classes

Hi Kristin,

Rob again. I forgot to tell you one other thing that works well for me. When I go out to dinner I ask the server to bring a box to the table WITH my meal. I take 1/3 to 1/2 of the food off my plate before I begin eating, put it in the box and VOILA!!!!!, a packed lunch for the next day!!!!!

I need to be this organized

I love your photos and your writing style! When I read your posts, I come away feeling like we’ve just had a sit-down conversation (albeit one sided, lol) at the local coffee shop!

I forgot all about Posie Gets Cozy! I used to read her blog all of the time. I have gotten out of the habit of reading blogs since our move. Her patterns are adorable!
I am totally envious of your knitting skills if I haven’t mentioned it before (I am pretty sure I have 😉). The problem I have with knitting involves convincing the stitches to stay on the needles instead of all falling off in my lap 😭 Happy crafting!

What a fun post. I have only read 2 cookbooks cover to cover and they were written by the owner of BabyCakes bakery in NYC. She has long since sold her business and I never did make it to the actual bakery. Sadly I have never made any of the recipes in the cookbooks either, I just drool over them.

You have been busy! We bought local papers everywhere we stayed and saw that there were seed swaps listed in ALL of the towns we visited! I am so excited for that next year.
My husband is way impressed about the maple syrup and so I am sure we will be adding that to our to do list next year.

You know, when you make a decision to go in a certain direction in your life, not everyone will like it, agree, or stick by you. It’s just the universe’s way of making room for your dream to grow into fruition by weeding out the naysayers. If homesteading is what you want, Go for it!!!

I love that closeup photo of the tap! Congratulations on making it through your first syrup season!

I can’t wait to hear about the mealworm farm! 😍 Glad all is going well – happy to read the update! And I’m with you on the trying to be frugal thing. We are trying to pare back too, and fall back on our consumerist nature less. It’s a struggle! But a worthy endeavor to be sure. 🤗

Happy birthday! It sounds like you had an amazing few days. I am not surprised that you are a Cancerian like me. 🙂

Thanks for sharing! Bradley and I are both total spendthrifts, and it is so hard to rein it in. I may need to try to join you in this effort . . . it may be eye-opening to see all the things I unnecessarily spend money on.

I’m not most technical savvy either. I can’t access the store! Lol! What am I “not” doing right?

I like your enthusiasm, and you are exactly right…make a list of things you want to learn and jump right in! I may need to take my own advice here.
Blessings!

My knit hat kept me warm today while I was out in the cold for work. Thanks Sis!

Love the idea of learning a new skill each month. Revisiting some of my old skills I haven’t used for a while might be a good idea for me. I’ve made soap, but only as a melt and pour. I’m guessing you are taking it further than that. I make my own pasta when I can. Mainly when my chickens are in full production and I need to do something with all the eggs.

Your mitts are a beautiful blend of colours. I think I’d smile every time I picked them up to knit.

Hello ladies! What’s the PIE of the month? I’ll check back in later…

Your pie turned out beautifully. Honest to goodness, it looks like something from a bakery. The filling is delicious. My son and I were talking about it today and I could not stress enough how much I enjoyed the filling {to the point where we started talking about all the stuff we could put it on}. So delicious.

Your pie looks so good! One day I will join in…

I love this idea! I’ll start joining you next week.

Hi lady!! I really like your photos, great job… I got a new camera in December but still trying to figure out all the buttons, hopefully my pictures will get to the next level one day!! Work in progress right…

And now I’m here to return the favor. At least for now we can be each other’s biggest fans 😉 First, I love the window! All of that color is just so beautiful. Flowers can really brighten up any space. And I’m a walker too, pretty much every day, rain or shine. I think my loop is only about 2 miles, but there are two decent hills and it’s quiet. Except for the peepers and the birds! 😉 Happy to hear you found some relief with your hip and hope you can manage to strengthen those muscles and keep it in place! Bodies. They like to get old on us when we’re not looking 😉

I enjoyed this post. Love that you’re living your dream and taking the necessary steps to make it happen.

Well, as you could probably guess, I LOVE the positive tone of this post! We’re capable of creating our dreams, if only we don’t give up on them before we reach that vision. Looks like you’re well on your way and I couldn’t be happier for you! I can feel your excitement through these words. Can’t wait to see where you take things!

