A positive start to a new year

100 items out the door challenge #8, delivered to the 2nd hand truck up the street, the garbage part down in the basement all tidy and waiting for the next trip to the dump. I am happy!  I am also determined to tackle my goals, it feels so good to simplify my surroundings (also hard).

2013 review

My successes (in a minor way) are few.  I completed 100 things out of the house only twice this year.  It is HARD to get rid of memories which I have done with some struggles.  The big pieces are still in the basement and the garage sale didn't happen.  Bummer!  I did get to the dump 3 times this year which is good since these trips are mostly downsize loads with little day to day garbage.  Goodwill trips  added up to approximately 6 trips (I keep a sack ready to fill at all times, if a decision to get rid of something is made then it goes into the sack).

'To Do' list (supports goals) for 2013

• To Habitat for Humanity X 1
• 100 hundred items out of the house x 2
• Save money
• Sort/clean out living spaces
• To the dump x 3
• Re-pack anything left in basement
• Have a garage sale

The skills list is also going to stay the same. That's right, other than reading an article on sourdough nothing was accomplished here either.  Living happily with thrift is actually something I already practice, getting others in the house on board is another problem which I can't solve for them.  Kombucha was brewed continuously but can stay on the list because I want to up the amount brewed and figure out how to do a second brew in the bottle.  Maybe a physical list is needed as a daily reminder.

New Skills to Learn in 2013

• Cheese
• Kimchi
• Kombucha ( keep up on the brewing)
• Living Happly with Thrift
• Master Recipe List
• Root Vegie Kimchi
• Sourdough (delve deeper)

Christmas, 2013

We had a wonderful Chrstmas holiday with family!  Christmas eve was a major change up but very nice.  We spent the evening with a cousin, my husband, son and a friend of my son's.  We had simple dinner of roasted rack of beef, steamed vegies, coleslaw, and pumpkin pie.  And some good visiting.  Christmas breakfast was the usual.  Rolls, eggs, bacon, champagne and OJ (with a list of 17 people coming but 4 couln't make it).  And a wonderful time with family.  My parents stayed home this year and grandpa came (he is 95), we had 5 generation of family together.  It is such a joy to share this time with family.  My daughter did wonderful job of opening her home for the holidays.  The evening was spent with my brother in law and wife, my husband and son.  A simple evening with good leftovers from their Christmas eve dinner, visiting and working on a puzzle

A list . . . .

. . . . .  of my non-commercial Christmas endeavors, I love to give things homemade.

Fudge (chocolate and peanut butter), gave away 2/3 of both batches
Pecan pie (for my Dad)
Pumpkin pie (to take for dinner)
Sticky cinnamon rolls (to take for Breakfast tomorrow - 2 batches)
Hat/scarf combo and mittens for the Grandgirls
Christmas Isicle ornament (for daughters tree)
Flower press (helped my son make this, my dad made the cuts)
Ruffled scarves for my 2 sister in laws
'Jewels' for the Grandgirls (5 yr old V asked for these)
Wove a paper grocery bag basket (for my Mom)

Holidays

Tomorrow is pie baking day!  Two pumpkin and one pecan, my son will also make one (maybe apple).   The two grand girls will also be here (they will go with us to dinner on Thanksgiving day). Their mom just started a job this Monday and has LOTS to do.  So I will have a busy day with baking  helpers, pies and a little home schooling and picking up the girls.  Then a family day for dinner with 21 people and NO black friday shopping (something I never do anyway).

Christmas?

. . . .  is fast approaching!  And I am well on my way to being prepared.  Gifts are made for my 2 sister in laws, I have a big present for my son and husband, a bunch of small things for my daughter (sorry honey, not revealing until THE day),  my oldest grandaughter's (lessons),  crocheted ornaments that need starching (accumulated from the last couple years).   I estimate that as half done!  Yeah! Writing out an official list is top priority now and coming up with something for my parents, they can buy anything they want so this takes some thought. 

Canning

I have had a busy 2 days.  My son in law picked a box of apples from his mom's house and delivered them to mine.  Sweet guy!  Possibly 80 to 100 pounds.  So far I have filled my dehydrator 3 times and made 2 batches of applesauce, 13 pint jars.  Three Two failed to seal right, too much seepage under the screw lids.  No problem, they will go in the fridge to be used first.  I have barely used half.  They are buggy but with small holesl which adds to processing time.  I don't mind, I love to recieve free fruit!!  My worms love the extra compost food.  My daughter actually has some of the best apples that hold their shape and have LOTS of flavor (they are what was canned last year). Every little bit helps.   I am HAPPY!!  with my efforts. 

Update:  Another batch in the dehydrator.  Life has interfered with getting more of the apples done and not too happy about it!