Today Shirley and I finished up the last of the butchering on our heifer. We just had to grind the burger and package all the meat. We secured about 150 pounds of boneless beef off of her.
We lost a special friend overnight - one of the farm dogs passed in his sleep. He was a fourteen year old dalmation and had a very good life - he will be missed... Rest In Peace Joker.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
and MORE butchering.....
Today Kent and I just had to butcher our little heifer. With just the two of us it took about 6 hours. Tomorrow we'll have to finish with grinding burger and packaging but it was nice to have a day just to ourselves. We even cut some cool flat pieces for rolled beef.
I am a member of FreeCycle - an organization online to help people find homes for stuff. Our local chapter is Wells County Freecycle but there are freecycles all over the nation - Freecycle.org. Today Kent and I went and picked up a ton of cool stuff: a space heater, humidifier, casio keyboard, tripod, various laundry supplies and the coup de grace - a crib. It was supposed to be a toddler daybed but turns out it is a three in one crib that transforms into a daybed and I think into a full size headboard. I am so excited although I don't really have a use for it right now. Thanks Heather for the goodies. For those of you that don't freecycle it is a great way to get and get rid of stuff you would usually throw out. Try it soon!
We settled on a play tonight - Alone Together Again - we start auditions in a week. This should be a good one. We also agreed tentatively to bring in a group for next year. We are looking at bringing in a group to do a show next year - our way of taking a little break and still providing quality entertainment to the local community.
We are expecting another storm tonight - up to 8 inches but the temperatures are above zero - 7 degrees to be exact.
I am a member of FreeCycle - an organization online to help people find homes for stuff. Our local chapter is Wells County Freecycle but there are freecycles all over the nation - Freecycle.org. Today Kent and I went and picked up a ton of cool stuff: a space heater, humidifier, casio keyboard, tripod, various laundry supplies and the coup de grace - a crib. It was supposed to be a toddler daybed but turns out it is a three in one crib that transforms into a daybed and I think into a full size headboard. I am so excited although I don't really have a use for it right now. Thanks Heather for the goodies. For those of you that don't freecycle it is a great way to get and get rid of stuff you would usually throw out. Try it soon!
We settled on a play tonight - Alone Together Again - we start auditions in a week. This should be a good one. We also agreed tentatively to bring in a group for next year. We are looking at bringing in a group to do a show next year - our way of taking a little break and still providing quality entertainment to the local community.
We are expecting another storm tonight - up to 8 inches but the temperatures are above zero - 7 degrees to be exact.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
and more butchering...
Today was the last day of church for the winter at Vang Lutheran we start up again just in time for Easter. The songs chosen for the services were beautiful.
When we got home from church we had one critter to butcher - Bob. Bob is one of our non-breeder longhorn trophy cows. Some longhorns grow with beautiful horns but no ability to produce babies which also means she is unable to produce income and in this season of short hay some tough choices had to be made. She is one of those. She had a tip-to-tip horn measurement of 52 1/2 inches and no ovaries. We called her Bob because she had no tail.
The meat is all grass-fed and tastes delicious - it is just a little tough so we chose to turn her in to burger. We got 225 pounds of burger off of her and 25 pounds of steak. This is some premium burger - it is probably 95% lean and has a lot of prime cuts of beef ground into it.
Tomorrow we get one more - our little heifer cow. She had a 25 inch spread to her horns and won't weigh a lot but it should be very good beef.
It is 10 above right now and no snow in sight...yet! Another storm is expected tomorrow sometime though.
When we got home from church we had one critter to butcher - Bob. Bob is one of our non-breeder longhorn trophy cows. Some longhorns grow with beautiful horns but no ability to produce babies which also means she is unable to produce income and in this season of short hay some tough choices had to be made. She is one of those. She had a tip-to-tip horn measurement of 52 1/2 inches and no ovaries. We called her Bob because she had no tail.
The meat is all grass-fed and tastes delicious - it is just a little tough so we chose to turn her in to burger. We got 225 pounds of burger off of her and 25 pounds of steak. This is some premium burger - it is probably 95% lean and has a lot of prime cuts of beef ground into it.
Tomorrow we get one more - our little heifer cow. She had a 25 inch spread to her horns and won't weigh a lot but it should be very good beef.
It is 10 above right now and no snow in sight...yet! Another storm is expected tomorrow sometime though.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
We spent TWELVE hours butchering beef today. On top of doing our regular morning chores, digging out of the foot of new snow we had last night and slaughtering another critter for butchering tomorrow.
I'm whooped! I'm seriously debating becoming a vegetarian - well one that eats steak and prime rib and the occasional pork chop.
I'm whooped! I'm seriously debating becoming a vegetarian - well one that eats steak and prime rib and the occasional pork chop.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Post-Christmas Shopping
Jana and I went shopping today for a bridesmaid dress for her wedding.
Her soon to be daughter and sister-in-law went along and we had a wonderful time. After three dresses and assistance from Carrie - we found a perfect dress. When we took it to the register we found out it had a perfect price - over $100 dollars off the ticket value! Well - that was like a magical present to me!
We spent the remainder of the afternoon in Bismarck doing a little post-Christmas shopping with some good deals and then headed home in a snow storm. We made it back to the farm in time to get in on what so far appears to be about four inches and still falling.
The family butchered the two cows from yesterday and prepared another two for tomorrow. It looks like we have a busy weekend of BEEF ahead of us. It will be well worth it when our freezer is filled with food and our families can eat for the Winter and Spring. The best part is we know what went into our animals and what we are putting into ourselves.
It is 13 degrees above zero out there and very little if any wind so the snow falls straight down. The snow is think and heavy and full of moisture. While that means more work for Kent with having to move and pile all the snow. It is nice to have a good, old-fashioned North Dakota Winter on our hands!
Her soon to be daughter and sister-in-law went along and we had a wonderful time. After three dresses and assistance from Carrie - we found a perfect dress. When we took it to the register we found out it had a perfect price - over $100 dollars off the ticket value! Well - that was like a magical present to me!
We spent the remainder of the afternoon in Bismarck doing a little post-Christmas shopping with some good deals and then headed home in a snow storm. We made it back to the farm in time to get in on what so far appears to be about four inches and still falling.
The family butchered the two cows from yesterday and prepared another two for tomorrow. It looks like we have a busy weekend of BEEF ahead of us. It will be well worth it when our freezer is filled with food and our families can eat for the Winter and Spring. The best part is we know what went into our animals and what we are putting into ourselves.
It is 13 degrees above zero out there and very little if any wind so the snow falls straight down. The snow is think and heavy and full of moisture. While that means more work for Kent with having to move and pile all the snow. It is nice to have a good, old-fashioned North Dakota Winter on our hands!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
In all the hustle and bustle of life it is so nice to remember how blessed I am.
Christmas Eve was spent at the Manfred Lutheran Church service. As predicted Carrie, Natalie and I did a fabulous job on our trio. There were several numbers by the Anderson family - they are so musically talented. We returned to our house for a late supper of Lutefisk and Prime Rib. While my cooking skills weren't Top Chef quality - everyone enjoyed each other and the meal provided.
Kent and I opened presents after everyone left. We got a beautiful mare and foal figurine which has already found a home above the bed on the headboard. The best present is having the love of someone special to share in the holiday season!
I spent Christmas day at Lona's with the Opdahl's.
Kelly and Dawn and their children were not able to be with us and so since I didn't get to do so in person - I wish them a blessed holiday season and hope that health and happiness will be with them in the new year.
We did chores and slaughtered a couple cows as a family activity this afternoon. It was 18 above and we all ran around with coats opened like we were in the Bahamas...okay maybe not quite but it sure felt good to have such high temperatures today!
When we got home I had messages from all of my family and very dear friends. This Christmas I truly view the best presents not wrapped under a tree but wrapped in love in my heart.
Merry Christmas to all of you and may the spirit of the season be in your hearts throughout the new year!
Christmas Eve was spent at the Manfred Lutheran Church service. As predicted Carrie, Natalie and I did a fabulous job on our trio. There were several numbers by the Anderson family - they are so musically talented. We returned to our house for a late supper of Lutefisk and Prime Rib. While my cooking skills weren't Top Chef quality - everyone enjoyed each other and the meal provided.
Kent and I opened presents after everyone left. We got a beautiful mare and foal figurine which has already found a home above the bed on the headboard. The best present is having the love of someone special to share in the holiday season!
I spent Christmas day at Lona's with the Opdahl's.
 |
 |
| Make a Smilebox scrapbook |
Kelly and Dawn and their children were not able to be with us and so since I didn't get to do so in person - I wish them a blessed holiday season and hope that health and happiness will be with them in the new year.
We did chores and slaughtered a couple cows as a family activity this afternoon. It was 18 above and we all ran around with coats opened like we were in the Bahamas...okay maybe not quite but it sure felt good to have such high temperatures today!
When we got home I had messages from all of my family and very dear friends. This Christmas I truly view the best presents not wrapped under a tree but wrapped in love in my heart.
Merry Christmas to all of you and may the spirit of the season be in your hearts throughout the new year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Today was the last day of school before Christmas break. Thirteen glorious days without work - and after that the school year will just fly by.
