June 27, 201, m y day so far and a reicpe,Dutch Oven Pork Roast

 

June 27, 2012

 

I made Jerry's breakfast, took the dogs out, saved my emails to my computer, then went back to bed until 7am.

 

As soon as I got up, I made the beds.
Then I put on my clothes for the day, (blue shorts and a splattered tshirt)
straightened up the bathroom, not that it needed that much attention

got my breakfast and meds into me, a bowl of shredded wheat cereal.

Took the dogs out for another walk and when we got back, I put down fresh water for the dogs then some dog food.
checked to see if the Hummingbird feeder needs more put in it, (No)
took out the trash. I think it was picked up before I put it out.. then I ran dish water for our few dishes and got them out of the way.
It's going to be another HOT day with a high expected to be around 92 F.  I Watched the Y&R I slept through yesterday, then took all the old Y&R shows off the DVR.  I then Watched most of a General Hospital I missed this week while picking up around the front of the camper.  I need my iron and I had to go look for it. I thought I had it in my drawer I keep my tops in, Not in there, but I sorted through and re-arranged it. Putting winter stuff and night gowns in the back and short sleeved tops in the front. I finished up that and started looking through the shelves for my iron, Found it, not where I thought I had put it but on the other side of the camper.  I got out a towel to iron the material one and was getting set to do that when Lauren knocked on the door. They are leaving as soon as Will gets his check. Momma D admited to the police that she had cut the power to the camper they are staying . He told her that was Illegal, as well as locking the shower house at night, because they have no other place to go for a shower. She spent about an hour over here with me. Enjoying what air I have blowing into the front of the camper. Once she left, I took the dogs out, and I called in the cats when we came back in. I think I'm going to have to keep the cats in for the rest of the day. I need to be sure they can get into the catbox. back in a minute. I had to move the Guitar out of the way. I have put the fan on the chair in the kitchen doorway to help blow the cooler air into the living room area.  I made up some flavored water with ice.

 

 

Dutch Oven Pork Roast

 

1 boneless whole pork loin roast (3 lb)
1 (16 oz) jar salsa
1 (16 oz) can kidney beans undrained
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

 

Prepare grill or campfire for low heat, using 20-24 charcoal briquettes or large wood chips.

 

Line a Dutch oven with heavy duty aluminum foil; add the pork. Combine the salsa, kidney beans, salt and pepper; pour over pork.

 

Cover Dutch oven. When briquettes or wood chips are covered with white ash place Dutch oven directly on top of 10-12 of them. Using long handled tongs place remaining briquettes on pan, cover.

 

Cook for 1- 1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160. To check for doneness use the tongs to carefully lift the
cover.

 

If your cooking this in an regular oven.. Temp 350 for the same amount of time.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

Good Evening, June 26

Good Evening. 

 It's been a nice day outside and I spent some of it outdoors. I sat on the deck while my cloth went through the washer and dryer. Talking to Momma D and Mike a bit while they continue to work on a way to get the water from the washers away from the building. The septic line can handle one machine load at a time but not all four. The tempory idea is for the gray water be diverted into a ditch behind the washhouse.  Not sure if that's going to increase the skeeter problems or not. We will see.

 

The dogs sure love this cooler weather we had today. Our first daylike walk was 20 minutes. Not that we walked that far, but we enjoyed being out in the yard that much.  Our afternoon walk was just as nice and was 30 minutes long.

 

These Hummingbirds are very hungry. They went through a cup of sugar water in just one day, yesterday so today I put out two cups worth. I haven't been outside yet this evening to see how much is still out there.  I saw at least three Ruby-throated near the feeder when I had the dogs out this afternoon.

 

I had an ice chest inside since this weekend and I needed it out of my way, so now it's outside, drained and dried. Ready to go back into the van for our next shopping trip. We still have ice in the freezer from our last trip to the store.

 

I did water my garden this morning, but it didn't take as much water as it did yesterday. I'm sure I'll be using a lot of water in the morning tomorrow since the tempature is going to be back up in the low 90's again. We are expecting to be 100 or more this weekend.  Sure makes me wish we had some shade trees to  park this camper under right now.

 

Tomorrow I plan on ironing the material and cutting out the caps and neck coolers I plan on making. While I was waiting for my laundry I was also reading a book Mike let me borrow. I'm thinking of buying a copy for myself.

