New Year

Can not believe it is almost 2021.  Christmas was very nice.  Will post tomorrow on the new year.  Happy New Years everyone.  Good Bye 2020!!!!!

 

Looking back

Been watching a lot of "outdoor"..."off the grid"..."wild life" type TV shows lately.  I wish that Ron and I had tried that in our youth.  We always talked about owning a "Guest Type Ranch"  place and just never got there.  Later I always said we would probably come back in our next life as an animal on a ranch.

I know that Ron would have loved that...living off the grid, well, with a few modern things.  I know that we would have been able to do that.  Him with his knowledge and me not the princess type gal, working together side by side.

Doing a lot of hiking, exploring, work (probably hard work), but together.  I'm not so sure our kids would have loved it.

As they say, do it now, don't wait until you are too old and can't.

PRE-CHRISTMAS

 Well, this will be a different Christmas...in Illinois instead of Arizona, weather (not much different this year), missing family and friends, and seem to be missing Ron more this year than in the past.

Shopping is all done, however, I am a bit sad that I did not get Christmas cards mailed out this year.  I intend to do a facebook and text card to all, however I have found that I enjoy getting letters, cards.  We are so used to instant gradifications that no one writes letters now.  A dear friend of mine and me are now writing to each other and it is exciting getting those letters.

It's the same thing with cell phones.  In that far past nothing (well most things) was so urgent that you had to leave a message or get in touch with someone instantly.  Than message machines were kind of cool in that you could at least let them know you called and why.  Now, where ever you are you are available.  I have to agree that that instant gradification is nice and emergencies are handled.  We feel lost when we do not have that phone on us.  And computers and TVs along with the phones are constant without breaks and are very addictive.

Oh well...........three more days to Christmas....the day of blessings and hopes filled and to look forward to in the future.

Good Updates

 Talked to Matt's in Arizona and got the regular update, however the best news is that Brody, who is autistic, is now starting to talk!  He loves watching various videos and games on the I-Pad and Phone and hums or will say some of the words but nothing really intentional.  He is so smart and knows exactly what is going on but just not totally verbal.

He is doing the on-line learning, which has to be a little difficult for teachers and parents, and seems to be more and more attentive.  Now he is participating more and actually saying words that are appropriate like when Matt comes home from work he will say Hi Daddy, or hi and good by and he is counting and saying ABCs. Can't wait to hear Hi Nana!

I know, how old is he?  However this is a big accomplishment and we are all so pleased and excited.  Brandon, Brody's big brother, is his biggest fan and is constantly encouraging him.

AND.....Jocelyn just got her hair cut to donate it to Wigs for Kids.  She loves her long hair and it was a difficult decision for her.  However, she now has such a cute hair cut shoulder length.  I hope this could become a yearly holiday present from her...wouldn't that be neat?

Joe is very close to getting his driving license.  Can you believe he is old enough?  Before lone he will be our errand runner.  I have ridden with him and he is very cautious and safe.  At first I thought I might be scared but he is a very good driver.  He has been taking driving lessons during the day and night and has passed his test.  So now, let's hope he is able to get his license with all this lock down stuff going on.

Another dusting of snow this morning...Temperatures will be in the high 20's at night and 40's during the day.  Be careful what you say, but, I was expecting more this time of the year.  I have a feeling that January and February might be a bear! 

Well, that's all for now...should have taken a photo of the snow, it is all melted now.

New Type of Machine

 Going to try to put a photo on this one.  Been a while since I have done that.

Mower, weed eater, clippers, etc. normal equipment for me and now....a snow blower.  We did get our first snow fall on Monday, and it looked beautiful!!!!  However, by the afternoon it had all melted and instead of snow we got a lot of rain.

It (the snow blower) looks a bit intimidating, but with instructions it appears to be basic.  Well, we'll see!

Yes I Did

 

APPLE BUTTER!

It was soooooo easy.  After cutting the apples and instruction of what to put in from Jennifer (fill slow cooker with cut apples (peel on, core out) and 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 1/2 T of pumpkin spice, 1/4 salt, 1/2 t of vanilla) and cook on low for at least 10-12 hours.  Blend with an immersion blender till smooth (yes the rind will be so cooked it will blend nicely), put in jar(s) and refrigerate.

I originally put in 1/2 cup of sugar and had to add a bit more to taste...depends on the apples I believe.

SOOO proud of myself, I must say a cook, I am not, so this is definitely a plus for me!