Recycling and preparing for Winter

With Fall upon us, we have started getting things ready for Winter. The chimney is swept, the gutters cleaned out and extra sealer is to be placed above the roof deck. We recycled a couple sections of a dog kennel we were'nt using, to use instead  for fencing out the deer up near the house. I was hoping for a wood fence but not in the budget.

My greenhouse is nearly complete, we recycled a carport frame to use and an old window and door works just fine. We will roof it in clear panels and put the plastic around the sides in Spring. Put in a couple of recycled pallets for shelving and use the many old plastic pots to start my seedlings in. I have been drying and picking seeds for next years planting.

We are also putting together a small shed to house the lawnmowers and equip. We are using the frame from the canvas tent we picked up for my Civil War reinactments. (I am using wood for that.) Another great way to recycle a metal frame. 

So as you can see, with my days finally slowing down from the many doctor appointments and physical therapy for two months, I can help my hubby get a few things done around here before Winter actually is upon us.

I am sad that I was unable to travel over to Idaho to see my family this year, but my back just would not hold up to that long of a drive right now. So I am to settle in for a long Winter and I hope to get caught up on some sewing projects that I had begun.

What's going on?

It has been some crazy months for me. I have been doing many projects and back to back mini trips for the past couple months. I still have three more trips planned and then I think I will truely be ready for things to slow down.

I have had no luck in the garden this year. Our weather has been so fickle and we have been breathing some heavy smoke for two weeks from fires all around us. My cherry and pear trees did not produce anything this year. My tomatoes are green but we have had a couple nights of frost warnings. Squash never grew past its planting size, onions did not grow big, green  beans were doing nicely  but all of a sudden dried up completely on the vines. Now we have been watching leaves falling from my trees for two weeks as if Fall is here. What is with our weather? It scares the you know what out of me. How am I suppose to grow our own food, pesticide free, organic and be able to put up canning if I can't even grow the stuff? Must I settle for canned fruit and veggies?

Still waiting to get my greenhouse built. Our contractor pooped out on us and has'nt shown back up. Once we get home from our beach trip we will attack doing it ourselves.
I have been very busy sewing a canvas tent to look period Civil War. I have attempted several blouses and dresses in period attire but let me tell you, patterns just are'nt what they use to be as far as trying to understand them. At least that's my excuse. I have done more tearing out of seams than sewing them in, I think.

Soon I will try to share some of my photos. I have missed having the time to visit blogs and sharing with you. Hope your Summer is going better than mine. Tootles.

Civil War Reinacting

This past weekend I enlisted myself into becoming a volunteer of the Cascade Civil War Society of Klamath Falls. I was given a couple of dresses to use until I could make or buy some of my own. My first day I sat and hand sewed the hem on a dress that I had recently made. After completing the dress and a little more research, I found that this dress is not period appropriate even though the pattern says it is of the Civil War era.

So I will be starting on a new one soon as the cost I have found to purchase them are pretty pricey.

It was a really nice weekend but not much of a crowd came out as there was another event going on in town at the same time.

This is Margie's tent which she has graciously offered me half for bunking until I can get a tent of my own. They are not too cheap either but I am hoping to find a used one. She is a Refugee in camp and has all her belongings in a covered wagon. She spins wool and teaches those who want to learn how.

Margie (refugee)

I have a lot to learn about the Civil War era, but hope to become a laundress of the period. I have already begun looking through my many collections of antiques to see what I will be able to use.

Just another something to keep me busy, like I don't have enough already.

I just love old history and being able to teach some of it to others. It is always a nice relaxing time when doing reinacting.

Here are a few of the other ladies I met in our group. We had such a fun time and even sat down for our very own tea party.

I love the beautiful gowns that they are wearing and almost wanted to go that route but decided it would be much easier to use the outhouse without the big hoops. And Lord knows I need to go often enough without needing anything to slow me down. lol

So I choose the lower class, working woman instead. Plus it is more in my line of knowledge.

