Blog posts and posting questions..........

(image credit)

Everyone's blog is personal to them.  How you set up your blog, how you post on your blog etc., is up to you.  There are no rules you need to stick too, individuality rules to my mind.  I do have a number of questions that I would like to ask, as I think the answers will be interesting.  Feel free to copy and paste the questions over onto your own blog, as we all have different readers of our blogs.

How often do you publish a blog post?

I try to post on a daily basis when I am blogging.  But will admit I get burnt out after a while trying to think of new things to post about.

Do you prepare blog posts ahead of time?

Yes, especially when I know I am going to be busy or away.  As you are reading this we have just come back from vacation!

Do you limit the length of your blog post? 

I try to.  I find I lose interest in a blog post when reading others if it's too long.  I think if I can read it in a couple of minutes I'm good.

Do you always need to add a photo or a graphic to your blog post?

Not always, as I find you either want to read what I say or you don't.  Photos are good but not necessary.

Do you like to add links to blog posts, so people can gather more information?

I do when appropriate, because I love learning something new.  I always think two sets of eyes are better than one, when looking for things.

Do you try to stick to one theme on your blog?

I don't; it's what ever I am thinking about at the time.

What do you wish you could do with your blog?

I would love to print all mine out to make a book to give to the grandkids, to remember me by,

Have you made many friends in the blog world, since you started blogging and have you met them in person?

Yes, loads.  I have only met a couple in person though.

What do you avoid talking about on your blog?

Religion and politics.  I will occasionally mention politics, but rarely if ever religion.  Both are like walking in a minefield and I don't need people arguing with me about it on my blog.

If you have other questions, add yours.........I am looking forward to reading your answers.

Blogging.......

 I have started reading a book by Maxine Morrey called "#No Filter."

"Popular lifestyle blogger, Libby Cartwright, is being boggled by business when help shows up in the shape of gorgeous but shy, Charlie Richmond. Libby’s determined to keep it at ‘just good friends’ – she’s dated someone from ‘Corporate Land’ before and it didn’t end well. As she and Charlie begin spending more time together, Libby is starting to waver – until she discovers something which makes her question if she’s ready for love.

Still reeling, she suffers another blow as her blog is attacked in a national newspaper, for promoting unachievable perfection. Libby knows it’s not true – but the only way to prove that is to strip off the armour she’s been wearing for years.

Is she brave enough to show the world she’s far from perfect? And will Charlie be by her side if she does…"

Our local Indigo sells three paperback books for $10, and this was one of them I picked up last time I was in.

As you can see it's about a blogger.  It got me to thinking about my blog and one thing that niggles me about my blog is that I can not reply directly to peoples comments.  I can only reply by doing a regular comment that isn't attached to the persons comment; if that makes sense?

So again I was trying again to see if I could make any progress on that problem, but got no where again.  Other people's blogs can do that, but not me?

As blogs go mine is very basic.  I will never be like a lifestyle blogger.  I don't understand Instagram.  Tik tok is beyond me!!  I am on Facebook and do like that.  Twitter is something I don't understand also.  Maybe I am getting too old for all of this technical stuff.

Are you happy with the way your blog looks?

Other Sites I enjoy reading

I may not comment on them but I really enjoy reading them.

Pure Life For Living is a favourite of mine.  I think it's because I wish it were me doing what they are doing.  I know deep down it's not going to happen now, as physically neither me and dh are able to do the amount of work they are doing.  However maybe on a smaller scale?  They look like a fun couple too.

Young House Love Again they are a media/computer savvy couple who have made a living out of renovating homes and diy projects.  We have renovated homes, but are not the media savvy types; guess we have missed the boat with that one.  However, they look like an awesome family and there are some unique and fun projects they have tackled and tons of great ideas.  Well worth a peek.

I love Homestead Bloggers Network.  It's a site that features all sorts of information and not just about Homesteading.  I made this great recipe from a link they showcased, super good, moist cake.