We have a jam-packed weekend beginning with Manfred Lutheran Christmas program tomorrow evening then Prime rib and Lutefisk after. Thursday will be Christmas dinner at Ilona's with present opening. Then we will butcher a steer. Friday I go with Jana to pick out a bridesmaid dress and then the rest of the weekend will be busy with butchering. We will have a New Year's Eve Hot Tub Party and then it will be no time until we're back to work.
Today we had quiet a warm up it was 5 above at one point. It warmed up enough for us to get a couple inches of fresh white snow. It is back down to -3 but we should be in store for temps in the teens for Christmas Day!
We have a jam-packed weekend beginning with Manfred Lutheran Christmas program tomorrow evening then Prime rib and Lutefisk after. Thursday will be Christmas dinner at Ilona's with present opening. Then we will butcher a steer. Friday I go with Jana to pick out a bridesmaid dress and then the rest of the weekend will be busy with butchering. We will have a New Year's Eve Hot Tub Party and then it will be no time until we're back to work.
Today we had quiet a warm up it was 5 above at one point. It warmed up enough for us to get a couple inches of fresh white snow. It is back down to -3 but we should be in store for temps in the teens for Christmas Day!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Cooking is a part of my life that is uncharted territory. I love to do it. In fact I have been known to bake and decorate a pretty mean cake - however - cooking day to day meals for myself and Kent is not as common as it could be, it is more of an event. If Shirley doesn't cook we tend to resort to Ramen Noodles or whatever I can come up with quickly. I don't have a real signature dish, although my stuffed cranberries are getting quite a following, but I don't have those tried and true recipes I know by heart and go to every time I need something fancy for some occasion.
I say this as a segue into a recipe I tried last night that was pretty darn good and I may become one of those signature recipes. I thought I would share it with you in case you too are looking for something special for that holiday party or special event.
HOT CHEDDAR MUSHROOM SPREAD
2 CUPS MAYONNAISE
2 CUPS (8 OUNCES) SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
2/3 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
4 CANS (4 1/2 OUNCES EACH) SLICED MUSHROOMS, DRAINED
1 ENVELOPE RANCH SALAD DRESSING MIX
MINCED PARSLEY
CRACKERS
IN A LARGE BOWL, COMBINE THE MAYONNAISE, CHEESES, MUSHROOMS AND DRESSING MIX. SPREAD INTO A GREASED 9-INCH PIE PLATE.
BAKE, UNCOVERED, AT 350 DEGREES FOR 20-25 MINUTES OR UNTIL CHEESE IS MELTED. SPRINKLE WITH PARSLEY. SERVE WITH CRACKERS.
Now - that is the directions as per package and if this was going to be served with crackers maybe the best way. For supper last night I roasted potato wedges and thought the sliced mushrooms might be too difficult to dip so I used my immersible blender and with a quick buzz had a mighty tasty dip for the potatoes. I'm certain this would be good with crackers as well.
Hope you try it and enjoy - let me know how it turns out.
It is negative 13 right now with yet another winter storm alert.
I say this as a segue into a recipe I tried last night that was pretty darn good and I may become one of those signature recipes. I thought I would share it with you in case you too are looking for something special for that holiday party or special event.
HOT CHEDDAR MUSHROOM SPREAD
2 CUPS MAYONNAISE
2 CUPS (8 OUNCES) SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
2/3 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
4 CANS (4 1/2 OUNCES EACH) SLICED MUSHROOMS, DRAINED
1 ENVELOPE RANCH SALAD DRESSING MIX
MINCED PARSLEY
CRACKERS
IN A LARGE BOWL, COMBINE THE MAYONNAISE, CHEESES, MUSHROOMS AND DRESSING MIX. SPREAD INTO A GREASED 9-INCH PIE PLATE.
BAKE, UNCOVERED, AT 350 DEGREES FOR 20-25 MINUTES OR UNTIL CHEESE IS MELTED. SPRINKLE WITH PARSLEY. SERVE WITH CRACKERS.
Now - that is the directions as per package and if this was going to be served with crackers maybe the best way. For supper last night I roasted potato wedges and thought the sliced mushrooms might be too difficult to dip so I used my immersible blender and with a quick buzz had a mighty tasty dip for the potatoes. I'm certain this would be good with crackers as well.
Hope you try it and enjoy - let me know how it turns out.
It is negative 13 right now with yet another winter storm alert.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The "Storm" didn't end up being as bad as they thought. We did get snow overnight and it was bitterly cold today but it wasn't really any different than the last weekend.
We are having Christmas Eve dinner at our house after the Christmas program. Looks like it will be Lutefisk, Lefsa, Prime Rib and some sort of potato.
Don't you wish you were here.....
Negative 11 right now and clear skies.
We are having Christmas Eve dinner at our house after the Christmas program. Looks like it will be Lutefisk, Lefsa, Prime Rib and some sort of potato.
Don't you wish you were here.....
Negative 11 right now and clear skies.
Friday, December 19, 2008
For those of you who follow my blog - I have rearranged the site a little. Those of you who help me by clicking on my ads will notice that they have moved to the side bar on the page. I wanted to make it more accessible to everyone.
You could add Adsense to your blog and make money too. So far I have made almost $100 just by keeping you informed with my life. So please come back and read all about me - just make sure to click on the advertisements on the side when you do.
Lots of snow is falling outside. It is 1 degree right now and we are just in the beginning of it. It snowed up to three inches in some of the schools where I was today. Closer to home its only been a skiff but as of 1:30 tonight/tomorrow morning we are in a winter storm warning until 6 am Sunday.
I guess maybe I should stop singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!"
You could add Adsense to your blog and make money too. So far I have made almost $100 just by keeping you informed with my life. So please come back and read all about me - just make sure to click on the advertisements on the side when you do.
Lots of snow is falling outside. It is 1 degree right now and we are just in the beginning of it. It snowed up to three inches in some of the schools where I was today. Closer to home its only been a skiff but as of 1:30 tonight/tomorrow morning we are in a winter storm warning until 6 am Sunday.
I guess maybe I should stop singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!"
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thank you to Shirley for the wonderful Knoephla tonight. It was way too filling and fabulous! Kent's mom lives approximately 400 meters from our house and we have a standing rule that if Shirley cooks and we are invited - whatever we are having can be eaten for left-overs. Not once have I been disappointed.
We tenderly refer to our little commune of family as Opdahlville. Kent's sister lives about 100 meters from his mom and his brother lives about that from us. His other brother is less than 5 miles away and his little brother is about 10 miles away. We are one little snug family unit and could be self-sufficient if I could talk Dawn into sharing those remedies and future eggs. I think Kent could easily be convinced to purchase a milk cow and other than a way to generate electricity - trust me they could figure it out - we could probably survive for quite awhile in our little village.
Sometimes when I hear how bad things are in the "REAL" world I am tempted to cash it all in and become a survivalist...but then I snap out of it and realize that I need okay maybe want to keep Wal-Mart and fashion a part of my life...Vanity always seems to rear it's ugly head at the most inopportune times. Plus I don't think I could make it to all my schools for work on time in my horse and buggy and as of yet I am not ready to quit my job to make soap and candles.
Carrie came out tonight to practice our duet for the Christmas program. We are going to rock and that is my most humble interpretation of our song! We really have a mini program all figured out - touching lyrics, a scriptural nod, children singing of the Virgin birth...are you feeling the spirit? We are...and if the Arbor Mist Winter Berry Merlot does it's trick I won't be so overcome with nerves that my voice cracks like a 12 year old prepubescent boy.
We had quite the warm up today - I think we may have gone above zero this morning. It is now -7 and we are in for it again this weekend. They are predicting 4-7 inches of snow with 40 to 50 mile an hour winds wait on looking back at the warning that is EXTREMELY COLD WINDCHILLS OF 40 TO 50 BELOW!!!!! Near blizzard conditions for Saturday afternoon. Guess Kent and I will be snugly in the house again. Maybe I can convince him to do some Christmas baking!
Our "tree" this year consists of hanging our Dixie Stampede ornaments on the barn window frames in the living room above our antique sewing machine where we will keep presents. So at least if we tried baking we might get the Christmas spirit...or maybe we are in the spirit just not buying in to the commercially promoted ideas that Christmas has to be about the tree.
Either way, Christmas at our house is nontraditional at best and full of LOVE...
We tenderly refer to our little commune of family as Opdahlville. Kent's sister lives about 100 meters from his mom and his brother lives about that from us. His other brother is less than 5 miles away and his little brother is about 10 miles away. We are one little snug family unit and could be self-sufficient if I could talk Dawn into sharing those remedies and future eggs. I think Kent could easily be convinced to purchase a milk cow and other than a way to generate electricity - trust me they could figure it out - we could probably survive for quite awhile in our little village.
Sometimes when I hear how bad things are in the "REAL" world I am tempted to cash it all in and become a survivalist...but then I snap out of it and realize that I need okay maybe want to keep Wal-Mart and fashion a part of my life...Vanity always seems to rear it's ugly head at the most inopportune times. Plus I don't think I could make it to all my schools for work on time in my horse and buggy and as of yet I am not ready to quit my job to make soap and candles.
