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Thursday, October 20, 2022

waiting for the Aga man...


This little cat looks so much like Squeaky...


Lately we've been having a little possum come by to eat with the feral cats in the evening . Sometimes he comes early and lies under the cat tree on the back porch waiting for DH to feed and for the ferals to eat... then he comes out and eats on his own. We're guessing he's only about 6-8 weeks old... but definitely on his own.

Here's a pic I got of him under the cat tree...



Isn't he cute?


The weather has been downright chilly these last few days. Woke up to the temp being 37 F.  It doesn't take much for me to be cold, and we haven't turned the heater on yet... 

This morning I hated the thought of getting out of bed and being cold, so I stayed snuggled up after DH got up. He usually gets up around 8 am to feed the ferals who by that time have gathered around the back and front doors. Well, this morning they had to wait for a short time as DH got me a cup of hot tea first to drink in bed - so I could get myself up and about. Wasn't that nice? 

It's usually me that gets his coffee on and my tea made while he's taking care of the cats, but I don't function well when cold...


And at the moment we are awaiting the Aga serviceman. He is supposed to be here today to hopefully replace the part that's needed so our kitchen can be warm again... (as well as cook normal meals). 

I watched Martha (of Martha Bakes) make a gluten-free cake roll that looked so easy to do... and one that can use any kind of fruit jam inside (I would use strawberry). It's definitely on my 'to try' list. And when I say gluten-free, it's just that you use a different flour (oat flour, not wheat).



off the video screen  /  doesn't that look good?



Also I'm drinking a cup of Cajun mocha coffee at the moment. It's a simple recipe:

3/4 cup of fresh black coffee
1/4 -1/2 cup evaporated milk
(I use lactose-free)
1 tsp cocoa powder
1/2 - 1 tsp sugar
sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top

(on a cold day it gives me a little pick-me-up)


Also trying to think of some nice things to do to perk up people's lives. Nothing big... just little things like sharing lemon curd cookies with our neighbors or hocus pocus crescent rolls for DH and grandson. 

Do you know what hocus pocus crescent rolls are? Saw them on Facebook and thought, that looks fun and interesting - and easy! You just roll a marshmallow in melted butter, then roll it in cinnamon sugar, then roll it up in a crescent roll... and bake. The marshmallow disappears - thus, hocus pocus! And the guys like them... unfortunately I can't eat them myself, but that's OK. (Do use parchment paper under them as some of the marshmallow can leak out and get your pan all sticky)

I also like to send out cute cards or notes sometimes. This is limited to friends/family (online and otherwise) that I actually have addresses for. Guess that's a bit old school, but hard not to be at my age. I can adapt, but the old ways don't just disappear. And I still love to get/give cards and letters even though most use texting and email these days.

Closing this now, but if any of you have any ideas of how to perk up lives in small simple ways, I appreciate your comments. I do think that despite all the turmoil that is going on these days, I've found that people are actually 'trying to be kind'...  

Well, the weekend is almost here again. Wishing you a good one!

(BTW, I stopped watching the news a few weeks ago - can't watch all the political talk and commercials - since I don't believe half of what is being said anyway. DH and I just vote the way our gut tells us and ignore all the political babble.)

Hugs (virtual),
Rian








 

23 comments:

  1. Those pictures of that baby possum were so sweet! Why does it seem like these animals know to come to you RIan? Anyway, this was a nice read. I sure hope Aga is back on her English feet, and I am VERY tempted to try making those sweet crescent rolls. If I do, I'll post pics and give you the credit. PS Love the "A black cat goes with everything"!

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    1. I know, Dug, he/she is so sweet. It's amazing that although baby raccoons come by with their mamas, as do feral kittens, that little possums always come alone.
      As for the Aga, it's almost 4... and still no serviceman.

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  2. Cards and letters DO give a lift. Much more (for me anyway) than a text message. Which is probably showing my age.
    I hope your Aga can be fixed soon.
    It is heat which does me in rather than cold, but I hope you find some relief and comfort soon.

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    1. EC, I understand how heat can do you in... and I know it can... especially when it gets in triple digits. But... it's the cold that seems to make me want to simply hibernate.

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  3. I used to feed everything that came to eat, until the raccoons caught on and I was afraid for my cats and took to feeding them indoor and eliminating the outdoor station.
    I thought about those hocus pocus rolls and realize they are slightly glorified cinnamon rolls, once the marshmallow disappears.You could bake those in a cupcake foil and send one with a card. Use a tissue box to ship.

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    1. Joanne, the raccoons and the feral cats don't fight... they usually keep their distance from each other, but do eat side by side... and occasionally lie on the patio together. Baking them in a cupcake pan or foil is a good idea as they can be a bit messy.

