Menu Plan Monday

We are experiencing some rather chilly temperatures here in WI. A cool 40 degrees this morning. I almost put a headband (to go around my ears) on before I went out to the barn. Tomorrow is the first day of school somehow I feel unprepared. I'm not sure why. Most of my responsibilities end at the driveway once she is on the bus. Today we go bring her supplies in and meet her teacher who is a man. I never had a male for a teacher until I was in sixth grade. Except for gym and art teachers I had all female elementary teachers and there was only one male fifth grade teacher. So here goes nothing!



Monday-Milwaukee style pork chops


Tuesday-Taco stacks/pizzas


Wednesday-Hotdogs, we are going to a classification party (in a barn so there will be food)


Thursday-Kurt's birthday beef tips over noodles


Friday-Chicken stir fry (from last week)


Saturday-Hamburgers and sweet corn

Its Golden

29 years ago today on a hot, humid (I don't know what the weather was but my mom claims it was the hottest summer in her life) Thursday of Labor Day weekend I made my entrance into the world. Which makes today my Golden Birthday. You have no idea how grand of a day I always thought it would be. Also how long I thought it would take to get to my Golden birthday. 29 seemed so far away. Geez I remember turning 20 and thinking darn I'm not a teenager anymore. 21 and pregnant. 22 and thinking I had lived quite the life already. 23, 24 were the same too. Then I hit 25. Wow, life had changed. I was going through a divorce. I never thought I would be one of "those people" who got a divorce. I will say that was not my choice but when your spouse cheats on you and impregnants married females (ladies nor women would describe these types of the female variety) it is over. That was my life three months before my 25 birthday. Eight days after my birthday my life would be forever changed again. I met Kurt. I trust him and know that if he forgets to buy me a card on birthday it does not match the ugliness and hatred of divorce not even close. Kurt did remember my birthday not that he should forget because his is five days later.

29 did not seem so far away and yet this picture from the Summer of 2003 seems light years ago. My little girl is not a baby anymore. Life moves fast if you don't stop and look around you might just miss it. (GREAT MOVIE) I hope my daughter has appreciation for comedies like I do. I hope she appreciates the people in her life when she is older and see where she has come from. I can be the typical mom too and say I hope she doesn't make the same mistakes I did.
I hope she has a kind heart like this always because she is one of my best gifts. Thanks for the package of Oreos and the cartoon picture of a buttcrack on my birthday card making a "wisecrack" about my age. You are a funny kid and you make me laugh. Please stay seven forever for me!

Not Your Quaker Oats

Here goes my father-in-law driving the swather.

Picture far away sorry...there is a large reel on the front that cuts the oats at the stem and lays them in a pretty row. This allows them to be combined which is how we harvest oats.

See the big reel. It is a dirty, dirty job driving the swather. Oats are also very itchy. I can not explain it. But it is one of the reason why I did not go traipsing across the rows, for a closer shot. Me lazy girl. Smart girl too.

Corner where you can see the rows going around the field.

Oats up close and personal before they are combined. They are still in there thin layer of husk. How rustic. This is where your oatmeal use to come from and maybe some still does.

A neighbor of ours bought some of our oats right off the field. It is cheaper for someone to buy directly from the producer than a feed mill for example.

Good for us because the price the feedmill was willing to pay us had gone down by 60 cents. That might not sound like a lot but I was very thankful our neighbor bought two big loads from us.


Kurt had to make sure he could fit in another load before going out to the field for another.

He eventually had to get a shovel to even out the load. If I remember, we still had some oats run over the one side. That poor guy needs a vacation. He works hard for his money. We are happy to be done with our oats. I'll also add. After the combine goes over the oats, the stem is still left laying on the field. We take our chopper and chopper box and chop the straw. We use it for bedding our cows and young stock. Kurt was able to chop 17 loads off of 20 acres. AWESOME! Last year we had to buy two loads which was expensive. Our chopped straw goes in the upstairs of our barn. It is divided into four sections. There are two hay mows, a shavings (sawdust) mow, and a chopped straw mow. Kurt had the straw mow filled as high as it could be filled. It was not completely empty from last year so we did good.

Not your Quaker oats you ask? Quaker is buying more Canadian oats because they are a heavier oat due to Canada's cooler climate. Booo that is partly why the price has dropped. Too much oats out there already. Last year I (yes, it was me. I did do it) sold it for 2.40 more than what we will get paid for it currently. Last year was a different year, but Quaker still sucks.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday-We are going to a cattle sale...brats and hamburgers for us.

Tuesday-Sweet corn and sandwhiches

Wednesday-Tacos or nachos

Thursday-Chicken stirfry

Friday-Homemade pizza or food from the deli

Saturday-Chicken cordon bleu (from last week), oven-fries, veggie, and salad

Like I said (many times before), I have 16 cups of frozen zucchini. I have been trying to make something every couple days or atleast once a week. Last week I made zucchini cupcakes with caramel frosting. My daughter who loves sugar was not keen on the frosting. Either way they are an excellent way to use bountiful zucchini that may grace your garden or doorsteps. Saturday night I made a chocolate zucchini cake from a combination of two recipes. I will share this with you later in the week. I have to get moving. I have to get some gas in my car and maybe do a little housework. Happy, happy, joy, joy!!!!