Carrie came out tonight to practice our duet for the Christmas program. We are going to rock and that is my most humble interpretation of our song! We really have a mini program all figured out - touching lyrics, a scriptural nod, children singing of the Virgin birth...are you feeling the spirit? We are...and if the Arbor Mist Winter Berry Merlot does it's trick I won't be so overcome with nerves that my voice cracks like a 12 year old prepubescent boy.
We had quite the warm up today - I think we may have gone above zero this morning. It is now -7 and we are in for it again this weekend. They are predicting 4-7 inches of snow with 40 to 50 mile an hour winds wait on looking back at the warning that is EXTREMELY COLD WINDCHILLS OF 40 TO 50 BELOW!!!!! Near blizzard conditions for Saturday afternoon. Guess Kent and I will be snugly in the house again. Maybe I can convince him to do some Christmas baking!
Our "tree" this year consists of hanging our Dixie Stampede ornaments on the barn window frames in the living room above our antique sewing machine where we will keep presents. So at least if we tried baking we might get the Christmas spirit...or maybe we are in the spirit just not buying in to the commercially promoted ideas that Christmas has to be about the tree.
Either way, Christmas at our house is nontraditional at best and full of LOVE...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Some days are just good days. Today I did good work and it felt good. Nothing spectacular happened just a good day. It is satisfying to have a good day.
I just finished reading Randy Pausch's book The Last Lecture. I don't know if it took some time to sink in or if it just touched parts of me that were resting, but I feel a peace with some realizations that now I just need to put into motion.
I guess it is a matter of timing. 2009 is just around the corner so it is a time of reflection. A time to think about the things in life I am grateful for, to recognize the elements I wish to change, and to have the courage to take those first steps. Sound familiar? Yes the Serenity Prayer. It has been a big part of my life since 2005 - thank you to Amy who unknowingly gave me the right direction at the right time.
It's warming up here. Today was 0 degrees and sunny. It is now -1. North Dakota is a beautiful, challenging state. Thank God I get the priviledge to live here.
I just finished reading Randy Pausch's book The Last Lecture. I don't know if it took some time to sink in or if it just touched parts of me that were resting, but I feel a peace with some realizations that now I just need to put into motion.
I guess it is a matter of timing. 2009 is just around the corner so it is a time of reflection. A time to think about the things in life I am grateful for, to recognize the elements I wish to change, and to have the courage to take those first steps. Sound familiar? Yes the Serenity Prayer. It has been a big part of my life since 2005 - thank you to Amy who unknowingly gave me the right direction at the right time.
It's warming up here. Today was 0 degrees and sunny. It is now -1. North Dakota is a beautiful, challenging state. Thank God I get the priviledge to live here.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Lights...Camera...Action
Okay so I'm at it again. Top Hat Playhouse - the theater troupe I belong to is having the spring play. Now let me start by saying in November I finished up directing the high school one-act play and in March or April I start the high school musical. That being said I was not, repeat, NOT, going to direct or act in this year's production.
Well, no director could be found, it looked as if Top Hat for the first time in nearly 30 years was not going to have a production. Angel Moore - pinch hitter, relief batter stepped up to the plate and with one mumbled under the breath, head down, no-eye contact remark - became the 2009 Top Hat director. Oh I love to do it - I just had hopes of actually staying home one winter.
I believed last year's play was my Swan Song. I played Dodie the bumbling nurse in training in a play both Grandma and Mom had starred in over a 50 year span. I knocked it out of the park (to continue the baseball metaphor) and truly felt it was my one great character, the one I should be remembered for, the end of an era.
And now, because I believe community theater is a service to the community and not a selfish personal gain adventure, I am again in the driver's seat. I am trying to do this with humility.
God gives us talents and as the Bible says, "to whom much is given, much is expected." I used to pray that I could be good at something - I thought Track, Volleyball, Athletics in general...I am starting to believe that my God given talent is drama and the more I try to turn my back to it the more God presents opportunities for me not to say no. I guess I should have listened when Mom and Dad and EVERYONE else said, "Be careful what you wish for."
In other news. We got a new hot water heater today. Kent and his brother Kelly installed it - THANK YOU boys! Ours has had a slow leak but as of last night in a firey, chest hair singeing display of flame it gave it's last breath. Hopefully this one lasts as long as the last one did! (17 years!)
It is -6 (quite the warm up!) with a predicted high of 0 tomorrow. Sunday and Monday we saw temperatures of - 26 without the windchill. Ah - life on the Dakota plains. Winter may last a LONG time this year.
Well, no director could be found, it looked as if Top Hat for the first time in nearly 30 years was not going to have a production. Angel Moore - pinch hitter, relief batter stepped up to the plate and with one mumbled under the breath, head down, no-eye contact remark - became the 2009 Top Hat director. Oh I love to do it - I just had hopes of actually staying home one winter.
I believed last year's play was my Swan Song. I played Dodie the bumbling nurse in training in a play both Grandma and Mom had starred in over a 50 year span. I knocked it out of the park (to continue the baseball metaphor) and truly felt it was my one great character, the one I should be remembered for, the end of an era.
And now, because I believe community theater is a service to the community and not a selfish personal gain adventure, I am again in the driver's seat. I am trying to do this with humility.
God gives us talents and as the Bible says, "to whom much is given, much is expected." I used to pray that I could be good at something - I thought Track, Volleyball, Athletics in general...I am starting to believe that my God given talent is drama and the more I try to turn my back to it the more God presents opportunities for me not to say no. I guess I should have listened when Mom and Dad and EVERYONE else said, "Be careful what you wish for."
In other news. We got a new hot water heater today. Kent and his brother Kelly installed it - THANK YOU boys! Ours has had a slow leak but as of last night in a firey, chest hair singeing display of flame it gave it's last breath. Hopefully this one lasts as long as the last one did! (17 years!)
It is -6 (quite the warm up!) with a predicted high of 0 tomorrow. Sunday and Monday we saw temperatures of - 26 without the windchill. Ah - life on the Dakota plains. Winter may last a LONG time this year.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Storm
So last night the storm started. It appears we didn't get the large amount of snow that was expected but we do have the cold. It is negative 14 right now with the windchill at well below 20 below.
After 20 below it really doesn't matter - it doesn't feel any colder.
Kent and I did chores this morning and then spent the day indoors. I did laundry, read a book and napped while Kent researched snow shoes and deer mounting supplies, etc.
Quiet days at home are wonderful.
After 20 below it really doesn't matter - it doesn't feel any colder.
Kent and I did chores this morning and then spent the day indoors. I did laundry, read a book and napped while Kent researched snow shoes and deer mounting supplies, etc.
Quiet days at home are wonderful.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Here is our latest addition to the family! Click on each of the pictures when the postcard opens up.
Today we road tripped to pick up Peyton and do a little Christmas shopping. We got up really early to be home before the storm. We just made it.
When we got back we quickly finished chores and snuggled in for the evening. When we were doing chores a tear streamed to the crook of my nose and froze. I'm pretty sure I have a perfectly circular spot of frost bite there. As soon as I could I ran for cover at Ilona's house and watched Shirley and Ilona make spritz cookies. I also took it upon myself to be the official taster. They were all terrific and received my seal of approval.
Kent shelled all the pecans from Uncle Van and Aunt San that we got at Thanksgiving. We have a ton and I think I might even try my hand at candied pecans for Christmas dinner this year.
So far the storm hasn't been too bad. Cold weather and blowing winds. The snow is really supposed to kick up starting around midnight. According to my computer temperature gauge it is negative 8 degrees right now without the windchill! YIKES!
 |
|
| Make a Smilebox postcard |
Today we road tripped to pick up Peyton and do a little Christmas shopping. We got up really early to be home before the storm. We just made it.
When we got back we quickly finished chores and snuggled in for the evening. When we were doing chores a tear streamed to the crook of my nose and froze. I'm pretty sure I have a perfectly circular spot of frost bite there. As soon as I could I ran for cover at Ilona's house and watched Shirley and Ilona make spritz cookies. I also took it upon myself to be the official taster. They were all terrific and received my seal of approval.
Kent shelled all the pecans from Uncle Van and Aunt San that we got at Thanksgiving. We have a ton and I think I might even try my hand at candied pecans for Christmas dinner this year.
So far the storm hasn't been too bad. Cold weather and blowing winds. The snow is really supposed to kick up starting around midnight. According to my computer temperature gauge it is negative 8 degrees right now without the windchill! YIKES!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Kittens at play
Tonight was a relaxing evening at home. I got home from work to find Kent washing dishes and cooking dinner. All of a sudden he went all domestic on me.
I got some adorable pictures of the kittens tonight.
Chunk is posing as superman in this one.
Ratta discovered the deer mounts last night but decided to jump up and play tonight. Doesn't she look right at home?
Lia - well she hasn't been very sociable lately so I don't have any new shots of her. She thinks she is quite a princess and much too regal for regular photography. If we get Christmas decorations up this weekend I will have to maybe have her own separate fashion shoot.
The big storm is looming. They are calling from 3-5-6-10 inches of snow and wind gust of 50 miles per hour. 25 to 45 below wind chills. We are in the heavy snow forcast so we'll see. The grocery store was packed this afternoon!
