Friday Update

ELECTRICITY: We’re down which surprises me. I honestly thought we were going to go up. Granted there is the possibility that I read it wrong since I read it at 9:30pm under the glow of the cell phone. But, I am not going to complain.  
Meter reading: 71675
Usage: 482kwh
Percentage: 228%

IDC: I have some ham and beans canned. I canned a variety of different beans with the ham so we can have a small selection to choose from. I made more laundry detergent this week since we were running low. In the IDC of waste, we had to trash seven quarts of syrup due to mold. I was not happy and will try to figure out what happened.

GARBAGE: We took four bags to my SIL, but that was three weeks worth of trash. Once everything gets cleaned out and cleaned up, I would like to try for zero trash. That is a goal of mine and one that I know is possible.

GASOLINE: $50 worth of gas went into the pick-up. It is warm enough on a consistent basis to start the switch to the waste vegetable oil. Ok, I know that was said two weeks ago, but we still haven’t gotten to the WVO yet. I think we are going to wait until we get back from Conference.

MONEY: I went to the Evil Empire this evening to get Bethany a pair of play shoes since hers are now too small. The Evil Empire was the closest place open that sold shoes. They were probably made from some poor, starved, Chinese prisoner or Chinese slave whose childhood was stolen by greed and communism. I also went to Sav-a-lot and picked up snacks for the trip to St. Louis tomorrow. Between the two places, I spent less than $25.00

HOMESTEAD: The chicks (turkey and chicken) have all been moves to what is normally the kidding stall. They outgrew their cages and need to learn to scratch and peck the ground. So, with the straw and water feeders (which we picked up a five gallon last night to go with the two single gallon ones) and feed put in both the bowls and spread on the ground, they get plenty of food, water, running, and heat as they grow and (hopefully soon) move outside.
We are getting close to a gallon a day from Flora and she has calmed down a lot. She is letting other people milk her and she is staying on the stand after milking. I am definitely feeling much better going to conference knowing that she will allow others to milk her and knowing that she is in good hands. I trust K and H to take care of the animals and have no worries about either of them getting hurt too badly by the animals. (Getting a foot or hand stepped on notwithstanding.)  

HOMESCHOOL: Charlie has finished Captain Courageous and I am now looking at some of our other books to see what might peak his interest. He has a love for reading that I want to encourage.
We’ve been working on math and while he seems to get it, he doesn’t enjoy doing it. So he needs the occasional poke to get him going on that.  

GOALS ACCOMPLISHED:  
1. Finally finish the garage and shop. – I’m just going to hang my head in shame.
2. Get the walk path done. We had a LOT of rain, wind, some snow, freezing temperatures, etc.
3. Get the rest of the plants in the ground. – Did I mention rain, snow, freezing temps, and the fact that I lost a good portion of my plants?
4. Carpet clean the master bedroom. – I vacuumed it. Does that count?

NEW GOALS (Do they look familiar):  
1. Finally finish the garage and shop.
2. Get the walk path done.
3. Get the plants in the ground.
4. Carpet clean the master bedroom.