I also enjoy Lazy Daisy Jones, despite the fact I cannot crochet.  However she does such beautiful work and features equally fabulous artists that you can't help to drool over everything she features.

The Frugal Cottage is one of those sites, where sometimes I am not sure why I read it, but then other times I find it fascinating.  She is such an honest writer and I love that.

Life After Money, is one of those blogs I just HAVE to read.  Don't agree with everything she says or does, but she leads a fascinating simple life that is worth reading about.  I cheered her on from this part of the work with her shed/summer house.  Mourned the loss of her dog and generally I follow her life a little like a stalker I guess; but she never sees me!!!

John at Going Gently is a character that's for sure.  He describes the going's on in the village he lives in, in Wales, the only way John can.  It's addictive reading what he writes.  I want a dog like his Winnie, she is a character that's for sure.

And finally for this post I have followed Sue, at Our New Life in the Country for a while and what she has done to her new place is stunning.  I would love to have what she has and she lives in a stunning part of the world.  Love all her chickens and her little doggies and cat.

If you have time to pop by some of these sites you won't be disappointed.

which one are you?

When it come to other people's blogs do you:

1. Both read and comment

2. Read but don't comment

3. Or a bit of both?

I am a reader, but don't often comment nowadays.   I used to comment more, but am more picky about commenting; I don't comment just for the heck of it.  I enjoy reading what other people have to say though, and take away many useful hints and tips.

Then just because I wanted to add a little colour to this post.  Here is my hexagon pot:

Random things................

Missed my blogging anniversary again, I started blogging on May 19th, 2008.  This post is my 2,439th, and I have had 1,132,507 (as of yesterday afternoon) page views during that time.  Here's to many more blogging years ahead of me.

Got an email from the property management office.  Do you know I sigh when I see one of these in my inbox now, as I wonder what on earth is happening now.  Part of this one said:

THE WATERING POLICY IS AS FOLLOWS:

May 1^st to September 30^th

1. Even numbered houses may water on even numbered days and odd numbered houses on odd numbered days
2. The hours for watering are from

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm ONLY

NO MORNING/ AFTERNOON WATERING

I sent them an email back saying this:

"Well that's silly those times. Why can't we water early morning?  We are early to bed and very early risers. "

Now we don't go to bed at 8 pm, but by that time of night, we are settled in, probably sitting in our P.J's watching tv.  I do not want to be outside watering my gardens.  It will be interesting to see if they allow morning watering's which is what I do and what I will continue to do regardless of the policy.

Went to Barrie on Wednesday morning to spend some gift cards and called in at McDonald's for a cup of coffee and a muffin.  $1.75 for a small coffee and muffin, plus you get a sticker to put on your card, so every 8th coffee is free.  Can't beat that deal.

It was a fresh fruit salad type of day on Wednesday, as I had a lot of leftover fruit laying around.

Still have a large piece of watermelon as well in the fridge.  Nothing says summer weather like watermelon.

Speaking of the weather, the annuals have had to be covered the past couple of nights due to the risk of frost.  Dh has had to scrape the frost of the windows of his truck in a morning.

Talking of windows.........the window cleaners are here to do their twice yearly cleaning of our windows.  Fat lot of good it will do as these trucks are still wandering back and forward, stirring up all the dust.

Finally, got the window guys back again to see about repairing our basement windows.  Would you believe we have been in this house nearly a year?  I will do another post about our year end report that we have to submit to the builder.......as I have a "few" things to say!!!

Flipping Heck and Mother Earth News........

My car is not well {SIGH}.  It stalled on me a couple of times on Friday and when I turned the key in the ignition on Saturday nothing happened, tried again nothing happened, tried again and it ran.  Dh of course doesn't want me going out in it in case I break down.  So I need to make an appointment to take it into the garage this week {{SIGH}}  Fingers, toes and everything crossed that I don't have to take out a second mortgage to pay for the repairs {{{SIGH}}}

I just received the April/May 2012 issue of the Mother Earth News and there were some interesting articles and links in there. Including a competition to win a Heifer and Chicken Coop amongst the package, unfortunately it's for only people in the States.