Right now it is 17 degrees and absolutely gorgeous. Kent and I just got back from an unsuccessful round of coyote hunting.
I got some adorable pictures of the kittens tonight.
Chunk is posing as superman in this one.
Ratta discovered the deer mounts last night but decided to jump up and play tonight. Doesn't she look right at home?
Lia - well she hasn't been very sociable lately so I don't have any new shots of her. She thinks she is quite a princess and much too regal for regular photography. If we get Christmas decorations up this weekend I will have to maybe have her own separate fashion shoot.
The big storm is looming. They are calling from 3-5-6-10 inches of snow and wind gust of 50 miles per hour. 25 to 45 below wind chills. We are in the heavy snow forcast so we'll see. The grocery store was packed this afternoon!
Right now it is 17 degrees and absolutely gorgeous. Kent and I just got back from an unsuccessful round of coyote hunting.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Then end of the Head Cheese
Tonight we finished the headcheese. Aaron boiled and pressed it - Thank you!
We cut it and sealed it and put it in the freezer.
Of course I took this picture and send it to Dad just to rub it in. He says he can't come up to get it until Easter at least. We may have to make a trip to Gillette just to deliver some to him before that.
I do believe we are completely finished with the 7 sows now. It is a bit of a sad night I have to admit.
*************************************************************************************
One of the ads at the bottom of the page tonight was for sausage making kits. Kent has been searching it and found weiner seasoning....I guess it isn't over for long...
Today we lost a calf. It is always sad when one of the little ones goes. These little ones are out of the first year heifers and they have had a rough go. Their mother's didn't produce a lot of milk so they have been behind. We weaned them not long ago and these little ones just haven't been able to get the knack of eating on their own. We moved the other two littlest ones into the barn so we can keep a closer eye on them and maybe five them a little extra tlc.
Today was a beautiful sunny North Dakota winter day. It is 17 degrees right now with 20 mile an hour winds. It makes it feel like 5 degrees...They are calling for snow tomorrow. Just flurries but we are on the cusp of a big winter storm this weekend.
We cut it and sealed it and put it in the freezer.
Of course I took this picture and send it to Dad just to rub it in. He says he can't come up to get it until Easter at least. We may have to make a trip to Gillette just to deliver some to him before that.
I do believe we are completely finished with the 7 sows now. It is a bit of a sad night I have to admit.
*************************************************************************************
One of the ads at the bottom of the page tonight was for sausage making kits. Kent has been searching it and found weiner seasoning....I guess it isn't over for long...
Today we lost a calf. It is always sad when one of the little ones goes. These little ones are out of the first year heifers and they have had a rough go. Their mother's didn't produce a lot of milk so they have been behind. We weaned them not long ago and these little ones just haven't been able to get the knack of eating on their own. We moved the other two littlest ones into the barn so we can keep a closer eye on them and maybe five them a little extra tlc.
Today was a beautiful sunny North Dakota winter day. It is 17 degrees right now with 20 mile an hour winds. It makes it feel like 5 degrees...They are calling for snow tomorrow. Just flurries but we are on the cusp of a big winter storm this weekend.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
December 9, 2008
It was a cold day today with a bright sun shining.
We had the Eagles Auxiliary Christmas party tonight. Everyone seemed to have a good time. We played a Christmas song game where people had to answer questions for songs from Christmas...
Where do reindeers paw?...UP on the roof top.
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQURSTUVWXYZ?....NO-EL
What size were the Wise Men?....WE-E
Etc. It was fun.
Then to exchange gifts I read a story about the Wright family where everytime I read right or left the gifts had to pass. Suprisingly I ended up with a beautiful set of horse notecards.
Now I am settling in for a quiet night and early bedtime. Its 13 degrees and partly cloudy. The air is cold with crunchy snow underfoot.
We had the Eagles Auxiliary Christmas party tonight. Everyone seemed to have a good time. We played a Christmas song game where people had to answer questions for songs from Christmas...
Where do reindeers paw?...UP on the roof top.
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQURSTUVWXYZ?....NO-EL
What size were the Wise Men?....WE-E
Etc. It was fun.
Then to exchange gifts I read a story about the Wright family where everytime I read right or left the gifts had to pass. Suprisingly I ended up with a beautiful set of horse notecards.
Now I am settling in for a quiet night and early bedtime. Its 13 degrees and partly cloudy. The air is cold with crunchy snow underfoot.
Monday, December 8, 2008
December 8
HEAD CHEESE NIGHT
Tonight the family got together for head cheese making.
The first 45 minutes of the process were spent discussing the glories of biscuits and gravy. If you have been following along you know that we made pounds and pounds of breakfast sausage. This weekend was Biscuit and Gravy weekend at several of the brother's homes.
We found this dollar store package of country gravy at Runnings and it is really a cheaters way to some pretty decent gravy. I ran out of milk so had to make Bisquick biscuits with 1/2 sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 water. Kent claims that other than my homemade biscuits this may be one of the best meals I've ever made. I agree that they were good but 45 minutes good? Hmmmmm......
So tonight, I stood in stunned silence as Kent's brothers, in detail, expounded on the fabulous food unlike any other - country gravy with sausage over biscuits. I couldn't believe that something that I grew up with could bring so much satisfaction. For me biscuits and gravy are a family tradition. Knowing how to make homemade sausage gravy and cathead biscuits was a right of passage so it made the conversation of this new found wonder food even more unbelievable.
I can only compare it to the first time I had Kneophla Soup. We grew up with kneophla but to put it in SOUP! Unbelievable. (Thanks to the University of Mary for introducing me to this tasty morsel of wonderfulness.)
I sit even now, shaking my head thinking about how magical biscuits and gravy were to these boys. Seriously, at least 45 minutes. Every time a new person walked in the garage..."have you ever had breakfast sausage with country gravy mix?"
This is the boys having the BISCUIT DISCUSSION
Then it led to a 15 minute conversation of the best biscuits. While homemade can never be beat, Pillsbury Grands and my Sweetened Condensed Milk/Bisquick biscuits were the top choices.
We did actually get to the making of the head cheese. Head cheese is a combination of ground pork rind, pork meat, garlic, pepper, and salt. It is mixed and ground and stuffed in casings. We will boil it and press it tomorrow. When it is boiled it gets a gelatinous outer edge which I can honestly say makes my stomach roll - however, fried in a pan and served on crackers in the garage...now that is something special.
We made extra this year so we could give a bunch to my dad. Last year at Christmas Dad drove away with all of the head cheese we had left so we made sure to double our batch just so he could have some of his own. We plan to lure him to ND with the head cheese and then charge him for each loaf he gets. His payment will be helping Kent with our honey-do list. We negotiated one loaf per chore. It may be Easter tho before he is able to get up here to get it. Maybe I will take some to him if the weather is ever good enough.....
It is negative 6 degrees right now. Today we had a mini-snow storm. I woke up to what they were saying was 3 inches and blowing winds. Driving was.....challenging to say the least. Snow, blowing snow, pillow and finger drifts, white outs with passing cars. Then at about 10 am there was a second falling. All totaled it looks like we got between 5 and 6 inches. The weather casters called these flurries....the big storm is coming this weekend. Stay tuned for what may come.
Tonight the family got together for head cheese making.
The first 45 minutes of the process were spent discussing the glories of biscuits and gravy. If you have been following along you know that we made pounds and pounds of breakfast sausage. This weekend was Biscuit and Gravy weekend at several of the brother's homes.
We found this dollar store package of country gravy at Runnings and it is really a cheaters way to some pretty decent gravy. I ran out of milk so had to make Bisquick biscuits with 1/2 sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 water. Kent claims that other than my homemade biscuits this may be one of the best meals I've ever made. I agree that they were good but 45 minutes good? Hmmmmm......
So tonight, I stood in stunned silence as Kent's brothers, in detail, expounded on the fabulous food unlike any other - country gravy with sausage over biscuits. I couldn't believe that something that I grew up with could bring so much satisfaction. For me biscuits and gravy are a family tradition. Knowing how to make homemade sausage gravy and cathead biscuits was a right of passage so it made the conversation of this new found wonder food even more unbelievable.
I can only compare it to the first time I had Kneophla Soup. We grew up with kneophla but to put it in SOUP! Unbelievable. (Thanks to the University of Mary for introducing me to this tasty morsel of wonderfulness.)
I sit even now, shaking my head thinking about how magical biscuits and gravy were to these boys. Seriously, at least 45 minutes. Every time a new person walked in the garage..."have you ever had breakfast sausage with country gravy mix?"
This is the boys having the BISCUIT DISCUSSIONThen it led to a 15 minute conversation of the best biscuits. While homemade can never be beat, Pillsbury Grands and my Sweetened Condensed Milk/Bisquick biscuits were the top choices.
We did actually get to the making of the head cheese. Head cheese is a combination of ground pork rind, pork meat, garlic, pepper, and salt. It is mixed and ground and stuffed in casings. We will boil it and press it tomorrow. When it is boiled it gets a gelatinous outer edge which I can honestly say makes my stomach roll - however, fried in a pan and served on crackers in the garage...now that is something special.
