challenging Weather

challenging Weather

Wow, what a difference  a week can make a well as what a difference a day can make.

Friday,  Started off cloudy, then foggy and rainy, then the sun came out for a little bit, then clouded over again and the rain started late in the evening.

Saturday was heavy rain at times, foggy and cloudy all day long and a high in the upper 50's. Just warm enough that the heater didn't not have to come on but about once an hour to keep us comfortable.  Saturday Evening the rain was heavy and we were having to look out at the creek at least every hour if not more often since our Expedition is parked much closer to the water than from our usual parking place. We were blocking a small trailer with a ladder on it that our landlord may have needed for the day. Anyway... We had to keep an eye on the creek as the rain was very heavy at times, and we were under a Tornado watch for about 45 minutes at 8 pm  last night. we had some wind as well. It finally stopped raining around 2 am and we were able to sleep the rest of the night. I woke up about 8 am, this morning to bright sunshine and blue skies. The birds were really singing and you could hear the joy they were taking in the mornings' change.  Every thing is still wet but it's much dryer than we have had in a few weeks. 

I decided to sit outside the camper around 11 am this morning, just to enjoy the sun. Jerry brought out Barney, so he could run off some energy by chasing his ball around in the grass for a few minutes. I brought out Macon, who promptly made sure the grass was well watered near the Azealia bush that is at the front door. He also likes to "Ooph" (low bark) at anyone walking on the trail on the other side of the creek. After a few minutes, Rocky decided that he didn't like being in the house alone and came to the door to come outside and join us. We all spent about an hour outside. The only reason we came inside was the dogs were getting louder and we didn't want to encourage that with them.  We Were outside again about 4 pm, as much for the fresh air as to say Hey" to the neighbor's child who is about 3 years old. I gave him a rock I had painted over winter time and he was about to toss it into a water puddle. I showed him how to pick up the pea sized gravel to toss into the water puddle. He loved that. The land lord had told Jerry last week that some of the gravel piled up on the other side of the drive, was going to be spread and that out "Puddle" was going to be filled in. (believe it when I see it)  Now I really do need to paint more rocks since I think I'm out of "Spares" to hand out to people.

We were able to open the doors, and the vents today and let in the fresh air. WE only closed up every thing once the sun went down. I wish the rest of t his next week was going to be as nice as today has been. The forecast is for high's in the        60's and lows in the low 40's. I am in hopes that I can take Liam outside the door each afternoon this next week.

Billie C.

 Life is a journey not a destination

Update

Hello. I am writing from a sopping wet Tennessee.

We have had too much rain over the last couple of weeks and this weekend is also looking to be very wet. I just hope we don't have to move the camper again since the Fiber Optic line has been installed and we can not take it off line.

We had one camper leave  and one come in, on the same day. The new camper is on the lot that the one that left had been on.  We have been lucky in that no one has had any damage due to some flooding we had two weeks ago.   We have had a couple of days with sun shine.  And we have had a few colder than usual nights as well. But, the weather is improving and we may even get to 70 on Sunday. I'm looking forward to that so we can open the doors, windows and vents and air out the camper. Of course, it's only for one day and then it's to cool off again. But I'll take that one day and be happy we can open up for a bit.  The grass is very fresh and green and there is a lot of "green" along the creek banks, as well as along the road up to our daughters' home and the daffodils are all in bloom and the tulip poplars have blossomed and those are already falling off the trees. The cottonwoods are all filled in and it will soon be "Snowing" petals everywhere. I am still not walking as I should because of the rain and the cold but that will soon change and I will take advantage of better weather.

The Expedition is broken down (again) but we have made arrangements to have it looked at, and fixed if it's possible.  I'll be glad of when that is done so I don't have to rely on Daughter to come get me each morning.

Hubby has taken my advice and will go to the Senior Center at least once a week to get out of the camper for a little while and be with people that are not family.  H He can ride the local transportation bus there and back home.  He can also use that to go to Wal-mart or the local Save A Lot for any groceries we will be needing.  Everything else is within his walking abilities an if the weather will co-operate it would be great for him to get out and walk to cover those o couple of bills. 

Billie C.

 Life is a journey not a destination

Classic French Marrons Glacé - Candied Chestnuts

Classic French Marrons Glacé - Candied Chestnuts
https://www.thespruceeats.com/marrons-glace-candied-chestnuts-recipe-1375145

By Rebecca Franklin
Yield:   2 pounds (18 servings)
If chestnuts roasting over a crackling fire evokes happy times and holidays, then candied chestnuts are their luxurious cousins, served only as the most indulgent of treats. So beloved is the flavor in France, which the Berthillon Glacier in Paris usually sells out of their dreamy marron glacé within hours.

Bring the unique, warmly sweet flavor into your kitchen with this fabulous candied chestnuts recipe. Making the Marrons takes quite a  time and the commitment of time over a few days to get to the delicious finish, though the active cooking time is, in fact,  less than 30 minutes, in total. Do give it a go, it is worth the effort, and you will be so glad that you did.