Eden Foods, not only sell a variety of products but they have a whole section of recipes, which include Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan.


Barn Light Electric sells the neatest lights and ones that are functional without being too crazy looking.  I love this milk glass pendant.


There was an article that featured "The Happy Homesteader," blog that is really well worth checking out.  This couple live in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado on 11 acres and they have four German Shepherd dogs.


Looking for a different type of house to live in?  Well maybe this is for you.  Not sure how much they cost and how feasible it would be to live in one, but I guess it would get the neighbours talking.

Home of the week and lots of sewing links.....

This weeks home of the week is a stunner, I could even live with all the furnishings if I had too, well minus all the little kids stuff, as we don't have any little kids around.  The only thing other than the price that lets this place down is the back yard, it's not very big and very over looked, if I was paying that price I would expect a lot more privacy.


The condo of the week, is not my cup of tea, although in a very desirable area, look at the monthly maintenance fees...........way, way over priced.  Very limited photos, so have no idea what half of the place actually looks like?


I get Sew News magazine, the kids got it for me as a birthday gift a couple of years ago.   I was reading the April/May 2012 issue the other night and it had some really neat things in it.  One thing they features were Comfort Dolls, they are handmade dolls people make for domestic abuse victims in the States, here is a link to the blog  I wonder if we have such a thing in Canada, or is there something similar in other parts of the world?


They also provide a link to an article on how to make a waterproof raincoat out of a shower curtain.......yes a shower curtain.  It actually looks really neat!!  They also feature a how too from Sew It All where you collect thread and other odds and ends from your sewing room and make a bowl.  There is obviously a few other steps but it really looks neat, the link to that is here.

Are you looking for Applique's?  Here is a link to some free applique's, there are many more that you can buy.  Even though Sew News is an American Magazine, I see there is an advert for the Creativ Festival here in Mississauga in April.  Dd and I plan on going in April, I haven't got the tickets yet, hoping to find a good discount code.........haven't yet.  Is anyone going?

For those creative types out there, here is a link to a competition that is open to everyone around the world.  It's the 2012 Tea Cozy competition and entries must be received by June 30th, 2012.  Click on the link to find out the contest details and rules.  Let us all know if you do decide to enter.

Home and condo of the week.......

This week's "Home of the Week," is so overpriced it's flipping crazy.  It's only 45 minutes north of us and yes it's a lovely area, but is it worth 5 million, I don't think so.  However please correct me if I'm wrong here.  Also why call it a cottage?  That is not a cottage it's a mansion.

Then there is the condo of the week a "deal" at only 2.5 million!!!!!  This looks as though someone got a deal on cream paint and furniture?  Talk about bland and flipping expensive.  Nice views though from the place and a large balcony for those not afraid of heights.  I think I'll pass on this one as well!!

Things are quiet around here.  The weather is so up and down, you don't know whether you are coming or going with it.

I have been hibernating and haven't been on the computer much, so I owe a lot of you comments on your blogs.  My apologies, I hope to get around to it over the weekend.

21 Things You Should Never Buy New.....

If you're looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase, and they're usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot. Here's a list of 21 things that make for a better deal when you buy them used.



1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.

2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.


3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.


4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.


5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.


6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.


7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.


8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let you take off their hands.


9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.


10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.


11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!


12. Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.


13. Houses: You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.


14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.


15. Cars: You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.


16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.


17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.


18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.


19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.


20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.


21. Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.
 
This list was first published here  Here is a link to the authors blog which is full of interesting things.
 
Gave dh his first haircut on Wednesday with the electric clippers.  In the scheme of things it went okay, although I did chop off his sideburns.....oops.......I should get better in time......I hope!!

If you're reading this there is a good chance you have a blog........

