Your Room Day is on Sunday, May10 and just happens to be on the same day as Mother's Day (coincidence?). I think that just cleaning up your room would make a wonderful gift for Mom! This gift will be one that she remembers and will talk about in the years to come. For some of you, this might even earn you "Favorite Child" status.
Whatever you decide to do, Mom will love that you remembered her Sunday and every day.
If running out to the store is too much for you, maybe you can make a card at home? All you need is some paper and a pen.
Search Mother's Day on the blog and you will get a few ideas for Mom:
pencil cup
flower pen
How about hosting a Mother's Day Tea? All you need is some tea and coffee mugs. You can even get fancy with cucumber sandwiches and/or cookies.
My favorite Mother's Day gift was a letter from each of my children. Yes. I was a little frightened when I first requested a letter from them. Who knows what they would write about and what they would bring up in these letters? Turns out the letters were a pleasant surprise and are hands down my favorite Mother's Day gift ever. If you plan on writing one to your Mother, don't fret over what to write. She will love it and will be very happy to read it (over and over again).
If you really want to surprise Mom this year, National Clean Up Your Room Day is on Sunday, May10 and just happens to be on the same day as Mother's Day (coincidence?). I think that just cleaning up your room would make a wonderful gift for Mom! This gift will be one that she remembers and will talk about in the years to come. For some of you, this might even earn you "Favorite Child" status.
Whatever you decide to do, Mom will love that you remembered her Sunday and every day.
Happy Mother's Day!
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Quarantine Day 55
I have been baking something almost every day. Trying to fatten up my family. My family is calling this time the Covid-19, where you gain 19 pounds during quarantine. It's similar to the Freshman 15, but, it happens during quarantine and you gain an extra four pounds.
The landscaping out front is complete. All we need now is some mulch. Next up is the vegetable garden(s).
Nothing else exciting to report.
Still baking.
Still in quarantine.
Still at home.
Haven't killed anyone.....yet.
This has to end soon.
The landscaping out front is complete. All we need now is some mulch. Next up is the vegetable garden(s).
Nothing else exciting to report.
Still baking.
Still in quarantine.
Still at home.
Haven't killed anyone.....yet.
This has to end soon.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
My Clock
I thought it was about time to give everyone a little update on my clock situation.
I started researching clocks after my last post. I figured it's going to take awhile for me to analyze all of the clocks out there.
As I was doing my clock research, Bella pointed out that I read all of the bad reviews first. I replied that I get a pretty good idea of how the clock operates by some of these reviews.
"The clock loses time"
"The clock is too bright"
"This clock is garbage."
Of course, all of the clocks that I looked at had bad reviews. One bad review and it's back to researching.
Bella finally asked me, "What's wrong with your clock?" I explained the brightness issue (too bright in our room at night). She didn't really see a problem so I had to bring her to my room and show her. I also showed her the directions that tell you how to change the brightness (if you follow the directions that are given, you end up changing the time on the clock). Bella told me that her clock has a brightness control. I had her bring it to my room so I could check it out. I plugged in her clock and it was pretty bright. Bella told me to press the "snooze" button and it will change the brightness. I was pleased with her clock and the brightness setting and was all set to go online and order one just like it, but decided that I would try pressing the snooze button on my clock and see if anything happened.
And, guess what?
It worked!
In fact, I can lower the brightness to where you can barely see the time! So, I now have a functional clock.
Yea. It took me a month to figure this all out. Good thing I had lots of time on my hands.
I started researching clocks after my last post. I figured it's going to take awhile for me to analyze all of the clocks out there.
As I was doing my clock research, Bella pointed out that I read all of the bad reviews first. I replied that I get a pretty good idea of how the clock operates by some of these reviews.
"The clock loses time"
"The clock is too bright"
"This clock is garbage."
Of course, all of the clocks that I looked at had bad reviews. One bad review and it's back to researching.
