When Birds go Wild

They go back to the store! I’ve met my match…I give up! Last year Erika brought home a friends bird when they lost power in a ice storm….well the bird never went home so, I have a Parakeet. Did you catch that? She brought it home but I have a another bird? Which is fine I’ve mentioned before I have a Pionus Parrot “Papuga” another was not an issue. Besides, after Isaiah named him “Little Bird” I knew I was sunk. The parakeet came with a nice stand & cage, everything we needed. This past week I decided to get a companion for him thinking he would be so much happier.

RIGHT!

So, after looking for a while at all the parakeets available, I just couldn’t decide. I wanted an different color but, all of the parakeets we saw were just so much larger than Little Bird.

I wanted one closer to his size, so he wouldn’t get bullied and, those that I did like had paired with another bird already. (I just couldn’t separate them) My bird lady said. “well, I do have one in the back” a baby, pink & gray….I fell in love. So cute! Cutie right? This is the bird from HELL!!!

I now know why she was in the back!!!! She’s nuts! All the bird cages in this house and there is not one that will contain her!

Look at those tiny bars! She is like a squeegee, she spends her time PUSHING her way thru the bars! So after 5 times of putting her back in the cage we got Papuga’s small travel cage out…smaller bars..the smallest I can get.. She's psycho She forces the bars apart and out she goes!

Little bird chirps like crazy telling on her

The blanket partially over the cage seems to calm her down but she’s a mess! It’s like she just goes crazy and is frantic to get out. Little bird just sits back and watches the show & gives me looks as if to say she’s nuts take her back! PLEASE!

I’ve never returned a pet before but, I can’t deal with a psychotic bird. One thing I do know, if my bird lady says “ I have another one in the back”…

I’m going to laugh at her!

Technorati Tags: Pets,birds,katidids

Gotta Do, Gotta Learn Lists & Of course a bit of Knitting!

One of the many things I have on my “Gotta Do, Gotta Learn” list is to find recipes for make ahead seasoning mixes. You know what I mean, those little packets of spaghetti, chili, taco, & herb mixes prepackaged, great time savers but full of all kinds of stuff we don’t need to be eating. Yes, I can make a good spaghetti or chili sauce without them but, they come in handy in a rush. But, they realllllly add up. I’ve been meaning to find recipes to make my own & spoon out as needed. Well, great minds think alike! I stopped in at a ” new to me” blog “A Home Grown Journal” and she has posted a recipe for a Taco mix! One down and a dozen or so to go! Be sure and check out her quilting blog, the quilts are just beautiful!

I finished up the Flirting Fairy Large Capri’s

I used some of my BFL stash. If you ever have the chance to knit with BFL wool, do it! you won’t be sorry. Its super soft and silky, doesn’t pill & is sturdy as all get out and will hold up to rough & tumble toddlers.

I started a pair of Silly Stripe custom longies Bright Pink with Wine & Light Pink Stripes.I have the first set of stripes completed now & am just waiting for feed back from the customer.
So, Of course while waiting I dug in the stash & started another pair. No photo but these will be a Large pair of 2 tone Blue Marl

Someone asked me the other day, “Don’t you get tired of making longies?” Well, NO! Each one is so different. I try not to duplicate any color combination so each pair is always like a new item. I know it may sound silly. It’s like quilting..you may make numerous split rail fence quilts but using different fabrics each one is “new”. I am checking into the licensing for a few other patterns. I should have some news on those in the next few days.

Stay warm out there!

Technorati Tags: katidids,knitting,customs,etsy,longies

Snow Days & Knitting!

Well for once the weather man was right on the money! They called for 3-6 & we got 6 Then through the day we got a bit more

We ended up with almost 10 inches. More to come today & tomorrow! The road crews have done an awesome job keeping the highways and side roads plowed & drive-able. I love the crisp crunch sound of walking in snow, & the heavy silence that comes with it.

I did complete this pair of medium shorties & have them listed to the Etsy shop

A pair of Forest Fairy Carpi’s are also done all but weaving in the ends, I’ll have photos of those tomorrow. Right now I’m working on a pair of silly stripe customs. I love the color combinations Mama’s come up with!

So, what are you working on?

Technorati Tags: Snow days,Katidids,knitting,customs,Etsy

Small Changes

Just one thing at a time,

I been looking at changes we’ve made this year in life style, choices & decisions of how we want to live our lives.