 

We are having Hamburgers for dinner tonight. I've already cut up the tomatoe, and pulled some lettuce leafs off the head of letttuce I picked up this week.  I think I can get one more day off of this head before it turns brown on me. I know better than to cut it with a metal knife as that will turn a head of lettuce faster than doing just about anything else.  I've peeled and cut up a cucumber. cut a green pepper into strips, cut celery into two bite size pieces and the same with a couple of carrots. I'll take out some potato chips to go with our burgers, as well. The burger is thawed and as soon as I send this, I have to take everything outside.

 

I got a lot done this afternoon ( for me anyway) After dishes, I cleaned up in the bathroom, made the beds, sprinkled the carpets with Glade carpet stuff and then vacumed it up again.  I even did a bit more work in the living room, taking up where I left off yesterday. 

 

So, Tomorrow's plan is to cut out and maybe even sew the caps, make neck coolers, dishes, make the beds, vac the floors (need to get back in the habit of doing these things daily)  and keep cool.

 

 

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

Good Morning, June 25

Good Morning. I hope you had a great weekend.  Our's was the usual , Running around. Fooling around and laying around. Saturday was running around. We talked to Jerry's sister Mary. She's doing well but has Chemo on the 5th and was told that after this round to expect to lose her hair. Well, she mentioned she needed something to cover her head with. I went on-line and found a pattern that looks easy enough for me to make for her. Picked up a sewing machine over the weekend since my hand sewing skills are all but null.  I have some material on hand and will pick up some more this next weekend.

 

This morning I've been busy.  I've...

 

made Jerry's breakfast
took the dogs out
set up "to do" list
downloaded some books for Kindle
pulled out chicken for dinner
put away clothes in light blue tub
put away clothes in Dr blue tub
put away clothes in purple
transferred laundry soap from one bottle into another. tossed old bottle

picked some Tarragon, Rosemary and sage to make the maranade for my chicken. Rinsed it off
put out fresh hummingbird nectur
took out the trash
Saw a Deer, it went behind John's camper on it's way to the lakeside. I made a little noise so it would be aware I was outside
I had a hummingbird scold me for not putting the food out sooner.
Put out fresh dry catfood for the cats, for today
changed clothes,
get out all my material, pick out some for Chemo Caps
meds and breakfast
played ball with Barney and Bro for a few minutes
water Garden
read some emails
walked the dogs
dishes
found my kindle, download books
moved the fan up from the back to the middle of the room.

 

 

Right now, it's 80 F and suppose to go up to 96 F... Hot. I let the dogs sit outside with me a few minutes but it was already getting to hot to sit outside. The cats were scolding me. One inside, because she was inside and one outside because he was outside. No pleasing a cat, I guess.

 

I picked some fresh herbs, and steeped them in some warmed up Orange Juice to make a marinade for tonight's Chicken. I'm going to cook it in the crockpot and well have to start it around noon, I think. Still need to saute some Onion and Garlic to go into the orange juice.

I had planned on washing some material this morning but now that's on hold since I see Momma D and Mike are working over at the laundry room. I don't want my washing a small load mess up anything she may be doing to get the washers working again.

I'll make a copy of the pattern today, and have it ready for when I do get the material washed and dried. Some of the material is cotton and one piece if flannel.

I filled the hummingbird feeder yesterday before we went out for breakfast. I had to refill it this morning and was scolded again, I guess I'm not keeping it filled enough for them

My garden is doing very well, considering how hot it has been. I've been trying to nip the ends of some of the plants so they grow out and not up. The sage loves it, not so sure if the tarragon is thriving because of that, or not just yet. Rosemary is  enjoying the attention and man does it smell wonderful when I sit on a step-stool and water all the plants.

 

This recipe is what has inspired me to make my own orange maraide for the chicken today. I don't have the cranberries and Jerry doesn't like them anyway. But the Orange and the spices and herbs blended together sound great together. at least to me they sound great.

 

Orange Ginger Chicken

 

1 fryer chicken, cut into parts, skinless (3 lbs)
1 tsp minced garlic
2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger root
1/4 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Lawry's seasoned pepper to taster

 

Spray grill with cooking oil spray. Preheat grill
Place chicken in shallow dish
Blend ginger, orange juice, garlic, olive oil, thyme, and seasoned pepper
in a small bowl.
Pour the mixture over the chicken
Set aside for 20 minutes
Drain chicken, reserving the marinade.
Grill on low for about 45 minutes. Turn every 10 minutes. Baste with
marinade
Cook until done

 

 

I really do need to spend more time on my own groups.  They all need attention. here is one of my groups.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackOfTheBox/

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackOfTheBox/

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

Apothacary jars

Apothacary jars

How long did this take me.. 2 weeks more or less. I found the candle holders, jars and glass lid at a yard sale two weeks ago. The green marbles, last week at another yard sale. Finally found my E-6000 this morning, while cleaning out a drawer.

