Porch varmits. . . .

On my most recent trip to Aurora, I finally tackled the nest that was built in the top of my back porch. I was able to pull out most of the nesting material but was unable to reattach the board because my drill was back at the farm.......100 miles away. Next time I hope to remember to pack it. While trying to get rid of that little pest, I noticed another squatter on the light globe. . . . a snail. Now what do you suppose it eats up there?

Here is my version of a table lamp..........someday I will get a "real" table for my kitchen. With these lighted grapes, there is no need for candlelight.

Weed control. . . .

I removed two wheelbarrow loads of weeds from the herb garden. There is still MORE work to do in order to get it presentable. I don't like to use an herbicide around the plants but the stone walkways are impossible to keep clean without it. There is black plastic underneath but the weeds seem to find a way...........I haven't been able to spray because the wind seems to blow here incessantly.

Check out this flag!

Amelia Jenks Bloomer

I found this photo in a "The Mentor" magazine dated 1926. It accompanied an article about Amelia Jenks Bloomer whose name is immemorially associated with that useful article of wearing apparel.. . . the bloomers. The story goes that Mrs. Bloomer tried to persuade her countrywomen to follow her example in wearing garments which she described "of more graceful and convenient character," skirts not only remained but grew in size. Women wearing pants did eventually catch on...........

Clearing out closets, etc

My old PC really crashed this time. I don't even want to think about fixing it again. So, I loaded it up with several boxes of other items and took it to the Goodwill. My last experience with a computer repair person was not a good one. Anyway, I advised Goodwill that the monitor was good but the PC wouldn't start and they said they would take it off my hands. Good riddance! I will use my laptop until it blows. I feel it is kind of pointless to buy a new computer with all the bells and whistles when all I have is a dial-up connection. Maybe someday I will update to cable or satellite.

It felt good to get rid of all this junk......I hope to part with much more!

Knit things

It was so cold the first couple weeks of January that I didn't want to go outside. I spent the inside time trying to do some knitting. I made a slouchy hat which in my opinion came out just a little too wide. I was, however, satisfied with the little amulet pouch and hand warmers.

I earned my Suzy Homemaker points this week. One morning I was up early and made homemade beef & noodles. I also finished several bars of glycerin melt and poor homemade soap from an unfinished kit found at the Goodwill store. Another day, I made a vegetable pizza for an open house which prompted looking for a recipe for the envelope of Ranch Dressing seasoning. Later this week I plan to make some homemade onion soup. The kind with the rusk on top and lots of melted cheese. Of course, the secret ingredient to onion soup is the addition of red wine. Yummmmmm.

Below is a recipe for Ranch Dressing Mix so you don't have to buy the expensive package mix. I've seen the same recipe without the dry buttermilk - I think it would probably work that way, too.

Ingredients
1/2 cup dry buttermilk
1 tablespoon dried parsley, crushed
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Directions
1-Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2-Blend at high speed until smooth.
3-If you want to use this to make salad dressing combine 1 tablespoon mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup milk.
4-Otherwise use 1 tablespoon in any recipe calling for an envelope of ranch dressing mix.