Most have been small & subtle, just one thing at a time. When we first started talking seriously about making the changes to live a self reliant/simplistic lifestyle & what they would be, it didn’t seem like we had that far to go. We’ve never been a family that uses box or prepared meals. We have tried a few in the past & were never satisfied with the end result, always adding a bit of this or that for flavoring & we could FEEL our bodies reacting to the MSG. So for us the simplistic changes have been minor.

One decision we have made is to change our food storage from plastic to glass bits at a time. I’m not actively running out and replacing everything at once but, using what I have or find around the house for starters.Even my favored Cream of wheat cereal is stored in mason jars & flours in larger glass containers. If your like me you have an entire cabinet devoted to plastic storage containers. Containers that breed like laundry & not a lid that fits to be found. I’ll be glad to eliminate that cabinet mess.

After reading up on the serious health risks and, the last post of Throw Back at Trapper Creek we’ve gotten pretty serious about clearing it out.

But, take a walk in the isles of a mainstream grocery store. Have you noticed how many of the foods purchased now come in plastic? Peanut butter, syrup,MILK, butter, beans, lettuce, carrots, meats…ketchup, mustard, cheese.its everywhere! And them you have margarine which basically IS plastic. Its hard to find items sold in glass jars anymore!

I can’t say we will we’ll be able to clear it all out but, we can start with controlling what comes into the house & work to replace what is already here. Moving forward, changing one thing at a time.

Technorati Tags: plastic,simplicity,changes katidids

Out My Window This Morning

We didn’t get as much as they called for Just enough to be beautiful and slow your day up a bit A good day for bread baking Soup makingand Knitting!

Stay warm & safe where ever you are!

Technorati Tags: snow days,weather,katidids

I’m In A Etsy Treasury!!

WOOOOT WOOOOT!!!

Check it out here!

These are the longies that were featured. As soon as I figure how to copy & post the full page I’ll put that up!

So my skills at this are sadly lacking but….

What a awesome collection of

Indiana Artists!

Technorati Tags: Katidids,etsy,INcrowdteam

Plotting & Planning

New works in progress, well the same pair I’d started on the last post.  I think these want to be board shorts with a pocket…not to sure we’ll see.  I hope to have them listed to The Katidids Etsy by tonight

With all the de-crapification I’ve switched things to spring mode Hence the eye popping table cloth.  I love bright colors and its a good mood booster. Especially after these past few sunny days & snow melting.   I see green grass poking through down by the pond….and now they are calling for 3-6 inches of snow…after 4 hrs of rain.  The roads will be like a skating rink tomorrow.  Think I’m staying home!

I’ve been trying to plan out the new garden &  want to switch a few things I was doing, such as row planting, some I will continue but others I’ll go with double row to make better use of the space, others I’ll incorporate the square foot gardening method.  I’ve been reading a bit about using decaying leaves in the walk ways to cut down on weeds & act as a natural mulch. With the woods behind the house we have a never ending supply of leaves!  If you’ve done this I’d love to hear how it worked out.   I also intend  switching up where I had some veggies planted for better sun and space usage. 

Also need to start an herb garden and possibly a “tea” section for my oldest daughter.  She’s the black sheep tea drinker in this long line of coffee java junkies, freak jonesing addict loving family!  But, we don’t hold it against her…much.

So many plans, I just don’t want to attempt to much at once & need to finalize plans & decisions soon to get seeds ordered.  I just need to make some decisions…so many seeds so little time!

Technorati Tags: gardening,knitting,Etsy,shorties

Making Progress & Longies stocking

Whew, I stink!  Its been a busy day.  Kitchen walls are scrubbed & I found the corners of my bedroom today!  Floor to ceiling de-cluttered & cleaned.  When all the crap stuff is out it’s a big room!

One Word is WORKING!  Yes, its only been a few days but, that’s progress for me!

I was beautiful today. Bright sunshine & Low 40’s, I had the doors & windows open as I was cleaning, almost felt like spring…as long as I kept moving LOL!

Need to go visit my new friend at goodwill with another carload.  Now really who needs 22 handbags!!!!! Some are from the early 90’s!

Seriously, get a grip Katie! OK I’m over it!

Family room is next when I get home tomorrow. (Enter theme from JAW’s here)  & Mt. Laundry is crumbling!

I did get a few things finished up Everything is listed to Etsy !

I have another on the needles YES! That’s right JUST ONE PAIR!! (started recently)

One Word again…

I’ve been trying to finish up other projects in between. Think I could open another Etsy shop with just with all the projects I have working…I keep telling myself it doesn’t matter what was, its what will be that counts. Changing can be painful but I keep looking at the room and cleaned out spaces.

