Tying Up Loose Ends and Getting My House In Order

    

   Some days I look out at all there is to do and I just shut down because I am overwhelmed with all there is to do and the lack of energy to get it done.  Today, despite being in a Fibro flare, I decided to just putter along and get some of the smaller tasks done (well smaller compared to reorganizing the pantry and taking inventory of what is in there).  Here are some of the tasks I was able to accomplish...

   We have a wind storm moving in so I went out into the garden between downpours and got all the bits and pieces picked up and taken care of.  I emptied out the smaller pots that had seeds in them that never quite made it and put the dirt in places where, if the seeds decided to make a go of it in the Spring, I would happily welcome them.  I also relocated a huge earthworm out of the seed starter tray into a nice area where he could happily burrow his way down under the dirt.  I found various gardening tools in the front walkway, along with some in the backyard and got those stashed away as well.  The sheet I used to cover my tomato plants was put in a bleach was, along with some cloth facemasks and is now in the dryer.  

   My tomatoes that I harvested when they were green all seem to be ripening at the same time in the house.  I got the ripe ones cut up and they are now in the dehydrator and will be made into tomato powder.  This can be added to soups and stews for extra flavor or reconstituted into tomato paste or sauce.  The tomatoes that I did not get to soon enough were scattered in the garden area where I want to try and grow more tomatoes in hope that they will self seed.  I know I should have tried to just seed save, but let's face it, I am a lazy gardener (and yet again, I hang my head in shame), but that is the reality of my life.

   My newest cast iron pans were all washed and given a good "seasoning" so they are now ready to use.  I still need to go through my kitchen cabinets and take out the pots and pans that I no longer use and get those in a box ready to donate.  I also emptied out the cereal boxes into airtight containers so we can see what we have and they stay fresher that way.  A few things were purged from the refrigerator that were um not good anymore (hanging my head in shame here).  I try to keep up on things but sometimes they do get away from me.

   I sorted through the pile of paper, magazines, etc. that were on the dining room table and tossed all the junk and got the magazines ready to go out to either family or down to the library.  I still have to clean off the rest of the table, but needed a break since my back was not happy with me trying to do so much.

   Tomorrow I up my medication dosage yet again, so I really am trying to get as much done as possible.  This medication does make me sleepy, so I am not sure how I will do with a higher dose.  It usually takes me about a week to two weeks to adjust.  I'm not sure how much I will be able to accomplish in the next few weeks, so I tried to get all the shopping done and find all the gifts and food items that I wanted to get for family before we head to Montana later this month.  The only one I have not figured out yet is something for my brother Fritz.  I think it will come down to the wire for him.  He is hard to buy for because he does not "want" anything, but I still try to get him something because Christmas is his favorite time of the year and I want to bless him.  He has finally just accepted that I am going to do something for him and I know he appreciates it. 😉

   It looks like we have another break in the rain so I need to get out to the garden and harvest the green onions before we have another big freeze.  I may pick some kale and swiss chard and make a soup for dinner tonight with pot stickers and an Asian inspired broth since Jeff will be at bowling league so it will just be me at home for dinner.  I'll be roasting some asparagus I got on clearance too.  I love roasted asparagus and it is yet another thing Jeff does not care for.  I try to treat myself on Thursday nights to foods that I love and he is not so fond of.  It helps me look forward to my Thursday nights as much as he looks forward to his.

   Be blessed all that are reading this and remember to keep yourself safe, healthy and continue stocking those pantries to hedge against inflation, shrinkflation, shortages (yes, we are seeing them here too) and to keep your families well fed, clothed, etc..  Bye for now.