OOPS

Thursday

Oops I hit the publish button before I wanted to yesterday so will put that info in here.
Its been so nice here that our local golf course was open both Saturday and Sunday, a first at least as far back as I can remember.

I also wanted to post a couple picture of the stream out front that runs under our driveway.  Seeing it in purpose is better but the ice over top of the running water was pretty.

And here is the new table/card for the Smoker once I get it set up.

Emily keeps an eye on what I do.

So that catches me up.  Today is nice and sunny again.  If you remember last year I wrote day after day about how overcast and gloomy it was, so this is very nice.  I would love to get out in the yard to start picking up branches but it is just to soft and the ground is not frozen.  Catching up on my MAC podcasts this morning and plan to work on taxes this afternoon.

Well I was able to work on the taxes for a couple hours this afternoon and made it through.  I will wait a couple more days and wait to see if anything else comes to mind.  I had to file an amended return one time and now try not to get in to big of a hurry.  Looked out the front door this afternoon and the front yard was full of deer munching on the grass.

There are 6 in the picture and more off to the sides

A friend of ours mother is in the hospital so Bonnie was going to visit her in Warsaw after work and I think she was going shopping also.  Hey she just got home better go help carry in the groceries.  Wow lots of heavy food.

Just got an email my smoker is supposed to come tomorrow via UPS, I ordered some Rub from the West coast and Bonnie just bought a pork butt so maybe we will be trying the smoker by this weekend.

Thats about it for today, I hear we may get a little snow tomorrow.

Friday

Glanced out the door when I got up this morning a sure enough more deer in the yard.  Checked UPS and my smoker is on the truck along with the rub, oh boy.  Its Friday so through in the laundry and read some blogs along with breakfast.

Jumped in the truck and up to court for 3 hours.  Back home picked up the mail but no smoker yet.

Elizabeth and Alexus came for dinner and Bonnie got home on time also.  Finally the big brown truck pulled in the driveway.  He brought the rub.

It is famous on the West coast so we will give it a try.  Elizabeth also brought my StrongBack chair that was delivered yesterday.

My new chair for sitting around the campfire

Very Comfortable some say the best they ever sat in, time will tell

So tomorrow or later tonight I will unpack the smoker.  The UPS man said he figured the first one was damaged when he saw this one on his truck.  We had pork butt that Bonnie did in the slow cooker and it sure was good along with a nice salad.  Now we are waiting to watch a movie at 8 called I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT.  Well not a bad movie but not a great movie.  It started to snow and the girls headed for home when the movie ended.

I went out to the garage to unpack the smoker.  The box had a hole and was a little beat up.

Something Poked a hole

Tops a little beat up

A small rip

But once I got it unpacked it all looked pretty good, no dents and nothing broke.  The door does not seem to seal real good but that may get better when it warms up some and the gasket is more pliable.

The control box powers up

The heating element works

Set up and ready to go

Tomorrow I will fire it up again and put some smoke to it to season it and then Sunday maybe we can try smoking the pork but.

Saturday

Woke up this morning to about 1/2 inch snow.  I think it has snowed all day and now we have 4 or 5 inches.  We were able to get a lot done today.  First I took the ladder into Elizabeths and Bonnie met her sisters at the town hall to notarize some papers.  Before I left with the ladder I set up the smoker outside and seasoned it.

Set up and ready to run some smoke

 I also set up the remote talking thermometer that Elizabeth got me and it worked fine all the way up to the living room.

Works good but I did have to read the directions

 Once I got to Elizabeth's we set up the ladder and Bonnie got to work vacuuming the ceiling fans that are pretty high up.

Is Elizabeth the supervisor or the safety officer?  Your choice.

Once done I headed to court for about an hour and finished up some paperwork.  Then home for some delicious home made split pea soup.

Alexus jumped right in and helped with the fan in the bedroom.

Catching up on some recorded TV this evening.  Looks like the snow should meld again later this week.


Sunday

Lots of snow when we got up this morning.  The Honda made it out no problem even though the snow was deep enough that it was dragging on the bottom.  It snowed more while we were at church but we made it back in no problem.  We did a quick change of clothes and then right back out, no problems, to head to my SILs for lunch with her, my FIL and MIL.  We had one of my favorite meals.  Both ham and toasted cheese sandwiches and Chili (made with home canned tomatoes) Delicious!

We arrived to a lovely set table, then I forgot to get a picture of the great meal.

It continued to snow and blow off and on all afternoon.  We played a game of Skip-Bo and Bonnie won.

Thats a real card shark on the right side.