We made extra this year so we could give a bunch to my dad. Last year at Christmas Dad drove away with all of the head cheese we had left so we made sure to double our batch just so he could have some of his own. We plan to lure him to ND with the head cheese and then charge him for each loaf he gets. His payment will be helping Kent with our honey-do list. We negotiated one loaf per chore. It may be Easter tho before he is able to get up here to get it. Maybe I will take some to him if the weather is ever good enough.....
It is negative 6 degrees right now. Today we had a mini-snow storm. I woke up to what they were saying was 3 inches and blowing winds. Driving was.....challenging to say the least. Snow, blowing snow, pillow and finger drifts, white outs with passing cars. Then at about 10 am there was a second falling. All totaled it looks like we got between 5 and 6 inches. The weather casters called these flurries....the big storm is coming this weekend. Stay tuned for what may come.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturday, December 6
Kent and I started the smoker to work on summer sausage this morning bright and early. We fed hay to all of the animals - horses and cows.
We headed in to town for an auction sale and ended up staying there the majority of the day. We came home with a pick ax, a mission style accent light, and a Christmas present for me.
We came home and cleaned house. Maybe tomorrow we'll get up some Christmas decorations.
We put plastic on the windows and settled in for a night watching Kevin Costner's The Postman. It is amazing how almost immediately the room was warmer with the plastic.
Tomorrow is chock full of farm activities. We may work calves, slice and marinate jerky, butcher a heifer, and clean house some more.
I have church in the morning in Manfred. We only have church twice a month because we share a minister with other parishes. I have to say I have been slack in attending this year. One of my new years resolutions is to try to get there more often.
It is -6 right now but the sun shone brightly today!
We headed in to town for an auction sale and ended up staying there the majority of the day. We came home with a pick ax, a mission style accent light, and a Christmas present for me.
We came home and cleaned house. Maybe tomorrow we'll get up some Christmas decorations.
We put plastic on the windows and settled in for a night watching Kevin Costner's The Postman. It is amazing how almost immediately the room was warmer with the plastic.
Tomorrow is chock full of farm activities. We may work calves, slice and marinate jerky, butcher a heifer, and clean house some more.
I have church in the morning in Manfred. We only have church twice a month because we share a minister with other parishes. I have to say I have been slack in attending this year. One of my new years resolutions is to try to get there more often.
It is -6 right now but the sun shone brightly today!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday, December 5
The snow fell and the wind blew and we had a snugly night at home.
This is one of those nights made for a steaming mug of Swiss Miss, a soft fleece blanket and either a light romantic comedy starring Orlando or Matthew or an easy reading novel by the likes of Nora Roberts.
It's 20 degrees and dropping by the minute. The snow today was a blanket of Christmas magic. It was enough to put the holiday spirit in even the Grinch's heart.
This is one of those nights made for a steaming mug of Swiss Miss, a soft fleece blanket and either a light romantic comedy starring Orlando or Matthew or an easy reading novel by the likes of Nora Roberts.
It's 20 degrees and dropping by the minute. The snow today was a blanket of Christmas magic. It was enough to put the holiday spirit in even the Grinch's heart.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Thursday, December 4th
Hooray!!! Our luggage came today. I was able to give Kent's family their treats. Art loved his knives - the South will rise again! Shirley and Ilona though their spider balls were amazing...see the pictures from Illinois.
I did write a letter to Northwest. I am certainly disappointed in the way this all went down. The customer service people were really awesome but 5 days....Seriously? In fact the package we UPSed from Pigeon Forge got to us before the luggage we took with us. Everything is in one piece though so that is something.
Tonight was decorating night at the Eagles. We put up all the holiday decorations except the tree...somehow it didn't make it to the club. All in all it is a subtly festive venue just in time for the holiday parties.
Kent smoked summer sausage from 8 this morning until now...10:37. We started wrapping it and discovered that not all the sausage was cooked all the way through so tomorrow he gets to recook them all. What a bummer. I worked so hard all day just to have to start all over again.
It was a COLD day today. Right now it is 4 degrees but with the windchill it is well below zero. I hope this stretch doesn't last too long. The piglets are fine...spoiled, they don't think they should have to eat the whole squash just the sweet middle, cows and horses are hanging in there. We'll all see Spring soon enough.
I did write a letter to Northwest. I am certainly disappointed in the way this all went down. The customer service people were really awesome but 5 days....Seriously? In fact the package we UPSed from Pigeon Forge got to us before the luggage we took with us. Everything is in one piece though so that is something.
Tonight was decorating night at the Eagles. We put up all the holiday decorations except the tree...somehow it didn't make it to the club. All in all it is a subtly festive venue just in time for the holiday parties.
Kent smoked summer sausage from 8 this morning until now...10:37. We started wrapping it and discovered that not all the sausage was cooked all the way through so tomorrow he gets to recook them all. What a bummer. I worked so hard all day just to have to start all over again.
It was a COLD day today. Right now it is 4 degrees but with the windchill it is well below zero. I hope this stretch doesn't last too long. The piglets are fine...spoiled, they don't think they should have to eat the whole squash just the sweet middle, cows and horses are hanging in there. We'll all see Spring soon enough.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday, December 3
Tonight we made summer sausage. We ended up with 124 - 3 pound logs. Kent will smoke them tomorrow.
We still do not have any luggage. I got a call from the airport in Devils Lake today and it was shipped to them without any directions or reasons for it being there. They say we should get it tomorrow......I may have to write an unpleasant letter to the airlines.
I read a note today that said Christmas is just three weeks away....YIKES. So not ready for the holiday season. No tree up...although I do have good intentions. No presents purchased...although I know Christmas isn't just about the presents. No seasonal cheer...although I am thankful for the reason we celebrate. I am just having a hard time getting cheery about the whole thing. It seems to have snuck up on me this year. Wasn't it just yesterday that I started school?
Thank you to those of you who take time to check out the ads at the bottom of my page. I am slowly earning that extra spending cash because of you. I hope beyond clicking on ads you are enjoying the blog.
It is 7 degrees and dropping right now. We have blustery winds and earlier we had light movie snow. They say it will be negative 20 by morning. Welcome to winter in ND....I LOVE IT!!!!!
We still do not have any luggage. I got a call from the airport in Devils Lake today and it was shipped to them without any directions or reasons for it being there. They say we should get it tomorrow......I may have to write an unpleasant letter to the airlines.
I read a note today that said Christmas is just three weeks away....YIKES. So not ready for the holiday season. No tree up...although I do have good intentions. No presents purchased...although I know Christmas isn't just about the presents. No seasonal cheer...although I am thankful for the reason we celebrate. I am just having a hard time getting cheery about the whole thing. It seems to have snuck up on me this year. Wasn't it just yesterday that I started school?
Thank you to those of you who take time to check out the ads at the bottom of my page. I am slowly earning that extra spending cash because of you. I hope beyond clicking on ads you are enjoying the blog.
It is 7 degrees and dropping right now. We have blustery winds and earlier we had light movie snow. They say it will be negative 20 by morning. Welcome to winter in ND....I LOVE IT!!!!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
December 1, 2008
We arrived home this morning after a 36 hour plane, train and automobile return trip from Pigeon Forge.
What a trip we had. Besides highlights such as seeing MAKENNA!!!!
We visited Dollywood, the Dixie Stampede, the Jack Daniels Distillery, Freddie's Oyster Bar, Wild Horse Saloon, the Beer Sellar, Nashville Nights and the Mall of America.
I won two rounds in a row of Scrabble and had a wonderful time visiting all of the family. Thank you to Hal and John and families for all the planning and acitivities you arranged.
I am so thankful for North Dakota, the people, the lack of traffic, even the cold...although that is still a bit of an adjustment.
Here is a photojournal of our trip.
While in Sheridan at Veronica's Kent discovers an untapped selection of music to download to his computer. He spent hours doing this and it probably was the highlight of the vacation for him.
Due to our lack of time Kent had to get a haircut at a salon - this is the first haircut he's had that he hasn't done himself since 2000!
Kent and I visited the Norway store in Norway, IL. Norway is the oldest permanent Norwegian settlement in America. Here we see Kent sporting the latest trend in eyeware from the motherland.
At the Jack Daniels Distillery with Breanna and Tony. We had an eventful afternoon delving into the distillery, finding Freddie's Oyster Bar, Chatting our way to Chattanooga, backtracking backroads to Pigeon Forge and look, "There's a Blockbuster!"
This is Makenna. I stole her every chance I got and took pictures with her. Such a good little girl. She smiles and growls and claps her hands. She may just have been the highlight of the reunion.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! This was taken to send to family by text message during our hike of the great smoky moutains outside our back door just before Thanksgiving day dinner. I wasn't able to send it but I love the picture.
Thanksgiving night after winning two rounds of Scrabble, the single cousins and I sat up late talking. While watching Tyra and discussing all the crazy show topics Courtney shared with us the definition of an orgy...7 or more people in bed without shoes....so....since we were in the south and at a family reunion we thought it was only appropriate to have our own Lutz Family Orgy and here's the proof!
This is the official Moore family Thanksgiving weekend photo. There is another Lutz family one but Andy still has it on his camera.
