My Kind Of Place 11/28/2011
 
Last week I went to the dentist.  Two teeth were infected.  The Dentist gave me a prescription for Amoxacillin. 

What I am surprised about is how swollen my face was from all this, and how long after I started taking the antibiotics that it took before I started to feel better. 

Actually, I still feel pretty wore out.  What that tells me is I must have been having trouble with my teeth for some time. 

See what fear does...it makes you suffer.  And a little stupid.  It was like I thought it was going to go away by itself. 

Silly Girl! 

On top of all this...everyone at Farmer J's moved into their new rooms. 

Plus, today there will be the base coat of stucco on his walls. That will make it so much more warmer in there. 

There is still plenty to do there, but it is coming together.  It is nice to be there to see a dream come together.  The bathrooms still need to be completed before it is truly wonderful.  Five butts on one toilet in the morning says we need at least one more. 

I am waiting for the day when I only have to share with Farmer J. 

A much shorter line, where I get to be first. 

My kind of place.


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First off...Happy Thanksgiving!  I have to say I am a very blessed woman.  I have many people who love me.  I hope you all are seeing all the things to be grateful for.  Big and small.  Like yesterday. 

I went to a new dentist that was in my opinion, the best dentist I have ever had work on me.  Ever!  And I have had a lot of work done on me. 

I never felt the the needle for the Novocaine.  I never felt anything. 

The Lad reminded me that if dentists did today what they did to me as a child, they would go to jail.  That they have way better tools than they did back then.  And more options to saving a tooth.  He was absolutely right.  And THAT gave me comfort.

I had a molar pulled yesterday.  The last time I went to the dentist they wanted to pull it.  It was still good, so I said no.  This time it was ready.  It took one stitch.

He also put a quick fix on the broken tooth to stop it from hurting so bad.  But it is only temporary.  I now have two choices.  Pay $1700 for a root canal and a crown...or $200 to pull it, then deal with the space.  We shall see.  I have offers to help.  Maybe I will make up a basket of goodies to take to the dental office and see what happens. 

Again...I would  like to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family.  I love having you all in my life.


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Facing Fears. 11/22/2011
 
Today...I have a confession to make.  For those of you who don't personally know me, I am scared to go to the Dentist.  Terrified, actually. 

That is why I have been avoiding a trip there to fix my teeth.  I have several teeth that are giving me fits.  One is broken. 

I also have an allergy to metals.  Since I have three or four different metals in my mouth, (fillings, caps, crowns), I have an itching problem on my face and down my ear canal.  Only sometimes, though. 

Anyway...my whole face hurts right now.  Which means I cannot put it off any longer. 

This morning I called the 1-800-Dentist number and found out an alternative to going the welfare route which means driving down below to a bad area and going through all the hoops before they say OK.  That could take months. 

Western Dental has an insurance thing that is $85 for singles and $118 for families for a year.  Then you can charge it and make payments.  It is also located in Palmdale and Lancaster, which makes it much faster to get to and easier for whoever goes with me. 

When I was a child, I was taken to the Dentist, where my Mother would sit on me to keep me from running away.  They would then drug me to incapacitate me.  Once they got me into the chair, the assistant would sit on my arms to hold me down, and pry my mouth open for the shots and whatever else.  The whole thing was awful. 

I am afraid that I may have passed my fear off on my Son.  AND that my fear has caused me to suffer more than I needed to. 

Silly Girl! 

So...now I have to go anyway.  Just avoiding the outcome.  A lesson I fought learning.  When you fight the lessons they only get harder.  I know that.  I just am so afraid. 

So...today I have to face my fears.  Deep seated fears from my childhood.  I am almost sick to my stomach.  It is my only choice, now. 

So suck it up girl! 

I have to say...The Lad has offered to take me.  I love that man. 

What a blessing he is. 

I will keep you posted.


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I have been working like crazy for days on end.  It seems like I have a little break before the next wave.  You know...next week for Thanksgiving.  Then there will be Christmas.  How scary! 

Anyway...the other day, a new person started to check out my site.  She asked if I had tried to make goat cheese or goats milk soap.  The answer is no...but I am about to. 

