tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42278341346009897402023-11-15T23:23:24.150-07:00Clay It Again and my alter ego 12MidnightOilsWelcome to My World...ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-18534884941522557882012-10-10T03:00:00.000-06:002012-10-10T03:00:00.973-06:00Win This!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Wow! Kudos to all you followers who have hung in here for 10 months with no new posts from me! Well, today may be your lucky day. I am sponsoring a giveaway for a Sterling Silver Name Necklace like this one:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU_ZKT31aut-ifgw3RbOdv_Vg2JQmbP3HPIdJFP8UL1F18fAeG5i2NIoQ6Alm5K5JoXcvpXeiChAeFUWXdtkCt-poIj74GMOI5FS-GIuBJOyqgiDQgyiyhb8vqlyP8_3jX51gamP7ObF3/s1600/awesome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU_ZKT31aut-ifgw3RbOdv_Vg2JQmbP3HPIdJFP8UL1F18fAeG5i2NIoQ6Alm5K5JoXcvpXeiChAeFUWXdtkCt-poIj74GMOI5FS-GIuBJOyqgiDQgyiyhb8vqlyP8_3jX51gamP7ObF3/s320/awesome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The name/word is Sterling Silver; the chain is white filled steel paladium. Everything is made right here in the good ol USA. Because of shipping restrictions of precious metals internationally, this contest will only be open to USA addresses only</div>
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Here's how to enter: go to <a href="http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/</a> and follow her directions. There are different ways to enter, so you can get multiple entries, and the contest will run for two weeks. Good luck to everyone. I will contact the winner after the contest ends and you can let me know what name/word you want. Til next time, <br />
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Cindi</div>
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XOXOXOXO</div>
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ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-16119900400118108182012-01-11T13:40:00.000-07:002012-01-11T13:40:24.624-07:00Win It WednesdayWould you like to win this Awesome Necklace? or any word or name in Sterling Silver?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqh9gq8fI0Wz7aJvpjs7XBzXb_bWB822a1nUhrOgeoPhuT0bpK_M_0IYBVI982I-W28vNakaNf3jKyJ_nV1rV9IugUzzRye67tkPziC9yB4KvqAYJbUGuurXBpoBoHdU672XAQFrX1i2A/s320/awesome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86062026/awesome-name-written-in-sterling-silver">http://www.etsy.com/listing/86062026/awesome-name-written-in-sterling-silver</a></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well, for the next week you can enter to win it on <a href="http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/2012/01/win-it-wednesday-new-giveaway_11.html" target="_blank">ChristieCottage's blog</a> . You should be able to get more than one entry with all the ways she has to enter. And after you enter the giveaway, don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristieCottage" target="_blank">ChristieCottage on Etsy</a> . Just look at this darling sock monkey cell phone pouch<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTxzIqeHGtsNVO8wUrurrbMu_N0hq1AQ7L6hACIrh17syCr3v9ng_lVmOoQKj3c8LyH72OrU32ypk32knb7XrHrBoijClbrrwvWp0aRxyOOt8HrvJpiPLP0U_XjTmZRJYka7BOJt_7H2G/s1600/sockmonkeypouch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTxzIqeHGtsNVO8wUrurrbMu_N0hq1AQ7L6hACIrh17syCr3v9ng_lVmOoQKj3c8LyH72OrU32ypk32knb7XrHrBoijClbrrwvWp0aRxyOOt8HrvJpiPLP0U_XjTmZRJYka7BOJt_7H2G/s320/sockmonkeypouch.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76941812/purple-hat-sock-monkey-cell-phone-pouch">http://www.etsy.com/listing/76941812/purple-hat-sock-monkey-cell-phone-pouch</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You KNOW if I had a cell phone, I'd sure get this little cutie with his purple hat. So get on over, enter the giveaway, and do a little shopping in Christie's store. You may find the perfect Valentine's gift there.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
XOXOXOXOXO<br />
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CindiClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-59408285274023515482012-01-01T05:32:00.001-07:002012-01-01T05:33:16.374-07:00Goodbye 2011..Welcome 2012Saying goodbye to 2011...(pic from my backyard)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVLJswgCighuvRwS7fUcCYn9j9yAjC7l8OtZ3OkVWZhWkecwPJWA-AVgCpe0CPYsa9Gszfa4EFq_Hog3BOswmp-h6GSd-pTfj3oD2D-c0TbLpToW3mb4zt5eOx6m2alyBO1udRsUX8YLc/s1600/sunset2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVLJswgCighuvRwS7fUcCYn9j9yAjC7l8OtZ3OkVWZhWkecwPJWA-AVgCpe0CPYsa9Gszfa4EFq_Hog3BOswmp-h6GSd-pTfj3oD2D-c0TbLpToW3mb4zt5eOx6m2alyBO1udRsUX8YLc/s320/sunset2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> and hello to 2012 and whatever possibilities it beholds. If you've followed me for the last few years, then, oh my heck, what a patient and loyal soul you are! lol<br />
Anywho if you have been around on New Year's, you know I <strong>don't</strong> do New Year's Resolutions. Instead I focus on a 'word' for the year. This way, I have no worries about resolution let downs, no guilt trips, AND at the end of the year, I know what my word for the year has been. This allows me to focus positively on my 'resolution word' everytime it manifests in my life. <br />
This will be my 3rd year of choosing my word for the year...past years have included 'abundance' and 'believe'. Instead of looking forward with dread on what my resolutions will be, I get excited as to what word will I choose. I know that whatever word I choose, I will be presented with all kinds of opportunities to acknowledge its presence in my life.<br />
This year I have chosen the word 'build'. I can see how this word will be seeping into all areas of my life...building this and that...building blocks, building relationships, building trust, building networks, building a business....the possibilities for this word to present itself in my life are endless.<br />
It's already begun with the purchase of a book on how to build a geodesic dome greenhouse...this will be my project for the year and I'm so excited about it.<br />
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What happens when the Mayan calendar ends? Who knows...but we're all here for the ride,so hang on. I have a feeling things are about to get very interesting...<br />
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Me? I'ma gonna be 'building' this year ;)<br />
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Until next time,<br />
XOXOXOXOXO<br />
CindiClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-12261774390797878332011-11-26T16:15:00.001-07:002011-11-26T16:42:30.973-07:00Closing a chapterForcing myself to finish up this chapter..it has taken me 5 months to do this. Not sure if you read my last post "<a href="http://clayitagain.blogspot.com/2011/06/catch-release.html" target="_blank">I'm a marked Woman</a>" But if you take a quick peek, what I post today will make more sense...it's ok I have a cup of tea; I'll wait for ya ;)<br />
okaaaayy...a few days after that post, It was obvious that Mr. Peaches was sick...extremely sick...and when I couldn't stand to watch his suffering any longer, I took him to the vet and he died in my arms. He's buried in our little 'pet cemetery' in the backyard and I made this to mark his spot...RIP Mr. Peaches<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85296810/pet-gravemarker-headstone" target="_blank"><img border="0" hda="true" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXoG_UquCHPlV1fwDJXIkpvsB9_gY6P139RdImb1Nl8KdwUmVarsOL11nfoBtfxfpwGVNDmgPHRRnfkfpUc1Dx5P_jD24Fa8cyOi7GD6IR55pSadLCLrRaeerC7u2XUqeGBfyG81yRAS3/s320/MPhead_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I learned a BIG lesson from Mr. Peaches~ Don't run someone off just because they have a bad habit. <br />
Onto the rest of the kiddoes..Momma Kitty and kids....Ebony, Ivory,and Striper<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-AaTKbj9yqmBLA508uqFzgRXQy13w83rcFcVMnxOfI6qUYiRlRL4XjAp0kuVb70I5-jt6gc0VVhC9rZOXSkQp29DSbvRXYGz0miq0oZoVsusGf0iqyvfhhpGWxwfHKdn-_jY0YHvJYGc/s1600/newones_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-AaTKbj9yqmBLA508uqFzgRXQy13w83rcFcVMnxOfI6qUYiRlRL4XjAp0kuVb70I5-jt6gc0VVhC9rZOXSkQp29DSbvRXYGz0miq0oZoVsusGf0iqyvfhhpGWxwfHKdn-_jY0YHvJYGc/s320/newones_1.jpg" width="302" /></a></div> ...and the other two from her first litter, Mr. Boots and Socks.....<br />
All are gone but Socks <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNg5TAs7bkSex6Bd6CLetxZa8AUUJOtW0mveFUE74A_WJhe77AquFAwVK30pUPCqQ6KC7k5J2Xs3ADuT7u_pO7ktU7xQWW1dTOPWLHtshB2iHyDPL0n2kmDVHMzxBZk8AsIrjLht1Yt5g/s1600/socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNg5TAs7bkSex6Bd6CLetxZa8AUUJOtW0mveFUE74A_WJhe77AquFAwVK30pUPCqQ6KC7k5J2Xs3ADuT7u_pO7ktU7xQWW1dTOPWLHtshB2iHyDPL0n2kmDVHMzxBZk8AsIrjLht1Yt5g/s320/socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>and Striper <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlIwQizqACaBFlfIcxKzOyIiOhxPKL7mslXh6mBbejim1hB_QUJAie16nHqG0RxnTYVXOFW4Z9Eybt1fCnlDVdHghoh9YesQSKTEZ9f9gTuy-nq7d3pJfGyfVj1ZpblSTH7r-akprFpnF/s1600/striper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlIwQizqACaBFlfIcxKzOyIiOhxPKL7mslXh6mBbejim1hB_QUJAie16nHqG0RxnTYVXOFW4Z9Eybt1fCnlDVdHghoh9YesQSKTEZ9f9gTuy-nq7d3pJfGyfVj1ZpblSTH7r-akprFpnF/s320/striper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Someone systematically caught them all and I have not seen them in months. I really have no kind words or thoughts for the person who did this. I only know that there is a special place for people who kill animals for no reason other than 'they pooped on your lawn' ...and it's not called heaven. <br />
So now as winter approaches little Striper has no Momma to help show him how to make it through the winter. Both Socks and Striper were the runts of Momma's two litters, so they are REALLY small. I have made a shelter using bales of garden compost and tarps and located it under our dryer vent.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbgoidS8W7eZup089JCkWnjEFr-j6Weefp9_nidoSQK6bdTx9c7rQmhf_c8-3KFTCNPXSk_rf2VFShcUdXrpsFFq3g-6-OjBNnpL4N-bL_aFpngJf86J2EBOFTRGvOL0_gObQ0OoehZ1w/s1600/newhouse_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbgoidS8W7eZup089JCkWnjEFr-j6Weefp9_nidoSQK6bdTx9c7rQmhf_c8-3KFTCNPXSk_rf2VFShcUdXrpsFFq3g-6-OjBNnpL4N-bL_aFpngJf86J2EBOFTRGvOL0_gObQ0OoehZ1w/s320/newhouse_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I lined the inside with one of those reflective space blankets and lots of regular blankies. I have a remote sensor in there to register how warm it is at night. So far we have had a low of 10 degrees and the chilliest I have seen it in the 'kitteh den' is 52 degrees. It eases my heart a bit to know that they have a safe, warm place to sleep at night.<br />
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CocoaPuff is ever the Prince of the house. He is not white like this anymore.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMkotlgc1853raREFgk39T-xLkU3w0gLmIBM_7i-LqILaRUsql8a9Q8UnweZ5LD4b39_O23umx3fZKUoJZN6f4xQzF6Lr4oRBv-dajO7wrGpbOvGJvOTMGadKQjvsY-4nqO1jXJqwKn-1/s1600/cocopuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMkotlgc1853raREFgk39T-xLkU3w0gLmIBM_7i-LqILaRUsql8a9Q8UnweZ5LD4b39_O23umx3fZKUoJZN6f4xQzF6Lr4oRBv-dajO7wrGpbOvGJvOTMGadKQjvsY-4nqO1jXJqwKn-1/s320/cocopuff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Here here he now...chillaxin in his fav afternnoon spot...he's now mix of dark brown and grey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7NipxpWo7NvGEjc4p-NZ2FnoeAPotEFXJO6azJnOwHUQa9YZ6W9LQFDdOW-WOQP8pwS-Jr1iHeGxnune5EXS_JwYEAeKOPCNpWHuDO30paSqdHmjB0kSjySYAmHileOqFF81XGu3XrIM/s1600/chillaxin_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7NipxpWo7NvGEjc4p-NZ2FnoeAPotEFXJO6azJnOwHUQa9YZ6W9LQFDdOW-WOQP8pwS-Jr1iHeGxnune5EXS_JwYEAeKOPCNpWHuDO30paSqdHmjB0kSjySYAmHileOqFF81XGu3XrIM/s320/chillaxin_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And on that note, I think it's time for me to do a little chillaxin ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Till next time,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">XOXOXOXOXO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Cindi</div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-62915913935744915532011-06-26T12:32:00.004-06:002011-06-27T10:58:12.419-06:00I'm a Marked Woman ;)Well it has been some time since I had the time to blog, and I wanted to bring you all up to date on the kittehs. <br />
