March 2020

Oh, March 2020, you will go down in everyone's memory as the month that brought us to our knees.  Covid 19, working from home, schooling from home, stay in place orders not to mention the toilet paper.  I did call that one....I've been saying for years, when the "sh..t" goes down, you better have a stock pile of toilet paper.  People won't want gold, it'll be the toilet paper that has the most value.  Nailed it!  Sorry to say....

I was able to teach 4 needle felting classes before all of this.  I also had 2 classes postponed until end of May and June with the UWSP Wausau campus.  

March found me "making" myself go through stuff.  Tubs and tubs of not just stuff, but memories.  That is why I didn't want to do it.  I'm proud of myself for letting A LOT of it go.  I've made towers of tubs for each of our daughters to take to their own homes now.  I did keep some "Gram Bird" toys....

I recycled over 100 pounds of magazines....really!  I also boxed up for donation over 200 pounds of books!  I hope I can refrain from going back out to dig in them!  

We've been eating like "kings and queens" over here.  I've been making all kinds of "healthy" things from scratch.  We are digging through the bottom of the freezers, using what we have.  We are blessed to be able to homestead!

As we hop into April, more stay in place orders, I hope to keep working on cleaning and sorting.  My goal is to set up "Gram Bird's" playroom in one the girl's old bedrooms.  I have them filled with all kinds of wool, fabric, needle felting supplies...etc., etc., ..... all that needs to be organized too.  

I do a monthly giveaway on my business page: https://www.facebook.com/Town-Hall-Trinkets-LLC-729693193716630/  this month it is a gift certificate for a free needle felting class along with this:

I hope March found you a bit more thankful, loved, mindful and healthy.  I'll continue to do my part by posting fun, uplifting things on my blog.  Thanks for following along!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Motivational Monday - Infect, Effect, Affect

Our pastor, who is also my brother, often inspires my Motivational Monday posts.  This one included.  

Infect:  Contaminate with harmful organisims
Effect:  A change that is the result of a consequence
Affect:  To make a difference

Hello...are you hanging in there?  #Knowyour truth moment here...I have so many projects and work I need to get done, that "this," is actually helping me.  I guess it took a pandemic to enlighten my "busy" choices.  However, that is for another post.

Something, that was said in our livestream Sunday School lesson yesterday, made me think on these words.  I knew it would be a Motivational Monday blog post.  Review the definitions above and proceed....teehee...

In this time, when we may "infect" our friends, family and neighbors, we need to be mindful of the "effect" of our actions yet, we should still want to have an "affect" on those around us.  

In my attempt to motivate you today, think on that, those words.  Yes, with Covid-19, we understand the "infect, effect" but, it's the "affect" that we should focus on.  This would still stand as motivation even outside of a virus.  Or rather, to live our life like a virus - we will "infect" with postivity, that will "effect" the situation, so that we may have an "affect" on the outcome.  I like it!

As most of us have a bit more time on our hands, at least until April 30? let's think of ways in which we can "affect" our communities.  I would challenge you to come up with something you can do.  This, helping others, will also have an "effect that will affect" your mindset.  Here are a few ideas, however please feel free to share yours.

1.  Break out the cards.  Yes, regular old snail mail.  Many of us connect daily via social media, however there are nursing homes residents, who can not.  Make some cards, send a package or drop them off at the door of a nursing home.   You could make thank you cards and do the same at some of the "essential" businesses.  

2.  Thinking on "essential" businesses, if you are able, support them.  One of our favorite pizza places in Wausau, shared that a customer came for a curb side pickup and gave a nice tip to share with the staff and another customer paid for the next 5 pizzas.  Many of the shops are doing online shopping, home delivery and curb side pick ups.  This is for more than food by the way.  Let's try to support their efforts!  Hey, buy an extra....drop it off at friend's house.

