Prepping animals for winter, greenhouse and making a poncho.

Chores are getting done. Still getting ready for winter, it's never-ending. Once again we consider the warm weather a great blessing. Dude, on the other hand feels the seasons are changing. I don't know but I do notice the difference in the fur of our animals this year compared to last and they are all fuller. We need to get hay ready to keep them warm. Store alfalfa for food and grains. There will be snow on the ground and they won't be out grazing.  We are watering trees and plants as much as we can before the freeze. Checking for any repairs that might need done - fencing, roofs, and the plastic on the greenhouse needs to be battened down.  

This morning we went out to do our chores together as normal. It is one of the best times of the day. Everyone is happy.

Mr Buttons greeted us this morning. Yep, he had been rolling in the dirt. He was ready to eat!

I take care of the hens. The teenage  hens have been integrated into the flock.

Goats are all doing well. 

Someone just wanted a kiss. 

We did get a good laugh when the water got out of control after we cleaned the troughs.

Came back in the house popped in a load of laundry, vacuumed and made ham salad. 

Next up I began to tackle the tomatoes. It was time to start pulling them out.

I cleared a good section and salvaged as many tomatoes. I want to make more salsa. 

I had just enough time to make a poncho for work.  It is freezing at my desk.  Anyone else have this problem? I sit right under a vent. Even though it may be only 50-60* outside, the air conditioner still blasts above me. I hope when winter really sets in the heater will kick on and I will be complaining it is hot..I hope.  I digress.... I made this poncho, the one in the bottom right corner, out of warm fleece. It is a great time to buy fleece.  There are sales all over for it. It is was a fun pattern.  No sewing. Just cut and then glue ...yes, glue the collar in.  It stayed nice and kept me toasty at my desk today. 

Not sure what is on for tomorrow...more prepping for the winter.

peace, health, and happiness

Applesauce and thank you gift...

Worked early yesterday.  But with Dude's help I did get some canning done.  He got the morning chores done while I tackled the laundry.  We both headed to work early in the day.  He got home a few hours before me to , again, put the animals to bed.  I called and asked if he would set up the apple peeler so I could come home pop dinner in the oven and can up my apples.

Dinner was ravioli bake ... another super easy one. You can go red or white here.

For both set the oven at 350* and spray a baking pan .

Red - Traditional spaghetti sauce, ravioli, and cheese.  Take your pan put a little sauce in the bottom, then frozen ravioli, cheese ( mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan ) then repeat.  Cover in foil bake for 45 minutes then take off the foil and bake 15 minutes more.

While this was baking the apples were being peeled. 

White sauce ravioli : This one comes from my sister. Same idea of layering but instead of spaghetti sauce use Alfredo sauce, plus add a layer of spinach, mushrooms and top with bacon or as she says....baaaaaaaacon!

While we ate the apples ( 9-10 granny smith peeled and sliced - soaked in lemon water) simmered in a cup of water on the stove.  Because these were so thin it only took 20-30 minute to soften and mashed with a potato masher.  Add half of bag of cinnamon hot candies and 1/4 cup of sugar(I think, I just poured a bit until I liked the taste). Cook down and mash.  While it is cooking I was boiling my jars and getting them ready. 

Used a water bath for 25minutes. 

Yes, three jars but when I have bags to be eaten I would rather cook them up for later and not waste them. Plus, I think this very fun!

My team at work surprised me with a few Boss's Day gifts.  I am thanking them with these instead of notes for the season. Besides, notes would have taken too long. I love getting craft boxes in the mail I can re-purpose. This one is from Paper Pumpkin.

peace, health and happiness. 

Canning and greenhouse update.

Wow! What a gorgeous day!   I know, I know enjoy it while I can it is going to be a harsh winter. Well, not sure if it will but I am, indeed enjoying the Sunday Funday of 80*.  A good example was last night Hunter Moon walk we took with the animals last night. Perfect sweater weather.  The only strange thing is we haven't heard the coyotes the last few nights...but I'm not complaining.

No coyotes but I do believe spirits of the plains were with us. 

Greenhouse update

We still have stuff growing. We will pull up any radishes left over and plant lettuce. The collards are loving the weather.

Carrots and tomatoes need to come out. 

Yep, picked MORE spaghetti squash. 

Glad there is some spinach still producing. 

Nasturtiums for salad and drying.

I will use the corn stalks for decoration or the goats. They love them. 

If the animals new fur coats mean anything then Winter IS Coming. 

Brought out some snackages for the animals. They came running.

God forbid we leave the horse out!

Bees are still active and I will get one more lavender cutting tomorrow.

Salsa making today. 

It turned out ...FABULOUS!

We brought in the sunflowers to dry. We will use for the birds this winter. 

A friend gave me strawberries and raspberries from her garden. We grow them we just don't eat them, she said. What?? Yes, I will, with much gratitude, take them off your hands! So today I made jam, combining them both. 

Turned out sooooooo good. (And yes, mom, if you are reading this... I forgot the pat of butter to reduce the foam. But it is scrumptious! )

I did manage a nap. I am one of those people who takes a 15 minute nap that felt like hours and feel great. 

Dinner came together in minutes. Veggies from garden as stir-fry with chicken over spaghetti squash instead of rice.

I will have this quilted tonight.  Determined!

peace, health, and happiness.