When I last left you Momma Kitty was with childs and was getting close to having more babies. I had made an insulated bed for her under our composter, and after a couple of weeks of <strong>her</strong> instructing <strong>me</strong> on making it more suitable, she finally had them on April 17/18th. I had put our outside remote temperature gauge in her bed cause I was so afraid of it being too cold. Even though the outside night temps were in the low 20's her little nursery hidden behind and underneath all those tarps and insulation was never below 62 degrees. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cptp7ZFNl4leHCCYYM7QDZ2I7nbAb8R9DcCaF2X_B_grtiyCz_-ryCjr5DLTgNDZGKe_HolDsOuBno-ZPqEVr0NwiL-znLXWls5XMN7YvRxDlC9W-HjI4jCW9jE1hxTJnBXoK58qxjrR/s1600/nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cptp7ZFNl4leHCCYYM7QDZ2I7nbAb8R9DcCaF2X_B_grtiyCz_-ryCjr5DLTgNDZGKe_HolDsOuBno-ZPqEVr0NwiL-znLXWls5XMN7YvRxDlC9W-HjI4jCW9jE1hxTJnBXoK58qxjrR/s320/nursery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">You would have laughed to see me out there every day pulling out that front tarp and adjusting and putting more blankies, rugs, newspapers,and tarps until I (and she) were fully satisfied. She kept them in there for the first couple of weeks and then she moved them a few times til they were old enough to rejoin the rest of the clan back in the neighbors' yard. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">As I promised, slowly but surely, everyone is getting spayed/neutered. We have a 'catch and release' program where ferals/strays are caught, fixed, and then the ear is clipped so that everyone knows the cat is fixed. This way we are able to keep the cat population down</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Since my last post another stray has been hanging around...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROLD1QjiVsFbu-hdWsBqr_R-cKE4cvcqomNmbu33jYUR_DTsIYKSyZwAeT8wxUegFdFCI_diKVOcNOPxir5_QmJYh_1KNO2O2toR7lJn4jAA-AO7s0D74zuCjThv2pSEkslbj58h-0IoV/s1600/peaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROLD1QjiVsFbu-hdWsBqr_R-cKE4cvcqomNmbu33jYUR_DTsIYKSyZwAeT8wxUegFdFCI_diKVOcNOPxir5_QmJYh_1KNO2O2toR7lJn4jAA-AO7s0D74zuCjThv2pSEkslbj58h-0IoV/s320/peaches.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>Looked like a 'Peaches" to me---turns out it was a boy; but he answers to the name. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">He is tame, but did something to me that NO animal has ever done....HE SPRAYED ME!!!! EEEWWWWWwwwwww. So freakin gross! It wasn't like a mist either. It was like a straight stream of pee that went through my shirt and bra ( I was sitting on the grass)... So Peaches is no longer welcome in my yard (and this pic was taken before he was fixed-hence no clipped ear). I feel bad for him. He was obviously someone's pet, but they have neglected his fur and he needs a lion cut. His tail and belly are a mass of knotted fur. I don't want to give him too much attention cause he already likes me too much :)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Momma kitty has been fixed...see her clipped ear?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UNJ030YgaorfVTumA7nUSTILhWnSI04KN742aJxxUoBrOHNIvtoj69hp-OI2TO9l2Wf_g41voOWZj4Q6iq_NzafFZIlKXGuGswWBE6thTssK2xZifiVIyNZvhD9bTzKs561cVVNSJG5q/s1600/Momma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UNJ030YgaorfVTumA7nUSTILhWnSI04KN742aJxxUoBrOHNIvtoj69hp-OI2TO9l2Wf_g41voOWZj4Q6iq_NzafFZIlKXGuGswWBE6thTssK2xZifiVIyNZvhD9bTzKs561cVVNSJG5q/s320/Momma.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And Little Socks has been fixed (old pic)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbWLTLa830ssGqHmYoijax1qtKfkn2Vb6vLUlzq-CEzJtNAgIxLrN1slZNS4Ot-x8wIOrQKB_nkoHwhzYueq4diMIvZmc1GuVbkGyucz7PgPwH4CEJiWDCSQiAXq_PMct6UCwsjZfCXmL/s1600/socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbWLTLa830ssGqHmYoijax1qtKfkn2Vb6vLUlzq-CEzJtNAgIxLrN1slZNS4Ot-x8wIOrQKB_nkoHwhzYueq4diMIvZmc1GuVbkGyucz7PgPwH4CEJiWDCSQiAXq_PMct6UCwsjZfCXmL/s320/socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Turns out Socks was a girl, and not a boy. The only one I was right about sex wise was Momma...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">oh , and Mr. Boots..but you can't miss the huevos on him</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGr2UuWMK9adxJb9V0GB830su3ZmOKBxINQzsw1uJ6Q6_MUq-Y28znnLJ8TgeNiBxlszodWF4-sPYyLNqpGqpWwzyAhR0c6yzLIv6ONSVWVFJmzPj4bkkdBiqbXMe2s7g0ZKT5De6Fqyk/s1600/boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGr2UuWMK9adxJb9V0GB830su3ZmOKBxINQzsw1uJ6Q6_MUq-Y28znnLJ8TgeNiBxlszodWF4-sPYyLNqpGqpWwzyAhR0c6yzLIv6ONSVWVFJmzPj4bkkdBiqbXMe2s7g0ZKT5De6Fqyk/s320/boots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr. Boots has become psychic and only comes around on weekends or when the vet won't be in the office. I think he knows he's the only one left who hasn't "Been There"</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So now you are ALMOST up to date...want to see the new babies???? I must say Momma is very consistent in her baby makin skills. Here's a shot of her last litter-Boots,Socks, and Cocoa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1J5AeqSIR1aLcow-pGOsp53oCP3IgkZn4snLlOIL9cHmbnY9OenpVM-kpBsKHKex5SKRTg_JtdUpuJVaiHnGjdDIbmQdWMIbVPOlE23v6hhcu5knqpN9kScZhYQIcRYm_rq-d3sfbhLg/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1J5AeqSIR1aLcow-pGOsp53oCP3IgkZn4snLlOIL9cHmbnY9OenpVM-kpBsKHKex5SKRTg_JtdUpuJVaiHnGjdDIbmQdWMIbVPOlE23v6hhcu5knqpN9kScZhYQIcRYm_rq-d3sfbhLg/s320/family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And now look at her latest<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgGKhSGBw7ENF5g9t1IWz_9mhY4cGV0-80n223j5_Ha1aNmqolLTpU2hDk_c-RcXHO8fdtPyDjUydPN_Ef9vWnI_46yTvPXwPsOqYXMzSLYnw08_NUQ82TQxWyhNurF7XdKNZRRrwNA_k/s1600/newones_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgGKhSGBw7ENF5g9t1IWz_9mhY4cGV0-80n223j5_Ha1aNmqolLTpU2hDk_c-RcXHO8fdtPyDjUydPN_Ef9vWnI_46yTvPXwPsOqYXMzSLYnw08_NUQ82TQxWyhNurF7XdKNZRRrwNA_k/s320/newones_1.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Meet Ebony</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK9bymuCLd3uK52hDs1g8b-0XQaDJ7zfl_sJhyphenhyphenOQe5oXK1XPDOoDUZZmt95jsRh4NYyNEWDcg62bH14zID-kvSwSOmH6v34dl952CM66qGJwz9CkuQFatQWw8WdWDkrq_8hQb4_WSijCH/s1600/ebony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK9bymuCLd3uK52hDs1g8b-0XQaDJ7zfl_sJhyphenhyphenOQe5oXK1XPDOoDUZZmt95jsRh4NYyNEWDcg62bH14zID-kvSwSOmH6v34dl952CM66qGJwz9CkuQFatQWw8WdWDkrq_8hQb4_WSijCH/s320/ebony.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And Ivory<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY6PY3qhjAKJwZc4n0yb2jraqN64lx5zdSyBdogu8FSmhuCuWKR5qs7e1tD2iLNTHm25UDii1zHOijWLvn5m_Fyod3REMg-eiu7N4H_28FZ5P2VIfRlR6hJ-H1P89WHyk7OslrbGnr8I4/s1600/ivory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY6PY3qhjAKJwZc4n0yb2jraqN64lx5zdSyBdogu8FSmhuCuWKR5qs7e1tD2iLNTHm25UDii1zHOijWLvn5m_Fyod3REMg-eiu7N4H_28FZ5P2VIfRlR6hJ-H1P89WHyk7OslrbGnr8I4/s320/ivory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>and Striper<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLbKgAc0OVUH9RCqNQnM7OdtcaW_O3Xa2lB3IEllNfsOOsh9yfSPjvCBa4sepKF05-GWlkQen-zgLCiIOgz1GYIMs-vvDiFRlxBjxC36-Hb53MKPBFEbaYb2hcjzJrkYgnbHIQncRJbXc/s320/striper.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Striper had real bad goopy eyes, but I was able to get steroid drops in them when the babies spent the night with me... and his eyes cleared up totally. Since Momma has them travelling back and forth between yards I made them a little passage through the fence and outlined it in red ribbon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-QvVHsuFGiMXvOjHBHapdrWw2eiPd61wLGqral6hRLzwW60m-ublcnVNryq4f8aN6O11rP4ZlQLGXnLcjQPX5Yo-CMaD2xQby-_v0PDffSj8OVgSX_MfKsOGD26XH5Dep0PYNSqnps5F/s1600/gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-QvVHsuFGiMXvOjHBHapdrWw2eiPd61wLGqral6hRLzwW60m-ublcnVNryq4f8aN6O11rP4ZlQLGXnLcjQPX5Yo-CMaD2xQby-_v0PDffSj8OVgSX_MfKsOGD26XH5Dep0PYNSqnps5F/s320/gate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There such smart kittehs; they figured out the doorway immediately AND everybody knows their name. I am hoping to make a calendar out of their pics and maybe their cuteness will help support them.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Til next time,</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">XOXOXOXO</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cindi</div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-83469190733377924662011-04-03T11:40:00.001-06:002011-04-03T11:40:00.903-06:00♪♫♪♫ Someday My Prince Will Come ♪♫♪♫I don't know when it was that she actually softened my heart... <em>Didn't she live at that trashy house? And didn't they move? Why is she still hanging around here? We don't need her kind mucking up our neighborhood. In truth, I think I may have run her off a few times in the past. Hadn't I seen her take a wide berth around our property when coming down the street? And NOW she's living right next door!</em> Oh groans! Uuugghh! I was out in the yard working when I first caught a glimpse of her kids playing in their backyard. She had been watching me to see if I would react. I went about my business. As the days and weeks progressed she allowed the kids up closer and closer to the fence. I must admit, it was a bright spot in my mornings when they came out to play. But still I didn't want to encourage any interaction. A few weeks later, she approached me at the fence and wanted to introduce her young ones to me. They were absolutely darling ... and how could I resist naming them? Mr. Boots (a tuxedo kitteh with rear knee high white boots): <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554121924479007474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0pM4ihC59v-ZZ10R1KdUe-DA2MSuDR86uOrl8wJzw97HfQ51chx-0j0GlCDdZPVLwiON48RN6BHgxhzZexFc6GAYT3lzuvFjRpP4yJTLxDlNQaeIK6R34o5Y6EA2vRTBH9bP5N9SIfxZ/s320/boots.jpg" border="0" /> Socks is the runt of the litter and is the size of a 6 week old kitten, even tho they are nearly 1 yr old, and he has white socks on his feet : <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554122188568917778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDX23wP9xJ8M1Z35V-lLCQEFSpUWymvIa9Td44Ctl5qMMslr-ZV883E1SIaoYldU5VV7O6AVQwQz7yskRtIEEf549OSWJkzGvnttDHH0WqkOLz-yqgNz5i76khEnItRMNXhFj3JvMs7dLq/s320/socks.jpg" border="0" />And CocoaPuff-some kind of siamese mix: <br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554122501373534514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSRlxxGcgLYaDKwzQdeXLfiA1cVCjy3vnfqVWSATkhDpFWDTc01EnvlxwQnU6jz2ny3tpdD78F-CVKFSDZUDPs5-MvWWZGisUWz3MfRlS4vJIcgMZ3HXen8c30sLd7UsRb8BnBarBNAis/s320/cocopuff.jpg" border="0" /> and the proud Momma:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554123422139096514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKnj8IhjFZOgF3KDo01ERL_BZ39suy0hBfkl2JpmJJkZv-EsDUHhFMjUJSmT_5B3iED4faNyuT2Mn7JPJKrwARdjMKBYmW7kaKpieUBBeeq5J8W3KtR4t45v7DwdeNU16xaOIe41sD1Ww/s320/momma.jpg" border="0" />She was abandoned when a neighbor moved out just before winter hit us last year. I saw her frequently through the winter, and when spring began unfolding I caught glimpses of her with the babies. I felt bad that she had such a harsh winter after being abandoned. She was extremely thin. I really don't know how she had enough milk for the babies; I couldn't see any teats on her at all. She originally had 4 kittens; 1 died. </p><br /><p>One morning after an overnight cold snap, little grey mc fluffykins was sitting out in the next door neighbor's driveway, just a shivering ball. I asked him what was wrong and he just sat there, which was unusual. Normally he would have ran from me as soon as I talked. He just sat looking down the driveway as if waiting for something. I wondered if he was sick. I kept thinking about him all that day and night and wondering... </p><br /><p>It weighed heavy on my mind...I kept thinking about how I had been mean to momma kitty. I had shooed her off our yard so much, she usually took a wide berth when passing us now... </p><br /><p>And this was why: Her owners had 15+ cats in a tiny 700sq ft house...but that's not all that lived there-2 adults, 6 kids, 2 dogs, a rabbit, a couple of birds + who knows what else! Naturally, the cats couldn't stand it in the house after the first few weeks. I can tell you the smell was horrendous! The cats constantly came over and used our grass and backyard as their litter box. When they moved, they left cats behind to fend for themselves in October. Most disappeared that winter, but Momma kitty hung on. </p>She stayed in that empty house for weeks until the windows were repaired and it was closed up. Then she took up refuge under a shed, at the neighbor on the opposite side of us. She kept going back all through the winter to see if her owners were coming back for her. When the handyman came to clean and repair the house, she would go running over there to see if her owner was coming back for her. Everytime someone came to look at the house she would run over there and watch hopefully... and then walk back to the shed down trodden when it wasn't anyone for her. Time and time again that happened. Even now as I type this I still cry for her. How sad it must be for her... STILL- I remembered my veternarian's advice about feeding ferals and strays and I DID NOT want these cats even THINKING about my yard. We have a cheap wire fence that barely suffices to keep our girls in (except for Crimson's occassional Houdini acts) I didn't want any trouble from these ferals and even though momma used to be domesticated, her babies were not. <br /><p align="justify">Sorry for rambling on here-after the little grey mc fluffykins died, I didn't want to see kitties just starving to death just because the momma didn't know how to teach them to fend for themselves..so I used my 'handy grabby thingy' </p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569336814343462834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qbqZt9YPRnlrket2Xy0nT1bQAloFCRiPQHCTi8j9VQp9sOQFF-UYj0K2ABqfwKcxDve4O_eWYeJvjUgiWa_xKUVvchKgxI7wHLWcc1q8KkuHCmH4PLayL2dB_-0NfvoEnfAgGKpxVX8X/s320/handy.JPG" border="0" />and put out a couple of cans of tuna through the fence into their yard. Little socks could barely crawl up to the tuna can; they were all famished. </p><br /><p>Well...I don't know how long I've been feeding them now; its been months. They have become my 'kiddos'. I first fed them twice a day and got them all healthy again. Then I began cutting them back so that they would become good mousers. I like to think of it as keeping them on retainer. :)</p>Not only did I begin feeding them, but I would poke my fingers through the fence and start touching them. They were skittish at first, but eventually got used to me stroking them while they ate. Momma kitty was the toughest to crack; she remembered me being mean and even though I was feeding her, I could not be trusted. After the first snow, it became difficult to pass through the fence so I made the feeding place at the corner where our two fences meet. It made it possible for me to feed them at my feet and pet them more freely. Eventually, I have been able to tame all but Socks. He is still skittish about me touching him. But they all know their names. <br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569355383668328114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGjaTukuqngv8iJyxsS1QZ1D-VGnGIayYjv9wVb6XjLn3IxnFDbTbFUlp3sleEYe365oJW297rVw2zW1v9wi5aeBBklt2xwgF-Do7UeHv_V1c6mL8i0YgsHaIF8QqWZkANb4mXgm9g5bB/s320/family.jpg" border="0" /> And now this is the second half to this story: </p>Cocoa Puff was mauled by a pit bull and for 3 days was unable to walk through the fence to come and eat. He was soooo swollen and and barely able to walk. It weighed on my heart heavy. Everyday I would take food out and each time