Farmer J has at least two goats that are pregnant.  He says three.  Both cheese and soap are considerations for future articles.  I have researched them both before and am collecting recipes to see which ones I think will be good. 

My Grandma S. made soap all the time.  She made it out of her bacon grease.  She also had an old dresser drawer that she would mold the soap in and then cut it into bars.  It was used it for dishes and for laundry, and scrubbing really dirty things.  She would take her used bars of soap and put them in a jar with a little water to soften them up.  Then she would pour the soap/water mix in her wringer washer machine.  Waste not, want not. 

I read somewhere that goat's milk soap was very good for softening skin.  I can use all the help I can get in that department. 

I am a little leery about making cheese.  My impression is that it has a very strong flavor.  Not something a lot of people like.  I think it is good for people who are lactose intolerant, being easier on their digestion.  I think the milk is closer to human milk than cow milk. 

Anyway...I was thinking of trying to make ice cream with it, sweetening it with honey.  Or maybe some ricotta cheese.  That will make a decent lasagna or ravioli. 

Ricotta cheese is very easy to make.  Just milk, heat, and vinegar.  It is more mild, too. 

I also need to make some noodles.  Pasta.  What a great way to use fresh cheese.  All the kids will be so pleased! 

As long as I don't tell them about the goat's milk...probably. 

We shall see....     


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I am sure some of you have been wondering, 'Where the heck did you go?'.  Well...I have had a few things going on. 

First off...I have been 'doing' the Doctor thing.  Getting blood taken.  Urinalysis.  All the 'girl' stuff.  I am still waiting on the mammogram, fecal blood test, and x-rays of my feet and hips.  All the tests that are back say everything is 'perfect'.  I am so relieved! 

At my age, I was thinking that a few things might not be so good anymore.  You know the chances of things going wrong are directly related to how well we age.  And I am aging.  Very well it seems.  Thank my good everything. 

Another thing I have been doing is helping Farmer J work on finishing his addition.  We have the drywall up and taped and the mud all done.  The texture is on.  Along with the primer, ceiling paint in all rooms, and paint on the two Scalawag's rooms.  Farmer J needs to paint his room, but he needs to pick out paint. 

He is also ready for stucco.  It is almost done.  We can see the light...so to speak. 

It is an exciting time.  The completion of a dream-come-true.  I feel so honored to be a part of that happening. 

I have been doing a lot of baking and canning on top of all this other stuff.  I will be at the Masonic Lodge in Palmdale on Sunday doing massage again this year.  It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

And...that is after I clean The Lad's office. 

See, I have been busy. 

But you all already knew that didn't you? 

Thanks for sticking around.  I am still having trouble with my camera and computer thingy.  I guess I need to try something new.  I just need the time to work it out.  That won't be for a while.  Just doing what I can. 

Also...I have not been working on my garden.  It looks so bad.  It also needs some help.  That will have to wait till the addition is done. 

Be back soon. 

I need to go to work. 

Blessings to all.


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I have been doing a lot of baking and futzing in the kitchen this week. 

One of the things I made and am happy with, is what I call 'Bloody Bones'.  I took some 'rod' pretzels and dipped them in white melting chocolate and set them to dry.  Or harden. 

Whatever. 

Anyway...then I melted some red melting chocolate and dipped in one end.  The Lad was buying them as soon as I made them. 

Then there were brownies.  Frosted brownies with Halloween sprinkles on top. 

I made some cake pops that I was less than impressed by.  Cake pops are crumbled up cake with frosting mixed in.  Then you roll it in a ball and dip it in melting chocolate.  On a stick...no less. 

One of the things I was able to accomplish was to find/fix a recipe for banana bread that meets my standards.  It has a crumb topping and is most excellent.  I am now looking for a pumpkin bread recipe. 

I am going out to the Outpost in Pearblossom tonight.  They are having a Ghoulish Freak night with a maze and games and I wish I knew more.  Hope to see you all out there. 

Stay safe out there with your children this weekend. 

Blessings to all.


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Yesterday, I started using my NEW health insurance.  It seems that since I make less than $300 a week, I am entitled to free health insurance.  If I made more money, it would make it so I only pay a small portion each visit. 