Bella finally asked me, "What's wrong with your clock?" I explained the brightness issue (too bright in our room at night). She didn't really see a problem so I had to bring her to my room and show her. I also showed her the directions that tell you how to change the brightness (if you follow the directions that are given, you end up changing the time on the clock). Bella told me that her clock has a brightness control. I had her bring it to my room so I could check it out. I plugged in her clock and it was pretty bright. Bella told me to press the "snooze" button and it will change the brightness. I was pleased with her clock and the brightness setting and was all set to go online and order one just like it, but decided that I would try pressing the snooze button on my clock and see if anything happened.
And, guess what?
It worked!
In fact, I can lower the brightness to where you can barely see the time! So, I now have a functional clock.
Yea. It took me a month to figure this all out. Good thing I had lots of time on my hands.
Friday, May 1, 2020
30 Day Writing Challenge
So, Bella is making me forced me asked me to join her in a 30 Day Writing Challenge. Bella enjoys writing and I try to encourage it (you should read some of her stories).
So....I thought I would share the challenge with you. You don't have to write paragraphs (unless you want to). You don't have to have a blog to do this challenge. Grab a notebook and start writing. But, only one prompt per day. No cheating and writing out tomorrow's challenge.
Here are the prompts we are using:
30 Day Writing Challenge
Day 1: List 10 things that make you really happy
Day 2: Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
Day 3: What are your top three pet peeves
Day 4: Write about someone who inspires you
Day 5: List five places you want to visit
Day 6: Five ways to win your heart
Day 7: List 10 songs you are loving right now
Day 8: Share something you struggle with
Day 9: Write some words of wisdom that speak to you
Day 10: Write about something you feel strongly
Day 11: Share something you always think "What if..." about
Day 12: Write about five blessings in your life
Day 13: What are you excited about?
Day 14: Your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
Day 15: Bullet point your whole day
Day 16: Something that you miss
Day 17: Does your zodiac sign fit you?
Day 18: 30 facts about yourself
Day 19: Discuss your first love
Day 20: Write about 3 celebrity crushes
Day 21: What 3 lessons do you want your children to learn from you>
Day 22: Put your music on shuffle and post the first ten songs
Day 23: Write about a lesson you learned the hard way
Day 24: Write a letter to someone, anyone
Day 25: Think of any word. Search in on google images. Write something inspired by 11th image.
Day 26: Write about an area in your life that you'd like to improve
Day 27: Conversely, write about something that's kicking a** right now
Day 28: Write 5 things that make you laugh out loud
Day 29: What are your goals for the next 30 days
Day 30: Your highs and lows for the month
Hope this inspires you to write a little this month!
So....I thought I would share the challenge with you. You don't have to write paragraphs (unless you want to). You don't have to have a blog to do this challenge. Grab a notebook and start writing. But, only one prompt per day. No cheating and writing out tomorrow's challenge.
Here are the prompts we are using:
30 Day Writing Challenge
Day 1: List 10 things that make you really happy
Day 2: Write something that someone told you about yourself that you never forgot
Day 3: What are your top three pet peeves
Day 4: Write about someone who inspires you
Day 5: List five places you want to visit
Day 6: Five ways to win your heart
Day 7: List 10 songs you are loving right now
Day 8: Share something you struggle with
Day 9: Write some words of wisdom that speak to you
Day 10: Write about something you feel strongly
Day 11: Share something you always think "What if..." about
Day 12: Write about five blessings in your life
Day 13: What are you excited about?
Day 14: Your favorite movies that you never get tired of watching
Day 15: Bullet point your whole day
Day 16: Something that you miss
Day 17: Does your zodiac sign fit you?
Day 18: 30 facts about yourself
Day 19: Discuss your first love
Day 20: Write about 3 celebrity crushes
Day 21: What 3 lessons do you want your children to learn from you>
Day 22: Put your music on shuffle and post the first ten songs
Day 23: Write about a lesson you learned the hard way
Day 24: Write a letter to someone, anyone
Day 25: Think of any word. Search in on google images. Write something inspired by 11th image.
Day 26: Write about an area in your life that you'd like to improve
Day 27: Conversely, write about something that's kicking a** right now
Day 28: Write 5 things that make you laugh out loud
Day 29: What are your goals for the next 30 days
Day 30: Your highs and lows for the month
Hope this inspires you to write a little this month!
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