I received a book and a nice card in addition to the meal for my birthday, and my MIL's Birthday is soon and she got a nice treasure box and a book also.

Peeking inside the box.

Then we tried out the Wii and Grandma (my MIL) caught on to the bowling pretty quickly.

She bowled a 155 her first game.

We also played 3 holes of golf but I think bowling is her game.  We headed home around 4:30 with a quick stop to pick up an Apple Pie at her house, another birthday present.

We had a great day and even though the roads were a bit slippery we made it home safe and sound.  I went back out and cleaned the driveway as best I could  as it got dark while I was out there.  I can clean it up better tomorrow and it looks like it will melt again latter in the week.  The garage will be a mess with melted snow but I can sweep it out tomorrow.

Nacos and cheese for supper and now watching recorded shows.

Its been a great week and good times spent with family.

Thanks for Checking In.

Close the book on another year

Monday

They say its my birthday.  I know I was there but I do not exactly remember it.  But every February 6th for the last 63 years friends and family have told me Happy Birthday and today is no exception.  So Thank You all very much.

I was up early and in Attica by 9:30am for my appointment at the dentist for a cleaning.

When the dentist and his staff are friends you are happy to see them.

All went well but I do have a cavity so will be going back later this month to get that taken care of.  I stopped off at the Logging company to make sure their data was backing up likes its supposed to and I believe it is, I will know for sure next time I get over that way and check in.

Then it was off to Smokeys in Java Center for lunch with a former co-worker.  I had a real juicy burger and we caught up on the last year, a real nice way to spend some time on my birthday.  Now I am home for a quick stop and then up to court for the evening.

As I left for court there were 6 deer grazing just outside the kitchen door.  Court was quick tonight and I was home by 8.  We watched a little TV together and we got to FaceTime with our family out in Alabama.

I was totally amazed at how many folks took the time to FaceTime me today and wish me a great day.  I really appreciated everyone taking the time to wish me a happy birthday.

Tuesday

Must have been tired because I slept in about an extra hour today.  Tuesdays are busy for me so I better get going.

Collected the trash and cleaned the cat box.  Then got ready to head to Strykersville to the Post Office and Bank.  Dropped the trash off at the end of the driveway and hit the road.  It started to snow a little near Byrncliff but nothing that will amount to much.  I spent a couple hours at court and as I was headed home these guys showed up.

Keeping the salt barn full

We really have not had much winter but the two 18 Wheelers in the back are working to keep the salt barn full and ready to go.  Our town guys will mix the salt with grit and sand and then finally spread it on the roads as needed.

We will head to WW and then my birthday dinner at Elizabeths.  Well neither one of us did so good this week, but I did enjoy the WW meeting.

Then off to Elizabeths, that sang to me and I even got presents, a perfect birthday.  Then the dinner was delicious chicken, twice baked potatoes, and mac and cheese.  Plus Alexus backed me a cake and it was delicious.

Remote meat thermometer to use with the new smoker

Weber Saucing system to keep the bbq meat well basted

Bonnie ordered me a Strongback chair to use around the campfire this year.  Great gifts and I look forward to trying each of them out soon.

I tracked the return of the defective smoker and it was delivered yesterday so I am hoping to hear that the new one is on the way so we can get it set up and start using.

Finally home and ready to catch up on our recorded programs.

Wednesday

Woke up to see a half dozen or so deer outside the back door again, in fact they saw me before I saw them.  Did a load of whites and read some blogs while the machines did the work.  Then I headed in to a Super Walmart to pick up a table for the smoker.  Then up the road to have lunch with Bob a former co-worker.  We try to get together for lunch a few times a year and never seem to run out of things to talk about.  I always have a good time.  Once home I got the table/cart assembled and put out on the deck.  Looks like the new smoker will not be shipped until next week, they must be waiting for a shipment of new ones.

Just after Bonnie got home FedEx brought our new DVD player, the old one did not want to give the disk back when it was done playing.  This one is also Blu-Ray and connect to internet services which I get with my Amazon Prime membership.  So will try to set that up later tonight.

Bonnie and I are catching up on some recordings this evening after leftovers for supper.

Time to get this posted.  Thanks for Checking In.

Time for some basketball

Thursday

Well it was a bit cooler this morning but not really cold for this time of the year.  I read and worked on the computer this morning and before I knew it the morning was gone.  I had a quick sandwich for lunch and then headed over to Attica.  I was headed to help out at the logging company I used to work at.  I still help occasionally and today we were reviewing some reports and forms that needed sent into the state.  They all looked good and that didn't take to long.  Then we worked on a few computer issues and did what I could until almost 5pm.  I plan to go back and finish up in the near future.

