Red Moon in the Sky

 

The lunar eclipse last Thursday was fantastic!  We had a perfect view from our back door, popping in and out of the 28*F night.  I would call the color it turned more 'rusty' than 'red'.  At least it wasn't cloudy!

However, that viewing added a new thing added to my to-do list...  I've got to get my camera stuff organized!  I'm really discovering I'm nowhere near being as organized as I thought!

My Canon Rebel DSLR, had dead batteries and I couldn't find the charger.  My stand-by Nikon Coolpix is dying and destroying its batteries.  My new cell phone... don't know how to do pictures with it yet.  So my wee little Canon pocket camera was the only one working (tho I don't know where its charger is either) to take a photo with~ although its battery was low too.  

All this stuff was supposed to be in my camera case or a drawer next to my computer.  Just what I need, another project!

Ahhhhhh...

 

Operation Christmas Child via the 'Net

 

             

It's Operation Christmas Child shoebox time again.  We won't miss it if we can at all help it. 

 In the times BC (Before Covid) we would pick up items throughout the year when I would find a good sale.  Then on 31 October we would make a list of those things we still needed to finish up our boxes.  We would head out for some fun shopping.  After we were done, a meal out ended the evening.

 Can't do that anymore.

 But we can still give OCC shoeboxes!  

By going to the Samaritan's Purse web site you can "build a shoebox online".   https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/    You can select what age and gender you'd like to make a box for.  "Essential" items (school supplies, toothbrush, grooming kit) are then added in.  The "WOW" item is next - doll, stuffies, or soccer ball.  Then comes 3 small toys to pick from a list... (I wonder how many harmonicas are throw far away by a mama who is sick of hearing them?)   Two accessories are next... we pick flip flops and a T shirt.  Your box is now full!

 Final thing to do is to include a note and photo to go in the box (so get a nice picture of your family ready in advance).

 The total cost for using the build a box option is $25 - which includes the $9 shipping & handling costs.  All that stuff inside for only $16... what a bargain.   And if you wish, you can add $6 to fund a Bible school afterwards for each of the children.  This is where they will hear what these boxes are all about.

 This year we did 6 boxes... 

I picked for my three boxes to go to baby girls in the age range of 2 years to 4 years old.  Just like this little nugget!

Himself chose to do his three boxes for boys in the oldest range... ages 11 to 14 years old.  This group is the least selected by people packing shoe boxes. 

If you decide to do the online box building, you can do it even after the national drop-off time is over.

Man Stuff: Moving Things Out

Remember me telling about all the decluttering we've been doing?

In trying to get the culled things to people who could best make use of it, we ended up with a pile of what I jokingly called "man things".  Metal bars, odd screws, surplus tools, shelf braces, ... you name it, I probably had it in my stash.

When the sorting was done we headed out to the Possum Trot Forge where our blacksmithing friends hang out.  These guys can find a use for pretty much anything.

There's a pavillon next to the shop where we set up a couple FREE table to give away everything we brought.

In a very short amount of time... everything was GONE!

He is She and She is a Mommy

 

 

We know we have a resident Rat Snake in our house who lives in the space between the basement ceiling and the floor to the house.  This snake is welcome as our primary rodent control system... as in mice are dinner and I hope he gets really fat.

We will sometime see him or find a shed skin in the garage.  The other day we watched him climb his 7 foot self straight up the wall next to an electrical conduit pipe.  OooooKaaay...  That was a little disconcerting.

Recently we found Mini Me (see above) in the garage.  A baby!

The reason Himself has gloves on is that tiny little cutie has a totally 'ratty' temper.  He'd strike over and over (even latching on) with a "I'll kill you!!" attitude.

After entertaining us for a while, said brat was released behind our shed to grow into a fine big snake like Mommy.

Beef Yakiniku

 Tried a new Japanese recipe.  It was SO good and fast to make.

 

 Beef yakiniku for sandwich or rice bowl

 4 slices of bread,

8oz of thinly sliced beef (I used very rare leftover roast beef),

2 tablespoons of sugar,

5 tablespoons of soy sauce,

1/2 tablespoons of potato or corn starch,

2 tablespoons of water,

1 tablespoon of butter,

1 tablespoon of salad oil or more if needed

 3-4 pieces of lettuce,

Mayonnaise or “Yum-Yum” sauce (Yum-yum sauce is the orange-ish sauce they service at Habachi steak houses.  You can get it at Walmart.)

 First measure into ramekins the sugar & soy sauce – mix well, the potato or corn starch & water – mix well, and the butter.  There will be 3 containers.

 In skillet cook beef in oil, using the least amount possible. 

 While beef is cooking, prepare bread with a nice lettuce leaf and a spread of mayo or Yum-yum sauce.

 When ready to your doneness add sugar/soy sauce mix.  Stir.  Then add the starch/water mix.  Stir until just thickened.  Add butter stirring in well.  Pile beef portions on to bread.  Enjoy!

 It also goes very nicely in a rice bowl.

Fully Vaccinated

On the second day we were eligible by the Tennessee system, Himself and I received our first dose of the Moderna Covid vaccine.  Our local pharmacy offers the option of coming out to your car in order to lower your exposure risks.  Thank you! 

 Our only reaction was incredible tiredness.  As in a nap was always a really good idea.

 Thirty days later we were back for our second injection.  More tiredness and some body aches this time.

 Four months later Himself had his third injection because of his immune situation.  He had a stronger reaction this time; tired, aches, and chills.  They only lasted 24 hours.

 As soon as I am eligible, my sleeve will be up for my third stick. 

Even though we are both fully vaccinated, we will continue to be fully masked in public and fully maintain distancing.  

Our choice...