Time spent washing the glassware this morning. about 10 minutes total. Only because I am lazy and let them soak for a bit in the water. Allowing they to air dry on the stove top,, about 3 hours.

Glue up time. less than 5 minutes

I've seen this crafts on-line and at the flea market a few times. Now I wanted to try it out. I'm considering gluing some green and white marbles around the base of them, as well but not going to do that at this time. There are two green marbles in the hole the candle goes in, on the taller one. Just for some color. These will be gifts as I have no place to keep them or show them off (except on line of course)

The Supplies, Candle holders, found at a yard sale, Glass bowls found at same yard sale. Glass lid that isn't a good fit for either jar. Hum... will double check fit once all is good and dry.

I forgot to put the green marbles on the stovetop for the "supply" picture. These are not marbles for game playing. They are too small for that. Two just fit perfectly in the hole.

Ah, Here is a good picture of the smaller jar. I think the lid will go with this one.

I think this picture is too busy to really show them off.

"looking up" from under to show off that green. Excuse my skillets. They are well seasoned.

a GOOD picture of the larger jar. Now I'm waiting for the glue to dry

Another angle on the jars. Look at my messy counter. Ah well. House cleaning can wait when I'm in a creative mood.

 

Billie C.

June 22, 2012

 

June 22, 2012
(not sure when I'll be able to send this in, No Internet this morning)

 

Good Morning. I hope you had a good night. We had fun last night. We went out for our usual dinner at Bubba's. He has a good, hand formed burger and other stuff. There was entertainment last night. Mychail Lee Alien was there. Never heard of him? ... neither had we. He was ok. Not bad, not great.  For "free" though, he was good. He was singing the older songs. Some we had even forgotten about. One of the ladies who we have seen in Bubba's before, got up and sang a couple of songs with him.  We stayed longer than usua,l just to hear more. There was a cover charge at the door if you were not eating. $3. That's not a bad charge either.  I was bemoaning just last week that, Here we are in Tennessee, known for Music, and we can't seem to find any place that has live music.  There were a few CD's at the register and I asked Jerry to get me one. Not so much that I want to hear more, but to support the singer. I know he worked hard to put together a good show. See how casual he's dressed?  He forgot about how traffic is in Clarksville and didn't have time to change. I thought he just fit right in and didn't need to dress up. (he is wearing shorts)

 

 

 

 

 

We are not going to be as hot today as we were yesterday but it's still going to be hot. expected high of 91.
I've walked the dogs to the woods, and I've watered my plants. They are all doing very well.

 

The Moss Rose is growing.. Can't wait for there to be flowers.

 

things I need to do today
I need to refill the hummingbird feeder it's almost empty
pick up the trash and bag it up for tomorrow's pick up
dishes, got a few that need washed up before the weekend starts
change sheets on the bed and make the beds
pick up socks from the floor and put into laundry, ready to wash

 

Things I want to do.
Cut more rosettes on the Cricut and put them together, to hang off the canopy
Read a bit
I need to trim my rosemary, think I'll make this up. Not sure what I'll use it for. but will be interesting to see how it tastes.

A rosemary flavored olive oil.

 

Heat 1 cup olive oil and 4 sprigs rosemary, let cool. Use in mashed potatoes or as dip for bread...

 

 

When I was watering my plants the cats were bugging me to put out some food.. Frisbee even came around bugging for food ) My cats were ok with his coming around, just don't get too close.

 

Frisbee. 

(10 am)
Made up the hummingbird food, let it cool then filled the feeder. I had one come right up to me while I was putting it on the curtain ring I hang it from. It scolded me, I guess because I wasn't finished hanging it yet. It then took of, I turned around and there were three at it. I think he (or she) went off and told it's friends I had just put out fresh food for them.

ran dish washing water, and did up the dishes. Need to put them away yet.
Washed the glass stuff we picked up at a yard sale that I'm going to glue together with some E-6000

made up the oil and rosemary

made up some tarragon vinegar

made up some Sage Vinegar

made up some Rosemary Vinegar

 

I may use them in marinades or in home made mayo. I use to make my own mayo, long ago. 

 

 

 

 

Billie C.

Good Afternoon

Good Afternoon. Just catching up. It's a hot day, today and I seem to be sleeping more when it's hot outside.)

 

I did get my plants watered this morning, walked the dogs three times and have two more times to go. Have to feed the cats soon, as well.

 

I did up the dishes this morning.

 

We ate at Bubba's last night, and we will eat there again tonight. Found out someone is going to be there, singing, starting at 7pm.  That's just perfect cause that's about the time we usually get there for Thursday dinner each week anyway.