Ingredients
2 pounds fresh chestnuts (shelled)
2 1/2 cups water
2 pounds granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Steps to Make It
Gather the ingredients.

Place the chestnuts in a large pan with just enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and cook the chestnuts for 10 minutes.
Drain the chestnuts and discard the cooking liquid.
Using a clean dish towel (some people prefer to use their fingers), rub the thin skin off the cooked chestnuts. Be careful they will be a little warm, but that's how they need to be to remove the skin quickly.
In a separate pan, bring the 2 1/2 cups water, granulated sugar, and the vanilla to a boil stirring constantly.
Continue cooking the sugar mixture for 5 minutes, but this time stirring occasionally.
Add the prepared chestnuts to the boiling sugar syrup and stir the chestnuts until the whole mixture returns to a boil.
Continue cooking the chestnuts, frequently stirring, for 10 minutes.
Pour the candied chestnuts, along with the syrup into a large container, and loosely cover it.
Allow the chestnuts to soak in the syrup for 12 to 18 hours.
Add the chestnuts and syrup to a clean pan and repeat the process; this time boiling them for 2 minutes.
Then soaking the mixture, loosely covered, for 18 to 24 hours.
Repeat the entire process a total of 3 to 4 times, until the sugar syrup has been absorbed by the chestnuts.
Preheat an oven to 250 F.
Arrange the candied chestnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet into the oven and turn off the heat. Allow the chestnuts to dry in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until they have firmed up and the surfaces of the nuts are dry.

Store the marrons glace in an airtight tin or if making for gifts, put into paper cases and box, or wrap in cellophane.

What to Do With Your Marrons Glace
The best thing is to give to friends and family (tempting as it is to keep them) they will love them. The Marrons make a perfect gift or even wedding favor though many will know the time and effort it took to make them, you will.

Billie C.

 Life is a journey not a destination

December 22, 2018

Hello.

I hope your doing well.  

Not much to write about this week. I watched Liam all week. Hubby ended up with four days off, three were scheduled for him to be off, one was not. He was off because he still didn't have a car that was working well enough to trust getting from here to at least half way to work. He risked it this morning and made it to the half way point, where he had a ride waiting to take hi t the rest of the way. 

The kids last day of school for this week was Friday. B took the day off since High school may do that as one of their 6 excused days. C had to go though and he wasn't took happy about that.  But he was more grumpy because he wasn't able to play his game while she was at home that because he had to go to school. B took care of L for about 3 hours outside of changing his diaper (which  I took care of) and brought him to me about 10 minutes before Mom was due to come in through the door. He was starting to get fussy.  

I started a Gingerbread house by putting the sides together and the roof on top. I am in hopes that Heather and the kids will want to finish it up.  

That is about all the "Christmas" I did this past week.

I brought back home my airplane plant in hopes to save it from lack of sunlight. H's house is too dark for it and even a sunny room does not get enough light for it.

Billie C.

 Life is a journey not a destination

December 15, 2018

Hello

Just a quick update.

I really do want to keep up my blog much better. So many plans but I'm not very good about following a plan of any sort.

Hubby has been helping me "decorate" for Christmas this year. First off, we are playing our own version of Elf On the Shelf only our "Elf" is a snowman and a Santa. It took him a a few days to find Santa hiding above the window in the bathroom. He's now hiding in a stoking by the bathroom door.  He found the Snowman, where else but in the freezer. He's now Hiding in plain sight in a canvas shoe I intend to color with some Sharpies, soon. We've hung a few ornaments in the windows of the open area of the camper Santa's by the couch Angels in the dining room area. An assortment of things in the windows where i think they look good.  The kitchen has a red bow and the red pot holders are hung up. The stocking are on each side of the bathroom door. with a few things hung in that window as well. I didn't do anything "Holiday" at Daughters this week.  Just taking care of that grand son is enough, for now. He's such a happy baby when he's not hungry or wet/dirty. And once those two needs are taken care of, is happy again. So unlike how our own three kids where at his age. He's awake more, and you can just see his mind working out things, becoming more aware and in control of his body. He has more control of his head now. and he's aware that his hands are doing something. Even aware of his feet more. If he's laying beside me on the couch,on a boppy, he's wiggling down to where his feet touch me. Not to kick off but just to touch. He loves to listen to any one's heart beat. He is getting more and more 'tummy' time and lifting his head and looking around more. He is fascinated with the tree lights. He likes music and is trying to keep time with almost everything he hears.  I am so happy to be there with him, watching him become a "Person".  He has had colic and that is hard on his momma.  I am doing my best to keep him awake in the late afternoon so he will sleep better for her late at night.

Hubby got the car temporarily fixed. We now don't have heat in it, but it isn't losing water or leaking so he can drive it at least half way to work.  The "Computer" is suppose to be back tomorrow. It shouldn't take long to re-install it. We are in hopes that this is all that needs to be done to finally Fix the Expedition and put it back on the road again. 

