Monday, January 30, 2017

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS!

~SATURDAY~

Part of my closet isn't functional. So the plan is to get it there. I like to organize things. There is a joy when things have a place. I have been working on downsizing and organizing since we have moved. We moved in with things that we either don't use or don't need.
Now its making spaces work for you.

The plan is to clear this out and get rid of what ever those cords are.

 We measured the wall for a closet rod and shelf. Tim and I are just gonna use up some extra wood we have in the garage. No need to buy if something else will work.

 This is the board for the shelf. Got it measured and getting ready for the cut to be made.

 Look who gets to run the circular saw!

 Squaring it up now.

 Tim running a cut on it.


 He had me do this one myself.



 Tim is cutting the side boards on the miter saw.


 I got the closet cleaned up and ready for closet shelf to go in.
I have a stand-up closet next to my actual closet. Its in the open and has my skirts on it. It takes up more space than I need. This little area will keep it nicely and free up more space in my room.




 Tim hung up two hooks I could hang my flannel shirts on.
Who doesn't like flannel!

 Shelf and rod is done.

 Got my skirts hung up. I even had enough room for the sweaters on the top shelf. I used to keep them in the tote.

 Looks good.

 Now this is a tight space but I am still able to get to the less used items if need be. All we need is a light.

While I was finishing up my closet, I looked out the window.
Tim was moving the cows water tank to the back pasture. He is closing off the front pasture for now.

All ten are in the photo and Hope. I didn't plan this just was standing in the right place at the right time.

 Isn't she cute!


~~SUNDAY~~
 The soon to be pig pasture.

 Today we are gonna keep clearing out this area. Tim is gonna see how many more trees he can get down.

 Don't those girls look like twins?

 Gathering the wood that will need to be split down in the wood area. Made another pile for the branches to be mulched too.

 Tim is taking down this tree.




 This tree was giving Tim some trouble. It was not giving in easy to come down.

 Hung up just enough to stop it from falling. 



Mission accomplished!
He got a big branch and pushed it off of the ledge until it fell. He got that cut up. 

The girls just keep gathering more wood and moving it to our pile in the woods.

These girls are hard workers!

Ended our afternoon with company. So until next time!

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

YOGURT MAKING!

Let's make some homemade YOGURT!



Some of the supplies you will need:
1 gallon of Raw milk
A pot big enough to put the milk in
A thermometer (I prefer digital)

Not pictured:
Cooler (Or something that will maintain 115-120 degree temp)
2- Towels

Put it on the stove on medium or so heat. Keep stirring as it heats up.

While the milk is heating up to temperature, get out another bigger pot for hot water. I just use hot tap water. My hot water is hot reading is 120 degrees.

Next, you will need:
2- 1/2 gallon jars with lids
1- container with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of yogurt (I use 1/2 cup)
1- empty bowl (I use a measuring cup with handle)
Whisk
Bowl scrapper AKA Rubber Spatula

We are getting closer on temperature.
It needs to be 185 degrees.

Back to the hot water pot. I just sat mine on the stove and didn't turn on the heat. Temperature for the water needs to be 115-120 degrees. Mine normally is 115 degrees before I pour into the cooler.

I fill up my sink with cold water and put some ice cubes in it.
This will help to cool of the temperature before you add the active culture in (yogurt).

Super close!
Needs to read 185 then remove from heat.

Place in ice cold water to drop the temperature to 125 degrees.
Pay close attention it drops fast.

As soon as I sat it in the ice cold water this is the reading.

Once it reads 125 remove from water and in your empty bowl (I use a measuring cup with handle) scoop out a cup or so. Grab the yogurt in the other container and scoop into your bowl. Whisk it to mix well.

Then, pour it back into the pot and whisk to mix it well.

Pour into your 1/2 gallon jars and put the lids on.

Place them into the cooler.

Pour the hot water into the cooler. 
(the temperature read 116 degrees before adding). 

Close it up. 
FYI~ I do put my cooler by my heat vent.
I also put one of the towels under the cooler.

Place the second towel over the top to help hold the heat in.
I set my timer for 5 hours (You can go 4-10 hours later). Then, I place in the refrigerator.

This is so easy and yummy! 
We serve with fruit! But Tim and Kaitlin eat theirs plain. Either way it is good.

Let me know if you make it or if you have a different recipe.