Whew, it’s hot, dry and windy here. On the other hand, that’s a pretty small complaint to have since other parts of the country deal with real weather problems.
So the weekend was okay. Due to circumstances beyond all our control, we had to move Thanksgiving from my Middle Son’s house to mine. So Saturday I got semi organized on that. When I say organized, I mean I bought a turkey, delegated a few things and made some notes 
I’ll get there. It won’t be as nice as if I’d had more time to prep but it will all turn out fine. There’s no real pressure on me since everyone is more than willing to help and no one has unreasonable expectations which I sincerely appreciate.
I also made this barrel as a test to see if I could do it.
The barrel is fondant that I hand cut, pressed a wood grain into then painted. I used white chocolate to “glue” those fondant planks to a base of rice krispy treats. My plan was to make a barrel full of leaves spilling over onto the cake and cascading down the side. I cut a ton of leaves that I still need to paint, but now I realize that this barrel is likely too big for the cake size I’m making and will look odd. I don’t think I have time to make a new one. No big deal, I’ll readjust the plan. If all else fails, I’ll make a drip cake, those usually look nice. (Ignore the white stuff on the board the barrel is sitting on. That’s melted white chocolate I used. I should have cleaned it up before I took pictures, but I was losing the light.)
Sunday I met Special K and Turbo at the zoo. Wizard was racing and CPA boy had some work to do. Turbo spent the bulk of time on the zoo playground making friends. Preschool has been a game changer for him. Covid had narrowed his world dramatically, and this carefully researched and selected preschool has helped him develop amazing age-appropriate social skills. I truly loved watching him interact. Then we saw the animals, had lunch and played a bit more before leaving. By the time I got home, the heat had drained me. But it totally worth it for a nice day with my daughter-in-law and grandson.
How was your weekend?
November 22nd, 2021 at 7:47 am · Link
I’m so glad you had a nice day at the zoo with Special K and Turbo. Your barrel looks awesome. Sorry to hear you had to move Thanksgiving to your house. I hope you have enough time to thaw the turkey. Fingers crossed your ‘hot, dry, and windy’ doesn’t turn into fires.
Over here, we’re mostly working in the woods, clearing deadfall and making firewood with it. I posted pics of that on my blog this morning. I cut my hair this weekend. It was just going to be a trim, but then I got a little crazy, so it’s back to short again. Did some more edit notes. I’m about halfway through the notes, so it’s slow, but it’s something.
November 22nd, 2021 at 7:49 am · Link
Wow! Busy and fun times! LOVE the barrel. 🥰 Unsolicited suggestion: Put the barrel beside the cake and have a vine of leaves curl up the side and over the top of the cake. You patience and creativity is all sorts of awesome! Thanksgiving should be about getting together with family and enjoying them over good food. I’m all for paper plates and everyone bringing dishes to share.
Weekend. Hrm. My Pokes won and moved up in the rankings. OU won and also moved up. I made progress on the WIP. I got a couple of “orphan” scenes filled out and put into the right order and added to partially written previous chapters so more organized and a few new words. I also did naps. Naps are good. There will be a nap today because I’ve been up and down since 2:30 a.m.
Weather here is chilly and windy. Heat is not my fave but better than cold for going to the zoo, right?
The video out of Waukesha, Wisconson is heartbreaking. My heart goes out to all up that way.
Not much else going on around here. It’s still dark outside. I wish I could crawl back into bed but I’m awake now. Ah well.
Here’s to a good week for us all!
November 22nd, 2021 at 4:01 pm · Link
I love the photo you posted of you and Turbo at the Zoo. He’s getting big. They grow like weeds
.
I think you did a nice job with the barrel, especially making the marks in the wood. Your idea to have leaves spilling out is great but I can see where this barrel may be large. Silver has a great idea. Can’t wait to hear/see what you come up with.
Isn’t that the way it goes? When something happens we can always count on mom’s place
. It’s nice that all will be helping out too. Here I have always done it all myself. No one has ever offered to do anything until this year. Middle DIL offered to bring a side.
My neck is still a problem. Some days it’s just awful but not as bad as that one day when it hurt to touch it or even walk.
Sorry it’s so hot and dry there. I hope that it cools a bit for the holidays.
Have a great afternoon!
November 22nd, 2021 at 5:59 pm · Link
B.E., thanks I started thawing the turkey yesterday so it should be okay. We’ll get it all worked out, we always do
WOW!!! I looked at your blog and I’m amazed the two of you chopped all that wood! For sure, I couldn’t do it. That’s super impressive.
Short hair is easier.
Heck yeah, slow editing is good progress! Keep up the good work. Although I don’t know how you find any time or energy after seeing your pallets of chopped wood.
Happy Monday!
November 22nd, 2021 at 6:06 pm · Link
Silver, that’s a great idea, but due to time constraints I’m going to do a simpler cake. I painted a few leaves, but I need more hours than I have to do enough. It’s truly not a big deal, all this is just building skill and I enjoy it.
That’s solid progress on your book! I love the way you build with orphan scenes.
Sorry about the 2:30 am wake up. I know the pain well. If naps help, go for it.
I saw the news, but didn’t watch the video. I’m horrified at people, and so very saddened for those killed and injured, and their friends and families. You’re so right, it’s truly heartbreaking.
I hope you can sleep better and longer tonight.
November 22nd, 2021 at 6:14 pm · Link
Viki, Thanks! Turbo really is growing so fast. He’s a sweetie, he even brought me a piece of chocolate. His dad had given him one, and he asked for a second one for grandma.
Thanks on the barrel. I had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, as I mentioned to Silver, time constraints changed my plan to a simpler smaller cake, and I don’t mind at all.
It’s a lot of work for you to do everything. I’m glad Middle’s wife is helping with one dish.
Ugh on your neck. And now I’m thinking it’s going to make this week with Thanksgiving even harder for you. It’s a positive sign that the pain is getting better — try not to overdo if you can help it.
Hope your week is off to a good start.