 

I sorted the laundry today and have two of the tubs outside, to go in the van when Jerry gets home. More room out there than in here in the camper.

 

I spent about an hour, taping the edges of each of my Cricut cutting mats and then spraying each with "Loctite" Spray adhesive multi purpose. Repositionable glue. Now my mats should work like they are suppose to, again.

 

It's almost 5pm and it's 92 according to the accuweather for desktop I have on my computer. When it's this hot, I don't cook.

 

I've gotten my shower and washed my hair.

 

I need to make this for Jerry soon. He loves Peanut Butter Frudge.

 

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge

 

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk

 

Put above ingredients in saucepan, and stirring constantly,
watch for this to come to boil.
Time it at slow boil for 3 min. exactly.
Remove from heat, and stir in quickly:

 

1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

 

Immediately, pour into buttered dish, let cool slightly and cut into
squares.

 

Here are two of the three cards I made yesterday.

Sent this one off this morning. My Friend is not feeling very well at all. She's in my prayers and knows I wish her well.

 

 

I'm not sure what I'm suppose to do with this card, now that I've made it. I think I'm suppose to send it to one of the other card makers in the group.

 

I did mention that I watered my plants this morning, I took more pictures, as well

 

 

 

See that bit of pale clay sticking out? It's called a water worm, It's pale because there isn't much water in the pot. I filled the pot with as much water as it would hold this morning, and I expect I'll have to do it again tomorrow. My sage is looking very well though.

 

See the "RED" flower at the top of the picture? It's Moss Rose. My first bloom for this year.

 

 

The Elephant Ear is doing very well, for a potted up piece of root.  I babied this thing all winter long. having to keep the cats from eating each fresh leaf as it emerged. Now look at it.

 

 

This poor little Roma Tomato plant, I'm not sure if I can save it or not. I need to put it in a larger pot but I have to get a larger pot first. I found one of our kitty litter jugs under the camper, but think I'll try to find a larger bucket this weekend before I cut up that jug. The jug is easier to carry than my trash bucket.

 

 

 

I planted these seeds last week. More Moss Rose. I think they are doing well, considering how late I planted them.

 

 

 

I'll be able to harvest a few leaves of this catnip soon. The cats will love that.

 

 

I thought I had all the tomatoes off of these, but if you look close there is one hiding in the middle. I got it, after I took the picture.

Now with all the tomatoes off of it, It should grow a bit taller then set more tomatoes. We will see...

 

 

 

I Finally got the garland up around the canopy. Considering how much stuff I have outside, it's fairly neat (for me)  All the plants on the table are needing the shade.

Billie C.

Wow, it's later in the day than I thought it was..

Hello.  Wow, it's later in the day than I thought it was.. Oh well.
I've about cleaned up from what I was working on this morning. Beth, our younger daughter, wants me to make her invitations to her daughter's 1st birthday party. She said she wanted a monkey face. I "Knew" I had seen one recently. But in which cart for the Cricut?  It took me about an hour just to find it. It took another hour and a half to get things just the way I wanted it to send her a sample. On the front is just a monkey face. Inside, a playful Monkey, a layered RSVP and a printed one, and a index card she can check off and send back to me, so I can make just the ones she wants me to make.

Then I had to take the dogs out.

I finally had Beth's card in an enevelope, ready to send out. Next I made a card for a friend who is in the hospital. The sticky is wearing off of my cutting mats and I didn't want to stop, clean them up, wait for them to dry, and take another go at it. So instead of spraying the cutting mats, I lightly sprayed the back of the card-stock with a bit of repositional glue and that worked out just fine for what I was doing. I still need to spray my mats but that can wait a day or two, now.

 

Last was a Card for a Card challenge. It is a card for a couple getting married. Now, I don't know anyone who is going to get married, but I just couldn't pass on a challenge. This one didn't take me too long to make either.

Then it was time to take the dogs out, again.

And then I realized, I didn't have any lunch. So I have a couple of boiled eggs, a banana and some cherries in front of me right now.

 

I did stay up this morning, for a while anyway. I watered my plants before the sun was up very much. I filled the Hummingbird feeder. I had to wash my hands afterwards cause I ended up spilling a bit of the sugar water that was inside all over my hands.

Put stuff back under the canopy as I figured Momma D would mow today, and she did. She was close to the camper around 11 but was far enough away I could watch Y&R. and if not, well I have it recorded and can watch it later.

Now, after I eat, I'm cleaning up the mess I made. Hope to sort out a couple of small boxes

Got to do the dishes, Not that there's a lot of them but I want them done anyway.