My tall drink of water is so good looking that everywhere we went he was singled out for fun and mayhem. Here the Dollywood Chicken Lady is serenading him. I laughed so hard I cried and almost peed my pants. As you can tell Kent is having a great time too!
And speaking of chickens. This one is just too cute!
We don't have pictures of the Dixie Stampede, but it was a magical show. Andy, Megan, Kent and I even got to be a part of the the South vs North challenge in the stick horse race. While we didn't win we gave it our all and the South (our side) prevailed in the end.
We met with my dad's sister and brother and families at the Apple Barn for lunch before we headed back to Nashville. It was nice for Kent to get a chance to meet so many of my family and we have an open invitation to Mississippi as soon as we get a chance.
We arrived in Nashville in time to hit some of the downtown honkytonks. We started at the Wildhorse Saloon. Floord was having a CD release party and we sat through part of their show. We went past Coyote Ugly but ended up on a side street at the Beer Sellar a small pub with 99 beers for sale. We tried the local Yazoo ale and Dos Perros both Nashville-made beers. We found Nashville Nights a small club right up our alley. They played great music and were very entertaining...so much so we stayed for the rest of the night - it is probably one place we would definitely like to go and see again.
We made it back to the airport about 30 mintues before they opened for check-in, got settled and made the first flight of the day at 6:10.
Notice I don't anywhere say we slept. After getting up Saturday morning we were up for the remainder of the trip until today...Monday, December 1st. Oh we napped here and there but nothing beats a good bed and kittens to snuggle with.
We didn't have luggage in Minneapolis which may have been a blessing in disguise. We went to Mall of America - Kent now says, "I've seen it." We got our luggage and enjoyed a transit ride with Bears and Vikings fans who were heading to the game. We got off at the Metrodome and thought about finding scalped tickets for the game. Instead we took the bus to the train depot and called it a day. We boarded the train at 10:30 uneventfully and made it back to Rugby by 7:30 this morning.
Our luggage should be here in the next couple of days, which is good we may be recouperated by then and ready to go through all of our goodies from the trip.
At the end of the trip we may have felt like this but all in all we still love each other and can't wait for our next adventure.
What a trip we had. Besides highlights such as seeing MAKENNA!!!!
We visited Dollywood, the Dixie Stampede, the Jack Daniels Distillery, Freddie's Oyster Bar, Wild Horse Saloon, the Beer Sellar, Nashville Nights and the Mall of America.
I won two rounds in a row of Scrabble and had a wonderful time visiting all of the family. Thank you to Hal and John and families for all the planning and acitivities you arranged.
I am so thankful for North Dakota, the people, the lack of traffic, even the cold...although that is still a bit of an adjustment.
Here is a photojournal of our trip.
While in Sheridan at Veronica's Kent discovers an untapped selection of music to download to his computer. He spent hours doing this and it probably was the highlight of the vacation for him. 
Due to our lack of time Kent had to get a haircut at a salon - this is the first haircut he's had that he hasn't done himself since 2000! 
Kent and I visited the Norway store in Norway, IL. Norway is the oldest permanent Norwegian settlement in America. Here we see Kent sporting the latest trend in eyeware from the motherland.
At the Jack Daniels Distillery with Breanna and Tony. We had an eventful afternoon delving into the distillery, finding Freddie's Oyster Bar, Chatting our way to Chattanooga, backtracking backroads to Pigeon Forge and look, "There's a Blockbuster!"
This is Makenna. I stole her every chance I got and took pictures with her. Such a good little girl. She smiles and growls and claps her hands. She may just have been the highlight of the reunion.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! This was taken to send to family by text message during our hike of the great smoky moutains outside our back door just before Thanksgiving day dinner. I wasn't able to send it but I love the picture.Thanksgiving night after winning two rounds of Scrabble, the single cousins and I sat up late talking. While watching Tyra and discussing all the crazy show topics Courtney shared with us the definition of an orgy...7 or more people in bed without shoes....so....since we were in the south and at a family reunion we thought it was only appropriate to have our own Lutz Family Orgy and here's the proof!
This is the official Moore family Thanksgiving weekend photo. There is another Lutz family one but Andy still has it on his camera.
My tall drink of water is so good looking that everywhere we went he was singled out for fun and mayhem. Here the Dollywood Chicken Lady is serenading him. I laughed so hard I cried and almost peed my pants. As you can tell Kent is having a great time too!
And speaking of chickens. This one is just too cute!We don't have pictures of the Dixie Stampede, but it was a magical show. Andy, Megan, Kent and I even got to be a part of the the South vs North challenge in the stick horse race. While we didn't win we gave it our all and the South (our side) prevailed in the end.
We met with my dad's sister and brother and families at the Apple Barn for lunch before we headed back to Nashville. It was nice for Kent to get a chance to meet so many of my family and we have an open invitation to Mississippi as soon as we get a chance.
We arrived in Nashville in time to hit some of the downtown honkytonks. We started at the Wildhorse Saloon. Floord was having a CD release party and we sat through part of their show. We went past Coyote Ugly but ended up on a side street at the Beer Sellar a small pub with 99 beers for sale. We tried the local Yazoo ale and Dos Perros both Nashville-made beers. We found Nashville Nights a small club right up our alley. They played great music and were very entertaining...so much so we stayed for the rest of the night - it is probably one place we would definitely like to go and see again.
We made it back to the airport about 30 mintues before they opened for check-in, got settled and made the first flight of the day at 6:10.
Notice I don't anywhere say we slept. After getting up Saturday morning we were up for the remainder of the trip until today...Monday, December 1st. Oh we napped here and there but nothing beats a good bed and kittens to snuggle with.
We didn't have luggage in Minneapolis which may have been a blessing in disguise. We went to Mall of America - Kent now says, "I've seen it." We got our luggage and enjoyed a transit ride with Bears and Vikings fans who were heading to the game. We got off at the Metrodome and thought about finding scalped tickets for the game. Instead we took the bus to the train depot and called it a day. We boarded the train at 10:30 uneventfully and made it back to Rugby by 7:30 this morning.
Our luggage should be here in the next couple of days, which is good we may be recouperated by then and ready to go through all of our goodies from the trip.At the end of the trip we may have felt like this but all in all we still love each other and can't wait for our next adventure.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
November 25th, 2008
We've had a relaxing day in Sheridan today. Kent and I went for a walk around Veronica's property. She has ginormous spiderballs on the yard and they are awesome. We are thinking about sending a bunch home. We found a deer blood trail and tried to track it but lost the trail at the creek. Guess what? I was a better tracker than Kent today - AMAZING! Maybe he has taught me a thing or two.
I toured the Norway grocery and it is as good as its name. It has Lutefisk year round!!! There were fishballs and Norwegian candy on the shelves. They had homemade rosettes and krumkakke in the deli. I even found Kent a pair of Norwegian flag sunglasses! Maybe I'll get him to try them on! I'll upload that later if it works.
We are leaving early tomorrow from ORD so it will either be a very short night or a very long night depending on how we play it. Sounds like we leave Sheridan at around 4 to get there in time.
We have plans for Lynchburg TN and the Jack Daniels Distillery in the morning and then family reunion all day.
It was a beautiful day day 40 degrees and sunny all day.
I toured the Norway grocery and it is as good as its name. It has Lutefisk year round!!! There were fishballs and Norwegian candy on the shelves. They had homemade rosettes and krumkakke in the deli. I even found Kent a pair of Norwegian flag sunglasses! Maybe I'll get him to try them on! I'll upload that later if it works.
We are leaving early tomorrow from ORD so it will either be a very short night or a very long night depending on how we play it. Sounds like we leave Sheridan at around 4 to get there in time.
We have plans for Lynchburg TN and the Jack Daniels Distillery in the morning and then family reunion all day.
It was a beautiful day day 40 degrees and sunny all day.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 24
We survived round one of the trip.
Our train trip started at 2:20 am instead of 10:30 with a couple extra stops along the way. We pulled in to Minneapolis at 11:00 am and met Linda and Tina (Uncle Ed's) at the depot. They took us back to Linda's where we visited Bob, Ed, Alice, Tina and Linda. They showed us Linda's new house and then took us to a late breakfast.
Linda and the gang kept us in stitches with tales of Ed from the younger days. Kent is still picturing the "Tripod" - why Ed doesn't need a walking stick. Unfortunately we did not get to meet the Lithuanian Sausage (Todd). Grandma and I danced in the parking lot while Ed played harmonica.
We got Grandma loaded on the plane with minutes to spare and off she went. Our trip was smooth sailing and the exit from the airport went off without a hitch. (Hopefully the rest goes as well.)
We're just getting geared up for the day with Veronica, Kent is having the best vacation of his life - Veronica has hundreds of CD's for him to download so he's in hog heaven.
No snow here in Sheridan, IL (It all melted this morning) - We had Stuffed Crust (Authentic Chicago Style) pizza last night - YUMMMMMEEEEEE and good company with our friends....Happy Monday!
Our train trip started at 2:20 am instead of 10:30 with a couple extra stops along the way. We pulled in to Minneapolis at 11:00 am and met Linda and Tina (Uncle Ed's) at the depot. They took us back to Linda's where we visited Bob, Ed, Alice, Tina and Linda. They showed us Linda's new house and then took us to a late breakfast.