Happy Monday!

Where does she come up with this stuff?

Yesterday my daughter was telling me about my mom's dog Chloe. She said whenever I smile at Chloe, she pees. She said it so seriously that I did not laugh but thought whatever you say strange child-of-mine.

Another day we were talking about a picture that I took of her and a calf for a Christmas card a few years ago. She thought maybe she would like to take another pic like that. There is a calf outside who is one of her favorites because she is red and white. I told her it would have to be one of the new babies born because the red calf is dirty from being outside. Well she told me she could clean the calf up but not with her mouth. Baby calves are licked clean by their moms at birth. I am guessing that is where she came up with not cleaning the calf with her mouth.

Go Vikes?

My beloved Brett Favre. I was sad when you wanted to retire. I knew you had more years to give the Green and Gold. Then you changed your mind. I was so happy. It was like a nice wedding present since this was a few days before my wedding. I know I did not register for this gift, but oh what a precious gift it was. Until that walking-Q-Tip of a general manager big Ted said it was over. Meanie. I knew I never liked him. You went to the Jets and I was so excited to watch you play that first Sunday. Still wearing green but near the big apple not the frozen trunda. We were okay with that. At the end of the season you were not sure whether you were coming back or not. I was so shocked. You had not made a decision in regards to your future. Brett, don't leave us hanging here we love you man!

Two days ago, Brett was officially a Viking. I almost threw up in my mouth. Do I need to say more? I went to college (did not graduate) an hour from the Cities. It was half and half Wisconsin and Minnesota students. We were ten minutes from the border. Oh I miss that area. I do not miss being that close to Viking fans. I went to their website and saw these pictures. Hopefully it is not illegal to borrow a few pics.

Here is my new leader of the Pack. Go Packers.

Zucchini Cupcakes with Carmel Frosting

Like I said yesterday, I froze 16 cups of shredded zucchini which was from four large zucchinis. I received a surprise large yellow zucchini which probably made another four cups. I put those shreds in the fridge and they are eagerly waiting to be paired with other ingredients. Today we are going to mix these up and hopefully many more batches! I found this recipe in our new church cookbook and there are many others I plan on sharing in the future!



3 eggs
1-1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. orange juice
1 tsp almond extract
2-1/2 c. flour
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp gound cloves
1-1/2 c. zucchini, shredded



In a mixing bowl, beat first five ingredients. Combine dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix well. Add zucchini and combine thoroughly. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350* for 20-25 minutes and cool.



Caramel Frosting


1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 to 2 c. powdered sugar


Combine brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened. Removoe from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool to lukewarm. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until frosting reaches spreading consistency desired. Enjoy!!

Menu Plan Monday

Here is what is cooking around our house this week. In no particular order but it is what I am planning on...

Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, and salad

Tacos with shredded zucchini hiding in the seasoned ground beef or turkey

Cheesey ham chowder with sweet corn-recipe to follow tomorrow

Chicken cordon bleu with seasoned rice and fresh green beans (thanks Mary!)

Hamburgers and cheesy hashbrown casserole

I froze 16 cups of shredded zucchini yesterday and I have about three to four cups waiting to be used in the fridge. There is a recipe in my church cookbook for zucchini cupcakes with carmel frosting that I plan on making this week. It is the same recipe Hoosier Homemade has for them which says it came from the Taste of Home magazine. They sound really tasty! I was also gifted some more produce-awesome! Green beans, a few tomatoes, and a yellow zucchini (I already shredded her up!) I'm going to search on what to do with the green beans since my daughter likes them French-style.

Me Cranky? Nooo

But I am, darnit. I am PMSing big time which is unusual. I go through cranky periods but this one is awful. We have been really busy this week getting our oats taken off the field so we have not seen too much of each other. Since Tuesday, if the sun has been shining we have been working. I snuck in almost an hour of nap time today and Kurt didn't ask why I was late to start milking this afternoon. Mum is the word.

Tuesday I went in the morning and picked up two dozen ears of sweet corn, a cucumber(for my spaghetti salad), pickles, two onions, two big zucchini, and four little zucchinis all from the farmers market down the road for 13.50. I would love to have a garden but when I can buy what I need for such a nice price it all evens out. Besides when in the heck would I have time to plant a garden. Remember the name of my blog? That sums it up around here. I brought my loot home and put it in the garage fridge. I planned on getting at either the pickles or zucchini that day. Um yeah, did not happen.