3.  One of my 4H mom's is doing a live "reading time" via facebook live.  Her family is also doing bi-weekly music nights - sing alongs.  A highschool friend, who lives in a suburb of Chicago, posted a picture of his neighborhood playing sidewalk BINGO.  My friend, a basket weaver, is boxing up kits, sending them to customers and doing videos of how to make it - my daughter did this and loved it.  Another of my 4H moms is doing a daily guessing game..."my toddler or puppy" where she says some little funny and we have to guess was it Hannah or Luke.  If you are creative, do something like this to enlighten and brighten our days.

4.  I think many of us are baking and cooking more.  Make an extra loaf of banana bread and give it to a shut in neighbor or drop off at one of the "essential" business as a thank you.

5.  My heart hurts for those little ones, who no fault of their own, find themselves in an "unsafe" home - where, maybe school was their "refuge" for a few hours...now they don't have that.  I have no idea how to help with this, other than I've been praying.  Because I am involved in our local community, I can think of a few little kids I actually know.  I have plans to do something for them.  Please be aware of those in your neighborhood as well.  Maybe drop off some McDonald gift certificates, a bag of groceries, box of old books, paper, craft supplies....just leave them on the porch...no one even need to know it was from you.  

O.k. I hope you can think of a way that you can "affect" those around you.  Who knows, maybe this will be infectious. 

Blessing from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Crazy Biscuits

I saw this biscuit recipe on pinterest, it had mayo in it.  I noticed it said to bake 15 min at 180.  Now, when I clicked on the link it took me to only the photo the recipe.  O.k. this is too weird, 180? Mayo? but, then I thought it's Miracle Whip - maybe it's a miracle...LOL...wait...it's mayo...  I jotted down the recipe on an envelope and thought I would give it a try.  

Well, great minds must think alike, becase one of my friends, Meg, shared the same recipe on her facebook page.  I told her I was going to give it a try....that's when I realized 180 was C ...teehee...we are F.  I turned up the oven after 15 min...to 350, they were o.k., but I thought too salty.  So I tweaked it.

1 Cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt (could add more to your taste)
1 Tbs. sugar (could add less to your taste)
2 Tbs. mayo
1/2 C milk

Put all in a bowl and mix with a fork.  Knead it into a ball and roll 1/4 thick on floured counter, cut into shapes.  My square cutter is like 2 biscuits.  Makes 5-6  Bake 375 for till light brown - like 12-14 minutes.

Breakfast sandwich!  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farm House Friday - Spring Barnyard Walk

Welcome to another Farm House Friday.  Today, it's just pictures of my barnyard and garden.  Spring has sprung.

Rhubarb!

I want to put in a planter box in this old trunk and plant some flowers inside.  

I want to plant a "green" seat of succulents on this old patio bench.

Enjoy your day.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Simple "Diet" Cookie

I'm not one to like "diet" cookies....#knowyourtruth
However, this is better, as in for me, than the other.

2 ripe bananas
2 T peanut butter
2 T raw honey
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
smash together with a fork

1 C rolled oats
1/2 C dried Door County no sugar added cherries (could use anther dried...)  however, the tart bite, is amazing in these.  

Stir them together and drop by rounded tablespoons on a sprayed pan.  Bake 350 for 25 minutes (ya, it's long because they are so "wet").  When you smell them, they are done.  This makes 16 cookies and each is around 50 calories.  

If you don't eat them within a day or so, store in the refrigerator.  I know, "just eat a regular cookie" but, this one is full of natural sugar, fiber and protein.  You can eat 1 and not want more...not because of the taste...teehee...rather, it will fill you up and the lack of simple carbs and sugars won't leave you craving more.  They are actually pretty tasty.  

No worries if you don't have the dried cherries - Door County is the best!  You can order here:  Wood Orchard Market:  http://www.woodorchardmarket.com/order.htm

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Wednesday's Word - Unity

Unity - "being united or joined as a whole"

In spite of the rule breakers in other areas, my community stands in unity.  I've hardly seen a car go down our road.  My husband's job (factory) was deemed "essential" and they gave each employee a letter saying so.  I guess, if they would be pulled over or questioned? they can show the letter.  I'm not sure if this would ever happen...but...things seem to change every day.