I have an online friend Nita whom I've known for a number of years now.  She has a website called Phancy Pages  She is talking about adding a new section called "Blogs Around The World."  If you would be interested in having your blog added to the list, click on this link and there is a link there to get in touch with Nita directly.  She's a super lady and its a family friendly blog.

So on Saturday I went to do my first grocery shop for the year.  I had hoped to keep my weekly bill down to $25 a week, while doing this Pantry Challenge.  I ended up spending just under $50, however on reflection half of that was on food for Molly!!!

As you know she has allergies and I have been looking into changing her over to homemade food.  So I bought supplies for that.  Frozen chicken breast's, brown rice, frozen mixed veggies, canola oil, and cheese slices (I put her pill in between a cheese slice).    Now what I bought for her will hopefully last a few weeks.  Here is the recipe I used:

Savory Turkey/Chicken

• 6 cups water
• 1/2 lb combination of broccoli, carrots and cauliflower
• 1 pound ground/minced turkey or chicken
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 cups brown rice
• 1 tbsp canola oil

Directions:

Place the water, ground/minced turkey/chicken, rice, rosemary and oil into a large pan.  Stir until the ground turkey is well blended with the rest of the ingredients.  Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes.  Add the frozen vegetables, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.  Cool and serve or store.

Now I gave Molly a couple of cups of this mixture and she just loved it.  There are no instructions on how much to feed a 40 lb dog, so not 100% sure what to do here.  I also give her an Omega 3 supplement in a morning as well.  Just not 100% sure she will get all her nutrients with a diet like this?  Anyhow, regardless Molly will enjoy a change in her diet.

Did you remember to put your money in your pot today?  I will admit, I am good up until the 11th, as I had change today with going grocery shopping, so figured I may as well add it while I had it.

Today's money saving tip is:

 Do a “maintenance run” on your appliances. Check them to make sure there isn’t any dust clogging them and that they’re fairly clean. Look behind the appliances, and use your vacuum to gently clear away dust. Check all of the vents, especially on refrigerators, dryers, and heating and cooling units. The less dust you have blocking the mechanics of these devices, the more efficiently they’ll run (saving you on your energy bill) and the longer they’ll last (saving you on replacement costs).

A big, big thank you........

for all your comments to yesterdays post. As a thank you I am going to do a link back to everyone who posted yesterday, and that way, maybe we could all find time to pop by everyone's blogs a say a quick hello.



I will post in the order of when they commented.



Lou's Mum - be warned if you love chocolate, there is a great recipe for egg less chocolate muffins!



Connie Walsh - is a fellow Canadian with not one, but four blogs!!



Caroline's Blog The Simple Things has a great post on a Mincer she picked up at a Thrift Store.



Toria - is having a problem with snails, I wasn't much help, maybe you have some ideas?



Christina Sweden - she has some lovely photos on her blog, reminds me of Canada.



Chris J - pop by her blog and see the lovely painting that she has just done, she is very talented.



Lindsay - another super British lady, always has something interesting to say, despite her saying she's boring!!!



Kirsty, thank you for your comment, you don't have a blog for me to pop by and say hello, so I am saying hello and thank you here!! Gill



Sugar_Mama, another lady who doesn't have a blog, but none the less, I so appreciate you popping by and saying hello, thanks again. Gill



Clippy Mat - a fellow British expat, living not too, to far from me in Southern Ontario, although we haven't met.....YET!!! However the poor thing is from the North East of Britain, whereas I am from the North West, better side of the country......LOL I am only joking Pat, honestly!! Gill



Moonblossom - she has a great blog about how she is reducing her debt, she is an inspiration to all of us.



Carol Harrison - thanks for posting your comment, I really appreciate that (she has no blog). I went to school with a Carol Harrison, are you from Cumbria?



Donna B's blog is called Zookeeping 101 - it's nothing to do with animals, that's all I am going to tell you, it will be so worth your while though popping over to see what she's up to, she a very organized lady!!!



Carolyn - when you pop over to her blog and see the photo of her dd, you are going to say, I have a photo like that somewhere!!!



