Weekending

Happy Sunday friend!
Rain, rain, go away..... I really do hate to complain about rain since many in the world need it so badly.  It's just that winter rain arrives married with cold temps, mostly teetering between freezing and just above, making our homestead a large ice rink.  Rain during the other 3 seasons is welcomed with open arms.  Rain during the winter is welcomed with warm fires and a pot of soup.  It also gives me the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hot cup of tea (my non-coffee coffee as my husband calls it) with a swirl of oat milk while curled up with a book.  It hits the spot about right now.  I feel like in winter it's easier to live more intentionally and complete activities that make your soul happy.  It seems a natural time for reflection, planning, and dreaming.  Do you find the same?

Speaking of cold, Jay stocked his woodshop full of wood on Saturday.  He has a woodstove for heat and was running low.  Last year he didn't spend too much time there throughout winter but this year he has a new gig.  His hand-turned razors, shave brushes and stands have really taken off and I'm so happy they have.  He absolutely loves working with wood and he's really good at it.

Oliver enjoys sleeping on the couch!

Considering - purchasing a weighted dog blanket for Oliver.  Do any of you have any experience with this?  I would love to hear your opinion and experience if you do.  Ollie has always struggled with anxiety and I thought it might help.

Grateful - for the fact that Oliver is soooo much better.  He's even getting back to how he's always been.  He has always LOVED the pellet stove and was incredibly uncomfortable laying in front of it these past few weeks.  But now, as you can see, he is back to his happy, comfortable self, plopped right in front of it.  He's even doing well in the living room (on the couch is his favorite spot) as long as I'm there.  That is one thing that I don't think will ever change, he is attached to my side.  That's been ever since Emerson passed away a year ago and understandably.  Oliver has never been alone, always had a sidekick.  So, I am now his sidekick.

Cooking - Taco's for dinner tonight with homemade salsa (I make this weekly).  Although I try not to purchase out-of-season produce, I just can't help myself when it comes to tomatoes for salsa or tomato soup.  I made burgers for dinner last night (beef for Jay and lentil for me) with homemade french fries.  In the air fryer.  So.....here's the thing.  I've resisted buying an air fryer for 2 years.  I did NOT want another small appliance.  Our friends have told us over and over how much they love theirs.  The past 3 weeks at the farmer's market some vendor friends were discussing all of the things they make in their air fryers.  Ugh….. And everything they told me about, they were able to make without oil.  Homemade french fries, potato wedges, baked potatoes and sweet potatoes, sweet potato fries, potstickers, homemade egg rolls, chicken breast, chicken wings, pork chops, homemade pizza, reheating pizza, taquitos, blah blah blah....and the list goes on.

And so I caved and ordered this one (affiliate link).  I love it.  I really do!  We have made so many things in it and use it to reheat almost everything.  I rarely use our microwave anyway (we usually reheat in the oven) and the air fryer has come in really handy.  It comes to temp super quick, keeps meat very moist, and adds a crunch without oil.  It's incredibly easy to clean and is about as noisy as the microwave.  The only things I don't like are how much plastic small appliances are made with these days, and that it doesn't come with much of a cooking guide.  I've been replacing plastic items in my kitchen little-by-little but it's nearly impossible to get away from all plastic, isn't it?  As far as the guide, the one it comes with covers some basics and I've found most everything else either by winging it or googling it.

I have even more plans with this little contraption.  I'm trying just about everything in it at least once, just to see if it's even better than the original recipe!

Overwhelmed - by the thought of attempting to organize our photos.  I really need to do this and have put it off for years.  Years I tell you!  I now also have all of the photos my mom had as well and it's, well, overwhelming.  About 18 years ago I scrapbooked for fun and for a living but I'm not interested in having those massive books anymore.  I've thought about a simple "regular" photo album, I've thought about Becky Higgins system, and I've also thought about just turning them all into printed photo books (except the vintage photos), but I continue to procrastinate making the decision.  Sigh..... Do you have a way of organizing them that you love?  I would be very interested!!


Hoping you had a lovely weekend as well!

Weekendingwas originally posted by My Favorite Chicken Blogs(benjamingardening)