Hodgepodging into February

More Wisconsin barn scenery


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1. Can you believe it's the end of January? What was the best day of January 2017 for you, and why?

The best day of January was when we visited both of our daughters. When traveling to visit Daughter 1, we stopped for a bit at Daughter 2's to see the kids (and the parents of course) and to get a break from the sitting.

The second best day was the day Mr. C. and I spent in St. Paul, visiting the Cathedral (coming in Friday's post), Como Park Conservatory, and having coffee (and pie!) at Cafe Latte.

My favorite: Fruit Tart

Because it's health food, of course :-)

You can see their entire Dessert Menu HERE

2. What sounds make up the background noise in your life?

Mainly, the fan next to the stack of wood in the living room, which circulates air and helps dry the wood. After that, I'd say the very quiet whirr of the wheel on my recumbent exercise bike that I use twice a day to strengthen ye olde hip, music on the CD player, the whining of Tommy (Smokey is not a whiner) when he wants to be held, and NBC news, Wisconsin Public Radio, Laura Ingraham, and Michael Medved. I try to keep current with all sides.

Alas, I do not seem to have a photo of my recumbent bike in my files,

but when I searched them for 'bike' this was one that came up.

In 2013, these two cuties were using the bike as a rock(et) launcher!

3. I read on the Power of Positivity website a list of ten things to drop from your life right now. They are-

anger outbursts, people who put you down, regret, negative self talk, being a people pleaser, the notion you need to be perfect, the past (but keep the lessons learned!), gossip and judgment, comparing yourself to others, and the word hate (focus on what you love instead)

Which thing on the list do you most need to drop? Are you trying or will you try?

I've read this through at least three times and I have to honestly say that I don't have a problem with any of the above. What I do have a problem with is my bad attitude toward winter, especially the last two years. Although it is beautiful, it is just Far Too Long here in NW Wisconsin. Except for a year when I lived in Bolivia (and got to ride motorcycle through the jungle and got to go alligator hunting in the Beni River) and a short time living in Arizona, I've lived in this area (NW Wisconsin) my entire long life. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, wouldn't you.

 Maybe I just need another German Shepherd

4. What is sacred to you?

Literally, the Word of God and places and friends that promote worship. If you're speaking figuratively, then I'd say the time I get to spend outdoors from May through October, and particularly walking. Walking in the country is the best thing. It gives me such an appreciation for the beauty of God's creation, his love and generosity toward us, and makes me feel refreshed, physically and spiritually.

 Look at that, I even need to clean out my Bible!
(Making great progress on main-floor rooms, btw)

5. January is National Oatmeal month. Are you a fan, and if so how do you like it?

Unnecessary mega carbs that I don't even particularly like. I could handle a tablespoon of oatmeal if it had about a half cup of pecans in it, I suppose.Or just give me the pecans.

6. What feelings does twilight stir up in you?

My first inclination is to remark about the hair starting to grow on my knuckles. 

But aside from that, I'd say the need to think about what to make for dinner tomorrow, making sure the kitchen is clean and the cats are taken care of, and getting ready to either a) read aloud with Mr. C. - which we tend to do in the evenings, followed by b) digging out a good movie. Right now we're going through the Pie in the Sky series again. They're so much fun.

photo found online somewhere

7. Something you're looking forward to next month?

I'm looking forward to going to the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis to see King Lear with Mr. C., getting a checkup from my (yeah, 'my,' like my own personal, Ha!!) hip surgeon at Rochester, and having our Daughter 1 (and her husband) visit us on her birthday weekend. Yea!!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

After watching the news yesterday morning, I am so thankful yet again that my parents watched me grow up a tomboy, pretending I'm Roy Rogers, drinking from mud puddles (I was pretty young), riding horse (not so young), playing football, swinging from saplings, building rafts to float in the creek, swinging from a rope over the creek and dropping in for a big splash, pulling bloodsuckers from my legs, building forts and lean-tos, not loving dolls or tea parties, camping with the neighbor kids, climbing trees, etc. etc. and that they DIDN'T try to tell me that I must really be transgender - or something. You can't convince me that these young children aren't being coached by someone with an agenda, or someone who's very confused in this day of the 'gender identity' smorgasbord.  From ABC News, here's a link to 58 current 'gender options.' Is our society confused or what? Can't kids be allowed to be kids, and what does a four, six, or eight year old know about sexuality? 

So, back to this old woman who desperately needs low-lighting and a haircut: Here I am today, with a wonderful husband who loves me, wonderful children and grandchildren who love me, and no inner questions or conflict about who I'm really supposed to be. Thank God for my parents and teachers who let me be a tomboy without worrying about my sexuality. 