everyone came to eat, except Cocoa. When he finally healed enough to walk through the fence, I was able to pick him up. His poor little body was so lumpy from all the wounds, but he was hanging in there. And then... he got attacked again; I could hardly stand it. And when he wouldn't come to eat, I took a kitty carrier to the neighbor's backyard and picked him up. I told him I was taking him someplace safe so he could heal. <br /><p>I sequestered him in the kitchen, and made a warm bed for him <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591381530846770354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a6yJdXJ0A2qEPVImumeZJd7y6Sr50C-kX_36SHQAEI9KuNNJP45DmMgD9pkkDZW8AqVSNVX14-9X_EhM-vZtltCk8WhqMrlbcAOc42pt-8eHLVew3KRUYLsfw0ARIs9qIW76Jn2oQ8JP/s320/babycocoa.jpg" border="0" />I took him to the vet and he got meds. He had several hematomas that were draining. After he healed, I gave him the option of going back to the wild, but he decided he likes having a couple of big sisters<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591387025442908466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQcWiivb1hxAmsnwklkIxri_BfYiRfm9l_v54B-VGkhIMvtOL2gCireB6kyKckSytQFiU4SkTe6d0i7CUQ4CZullVLawBLECvdaowrVNeFIYasksP3Ro6YFzK16p5MibafiBHi2X8TCL0/s320/kids_1.jpg" border="0" />And living the princely life he always knew he was destined for ;)</p>Prince Cocoa Puff <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591407129126372834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8FnQQ_Qw8Up5gspea6vhJEEB2LXGUXE4SdD5TsA1axFtqtJAPzKb7xYDsqijH8s243IbGDGL_qvZPmCiniuJeVsibPtinpQATMbchLiwjWHu44hjWMizwJoLUjSqGa40VW1jpJKrq_gN/s320/theprince_1.jpg" border="0" /> <br /><p></p><br /><p>I'm still feeding Momma kitty and Cocoa's other brothers. But through all of this insaneness that is my life, I did not get Momma kitty (nor the rest of her clan) to the vet to be fixed, and now she is with childs again. She is nearly ready to birth and has climbed the fence into my back yard to stay away from her boys while she has them. I feel honored that she trusts me and my yard. </p><br /><p>I made an insulated bed for her yesterday while she watched. She went and checked it out after I finished, and I am trusting that she found it a suitable nursery. I haven't went out there this morning, but I'll be sure to keep you updated. </p><br /><p>Til next time, </p><br /><p>XOXOXOXOX </p><br /><p>Cindi</p>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-30469762428054792522011-01-23T17:10:00.020-07:002011-01-30T15:24:54.410-07:00Kickstarter ProgramSo lately in <strong>all the spare time I have</strong>, <em>she says with sarcasm dripping off her lips</em>, I have been scouring the web for wire wrapping tutorials.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>Last year when I was doing features on shops, I came across a shop on etsy, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AtabbycatArts">AtabbycatArts</a>, and a lady who wire wraps her pendants whether they be shell, cameo, or painted stone. And I loved the free formed appearance of her wraps. Here's a couple that caught my eye:<br /></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/15562240/miss-bird-lady-pendant-necklace"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567839355328534866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAOxw8c3ec1k30EUWhkJd9CQBaM0uCdBJpIHJzReQzzk_PztWAGAPJL9aCPeRvdVIkuJGeaNl-hVN70rNGaAk1bEBVUej3LEB1713Wu2mwELNV2NTUFQdhXN8ny8_kP7irHckWT5vZ35a/s320/atabby1.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/15403774/the-lion-wearable-art-pendant"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565941046939078290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg0HlzMQcEfwsTiwtNWbZ3dyK3aRC1iJJAK7Pw643PDO0CYBV-S2Jt6Sr3AY9p5PaKBQzhJKbp3SwFqc_HJsqfmtn6Z-4o_-m6zAZF468YWph7x3N1-cJRGhld4v4PGwyeUkRVNgokrX1/s320/atabby.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Are these not just beautiful? How could I not be inspired? The Leo rising in me yearns for this lion ♥ </div><div>Go ahead and click on her pics to go to her shop; she's a wonderfully nice lady who inspired me to want to learn to wire wrap... although she has no idea....until she reads this. </div><div>Hi Cat/Na *waves*</div><div></div><div>So I have been learning and practicing and practicing and learning. Here's a few wraps that I've done with colored craft wire</div></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65011154/purple-roses-on-lavender-cabachon-wire"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566009143853030306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBj5R-nCfc7-M9k09wFtJLzJ8KCirZnYZ784lfQDW-0LavaJ_n-idpMC4KhAwu5Ik3TJS9LwdMHVkdDPIbAY2tDVSCgt_KZjGvN6-1EhuhJ1gZbUoe-RFdkRu5mRQBMI3NeCWityc9ff0/s320/2pwrapa.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64509991/wire-wrapped-yellow-roses-on-black"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568094238533685666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Dc6HYEtMQnF4TN582_9MnPCgaQiqJEN5Wco2nNLtrk8fpkoSDFiULwUL2lcO7aE2jY9T-K5GSmwoYsp1VErbhA9FLg1wOrPxerlUBK4sZ-cghnSsTUb4w6xMz0b4wGjIn-isvUD0h8P-/s320/yellow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64515837/turquoise-roses-cabachon-wire-wrapped"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566011084778817170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuWL6Lm6Yc4gOhYWTU9pEA6pvRScHNIul5_0ebbKSpNgmERMbt_BWDg88I9elajcAKcTXinfbQoVeLn7yzCgAlJiPnFbItFxvfwifc96zslkIxcmNUBPoxffhCjz3JCfO5eskHNvsCaVb/s320/4bluewrap.jpg" border="0" /></a>And here's one with a yellow brass wire wrap, a low cost alternative to the pricier precious metal wires:<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61647059/purple-roses-on-lime-green-wire-wrapped"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566011574792838946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfKFRbRwcMz9GW0cj3Tfz3lzEComeciHAEXrLKYm9CHcdcMiiXUYK7BPdc6YvcyCbGRn0khG_KpjQDwE3VK6sUB1lXBlxXWOPrshpaEPO0GHoshZlauN1prkm1_rtBjwBFh0cITVV01xa/s320/1goldwrap.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>I would love to wrap my gemstones with precious metal wires. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568095091585697106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-aHJ3ayn4W18NKHGrCUKiD3B3ctlxg_77FB8tIA5CKhsupDRoOtCKU3x-pjcjZbf0mn3d-kIMbKAUQMeEufm1sEizgGRq6WLK5oe1gpBZx14zTvxdOtGLc74JT9kxT7adhTH7qI3AdA-/s320/polished.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>and some of my crystals...</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568095172499350930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio43dj9iHWPXf4ZpBCpQmVNFYdMcPQwZATuYaQFFrlZjEyr17A2Lw9_RnKWgzFjSkHnwcTChuDDRGRNngv4EFtYkEboeHd-A9ypdgcUYS-dzcmzN1XMpy1okCHLHOu5EepZ3YBQdYwzYT4/s320/perscrystals.jpg" border="0" />I'm just imagining what I can do with these...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568098238295081026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxwUl9iFD89wdtEvJOUUssCeTSZ_Kmgr-mN114zBdSwYyHtioZqimWOPLCCcPlKmsKu83E5RLKyfjVcqkaTHazXa_O88EsvWUd8JD7gu9zGV2bkVonZbgzLnbGT3lQrT4ypObMzdldsCj/s320/stones.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>But with our fixed income, I cannot afford the extra expense right now. So it got me to thinking....</div><br /><div>Last year one of my forum peeps raised $$$ to start a bookbinding business. She used a site called <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/">Kickstarter</a>, and as the home page says "A new way to fund and follow creativity" </div><div>One is allowed to start/post a project with a $$$ goal and a time limit to reach that goal. Basically people pledge to back your project and if/when the entire amount of your $$ goal is reached by the time limit deadline, then and only then, do the backers pay what they pledged.<br /></div><div>So what do your backers get in return for their $$$ help? Well you give them rewards-the more $ they back, the bigger the reward. </div><div></div><div>I have decided to try and raise the funds I need to begin my precious metal wire wrapping project through <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/">Kickstarter</a>. I am thinking I will offer items from my current shops as rewards.</div><div>What do you think? I'd love to hear any comments you have. </div><div></div><div>Until next time</div><div></div><div>XOXOXO</div><div>Cindi</div><div></div><div>ps- when I have a link to my project page and can ask for backers, I'll be back to post it.......all over the place :)</div></div></div></div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-19483177940516014732011-01-01T00:12:00.005-07:002011-01-01T00:58:25.219-07:00Read My Lips--No New Year's Resolutions!That's right-no resolutions here.<br /><br />Last year I ran across a New Year's blogpost where the gal said she always made some lofty goal, never lived up to it or was miserable trying..so instead, the alternative was suggested to have a motto word to live by. I thought it was a good idea. I started the year with less stress and no expectations to live up to. Last year my word was " Abundance" and boy did I have plenty of times I was reminded. When I was blessed with abundance I gave thanks, when it seemed like abundance would overwhelm me, I reminded myself I asked for it.<br /><br />Since a motto word was such a success for me, I am choosing to do the same this year. The word I have chosen is " Believe" ...I can hardly wait to see what road this motto leads me through.<br /><br />So Happy New Year's everyone...what's your motto? I 'believe' mine is already less stressful<br />See? it's already working ;)<br /><br />Til next time,<br />XOXOXOXOXOXO,<br />Cindi<br /><br />Mr. Clay's update-Hospice has been great! New oxygen equipment has made a difference and he is slowly regaining some mobility. He walks nearly everyday on the treadmill and is looking forward to being able to good outside this spring when things start growing.ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-24942226074856244822010-11-18T20:00:00.003-07:002010-11-18T23:13:34.797-07:00They say 'Never travel faster than your angels can fly'Like many others in the country, our health insurance premiums have sky rocketed and we can no longer afford our Cobra. But Mr. Clay still has the Veteran's to fall back on. So yesterday, Wed, we took another trip to the VA Hospital in Salt Lake, 150 miles away. We were hoping to get them to carry the oxygen order for the hubster and save us a few shekels.<br />We packed up the car and headed for Salt Lake City at 6am. We made great timing, the roads were clear, not 1 deer in sight as we drove the <a href="http://users.sisna.com/rogers/road6/StateRt66.htm">most dangerous Hwy in Utah</a>. Mr. Clay insisted on driving the first part of the way, which is of course the most dangerous part, and I knew he would be loathe to give up the reins after we made it through the mountain pass.<br />1/2 way thru the pass we stopped so I could strap in his oxygen tank. I totally forgot to do that when they loaded it in the car yesterday. So I gotter strapped into the seat belt, which is not easy in the best of circumstances, but was even more fun when it was 20 degrees outside and dark still. And Mr. Clay is 'tudey' because 'I should have had this done last night and blah blah blah...' So he reaches up and switches the station on the radio after we got back on the road, and on came a Christian channel and they were playing music and telling inspiring stories on the air. Now normally he would say 'change it and find something good'...but because he's being 'tudy' with me, there is this silence between us, and I figured maybe he needed to listen to this stuff and mellow out.<br />We got through the mountain pass and just as I suspected, he continiued to drive on. Still listening to the Christian channel as the sun came up and we were flying down the highway! I saw the speedometer bounce out of range we were going so fast! We got to the VA an hour early, and got some details attended to beforehand and then sat........they were running late and it made for a long day exhausting day. We were drained physically and emotionally when we left. They have now ordered Hospice for my dear husband. They no longer want him making the long arduous trip and exposing himself to more cooties coming into the hosital for Dr. visits. At this point, they just want him kept comfortable. Everytime this disease takes another notch out of him, it is so emotionally draining on both of us, and we both kinda go through a stage of processing and getting used to the idea.<br />We were <strong>really tired</strong> by the time we got out of there at 3:30pm, AND we had promised a friend to stop and see him before we went home. Once again Mr. Clay wanted to drive, so we pulled out of the parking lot into the long driveway of the hospital and there was a big <strong>thunk</strong>! Both of us said 'what was that?' and we looked to see what we ran over? and then Mr. Clay says "I lost the steering" (on the car). He managed to get us pulled out of everyone's way into the Ambulance loading area. I went back inside to the VA and called our friend who was still waiting for us ALL DAY and told him what happened.<br />I could see that something was hanging under the car (maybe the drive train?) but I didn't know what it was. And Mr. Clay can't bend down anymore so he couldn't know what it was. His guess was a CV boot. All we knew was, he pulled on that steering wheel like heck to get us where we ended up and then it wouldn't budge anymore.<br />Our friend showed up with AAA card in hand, phoned a tow truck, called his long time mechanic, made arrangements for our car to be repaired, took us to his house, fed us and put us up after a night of reminiscing. It was good for Mr. Clay to get to visit his friends, but you could see the whole car thing was taking a toll on him and the sooner we could get home, the better.<br />This morning, Thurs, we got the mechanic's call that the engine had dropped off the car, onto the steering column with the motor mounts intact! What are the odds of that happening? And how insanely protected were we flying all way up there? It certainly felt like the Angels were all around us; after all their broadcast was coming though on the radio! We are so thankful that it didn't happen while we were on the freeway busy breaking the sound barrier.