So, why Unity?  I was thinking of a word that would encourage my reader - at this time there sure are one's that do the other.  Look no further than your social media news feeds.  

Unity - joined as a whole.  "It's a small world after all"... is a song that I keep thinking about - thanks Disney - at least it's not baby shark LOL.  It is a small world, we have a village in China to thank for reminding us, just how small.  We ALL are untied by the planet - in unity during this "virus."  I am united with my fellow Americans, Wisconsonites, Ringle residents...we need to be in "unity" as how we handle ourselves.  

Without getting into a huge Bible study on 2 Chronicles 30, which I'm not qualified to do, here is my take on it.  In this chapter the king called for the people to come and celebrate the passover.  He told them do not be like their parents, who were unfaithful to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.  Rather, he said if you return to the Lord, He will show compassion on your children, He will not turn is face from you, if you return to Him.  That's what I get out of it...read between the lines....I don't need to preach.  

The unity comes in verse 12:  "...the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and officials had ordered, following the word of the Lord."  

I hate it when people tell me what to do!  I want to do what I want to do when and where I want to do it...spoiled much!  Reading this chapter today, brought light on my selfish spirit.  We need to listen to what our officials have ordered.  We need to be in living in unity.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin

Tips on Tuesday - You CAN Gardnen

Tips on Tuesday - You CAN Garden

I couldn't give any more tips than what was shared on this youtube video called - Dig for Victory (WWII area).  It's only 6 minutes to watch:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35NpLveVZDg

My 5 Tips for Tuesday - You CAN Garden come from the words of wisdom in this old news reel.

1.  "Help yourself to good food."  You can!  In light of the empty shelves of the past week and supplies running out.  You can help, by planting a garden - you CAN do it!

2.  "Bit of ground waiting for you somewhere."  There is!  Dig up a patch of your yard.  Plant in containers.  Create a space, there really isn't an excuse - fill a carboard box with dirt and plant lettuce and onions - one above ground, one in it.  

3.  "Learn how to do a good job yourself."  Make it a priority.  Get your children involved (chores and work are best things you can "give" your children!!).  Nothing and I mean nothing tastes as good as your own food - seed to savor - it fills your belly and heart!

4.  "Finest tool a gardener can use is his/her own 2 hands."  That is the key!  Gardening isn't hard, but it requires work.  Learn to rely on yourself, instead of others - even if it is for only a few items.  Use your hands for digging, instead of scrolling.

5.  "1 hour in the garden is better than 1 hour in the gym."  For me it is!  Gardening is great exercise!  However, the rewards are more than physical - it's emotional benefits as well!  Get lost in your garden - no matter how small.   

I know there are many posts, podcasts, youtube videos this past week on "grow your own Vicotry Garden" - one good thing from the "this" is that people are wanting to be more self-sufficient.  We may have lived a homesteading lifestyle for over 25 years here on our farm, but we have always had a garden even in town.  You can too, just get up, go outside and do it.  You'll be better for it!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Motivational Monday - We All Have to Do Our Part

Good Monday Morning this quarantine, Covid-19, Monday, take 2.

How are you doing?  I hope healthy and well!  

I was talking to my hens over the weekend...."girls, now I know I gave you the winter off, but we all need to do our part now...start laying me some eggs!"  Even my old little banty hens are laying...coincidence?  Probably...it's just a funny story.  

If my hens can muster up the ambition to lay - we can surely do what we need to do - we all have to do our part as well.   

Our governor just issued a "stay at home," "non-essentials" type order starting tomorrow.   I did "call it" last week...anyone could see it was coming.  I "called it" even to those I love who, have been sick of hearing my "theories."  When you spout off all kinds of crazy, over the years and some of it doesn't come to pass....it leaves people not so interested in listening....ahahaha!!!  Well, who's listening now?  Still no one....I'm so laughting as I type this!  If I keep this up, I may be sleeping in the barn...lol....I'm trying not to share my "theories" so much....it's hard!  We are in the middle of a pandemic...and no one will listen to me!  I digress...