Man, it's hot outside. I thought it was getting cloudy but no, not really. we sure could use a good couple of days of a slow rain, I don't think we have much rain in the forecast though.   I checked out my plants as I walked the dogs back to the camper. They are handling the heat fairly well. I know I'll have to keep pouring water into them each morning.

 

It's so hot that we are going to eat out tonight. Bubba's has a good hamburger and is close by. Of course, I may have catfish instead. or chicken. or just a large salad. Not sure just what I want to have, yet.

 

 

 

Billie C.
What is a Friend?
It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Sure the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls dow, the other helps.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, the message

June 19, Morning

Hello !!

Whew.. 10:30 already ?  I took care of Jerry this morning, made his breakfast.. Walked the dogs. Did the dishes, then went back to bed. I was up by 8 am. Dressed, meds, breakfast of a fruit yogurt drink. Not thick enough to be a shake, not thin enough to be a drink. 

 

Took the dogs out again. Mike and John were on the front porch of the house, and we spoke together a few minutes. The dogs did fairly well, considering the kittens were in sight. John picked up one of the kittens and held it, the other hid in the holly shrub. I don't know of the prickly ness of the holly would have stopped the dogs if they had gotten away from me. But they did sit when I told them to, and for the most part, Behaved well.

 

We had the cats come with us to the edge of the woods, but when we got closer to the porch they stayed on the far side of the truck from the kittens. I don't think my cats like kittens all that much. Either that, or the Momma cat has taken them to task a couple of times. They were all under the table by the time we got back to the camper

 

Back to the house, I had set a few thing up to bring outside, before I took the dogs out.  Some Blue, Red and white garland, my insulated cup with iced water in it, along with a bit of lemon juice added to it. Some twine and scissors to put the garland up with.  I still haven't done that though. I got hot before I got to that.  I can put it up this evening when Jerry is home.

I transplanted the rest of the Aloe and the Hen and Chicks I picked up over the weekend. Put the impatiens on the table, out of the sun. I'll put them back on the hooks this evening before Jerry gets home. I'll need to wash off the table, anyway.

I moved the birdbath to over by my garden. All it's attracting is bugs. It fell over but nothing broke so I had to find a smoother place to set it. I switched the pots, as well.

 

 

 

 

I moved all our "stuff" back under the canopy from where we had it out, last night. Momma D was moving the other side of the driveway last night but stopped before she got to our side. I expect she may want to do our side and since I had already weed- eat around the door side of the camper she doesn't have to get that close to this side but will have to get close to the other side. I could have asked Will to do the weed-eating yesterday but I wanted to do it myself.

 

 

 

I need to make up more sugar water for the Hummingbird feeder. I filled it yesterday with 1 cup's worth and it's almost all gone. Jerry and I like to sit and watch them fight each other away from it, the watch as they sneak in to get a drink, the they are off to fight off any one else who wants to come in and get a drink. 

 

Yesterday, I had my back to the driveway and Jerry saw a Deer. At first he thought it was Bro. the large bulldog that belongs to the campground, but when he looked closer he said it was a deer. By the time I could turn around, it was gone. I know Momma D and Cindy will sit under the tree up on the first row, at Cindy's camper and watch the deer come down in the area where camper can park and they will browse, play and then go to the lake. Maybe tonight I can see it.

 

We are going to have Hot Dogs again tonight. (I'm not a fan of them, but Jerry loves them) I'm going to make Mac and Cheese for him, as well. I'll cut up a tomato, a Cucumber and a Green Pepper for our vegetables. I need to cut up some celery and carrots as well.  It's that time of year, when lettuce does not stay good for long, after it takes us 40 minutes to get home from the store, so the only time Ill be getting lettuce is when we eat out.

 

Speaking of Weather.  It's going to be hotter than it was yesterday. Suppose to be 95 F or so.  So yeah, I'll be in the middle of the camper by this afternoon. I still want to make some more rosette's to hang outside, so think that is what I'll be working on. I also need to cut out something to send to Beth, and she what she thinks about it. I sent off a box to her on Saturday, It should be there either today or tomorrow.

 

As I stepped outside to take a few pictures, A hummingbird scolded me for disturbing him.  Love It.

 

 

 

See the drums (barrels) in the background?  They make a noise when it warms up and when it cools down.  They are suppose to be turned into something we can burn in, sometime in the near future.  That Pile of Blue on the end of the table is the garland I want to put up around the edge of the canopy.

 

Lets see, I've said I need to work on a craft today. I need to read a chapter in a book I have borrowed,   Clean up the back of the camper. make the beds, and make the mac and cheese for dinner. Nothing special about that, to be sure.