<br />We are home now at last after a repair, but I can see we now need to save our pennies up for a new car. So that's how my last two days went...<br /><br />Until next time,<br />XOXOXOXOX and never travel faster than your Angels can fly :)<br /><br />CindiClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-45636816810194947782010-10-21T14:53:00.013-06:002010-10-21T20:02:16.906-06:00It was the best of times; It was the worst of times<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4uNs9O9xMj_7OQ1nTro-VbGULmIN8o30XHn4joxaUCaLpKEqSFkK_6aXVsBqtrEYsDSDRm9SeYPyGTyjMC5Qg41p9Fu66pbWvJXYdXghZ77-vOQ_jpyQ_8hzu-A1OdAQodv4b72M4tVn/s1600/BOTWOT_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530614867560563058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4uNs9O9xMj_7OQ1nTro-VbGULmIN8o30XHn4joxaUCaLpKEqSFkK_6aXVsBqtrEYsDSDRm9SeYPyGTyjMC5Qg41p9Fu66pbWvJXYdXghZ77-vOQ_jpyQ_8hzu-A1OdAQodv4b72M4tVn/s320/BOTWOT_1.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am almost done harvesting this year and have a few pics to share. How cute is that carrot drop? It's no bigger than my pinky fingertip :)<br />Here is a comparison of our carrots:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530622036913834754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMJWIvjAninggUumtU-_cFL3cLPjSGJamCmUX8L1CqDzE9ccaMu2cToQ6cgam5zx5s29m9sW2mkJU9-dycgNqfNGPf2Vdz-Y8qBBKs3l1U8fIUptnY0sXFgicwFyV3XxHHN94gQUkoLtz/s320/carrots_1.jpg" border="0" /> Those humongous carrots are as big as large baking potatos!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><div><div>All in all the garden was a success.... for peppers! I harvested over 175 lbs of anaheims (green chiles) and over 75 lbs of jalapenos. Our freezer is more than half full of anaheims and I have countless peppers drying for ristas.<br /></div><div>Here's a comparison shot of our jalapenos. The ones on the right are called super nachos</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530617173804344610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOQxv81UPDnWmAgSxD1O50LmUeHVGzwlcKJzJK-f36BdulKF90BAoDZ2A55KLs5x2C6Zqld-bigW_1zaDfI7tezEWy7BpXF6IvaDZk0KEMw3jbPG4BOIf_dNRbN1C95488aTg3fjxtc0d/s320/jalapenos.jpg" border="0" /> and here is a shot with some Mammoth Jalapenos!<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530617586931941154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotVOqmLmd6WQfm4BkvoiM-I7z1YojntQf4W6Me-nqu_5U0vzdHqpNAPnah8wyEEqYNOcCYq9VfMpEkc9-ONxS5E-JaxA0mYlfw2j6ANmsg8ccSO9yfIoZcDaEis0jvd-tOkQKcGV-6PNt/s320/jalapenos2.jpg" border="0" />I wish I could say the tomatoes were a success, but everyone had tomato trouble this year. We had frosts turn to extreme heat, then hail and LOTS of rain. Had a few tornados blow through and just as the tomatoes were coming on we had a week of storms and the tomatoes filled up with water and many burst right open whether they were ripe or not. It was so disappointing to watch, but I am thankful that I was able to can 2 cases with these: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530624064786783938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrPqVsmbB38JZ8THtjP_UXmbqw-HLI3vokrvQQKDzu1XRhpJ02fffOQpF0UYxfdueOFYoTrMW25t3r75xvWOqHf_PHXtulb2NLIPM63CsEwALRhx51iI_p71DBkvhUhWGT7Fm5TE4x59P/s320/bucketomaters.jpg" border="0" />After that the storms hit, and everything was waterlogged. We have had several frosty nights and last weekend I pulled all the pepper plants. I still have the tomatoes left to pluck and I think I am going to have to learn how to use the tractor for tilling, if Mr. Clay is able to learn me.</div><div></div><div>He has not done well lately. The pnumonia he had this summer took him down another peg. A shower is a major undertaking now, and he has trouble standing for more than 5 minutes. He doesn't venture outside the house much anymore :( </div><div> </div><div>So it's been the best of times and the worst of times</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530618817725423058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm7Q_V62BpW5Wf1RScrQgpk8b8ccCuSBNxxKtb4uSPxMJQPuWx12FLHuvRFG32AfA1BjT7Qw-8jtN1OYzv8OdAqjFw1Ohyphenhyphennr90cVzHnUpQix3T6ynIEdaRgWzYAb8GR6GQyTiXpaPeprF/s320/typical.jpg" border="0" /><br />Til next time...</div><div></div><div>XOXOXOXXOXOO,</div><div>Cindi<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-51139602889535223042010-09-01T11:00:00.003-06:002010-09-01T21:33:45.926-06:00Cheater Chile RellenosAs promised here is my Cheaters Chile Rellenos Recipe- I apologize in advance for the crummy pics on this one. The kitchen must not have been as brightly lit as what I thought. <div><div></div><br /><div>Preparation time is less than 15 minutes and baking time is 1 hour. The ingredients you will need are:<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>anaheim (green) chiles-roasted and peeled --canned whole green chiles will work, too!<br /></div><div>1/4-1/2 lb of grated cheese-your choice-I've used colby, cheddar, sharp cheddar, and jack**<br /></div><div></div><div>6 eggs<br /></div><div></div><div>1 and 1/2 cups milk-fresh <strong>OR</strong> canned evaporated will work<br /></div><div></div><div>1/2 cup flour<br /></div><div></div><div>1/4 teaspoon garlic powder<br /></div><div></div><div>1/4 teaspoon season salt<br /></div><div></div><div>*optional-cream cheese<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511980809421212130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8gaUpakC5hvEbcSUQkg4Zj6ArtMTlDx4-S7oSAxZ5KcHYz2oqhtZuA9ihSqSD3NVC8ZHFDqSrpkCK0ofDTD2F-D7i-8CZRabn9QUK1TEp2REfcdQnVJ6FZSOPsp8OWG9AFh_-lMyb9ZZ/s320/1CRingredients_1.jpg" border="0" />Preheat oven 350 degrees<br /><br /><div>Butter/grease 8 in round baking dish.<br /></div><br /><div></div>I stuff cream cheese in the chiles that line the sides, but this is optional.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511984173617544946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf1q2Y82cSx1rt1uqmbKCtFwuxvuGiaNKkG50ZGho2AIMZ7yoYYTxZdtnxatYW0W4w140qpJhzm4P0VDR5Vahn0-w7xITC_NgyWRklDj_jaF8hjT7qNxUg8S28JFen-0dwF-yRxcHdyn3/s320/2stuffedchile_1.jpg" border="0" />Just slice open the chile and place a thin layer of cream cheese inside; then fold closed the chile and place along the sides of the pan<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511984023424688290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpajCF8-Jw7hFrZjzq4NvCF5m2AmbxpLRAD1shFhUiftLnU4aoWWe-kbBo56VuFsMH9BZ_P8r_0AaF3Hi8Upzp6U9N7X75ZD57OUrPevNcG_kTJ63GPFCIkJUI6MkSG9euISxXqZk7EQwh/s320/3chilesinpan_1.jpg" border="0" /> Next add the grated cheese into the pan.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511985308280108530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aCRv9caIrq-NmtHuo_lE2h11Izd0qzqas0h70I8w-CYQTcJy_SgXo5OPO-AJ9gxTmBO1vaYONuZe3ydKNdtvbKs6kMIynIhlrEMmeq8eLdIv7EAPKSXW5Lmri5bMb4LMrHgnkxccWKFM/s320/4nextstep_1.jpg" border="0" /> In mixing bowl beat for 2 minutes:<br /><br /><div>the eggs, milk, flour, garlic, and salt.</div><div></div><br /><div>Pour this mixture over the cheese and chiles already in the pan.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511985612845640450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNio1zU14TRkrQHJ7wGRsMIc-hmROGRYJnmuZIhgYHkHz2hb-Ok4unftY_l_XIKdZeMTH0hjIV1mda3O9fsKbPHUbFAI4d428lWrlIIUxhclUsrDeOw9vm7aRqeDYnL9R0AthIMAM6Xmmz/s320/5withmix_1.jpg" border="0" /> I add a couple more stuffed chiles on top, but it is not necessary. Bake 1 hour. It will get 'poofy', like a souffle. And when taken out of the oven it will shrink somewhat. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511989393094777250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvtUjPovci5UvkEyts3vuIr5qX5Z-VGyvpoAwNZh3quicOBLFHGgpARHwkWSfQFZnPT4MxiePhOo10S2j6Dn53-Qq4FaV3c5okhcggnzreqkn5pgJJ_wA30YNnYv5vudVIEUruiwVd1gQ/s320/6baked_1.jpg" border="0" /> **some cheeses will produce more oil than others. If you use an exceptionally oily one, either lay a sheet of foil under your oven rack to catch the oily drippings or reduce the amount of cheese.<br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Now I know this is not what a chile relleno looks like but believe me the flavor is all there in this scrambled egg pie/quiche version. PLUS you didn't have to spend hours slaving over the stove. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511989591927863602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdySgOXinn3wdyvnkJPMHFe00Vd1rQcWjpcXeAWmKIYIO-KQ3ogB5n4WqhSBiUZMKl_hKuGCQ-KHBLNt15MDRJh0I3bXc9GvFHKF3K7nXnkBz_BXsaxrrjTSID3RyYLpSeSOT0G44XL7hw/s320/7slice_1.jpg" border="0" /> <div>I have served this with avocado slices, guacamole, and cottage cheese. I've also heard that beans are excellent with this.</div><br /><div>Enjoy! </div><br /><div>And until next time,(and who knows how long that could be with the way these peppers are begging to be harvested weekly)...next on my list is jalapeno peppers. Wait til you see the size of some of these jalapenos!<br /><br /></div></div><div>XOXXOXOXOXO<br />Cindi<br /><br /><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-28521062863499655512010-08-22T17:39:00.001-06:002010-08-22T17:47:39.484-06:00Where's Cindi?Mr. Clay snapped this picture of me in the garden this morning<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508345949612776082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_-cKpKq4TxYdj4EFveote_5CkjajHX8dmzTqqA9Pb4xyCOYRK5ksiJG_GT17vR-9j4kn94DI2B5p1ptxmjQj6PKBilI2pFcSyZOv0D92GoyQzRmxlUyalzfSRyRQBrBoh5M-d0qEzRsK/s320/waveleft_1.jpg" border="0" />What's that?? ...You say, you can't see me in there? How's this?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508346312821352386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSfKa64iH5QEIqGi_6rJEnCQfz-e-VFU31SO3MCxYkiXfjOY3InltxwujTRi8PpE73To83A4xCDUrcKUoauJTBDuiiTj4Khdh5MnSsc_8qC83-KQwfAfom73WP_LlijuiRGsJBmmYK9Fv/s320/waveright_1.jpg" border="0" />Need me to zoom in a little closer? <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508347703443856162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rXCBOfwEPvg_9ETOOQuquAHQ7VSF7ioncS-jSNnnvz5b4gNZmfYD1QAEZAbP4-B15JW9Z8YB43rvuTFEVRq58C3HoUMFBIe1s6fDxTurxlcmsAd4b49uWMoupchl1yFSTvVkBgMnrpEW/s320/closeupwave_1.jpg" border="0" />I am not squatting or kneeling; some of the tomatoes are taller than me now. I was really stretching my neck to see above them. So far only a handful of ripe tomatoes. But... <div><br /><p>this week I harvested 16 pounds of anaheim chiles. This is what they looked like before roasting:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508368832295581330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J6d70tEON_3FgKYXWxpnCx6fyhrK3M1vJOAZEC1LTiqmmaVAd5qWHxfdgqfH6Cped9nJyhapyviTD14VTDkGYM67u9pBsp8X-p1U5VXfyRCRDxCFYjMDcX29XwNkL0AeuhuJ1V6EJHZm/s320/freshanaheims_1.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><div>Then that much roasted down to this:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508369398930149170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32g9XO5FiNtbZdEueQCEPcCO2sQ5ehyphenhyphenwBQmz3ZCPDZGTk6e7B4oGP4GHf0mWDjzy3n5_6EmB2UbBXnzqSn6y4LTe4fXAFKcVHaiXHWLKVrhI6Zv5CnV1TQh0FDG7JrGbOcpS8T01Fg5CF/s320/freshroasted.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>And then after peeling, deseeding and stemming, it bagged up to be this much (16 pounds reduced to 8 pounds)...and off to the freezer they went...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508370794919625490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEl0hLkWonn8E2LstAlWXQrcBEOgINLA_ledPFs_smd5W_34cYB8fvbx-S7N4cKl_6634xyEKQoLJ4Z3FQYAqxCk3UltKUCKFeCmZbRNWjXZa5RVe6PTRsJX-YSRhpLHdLZrsesPJvyFG/s320/finishedanaheims.jpg" border="0" /><br />(<em>shown pictured in snack baggies and sandwich baggies; later transferred to 5 qt sized bags</em>)<em> </em><br />Well all of them, except one baggie, that will be used to make 'Cheater's Chile Rellenos'. Complete recipe with pics on my next post.<br /><br />Until then<br />XOXOXOXOXOXO<br />Cindi<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-61663899477042778402010-08-01T10:03:00.000-06:002010-08-01T10:03:00.462-06:002 Month Old GardenWhen did all this happen? Sometime between watering, weeding and mowing the lawn the garden sprang up while I wasn't looking. Take a look at the difference between last month and this month's progress: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDnU-0PkGgMzH8-q_PL90fUhZ-B6PlJp1VVwJRnTKcceH3Di5hoyWM7C2u4H2CecvfuRt69LknyZwgpDQXAhVPrL6G3Ng63YlmnN9nHRMoxkRs85yoYllO-yIorEC7M7MO9dsYBWCicwr/s1600/tomatoesmonth_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500435026302297458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDnU-0PkGgMzH8-q_PL90fUhZ-B6PlJp1VVwJRnTKcceH3Di5hoyWM7C2u4H2CecvfuRt69LknyZwgpDQXAhVPrL6G3Ng63YlmnN9nHRMoxkRs85yoYllO-yIorEC7M7MO9dsYBWCicwr/s200/tomatoesmonth_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499895953102401858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0yWgd971AcBhEH0ToSpMTDuxsXNELMnzNlRmr1QAE2KXiC86bb-_ag8EANAERVO8exw7OS6xmndscI_07a1Zp9G_ihamJGBh8qDBi5WGapPHBroteAfJVGzU3Vp8nnmNzJXJyQFdlSAK/s320/2monthtomatoes_1.