Then it was off to the hight school for some basketball.  I enjoy high school sports and try to attend when kids I know from the community or church are playing.  Attica and Alexander were playing today and I knew kids on both teams both JV and Varsity.  Both games were pretty exciting and the kids I knew all played very good.  I cheered for Attica since my school taxes go to support that team.  Even though the score was close in both games Alexander came out on top.  I really enjoyed my time there and got to visit with good friends and say Hi to others I have not seen for a while.

The guys provided the action

The gals entertained during the timeouts

Once home I got good news from several friends.  Our friend that had a knee replacement is doing well and moving about her room ready to get released and head to rehab tomorrow.  Another sent a message that started "Its a Girl" yep after two boys they have a little girl Eden Rose, I love that name.

Its after midnight again, I am headed for bed with a smile on my face and thankful for a great day and great friends.  God surely has blessed me.

Friday

Second night in a row no Nyquil so I am on the mend, not completely better yet but doing good.  Its a bit overcast this morning and as I look out the front window several deer are grazing int the front yard.  I have not mentioned them much but most times when we look outside they are somewhere in the yard.  Still having my second cup of coffee but one load is in the dryer and the next is in the washer.

Took a break from my domestic duties and went up to court for a few hours.  It always amazes me how much there is to do up there.  Today I signed and transmitted my monthly report to the state and looked over the cases for Monday night.

Back home and resumed my domestic role.  Finished the wash, did the dishes, had a bowl of soup for lunch and then grilled sausage outside for supper.  During all that I tried to watch MacBreak Weekly one of the podcasts I like to watch.

Bonnie had the rest of the dinner in the crockpot and we enjoyed that and then watched the shows that were recorded on the DVR and I chatted with my sister for a while.

Time to read for a while and head to bed.  Good news is our camping buddy was transferred to rehab today and all reports are that she is doing great.

Saturday

Beautiful morning and a beautiful day.  I tried some of the coconut oil in my oatmeal today and boy was it good.  Then ran up to court again for a few hours.

Not much snow for the 4th of February and nice and sunny

Came home for a little lunch and then watched a couple shows with Bonnie.  We then headed over to drop off some stuff at her parents and sisters.  I got my first birthday present from mom and we picked up some fresh eggs from her sister.  Then we headed to Elizabeths for dinner.  We are calling it our Christmas dinner since we were not together at Christmas time.

We had a great meal

Thats the almost full moon through the skylight

The ham, potatoes, mac and cheese, collard greens, and corn spoon bread were all delicious.  We all ate too much.  We had a good time together and made it home by about 9.  We had Gold Rush recorded and finished up the evening watch it and a little TV.

Sunday

We were up and on our way to church in good time this morning.  Such an unusual winter, its in the 30s but not much snow, no one seems to remember a year like this.  Our area makes a lot of maple syrup and the trees like to give up their sap when it is in the 20s at night and 40's or so during the day.  I talked to one producer today and they are off to a really slow start, I hope it all works out for them.

We took it easy all afternoon and its now almost game time, yes its SuperBowl Sunday.  So I am going to settle back and watch the game, and of course the commercials.

Thanks for Checking in.

New Smoker arrives broken

Monday

So another 8 inches or so of snow, that makes 14 or more in the last 2 days.  I had my first cup of coffee and headed outside.  An hour and fifteen minutes later I had the driveway cleared out, I was expecting the big brown truck.  Within five minutes of me getting upstairs it pulled in.

UPS likes to use this spot to drop off packages

These will make the smoke in the smoker, it is to be delivered tomorrow

This is supposed to help our memory, I know I read that somewhere just not sure where?

I still have the deck to clear again.

White on white hard to see the exact amount on the railing and hard to see the birds on the feeder

So after a brief rest I will dress warm and tackle the deck.  I still have a cold but I feel ok, and the fresh air is good for me.

Its 12:40 now and I think I have time to relax deck is clear and the sun is out.

This cold is really hitting me hard.  I felt good this morning when I was out working on the snow but I am really tired now and am tired of my nose either being stuffed up or running.  I did work on our taxes for an hour or so after a brief nap, so far it looks good (we do not owe).

Bonnie has a DR. appointment after work so will wait on her for dinner.  Gave up and made a bowl of soup.

Another TV evening, Bonnie did make it home safe and sound.


Tuesday

Nice sunny morning, Nyquil induced good nights sleep.  Still have the cold, but I think it is starting to clear up.  Its only 8:50am and already its 43 outside, that will melt a lot of snow again today.  Busy Tuesday again trash, cat box, court, WW.  Maybe work some more on the taxes.