Linda and the gang kept us in stitches with tales of Ed from the younger days. Kent is still picturing the "Tripod" - why Ed doesn't need a walking stick. Unfortunately we did not get to meet the Lithuanian Sausage (Todd). Grandma and I danced in the parking lot while Ed played harmonica.
We got Grandma loaded on the plane with minutes to spare and off she went. Our trip was smooth sailing and the exit from the airport went off without a hitch. (Hopefully the rest goes as well.)
We're just getting geared up for the day with Veronica, Kent is having the best vacation of his life - Veronica has hundreds of CD's for him to download so he's in hog heaven.
No snow here in Sheridan, IL (It all melted this morning) - We had Stuffed Crust (Authentic Chicago Style) pizza last night - YUMMMMMEEEEEE and good company with our friends....Happy Monday!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 21
After today I won't be blogging for about a week. I am going to visit a friend in Chicago and then on to a family reunion in Tennessee. I get to see my niece for the first time....I am sooooo excited. Along with that I will get to meet the other new greats Eli, Hannah, and Hadley and spend time my aunts and uncles and everyone for a few days.
Kent is coming along - thanks mom and dad - so he will get to meet all the family for the first time. Even my dad's family is making the trip up...obviously not just to meet Kent - none of them have seen Makenna either - but he'll get the whole shebang at one time - which is only fair since I met his whole family at a family dinner all at once and I didn't even have advance notice.
Kent is coming along - thanks mom and dad - so he will get to meet all the family for the first time. Even my dad's family is making the trip up...obviously not just to meet Kent - none of them have seen Makenna either - but he'll get the whole shebang at one time - which is only fair since I met his whole family at a family dinner all at once and I didn't even have advance notice.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 20th
It is so cold outside that when we were doing chores my nostrils crystalized and my eyelashes stuck together! It is that breathe in and fill your lungs with minty freshness while your teeth shatter and you don't even have Scope!
The ground by the yardlight sparkled as if God had dumped a bottle of glitter on the ground. The pretty irridescent kind of glitter that you only get to use on special occasions for making your mom or dad a greeting card in school. It is times like that, just that moment, that make you stand in awe of the wonder of God's majesty.
We butchered again tonight. Kent and I brought home about 50 pounds of breakfast sausage. We are up to 75 total. Guess we'll have a lot of biscuits and gravy this winter. Hopefully we'll get done tomorrow. Only two halves left! They were frozen solid tonight so we had to stop and let them thaw.
If any of you have birthday's coming up guess what you're getting?????? That's right PORK - The other white meat!
Here are pictures of the piglets. They are starting to come when we call and are getting closer to letting us pet them. They love peppers unless they get a hot one, squash is still the greatest thing ever, and carrots....still not a favorite!
This is Molly Sue - she's the only girl in the bunch and a sweetheart! She seems to be everyone's favorite.
This is Obama - he and Molly are our little ones. He is sneaky when it comes to food. He gets the good stuff and goes to a corner so Barack can't get to it.
This is Gimlet. Aptly named after the dwarf on Lord of the Rings. We were having a LOR weekend when we got the piglets and it seemed that Gimlet in the movie and our Gimlet were similar in characteristics. He isn't as aggressive as Barack but he's a nice big boy.
Here's Hilary - while he is not a girl - I had already named him when I found out and he's so pretty with his spots that I decided not to change it.
And finally the big boy...Barack. He was picked so we could have one ready early for butchering. He should be ready around Easter if we feed him up right. By then we might be ready for some more pork....I told my dad he had to come up to butcher this guy. He is aggressive and "hogs" all the food. He is pretty amazing at opening up pumkins and squash and he's the first to come and greet us.
Well it is -1 right now and the skies are clear. You should see those stars! When you first look up there are so many in your range of vision that you get a ton of wishes since you don't see just one....
The ground by the yardlight sparkled as if God had dumped a bottle of glitter on the ground. The pretty irridescent kind of glitter that you only get to use on special occasions for making your mom or dad a greeting card in school. It is times like that, just that moment, that make you stand in awe of the wonder of God's majesty.
We butchered again tonight. Kent and I brought home about 50 pounds of breakfast sausage. We are up to 75 total. Guess we'll have a lot of biscuits and gravy this winter. Hopefully we'll get done tomorrow. Only two halves left! They were frozen solid tonight so we had to stop and let them thaw.
If any of you have birthday's coming up guess what you're getting?????? That's right PORK - The other white meat!
Here are pictures of the piglets. They are starting to come when we call and are getting closer to letting us pet them. They love peppers unless they get a hot one, squash is still the greatest thing ever, and carrots....still not a favorite!
This is Molly Sue - she's the only girl in the bunch and a sweetheart! She seems to be everyone's favorite.
This is Obama - he and Molly are our little ones. He is sneaky when it comes to food. He gets the good stuff and goes to a corner so Barack can't get to it.
This is Gimlet. Aptly named after the dwarf on Lord of the Rings. We were having a LOR weekend when we got the piglets and it seemed that Gimlet in the movie and our Gimlet were similar in characteristics. He isn't as aggressive as Barack but he's a nice big boy.
Here's Hilary - while he is not a girl - I had already named him when I found out and he's so pretty with his spots that I decided not to change it.
And finally the big boy...Barack. He was picked so we could have one ready early for butchering. He should be ready around Easter if we feed him up right. By then we might be ready for some more pork....I told my dad he had to come up to butcher this guy. He is aggressive and "hogs" all the food. He is pretty amazing at opening up pumkins and squash and he's the first to come and greet us.
Well it is -1 right now and the skies are clear. You should see those stars! When you first look up there are so many in your range of vision that you get a ton of wishes since you don't see just one....
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wednesday, November 19
Today we had movie snow. The snow that gently falls and you wish a sound track was playing and you were holding hands with the one you love. It was beautiful, it was magical.
Kent brought home breakfast sausage from our pork. 25 pounds so far and that was just our share. Tonight we cut two more sides (1 pig) and it was a skinny one. All in all so far we have 650 pounds of actual meat to divide with 5 halves left to finish.
Mom says we can have Sh..on a Shingle or if we're abbreviating Sh-on-a-Sh. I guess it was funnier when you repeat it over and over and you have a crazy mom and crazy daughter talking in Alice speak.
It is 23 degrees and the movie snow has left a light dusting covering all the surfaces. I love it when it snows a little like this because it powders over the crusty brown snow that has melted and makes everything fresh again.
Kent brought home breakfast sausage from our pork. 25 pounds so far and that was just our share. Tonight we cut two more sides (1 pig) and it was a skinny one. All in all so far we have 650 pounds of actual meat to divide with 5 halves left to finish.
Mom says we can have Sh..on a Shingle or if we're abbreviating Sh-on-a-Sh. I guess it was funnier when you repeat it over and over and you have a crazy mom and crazy daughter talking in Alice speak.
It is 23 degrees and the movie snow has left a light dusting covering all the surfaces. I love it when it snows a little like this because it powders over the crusty brown snow that has melted and makes everything fresh again.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 18
Today was Eagles Auxiliary of which I am President. It was initiation night and I had the privilege of watching my grandma walk through the ritual and become a fellow Eagle sister.
Let me talk a little bit about the great things the Eagles has done. We adopted a soldier and his troop and sent FIFTEEN boxes of goodies to him overseas. It is so exciting that we are able to do something like that. The Eagles is truly "People Helping People."
We have our annual bake sale tomorrow so I am still up baking my goodies to take for the sale. I am making:
Chocolate Chip/Cream Cheese Bars
1 roll refrigerated cookie dough
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg.
Roll 1/2 of cookie dough into the bottom of an 8x8 pan/ mix together the cheese, egg, and sugar then pour over top/crumble remaining cookie dough on top and bake at 350 for 35 - 40 minutes. AWESOME.
AND
Cinnamon Apple Pizza
1 roll cinnamon rolls
1 can (21 oz) Apple pie filling
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
Flatten rolls and place in bottom of pie pan or on a pizza pan.
Bake 8 minutes at 400 degrees.
Cover with apple pie filling.
Melt butter and mix with brown sugar.
Sprinkle over apples.
Bake 6-8 minutes longer.
Cool and drizzle with icing from cinnamon rolls.
EASY!!!!
Kent is over butchering the sows. They have 3 1/2 done and the same to go. Tomorrow and Thursday they should be able to get all done. Looks like we will have 50 pounds just of breakfast sausage. Yummm-eee!
Well, time to check the treats....
It was a gorgeous day today. At 11:13 pm it is still 36 degrees with just a slight wind.
Until next time....
Let me talk a little bit about the great things the Eagles has done. We adopted a soldier and his troop and sent FIFTEEN boxes of goodies to him overseas. It is so exciting that we are able to do something like that. The Eagles is truly "People Helping People."
We have our annual bake sale tomorrow so I am still up baking my goodies to take for the sale. I am making:
Chocolate Chip/Cream Cheese Bars
1 roll refrigerated cookie dough
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg.