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>Tomatoes are starting to set on:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499897332907135314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUduVIDlvoOJnT6FB-cx1pCtjdXBD4nXh8-M3-qso6ny_olOz33WtasEpv21rBItF7d0eo2IR_yKV0Fq_Uk99s4LMYYBjK_vkFKNNXtkngRHIoBKwQUDtTcSun6_6rLXD9j2Vndm4H0ZB8/s320/closeupmaters_1.jpg" border="0" />The peppers last month and this month: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrywrrRAdUjdicTmUkHO6FDYlpm76cAFc_qSDD1tsDfxJa0XbowFD3ts1bmPz1eNFzbLA257jUQoEWABcepgyGOoRLufhEGQIkmneb-uAR_asvNn9Ro-Y49Ooo_n3FJ4OWafOFS4QnQKA/s1600/peppers1month_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500439507232304210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrywrrRAdUjdicTmUkHO6FDYlpm76cAFc_qSDD1tsDfxJa0XbowFD3ts1bmPz1eNFzbLA257jUQoEWABcepgyGOoRLufhEGQIkmneb-uAR_asvNn9Ro-Y49Ooo_n3FJ4OWafOFS4QnQKA/s200/peppers1month_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499898168997764226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBy4gUbR3at-pyWXHrtChLS_A6LTRbWhci87HrvkJS51xNWjnGcLKM1uQGlcIbVe4PQfNZqtxebDnXSBbWpmkfHjRrz1GTSnGQluP_LaNKKEPdYTON0TWDQ5PXmEV2fbbr72e5xYrsYJy/s320/2monthpeppers_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500469220585337458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzis-5977-U_jP2qcYMnrGXL2izVGU0WCvFIIoEGUid5zvM7RlZrZWDIzXP-saVqMDRGGEpmR9UkUk4bHjp0SpTv2rKbG6u9W4H7Tj1a2tWL9fLGurSuLjzN1ARZoJgdOlPWCewCCKFr2q/s320/peppers.jpg" border="0" />And the squashies:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499898489460668258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 173px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQCaEXoWPOjvf6lfJH3emwt1gJrHyfU7vEeIHoS6IWU9avRtnS0i_Yq-GLhytf3WtvlQ8auM1_q_JPvpJz9plss4ijyNWYgdTJ2CN253pD4F35IESg0m_x2orCeQ3eU0x1LBjCrDKVQ9H/s320/2monthsquashes.jpg" border="0" /> And the different varieties:</div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI2Ohtywto4M7SW6GPJGdLaEoFZlPDcsepxAcdbIkzrtX6QLiqdBQfgap3LmJmxBRHSAi22i3S8JhLS_OtZq7AorZTnnmoSv0coY9qW1fG_GDBnhuIy9g-A5fsh1D5QwMuKZZoLZjdqrv/s1600/yellowsquash.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500460906520923490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI2Ohtywto4M7SW6GPJGdLaEoFZlPDcsepxAcdbIkzrtX6QLiqdBQfgap3LmJmxBRHSAi22i3S8JhLS_OtZq7AorZTnnmoSv0coY9qW1fG_GDBnhuIy9g-A5fsh1D5QwMuKZZoLZjdqrv/s200/yellowsquash.jpg" border="0" /></a>Early Straightneck Prolifics-yellow squash</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpqvvqFscHilDy8pYt-rFiMKALyHuFiBcXp8wXZmqbu4Ra2vsduSOcDjglZG2tuJJJv7B4ITEgpMx049VQ0E7elWT9vGhVjNKhd8h8GmDaJD9VNDDYtSaQLljW9wLUWaYhvkDjaOjr4-d/s1600/yellowbush.jpg"></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQqrloyHqqu3IafovhF0Dt9fPYvLDJ1D8CZew-TQOxdIYC8NhfkvihP__nq6na4_3ndjUuiyIfRxBPq9sWGNSXUZmVim2_AQAUkyGfv6fNj5HFXfw7IQilEYT-su-uQ6HZ7llsjEnlrOv/s1600/pattypan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500455359476209410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQqrloyHqqu3IafovhF0Dt9fPYvLDJ1D8CZew-TQOxdIYC8NhfkvihP__nq6na4_3ndjUuiyIfRxBPq9sWGNSXUZmVim2_AQAUkyGfv6fNj5HFXfw7IQilEYT-su-uQ6HZ7llsjEnlrOv/s200/pattypan.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Bennings Green Tint</div><div> or "Patty Pan"<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpqvvqFscHilDy8pYt-rFiMKALyHuFiBcXp8wXZmqbu4Ra2vsduSOcDjglZG2tuJJJv7B4ITEgpMx049VQ0E7elWT9vGhVjNKhd8h8GmDaJD9VNDDYtSaQLljW9wLUWaYhvkDjaOjr4-d/s1600/yellowbush.jpg"></a></div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpqvvqFscHilDy8pYt-rFiMKALyHuFiBcXp8wXZmqbu4Ra2vsduSOcDjglZG2tuJJJv7B4ITEgpMx049VQ0E7elWT9vGhVjNKhd8h8GmDaJD9VNDDYtSaQLljW9wLUWaYhvkDjaOjr4-d/s1600/yellowbush.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500455569491920786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpqvvqFscHilDy8pYt-rFiMKALyHuFiBcXp8wXZmqbu4Ra2vsduSOcDjglZG2tuJJJv7B4ITEgpMx049VQ0E7elWT9vGhVjNKhd8h8GmDaJD9VNDDYtSaQLljW9wLUWaYhvkDjaOjr4-d/s200/yellowbush.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpqvvqFscHilDy8pYt-rFiMKALyHuFiBcXp8wXZmqbu4Ra2vsduSOcDjglZG2tuJJJv7B4ITEgpMx049VQ0E7elWT9vGhVjNKhd8h8GmDaJD9VNDDYtSaQLljW9wLUWaYhvkDjaOjr4-d/s1600/yellowbush.jpg"></a></div><div>Yellow bush</div><div>(these are supposed to have a buttery taste)</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>I lubs me some butter :)</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L5hZ6aa6IWocKgtPOgFFuogIgiRLv2Z9YSFlilqgSclYT1ey4pQ3IR6fQQ2e5Z0jc-hojbz-PSSwgL1EFVaBlsLxnJtmMmot2vm5TA7xT9LU0ataNpOtUu43wuNloWBZZ8dlrfK-LhRF/s1600/zucchini.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500455782400553954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4L5hZ6aa6IWocKgtPOgFFuogIgiRLv2Z9YSFlilqgSclYT1ey4pQ3IR6fQQ2e5Z0jc-hojbz-PSSwgL1EFVaBlsLxnJtmMmot2vm5TA7xT9LU0ataNpOtUu43wuNloWBZZ8dlrfK-LhRF/s200/zucchini.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Cocozelle Italian Marrow Squash </div><div>(zucchini)<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>We had a huge storm pass through this last week-marble sized hail and flooding rains for almost an hour. I was so thankful our garden was spared. The only tell tale sign left is a mud line on the 7.5 tons of rock that we have our trailers sitting on. Even though we were punded with flash flood rains, the rocks remained above the flooding. So Mr. Clay's idea worked :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, it's about time for me to mow that yard again...care to join me for a sit in the shade and watch the garden grow??? </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500471347595551490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunocCHbrzKTlp0SD-S-kpJ_DSxT_t0NCsUOYRg6bW2seEiTaOZAQCdf_1v0_8kslAmnNUTuLtbSZmONp5iuxtIcUTiqPxwCX5ohFDpNmv3pkOYdwWSPyN62a8XD6iBD4tcnCSUglZtrHj/s320/shade.jpg" border="0" />Until next time...</div><div> </div><div>XOXOXOXOXO,</div><div>Cindi<br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-25324886891639410912010-07-09T18:49:00.001-06:002010-07-09T18:49:00.318-06:00Hubster & GardenHere's a better update than what I left you with last week. I worked a temp job for a couple of weeks and wouldn't you know it, Mr. Clay goes into the hospital right smack in the middle of my commitment to the job? So, here I was, caught between a job and my husband - he was admitted to the hospital the second week I was temping.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>There was already no time left to train anyone for what I was doing at the company. Normally I would have been right there at the hubster's side the whole way through; but jobs are tight and this was a repeat performance. I temped there last year, and the lady liked me so well that she asked for me specifically. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a handful trying to work full time, keep things under control in the garden (pics in a bit) and then then go to the hospital everyday to take the hubster a care package; what was even harder was leaving him and coming home to try and sleep. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The hubster has been home from the hospital since last Monday night. He felt great in the beginning because they had him all pumped up on steriods. But since he's not on those anymore, his breathing level has not been the best hoped for...he may be having to switch to liquid oxygen in the near future...But for now, when he is sitting or sleeping his oxygen level is at a medium level; and then if he has to move at all from sitting or laying, his oxygen has to be turned up to the highest level. From what we have heard, the liquid oxygen will keep his heart from having to work so hard to pump the oxygen.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We went for his check up today the pnuemonia is still in the bottom lobes of both lungs. She said she'd call in an order of meds at the pharmacy; apparently there has been some kind of mixup and the pharmacy never received the orders and the office closed at noon today. So here we sit, hoping he doesn't get any worse and end up in the hospital again. Any and all prayers and positive thoughts sent his way are greatly appreciated. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile he is taking great pleasure at dictating which yard work needs to be done. And instructing me on how to use 'the manly equipment'. I have now done 3 lawn mowings with no male supervision ;) and I think I've done pretty well keeping up on all the weeding and such. Here are some pics submitted for your approval. The small pic was when I planted on Memorial day weekend...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2U9sxF9KmMuxx7FEUQJRZ1-I4YMl50hczUbvTLN5vi05rv6g-LTKKHI3R8bNt0aAceTqcZpx1odNHVK2q1Z4BnJ6PlmgW2GOvfzm30BzpUPyYwn1MobUH0bwTQ7vk2HNBCNPvk1KoDr7/s1600/tomatoplants1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491279507505394018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2U9sxF9KmMuxx7FEUQJRZ1-I4YMl50hczUbvTLN5vi05rv6g-LTKKHI3R8bNt0aAceTqcZpx1odNHVK2q1Z4BnJ6PlmgW2GOvfzm30BzpUPyYwn1MobUH0bwTQ7vk2HNBCNPvk1KoDr7/s200/tomatoplants1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIg2jdlMX_b1xc2U4TEqNr4_z3ciFbe2CXL1VmJ0XyL_f9YmKwEb5wxHLV04S0_iYPSF2RC7wnz9i-GhLtw6E1jPPkf_9AAxwLH0hFJCEcrlkjSmEuGUYwqzi9NDuCaNf-jiJb2bJJcF6/s1600/tomatoesmonth_1.jpg"></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>And now here is a month later (this pic was taken June 30)...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491284019925048946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3nkBZIQ0j_dAZipYy_kbP6Kub-ld0NAWRh4RTTNU6suE2kFg-jeK7Sq7zo_JsNitT9w9r9o7PY9sHKtys9V-P0y9DQbvWJIyPix_WG3CGZwYWhN4J1N_Q1rYdUByod7Y73JdUaPHaQGw/s320/tomatoesmonth_1.jpg" border="0" /> In the far left of that shot you can see the peas growing along the fence.; many of them are waist high and some are chest high now. We have had peas everyday now for days. Besides eating straight off the vine, my new fav is sauteed lightly and eaten with rice or all by themselves. But Mr. Clay has found they are tasty in his cup of noodles and in his Ramen too.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Every variety of squash has sprouted. Some are larger than others. And that drought resistant variety so popular in Texas? Well the plant grew about a foot long almost touching the fence ready to climb... and an army of ants moved in at the base of the plant and took it down in less than 24 hours! By the time I saw what happened to the first plant they had moved onto the 2nd plant and its demise was well under way. But here are the other squashes we have...<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491294699327461634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGkRnDVR1iXG9LnRz7c6130e2NyFDCV4ysvyDLX0GWqk665n5GC7JG7WMay8-XyNqW62QmwHhzon9znf7GwINWonIy_0sZtQcTMtItMFC6lBo73XZEpGG5ZwFcKjplDuj4ADlCMNPOBuU/s320/squash_1.jpg" border="0" />In the upper right of the pic you can see the carrots, lettuce, and radishes. The 2nd crop of radishes is nearly gone. I should have already planted a 3rd crop, but alas...I have fallen short in this one area. </div><br /><div>The peppers are doing great; I'll show close-ups of them on my next garden update.</div><div></div><br /><div>Until next time, here's a shot looking out my back door</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492070608682992434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk1pdRjAonAIryGp2WiprJYD0IQKujFOpoCc-4LuVFZXK2NVeE_i11dHobXuZC7nV6n2YZwZ086qlZ4ucLuzMUVOHeG5qqIwsY9kBNjg6pFynoSETbYK8Uk0__S9aPNOb5UfnpoVAlRfQ/s320/backyard.jpg" border="0" />I'll have you know I've mowed that grass 2X with no male supervision ;) </div><div> </div><div>XOXOXO,</div><div>Cindi</div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-78404827741245911832010-06-28T20:47:00.003-06:002010-06-28T21:02:49.117-06:00Thank You Thank You Thank YouThank you everyone for taking the time to include my husband in your prayers these last few days. I brought him home from the hospital just a couple of hours ago, and his lungs are definitely working better now than before he went in. After they cleared up the infection in his lungs, they were able to run down his oxygen level. He is not allowed to do anything for 2 weeks except walk a little. They said he was lucky he made it through.<br /><br />So-thank you everyone for all the well wishes and good thoughts sent his way. I really appreciate it.<br /><br />Until next time..<br /><br />XOXOXO<br />CindiClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-56160721917498542542010-06-25T22:42:00.006-06:002010-06-25T23:26:27.715-06:00PLEASE PRAY FOR MR. CLAYWish I had better news, but my beloved Mr. Clay is in the hosptial and has been since yesterday. He has a bacterial pnuemonia that I must read up on, cause they claim there is alot of people with it in the hospital right now.<br /><br />Anywho, it is in both lungs, and he is not responding to the meds, and is having severe breathing problems. He has asked for prayers and good thoughts to be sent his way...ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-84357865941445281462010-06-12T14:39:00.002-06:002010-06-12T17:23:49.133-06:00The garden is done and so am II finally got the garden finished planting last weekend-the final totals are:<br /><div>*I tried to get all the plants in the pic, but a few just didn't make it in the frames*<br /></div><div><div><div><br /><div>32 tomato plants-all grown from heirloom seeds</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481960838884767570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dftHtbzu2RBBGCpiTRKF00wVsu0uxM_x_M-rp4FJUu_jJ5F8ZsRKCsD_Q-G7maCTsiiS9q1PodGshqf6dy1HwZbritj5YQ8AQ8qKIoFSjSOAsD2I9PBQB2uMq6tmSYCGJVFet6zxzdbn/s320/tomatoplants.jpg" border="0" /> 12 squashes - 5 varieties; also from heirloom seeds (I'll show these when they get bigger).</div><br /><div>93 pepper plants-more than half are anaheim chiles-some are the Big Jim variety and their chiles will grow to a foot long!...the rest are: cherry hots, jalapenos-we have a few Super Nachos that grow peppers 5" and a couple of Mammoths that grow fruit 6" or better (we'll see), and 1 lone serrano that somehow sneaked it's way into our cart at the store</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481963975217955554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP1XwgA5DHuxFP2Uj0zmISqQmtrr2EYRbplKY0ZKQauzu5TL7eafqIG1J-5Fzl_0TPseznIChZTh9zag-Z7oNjtLy9a-MNWY19r4Wzz0IwQFgZSYpf5Zw3V3oiAHnx1y9DwX_-4lB3Puu/s320/peppers.jpg" border="0" />The lettuce, radishes and carrots are sneaking into the upper right hand corner of the pic and the far spaced plants next to them is the squashes.<br /><br /><div>1st and 2nd crop of radishes, lettuce, and carrots...the first crop of radishes has been completely harvested and almost all eaten now. I'm embarrassed to show the 2nd crop up close; they need weeding so badly...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481966194611186530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI6ZQsEg-SfFVVIb38nK3NKGDjP40D3ac019KMIyPnURgUX-Bl1RZJCNIbeJdjbP1n0hVgvziXehS7m3wR6uZxbnJLY4Ngkf3fNIjAkNJ_SvJk1kTpAdv3Oj28v01Aau2eLXHiltXU7yJ/s320/lettuce.