Rob and the big girls went up to the farm and raided the garden. They were very successful. Besides what you see, they got some green onions, apples and boc choi. I served salad, cut up cantaloupe, made pesto from the leaves of the basil (not the flowers or stems), and hamburgers with tomatoes and lettuce. I made sweet and sour sauce with a pepper and threw the boc choi in and served it on rice. Lovana made a quinoa salad with another one.
I cooked some millet that had been sitting on the shelf. I made a millet-crusted chicken pot pie. I started with a recipe from a cookbook, but changed it to use what I had. It turned out terrific!
The electrician finished up his wiring for new plug-ins in the shop. Rob then got to work finishing up the shelves for the canning. We spent time yesterday and today putting the canned jars on the shelf. He had one done last week and we have been using the jars that came to light like crazy. Now we have even more choices. Now, call me crazy if you will, but I KNOW I have more canned whole tomatoes, but they are MIA! So, I expect a box or two to show up somewhere unexpected as we continue to unpack and organize.
Patsy and Jake enjoyed making cookies from a cookie mix that came to light when I unpacked my food boxes. I worked extra hours this week because my niece was sick. Now Ja’Ana has it. Hope no one else gets it!
We joined the YMCA. Because we are earning so little right now, we were given an extremely reduced monthly rate. We had several motivations, but one reason we joined was so that I could get into the pool. I have had a problem with my foot since July and have not been able to walk on the treadmill as I usually do. This has been adversely affecting my health. (I’m diabetic and my sugars soar without exercise) Rob spent an entire day researching options (the Y and others), talking to the Y about finances, signing up, etc. We are extremely grateful that they gave us such a low rate and we have already worked out twice.
Another super big blessing to us is that Ja’Ana can take dance classes there, also at a greatly reduced rate with the scholarship we were given. It means a great deal to her to take dance, and we had really though we would be unable to allow her to sign up anywhere this year, due to finances. So, we are all really happy for her. On Tuesday, she will take her 4th class, because they are trying to place her in the correct class. So, she just keeps getting to go to different classes for free until they decide which is right for her. (We don’t feel sorry for her:)
Patsy was able to join a cheerleading class at her school on Wednesdays, for a nominal fee, so she’s happy, too.
As of Friday, Rob has put in about 80 applications. He has had about 10 interviews. The one he had on Friday called him and said they have high interest in him, but it was up to the HR department, who “has a problem with people who worked only one place for so long before this.” What???? Huh????? So, we are waiting to see what happens on Monday. If it’s more references they need, he can certainly furnish more, but he did only work one place for the last 18 years. He will give a call tomorrow and offer more references if they want them. So, it’s in the Lord’s hands, as it always has been. In the meanwhile, he has another interview Tuesday, and keeps applying. He also got invited to the orientation for substitutes, which is not until October 11. That is probably the way he will end up getting hired, but who knows? At least he keeps making it to interviews and I know he will get a job before long. And, at least it’s not boring around here–always something going on to keep us busy until that day.
I LOVE your new shelves. They look so stable and it will be so easy to see what you have. I have a question. You said you only use the leaves when making pesto. Since I am new at this, I am wondering why you don’t use the stems and flowers; I can understand not using the woody stems. I do not want to mess up my next batch. It is too late to grow more basil this year.
Also, I have a huge oregano plant. Have you ever used it to make pesto? I have found recipes on the internet but I am looking for advice.
I picked off the leaves and had to cull it severely. It’s the end of the season and the basil isn’t as nice as it once was. Some leaves were getting black spots, or looked mildewy, so I picked through and took the nice ones, or the 1/2 of the nice ones that were good. I have never used the flowers, but have thrown in a few stems before. These stems were over the hill and pretty tough looking. I don’t know why they never call for flowers, but the recipes usually say basil leaves so it never occurred to me to throw the flowers in:)
I’ve never done oregano pesto, only basil. The recipe I use only calls for oil, basil, salt, pepper, garlic and parmesan cheese. I will try to post the recipe this week. There are no pine nuts so it is much more affordable to make.
Thanks. I was wondering if you knew if the flowers might have seeds down inside and if that was the reason the recipes say don’t throw them in. Oh well. I will eat it no matter what!
I don’t know why, truthfully. I guess there is a little bit of “I’ve always done it this way….” It sure tastes great.
I’m not really commenting on your blog…just replying so that it will let me subscribe via email. As weird as it seems, it seems to be the only way I’ve discovered to do it. 😉 I know there is a right way BUT just pardon my silliness and I’ll be set to go. Rhonda 🙂
That is weird! Thanks.
Sounds like a busy week, like always! And I looooove your pantry shelves! So gorgeous with all your food on them! Nice and deep shelves, too. 🙂
Sounds like a busy week! I love your shelves — they’re nice and deep and look GORGEOUS with all those cans on them!
Thank you, Margaret. We kind of like being busy, but trust me, we took a bunch of time to rest as well.
I am so envious of your canning shelves, Becky! Some day I hope I can have shelves like that. So glad that your daughter will be able to take dance classes through the YMCA and all your family can enjoy the facilities as well. I hope your husband finds that perfect job really soon!
I love the shelves, too. We are READY for him to get a job, but in the meanwhile, I’m so thankful that he can build shelves, etc. Sometimes those things get put aside when we are super busy.
It used to be that folks LIKED the fact that someone worked in one place for 18 years because it showed stability and the ability to get along with people, in addition it showed that you were a hard worker. I am just amazed at how upside down the world is now. Prayers for your husband and his job search.
We are still waiting today to see what will happen. Rob did call the vice principal and she said she turned it into HR the way it was, so…….
Hi Becky, I am so glad that your shelves are finished. Everything looks so pretty lined up on them. I have visions of your opening a box marked “underwear” and find the tomatoes in there. Yes, my mind is kind of gone today but I did giggle when it popped into my head. 😉 I am thrilled that you all were able to join the YMCA at a rate that you can afford. What a huge blessing!
That’s funny! Those would be some pretty heavy undies:)
Congratulations on the new job! Three of my four children have learning disabilities and have had or currently have an aide. Without aides, my children would never have had the success they had in school. My youngest just started working with an aide this year. Her patience and support is helping to rebuild his confidence. I will always be thankful for their help.
This week has been difficult, but Rob is not discouraged. He has much to learn, and hopes he can really make a difference for the kids. I’m glad your children got the help they needed. One thing he has already noticed is that there are absolutely not enough helpers! So, hopefully, they will hire another one or two soon.