Before I get to the weekend, just to let everyone know, I’m aware of some issues with the blog. I’m trying to address, but my life is a little complicated and my web designer is in Germany. I will try to get it sorted soon-ish, and I’m truly sorry if it’s frustrating anyone. It seems to target the comment section the most.
Okay so the weekend. I know something happened Friday, but I can’t remember what it was 
Saturday morning, we had the last part of the rain gutters installed. It’s a long and dumb story about why we didn’t have that section done when the rest were installed, but it’s all done now.
I pulled out some cake layers from my freezer and played with that this weekend. I had a plan and headed to the cake stores, but I couldn’t get what I wanted and had to change the design on the fly. Most of it went fine. However, the one thing that made me crazy was trying to make the chocolate drip, which is just a chocolate ganache. This is not hard, but each time I tried, the chocolate seized or turned grainy. I was getting water in it somewhere or heating the heavy cream too high. I finally threw up my hands and used chocolate melts which is why the drip looks chunky instead of flowy. By then I didn’t care. Drips is one of the things I’m usually decent at, so I know I was just tired. I also was using what I had in the freezer, so I couldn’t build the cake tall enough, but again, it was just for fun. Here’s a pic:
My original concept was sugar flowers in the colors of sunset (oranges, reds and yellows) cascading down a tall cake. This isn’t even close! No matter, I’m happy to get the practice. Most important was doing something creative to take my mind off other stuff. This week if I have time, I may try making some flowers out of gum paste. I have a lot to learn with that, though.
Tomorrow Wizard is having an eye procedure done. I hope to post on Wednesday, but the sheer logistics of the day is complicated and I may be late posting. We are boarding Maggie so we don’t have to worry about her, plus she’ll get a much needed bath.
That’s my weekend, how was yours?
July 17th, 2023 at 7:11 am · Link
Big, BIG HUGS on the other stuff! 🤗🤗🤗 Sending good thoughts to Wiz. May his procedure go as easy and successful as mine! That cake is almost too pretty to eat despite the non-drippies! Glad you have this as a creative outlet. Good luck with the flowers.
Weekend. Saturday turned out decently comfortable–overcast, a bit of misty drizzle at noonish when Stormy played his soccer match. He scored two goals and his team won 3-1. Yay. One more game this coming Saturday and then soccer is done for the summer YAY! (Nope, not a big fan of soccer but a HUGE fan of Stormy. LOL)
I napped Saturday afternoon. Yesterday, I got some significant work done on the WIP. I’d planned to work diligently today because no Wallyworld run–for reasons. Sadly, we need to try to get Jake into the vet. He has a swollen ear that will probably need to be drained. Floppy-eared dogs and “make” a bleed in their ear flap when they shake their heads too hard. The colletec blood has to be drained out or it hardens and does weird things to the ear. His old vet retired but luckily, another vet we used years ago has returned to the area and opened a practice just a few blocks away. I’ll be calling once they open to see when we can get Jake in. Also it’s time for his yearly shots so there’s that too.
Quiet weekend, a few chores, family time, writing progress, a nap. S’all good! Hang in there this week! You got this!!!
July 17th, 2023 at 3:00 pm · Link
I’m glad you got your gutter installed. Not having them can cause some serious water issues with the house.
I love your cake. I think it looks SO pretty. Your original concept sounds like it will be amazing too. I’m picturing the sunset vibe of the flowers and hope you do get to make it. I want to see it 😊.
Poor Wizard. I’m sending good thoughts his way for a swift and easy recovery.
My weekend – Hubs chewed a beet pill but not enough and a little got caught in the crevices in the throat. At three AM Saturday he wanted me to take him the the ER because his throat still hurt. I refused. At 5 AM I called both the nurse and Dr. on call and they said to go to Urgent care at 9 when they opened. They told him what I told him, it would dissolve and be a little sore for a few hours. Miracle, he was all better.
The rest of the weekend did not improve.
C was going to install my new kitchen faucet but couldn’t get the old one out. I have a plumber coming Wednesday PM.
We thought things were getting better with my brother but he has had a big turn for the worse and was back in the ER this morning. They are going to have to come up with a new plan.
Good point. C and C adopted a Catahoula puppy from a GA high kill shelter. She’s 8 weeks and so cute. Their 2 older dogs a re fine with her 🥰.
I hope you are able to keep Wizard comfortable and have a good night.
July 17th, 2023 at 6:20 pm · Link
Silver thanks. Wizard should be fine, and we’re hoping for a good outcome. It’ll just be a long day, but having Maggie in boarding means we don’t have to worry about her which is a big help. Thank you on the cake too
Good to hear Stormy’s team won! I’d say you’re one of Stormy’s most important fans, and helping to shape his life in and out of sports.
Yay for all the words on Saturday, but I’m sorry Jake and you have to deal with the ear thing. I’m aware of that problem, and once you can get him in, it’s fairly straightforward to resolve unless it needs a drain, then it’s more of a pain. Fingers crossed you can get him in quickly.
Thanks again, and hope all is well with Jake! Give him a gentle hug for me.
July 17th, 2023 at 6:30 pm · Link
Viki, thank you! Aside from wearing myself out, I enjoyed playing with the cake and the chocolate. And thanks for the good wishes for Wizard. Wizard’s dealing with a lot lately, but getting this one thing done and over will be a big help to him.
I’ve gotten a pill stuck in my throat once (it was big), and can sympathize with the pain. But it’s had to be incredibly frustrating for you to not be able to convince him it would be fine. I’m so sorry for all the stress.
Ugh on your faucet! Anytime we have to call in a plumber, it’s not good news. But hopefully this will be simple and not expensive.
I’m so sorry to hear that about your brother. He’s been through so much, and it’s concerning that the first plan ran into problems.
A new puppy! That is great news and should bring joy to you all, along with a bit of chaos for them, LOL! Puppies are energetic and creative
But they fill our lives with so much love and laughter! I can’t wait to hear more!
Thank you again on Wizard. Hope your week is better than your weekend.