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  4. Aww that poor little possum. So glad he found your diner for he looks too young to fend for himself. Sure hope the repair man does his magic on Aga and puts you back in business again.

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    1. Patti, the repair man didn't show up... some technical mixup. We were not happy, but what can you do.

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  5. So nice to think what I might be able to do to make other people's lives better. And I too love to see the little ferals of all sorts that find your little oasis. Thank you for bringing me some joy today!

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    1. I hope possibly we bring each other a little joy just by blogging and sharing with each other. I know your blogs (and comments), DJan, always give me a lift...

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  6. You are so kind to feed the cats and that little possum too. Thanks for sharing the recipes; I will try the crescent roll one...something my hubby would love. I don't follow news very much either. Simply, I think the world has gone mad but that's my old age showing, I suppose.

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    1. Your hubby will love the hocus pocus crescent rolls... and so easy. As for the world going mad, I feel the same, but probably has always been this way at times... just different issues.

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  7. Awww, that little possum is adorable. I hope he survives to adulthood.

    I saw in one of your comment replies that the Aga repair person didn't show up due to a mix up (or whatever reason!). I'm sorry about that, hope he shows up today and that you get it fixed again. It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that you were without the Aga, but I know it's far longer! (Time flies whether you have fun or not. LOL.)

    The recipes look and sound yummy. I've mostly given up on trying to adapt sweets to being sugar-free (no sugar, honey, maple syrup, Agave, etc.). The taste and texture just isn't the same! I do cheat a bit with some Keto bars and with some sugar-free Lindt chocolate, though. Those give me my sweet fix!

    As for perking up people's lives, I'd say you're already good at that! I usually try to engage with store cashiers, baristas, etc., ask them how their day is going and if they answer "good" or "fine," (standard answers), will ask if that's actually the case or if they have to say that to customers. That usually takes people aback and then we chat a bit--it's always nice to get honest answers and connect even for a few moments.

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    1. No, the Aga repair person didn't show... and they said it was some software glitch... and tried to put us off until November! DH said no, that was not going to happen and they put us down for Monday (we'll see). These things happen, but it's so frustrating... and there are not that many Aga service people around here. We've had our Aga since 2005 and it's only had to be fixed (only really one working part) 3 times in 17 years and one of those times a plumber broke it when trying to turn it back on.

      I've been gluten-free for almost 2 years and lactose-free for a shorter time. But I do cheat on occasion (not too often, but still...). Usually no consequences, but you never know. I have diet limitations due to mild IBS, IC, and migraines. But Kim, I don't do without for all of them. Some I just do 'in moderation' - like coffee and tea. I drink about 1/4 cup of coffee or tea and it's enough to satisfy me and doesn't affect my IC.

      Sorry this is so long, but wanted to touch base with you. Have a good weekend and I really hope Derry is doing better. You take such good care of him.

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  8. Arggh...when a tradesperson doesn't show up, it's frustrating and annoying. I suspect there aren't a whole lot of individuals available who know how to service the Aga. Fingers crossed they show up on Monday.
    Good of you to feed all and sundry who show up at your door.
    The hocus pocus rolls sounds like something my grandson will enjoy. I'll have to mention it to his mom.

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    1. Yes, fingers crossed!! We have always fed those who show up... sometimes 2, sometimes 7. And then they tend to send 'one' who sits there looking sad until you put something out... then the others come out of the bushes. They've got our number!

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  9. awesome meme's!!!! the possum is adorable, i suspect you will become great friends!!! its so special when people make your morning beverage, my hubs always makes my tea. the cake looks very good, and fun...something different. i send cards too, snail mail...my great nieces LOVE getting mail. and that reminds me, i need to mail my halloween cards!!!

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    1. The cake does look good... and easy except for the roll-up part. Have to wait for my Aga to be working before I can even think about it. I sent snail mail note cards to 2 of my online blogger friends today. I don't have your address, so I couldn't send you one. But if you would like me to... just send me your address via my email.

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  10. i read your comment about your garden. 2 things control the quality of what your garden will produce, sunlight and the quality of your soil. you also need very good drainage so the roots don't rot! and i think you said it has been cold, you may lose this growing season anyway.

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    1. I think the soil is fine... as we put in all the things the man at the farm store recommended... and the plastic bottles you mentioned. But we don't get a lot of sun... it's on the south side, but there are trees there too.

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  11. Have a wonderful weekend, Rian. I wish we had more people who choose to spread kindness and friendship instead of division and anger.

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    1. Kay, I secretly hope there are more than we realize...

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  12. We too have a small possum. They are clean, kill ticks and do not get rabies. There have been wild fires near and the critters are lost and hungry.

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