Daughter has offered for us to bring the PT to her house and between her and her father, fix it. Its not going to be a quick job since the wheel has to be removed out of the way to replace the alternator then, of course, everything has to be put back in place again. But, at least for now, he's getting back and forth to work again and so there is much less stress around us.

Today is just puttering around the camper, cleaning it up. Over the week I made a list (rather long) of things I would like to get done in the two days I'm home. Some baking (Maybe) some candy making or deserts for this week at Heather's. We are missing our after meal sweets a bit.  A few things I want to print out. A "Lights Scavenger Hunt" list. or a "Christmas Bucket List".  I might want to Seal them so they can be used over and over.

Dishes MUST be done and that's what I'm working on as soon as I send this out, which will be in a just a few more minutes.

If I don't write anything next week. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Billie C.

 Life is a journey not a destination

Hello and Happy Weekend.

Hello and Happy Weekend

I really enjoyed babysitting Liam this week. He's a very good baby for the most part.  Of course I'm spoiling him, just a little bit.  I do like changing his clothes. he has so many cute ones and will soon outgrow a lot of them.  We have our own routine set up now. he finishes a bottle he has started before I get there, then, after Mom and Siblings leave around 7:30, I change his diaper but not his  clothes unless they are wet, then he's either in his rocking bassinet by the window, with the curtains opened and the shades pulled up. He'll lay in there for at least an hour if not longer, most of the time, he's awake for about 30 minutes or not longer. I turn on the TV and set up a Nexflix movie and then straighten up a little.  Tossing trash and taking dishes to the kitchen if that is needed. I check on their dog, that he's not tangled his chain too much and give him a treat (and sometimes a bit of training) When Liam is hungry again, usually around 9 am, I change his diaper, and usually his clothes because they are damp(ish) and give him a bottle, burp him, get in some cuddle time then set him in the swing. He really likes his swing and will usually stay there until his mom comes home for lunch a few minutes after 11 am.  She gets him his "lunch" bottle and changes diaper and gets in lots of cuddle time with him before leaving a few minutes before noon to return to work.  He'll either be in a boppy on the couch or the swing or in he bassinet  He'll usually sleep until close to 3 pm and it's bottle time again, diaper time (again) and then burping and cuddle time with Grandma (again) I'll carry him around the house a bit just so he has a change of scenery He'll fall asleep not too long after his bottle and so either into the swing or into the bassinet. He waked up around 7 pm and of course is hungry, but Mom and siblings will be home soon so I keep him comfortable until they come in through the doors and my "day" is done.  My hubby, when the car is working as it should will be home sometime around 4:30.

But  This past week, it's been a later day for Liam's mom and my hubby. He has a ride from Soddy-Daisy to work, which is the half way point from our town to his job. Liam's Mom has been getting up extra early to drive him for our town to Soddy-Daisy to catch his ride on the says he has to work. It's a really long day for her and Jerry, since he has to wait for her to get off her job before she an come get him. Jerry's days off are Tuesday and Thursdays, but he ended up with Wednesday, trying to fix a loaner car, then he lost the key to the care and we have been looking for it, ever since.  Looking inside, and outside and around the cars in the daylight and after dark, and places he has been but not sure if he lost it before or after.

I Found the Key, this morning, in the camper, in an area he said he looked several times. It was on the floor under a small set of drawers that can roll around. I moved it out but didn't find it until I started to sweep the floor and cobwebs out of the way and it popped out from under the drawers... Whew.... talk about relief and joy...  Wow was I do happy to find that key. I knew we needed that key and I wasn't home when he lost it so I had no idea of were to look in the first place. L was looking in the grass, in the gravel in the corners of the camper where I knew he would have been, and just couldn't figure out where it should have been. I'm just glad it's been found and now we can see if the "fix" on the car is going to work or not.

T

Billie C.

 Life is a journey not a destination

Jan 17, 2018

I am having trouble finding propane.  I have been having trouble out of the heaters control as well.   The heater is working, when I turn off the control then turn it back on. but it is going to need to be replaced and I don't know how to do that. Hubby is going to be home this weekend and will take care of it when he gets here. The place we will (Hopfully) get the pars also sells Propane and I just hope they are not out, like all the places here in town are out.
I think I'm going to make a pot of beans tomorrow for my dinner. My last pot of beans were white beans so this time, I'll make Pinto beans. I think I'll get out everything for cornbread and make some to go with the beans. 
Hubby isn't working today, because of the weather where he's at. The roads were too slick to go to work and the job site isn't in any better shape either. He said that they should ony lose today and that the weather is suppose to improve quickly.
Last night, when Itook the dogs out for last call. Barney got loose, or I didn't get the hook on his collar very well. Either way, I'm calling him, but he's having a grand time. I can't see him cause he's as black as the night. I'm calling and calling, the other two can at least see him a bit cause I can see them looking, tracking, him. Just as I'm ready to leave his arse outside and put the other two in, here he comes back, all wiggles and joy. I sure hope he peed while he was out because im not going to open that door again until morning. If he had not come back in with the others i would be opening that door in about 30 minutes and calling for him. That is if he'd not already come to the door and barked.

 

Billie C.