Amber - you want to see what she made, she is very, very creative.



Evelyn - well she doesn't have a blog, and I know she said she is too busy, but I think she should have one as she has a very interesting job. We "met" on another site we both used to go on, and although we have never "met" in person, I feel as though we would be best friends if we lived closer to one another.........



Cherri-berri's blog features the most adorable photo of a pair of chubby legs, go by and check it out.........



Morgan's Mummy - check out her first sewing project, she's very talented.



Anonymous Mel - thanks for that sweet comment, I appreciate that. If you have a blog where we can visit you let us know.



Elcmae - she has a neat blog of photos and she has a new cell phone, and told her if she figures out how to use it, let me know then maybe she could teach me how to use mine!!!



The Witch - no she's not a witch. She does have a good post on bbq's which I think we can all relate too......



Jenn Jilks - she lives "up the road" from us in a beautiful part of the country, that's locally called Cottage Country. She has a number of blogs, hope you have time to check them all out.



Anonymous said: "You don't reciprocate with comments. I tried leaving comments here, but it was a one way street." My apologies, I have a habit of responding to people's comments on their own blogs. As you don't have a blog, I wouldn't be able to leave you comment. That's no excuse though, I should have commented to you back on my blog, sorry!



LizBeth - she's a fun lady with a lot of good frugal ideas......a joy to read.



Star - she has an interesting blog, and check out her latest book review



Karine - a fellow Canadian who posts on a variety of things.

Scrappy Quilter - I have "known" Carol for a number of years. She is a very talented quilted, who donates quilts she makes to the reservations up north. I feel very blessed to call her a friend.

Cathi - she is one very talented quilter, with two lovely little feline friends she photographs a lot.

Anonymous Lurker in Ontario - thanks for your lovely comment, hope you start a blog soon, so we can all check it out. Gill

GrammyGoo - check out her recipe for beef stew, it looks so good.

Lulu's Missives - thanks for commenting, although I can't access your blog though, as you have to be invited.

Angelsey Allsorts - she has a great variety of posts on her blog, well worth checking out.

Becci - doesn't have a blog, I "know" her from another site, and I made her an apron for an apron swap..........which she hasn't received yet...........I am so sorry, they must have sent it by ship!!

Niki at Rural Writings - her blog is an inspiration, I would love to be able to do half of the things she does. She has an excellent chicken recipe posted at the moment.

Harooney - is another very talented and creative person. She has another giveaway on her site.

Tas - Another talented and creative person. However, she has posted a drool worthy photo on her last post, I mean really drool worthy........how I wished closer!!

Evelyn Howard - check out the stunning photos on her blog.

Peta - another talented and creative lady, check out what she has just knitted, its gorgeous.

chksnowqueen - thanks for your comment, I can't access your blog though, but I appreciate you popping by.

Anonymous - thanks for those lovely comments, wish you had left your name though.

Misty - check out the most gorgeous baby bloomers she has just made, another creative lady....

The Handmaden - I know her from another site, and again a super creative lady

Soft In The Head Blog - complicated life........that's all I can say, oh and Wonder Woman!!

Kim - is a fellow Ontarian, with the cutest little doggie ever Peanut, I know you have another one Kodi, but I have a soft spot for Peanut.

Tanya - has the cutest three little piggies, I like the spotty one the best, see who your favourite is......she is also a fantastic quilter......

Decadent Houswife - A fellow Canadian who lives "just down the road" from me, check out her recipe for No Knead Whole Wheat Egg Buns, just yummy!!

Denise - is a super British lady, transplanted to the States, and is an amazing photographer, check out some of her photos.

Clodagh a.k.a Isra is living in Oman and is one very creative lady, you should check out the childrens kitchen she made, its really nice........

So why aren't you commenting.......

I know you're reading my posts, but why won't you comment on them? In case you're wondering, it's for all those people who pop by but don't comment.