Even now, at heart, I still am really a tomboy who would rather be outdoors than attending a tea party, often like the better colors found in men's clothing than in the ladies' department, and would rather drink from a mud puddle than play games at a baby shower. 

I think instead of our constant navel gazing, we need to look outside ourselves for a change: Micah 6:8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God and Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Psalm 145:17-19 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

 Roy Rogers (l), Dale Evans (r)
Who would want to be Dale Evans?

God help all young tomboys who have to grow up in today's American society. 

Linking to Eileen's Saturday's Critters

 ***

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Buy any 5 or more, Get 1 FREE
 

Current sale at Etsy Shop only.

BUT, Buy 5 or more Get 1 FREE at both
 
HomemadeSoapNSuch


and at


Our ETSY Shop

A kitty's life is so exhausting.

Join me on Instagram: @cranberrymorning

Special Valentines Sale - Natural Vegan Soap

Save now on any size order of my natural, handcrafted vegan soap! All of my soaps are moisturizing and gentle. No harsh chemicals, no animal products, and I use only natural colorants, no oxides. These handcut, large bars of natural goodness are 4.5-5 oz. each and come labeled with an ingredient list and enclosed in a cello bag with gold seal, ready for gift giving.

Check out all my handcrafted, vegan soaps, including my new Jojoba Natural Shampoo Bar.

As always, it's Buy any 5 or more, Get another FREE. But until midnight on February 7, there's also a 10% discount on every order, when you use the code HEART17 at checkout.

Think Valentine's Day!

HomemadeSoapnSuch


Check out all my handcrafted soaps at


My ETSY Shop

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Homemade Soap Shops Q&A

Just a few of the 40+ soaps available

in my soap shops

I thought I'd take a few minutes to answer a few questions that my CranberryMorning readers have had regarding my two handcrafted, vegan soap shops.  I realize that it can be confusing at times, so I'll see if I can make it a little clearer.

I first opened HomemadeSoapnSuch.com as an online shop.  It wasn't until quite a bit later that a friend twisted my arm talked me into opening an Etsy shop - HomemadeSoapnSuch.Etsy.com

 Olde Thyme Christmas

Lavender & Thyme

The following are some things you might want to know about my two shops:

At HomemadeSoapnsuch.com

•      One can purchase any soap in quantity. I usually have multiples, and you can choose the number desired. If the number ordered exceeds the number in inventory, I will email you and ask for a second choice.

•      There is a shipping charges chart on my sidebar. 

•      There is no mechanism for leaving feedback.

•      There is always BUY FIVE OR MORE, GET ONE FREE   Every time you purchase 5 or more bars, you can leave a message in the 'message to seller' on the order form and type the name of a bar you'd like as your FREE bar. That free bar must be listed in the 'message to seller' or in an email to me. Please do not include it in your purchase, as you will be charged for that bar if it is listed among your purchases. We don't want that now, do we. (No.)

Balsam & Fir

At HomemadeSoapnSuch.Etsy.com

•      One can purchase one bar of any soap at a time, unless I have it listed as an item more than once. However, one can Convo me and ask for a quantity, in which case I can put it up as a 'Reserved Listing.'

•     Etsy has their shipping charges listed per first bar and then a certain amount for each additional bar. 

•      There is a place for buyers to leave feedback and prospective buyers to read what others have said about my soaps. (I like that feature!)

•     There is always BUY FIVE OR MORE, GET ONE FREE:   Every time you purchase 5 or more bars, you can leave a message in the 'message to seller' on the order form and type the name of a bar you'd like as your FREE bar. That free bar must be listed in the 'message to seller' or in an email to me. Please do not include it in your purchase, asyou will be charged for that bar if it is listed among your purchases. We don't want that now, do we. (No.)  Is this sounding familiar? Is this beyond boring?

 Figgy Pudding

Fig & Brown Sugar

I'll admit that ordering through HomemadeSoapnSuch.com is easier, you have more control over purchasing multiples, and closer to actual shipping charges.  Regardless of which shop one places an order, it all comes directly to my email Inbox.

Orders placed before 8:00 AM in the morning (CST) will often be shipped the same day  (if it is a business day).  All orders are shipped within 1-2 business days.

One-two bars are shipped USPS  First Class Mail. (for domestic orders) International orders are a different matter. See my Etsy shop for information)
Three or more bars are shipped USPS Priority (for domestic orders)

Either way, all the soaps are made by me, using natural, vegan base oils, herbs, spices, only natural colorants, essential oils, quality fragrance oils, using stainless steel equipment, and in my wonderful kitchen. Soaps are cured in my designated 'Soap Room' which is kept cool year around.