Well now that the weekend is over and my company has all gone home, I need to start on another dress, period correct, because we will have another reinactment near the end of this month. I just love playing dress up. Besides it is probably the only time you'll catch me wearing a dress.

Williamson iver at Collier Park

This has been one crazy, busy month for me. After rv camping on the river at Collier Park for two days, it was home for a couple hours and off to do Relay for Life.

The river was so inviting but still too cold to swim in. Crystal clear blue water. The sound was heavenly. Good way to unwind before the big event.

After arriving at the high school where Relay for Life was to be held, we put up the tent and all the decorations for our Alice in Wonderland theme, and were in for the long haul.

We began the evening with a bbq dinner put on by Wubba's, a local restaurant. Then to start things out they had the Survivors walk, then there was a frozen Tshirt contest, and then the teams relay began their laps and a local radio station pumped out awesome tunes all through the night. Every song got you up and moving which was a big help as you can well imagine.

Survivors lap

left to right, April, me, MaryGail, Faith, Wendie, Christine, Robin

As you can see, everyone was in character. Thank you Wendie and Christine for coming all the way from California to help our team. I did'nt think I could get Wendie in a dress, but she was a good sport and was our Alice.

Kim (Queen of Hearts), Faith (Mad Hatter)

Faith recruited Kim just two days before Relay and she came dressed as our Queen of Hearts and even got us a sponsor who will pay $5 for every mile each of us walked. How awesome was that? She had tons of energy and motivated and inspired us all.

We had such a good time and hopefully raised a lot of money for the cause. We are already planning next years event and recruiting more girls. We plan to be a little more prepared for next year. We hope to bring a propane heater, hot cocoa, hot coffee and hand warmers as it got downright chilly in the wee morning hours.

This is our booth that we put together with lots of decorations along with

a variety of items for sale. From cupcakes and cookies, to lip balms, chemo caps and body oils. We did very well with our sales.

After the remembrance ceremony and many prayers, hugs and tears, I went to the tent and lay down for a couple of hours. I did'nt sleep much but my body aches went away and I was able to get up and walk a few more laps.

I am grateful to everyone who helped make this event happen and to all those who donated for the cause. For this being my first event since losing my sister and sister-in-law to cancer, to my mom who is a three time survivor of breast cancer, and to our friend Mary, who just became cancer free, I plan to be at each future event as long as I am able.

May some day soon we find a cure for cancer.

Blessings,
Gail

Beach time

Last Sunday I decided it was off to the Oregon coast, even if it was only for a few hours, it was a much needed retreat. We chose Whaleshead beach just above Brookings.

I received the best exfoliation and foot massage and all while enjoying the great ocean sounds and fresh air.

My daughter and I walked around for 3 hours looking for shells and the long lost pirate treasure. Found a few shells and some nice driftwood.

treasure hunting

Although it stayed overcast the entire time, we did enjoy ourselves.
We ate lunch on the beach and listened to the sound of the waves as the tide was coming in.

Found a cave right on the beach in a huge boulder. Of course by this time my camera was up in the car. But I'll share a few pics I did manage to get.



Whaleshead beach

In one area of the shore, the waves coming in sounded like thunder. It was pretty awesome.

Some brave souls.

I totally enjoy the ocean, I'm just one of those who chooses to enjoy it from shore.

We can't wait until we can go back and spend a few days enjoying the sun and sand, but this is one crazy month of company, mini vacations, doctor visits and preparing for Relay for Life.

If you ever find yourself in Oregon, don't miss seeing the beaches. They're spectactular and less than a days drive.

I find myself smiling......

 I find myself smiling

when my Peonies finally open up into big, beautiful flowers.

When my Hens and Chicks are flowering for the first time.

When knowing that the momma delivered her babies safely and I get to see them with their spots.

When looking out the window and spying Mr. Jack eyeing my garden nearby and knowing that he can't get in.