I’ve never heard of Poshmark (is that right?) and honestly, I’m not even going to check it out, lol. So easy to spend money…just disappears like magic. I’ve had to do the spending freezes myself and I’m always proud of myself when I get things back on track again. Will power 🙂

I think I remember the cow story and I definitely recognize that pie picture. I’m loving those tights! 🙂 Great post, Kristin!

Keep moving lady, it seems you’re making it happen no matter what!!

I really enjoy you moment pictures, there pretty cool!!

I didn’t cook my filling long enough, so it was more like a cobbler when we first ate it. The next day, it had solidified a bit and was more like what I think it should’ve been. Either way, it was so good. My daughter, who just came home from college, ate almost the entire thing by herself. LOL

Such a delicious pie. I’ll have to make another one.

Sounds so good. I wonder how it would be as a frosting on a lemon cake!

Hi! I came by to return the blog visit and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment on mine. What a great bunch of photos. My kind of countryside. 🙂

The horses with the abandoned cars is such a cool shot! I mean, they all are, but that was totally unexpected. I love seeing your neck of the woods.

Looks super tasty, all those juicy fruits! And now I’ve got another hankering for a pie…you should probably stop doing this to me 😉

Oh my, you really have your work cut out for you. But your plans sound great and your plants look good. A lot of work, but it will be so worth it.

I really loved the post and it’s inspiring to see all the projects you have going! Keep up the great work!

Really good pictures and your post is super cool. Reminds of my hometown in Mississippi when I was growing up we shared everything. Tge little group in the town got alone well especially in harvesting season. You sound really happy!

You are the only one I follow and I love what you do! I just finished making this pie and can’t wait to eat it!!! I made strawberry jam and had some leftover and a small crust so I spilt the recipe in half and I did a layer of cream cheese (about 4tbsp) over the crust to try and help with a soggy crust. So excited to try this!!!

That baby blanket is going to be gorgeous!

Lol, I didn’t think you were a Debby-downer, it was a fun post! Sometimes patterns can definitely be frustrating and I’m glad you’re figuring it out as you go. Can’t wait to see the finished project. And I’ll be waiting with bated breath on the winery–I don’t doubt you for a second 🙂

I hope you’ll post the finished blanket.
I’m fascinated by all things knitted – I can crochet blankets and scarves, but that’s it. I’ve never tried knitting, but I do plan to learn at some point. I see all of the pretty sweaters that my friends knit and I’m like ooooh! Want. LOL

That blanket looks super interesting! Curious to see how the finished piece will look. It’s so frustrating when patterns you pay for aren’t clear, though.

What an interesting read! I sometimes flounder around to find something that really grabs me and it is so satisfying when you find something like that!

I’m with you on the less than inspiring books lately. Glad for another good suggestion!

My brother and SIL are both librarians and interestingly, one of his associates has a house rooster :-D.

I love the pictures, Kristin, especially those roses. So, so beautiful! Sounds like a lovely trip, and perhaps the lack of sun guided you in different directions than you would have normally taken. Walking was always how we spent a good portion of our camping days, lol. Glad you enjoyed yourself and I would have loved to visit with the Plovers… 😉

Such great pictures. That one room schoolhouse – swoon! And the pictures of your parents – so sweet. And, ummm, did you say 100 lbs of tomatoes? Wow!

Great pictures and I’m glad you enjoyed you break; we all need those!! Your niece did a great job on the bag as well. Also, just wanted to let you know I nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award. More details on the blog. Welcome back!!

Wishing all of the best for you at the fair. I know you’re gonna have fun and learn a lot.

Congratulations on the award. You are so deserving – your blog is a lot fo fun to read.

Smart woman!

There is a wonderful quote that says: You must fill your own well first.

I endeavor to keep that in mind as much as possible. I used to run, run, run… oh, must do THIS… oh, I have to do THAT if I want to be successful… oh, the book said to take these steps EVERY DAY… oh, this marketing / business / life “guru” said to do that… blah blah blah. Oh, and I spent A LOT of money over the years to try and make my intentions (dreams) happen. Of course some good (great) things happened, but mostly of their own accord and in ways I didn’t intend or expect.

It’s simply not possible to do it all. Unfortunately, people who are already high achievers – and I assume you probably are – are doing so much to work towards the life that they desire that adding in other “must do’s” just makes it too much to handle.