 Curing

All soaps are 4.5-5+ oz., and each comes wrapped in a cigar band label with an ingredient list on the back, and enclosed in a clear cello bag with gold seal.

I am sorry this got to be so long, but I do hope it answered some of the questions you might have had.

CHRISTMAS ORDERS:

To ensure that your domestic order arrives in time for Christmas, please place your order by December 16. It's not that I don't trust the Post Office, exactly, but...well...

Frosted Apple Spice

...and more! Check out all my handcrafted soaps at

HomemadeSoapNSuch

and at

Our ETSY Shop 

Although I usually forget to do it, there is a chance that this post will be linked to one or more of these great linky parties:  Amaze Me Monday and Inspiration Monday and Mosaic Monday and The Barn Collective and    Treasure Box Tuesday and Vintage Bliss Tuesday and KatheWithAnE and Rubbish Tuesday and Our World Tuesday and Tuesdays at our Home and Tuesday with a Twist and  Knick of Time Tuesday (vintage)  and   Tweak it Tuesday and Vintage Inspiration Wednesday and Ivy and Elephants Wednesday and Adorned From Above  and Artsy Corner Thursday and  All Things With Purpose and Home & Garden Thursday and Good Fences on Thursdays and  Time Travel Thursday and Freedom Fridays and Vintage Inspiration Friday and Saturday's Critters

Giveaway, Homemade Vegan Soap, Three Days Only

Southern Magnolia ..... English Rose

Natural, Handcrafted Vegan Soap

TWO luscious bars of handcrafted, vegan soap, labeled and wrapped - ready for gift giving.
Kind to your skin, not harsh or drying. Natural base oils, natural colorants only, no preservatives, no animal products.

Check out all our handcrafted, vegan soaps at our Etsy Shop.


This Giveaway will run for THREE DAYS ONLY: 

TO ENTER:

• Must be a follower of 'Cranberry Morning' blog. Leave a comment on this post, telling me how you follow.

The next two are not mandatory:

• Please 'Favorite' HomemadeSoapnSuch - our Etsy Shop. Leave a comment on this post, telling me you did.

• Please 'Like' HomemadeSoapnSuch on Facebook - Leave a comment on this post, telling me you did.

(Leave separate comments for each, please, for each comment will get a number. Please include your email address so I can notify winner.)


Giveaway will end Thursday, August  9 at 8:00 PM. CDT. (Read on. You'll understand why.)
Comments posted after 8:00 PM CDT will not be counted for the Giveaway.
(but still very much appreciated.)

Winner will be chosen at random by my 3 year old grandson, just before he goes to bed. Low tech - Comments will be numbered and he will choose a number from a hat. At least that's the plan.

U.S. addresses only.

Winner will be announced on Friday, August 9 here at Cranberry Morning.


Check out the new Family Photo at the bottom of the page. God has blessed us with a great family. I just wish my parents and Kevin's parents were still here.

P.S. My mother was cooking for a threshing crew on the farm when she went into labor oh so many years ago on August 6. She drove herself to the hospital and there delivered the joy of her life - her first girl.

***

'Storm Clouds'

Natural, Handcrafted Vegan Soap

...and more! Check out all my handcrafted soaps at

HomemadeSoapNSuch

and at

Our ETSY Shop 


This post is linked to 'You're Gonna Love It'
and Love Bakes Good Cakes 

Our Dependence Upon Technology

Amish Horse and Buggy, Westby

Although I'm thankful for technology and all our modern conveniences, I have been thinking lately about those on the east coast who have been suffering the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. So much destruction! So many still without power! With that in mind, I decided to do a re-post of my July 21, 2011 entry, which reminded us of how dependent upon technology most of us have become.

'Just last week I was watching an old episode of Connections with James Burke. He was talking about the technology trap that we humans have set for ourselves. The Northeast Blackout of 1965 is a good example of what happens when we, who have become dependent upon technology, suddenly experience a snag. Wikipedia article, 'Over 30 million people and 80,000 square miles were left without electricity for up to 12 hours.'

On Tuesday evening, we saw by the radar map on weatherbug.com, that we were under a tornado warning and that at least a severe thunderstorm was headed our way. We took the dogs to the basement, then waited out the storm there. A couple unwanted box elder trees, along with lots of little branches and leaves were strewn about the yard, there was a torrential downpour, and then about 7:30 the power suddenly went out.

All quiet.

No computer.
No printer.
No scanner.
No TV.
No radio.
No lights.
No fan.
No refrigerator.
No freezer.
No microwave.
No washer.
No dryer.
No AC.
No flushing toilets. (We have our own well and the water pump runs on electricity of course).