Roll 1/2 of cookie dough into the bottom of an 8x8 pan/ mix together the cheese, egg, and sugar then pour over top/crumble remaining cookie dough on top and bake at 350 for 35 - 40 minutes. AWESOME.
AND
Cinnamon Apple Pizza
1 roll cinnamon rolls
1 can (21 oz) Apple pie filling
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
Flatten rolls and place in bottom of pie pan or on a pizza pan.
Bake 8 minutes at 400 degrees.
Cover with apple pie filling.
Melt butter and mix with brown sugar.
Sprinkle over apples.
Bake 6-8 minutes longer.
Cool and drizzle with icing from cinnamon rolls.
EASY!!!!
Kent is over butchering the sows. They have 3 1/2 done and the same to go. Tomorrow and Thursday they should be able to get all done. Looks like we will have 50 pounds just of breakfast sausage. Yummm-eee!
Well, time to check the treats....
It was a gorgeous day today. At 11:13 pm it is still 36 degrees with just a slight wind.
Until next time....
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 17th
Tonight was the community performance of the high school one-act play that I direct. We performed "Monster Soup" by Tim Kelly. My kids did awesome. They knew their parts and weren't even nervous in front of their peers. At the end of the show they asked me if they could do another yet this year...it makes it all worth it.
To see their faces light up when they are on stage and afterward when their parents were so proud. Pretty cool.
When I got home it was butchering time. The family worked on it all night and were on the last half of the second hog. Of course it had to be Bertha. She had 3 to 4 inches of fat on her back before I could even find meat. So far they think we have probably 650 pounds of just meat. They fried some of the tenderloin and chops up tonight to test. Man was it good!
The piglets are doing well. I gave them pumpkins this morning and they were in HOG heaven!
It is currently 23 degrees with a slight wind and overcast skies. ND in November!
To see their faces light up when they are on stage and afterward when their parents were so proud. Pretty cool.
When I got home it was butchering time. The family worked on it all night and were on the last half of the second hog. Of course it had to be Bertha. She had 3 to 4 inches of fat on her back before I could even find meat. So far they think we have probably 650 pounds of just meat. They fried some of the tenderloin and chops up tonight to test. Man was it good!
The piglets are doing well. I gave them pumpkins this morning and they were in HOG heaven!
It is currently 23 degrees with a slight wind and overcast skies. ND in November!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 16
Slaughter Day.
Today was the day to take care of our sows.
It started with early morning chores with the piglets. They survived the first night and were excited about their new water trough and vegetable buffet. While carrots seem to be low on the list of edible foods, Italian squash is a must have.
Aaron, Kent's brother came out to get started with the days festivities and decided to hold Obama. You could hear the squealing all the way across the farmyard. Apparently he is not as of yet tame enough to be babied. Of course I had to go and make sure Aaron wasn't hurting my little ones.
Our friends Kristina and Sam came out to help from Bismarck, Skeet, Art, Dale, Aaron, Kent and I put down seven big sows in about 6 hours. Bertha topped the scales at roughly 800 pounds with the others coming in anywhere from 400 and up.
The process gives a new appreciation for our meat sources. I can honestly say I will enjoy every bite of that pork even more so knowing what work it involved.
Last night Kent and I watched several online videos on hog slaughtering. Some of them were very informational - butchering a pig in under 3 minutes, making a hog head roll - supposedly a tasty delicacy, and the proper way to slaughter a hog - Thanks meatman! While others were disturbing in that they tried to portray the process as so inhumane and ugly. I know there are those folks out there who don't eat meat and believe that animals should be treated "humanely," they will look at some of the pictures of what we did today with utter disgust. They should know that this is part of our way of life. The days work we put in and subsequent evenings of butchering will feed our families for months and months to come. We worked hard and put in an honest days work and will reap the benefits of our labors. This is life on the plains.
My first hog slaughter. My arms are sore, my body aches, I smell of pig, and I know I am alive! I'm grateful for today's accomplishments. I spent the day with loved ones and my work has value and purpose. In looking at them all hanging in the barn and thinking back to one week ago when the same barn held our two bucks I guess I could say I'm pretty rich. Not many people can say they had their hands on seven "$$$Sowsandbucks$$$$" all in one place in a weeks time! Okay that is a little nod to my mom....very funny stuff Della!
Hope you enjoy the pictures. That's me in the red hat.
Until next time...
It was around 33 degrees and overcast with a wind that kept our cheeks rosy and our breath in the air. Occasional flurries dropped picture perfect flakes. What a wonderful place!!!!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
November 15th
Saturday in North Dakota.
Woke up at sunrise to go deer hunting. We had one doe tag left to fill. Last weekend was the opener and we filled almost all of our tags right away. I have to admit that I am pretty proud of my accomplishments...1 shell, 1 shot, 1 kill. I had my buck tagged and in the truck within the first 46 minutes of the season. I was born on Annie Oakley's birthday...maybe she helped me out this once! Or maybe I was just really lucky. My big guy was a 135 pound 7 x 7 non-typical wall hanger. I thank the good Lord that it didn't take more than that as I learned this year that deer hunting is not for the semi-in shape former athlete. I have a long way to go to be ready for next season...good thing I have 360 days until then.
This morning we walked the corn and got a doe...well the Kent the bf got a doe...I just walked along. Pretty little thing - and we are thankful for the provisions nature has provided. All total we have two bucks and a doe in the freezer....good eatin'.
Once we returned to the farm it was time to help the family move cattle. We raise longhorns but the other family members have beef cattle. They are a little less well-mannered than our herd. While I am thankful it went as smoothly as it did...I'll take a big ol' longhorn cow any day!
I may be a little bruised and now reflecting back on the day I little worked over.
While we were getting the cattle moved Kent's brother informed us that the family were the proud owners of several butcher hogs that needed to be picked up and butchered this weekend.
After we got back from moving cattle we headed to Anamoose to pick up our animals. We ended up with two 900+ pound sows, 3 400+ pound sows, and 2 250+ pound sows. These ladies are massive. All total we should put 1500 plus pounds of pork in the freezer! The bonus of the day was the 90 head of piglets in the adjoining pen.
Now those of you who have known me since the early days may recall that at one time I collected pig figurines. As of this evening I have added to that collection. Five little piglets all in the barn. So cute...and so many extra chores. Not sure what I got into but can't wait to ride the pig farm wave! I'll try to put pix of the little rascals online. Looks like I will be fencing, feeding, watering and calling...listen closely can you hear my,
Gotta rest up - tomorrow is slaughtering day. Seven sows need to be hung and ready to butcher by mid-week. This may not be for the squeemish.
It was a sunny, beautiful November day in North Dakota today. 33 degrees with a covering of snow that remains from last weeks' blizzard. The sunrise this morning as we got ready for the hunt was magical - oranges and reds with just a hint of yellow. It looked like a horizontal fire warming the Winter....wait I mean Fall sky.
Woke up at sunrise to go deer hunting. We had one doe tag left to fill. Last weekend was the opener and we filled almost all of our tags right away. I have to admit that I am pretty proud of my accomplishments...1 shell, 1 shot, 1 kill. I had my buck tagged and in the truck within the first 46 minutes of the season. I was born on Annie Oakley's birthday...maybe she helped me out this once! Or maybe I was just really lucky. My big guy was a 135 pound 7 x 7 non-typical wall hanger. I thank the good Lord that it didn't take more than that as I learned this year that deer hunting is not for the semi-in shape former athlete. I have a long way to go to be ready for next season...good thing I have 360 days until then.
This morning we walked the corn and got a doe...well the Kent the bf got a doe...I just walked along. Pretty little thing - and we are thankful for the provisions nature has provided. All total we have two bucks and a doe in the freezer....good eatin'.
Once we returned to the farm it was time to help the family move cattle. We raise longhorns but the other family members have beef cattle. They are a little less well-mannered than our herd. While I am thankful it went as smoothly as it did...I'll take a big ol' longhorn cow any day!
I may be a little bruised and now reflecting back on the day I little worked over.
While we were getting the cattle moved Kent's brother informed us that the family were the proud owners of several butcher hogs that needed to be picked up and butchered this weekend.
After we got back from moving cattle we headed to Anamoose to pick up our animals. We ended up with two 900+ pound sows, 3 400+ pound sows, and 2 250+ pound sows. These ladies are massive. All total we should put 1500 plus pounds of pork in the freezer! The bonus of the day was the 90 head of piglets in the adjoining pen.
Now those of you who have known me since the early days may recall that at one time I collected pig figurines. As of this evening I have added to that collection. Five little piglets all in the barn. So cute...and so many extra chores. Not sure what I got into but can't wait to ride the pig farm wave! I'll try to put pix of the little rascals online. Looks like I will be fencing, feeding, watering and calling...listen closely can you hear my,
"Suuuueeeee!"
Gotta rest up - tomorrow is slaughtering day. Seven sows need to be hung and ready to butcher by mid-week. This may not be for the squeemish.
It was a sunny, beautiful November day in North Dakota today. 33 degrees with a covering of snow that remains from last weeks' blizzard. The sunrise this morning as we got ready for the hunt was magical - oranges and reds with just a hint of yellow. It looked like a horizontal fire warming the Winter....wait I mean Fall sky.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)