I have "comment" envy, I pop over to other people's blogs, and they have 20, or 30 comments per post and I think WOW, if only 20 or 30 people would leave me a comment. Even just a little hi, or what you write is a load of twaddle, or even, I LOVE you're blog...........I know I really am desperate...LOL

I keep thinking to myself, I must be writing about the wrong things, or my blog is just plain boring. Then I wonder how on earth will I "perk" it up, I lead a pretty boring life. I get up, clean up, wash up and cook up, (doesn't make sense, but liked the "up" thing happening there).

Maybe I need to be more creative, or should I move in different circles, to make my life more exciting? Then I suppose that would defeat the purpose of moving to the country for a quieter life now wouldn't it?

I see I am going to have to think about this and try and figure out why no one wants to talk to me? So if you are a "lurker" let me know why you don't comment, I would love to know!!

How did you get your Blog Name and grandparents?

I read a post over at Strawberry Jam Anne's about how she got her Blogger name and thought it was a lovely story and well worth the read, so pop over and read it if you get a moment.

Mine is pretty simple, I'm British born, a woman, and thought the word "THAT" in front of it was sort of catchy??? I'm not very creative with that sort of thing.

What about your Blog name is there a story behind it?

On a sort of similar thread, both my parents have been married twice, so when the kids were small, we had numerous "Nana's, both Nana's and Great Grandmothers," we were a bit short on Granddad's in fact there were only ever two, so one was called Pop and the other one was called Granddad, and both are still thankfully alive. So how did we figure out how to tell the Nana's apart.......luckily all but one of them had dogs, so we tagged on the dogs name, for example Nana with Terry, Nana with Barney. One Nana, my mam's mam didn't have a dog, but she did have a flock of geese living in the field behind her, so we called her Nana with the geese.......

Over the years we have unfortunately lost many of the Nana's and are now down to just two, and neither have dogs. So if I am talking to the kids about a Nana, its either Nana in England or Nana in Georgetown, or Nana with Granddad or Nana with Pop.

When I was a child, my two Nana's were called, Top Nana and Botty Nana, as one lived at the top of a hill and one at the bottom...........I don't remember having different names for my Pop's, I must ask my mam and dad when I talk to them next. I have no recollection of any great grandparents, though I am assuming some were probably alive when I was small, I just don't remember.

Reading........Country Living and Homesteading

I finished the book "Made from Scratch; Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life," by Jenna Woginrich.

I enjoyed the book, it was full of experiences that Jenna has had and the mistakes she made, and the trials and tribulations she had, for example, having to kill/shoot one of her rabbits, not something I would have wanted to do either. She writes in a way that makes it easy for you to read. Would I buy the book, no, only because I tend to only read books once, unless they are a reference book; however I would recommend you borrow it from the library and read it, as it is enjoyable.

One of the things she does do is have a section at the back of her book for links and books that she does recommend that would be useful in various aspects of your life.

Jenna has a blog called Cold Antler Farm it's worthwhile popping by to see what she's up too now.

Some books she recommends are: "The Contrary Farmer," by Gene Logsdon

"Better Off," by Eric Brende I have read this book and I really enjoyed it.....

"Encyclopedia of Country Living," by Carla Emery

"MaryJane's Idea Book," by MaryJane Butters (that link covers all MaryJane Butters publications)

"Hit by a Farm," by Catherine Friend

"Storey's Basic Country Skills," by John and Martha Storey

"The Good Life," by Scott Nearing this book got a lot of harsh reviews?

"Barnyard in Your Backyard," by Gail Damerow

"Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens," by Gail Damerow

"Chicken Coops," by Judy Pangman

"Sew What! Skirts," by Francesca DenHartog and Carole Ann Camp

"Sew What! Fleece," by Carol Jessop and Chaila Sekora


She also recommends a number of websites, including;

Urban Homesteading

How To Homestead

Homegrown Evolution

Lehman's I have looked at this online store a number of times and found neat things, just never ordered from them.

Green People no not people from another planet...