The storm eventually passed (the electricity was still out) and we went back upstairs, lit the oil lamps, opened the windows so the hot breeze could come in, and waited until it was time to go to bed. It was so deathly silent that I couldn't get to sleep. At 1:30 I moved to a different bedroom. I petted the cats. I waited for morning.

At 2:30 a light flashed across the wall of the upstairs bedroom where I was lying. I heard the low, soft  growl of a diesel engine. Someone was turning around in our driveway. I figured the linemen were out working on our transformer.

For the next hour, Glen Campbell was in my brain whining, 'I am a Lineman for the County.' I tried to figure out why he was a lineman for the county and not for the electric company. I guessed that 'electric company' had too many syllables.

At 3:30 AM, there was suddenly light and air conditioning! We got up, closed the windows. and waited for the house to cool off. It was wonderful!

That power outage was only 8 hours, and most of them were during the night.


As appealing as it is to wear long, black dresses and stockings (and bonnets) on a sweltering summer day, I've decided not to become Amish after all. Then again, the technology they have to worry about is a faulty hitch on their buggy.

The power outage was a good time to reflect upon this 'technology trap' that James Burke was talking about. It's true. We are so dependent upon technology and never expect to have to do without it.

I don't know how long the people of Joplin, MO were without power, but imagine if the power went out next week and we didn't know when it would return. Do we know how to survive? What are some things we need to learn to do? What are some things we need to keep on hand for emergencies? I was glad I'd just filled a two-liter bottle with water, for the first thing that happens when we have a power outage is that I get thirsty.

If we're so smart, why have we set this trap for ourselves?

Technology is wonderful, but can we survive without it?

What do you think?

P.S. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that our youngest son can't survive without Facebook or texting, let alone electricity! Just sayin.' He might say that his mother can't survive without blogging. Then again, I suspect he's not even aware of the fact that I have a blog.

P.S. Please tell Glen Campbell to get out of my brain. ♫ 

***

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

*** 

Don't miss the HomemadeSoapnSuch GIVEAWAY
on now through Thanksgiving Day.

Be sure to enter - HERE 

Christmas 2012
Handcrafted, Vegan, Luxury Soaps

Misty

Misty, before becoming blind and deaf

(and Kevin)

in our backyard

I'm happy to report that the snowy photo above was taken nine months ago, not this morning. But this white stuff is coming all too soon and I'm not looking forward to it.

My biggest concern here is that in the past few months Misty has become blind and deaf. So what she has left to help her navigate is...her nose. With each fresh snow, will the scent that she uses to find her way be gone? I think so.  

Last night we had a little rain, and this morning when I let the dogs out, I noticed after a few minutes that Misty seemed totally lost, rather than keeping her nose to the ground and finding her way back to the house. I went out and put the lead on her and brought her back to the house. When it's not been raining (or snowing), she spends 30-45 minutes just wandering around the backyard or field, following her nose, off on her own daily adventure.

I think that with each new snow Misty will be taken out on lead. I don't want to lose that sweet dog, and it's sad to see her confused and bump into things.

But quality of life? I think Misty would say it's good. She still spends most of her day at my feet, wherever I am, and feels safe. After all, she is still top dog around here. And somebody's gotta keep 120 pound Bridger in his place.

Misty, snuggled up on her bed.

***

The weather forecast? Today: 60 degrees. Possible snow on Monday. In NW Wisconsin, we have the following seasons: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Seed Catalog, Knitting, Enough-Winter-Already!, Easter, Spring, Garden, Enough-Heat-Already!, Canning.

***

'Frosted Apple Spice'
Natural, Vegan, Homemade Soap
Large 4.5-5 oz. bars

...and more! Check out all our handcrafted soaps at

HomemadeSoapNSuch

and at

our ETSY store 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

  

Homemade Woodland Floral Soap - Forest Floor

'Forest Floor'

You walk out of the warm, sunny meadow and into the filtered light of the cool forest. What is under that beautiful, green canopy? What scents greet you? Soil, wood violets, pine boughs, leaves, oak moss, etc. All of those will come to mind when you use Forest Floor Homemade Soap. Earth tones are swirled to make this a beautiful bar of handcrafted soap.

Moisturizing and gentle, with a wonderful woodland fragrance, the floral and woodsy lather will leave your skin feeling soft and silky. And you'll enjoy the process. Whether you use it at the sink or in the shower or bath, Forest Floor is a gentle delight..

The earth tones of this gorgeous soap are made with only natural colorants. If you've ever wondered why people buy homemade soaps, look at the short ingredient list on our soaps. Contrast that with the long chemical ingredient lists on most commercial soaps.