I’m LOVIN it!

Technorati Tags: declutter,etsy,decluttering,knitting,katidids

 

What A Difference A Year Makes & Boy Time!

This past Saturday we had both Hayden & Isaiah for the day!

Rachel was in town dress shopping

  for her sister in laws wedding. Her hair is growing back thick & dark!

Look EYELASHES!! Eyebrows! REAL ones!

What a difference a year makes

I don’t think Cancer stood a chance with all the healing prayers sent her way! THANK YOU!

So while Rachel had a girls day shopping for dresses

We read books, played with trains…We built roads with trucks

Played with the trains some more.

(if I sat like that I’d still be on the floor!)

We made cookies

we worked together to set the table & cook supper.  Hayden may be a string bean but that little man can eat!  He had 3rds! It was wonderful having both boys together

Technorati Tags: cancer,rachel,Boys,recovery

Safety Check on the Pressure Cooker

Last week I almost set my seed starters for the garden…like I could hurry spring!   I’m having a hard time holding off.

I’m so glad I waited! As we just got another snow dump! 

Only a few inches and not half as bad as those less than an hour south.  But I still keep staring at those seeds.

So I started checking my canning equipment to make sure its still in good condition & ready to go.  I purchased my pressure cooker last year so it should still be in great shape but it still needs to be checked. 

If you are lucky enough to find one at a yard sale or thrift shop, look it over well, check to make sure there are no cracks or visible holes in or outside.  If there are holes you have a good sized out door planter not a working canner.  Also check the rubber ring seal (it pulls right out) on the inside of the lid for cracks or wear spots as that is signs it would need replaced. If everything looks fine place your pressure canner on the stove,  add a quart or 2 of water to the canner and run a pressure test. Your looking for any moisture or bubbles showing on the exterior.  If you see any moisture other than the air escaping from the vent immediately turn your heat off and leave it alone until entirely cool to the touch. Your canner will not hold the pressure needed to successfully can .

I may seem a bit silly checking your canning tools before the garden is even planted but, my thought is if you need to order parts or replace the pressure canner itself, you have time to stash & save to find good deals.  Nothings more wasteful than having produce ready for processing and not have working tools to use!

If you’ve been lucky enough to have been given canning jars or bought some at estate sales, do your self a favor and wash them now.  Most deals are jars that have been stored in a garage or barn and are dirty & dusty.

As you can see our canned goods are pretty low, there is one other shelf unit with pickles & veggies

It will give you the opportunity to check for cracks or pits.  You’ll still need to sterilize prior to use but, washing and storing upside down in the boxes (if you have them) keeps them from collecting dust &  save scrubbing time!

Technorati Tags: Canning,canning supplies,canning storrage

“One Word”

All over the net I’ve seen various blog articles concerning “One Word” where your focus of the year would revolve around incorporating your chosen word in your life. 

Lots of  good ones out there, Save, Family, Faith, Nature, Diet, Prayer,  De-clutter..I thought  ok, good for you, and went on to the next page. ….

You ever notice when something’s in the back of your mind (you don’t want to do)its suddenly right in your face…all the time?  Every where you go or look it jumps out at you?

The “Word” was working on me that way. 

So a few days ago I started thinking of my “Word” for the year.  But I couldn’t find an easy one I knew I would stick with.       De-clutter…well I would really have to do it… not just bits here and there..Finish….no, I have toooooo many projects started to follow through on that one. Organize….nope not going there…I KNOW what a task that would be in this mess I’ve created.. See,  I have a really bad habit or 10 2.  I start projects at 100 miles an hour, all excited and ready to rock and roll & get side tracked.

For example ; Currently I have 8 quilts started that I know of, 4 afghans, 15 knitting projects on the needles I can see from here,  5 kilos of yarn to dye,  Sewing projects to numerous to count….rooms in my house torn apart that I started to reorganize but then I got overwhelmed with what there was to do & was not getting done while I was doing “this” so I tried to catch up on that &  there is a pile of ironing but I have to clean the iron off & oh that’s where I put the copper cleaner just let me get those pan bottoms and will you just look at this stove it needs scrubbed oh the bottom needs cleaned out who put these baking dishes here they go in the other cabinet & I need to figure a way to fit all these baking pans together  let me move them to the table to see what is actually in this cabinet…THERE is the box of yarn I sorted to send to a friends daughter what did I put in there & will the colors coordinate I better check and see if I can fit more in the box let me just scoot these baking pans over next to all the socks that need sorted well let me do that now….….