When my mini Pearl walked with me for Bark for Life and smiled at all the people.

(of course she could'nt do it for her picture)

And when I happened upon this.

(I just could'nt help myself)

 May you all be blessed with things that make you smile.

Nice drive

Hubby and I decided to take a drive in my truck to make sure all was running well. We decided to check out Cottonwood Lake which we tried to see a few years back but ran into too much snow on the road to get any further in. It is located about 25 miles from Lakeview and a good five miles up winding roads into the mountains.

Cottonwood Lake

It was so nice and peaceful back in here. I would come back and tent camp but would not want to bring my trailer here as the spaces are way too narrow for my comfort. Look how nice and calm it is.

It was too shallow for large motor boats. Looks as though only canoes and electric motors were being used. Not a lot of people, but very peaceful place.

From here we headed back towards home and I decided to check out a picnic area along the Sprague river which we have passed many times and not stopped at. It was straight down a real winding, narrow road (no trailers allowed) along the canyon wall. But only a few miles from the highway. One would never have known how pretty it is back here without driving in and checking it out.



This was a parking area next to the river. There were horseshoe pits, a large picnic area with firepit and bbq pits. It has a net set up for playing volley ball or badmitton. There were several picnic tables set out and about along the river too.  A nice place to come and spend a leisurely afternoon. 

Sprague river

great swimming hole





I'm thinking how nice it would be to climb in and get wet. Next time I'm bringing swimming clothes and lunch. I think I may even bring the dogs. I'm sure they would love a dip in the cool water.


Just a few hours away from phones and tv and my mind feels a little less conjested. I really should do this more often. Either that or hubby needs to go back to work. (smiling)








Birds, bumble bees, and butterflies

It's God's little things that make me happy.

Don't you just love Spring?

Things are blooming

I have been busy sewing a costume and a few chemo caps for Relay For Life in July. I've also been planting a few more things in the garden and enjoying all my pretty flowers in bloom. I'll just share a couple pictures of my garden. It's small but enough for me to keep busy at.

I have a few pole beans, broccolli, corn, lettuces, collards, radish and chard that are growing. I just planted my tomatoes, jalapeno plants a couple days ago.

I'm still hoping to get some kind of a green house up this year. I would really like to get a lot of tomatoes and peppers to can salsa.

I saw this on a homesteading blog. I got them painted, now I need to fill them with dirt and plant some more veggie starts.

I am trying to incorporate more color around my home this year.

With more warm days ahead, I also hope to squeeze in some camping days out at the lake soon. Hope your days have warmed up nicely for you too.

My First Attempt At Dandelion Wine

This is my first ever attempt at making a wine. I have read various articles on making dandelion wine and I thought, why not. I have no shortage of dandelions this year in the yard and what better thing to do with them but try making a wine out of them.
I found one You Tube recipe I really liked. It was made by Erin Bried and she says this recipe is over 100 years old. I like old things so this was another reason to try it. (Plus she has a great sense of humor)

So I picked a coffee can full of dandelion flowers. It took several weeks to collect the good ones so I kept the can in the freezer until it was full. I then cleaned them and placed them in a crock and put boiling water over the top. Here is where they sit for 3 days at room temp.

After the 3 days I then strained the juice through a cheesecloth into a large pan. I then added 9 cups of raw sugar, the juice of 4 oranges and 3 lemons. I stirred this until the sugar dissolved.

Next I strained the wine into another pot and put a packet of champagne yeast into a half cup of warm water until it dissolve then added it to the wine. Next I poured the wine through a funnel into my bottle and placed a balloon over the top. I will periodically check it to release any gases that form.

I then placed the bottle in a dark closet and here it will sit for 6 weeks. After the 6 weeks I will strain the wine again and then put it back into the bottle, taking out whatever settlement from the bottom of the bottle.

 Now all I can do is sit back and try to be patient.