The UPS truck rolled in while I was sweeping out the garage and dropped off the new smoker :)

My happiness turned to sadness as I unpacked the new smoker :(

Heres the box good and sturdy

So far so good

Lots of stuff packed inside, perhaps too much weight

This is out of kilter, should be centered

The insulator is broken

Plug is broken on the rear of the cabinet

I did find a hole in the box that lines up with the broken plug

So I sent off an email with pictures through Amazon to the seller.  I am hoping I do not have to try to repack all this stuff and ship it back.  It really appeared to be packed well but I think a fork lift tang went through the box and maybe the box was dropped causing all the stuff inside to shift.  I was hoping to fire it up in this nice weather and at least get it seasoned.  I have yet to determine if it heats up, I am waiting to hear from them and have saved all the packing.

I mailed some letters for our camping club and made it up to court for a couple hours, back home now and waiting for Bonnie, back to WW tonight.

One of our camping friends is having knew surgery today so I am waiting to hear how that went.  Got the update and while it was a long day she is doing great.

We both did good at WW and then stopped at Elizabeths for a good dinner and time together.  Drove home and it was 50 degrees out still, the snow is again melting fast.

Time to relax, read, and sleep.  More tomorrow.

Wednesday

Slept like a rock.  Woke up in the same position I laid down in thanks to Nyquil.

Bummer I heard from the company about my Bradley Smoker, it is too damaged and they want me to repack it and return it.  Good thing I took lots of pictures, just maybe I can get it back in the box.  Wish me luck.  It only took about 45 minutes and the pictures made it possible, I got it all packed up, taped up and the label on it to send it back.

It all fit back inside

I will drop it off at the UPS store later today on my way to dinner with some of my high school classmates.

The smoker was dropped off and I had a wonderful time with lifelong friends tonight , its time for bed as its after midnight.

Thanks for checking in.

Lost Track of the Days

Thursday

Not sure what happened yesterday but I missed posting the blog.  Maybe the coconut oil I ordered today will help.  I read online where it can help with you memory so we are giving it a try.  Also boosts the LDLs which is good for you.

Most of the day was pretty boring.  I did the towels and watched some TV.  I started working on the taxes but the new Quicken 2012 kept crashing when I tried to run some of the reports I use for Turbo Tax.  So I gave up on that, still plenty of time and I still need some paperwork and forms from the county, since I was still received some checks from them last January.

My main achievement for the day was this.

All set for the next 28 days (mostly vitamins and minerals)

I did prepare some chicken breasts and did them on the grill, baked potatoes in the MW, and mixed veggies.  Bonnie was late as she shopped after work but got home and put stuff away just as the chicken was ready, perfect.  We watched a little TV and talked a nice evening.

I have been researching Smokers as I have mentioned and finally ordered a Bradley tonight.  So next week we should have it.  I am hoping to take it in the MH some and cook with it while traveling once I get it figured out.  A friend, Norb recommended Apple wood for smoking poultry and I like Hickory so have ordered both.  My one goal is to learn how to do BabyBack Ribs the way we like them.

So thats about it for today think I will catch up on Facebook and then read on my Kindle.

Friday

4:29AM Is that the phone ringing?  Ok I will be at court as soon as I can get there.  Back home at 6:30 no sense laying down, time for my oatmeal and coffee.  At least I got to see Bonnie before she headed off to work.

I think my two cups of coffee kept me from napping all morning, I did do the wash and ran the dishwasher but I never felt good.  Had some hot soup for lunch after I got the mail and filled the bird feeder.  The soup helped and I started to feel more normal and got a short nap in the chair.

I started to work on my taxes trying to get Quicken to print the reports I needed, but it seems to be a known widespread software issue.  Then the power went off.  Wet icy snow has been falling for a few hours and its pretty windy.  The generator is on but I have not moved the circuit to power the TV and DISH yet.  An hour passed and I tried to get another little nap and the power came back on.  The temperature stayed right around freezing all day so most of the snow is melting.

Bonnie was home on time and we had Nachos for supper, they were good.  Not much on TV so maybe I can get to bed early and catch up on my sleep.  The days have been a bit boring and look like they may stay that way for a while.



Saturday

Not too cold this morning but it has started to snow.  I think I have a second cold, I usually only get one.  Made it up to court for a few hours but came home not feeling well.

Took it easy all day.  I did get the updated schedule sent out for our camping group but thats about it.