 

Ah, you may want to know how I made my breakfast drink, this morning.

 

I took some dried fruit, dried cherry's, cranberries, blueberries, a couple of pieces of dried pineapple, and ran them through my smaller food processor. Note, pineapple rolled up into a ball when I did just the pineapple. making a sticky glob that I had to pull apart. Into my blender went about 1/2 a cup of the fruit. I cut up one medium sized banana and put that in the blender.  I put about 1 pint of home made yogurt in, the ran it on liquefy for 2 to 3 minutes.  I poured out a glassful for this morning and I'll have enough for tomorrow's breakfast, as well. I saved back enough yogurt to make more either tomorrow or Thursday..

 

I really do need to attend to my groups when I'm on-line. I thought I'd post at the bottom of my morning messages one group a day, starting with those I own, then those I moderate for, then those I'm just a member of, Starting today.

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericanDesserts_N_IReneeceCreamTreats/

 

 

Billie C.
A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Well. I'm inside for the rest of the day

 

 

(11 am)
Well. I'm inside for the rest of the day. I got everything done outside that I needed. I still have to step outside but that will only be for a couple of minutes... and I will have to walk the dogs in a while but that's not until this afternoon.  I took the dogs out, They did what they needed to do. The cats came with us. I took a couple of pictures of the trees by the lake.

 

 

 

 

 

Came back to the camper and put the hummingbird feeder back up.
It took me a while but I finally got the new bag of potting soil to hold water. It was just pouring through and not doing much else. I got the impatiens put into hanging pots. only to read that they only need about an hour of full sun. The hooks I have are in the afternoon sum for at least 3 to 4 hours each day. I'll have to slowing get them use to being in the sun.
I put some of the Aloe into a smaller pot. I plan on giving it to Momma D for Independence day. The pot just fits into the hole in the table.

 

I repotted the Roma tomato into a larger pot, It's a temporary pot as it will need a larger pot and I don't have enough potting soil for it just yet. I did ask Jerry, if he went to Wal-Mart to pick me up another bag of soil. If he forgets no big deal, I can pick up another bag this next weekend.
I "Finally" got the table outside cleaned off. Tossed the last of the trash that was on it, rinsed it off with water still in my new watering can. It still needs scrubbed but at least all the dirt is rinsed off. Talked to Loretta a few minutes.  She's like me, no idea at all how much longer this job is suppose to last for us.We figure, just as we get the outside area just the way we like it, We will end up moving again. I doubt Jerry will like having to put all these pots of flowers in the van with us, and if we move in summer's heat there is good chance that they will all end up baked in the camper on such a move. So I'm praying we don't have to move until fall, now.
I put the two pots of impatiens on the seats of the picnic table right before we came back inside.

 

Barney

 

Billie C.

Good Morning, June 18

I had to check my blood sugar when I got up to fix Jerry's breakfast. It was low (for me) at 87. I haven't  seen the 80's in a long, long time. I was lucky in that Jerry had found some licorice  Spice drops while hew as cleaning out his corner and had left them on my laptop. they were just enough to help me stop feeling shaky.

 I took the dogs out, Being dark, it's hard to tell who is where, and I "yelled" at the wrong dog for not going into the weeds where he's suppose to go. Poor Macon was in the weeds, it was Rocky who didn't  want to go over there. He went,  after I scolded him.

I've pulled some frozen juice concentrate out of the freezer to make up later today. I have some dried fruit that I want to soak in juice, then add to some Yogurt.

I have a cut up lemon in my drinking glass. I've pulled the seeds out of it, and removed the peel (Yummy) I'll have to cut up and peel another lemon later this morning.

I just spent a few minutes ( about 30 or so of them) punching out 1 inch circles from cardboard. Not just any cardboard, I cut up a empty tissue box and now I have circles to use in my craftings. I also punched circles from an Klondike Ice cream bars box.  I plan on putting them either on some cards, or in bottle caps and make bottle cap jewelry out of them. (Watch out World, Billie's got a circle punch and can get a bit Punch Happy)

 

(5am)
Made up a cup of Hummingbird nectar
cleaned out the dishpan and ran dish water.
Picked up the trash and put into a dog food bag to go to the curb.
downloaded AOL email to my computer
Measured how much water a jar I have, holds. (1 cup) Great to know for when I need just a cup of water, I know which jar to grab instead of having to search the drawers for one.
Put away the clean dishes in the dish strainer
wrote a email pen pal a letter

 

worked on my Crafts Newsletter a bit, (didn't find a thing as it was only a few minutes)

 

(6am)
Washed up dishes
bleached the water bottles lids
Dressed for weed eating. ie sweat pants, old shirt. Will take a shower when I finish up outside.