I had to meet my mom to pickup my daughter and I had an appointment for farm stuff along with having to stop at Fleet Farm for stuff. But first I had to stop at my friend Kristie's house because that is where the Holstein meeting was going to be. So I had to drop off a pair of glasses that another member had left in their vehicle from the last meeting. Since they were not going to the meeting and Kurt did not think he would be making it to the meeting because of field work and it was on my way to town. Of course I talked to Kristie for atleast a half hour and she ended up giving me two big zucchinis and three squash. Wondering what I am going to do with all the zucchini? Yeah, me too!

Wednesday I thought will be my day to start on my veggies. Wrong. I was in our truck hauling wagons to the feed mill and picking up chopper boxes from neighbor. Then I had to deposit the chopper boxes in the field until all four were out there. I was so tired of climbing in and out and in and out of the truck. Backing up and hooking up my thighs are screaming just thinking about it. I did the hauling after I milked by myself. Waaah. I was okay, honest. Lunch really did not happen yesterday for Kurt and I so I grabbed apples around 3:30 or so. By 5 I was starving. I gave in and went to McDs because there was no way anyone was going to be happy. I still had my calves and heifers to feed. It is all a blur but I did not get in the house until after 7. Then I went back out at 8:30 to milk. Yawn...

A new day and I have hauled two wagons into the feed mill. I unloaded the bagged feed from the truck that I picked up yesterday. I also somehow tripped when I was picking up a piece of diamond plate that goes over the gutter. That hurt my arm is still kind of sore and I have no idea how it happened. Today is the day. I am going to go slice up my pickles and be a happy girl. If that doesn't help, then I'll start on the zucchini. I forgot to mention my daughter husked the corn for me while I took the second wagon down. Hopefully the novelty of peeling corn never wears off : )

Menu Plan Monday

My fridge is pretty empty, but my freezers have plenty for the week. It is a good time to clean my fridge's shelves since I already washed the inside door shelves...yuck. This week is kind of whatever happens, happens. Feeling unispired and there is not too much pressure for meals since Mac won't be home until Tuesday.

Monday-I don't know...honest : )

Tuesday-Ham in the crockpot and scalloped potatoes or cheesey hashbrown casserole even though Kurt will be at his Holstein meeting and probably having ham sandwhiches and potatoes too.

Wednesay-Hamburgers, baked beans, and chips

Thursday-Homemade pizza since we did not have it last week

Friday-We are going to a corn roast that is being put on by the snowmobilers club which is a thank you to the land owners who let the trails go through their land. It is delicious!

Saturday-Pork roast in the crockpot with saurkraut and mashed potatoes.

Eclair Dessert

Crust-


1/2 c. butter
1 c. water
1 c. flour
4 eggs




Bring butter and water to a boil. When boiling hard, add flour and stir well. Remove from heat. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. If you are a skilled baker/cook you are probably going to temper the eggs. I think that is the proper term and the basic idea is you do not want scrambled eggs. I do not know how to do this but I managed to only having a few pieces of crust that tasted like cooked egg. : ) Spread into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until golden. Cool completely.




Filling-


1 pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 c. cold milk
8 oz whipped topping
Chocolate syrup, like Hershey's



Mix pudding and milk together first and beat in cream cheese until smooth. Spread over cooled crust and spread whipped topping over top. Drizzle with syrup. Refrigerate leftovers.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday-Crispy Ranch Chicken, fanned baked potatoes, and a veggie or salad (Mac's request)

Tuesday-Hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, baked beans, and chips

Wednesday-One Dish Supper and Eclair Dessert (Recipe coming this week)

Thursday-Leftovers or grilled cheese sandwhiches

Friday-We might go to the Winnebago County Fair-I am not digging the idea. Homemade pizza it is!!!!

Saturday-I have a family reunion during the day which has roasted sweet corn for all to eat. I LOVE sweet corn, but sadly it does not reciprocate my feelings. Something simple for supper or maybe a roast in the crockpot.

Sunday-Another party during the day. I wouldn't mind if it was rained out. We need the rain! : ) four-tenths morning baby!!

Go to The Happy Housewife to get more menu ideas!

30 days and Counting

Until second grade starts for this little lady. She claims she is not looking forward to school but who is she kidding! School supplies, hot lunch, and riding the bus. What's not to look forward too!? I had a really nice second-grade teacher and I hope my daughter will have a similiar experience. But for now there is another week of swimming lessons, the start of VBS, and a few more fairs to enjoy before returning to the lovely learning institution.

Looking Back and Working Forward

This picture is from last year's Kids and Calves show at the fair. I love this picture of Maclayne and her BFF Lila.

This year they finished in the same placings as last year. They were either 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th. Either way they did well and next year I think they will definetly move up in placing. Maybe even take first if they practice, practice, practice.

I was trying to get Maclayne to stand like Lila but I confused her and she was over-thinking where she should put her hand on the halter. Next year.

Maclayne took some pictures of Lila and her calf Lydia.

More pictures by Maclayne. And my favorite picture...





A tale of one guy who's having a good time at the fair and another who had a good time the night before. : )