Turn off the voices (both the outside and inside your head voices) that direct you to do more. Step back. Waaaaaaay back. In fact, do nothing. Stare into space. Don’t think of what you “need” to do, what you “should do.” If you don’t give your body and brain the space it needs, it will MAKE you give it rest. And that’s a hard fall.

Like you, I have dreams for my “homestead.” I’m sure probably most people – other homesteaders – would say: that’s not a homestead, you have a couple of big gardens in the countryside where you live. (I’m in the Finger Lakes, NY.) And yes, I’m sure that’s a valid argument. And yes, I’ve had to shift my vision / plans to more match reality than my dreams: Less of a homesteading lifestyle / experience and more of a (oh, I hope this is true) source of inspiration for people so they “take a risk” and plant their own gardens and better understand the process of growing, cooking, and eating food.

And like you, I think: I need to blog more! I need to get more material out there! (You are SO right about how time-consuming something as uploading, editing, and posting photos can be.) Then right: social media. I know the rules… you can’t just post and go, you need to visit others, build relationships, etc. THAT, although a pleasant activity, also takes time.

Of course then there is that pesky full-time job (high stress, much anxiety) that I need to pay the bills and afford this glorious “homesteading lifestyle.” 😉

Meanwhile, the stink bugs decimated my zucchini, I’m worried about the other squash, the deer are wrecking havoc in my beans and corn, and I fear that once again, the tomatoes have gotten away from me (us – my husband, too). And the whole point of this life was to grow our own food. To become more self-sufficient. To better understand HOW to provide for ourselves.

I could go on and on. (You can argue that I have in this comment – har har.)

My point: You must fill your own well first.

You don’t ever need to explain it, you just need to do it.

(I so enjoy your posts on Instagram – that’s how I found your blog. Wishing you much time to breathe and just be!)

Beautiful 🙂

What a couple of weeks you have had! Good for you taking the time to prioritize and get caught up so you can focus and move forward with intention and purpose.
And, Happy Anniversary!!!

What a great fair experience! Congratulations on the ribbons 🙂
My husband keeps telling me I should enter a quilt or canned goods into our local county fair, but I have yet to do it. Maybe next year??

Your photos are absolutely stunning. I cannot get mine that clear or deep colored. Love them.

Your teenager is too cute. Aren’t animals the funniest creatures ever? They have so much attitude/personality.

I’m so happy your time away was productive and restful.

I can’t wait to listen to that song by Pink. I adore her. Ever since her “There You Go” days. Her attitude is the best – so in your face.

Sounds like a perfectly wonderful Sunday!

Your photos are definitely among my favorites!

Oh that “bratty cat-teenager stage…” It can last a long time, LOL! But treasure it. We had 2 wonderful boys for over 12 years. I miss them so. 🙂

I’m so glad to read your updates and it seems like you really are rejuvenated! (Or in the process of rejuvenating right along.) That is awesome! May it continue for you! 😀

Again, I love your photography. The colors are so rich and saturated.

I’m glad you learned what works for you {even if it was the hard way}. Sad to say, but that’s often how I learn.

Those candle scents sound divine!! I can almost smell them from the description.

Sending you so much love and happiness with your business.

Hi lady! I am glad you’re settled back in, it is sad how some people will try to take advantage but I’m sure you ran into some good hearted folks as well; good luck with all your business adventures. Your hard work will pay off.

I didn’t know you could dye fabrics with acorns. Honestly, every time I read your blog I learn something new. And that, my friend, is why I love your blog….

My grandma was a gardener and loved spending time in the dirt. I remember watching her take stuff out to her compost pile and turn soil. I don’t think I saw her happier than when she was out there. I didn’t understand her pride in having us eat her veggies, now I wish I could tell her that I get it.

What a great season you have had. While your garden may not have produced the quantity you would have liked, you still had some tasty fruits and veggies to enjoy! There is always much to figure out when starting a garden in a new location. AND, you have had a bazillion other things to focus on this year as well! Trying to organize and plan for your business is a huge deal. Adding a new kitten to the mix, while fun and cute, is still another critter to feed, think about, cuddle. Plus just living life and enjoying it all. We can’t do all the things. Or, maybe we can, but we would never do them well. Maybe this year was a trial year for the garden while you worked on your business and then next year, when things are running smoothly, you will have a garden so bountiful you won’t know what to do with all of the produce 🙂
I hope you enjoy your fall season…and a yummy pie!

