Cluster Flies and Martha Stewart........

Its that time of the year it seems as the Cluster Flies and Asian Lady Beetles are coming out of dormancy.  So a couple of times a day I go around the upstairs catching and killing flies and ladybugs.  We could get the house sprayed, but I don't think that's a good idea all that chemical, so over the past couple of days we have had a couple of companies around giving us quotes on tuck pointing the outside of the house.  Some of the original pointing has holes in it, and that is one way the insects get into the house.

So if we can afford to get this job done, we may prevent more of those insects getting into the house.  Have a feeling we won't be seeing much change out of $2,500 for this job.  Then we MUST get the garage roof re-shingled as every time it's windy more shingles come off.  We think that will cost around $1,000 {{SIGH}}  Then while the guys were here looking at the pointing, they discovered we need a new chimney, as the water has penetrated ours and its dropping to bits; the good news we can leave it another year, the bad news at least $1,600 to rebuild it {{{SIGH}}}

For dd birthday I bought her a subscription to the Martha Stewart Living magazine and a subscription to Everday Food from the Kitchen's of Martha Stewart Living.  Dd was kind to give me her copies of her magazines and I have been enjoying reading them.

I have always been in awe of her organizational skills, mind you it does help when you have numerous staff doing things for you.  One thing in her magazine is a calendar of what she has to do that day.  For example today she is going to "deep clean rugs and vacuum heavy curtains." Tomorrow she is going to "clean, sharpen and oil gardening tools."   I wonder if Martha will actually do those jobs herself, or will she get someone else to do that?  At least I don't have to do one of those jobs, "vacuum heavy curtains," as we don't have curtains in this house.  Although I could do with vacuuming the blinds in the family room.......I think that's a job I could do with my hand in cast, just using my right hand.........  Have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the March magazine.

From the Everyday Food March magazine there was a neat recipe from the United States Department of Agriculture for "Microwave Coffee Cup Scramble."

What you need:
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp shredded/grated cheddar cheese

1. Coat a 12 oz microwave safe coffee mug with cooking spray.  Add eggs and milk and beat until blended.
2. Microwave on HIGH 45 seconds; stir.  Microwave until eggs are almost set, 30 to 45 seconds longer.
3. Top with cheese; season with salt and pepper.

****I mixed the salt and pepper in with the eggs and milk at the beginning.****

This is now my most favourite way to make scrambled eggs.