I am telling you this, so the people who live close to me can get it too.  All you need to do is take a months worth of paycheck stubs and some form of ID to the clinic on 40th St. East and Palmdale Boulevard. 

When you enter the building, go to the offices on the left, and put your name on the board for an interview for the insurance.  It takes about 15 minutes to apply and about six weeks to get your 'official' paperwork. 

It has been about 10 years since I had a complete exam.  So I got the ball rolling by getting permission from the Doctor for all the tests.  Mammogram. Pap smear.  Blood tests.  Urinalysis.  Fecal blood test.  All those fun things to do. 

They are also going to take ex-rays of my feet and hips to make sure they are in good working order.  I had my weight taken.  AND my blood pressure.  Blood pressure is perfect.  Weight is not.  They also gave me a TB test.  AND...the pap. 

The Doctor said, at first blush, everything looks good.  I told him, if something is wrong, I am not interested in taking a lot of different medicines.  I want to try some natural remedies, first. 

That is, if I have any problems.  I asked him to work with me. 

We shall see. 

He seemed less than enthusiastic. 

I still get to pick.  It is my body. 

They asked if I wanted a flu shot.  The only two times I ever got the shot, I got the flu. 

The Lad was nursing the last time I got the flu. 

That's all I've got to say about that. 

(Name that movie)

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This weekend was the Juniper Hills Community Association pancake breakfast and boutique.  They have such a good group of people there.  AND...the breakfast is good!
I love this lady.  She made great Christmas ornaments out of powdered laundry soap cups.
They had little Christmas scenes in each one.  And of course, there are the little mice made out of Walnut and pistachio shells.
This is her flier for her piano lessons.  I sure hope this helps her.  I like her style.
This Lady made little purses out of potato chip bags.  How unique!
This Lady had some beautiful stuff.
I particularly liked these necklaces.
The Lady who worked with glass was my favorite.  See the heart with the wings?  I love hearts!
She makes some wonderful dishes to grace a table for guests.
She also makes centerpieces for necklaces.
Beautiful window ornament.  With matching tableware.  A heart with wings.  I know how that feels.
Here is her card.  Just tell her Trish sent you. 

It was a wonderful day.  I love the Ladies who run this day. 

Thanks Louise Witt for including me. 

Blessings to all!


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Yesterday, Farmer J, his oldest Scalawag, and The Lad and I picked the last of the tomatoes.  Then, we pulled up all the plants.  It was a sad day for me.  This is most of them.
This grocery bag half full is the last of them.  As you can see, there are a few sweet peppers on top.  I am thinking about taking all the really small green tomatoes and pickling them whole.  Just a thought.
My garden really looks naked, now.  Just a few eggplants left.  AND...some basil.
I have been collecting peppers for a few days now.  I am hoping to make some hot pepper relish.  I cleaned these, removed the seeds and the ribs.  Now I need to run them through my old hand grinder for meat.  THEN...I can make the relish.  It is one of my biggest requests.
These bananas are for banana nut bread butter.  But I could be convinced to make banana bread.  Or even banana pudding.  We shall see. 

But for now...it is off to work.  Then I get to do the fun stuff.


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This is how barren my garden looks.  It will be even more barren when I pull up the rest of the dead and dying.  I really miss all the lush plants in here. 

I also want to make sure I have enough stuff planted to start some boxes for next Spring.  I know I keep saying that...but it needs to be right so I can be counted on.  Good food.  It is what I want for you all. 

Farmer J plans on pruning the fruit trees this Fall so we get better fruit in the Spring.  As long as a freeze doesn't mess things up like it did this year.  It was such a disappointment.  I only know a couple of people who got any fruit at all in town.  I guess that is the usual plight of farmers. 

What I want here is more fertilizer (horse or bird manure, or both).  AND...then rototilled under.  Maybe I need to get more compost.
This is the location of next Springs First year rotation garden.  The tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers.  It is why we moved the limbs farther back.  We will be clearing this area, fertilizing it, and fencing it in. 

I would really like to have an auto-watering system so I can spend more time 'tending' the plants.  But that costs money.  So...I guess I will be doing it by hand. 

Until further notice...

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Photo used under Creative Commons from Tambako the Jaguar