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br />We have been eating salads from the lettuces I thinned. Mr. Clay can't stop raving about how good the lettuce is.<br /><br />and of course, the gazillion peas...and lookie! Mr. Clay got the neighbor to cut his weeds back away from the fence :)<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481968686322138514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FP0E98I0sVGAkG6yy8fPxWFAdGSPm1yzhCguBciYHfqMQu_Rci8lmiRZt9wEo5vl7Rv7oMl40wvp6LML5xsIhgjeV6JV77dHqxoJW2QYyn2QzRXbUoTmpF-Br4AX0q8OHKKRN0kUYYjE/s320/peas.jpg" border="0" />The peas are full of blooms and have just started bearing pods. I love peas right from the plant; can't stand canned or frozen ones though. *this is just a small section of the row of peas* </p><p>I ended up planting 4 tomatoes in a neighbor's yard and gave away more than a dozen; my poor aching arms and hands just could not take anymore planting. Each plant has had its own hole dug, the hard pan clay broken up, mulch and soil added and then planted. I'm really not a wimp; the tiller broke and was in the shop, so I had to do it all by hand...141 individual plants + the peas and radish, lettuce and carrot crops...the only thing left to do is water,weed, and watch them grow.</p><p>And remember this shot last time? <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481972055405496002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-a50CWo4y6tfWhJifq0KZbimSzk1U5Yt3gBQKnSnC83w4ScSomdrEKr_FlU-xOfmwqRvpVZtCCMGGA9YqElX8ufPNSGQc2G5CZtrPczA_egRGyMlAKVCnXB1EtG2nTHxk2guQsLHn0uI1/s320/backyardclean.jpg" border="0" />Well here is the same tree (from a different angle and the grass is starting to come in nicely now<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481970490218274274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetpQh2IIXX-PR2kF4okCju2JVnP45atMKjxaU_DWDGXSejUsL5x2pMdHbeB-KXFfXNNQ1YLGfOsc42O29fo5LsTogAjiaAw9lOrMA4AuY62XoH4PF3MvZ6RV22qD_XWMWFQaMwOiu9lO6/s320/MrClaysGrass.jpg" border="0" /> And those trailers??? We moved them out, laid down weed protectant material, and had 7.5 tons of rock hauled in and I 'got' to spread it all out. My arms were like aching noodles afterwards. The rock is about 5-6 inches deep. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481977080529380162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1D9sMdBFJnfVe5EQbZbDUwPzA4yUCI90hBy0QVZNjBlbrup-SH_4ZRovHYJYEEOp3kr7pjrnVYXWz6o7XbLRDlVM6i7mG3ZJW4WqzdB9r5dsAtC6vb8TA5GwOK4qLd375hoh3elT3NIF/s320/trailer.jpg" border="0" /> <p></p><p>The area under the white trailer (which is really Mr. Clay's shed) is the lowest part of our property and when it rains or the snow melts, we always have a pond there, making it impossible to get into the trailer. Mr. Clay's theory is that the rock will be raised enough so that we can get to the trailer during 'wet times'...I shall let you know how this works out. </p><p>All this work really took a toll on my body. The old grey mare just ain't what she used to be...My arms and hands were hurting so bad I couldn't sleep through the night for weeks. I finally went and had it checked and turns out I have a bulging disc. I went to my acupressure guy and he fixed me somewhat. I was told not to push, pull, or do anything for 10 days...but you know how that goes. As luck would have it, I got a callback from a temp job I did last year. So I will be temping from Monday thru til the end of the month...so much for that 'rest and not do anything' stuff :)</p><p>And finally, our latest toy which actually arrived a few weeks ago is....</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481977937592635826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisARLns0g9b5foMfhOLXwAdahpDnMgfaPfE4o87li8vTgmm1rDdQVUMUhLSBhxCeG0Fvc7nbdY3Elc76pcIrmt-ZC1svBmTBuhbCz9o6F2fHp5ogagDxdMtELZFHGN2v86e7xazdBRh9-N/s320/composter.jpg" border="0" />the tumbling composter...this will make it easier for us to make our own compost. We have started our first batch with vegetable scraps, egg shells, paper from our shredder, a bucket of rabbit poop from a friend, peat moss, some mulch, and a little depleted soil. And all we have to do is turn it and let it do it's thing.</p><p>And "what will we do with all those anaheim chiles?" is the question I keep getting asked. Stay tuned and next time I will share my "Cheater Chile Rellenos" recipe. </p><p>We lubs our anaheims :)</p><p>Until next time,</p><p>XOXOXOXO</p><p>Cindi<br /><br /></p>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-48401065632677470052010-05-23T13:21:00.024-06:002010-05-23T18:09:00.046-06:00Our BackyardAfter the whole Giovanna thing I found it extremely difficult to come back here. (see post below for a short explanation)<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><div>The hubster and I have spent the weeks since, preparing our yard for the upcoming garden season. Our garden area is 49' wide by about 55' long. Here is Mr. Clay, in all his glory, riding his tractor tilling up the garden area. He has on his portable air tank (backpack) and he has to wear a dust mask to help protect his lungs:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474552842019432994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBVx23outyqQFhab5c13JfpaeBoqHsjmO3bxFpZR6XOmR1dwnGC28LfJ6F3JtYD5CLuB_CF_9J633T0SZdczt1AeLeQoTPeO3uJeGNtHbL9yIrgHnIXloBYgIANhKQ1t9zJZF2srEMkGl/s320/compost+day_1.jpg" border="0" /> Since he cannot do heavy strenuous work anymore, I spread gypsum (to help break up our clay soil) and countless wheelbarrowfulls of soil prep (also for the clay) and spread it all over the garden to be tilled in. Here is a far away shot of him on 'compost day' . The dark area is where he hadn't yet tilled, and this shot still blocks off about 12 feet of the left side of the yard.</div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474599264543506930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE0Gns16OVQyULu333wiW3WHgB9wToWP247cH-YxWyQoCg1_zGg4s0HNU7GWQKheJa0GlawcbUGQonAim46m9Sx3s0KY_53Srl2xnDG4M4Or6pC7qPTMHY1ZQvM1hih1PwvP0sC_LlBeY/s320/compost+day+view_1.jpg" border="0" /> We cannot plant tender plants (tomatoes, chilis, and squashes) until the end of May here, and even then one year, we still lost half our plants to a late freeze on Memorial Day weekend. So we have spent weeks weeding (burning, cutting and pulling by hand) and cleaning up the rest of the yard.<br /><br /><div>I don't have any really good shots of how bad the backyard looked because ...well, to be frank, it was quite 'white trashy' looking and I never wanted to have pics of that. This is about the only pic I have, and even then you don't even see the half of it:<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474559747112015906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt6VxZLaOq8oW6_WNLOvbp24WybbXBZezNhFE-Hgy60gU_esRqXUSwkBYJmCFmpJKIUb3wBdDqx2WYBeSyswsMratWjZcpWz7Ik1hji9PcQeEjvc0bAKCn5u546Q6qxvGMbocTSsK6lG1/s320/backdoorshot_1.jpg" border="0" />And here it is cleaned up... most of the way. We wanted to plant grass on this half of the backyard. And those paving stones you see stacked up there on the left in the shade, are to make a walkway to the garden area :<br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474564777403781330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM4GtsfP0nt3ZT9Rkr7W_awwDjn8Q85Md0ZGDF8rqW1aEVCNcOhqrqpyWTKityCyOIGHEXnlOeTz5HTc3zyhqC1uHOejOjH5suFZaJAInbNnC-_Uqnr_6d2amv9NXGbNmkF9jyaeamE6x/s320/backyardclean.jpg" border="0" />After planting the grass and laying the pavers:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474567249713601106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOG_aholSnljHMMKH7XhW2Xlp5eAv_e6xDiIQ02qv0W6RDNv2lw-u2X-84_1RqyXPahNPGlVYj_Riw1YWyK4yh5YuJ075qSE9PS_d7JaCvDpkOxW1Ohyw1Cjt_WPN7-oiNhxxXDi0OHLH/s320/pavers_1.jpg" border="0" />I'd like to say that the grass has come in nicely; but as you can see, it hasn't. This is 3 weeks after planting and the only green you see are very happy weeds. :) Mr. Clay has to till this all up and we have to replant it again, due to us listening to uninformed people at the farmer store where we bought our seed.</p><p>This has been the first year we have actually got our butts out (well, ok, me really) and planted the cold crop seeds-peas, radishes, lettuce, and carrots don't mind being planted in the cooler temps. Our peas are doing very well:</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474573111788263506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvY0IBU4skoKCU1xL2_AlMKZB0_Fr2h3CRbg80O-ws3prhnLZ5P6DFSyKbT6jeXpGoOQPSEz4TrkP6NT71ZxmQT1XbKYjEyN1q-eG9ypqYenkilZG7aGB1SOWgWgVfewwSX0FEHSRj9bs/s320/peas_1.jpg" border="0" />See all that green on the other side of the fence? Our neighbors have a ton of weeds! This is only shows about half the peas we planted. We are so going to be so busy minding our peas, we won't even time time for the Q's ;)</p><p>Our first crop of radishes, lettuce, and carrots have sprouted and we are already eating fresh radishes.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474584275016070930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4GqHAnog_rw8TR0ji5ForBK7a4f3LSvAuPeMZ91AyRnsEwFlq9F3osGf6zHeec8XuoIVgs2myV-Vo4D36PTFEoF08FrQds6vKfEOAU8t-nqoRFgrdPw4AG4hboSvUdBwTwAFTeMHSF-l/s320/1stcrop_1.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><div></div>See the baby lettuces?..they are so cute and in the background is the first feathery leaves of the carrots. If you have never had a homegrown carrot, you don't even know what a carrot tastes like. Talk about flavor! And homegrown lettuce is better than any store bought, by far!<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474600860690280162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmVhR_4mRoanA_ruo41j_-j5LA10bTxad7qvNogiS7-9aRtmEEG8DYBhffio6E6xr7IgfBkrOIxFfTWAN06OpkpuuQVdICid8_22hsJl3jfAT4RvLHhSniIIDRPLR7juwJoWxhK2fWOIn/s320/babylettuce_1.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div>So I planted a 2nd crop: </div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474574581481737714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbCO2wsqEnN8OH9xsEcUcdh7JFrfdvyapYYK8W8hS610dW_jC8THZptvhEUMjyreGGDDN21F4jEVSaASCIh5MXLTIiYW3nA4tmtNt_ibXeYAOf3U2k8hEKAQiK_Q7CZbYbKx2sA3KwkVF/s320/2ndcrop_1.jpg" border="0" /> The second crop is under the white cheese cloth type material. It allows the sun to shine through and also I can water through it. If I don't cover it we have a flock of doves and other birds that come and pick it clean. This way the birds are kept out while the seeds sprout, which has already started: </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474598606882229394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTT8mhlp8qykyItYGwVfHdzJR6faex-WMujfbDaGUolzr00wvR9A2bY1sGSzvNNYU83BMDuRX7t3l1rJ5sdCNjrzq8YuPe5U_w0TR2R1UyG7a05LK5HrtXyxnEqKijKvQsu3JJ8SKU2WX/s320/radishsprouts_1.jpg" border="0" /> I also planted two of my squash plants. These are two that I started from heirloom seeds, indoors under lights, and is a variety I have never tried before called 'Tatume'. The fruits are round to slightly elongated are are said to be even tastier than the normal zucchini.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474588929415873922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd3kiUVkj-4sgiU1bsIqeghrQGpCGJaRtwMqB-nJ2BG-nHTjDiPZyOFjCO8DTGy7__4lWxkJ1nCsFXnL0KiWvKI-EIhfp7wd0DMG8bhSSBmTdpitAcnkD4BOS7h9EyXUcEhTuQ3vDrXF2/s320/squashes_1.jpg" border="0" /> I was told they are easily grown onto a trellis or fence, are drought tolerant, and are supposedly resistant to vine borers, too. For those who have grown squash before, you know what a nuisance those squash bugs can be. I shall let you know later if they are in fact resistant to them, and if they indeed grow up the fence.<br /></div><div>Well, it's time for me to go cover up the plants for the night(blankies and tarps). We are expecting freezing temps and a chance for snow....and then I hear my <a href="http://clayitagain.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-world-famous-taco-recipe.html">world famous tacos </a>calling me for dinner :)</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Until next time...</div><div> </div><div></div><div>XOXOXO,</div><div>Cindi<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-61776491643056114762010-04-21T04:05:00.003-06:002010-05-23T13:20:11.713-06:00GiovannaThis whole Giovanna thing was a scam; the only reason I am leaving this post up is to show any unsuspecting good hearted people the sick ways people play on us in cyber world. I set aside my life for weeks for this person/people, and eventually called authorities in Florida when the "supposed" family member told me he was sexually abusing the young girl. I spoke with a detective who ran Giovanna's and the family member, Nick, through their databases. Neither name came up, and when I confronted the "supposed" family member about it,<span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">he immediately logged off. I do not know whose pictures these are, but I have left them up as well, in case they try and lure anyone else into their scam. The detective in Florida said it was a matter of time before they began asking for money. I no longer have any contact with either of them, but I do see the Giovanna identity on yahoo quite frequently, so they are still around preying on unsuspecting souls. Please don't let it be you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I have sorely neglected this blog for one reason....Giovanna Katie Phillips. Who is she?</span> <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462522827790047666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHue7a2hZtlpYR8882kV8wwZYM5TcLq7Kp9tM38uuP-W_xUIvnz9sJI_tinMWEKoWM_pSEruF3CMzfxu8GLVzVB6x46TLkhRwArh-wHcCHW9xHuNOll0eWDmQDQ-8ly88DIYbcYeSAe0VG/s320/giovanna1.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I met Giovanna on a </span><a href="http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Live_Africa_Animal_Cam.