Drying out jalapeños

We have an abundance of jalapeños. I have pickled them (yum!). Now I'm trying my hand at drying them out.

This is just the start of a long jalapeño chain.

I got the idea from Jalapeño Madness.  If you need more ideas on what to do with your large harvest of jalapeños, check out the website! 

As for me, I have quite a few peppers to string.

Pickle time!

I have picked so many cucumbers this last month. What to so with them? It finally hit me.  Pickles!  Need the recipe?  Go here

This should last awhile!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

As you know from this post, I make my own laundry detergent. I have been pretty happy with it.

I was having some problems a little while back with my washing machine, but I found if I just put the detergent in with the clothes, everything turned out great.

I was looking around the web at various homemade laundry detergents and found that I could make a larger batch.  A lot of people mentioned using Zote soap so I thought, why not try it?

I made the double batch and found that it lasts a lot longer.  I don't have to make the soap every couple of months.  This larger batch lasts anywhere from 4-6 months.

Here is the recipe for the larger batch.

Laundry Detergent (the Big Batch)

bars of soap (2 of Zote or 3 Fels Naptha)
1 box of Washing Soda (washing soda, not baking soda, you can find it in the laundry detergent aisle)
1 box Borax

Grate the bars of soap.  I use the food processor to grate the soap.  Once it is grated, I then run it through with the blade inside with a little borax and a little washing soda (so it doesn't stick to the processor and become clumpy or clay like).

Mix all together and put into your container(s).

This time I tried the white Zote soap.  I was not impressed with the scent.  I put in a little lavender essential oil.  The scent does not transfer to the clothes (very happy about that).  I'm hoping that this will keep the whites....white.  I thought maybe that the Fels Naptha might be the reason some of my whites are turning dingy.  We shall see...

I still put in a 1/2 cup of white vinegar for the rinse (or instead of using a fabric softener).  And, no, your clothes will NOT smell like vinegar.

Better get to work.  I have quite a few piles of laundry to do.

Walking

I thought I would give some updates on my walking travels.

I still walk everyday.  I roll out of bed at 6:30am, throw some clothes and shoes on and head out the door.  I try to get my walk in before RT goes to work.  (still trying to figure this one out now that the kids are back in school)

I still see sports bra lady.  You remember her, she's in her late 60's, wears a sports bra and too short shorts an walks her dog.  Today she didn't have the straps of her sports bra over her shoulders.  Not sure what was holding the bra up.  Don't think I want to know, either.

Then there's the guy who jogs with his small dog.  The dog has gotten better at the whole jogging thing.  When they first started out, the dog was dragged most of the way.  Now, the dog sometimes runs ahead of him.

Oh, and then there's the guy who has been jogging the trails for the last 17 years.  I'm not sure if this guy lives in the area or even goes home.  Anytime you are on the trails, you see him jogging.  I think he is the Forrest Gump of our area.  (except, no one has followed him in seventeen years)  He has changed his clothes a few times over the last seventeen years.  He started out in a long sleeve button down shirt and dress slacks.  He is now wearing long basketball shorts and a tee shirt.

There are quite a few people who jog in khakis and a golf shirt.  I'm not sure what that's all about.  Maybe trying to start a new jogging fashion trend.

There's the woman who always carries her purse with her when she's out walking.  You never know when you're going to need it.....I guess.

There is another woman with two small dogs.  She usually carries one of the dogs.  She has got to be the friendliest person on the trails.  Always has something to say and always happy.  Wishing you a wonderful day with a huge smile.

The other day I was having some fun with a jogger.  He was ahead of me, but, I think he was done jogging.  He was tired and wanted to just walk it out.  He saw that I was approaching and decided to run as fast as he could for about 10 seconds and then stopped.  He walked a little and turned to the side (not looking directly at me) to make sure that I was far behind him.  If he turned to the side and saw that I was approaching, he would run for another 10 seconds and repeat the process.  This happened two or three times.

I was amused (of course).

The fourth and fifth times I decided to run with him (and stopped when he stopped).  When he turned to the side to see how far ahead he was, he realized I was right behind him and started running again.  He gave up after the third time and let me pass (I was bummed because I was having so much fun).  I think I wore the guy out, but, hey, he got an even better workout because of me!

I try to do my part and help others.

Fall back to school means when you clean your house, it stays clean. 

..........Until the kids get home

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Most people think that's Christmas. The rest of us think of it as Back to School. 

Today is the big day. First day. 

First day, senior year

First day, freshman

First day third grade

I like to make sure my pictures are fun and entertaining. Look at the pictures and you can play "where's the dog?" 

Hears to a great day and a great school year!

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

It's official.

They got my hair. 

Thanks for the letter, Pantene.