All sounds quite good! 🙂

We’re up to 141 pounds of tomatoes harvested thus far, and as I type this, I watch my husband processing pasta sauce with some roasted tomatoes. He’s tired… I’m tired. 🙂 There are more tomatoes ripening in the lower garden. Egads.

We are going to put in garlic and shallots to over-winter. I’ve pulled up all the beans, and as soon as we pull out the corn stalks, we can plant the garlic (3 varieties) and shallots. Hopefully they will do well!

Love your photo of the canned sauce (?) on the porch railing. So pretty. And I didn’t realize you had a cat before you brought home the kitten you rescued. So glad to hear they are getting along!

Regarding raised beds and building – just a thought: We skipped building beds, just put 6 inches plus of compost the first year on our plots and no tilling (we practice the lasagna method of gardening – subscribing to “do not disturb your soil microbes” philosophy). Results were great. Second year, no till, no built beds, added maybe 4 inches of compost on top of the first-year beds. Absolutely fine. My two cents? Building raised beds might look prettier, but really, not worth the time and money. Our earthworms are plentiful. BUT, everyone needs to follow their true gardening path! 🙂

Beautiful!

Such a wonderful photo, I’ll be joining you ladies next week!!

Sounds like a productive week, and a fun one too! 🙂 I love the selfies, both of them, and the apple crisp and the sunflowers and those decorations! Oh, I love the look of fall. Something about pumpkins and mums just gets to me…

I’m happy to hear things sound like they’re going so well for you. Personally, I think it has more than a little bit to do with that positive attitude of yours 😉 Hope this week is just as fabulous!

That’s one of the few things I miss about Pennsylvania – the fall colors. I mean, nothing beats them. Here in Louisiana, everything goes from green to brown to dead in no time flat. So thank you for posting pictures to help me remember that a real fall does exist somewhere. LOL

Finally able to make it back to see what you have been up to! 😀 The photos are so wonderful. I really like that you take the time to add them to your post. I feel like your blog is a bit like an Americana Coffee Table book. Relaxing with my morning coffee and “browsing” is a great way to start my Friday morning. 🙂

That view from your farmers market is awesome. Although we have “rolling hills” around here, they are not exactly in my daily line of sight. I miss that “nestled in” feeling you get when your world seems framed by the rise and fall of the hills around you.

Busy here too, but it’s due more to job/work than (home)work. But, I suppose that;s just the way of it! I should re-make my plans and schedule. (Perhaps I have become lazy? And I am so far behind on my blog posts…)

So what is the cash spending program? I, too, feel like my spending has gotten a little…. not frugal… and I to reign myself in! Do you follow a particular program?

Okay, enough of me peppering you with questions! 😀

Lastly: selfie of you is great, love your fall decorations, STEM class idea = very creative, and Anna has a good face. She looks like she’s a good listener. 🙂

Those overalls are so cute! I used to love wearing them then I stopped, I’m not sure why. I mean, they’re so comfortable.

Sending birthday wishes….

I cannot wait to read about your photography class. I so want to take one but haven’t found any in my area.

I like this format. I think it’s much easier and if you have something long to link to, it’s very convenient.

I think I saw on IG something about beeswax cloths coming soon? I’m curious to see those when they are available! I am interested in trying those out, but I need to figure out a place in my overcrowded kitchen to store them.

Sounds like a very busy week last week! So glad to learn that your kitty is okay(ish) and that it’s only a sprain. (My boys used to hate traveling in the car, so I was glad to find a visiting vet for the last years of Mystery’s life. Made it easier!)

We’ve done quite a few of “one pot” cast iron skillet meals – always end up being so good! We have a particularly good kielbasa one my husband makes. I haven’t made pasta sauce from cherry tomatoes, but a former colleague did it that way and said it was awesome. You’ll have to report in! 🙂 And green tomatoes? Try pickling them with celery and dill. I have 10 jars sitting on the counter this morning from Mr. Gordon’s weekend canning. And we still have more…

Hope your coming week is FABULOUS! Looking forward to your next posts and pics! 🙂

Wow! I don’t know how you do it. One question I have is what health care fund do you have? I feel as though health care costs (and the risk of not having health insurance) is a ball and chain around my ankle. I’m terrified of leaving my job over this factor. It has plagued me my entire adult life.