 

(8am)
Whew. It's going to be a HOT day!!! I've already got a neck cooler on when I'm outside. Let's see, what have I gotten done between 6 and Now

moved everything except the wood pile from the door-side of the camper.  That is, the hot box for the propane tank (didn't move that either) Gently pulled the picnic table out from under the Canopy. moved all 4 chairs out from under the canopy. moved the older steps. I may not trust them to hold me going in and out of the camper, but I can still sit on it so it's not going in the trash,just yet. moved the grill. Then I Weed-ate from behind the wood pile to the front. Around the old wooden step we are going to get rid of. Right now, it's a nice place to put things before going into the camper, or to put the trash before getting out of the camper, Weed ate around the fire pit. Put some wood and old paper in it, ready to light up again. I then moved 1/2 of my flower pots, weed ate around where they sit, put them back. moved the other 1/2 and did that weed-eating. put everything back in place.

 

 Watered all the plants. The Cherry tomato is looking very well. I put the pot on a saucer on one of the propane tanks in front. I don't think I'll keep it there but it's good there, for now.

Put a new tie out line around the back tire of the camper.

 

 I turned the table 90 degrees from where it was before (I'll have to take a picture when I finish cleaning out there)

 

Move my hanging candle over by the camper, It can be moved again if need be.

 

 brought in the  infinity spinner. it needs a bit of weight so it will spin in the wind.

 

Moved the table back under the canopy.

 

Brought in the hummingbird feeder and have washed it, rinsing in bleach water, (letting it sit while I type this up)

 

 

 

Still to go,  transplant the impatiens into the two pots I have. Take the dogs for morning walk, They can be outside while I transplant those flowers. 
Shower
Clean the inside of the camper.
Hamburger for Dinner, on the grill, don't know what else I'm going to put with that, just yet.
have to move it back under the canopy, as well as the chairs. . Well, than's all for now, Time to pick up my camera, walk the dogs and get more done.. I'll be back in a bit to add more to the list of "DONE".

 

 

Macon

Billie C.

Summer Fun

Summer Fun. . .

 

Today, so far, has been good. Instead of going back to bed, after Jerry left for work, I stayed up. I decided to get out my Cricut and cut some paper. I picked up two new cutting mats over the weekend so I knew I would have a half way decent chance of getting something I wanted cut. I also picked up a Cart I saw that I wanted. It makes rosettes and I cut out enough red, white and blue to make one rosette. I haven't glued it together just yet, but it's cut and waiting for me.

I had to walk the dogs, take out the trash and talked to Momma D a minute. The air conditioning in their house has gone out. Seems to be a cooling problem not an electrical problem. The dogs did well, for our talking to each other. She has to pick up a window port for an room air conditioner she has in storage. I told her I wish I knew of a hardware store closer than Clarksville and she said there is one. It's in Tennessee Ridge. Now I know there's a Sav-a-lot in TR, but didn't know there was an ACE. Now I know.

Back to the camper after our walk, Took the trash to the curb. Then decided my "garden" needed some extra care this morning. I have one empty kitty litter tub left. So I cut the top off of it, poked a couple of holes near the bottom. Then went to work, putting potting soil around the flowers I already have growing, filling in the area the water has depressed when I water the flowers and the Elephant Ear.

After the Dogs accidentally broke the pot my PG onion was in the other day, I plucked it down into an empty plastic flower pot I had on the table. I repotted it into that splattered pot from my birdbath that I said didn't look right. I put the splattered saucer under it. I had to switch that saucer from under the cat nip with one I had painted white but didn't do anything else with.

I took most of what was left of the bag of potting soil and put into that kitty litter tub, watered it, then put in the last and watered again. I sprinkled Moss Rose seeds in all the flower pots and a whole pack into that last litter tub. Not sure how long it's going to take to see anything grow, I hope not too long.

The temperature was just right for doing garden work. Not too cool and not too hot (yet) by the time I was done though, I was glade to be going back inside.

I cleaned up the mess I made cutting papers, and cut some more. I am making Jerry's "Father's Day" card this year. All I have left to do is find a saying to go inside it. I may make up one of my own but I'm not sure yet. I have until Friday to finish that up.