O.k. so today for today's Motivational Monday - just do your part - stay home, wash hands, think positive thoughts, be productive and by all means...pray.   Pray for our world, our country, the businesses effected by all this, the lonely elderly, home bound family, parents thrown in the homeschool arena, your family, neighbors and self.  I hope to post some upbeat positive things on my blog, that is something I can do.  One of my "therories" is that we may not have the internet like we are accustomed to....I hope I'm wrong....so, post while you can.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.   

Farm House Friday - 1 Box at a Time

Well friends, this Friday finds me and my calendar a bit "open" to say the least.  With nothing around me "open" ... I guess I can stay put here on the farm and get to cleaning.  Whaaa!  I don't want to!

I know many of us are worried and with good reason!  I'm trying to keep busy.  So, today on this Farm House Friday, I will let you know that I am going to continue in my progression to clean out my hoarded mess!  Now, this is a big job, that's why I did the Whaaa! above!  I am going to take my own advice as an estate consultant...ya....that's me....I'm good at this, really, just not with my own stuff...and start with 1 box at a time.

I don't know if I should shame myself by showing you a picture of Justine's old bedroom...it's been my "dumping" ground for things I want to keep or craft with.  Maybe, it's better kept as my little secret.  Wink, wink.  Or, if I get it all done, I will do a before, during and after picture.  

I plan on doing this 1 box at a time thing in my pantry as well.  This is a great opportunity for me to clean out and use what we have.  Freezers too!  I hope to bake Al something today, he's been hinting for sugar cookies.  

What are you doing today at your house?  Use this quarantine time wisely.  I vow not to....Netflix it away!  Busy, busy...let's keep positive, productive and prayed up.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Dicky Bird's Tomato Basil Soup

One day, I had "nothing" (good) in the pantry, except, jars of my tomato preserves.  So I made some tomato soup.  It eventually became this recipe.  I have had so many requests for it, it is so easy, I'm almost embarrased to share it.  I made it yesterday, a request from Justine, and took the whole kettle to her house.  My little grand, loves it!  "Mmmm Gram Bird" it tickled my heart!  So here goes.....

Always start with the best quality of fresh ingredients you can find and afford.  Always "roast" veggies - it's how you get the flavor!  

I cut up tomatoes and sweet onion, added crushed garlic and fresh basil leaves (no stems) to a pan.  Drizzle with 1/4 cup or so olive oil, roll this all around so it is covered, sprinkle with salt, pepper and oregeno.  Bake 300 for about an hour or until the tomatoes start to break down.

Take all the roasted veggies and put into a kettle

To this add a can of tomato juice (could be your own), 1 can of tomato paste, a box of vegetable stock (could be your own) and 1 box (use the same one) of water.

I also add some more fresh basil, parsley (no stems) and 2 T sugar.  Bring to a slow little bubbling boil and turn down to low and let it all melt together for about 30-45 minutes.   After this, I use my hand immersion blender and "blend" until smooth, right in the kettle.  Now, taste it...if you want more salt, pepper or sugar add and blend again.  If it is too thick to your liking, add more water.  

That's it, so simple.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Wednesday's Word - Diligent

I chose diligent:  having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.  

My advice today, in light of all of "this" is to be diligent!  Wake up and take your daily steps, one right after the other and keep busy, diligent in what it is you do.  Maybe you're not allowed to do your "work" do something.  Worry, idleness does no one any good - especially you.  Focus your energy on postitive things.  I know, easy to say, but hard to do.  It is, because we are human.  Worry, anxiety, depression love to take root in times like this.  Try hard not to let it.

Diligent - care - conscientiousness - in all we do, one step at a time.  We can NOT change any of this, we CAN change how we respond to it.  Be diligent for your parents, children, family, friends, neighbors and yourself!  

"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  And we desire that everyone of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end; That ye be not slothful, but folowers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."  Hebrews 6:10-12.  

Today, I think on my parents and their examples of diligence, it inspires me to want to do more.  Go forth today and do some good and be diligent in your efforts.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.