Hi! I am so looking forward to making a new budget when our income finally stabilizes. up until now(since the move) it’s been try not to spend anything! But things are looking up at last. I used to track everything on Mint, and then I could see the obvious problem areas. We do pay for just about everything with a cash back credit card that I am always careful to pay off every month. We earn a lot of money back that way.

Really informative post and encouraging. We are in dire need of a new budget, one that fits our lifestyle. I’m a spender as well as my husband so it’s really hard to get us on one accord. This is something to work towards though.

I absolutely adore domed ceilings like that. They’re hard to capture though. I always feel like a contortionist. LOL Great shot!

That blueberry lavender pie sounds and looks delicious! We have those rollers and love them!

Jill – Doused in Pink

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing such detail and really putting a lot into this post. It will surely inspire and help others get started if this is something they want to do/pursue. I had my husband read it too, and he thought it was interesting. He did wonder, though, about your grocery budget. Ours is about $440 / month (budgeted, we certainly go over this from time to time) and it’s just the two of us. We count paper goods (think napkins, toilet tissue), personal care items, dish / laundry soap, etc. in our grocery budget, so it IS more than just food. Not that you have to answer this – you have truly given a lot of your time already on the subject! – it was just something he noticed.

Anyhow, you DID inspire me! I know of Dave Ramsey (the $1000 in emergency savings is one of the easiest and best things you can do – if there is one take away from Ramsey, that’s the one for me), and I understand the rationale for cash spending. This was something that I needed to get back to and officially did this weekend. The first step was actually switching banks. My “old” bank was too far from where we moved to in 2017, so I have been using the debit card. While handy, it’s just not the same as practicing “cash spending.” Yesterday I switched to a bank my husband already uses with branches REALLY close by. Payday will come – direct deposit, of course – and the next morning, I will withdraw the cash I need from the nearby branch. This might be more of a mental change than anything, but I feel like I am starting to put my plan into action (so many things to do in that plan!). 🙂

So thank you again for sharing such honesty and detail in your post! What a gift to your readers!

Lol to dump and run! It’s ok, you are a busy bee, I’m happy that your classes are filling up and progressing! I hope the sub-teaching does work out well and I hope you continue to enjoy it. That’s pretty cool of your husband and very thoughtful of him to help with everything while you’ve been running, they are pretty cool at times lol. I really love that picture of him.

I would’ve never thought you to be shy, but I’m glad you’re getting out and getting to know your town, tell your friend good luck with election! Remember to take some self care time, you deserve it🥰

Whoa – you are one busy lady! Your week / weekend must blur on by sometimes. I don’t know how you do it! 😀

It’s also so great to have a partner help shoulder the load. Good on your Mister! I know I wouldn’t make it through many weeks without my husband cleaning up or making dinner… lunch… coffee. Whenever I thank him or praise him he always says, well, I live here too, you know.

I wish you MUCH SUCCESS with your classes. They sound like fun! Plus, the classes must also double as a great marketing tool for your other products. Great way to get your name out into the community.

I never would have guessed you were shy, but people never think I am an introvert. I used to do a lot of outreach for my former work-life and come across as very gregarious. But I find it to be a lot of work and draining. So you just never know!

Looking forward to learning how the “kit classes” go this fall!

The kits look wonderful! And, perfect timing with the holidays just around the corner 🙂

Sounds like a busy, but good week! I am the same when it comes to being a homebody! I love to travel and visit other places, but I just love being at home and baking or crafting or something. It’s just so nice!