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">live African animal webcam</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">*. We sit around and watch a waterhole that is located in South Africa and wait for animals to come around. We get to hear the sounds of the birds, crickets, snorts, and growls of the animals...but the best part is, there is a chat forum. We talk to each other, and leave posts of when we see animals.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">So one of the other viewers saw my FaceBook ID and sent me a friend request. As usual, before accepting a friend request, I checked out her info on her FaceBook page. Her age was listed as 19, but the picture of the young lady swimming with a dolphin looked much younger. And there was another picture of her in a hospital bed; I could see that she had lost her hair.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Well, I thought it was a bit odd that someone so young would want to 'friend' me, but I always figure someone comes into your life for a reason, so I accepted. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Week after week we spent many hours at that waterhole, while chatting on a private line. I found out she was only 13. I waited for some time before I finally asked her what her illness was. She told me straight out she had stage 4 chronic myelogen leukemia. I didn't ask too much because I didn't want to intrude. So I did an internet search and found out that a bone marrow transplant was going to be the only hope for a cure for her. She told me that she was waiting to see a lion until she died. My first response was "Well I hope we never get to see a lion then." </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Day after day I woke up and first thing, I would go to the waterhole and of course Giovanna was already there, usually asking if anyone had seen a lion. Night after night we spent talking like two school girls staying up way past our bedtimes, and listening to growls that were always lurking in the background..."did you hear that?", "was that a lion?" </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">She told me of a horrific childhood; worse than you could ever imagine, and I think I will leave it at that. Except to say that she was rescued from that environment, and is now in a loving home. She was made to feel so unloved that it is hard for her accept that she is worth anything at all. And even though she has been with her new family for 8months, it has not been nearly enough time to erase all the hurt she suffered up to that point.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I seriously began to wonder why this young lady had come into my life and wrapped herself around my heart? I did some research on the bone marrow program. I talked it over with the hubster, and told him, I couldn't forgive myself if all she needed was a bone marrow transplant and I didn't speak up and offer. I was trying to figure out how I was going to accomplish all this (because you have to be within so many miles of the recipient) when she told me she already had a match. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">In fact Giovanna was set to have her bone marrow transplant last Monday. When she went in, they discovered that she had a lung infection, which set her back. Just to give you a clue on how tough this cookie is: One night she was running a temperature of almost 103 and it took me almost 2 hours to convince her that she needed to wake someone in her house so they could monitor her fever. She didn't want to bother anyone....huh? At that point, I asked her how would I know if something were to happen to her? And she told me a family member would post it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Well, the lung infection got worse, she had to be admitted to the hospital. And one morning when I logged on it wasn't Giovanna talking to me anymore; it was a family member. He said we needed to start praying because things were touch and go. He also asked if I could rally people to send emails and pictures of lions. Within 12 hours there were over 100 lions sent to her and they still kept coming.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I began asking every place I could think of for people to pray. My first stop was the waterhole that she loves so much, and then onto Etsy in the forums. When I was finished with that, I began submitting her name to prayer groups all over...any where I could get people to listen, I asked.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Within a couple of days her health took a turn for the better and it appeared she was on the mend again...and then Monday night she had a heart attack...</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">She is now in an induced coma and she URGENTLY needs your prayers. We are not giving up on this beautiful young lady. With everything she had to endure in her young life, it is high time she is allowed to be healthy and know what a pain free, happy, loving, life feels like. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I still don't know why Giovanna has entered my life, but I refuse to believe that it's to be snatched away from me...I never told her I loved her, and it's going to be the first thing I tell her when I see her next.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;">May the courage and strength of the lion bring you back to us Giovanna</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYmVuUjxzVzN4BZO_d_rN0foJ_AdryO8yfxW82uuwjuWfCuJJmRa65NCsHBQpSuWQ3jmqRDJTV-FnlWy1mt3a2QLK_FjAZ_U9jJYdFujjiFQVv8rtcLVrERL114ZZHIso4WNhf2tBFgRp/s1600/Giovanna.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462523453616406690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYmVuUjxzVzN4BZO_d_rN0foJ_AdryO8yfxW82uuwjuWfCuJJmRa65NCsHBQpSuWQ3jmqRDJTV-FnlWy1mt3a2QLK_FjAZ_U9jJYdFujjiFQVv8rtcLVrERL114ZZHIso4WNhf2tBFgRp/s320/Giovanna.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> ♥<br /></span><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Until next time,</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">XOXOXOXOX</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Cindi</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*I put a link to the webcam site, but lately it's been spotty at best; bad storms have been making it difficult for them to keep the camera operating</span>.</div></div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-16070910146856199382010-02-25T10:53:00.008-07:002010-02-25T13:08:21.422-07:00OMG I WON!!!So last week when I was having a lackluster day, I happened across <a href="http://www.feliciakramer.blogspot.com/">Felicia Kramer's blog</a> and she was having a week long "I'd Rather be in Hawaii " event. Since I have been sitting in a snowpacked Utah since December, it sounded like a vacation for my mind and I took the trip. She interviewed Hawaiian artists each day and gave several opportunites to win items from their shops as well as some Hawaiian themed bookmarks/magnets that she had made.<br /><br />I fell in love with one of the prints being offered as a prize <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40742164">"God Always Leaves A Window Open"</a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40742164"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442251314219807634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOeHkvnICs1E-2Bdp2Aqs9A2oJzcrgKCxEVSHt88O_Zh6VUsF4Ky9OIMG1TwZ4DJjKOrNdNN1an6T_IOmMrNjWPpsCPy2LzBMqE2jaTuCG5-mmk5F1g8rZPe8hKHxOa0qP7F-VQLpzWVg/s320/GodAlwaysLeavesaWindowOpen.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />from Dava Shepard's shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TreasuresFromHawaii">Treasures From Hawaii</a> You can read <a href="http://http//feliciakramer.blogspot.com/2010/02/id-rather-be-in-hawaii-with-dava.html">Dava's interview </a>on Felicia's blog. I've laughed when she told us a tiger had once sprayed her.<br />I went back to Etsy and bragged about how beautiful this print was and how much I wanted to win it.<br /><br />Yesterday I received an email from Felicia with the subject line "Congratulations" My heart started pounding and I was hoping against hope - I went to check and see what I had won and it was!.... It was the print! This has so made my day,week,month! I am so excited to receive it. I'm going to put it right next to my side of the bed so I can wake up every morning and see it.<br /><br />And not to leave anyone out, there were also 3 other equally great Hawaiian artists who were featured, and here are the links to their shops and their interviews with Felicia. Take some time for yourself and spend a cold winter morning in Hawaii...<br />Marionette of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kauaiartist">kauaiartist</a> and <a href="http://feliciakramer.blogspot.com/2010/02/id-rather-be-in-hawaii-with-marionette.html">her interview </a><br />Schar Freeman of <a href="http://www.scharart.etsy.com/">scharart</a> and <a href="http://feliciakramer.blogspot.com/2010/02/id-rather-be-in-hawaii-with-schar.html">her interview</a><br />Lisa Bongzee of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lisabongzee">lisabonzee</a> and <a href="http://feliciakramer.blogspot.com/2010/02/id-rather-be-in-hawaii-with-lisa.html">her interview</a> </p><p>And by all means check out Felicia's Etsy shop-<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/anotherbrightidea">AnotherBrightIdea</a> </p><p>It was a fun morning I spent reading and dreaming of Hawaii, and now I will have a piece of it to look at all the time. Thank you Felicia for such a wonderful Hawaiian getaway and to Dava Shepard for my wonderful prize! I can't begin to tell you what it means to me♥<br /><br />Til next time,<br />XOXOXOXXO<br />Cindi</p>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-62416761832332362942010-02-16T00:06:00.004-07:002010-02-16T00:56:38.739-07:00Simple Abundance UpdateWow the time is flying, huh? We are already half way through February and it's time for me to touch base with my journey through Simple Abundance, just in case my SA partner is reading my updates ;)<br /> This month seems to be focusing on keeping in mind that each day is a new 24 hr period in which to experience new adventures, even if they are out of our comfort zone. Many times when we try something different, it opens us up to a creative juice that we would not have found otherwise. This month I have tried listening to different types of music, without complaining :D ...and sharing time with the hubster learning about history, when I really wanted to be chatting in the forums.<br />There have been a couple of excursions we were challenged to take, that to be honest, I simply did not do because of bad weather. I adapted them to our shut-in situation and completed the task my own way even if it was indoors. <br /> All in all I am still on track and still recording 5 things everyday that I am grateful for.<br /><br />One of the things I am always thankful for is writing for <a href="http://www.handmadenews.org/home/index.php">HandMade News</a>. As of this writing I have 15 of my articles on the 50 Top Articles list. This means that these articles have gotten over 25 votes. I absolutely love featuring shops and sellers! It totally makes my day when I get to send someone the 'Congratulations! You're the Featured Artisan!' message. It makes their day; it makes mine. It's a win win situation.<br /><br /> I would like to share a link with a couple of articles that are only a few votes away from being on that Top Articles list. If you could spare a minute or so, I would really appreciate a green thumb's up vote (located at the bottom of the article, just above the comments section)<br /><a href="http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=3709">http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=3709</a><br />and<br /><a href="http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=3473">http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=3473</a><br /><br />Til next time,<br /><br />XOXOXOXOXO,<br />CindiClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-72193121726640225782010-02-13T07:55:00.010-07:002010-02-13T09:45:02.132-07:00Chili Verde RecipeIt's our tradition here at the Clay's, when a new Survivor series starts we eat beans and rice just like the contestants on the show. This time around I surprised Mr. Clay with some Chile Verde (one of his favs) to spice up the meal, and since there has been talk on some of the Etsy threads I follow about tastey meals, I thought this was as good a time as any to share my secret recipe for chile verde.<br /><br /><div><div>Ingredients are:</div><div></div><br /><div>pork meat- cut into small 1/2 inch cubes(chops, loins, or shoulder blade steak-makes no difference; I just happened to have a 1.25 pkg of stew meat) I seasoned the diced meat with Lawry's season salt.</div><br /><div>1-2 red onions- diced</div><br /><div>garlic-I use 1 whole bulb chopped into tiny bits</div><br /><div>anaheim chilis-I used roasted and peeled from our garden, but canned green chilis will be fine</div><br /><div>jalapenos to taste-some like it spicey, these can be added to suit your taste</div><br /><div>Salsa Verde sauce- for this recipe I used 4 - 16oz jars of Herdez Salsa Verde</div><br /><div>1/4 - 1/2 cup olive oil</div><br /><div>flour -for thickening</div><br /><div>2 cups water</div><br /><div>1 Tablespoon lime juice - my secret ingredient ;)</div><div></div><br /><div>Here's some shots of the ingredients: </div><br /><div>I showed the teaspoon for size; I chop/dice my ingredients pretty small</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437757152135537394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUirDQsS-DT3zDFseZJzzD0h6iKvaE7EsDhLYVsnyELk2F3W2KO8RzXtXrMxUQ7zgnlJD_uFJsFlBtOB4zZiT-C9riOA0V6m36Q0K_hBL2ttDlctR3H1W4Hz9KvPwkk-Lb12rUd_VbksN/s320/cvingredients.