Home Power alternative energy ideas and resources

This is a great site for books on Appalachian cooking, music and lifestyle, don't be put off by the title, Native Ground Music

Local Harvest is a site that is mainly for the Sates, but does have some Canadian content on it, and is worth a look at.

There are many more links, recommendations and information at the end of the book, but these are ones that jumped out too me. If you have any favourites that you'd care to share please let me know...........

A big thank you and we both should have Afro hairstyles.......

I have a link on the bottom of my blog which tells me who visits my blog and where from etc. I haven't looked at it in a long while but for some reason on Monday I "peeked." I was so surprised to see that I am averaging around 168 visits everyday. So for those of you who are visiting my little old blog a big, big thank you. Now don't be shy leave me a message, as I love to hear from people.

Now the Afro hairstyle comment. Have you ever heard of the expression that eating burnt toast will make your hair curly? Well on Monday night I decided to barbecue, which is never a good idea. Dh doesn't cook period, never has and probably never will. So all the cooking is left for me to do, which I don't mind. However I hate barbecuing, as everything I cook on it turns black. I think the problem is I tend to wander off, to do other stuff in between flipping the burgers. I know on Monday night I prepared the fixings for the burgers, prepared a Cesar salad, set the table etc, etc.

So of course the burgers were a tad on the black side again. You've got to admire dh, he never ever complains. So that is why we should have Afro hairstyles as we always eat burnt food when I barbecue. On a more positive side, I maybe only barbecue once a week in the summer, which is just as well, as the smoke coming out of the barbecue when I barbecue may make someone want to call the fire brigade!!

Do you barbecue and if you do, what is your favourite recipe? I tend to only barbecue burgers or sausages.

I picked some more raspberries on Monday, only another 14 ounces. The guy didn't open up so never got to talk to him. Monday was a quiet day, with nothing much happening around the acreage, which believe me is a good thing!

49 Followers, what super people they are........

So I thought I'd feature each and everyone of them as a thank you for following me in my blogging endeavours. I will admit I have my favourites, but I will post them in the order of which they registered.

1. Linda - she has two blogs, but I follow the one that I have highlighted. I love how she lives in Australia, she's such a kind person.

2. Cannedam - I've know "R" through Frugal Shopper for a while now. I love her sense of humour, and as she is an American living in Canada, I enjoy her take on things. One thing though - SHE DOESN'T BLOG ENOUGH!!!!!

3. Stephanie - she's the movie queen and a fellow quilter!!!

4. Headly - a busy mom, fellow Canadian, who also works as well.....

5. Tracey aka The Mad Quilter - as a mother of six I don't know how she has the time to breathe never mind quilt and sew. She from Australia, and we met via the Crafty Mama's website.

6. Jonnie's Universe - I'm sorry I have no idea about this person, as they don't have a blog I can see?

7. Kim - another fellow Canadian that I know through Frugal Shopper, and a busy mother

8. Expateek - An American living in Poland........she takes the strangest photos to go along with the story she is telling and they are generally funny stories!!!

9. Ms Rinkly Rimes - she's one busy lady with not one, but four blogs, how does she do it? Check out her blogs.

10. Prairie Girl 66 - I have to apologise, I know nothing about you, I am so sorry......... :0(

11. Anastasia - other than I know you are Canadian, I apologise I don't know anything about you, sorry........

12. Bobby - A young man from Oman, who I have got to know through Angry in Oman's blog.

13. The Good Life in Virginia - Erin's photography skills are great and she is a wealth of information about her area, well worth a visit.

14. The Simple Things - Caroline's blog is great a bit of everything, she makes me think, and she is in Australia.

15. Clippy Mat - Pat is a fellow Brit, who lives about an hour away, depending on the traffic, with that "special" British sense of humour, no need to say anything else, right!!!

16. The Tea Kettle Corner - Karyn, I know her through another site I used to go on. Her blog has a bit of everything on it, well worth popping into have a look at.