Keep working and tweaking your plan my friend, at least you’re doing it. Your meals fir the week sound delicious, I should do a food prep menu. We sometimes cook a lot of meat for the week and then think of sides later, we waste a lot of food. I want to rethink our weekly meals and you’ve given me some great ideas, thank you 🙏🤗

I’m laughing at the rambunctious kitty and the brain that just looks for any excuse to think (I’m pretty familiar with that type, lol). This is completely unrelated to books, but I’m just wondering why you don’t have an Amazon Associates account anymore? I had one too, but this was when I was just starting out and never got the requisite sales…so they dumped me. I figure I’ll go back someday when I have a much larger amount of subscribers, otherwise it just seems like a waste of time. Anyway, good luck with the book club! The only reading I have time for nowadays is of the spiritual variety, but I hope it goes really well for you! xoxo

I just took a peek at your shop (has that tab always been up there?) and it all looks great! Hoping you start drawing in the crowds soon, especially with the holiday season approaching. Good luck with it all! 🙂

Congrats on getting your kits up! I hope you sell out soon! (You know what I mean.) I’m eager to learn what goes in the salves and balms. Or maybe I should say, the process that goes into producing the salves and balms. I like that your ingredients are simple and few. 🙂

I agree that these would make good holiday gifts for those crafty DIYers on one’s list! Perfect time of year for launching this product! I can share this on my Facebook page – not that I have a huge number of followers, but I broke 1,000 this summer and I do pick up some traffic when I share my posts there (disclaimer – small numbers) from Facebook to my own site. Even if one or two made a purchase, that’s one or two more “words of mouth” out into the world!

By the way, this post / product might be worth a $25 Facebook “boost” of a post. When I “boosted” a few of my Facebook posts, my traffic bumped up and I got a lot more shares of the post. Just some food for thought!

Wow! You are busy as a bee (I know, such a cliche) like always! I don’t know where you get the energy. Okay, you know I usually indulge in long comments, but today, I promise to limit to five bullet points and leave it at that!

* Mr. Gordon has also been watching Rotten. I’m thinking avocados won’t be in my kitchen much anymore.
* Your views and photos are beautiful.
* I’ve canvassed for a party before – don’t know if it’s the same in PA, but in NY (at least at the county level), you have to visit the houses of the party you are canvassing for and have them sign a form stating that yes, you want to see that party on the ballot. So it’s not about about a particular candidate, it’s getting the party members to agree to see their party on the ballot – although they can still vote for any party they choose. (Yeah, try explaining THAT to people and getting them to sign… in triplicate.)
* Rain gauge – Hmm. Christmas stocking stuffer idea for my husband. Thank you!
* Looking forward to hearing how kit sales and classes go! We all continue to be so excited for you – you are awesome!

Your Cranberry bread looks delicious! I have a bag of frozen cranberries in the freezer. Maybe I should pull those out to thaw and bake this bread for our church group tonight?? I need to try the butternut squash soup too! Perfect fall flavors.
As far as homesteading posts on your blog, what would you like to share about? It seems like you would be able to talk about starting up in a new space (like you did with your garden), homesteading on a budget, and keeping up a homestead while running a business/working outside of the home. I am sure others would find that useful!
I can’t wait to watch your progress of beekeeping. We currently wouldn’t have the space to keep bees, and even if we did, I don’t know if I could manage it. Little known fact, I used to be absolutely terrified of bees! I would have nightmares about them and everything. My husband used to find me tearing around the backyard while gardening because I was trying to run away from a harmless bee, at least he got a good chuckle out of it! Somehow having kids caused me to be a bit more fearless around bees…I didn’t want my boys watching me be scared of an insect that did so much good. My heart no longer races when I see when one in the garden, and I will actually get quite close to them to be able to observe them better. What a silly fear!
I hope you have a great weekend with lots of knitting time. My youngest and I are off to visit my mom.
PS Thanks for the shout out. I’m glad we met via our blogs as well 🙂

Great shot! Also gas on tires… Hmmm…

Very cool photo!

Hi Kristin, I comd over to your blog because I really enjoy your take on baking, yhe honest outlook you have on your lifestyle and YOU. I love reading what you post and in it all you’re bringing us along, so whatever you’re writing about, I’m interested.
Tell your friend sorry about election but great job on getting more people to the polls which is the most important!
Continue to take care of you. Oh, almost forgot, love your craft room!! I can see sitting in there with the lights, so dreamy.

This looks absolutely delicious… But at this point, I expect nothing less from you! I will see if I can get around to baking it this month. I used up all of my cranberries baking your suggested cranberry bread 🙂

That looks so delicious! And, man, do I love myself some cranberries this time of year. Darn this yuckiness that I’ve contracted, I didn’t get to make my pie but it’s on deck for next week when I’m back to normal. I don’t want to contaminate my family.