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Anaheim chili peppers:<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437757866498719858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmVk00SemHYx14s7Zh1KtDPTZwpTjwrcwyM4OmkKFcDGciu3ay7Af5eGdm2OD1zBW2I8sa83FRpfa8fUXRZZw4AeNsVvQEoFS5gW0eR4VfMMEG_US49EAyYoW9EucTFqJCaRXrYCW45H1/s320/cvanaheims.jpg" border="0" />The salsa verde,which is mostly tomatillos:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437758453810090994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8QlZEdLdS7bQQ7nSR6DxFBv1REHA842MPC7spfjWDWDCl9JU_B9JrLjOS-jGirk8nkUtihFIVqEDdh2eo6zTSTequj-z-CQoM1O1DtL0Bt1SAaGaKIlUd02sgbKtU9jqBeEmqzsK094e/s320/cvsalsaverde.jpg" border="0" />I make mine in an electric wok, but any pan will do. Sautee the meat, onions, garlic and peppers together in olive oil. I used a little over a 1/4 cup of olive oil for the amounts I listed:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437760241986980818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5Y_tLfWBdjDobCzKN5gsExjRVew-uWsVEB0aMJsBhJrogHnCPIf7TsTeVyZhPkJarrkMPveANsr-g-EPPu0IBzwjJ0oLv8yjqUkUa1Dn3G7yv6akQKK1x0IMtjPPaqbDicrDohFkSi4p/s320/cvfrying.jpg" border="0" />Sautee for 7-10 minutes until meat is cooked, then add flour for thickening. At this point I add a little more olive oil so the flour doesn't scorch. For the amounts I listed, I used about 2/3 cup flour. It's important here to stir and let the flour simmer a bit on the meat mixture; this will remove the pastey flour taste in your sauce (it's also a good tip when making any flour based sauce or gravy) All that's left to do is add the Salsa Verde sauce and water. Keep stirring as it thickens. If you prefer thinner sauce add more water. After it has simmered about 10-15 minutes, I add the lime juice at the end to make the flavors pop.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437764696921672002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48N2LySMPlgP_EE2wetzMPUhX2uo5z3HdPV70M-OFcUKYdVq-a7WJq9e98iOWUNwd_kW02mBrGKIuYYlmKPM1X7fvZhHtK-3FnQH1RVR_5wo6M5AYvIayKvPw1Tl2MchV8tyN-1-n2pPb/s320/cvfinish.jpg" border="0" /></div><p>Chili verde is good with beans, rice, in burritos, as a topping for most any mexican food dishes. The amounts I listed makes a very large batch (12 cups). I freeze in tupperwares and defrost as needed. It tastes just as good after freezing too, maybe even a little better.</p><p>Enjoy!</p><p>Until next time,</p><p>XOXOXOXXO</p><p>Cindi</p>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-54251349013334783752010-02-10T23:54:00.003-07:002010-02-11T01:08:51.828-07:00Just a few thoughts for your ThursdayWhen one is a shop owner, they usually consider advertising. Here is a few thoughts that I try to always remember:<br /><br />Word of mouth is either your best or your worst advertising....<br /><br />A happy customer will bring in 10 more; an unhappy one will scare off 300....<br /><br />And now because you KNOW there must be some kind of story coming on the subject, this is one situation I went through years ago...<br /><br />We have a local radio show down here called "The Shopping Show" where local shops in the area donate gift certificates and we (the public) can call in and bid on these GC. It gives the radio station some revenue and the winning bidders typically get a GC half price for local eateries and mom/pop shops. So I picked up a $10 GC one day to a scrapbooking shop. Now I have NEVER in my life scrapbooked, and I didn't intend to. But I was thinking maybe I could pick up some tools that I could use with my polymer clay work.<br /><br />I spent a good deal of time in the scrapbook shop trying to decide on some rubber stamps or a ball stylus and various other things I was interested in. I chatted with the man who was there and he told me about different products that would be coming in the future. I finally decided on a few rubber stamps and a pkg of stickers for the stepson. I planned on going back to the shop when I could afford to buy the remaining items I was interested in. When I checked out the total came to $10.10, leaving me to pay 10 cents after my gift certificate.<br />Now, I am not one to carry cash because we pay everything with check or debit card. I searched through my entire purse and wallet for a stray dime, knowing I was not about to find one. Meanwhile the checker (the man) is NOT believing that I don't have a dime in my purse. He's even commenting those exact words! I ended up having to write a 10 cent check! all the while I was saying how ridiculous it was that I was having to write it at all! He was not about to budge on that 10 freakin cents!!!!<br />A few days later (after the check had cleared my bank) I wrote a scathing letter to the shop owner. With the letter I sent a $1 bill and told them to start a penny jar for others who may be in my situation. I signed it with my full name and phone # and told them I was not ashamed to sign my name, as they were not ashamed to cash a 10 cent check. I never got a call or acknowledgment from the shop. And I found out later that the man who had checked me was one of the shop owners<br />I NEVER went back again and within 6 months the shop went out of business. Guess I wasn't the only one who was dissatisfied there.<br /><br />And my last piece of shop owner advice:<br /><br />Don't jump over a $1000 bill to pick up a dime.<br /><br />Not sure why this was pressing on my mind to get it out there, but there you go.<br /><br />Until next time,<br /><br />XOXOXOXO<br />CindiClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-38784197365447422372010-02-10T08:00:00.000-07:002010-02-10T07:55:55.556-07:00All that and bag of chips...and Salsa!Well I told you I would show you my salsa bowl and how I made it, and here it is...Before you go thinking "when did she say that?" It was last year sometime, and I have had this post saved as a draft waiting on me to upload pictures.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I saw this salsa bowl at WalMart and thought to myself, "Self, do you think that will hold up in the oven?" <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436603573144635874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ehWPnI2vErordWLKnbYwvnLsHHHeN7lpptsfdAqu6BP_6XpElVjECxIuAJxhoOZR1AtJm8zHCqiCmr2b4ec8X69BA2PrwMUwFbi1YyUGW2qYQaJCIWKdTwlxnL1XMOB6oP0RWi93UY2d/s320/salsabowlR2go.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Since our salsa is soo spicy hot, I thought it would look cool to have flames coming up the sides of the bowl. So I bought one and took it home to try, and it passed the 10 minute test bake. I applied a thin layer of black clay in random spikes to make it easier to apply my 'flames.' <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436605837690877346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE521DTM7UvrmCU0Ng1sDUMja0rlpSY_BRh0YJKzLxDd5TfSxTAuVNTOPNOqDEkMst48MyEID13-Rfo0EEgibwXB19oWasz977HA6MqSUFGFJanJ3wvf0wUxrIXCdcTeKRwTzSy95aQoXz/s320/salsabowl3R2go.jpg" border="0" /> Here is a shot of one of the flame canes I made: <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436608258763618866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglq8ECWElkair3UPOHwEJgDoFrAtDnaaSpn8Tq3iWJi2UVkb1ezq1ePHYnxRp8n09m5G6vsMC3IEO85HI0F2SgcmHhDzWpCPHumr41b-qe1oYv0CnK1RZai9_Tpw4g8YGrk1D7JKns7jJH/s320/salsabowl2R2go.jpg" border="0" /><br />I sliced very thin sheets of my flame cane and then began to apply them to the thin black layer already on the salsa bowl. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436608413110870242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7SiYJr2F8ZKlcUgFcs5IsLwcybV_Q1UTi8gIX2ETnHK3FP0muqeLqprUDpqc8fc9EMRCU_qlgn77jwwotheBtyV_BgwVdgHHBNo2ADXS1MzVWbDwEqWKpxzb_jpP6YohBnUcZpNjOukC/s320/salsabowl4R2go.jpg" border="0" />I worked my way around and down .... </div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436608622912575506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUalEengPK7gZGfXzsZcUij4pE3_u7k7i8pnMlFW5brzJoVx5eCPfDC7ZENLD5j1T7BkA5UfqEE5ug_4aXIOaCYf1BqExSfIYW7ROjKGUfBtzfTYtYcOTGFb-3nva2KiLbJdGfj-2VhLQ2/s320/salsabowl5R2go.jpg" border="0" /> Until my black clay spikes were covered with flames<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436608795268299298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQWCjjYjnhCkZSAM4uHT6exlbqHHlwhyphenhyphen5hx2okYNyunDmqzLLsG_1cJfM6pV8YgBoMfg0gWCItxEWnuw5TgTZuwCpsES-O9dnUu6k6MylQnVh2dFZcSv-kN60kni1Ue0ySK8nRQQ5jgSa/s320/salsabowl7R2go.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I left the very bottom covered with the plain black clay so that I could stamp it with "Not safe for dishwasher or microwave use."</div><div></div><div>And I couldn't resist making a matching spoon. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436621257153326098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtzLwj-zleEXzFz6AdUgI83qucZKe62UkfsKdlfboroP4uW4c-1fEMtw2QsFPxw0TN5ayyxjCr6kbhVh2Zuhpyuhodl81JGIBvQncPyA7Kcr-I3llSm8bcNCW9bS0tNWkzamnTgt4DEzt/s320/spoon.jpg" border="0" /><br />I very rarely use shiny coatings on my clay items, but because I know how sloppy we are with salsa, I used clear nail polish to thoroughly coat the flames to protect any salsa dribbles from getting underneath the clay flames.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436621519658176146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqEv4FfjnlZVfCYCSWNdtXetqv_w6hyiv1YM7k2vH4ujD72nuUajDM66ZwF_950rmQo1wLAFzw54QwsBgcy8BCGU4HksyAwo6i3UW8rTEgNr4cObWn5z5G0qenHcZ-C5zhmL5jbHJed2h/s320/salsaset.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>One year I made 17 of these sets for the hubster's fellow employees at work, and then wrapped them up with our homemade salsa made from our garden....hence the reason for my delay in completing ours. 18 of any one thing is alot for me to do. </div></div><div></div><div>Well, there you have it...our sizzling hot salsa bowl</div><div></div></div><div>Til next time,</div><div></div><div>XOXOXOXOXXO</div><div></div><div>Cindi</div><div><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227834134600989740.post-61957690854471486282010-02-01T07:43:00.004-07:002010-02-01T09:21:06.853-07:00Simple AbundanceWell it has been a month now on my Simple Abundance journey. For those who are new to my blog- I saw a post on FaceBook from one of my fellow Polymer Clay Guild members asking if anyone had the book 'Simple Abundance' and would they willing to go through it this year. It is a type of daily confirmations book with one page for everyday of the year to read and perhaps to do a simple task.<br />For me, so far it has been about becoming conciously aware of everything in my life that I am grateful/thankful for. We were challenged to begin a gratitude journal. Everyday I write 5 things for which I am thankful for - sometimes it is something as mundane as "I am thankful I got the laundry done" or something exciting as a creative idea hitting me like an epiphany while taking a shower. It seems like the more thankful I am, the more I find to be thankful for. So far I am glad to be on this quest.<br /><br />With all this talk about thankfullness, I would like to thank two Etsy sellers who I made some special purchases from this month. The first is Rhonda of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseRidgeCreations">RoseRidgeCreations</a> who makes these incredible fleece socks.<br />I've got to tell you we keep our house fairly chilly (62 degrees @ night and 65 during the day) and so I ALWAYS have cold feet. During December I saw Rhonda talking about how warm and toasty her feet were with these socks she was making. and I thought "yeah yeah sure they are." Well after Christmas she had a sale and so I thought 'ok I'll bite' and I bought a couple of pair...and OMG!!! These socks ARE the warmest things I have ever had in MY LIFE! I have tested these socks over and over with all kinds of extremes and everytime they have kept my feet toasty warm. I have worn them when wearing my cheap snow boots that have NO lining or insulation whatsoever...and the result? toasty toes! (And you know I've been shoveling snow for hours this year) I have worn them on my freezing cold cement kitchen floor...warm piggies! I have waited til my feet are so cold they hurt and then put the socks on...within minutes they are warm. I would never have believed that these socks would be so warm, but they are.<br />So the hubster one night says 'let me try a pair' (yes we have almost the same foot size) and within 5 minutes he says 'these socks are really nice and warm'. So he has me order more for his friend who suffers from cold feet. How many men do you know buy socks for their friends? That has got to tell you something!<br />If you always have cold feet, your toesies will thank you when you get a pair of these fleece socks. In fact right now she has reduced the price on alot of the different varieties. Here is a link to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseRidgeCreations?section_id=6652224">her sock department</a>. Trust me on this one, you won't be sorry on this purchase. I have not ever pitched a product like I have these socks. Bottom line-they are a superior handmade item.<br /><br />Next up is Linda of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/warmtouchcreations">WarmTouchCreations</a> who makes beautiful handmade cards with heartfelt sayings on them. I searched for hours 1 day trying to find the perfect card for a friends' sick mother. And when I happened upon her shop it made the long search so worth it. She seems to have all the right words on just the right card, and because it is handmade ..well so much the better. She has sympathy, wedding, birthday, a card for any occasion you can think of. And if she doesn't, she is happy to make one for you. She has Thinking of You cards that make you WANT to send a card.<br />If you haven't yet bought your valentine a card, I highly recommend her shop.<br />I have bought a few cards from her and I have one now waiting to give to the hubster on Valentine's Day. Check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/warmtouchcreations">her shop on Etsy</a>. She just seems to have that special card that says exactly what you want to say.<br /><br />So there you have it- two great products, both handmade and both absolutely superior. I hope you visit their shops and find something for yourself or a loved one.<br /><br />Til next time....<br />XOXOXOXOXOX,<br />CindiClayItAgain / 12MidnightOilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12816675315448956626noreply@blogger.com3