Why is the iron on the table?

See my point? 

Focus would be a good one, De-clutter would be great, Finish my husband would LOVE……

But I’ve decided on a word that I believe will cover it all.

SELF-DISCIPLINE

This year in my world anyway it’s one word. 

1. Stay on task
2. Everything has a place/purpose
3. Learn new skills
4. Focus
5. Don’t leave it unfinished
6. I comes after “We”
7. See it to the end
8. Change is good
9. Intensions don’t count
10. Priorities, piles are for leaves
11. Little things ignored become big things
12. Ignore the fun till the work is done
13. No store bought if I can make, grow or repurpose it
14. Everyday give thanks to God

“One Word” could be life changing

What’s yours?

Technorati Tags: Katidids,One Word

Shows Over & Works in Progress

Wow!  We have been at the Show all week and it has been Crazy…but in a good way.  This after all our bread & butter so just about everything else gets put on hold….gulp…..even knitting!  Although I myself don’t work on the sales staff, I run…for paperwork, coffee, to straighten trailers, to clean up spills, restock brochures…what ever is needed. This year, the show organizers chose to shorten the show length from 10 days to 5 so we had no idea what to expect  as far as traffic is concerned but, it has been PACKED!!

Fast forward to 3 days later……..

The shows over & everything back on the lot.  We have some wonderful friends & customers who saved us a LOT of time by showing up & towing everything back!  Friends that volunteer & show up when you need them are more than friends! Now just to get everything delivered!

The knitting has been slow, but I do have some works in progress.   I’m almost done with the “purplish” longies. I misjudged my yardage so they will probably be Capri's.  Oh well, summers coming…..someday right?

I just finished these medium longies.  I got a little scrap happy trying to use up some small bits of stash and striped the legs

I have about 200 ends to weave in (or so it seems) & they should be listed  to Etsy tomorrow. 

I re-skeined one of my new babies

I can’t wait to see how it will knit up  I’m thinking of trimming it in the blue or brown…just can’t decide!  Maybe Board shorts with a pocket?

Technorati Tags: Etsy Cloth diaper team,Katidids,Longies,knitting,stash,rv show,dyeing wool

New Shop On the Team!

We have a new vendor on the Etsy Cloth Diaper Team, Elizabeth of “I Dream In Green”.  Today’s post is her introduction of her cloth diaper cakes…these are not you everyday diaper cakes!  Check these out!

Technorati Tags: Katidids,Etsy Cloth diaper team,cloth diapers

Improvised Frugal Cup Cake Carrier!

On the way to join Mr. Fix~It at the Louisville Boat, RV & Sport Show where we have a booth again this year.  He left early this morning to unlock & open all the campers & I stayed home for a bit to bake cupcakes to treat our sales staff and family helping.

I’ve heard of people having trouble transporting cupcakes without a  “cupcake carrier”  being left with a big mess in their cars. I thought I’d show you what we do. 

I use a cake carrier and load the lid.  The round carrier accommodates the shape of the cupcakes but, we have also have  used a oblong cake pan for the same thing.  The more snuggly you pack it the less sliding around you have.

Pop the lid on and your ready to go.  This way even the little’s can help carry when needed.  If they drop it a potential mess is contained…and you can fix the frosting & still serve them.

I  like to purchase items that I will use in many ways.  The cake carrier has been used as a large veggie tray, a bed of ice to hold items needed to be served cold, cookies, as a huge Jell-O salad mold,  This carrier is about 15 years old.  When the opaque plastic begins to yellow I just drop in a sink of bleach water and its fresh looking again.

What do you have in your kitchen which you’ve found multiple uses?

…come on!

SHARE!

 

Technorati Tags: Louisville KY Boat Rv show,Cunningham Campers,frugal kitchen

Bunn’s, Butt’s & MORE Bunn’s

The Bunn’s part of the story…..

Remember the sad saga the other day when my Bunn died?  Well Mr. Fix~it & Isaiah went shopping that evening  and brought me home a new one…. Here she is in all her glory.   We’re still going through an adjustment period as Eunice doesn’t seem to keep the coffee quite as hot as Harriet…(May she rest in peace)..and her basket is different. As I said we’re adjusting to one another.

The Butt’s part

I was honored to test knit a Sleep Sack pattern for Amber Perry of “Butt Knits” .

Had you wondering there didn’t I!