Headed to bed hope I feel better tomorrow.  We did get about 4 inches of snow in the yard, hope it warms up like it is supposed to.

Sunday

Tough night I did not sleep well, running nose, fever, aching, could it be the flu.  Glad I did get my flu shot or it would be worse.  About 6 inch of snow now but it has stopped so hope I feel well enough later to move some of it.  Decided to stay home from church today and not spread what ever I have around.  Bonnie will go and represent us.

First I was hot, then cold, then felt pretty good so I went out and cleaned the driveway, will rest up and then do the deck.  The birds are out there now for the morning feeding.

Got the deck done too.  Tried to rest and nap.  Then over to my SIL for a haircut, we chatted a bit and then noticed it was snowing.  I jumped in the car and headed home.  The closer I got to home the harder it snowed.  Now just a couple hours later we have a fresh 6 inches of snow.  Guess I will be moving snow again in the morning.

Thats about it for this week.  Hope to get a few more pictures next week.

Thanks for checking in.

Winter drags on

Monday

I am always thankful for a good nights sleep and I got one last night.  Finished my book "Eminent Domain" by Traci Tyne Hilton.  A big wind blew in last night and its warmer air so it is up to 39 this morning.  I hope to get some work done out in the garage since it is warmer today.  I need to hook up a charging port in the Ranger and go out and read the electric meter.  The gas company only reads it every other month and then send me an email with the option to read it the other month.  Otherwise they estimate it.

It was up to 40 and not raining so I headed out to work on the Ranger.  It was a little sluggish to start so I checked the Battery and sure enough it needed some water added.

Just need to take the green caps off and add some water.

Then I added the charging port for the Battery Tender.

New charging port just behind the roll bar.

 Then I took a test ride out to pick up the mail and get a reading on the electric meter.

Nice to pull right up to the meter in the edge of the woods.

Now to send in either the reading or NTSEG lets you send in a picture of the meter

Bonnie brought home coffee from her trip to the Dominican Republic and her K-Cups were empty so I took the time to fill them for her today.  I will try some of these K-Cups also as the coffee is really good.  Check here for some reviews,  Cafe Santo Domingo

This is some good coffee

Bonnie got home and fixed supper, then a lazy evening of TV and I started a new book.


Tuesday

Really dark out this morning at 7:30.  It was 32 and most of the snow is gone so it must have stayed above freezing all night.  This is the third or fourth time the snow has all melted, it has been a strange winter, but I am not complaining everyday is one day closer to spring, the days are already getting longer.

Busy day today, I have to collect the trash and take it out on my way to work at court, then Alexus might need a ride to school as she goes in late because of mid term exams.  Then we have our annual Business Meeting at church, we a skipping WW, and then I have an audit of my court records by the Town Board.  So it looks like a busy day.  I got up a few minutes early and need to jump in the shower soon and get moving in case Alexus calls for a ride.

Got my home work done this morning and then headed up to court.  The weather got really nasty up there on the hill so headed home after about 3 hours.  Then home and started to watch a movie.  Then the power went out.  The generator came on but does not run the TV center.  So got an extension cord and got the DVD out to watch on the computer.  Note to self, but the TV center on the generator.  Then after a little over an hour power came back to switched back to the TV and DVD player to finish the movie.

Bonnie's home and we are headed to eat out before the church meeting.

We had a great dinner

Yummy Meatloaf Sandwich

Homemade Lemon Meringue pie 

I made it to both meetings and home, nasty weather in Attica and glad to be home.

Wednesday

No new snow overnight :).  I have been tracking a package we first sent at Christmas time and returned here because the PO Box had been closed, but the address still lived in the same town.  So I mailed it again on the 14th and the tracking app says it is back here in Varysburg today, can't wait to see why.  If I send it again it will be via UPS, no wonder the USPS is in such bad shape.

Lazy day today just a little laundry since I skipped last week.

I decided to check the mail and sure enough the package was there.  I headed down to the Post Office, she is at lunch and the window is closed until 1pm.  So I went up to Prallers and had a Tuna Sub for lunch.  Then back to the post office with the torn up package.  I did not post a picture of it because it has addresses on it.  But the post office worker typed the address into her computer and she said it definitely was a valid address.  She also said it was ridiculous that not only was it not delivered but the route it took.

She apologized several times.  So I asked for a refund, sorry no way to do that with the Post Office.  So I said I realize it is not your fault personally but we would be sending it via UPS, she understood.  Soon there will be no Post Office or it will change drastically and become competitive.

Wow where did the night go,  I missed posting this.

Thanks for Checking In