17. Gaynor - A fellow Cross-Stitcher and a great blogger, I love her blog, she has lots to say and she says it well.

18. Winifred - A Brit, who I am guessing has a beautiful Geordie accent? I just adore the Geordie accent, always have done. Plus she is a great knitter and crocheter.

19. Cherie - A fellow Canadian, who is super organized, but for some reason she hasn't blogged in a while, not sure why?

20. Merle - If you want to have a chuckle, pop by this lovely lady's blog. I have no idea where she gets all these jokes and funny stories from, but it certainly brightens up my day by visiting her blog.

21. Little Mountain House - I love to pop by this blog, as you just never know what you may why Angelena has written about.

22. Old Lady Lincoln - a bit of everything here, just pop by and see what there is there today.

23. Cathy - her blog is full of all sorts of posts, I like to pop by just to see what she has to say today.....

24. Rudee - a talented knitter and a nurse, she's one in a million!!

25. Life In Windermere - Jo comes from a place close to where we used to live in Britain, and she is such a great person. I love to pop by and see what she has written about.

26. Chachaneen - a bit of everything is what you will find over at Janeen's blog......

27. Outback - Interested in the Australian Outback, then pop over to Tania's blog, it's really interesting.

28. Hadriana's Treasures - I like this blog as it's from an area I am familiar with in Britain. She's also a super nice lady!!!

29. A pot, a thought and a smidgen of dirt - a lovely New Zealander who lives in Britain with a blog that contains a bit of everything in it.

30. Jessica's World - A delightful Southern Girl, with the cutest little girl ever, pop on by her blog, as you'll just love her.

31. An English Girl Rambles - Denise a fellow Brit living in North Virginia. She has a super talent for photography, you should see her photographs on her blog, they put mine to shame. A super lady and so kind. Also I think we both started blogging around the same time?

32. Alcoholic Daze - the story Roserio tells is fascinating, you have to read her blog......

33. Flutterby9 - hasn't been posting recently, no idea why? She talks mainly about her grocery budget etc.

34. Hyde DP - a great photographer, check out his work

35. Whiteruffles - has a bit of everything on her blog, but again she hasn't posted recently?

36. Ms Opinionated - and that she is...LOL "R" is a dear friend who doesn't post enough, so when I see her next week I will be talking/nagging/encouraging her to do it more often!!!

37. Moira - has two blogs, one for her poetry and one with a bit of everything on it......well worth spending a few minutes/hours over there.

38. Mommanator - a very spirited lady, one in a million........pop over to her blog.

39. Postcards From Across The Pond - Mike is an American living in Britain, I just love the way he writes, he's very entertaining. Love the "Hot Toddy" and "Hot Tottie" story, I am still laughing at that one.

40. Titania - An Australian lady, who has a stunning garden and takes beautiful photos, oh I wished I lived where she does!!!

41. Fat, Frump and Fifty - comes from where I was born in Britain, so any photos she takes, or what she talks about is of course an interest for me.

42. Quasimodo - know her through another site I used to go on, a lovely lady, pop by and see her

43. George - Lives in a most beautiful part of the world, as far as I am concerned, and he is a lovely man, with lots to say.

44. Joyful Reflections - Betsy is George's wife and a lovely lady with a lot of lovely photos on her blog.

45. Funky N Cheap - If you want to know how to save money this is the blog for you, great inspiration......

46. Sherrie - has a lot of blogs, check them all out!!!

47. Pat - is a new follower to my blog, so I am just getting to know her.....

48. Almost Mrs. Average - another new follower to my blog, again I am just getting to know her...

49. Scrappy Quilter - I have known "C" or a while now, she is a fellow quilter and does some beautiful work, pop by her blog and see.

I am so honoured to have these people follow my blog, I hope you have time to pop in a see these lovely blogs. I did post on everyone's blog to let them know I was posting about them. I wonder who will be number 50????

Are you still remembering to put your 25 cents in your pot everyday? You should have $2.25 in there now!!