Its a fun knit, with clearly written instructions,  suitable for a beginner but has enough options for ruffles or lace to keep most knitters interested. Sleep sacks are wonderful for quick night time changes on small noodle legged babies.  Another nice thing which I’ve not seen in a sleep sack pattern is size option, small/newborn or a 3/6m.The best part? 

It’s Free! Pick up your copy & tell Amber I said Hi!

The More Bunn’s Part!

I had sent a quick e-mail off to Bunn with photo’s attached..not being snarkey, just to let them know “You may Have a Safety/FIRE hazard PROBLEM"?”

That was Monday night I think, anyway..

Yesterday (Thursday) morning after 1/2 cup of coffee in me I answered the phone….And it was BUNN!  They made a few mumbled statements concerning a recall , verified my address which they had on file & said they would send me a new one…(like they did a recall notice?)

Which I assumed would arrive about the time Evelyn would graduate High School (yes, I know her first birthday is next month)

This morning right about 10 am ….LOOK WHAT I FOUND ON THE PORCH!  ( that’s a squeal not yelling)

A NEW COFFEE POT!!  

Fed Ex, Overnight!

Now, I have 2 Bunn’s!

& 1 Butt…

That didn’t quite sound right…

I’m going for a refill!

Technorati Tags: Bunn coffee maker,Butt Knits

Things You Find When Organizing & Signs Of Spring

This morning I heard a familiar sound outside I hadn’t heard for a while……

Their … BAAAAAAACK on the pond! 

This is a new group  & I hope they stay the year as watching the babies antics & growth is very entertaining.

Cleaning up and reorganizing my yarn I FINALLY found my cotton stash! So the past few evenings I’ve been working on dishcloth sets.  Here is what I just listed to Etsy

 

 

I also knit about 8 more for myself with a mix of scraps.  I love using them as they hold up so well & are even more absorbent than regular store bought terry cloths.  Besides, if you have to do a dirty job you might as well have fun colors to to do it with!

So, what have you been up to?

Technorati Tags: katidids,etsy,stash,knitting,dishcloths

Easy Home Made Supper & Freezer Ready Meal!

The snow has all but melted and the thaw nearly over.  Its that icky time of the year when nature can’t decide if its still winter or time for spring.

  I do think we’ll have another good snow fall before its over.

Yesterday, while the guys hauled trailers & set up for the Louisville RV & Boat show….Erika, Evelyn & I spent the afternoon in Louisville at the Home Remodel Show.  Danielle was able to get free tickets so other than gas is was a nice free afternoon out.  We thought it was the annual Home & Garden show…boy were we surprised.  If we need our gutters cleaned, windows replaced or basement sealed we had it made….not a gardening vendor in sight.  Then we looked at the banners again….OOPS!  Still it was a nice change of pace & we spent some fun time together.

Our tired and hungry guys came home to a supper of meatballs & brown gravy over a bed of noodles, home canned corn,  homemade apple sauce & fresh from the oven bread with fresh butter. I wish I knew which site to credit but, recently I saw a cooking tip about making meat balls…instead of leaving your mix in the bowl & rolling from there guessing the amount for each ball, I placed a piece of wax paper on a cookie sheet, spread the meat ball mix out evenly & placed in the fridge for an hour or so until it was nice and firm. I then sliced it off in a grid like a checkerboard for premeasured amounts for meat balls!

  The original poster recommended placing in the broiler on a broiler pan to let the dripping fall through.  I fried them in a cast iron skillet & drained the grease saving the good stuff for gravy.  I cooked more than we needed and froze the rest.  It’s a quicky meal waiting in the freezer.

There are hundreds of meatball recipe’s but this is what I used

1 lb lean sausage

1 lb (YUMMY) venison or ground beef

1 small onion

1 clove crushed garlic

1/2 cup minced carrots & celery each (they never knew)

1 cup crushed bread crumbs (helps as a binder)

salt, pepper & general seasonings to taste.

Its a basic recipe to use with many sauces, tomato or spaghetti sauce…or use the drippings in the pan to make a brown gravy.

What’s a quick meal in your freezer?

Technorati Tags: frugal meals,meatballs,freezer,recipes

Just Roll with It!

Poor Buddy, He hides under the table with his toys when Miss Evelyn is around.  He thinks she’s there just to steal his them.

The wet squishy dog slobber toys

She thinks he has her toys…and the battle ensues

The whining and crying

And teasing….and that’s from the dog

When she gets that wet, squishy slobbery smelly ball?

Then Mama’s fussing…especially when she wants to chew on it

Sometimes you just have to roll with it!

Technorati Tags: kids,pets