With the dwindling daylight hours, you can usher in autumn with this lovely soap in your shower or bath!

Handcrafted for Quality.

...and more! Check out all my handcrafted soaps at

HomemadeSoapNSuch


 You'll find me at These Linky Parties:
Mop it Up Monday and French Obsession and  Make it Pretty Monday and  Bedazzle Me Monday and  What's in the Gunny Sack and  Making the World Cuter Mondays and Make the Scene Monday and  Make it Great Monday and Mix it Up Monday and  Something I Whipped Up Monday and  Motivate Me Monday and  Making Monday Marvelous and Cozy Home Scenes and  Get Your Craft On and Tip Me Tuesday and Maiden d'Shade and  Inspiration Board and  Your Home Cozy and You're Gonna Love it Tuesday and  Made from Scratch Tuesday and  Take a Look Tuesday and  Tasty Tuesday and Tasty Tuesday and  Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays  and What We...Wednesday and What's Cookin' Wednesday and DJs Sugar Shack and  Cast Party Wednesday and The Shady Porch and   We Did it Wednesday  and It's a Party at Creative Princess and Link it Up Thursday and Crafty Friday (Thursday) and Petals to Picots and  Threading Your Way and  and I'm Lovin' it Friday and It's a Hodgepodge Friday  and Creative Bloggers and  Serenity Saturday and Overflowing With Creativity and  Home and Family Friday 

Chef's Soap - Handcrafted Coffee Soap - All Natural

Chef's Soap: Morning Brew

All-Natural Homemade Coffee Soap

I am pleased to bring my handcrafted coffee soap back into inventory. It's a great favorite among those who spend any amount of time preparing food.

Remarkably, coffee soap is an essential addition to your kitchen, for it is known to eliminate the odors that tend to remain on your hands after cutting onions and garlic and fish (oh my!) and other food products that tend to have a lingering odor.  Made with extra-strong, real coffee. 

Coffee grounds throughout give this soap a great texture as well. No chef should be without it.  Keep this bar at your kitchen sink - and buy one for your favorite chef, even if he or she doesn't get paid for their culinary skills.

All-natural base oils, coffee, coffee grounds.

No animal products.

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Soybean Oil, Distilled water, Sodium Hydroxide, Coffee

...and more! Check out all my handcrafted soaps at

HomemadeSoapNSuch

You'll find me at THESE LINKY PARTIES 

Homemade Cranberry Soap - 'Cranberry Tea'

Homemade 'Cranberry Tea' Soap

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but be sure to follow HomemadeSoapNSuch with either Linky Followers - for those who do not use Blogger, or GFC for those who do use Blogger. (See widgets on my sidebar). Why? Because each time I add a new soap to my store, it gets posted there first. Eventually, it will also make it onto a Cranberry Morning blog post, but if you want to see it when it first appears, be sure to sign up to follow HomemadeSoapNSuch.

Cranberry Tea is a beautiful handcrafted soap that is mild and therefore gentle on your skin. It also smells wonderful! Made with all natural base oils, a quality fragrance oil, and a natural colorant, my 'Cranberry Tea' handcrafted soap makes a beautiful gift for others - or yourself. If you haven't bought homemade soap before, you're in for a real treat. Trust me, you'll never want to go back to the typical, harsh-chemical, store-bought soap again! Check my ingredient list. Notice how short it is!

Each hand cut bar comes with its own distinctive label and wrapped in a cello bag, ready for gift giving!

Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Soybean Oil, Palm oil, Distilled water, Sodium hydroxide, Quality Fragrance Oil, Natural Colorant

...and more!

Check out all my handcrafted soaps at

HomemadeSoapNSuch

 This post is linked to some or all of the following:  Mop it Up Monday and Skip to My Lou and Bedazzle Me Monday and  What's in the Gunny Sack and  Making the World Cuter Mondays and Make the Scene Monday and  Made By You Monday and  Something I Whipped Up Monday and  Motivate Me Monday and  Making Monday Marvelous and Get Your Craft On and Tip Me Tuesday and  Made from Scratch Tuesday and  Take a Look Tuesday and  Tasty Tuesday and Tasty Tuesday and  Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays  and Two Maids a Baking and Overflowing With Creativity and What's New Wednesday and  What's Cookin' Wednesday and Cast Party Wednesday and  We Did it Wednesday  and It's a Party at Creative Princess and Link it Up Thursday and Crafty Friday (Thursday) and Threading Your Way and Lisa's Gluten-Free Blog and Favorite Things Friday and I'm Lovin' it Friday and It's a Hodgepodge Friday  and Creative Bloggers and  Serenity Saturday and  Home and Family Friday