Funny side note

I didn't get all the windows covered with the plastic stuff yet, but I did the one in my bedroom and this morning I got to watch Emmy be denied when she tried to jump on the little ledge which is now covered with plastic.  She jumped like normal but bounced off, she was not pleased to say the least.  Funny incident did result in three tiny tears in the sheeting but some tape should cover it.  Poor kitty is losing all her ledges for the season, an unexpected side effect.  As a devout animal lover, I will not deny a little twinge of remorse for the poor dear. (Though not enough to take the plastic down.)

Baby, it's cold outside!

Given the drop in temperature and the snowfall in my lovely corner of the world, I have decided to post on keeping those tootsies toasty. First, take stock. Look at yourself, how are you dressed right at this moment? Could you be wearing the same thing in April? May? September? You know, when it is warmer out? If so, you probably have your heat tuned higher then necessary. One of the joys of winter is bundling up in those cozy sweaters. So dress the part. You can save some energy (and some pennies) by turning down the thermostat. For example, at this moment, I have long johns, jeans, knee high socks, house slippers, long sleeved t-shirt, and perhaps the plushest, coziest house coat on the planet. (I am not wearing a sweater because the housecoat is soooo cozy, sweater tomorrow!)
Other things to do, check the windows - are there drafts? The coop is not the most sound of places, but as a renter, I am limited. So I invested in the Duck brand Window kits. The amount plastic is bothersome to me, but it is less impacting then the heat loss generated.
Also, something as simple as indulging in that cup of hot cocoa or tea. The internal warmth created helps bit the need for bumping up the thermo.
My other big step is to invest in a small space heater. I purchased a forced fan variety because they are safer for the furry friends. It pleasantly heats the little nook I prefer to sit in to watch a movie or read a book. I am keeping my heat between the 63-65 range and have been very cozy. Stay warm! Give something above a try or turn the heat down a degree or two. Remember, baby steps are as important as leaps, both keep you moving forward.

Baked Oatmeal

My favorite breakfast food.

1 cup oil
1 1/2 cup Sugar
4 eggs
Mix until glossy

6 cup quick oats
1 TB & 1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp Salt
2 Cups milk
Add & beat until Blended
1 9x13 pan (or a bunch of little Pyrex or corning ware containers)
400 degrees 30-40 minutes

Options: add 2 peeled, cored apples and 1 tsp cinnamon or 1 cup raisins & 1 tsp cinnamon
I prefer to add this after, I don't like mushy raisins.

It doesn't raise a whole lot so fill the Pyrex about 3/4 full.

Breakfast to go.

Some mornings are hard to get out of bed, especially in the winter when the bed is so nice and toasty. As a result, sometimes breakfast is sacrificed. Well, maybe not sacrificed - more like postponed. Often I stop at the little coffeehouse on my way to work and purchase baked oatmeal or buy the "breakfast" option the school has for the students (or the really unhealthy muffins they have.) The problem with these is packaging (and transport but that maybe taking things to far.) I have been actively trying to avoid any and all Styrofoam use and individual packaged items. The aforementioned breakfast items violate both of these. So I decided to try to make my own baked oatmeal and freeze it. So I dug out the little Pyrex and corning ware containers and my large muffin muffin pan and got to experimenting. SUCCESS! Today I had a rushed morning, so I grabbed a baked oatmeal muffin out of the freezer, microwaved it at school and ate it while taking care of morning emails. Yeah! (and this will be cheaper in the long run for the frugalistas out there.) I will post the baked oatmeal recipe soon.

Embarrassment Ensues

So I can't believe it has been two months since I posted and that my last posting was about Whiskey. Good Grief! (To quote that good ol' boy, Charlie Brown...I have been watching way too much CB lately.) Yikes, I have nothing more to say. Hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, new posting for all four of my lovely followers to come.

Whiskey Wishes

an addendum to the previous post both my dear friend, Marilyn, and my dear mother (also a Marilyn) have suggested substituting whiskey for the water.... (shocking from my mom, but she swears our ancestors would highly recommend it....yes, I have some hill folk in the background.) So you can give it a try if you would like. (Check out Marilyn-the friend's comment to the previous post for some extra directions.) Me, I honestly don't have whiskey on hand, but perhaps that needs to change?

Better than Cough Syrup....

That's right, I have a better remedy the the OTC cough syrup. Honey and Lemon, yep, you heard me right. Prepare yourself some hot water than stir in 1 TBSP honey and 1 TBSP lemon juice. Drink and feel better. (I am on my third cup of the weekend.) Next time you have a cold or a cough or sore or ....well, you get the idea.....try it.