Now, it's time to clean up again (not as messy this time) put it all away, and go wash my dishes. make the bed, sort the laundry, sweep the floors, pull something out for dinner, and walk the dogs again

 

Billie C.

tin can luminaries

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Gift Ideas for poor creative souls (7)

Posted by: Cathy on Jul 31, 2010

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With most of Europe having glorious weather, I'm sure many of you will be having the obligatory bbq's and garden parties. It stays light much later but when we're having fun, we soon stay outside well into the night. These are a wonderful way to be able to add sparkle to your party and not difficult to make. I love the fact that they are made from recycled tins and you don't need to paint them if you don't want to. This tutorial comes courtesy of Crafts for all Seasons

Materials Needed:

• Empty vegetable or soup cans, cleaned out and labels removed
• Water
• Nail
• Hammer
• Scrap paper
• Ruler
• Tape
• Spray paint in red, white, and blue

1. Begin the tin can luminaries by filling the cans up to the top with water, then place them in the freezer until the water is frozen solid. This will allow you to hammer a nail into the side of the can without the can denting.

2. Next, think about some designs you want to punch into the sides of the can. I chose to punch the letters USA, a star, and some fireworks. Cut out your templates, place on the can, and trace around them with a permanent marker (or draw freehand).

3. Continue making the tin can luminaries by using a nail and hammer to punch out the design. Start at one end of the pattern and place the nail along the line. Gently pound the nail in with a hammer. The nail will go through the can into the ice. Continue working around the pattern until the design is punched out.

4. Allow the ice in the can to melt, and dry the can completely.
5. Next, you can paint the cans if you wish although I think they look great plain silver too. Spray the bottom portion of the cans blue with the blue spray paint. Protect your work surface with newspapers and use good ventilation (preferably outdoors like I did).

6. When the cans are completely dry, cut a piece of scrap paper to wrap around the can. Make it 1/3 the height of the can. The cans I used were 4.5 inches high, so I made my first strip of paper 1.5 inches. Wrap the paper around the bottom part of the can, covering the blue painted area, and tape it closed.

7. Now take the cans outside again and this time give them a good spray of the white spray paint, and allow the cans to dry well. When they are dry you can remove the paper strip.

8. Next, make another paper strip 2/3 the height of the can. In my case, I made the strip of paper 3 inches wide. Secure around the blue and white portions of the can, leaving only the top portion exposed, and secure with tape. Take the cans outside again and this time spray the top section with the red spray paint, and allow to dry. Remove the paper strip and you will see the pretty red, white, and blue stripes.

9. If you want to further decorate the tin can luminaries, this is the time to do it. If you would like the designs you punched to show up better you can paint them a different color, such as black. When you are ready to illuminate, add a little sand to weigh down the cans and add a tea light candle. Your guests will love them!

 

Billie C.

Good Thursday Morning

 

(John's last Kitten at home, the rest went to a farm)

Hello and Good Morning.  Another beautiful day ahead. Yesterday was so nice, that I spent most of the afternoon, working on another pot for my birdbath. I decided I didn't want to paint over the splattered one. I'll just use it somewhere else.  This morning, I sprayed clear coat on both the new pot and the larger saucer for the bird bath.  Today, I'm thinking of  getting my reading glasses out and reading how to use the resin I picked up last week at Hobby Lobby for some bottle cap ideas.  I want to get Dixie's done before she leaves. Which is going to be soon as she's been home for two days now. Yikes I have got to get her's done.

 

The last three weekends we have been in the campground (Not counting Memorial Day weekend) there has been "Drama".  I am hoping that it's now all over with.   Part of the troubles are the sewer problems here. They are being worked on but in the mean time some of the folks are being put out a bit by having to go to town to do laundry. Now, the closest town is Cumberland City, but there isn't a laundry mat there. The closest is in Erin, which is about 20 minutes from here because we have to either take back roads, or go East to Cumberland City, down a short road  to 49, the back West to get to Erin so it feels a bit like we are backtracking.  I don't mind going to the laundry mat, except that I have to wait for Jerry to take me, on his time off work. If we could use the laundry here, I could do it more when I want to use it. Early morning is best for me.

 

Well, here are some pictures that I have taken this week, so far.

 

That is Fuzzybutt with Macon close to the lakeside where I take the dogs to play and potty. I have a parade most mornings as all three cats will join us on that first morning walk.

 

 

 

 

And another of the dog and cats..

 

Barney is trying to get Macon to "Play" with him.

 

 

Rocky has spotted one of the cats in the weeds.

 

 

 

How the birdbath use to look...

 

 

 

How it looks now.

 

My "Garden" this morning. note the plant on the candle stand on the left. Yes, it's the splattered pot I had on the birdbath.

 

 

 

Billie C.


http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/


I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized i was somebody ~ Lily Tomlin