That cranberry bread looks delicious. I used to bake a few loaves every fall when the kids were all home — they loved it. That and the banana nut bread. Now that they’ve all moved out, it isn’t the same. I don’t know what’s going on with me lately, I’m totally in my feelings…

Anyway, I’m thinking about purchasing a crochet sweater kit. I think I told you I wanted to learn to knit, because I’ve only seen knit sweaters. How did I not know that there are crocheted sweaters out there? I mean, duh, Daenel. I just don’t want it to be another project that I start and not finish. Not that I need another sweater. My sweaters are literally falling out of the chest of drawers that I store them in.

I completely understand what you mean about getting stuck in photography. Most of the people I follow have kids, so their streams are full of adorables. I don’t have that so I’m like what do I shoot? I mean I can only shoot a coffee cup so many times. Again, in my feelings. Oy.

You know, I’ve rarely ever eaten cranberries…I’m not sure why that’s so, but your pie makes me crave some! It looks delicious and I love the way you layered the top crust. I always just roll my own flat, but your circle design makes it look so special 🙂 And the part about the extra dough took me back to childhood. My mom would take the scraps, sprinkle them with cinnamon/sugar, and then roll them up into cute little twists. We used to fight over those tasty scraps! Thanks for sharing the recipe 🙂 (P.S. Is there some way to subscribe to your comment replies? I might be missing something obvious, but I know you always reply and so make sure to come back and check it!)

Hi Kristen – thanks for the CLUCKER shout out, LOL.

We’re still getting Mother Earth News print mags over here and there is an article in the Dec. – Jan. issue that immediately made me think of you called “The State of Bees in the United States.” I just did a quick look online and found this: https://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/bee-decline-soil-health-zm0z19djzols

It looks like the same article! Might be something you and the book club readers will want to check out at some point.

I know I’m not a part of this book club session, but I hope to join you and the others in a future read. (Are you taking possible recommendations offline?)

There’s a line from a Tom Petty song called “Big Weekend” that goes: “If you don’t run you’ll rust.” I’m pretty sure there will be no rust on you, Kristin! 🙂 (By the way, if you like Tom Petty, his album Highway Companion is in my top 10 favorite albums to listen to over and over. Of course it’s great for road trips.) 😉

It sounds like you are really accomplishing a lot and moving your business forward. That is just wonderful! Good on you. And how great to have a supportive partner in crime on your side in Elizabeth. Good friends are priceless.

Off subject: I know you are fairly close to the NYS border. How close are you to route 17 (or 86, depending upon the stretch of highway)? We don’t head downstate often, but we take 17 to get to Mr. Gordon’s son’s house in Orange County. I was looking at the map and could see 17 listed. Maybe some summer we could meet up for a lunch or coffee when we’re cruising on by!

The tour of the house was fun – thanks for posting it. It’s so interesting to learn where other people live. And that generates questions… LOL. Thoughts that went through my head: river across the road… do they have a lot of mosquitoes? How many guides are there in season? Does she cook for everyone? Is the fly shop attached to the house? (My brain never shuts up.)

Fast food: So in my former job life (director of programs and outreach for a non-profit) I traveled A LOT through 7 – 10 counties weekly/monthly. Being on the road so much meant that I ate a lot of lunches and some dinners in the car. (I think that’s so bad emotionally and for physical well-being, but I get the necessity sometimes.) I don’t like fast food, but yes, there were times I did a convenience drive-thru. But, if I was good and planned ahead, mostly I would grab a sandwich and take that with me. I would say for a suggestion, if you didn’t have time to pack, instead of fast food, maybe try a supermarket deli item to go. At the very least, you could avoid some of the grease you’ll get going through the fast food drive-thru.

Okay, enough out of me! Thank you so much for sharing! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! (What are you all doing?) 😀

Your kits look fantastic. Great work!

The work you put into Chicken Librarian is awesome! 😀

All of us are rooting for your success! Today is Cyber Monday, people will be online. Sending out a e-newsletter?

Did I tell you that I love the salve? I actually use it as a base under my makeup. LOL And it smells so good.

Love the pictures… Your selfie is so adorable. The pups made me giggle. Too cute.

And, yep, I get it. We still have stuff at my MIL’s from when we separated from the Army in 1997. The shame. LOL