Friday, August 7, 2009

A week in the Life of Me

Everyone always comments on how busy I am. How do I get things done. Well, Here is how my life goes during the months of July and August.

Monday - I get to sleep in. Coffee, then make my grocery list. Call Anita and confer about the list. Then I head out generally with Anna, cause the boys have gone picking. I come home, eat, then make jam. Anywhere between 120 - 66 jars. Depending on how much I need and how many jars I have.

Tuesday - I get to sleep in. Generally Anita is over well before I have gotten out of bed. We have breakfast, we clean the house, do laundry. About 4-6 I get into the kitchen, and I bake between 30 - 40 loaves of bread, 3 doz cookies, granola, and whatever else I can get thru the oven until midnight.

Wednesday - Market day. Alarm is set for 5:30am. We aim to be in Boyne before 7:30am. Market runs until 12. We then pack up and head to Gaylord. We stop by the market there. Then stop and get some supplies to last the rest of the week. Come home, relax for a little bit. Then get into the kitchen about 6pm and bake until midnight.

Thursday - I get up and am in the kitchen about 7am. I bake steady until 1pm. Then I head down to Mancelona. I need to pick up the key to the senior center and mark the lines for market before 2pm when my vendors start showing up. Market runs 3pm - 7pm. I am generally back home and I finish what I need for fridays market.

Friday - Market Day. We are at market by 7:30am. Market runs until 12pm. We get home and crash until about 5pm. I evaluate what I need for Saturdays Market. Then get in the kitchen and bake until I am done. Sometimes it is late, sometimes not.

Saturday - Market Day. At market by 7:30am. Market Ends at 12pm. After market we bring leftovers to the market in Gaylord. Then we come home, and get dinner around, most times we meet with Jed's parents for dinner. Then we come home and get the kids to bed, and go to bed.

Sunday - Sleep in until about 8am. Get up and ready for church. Church until about 1pm. Then relax the rest of the day, and or start getting stuff ready for Monday.

Monday, May 25, 2009

I've been busy

This past week I am logging in 40 hours up at Shanty. Along with my full time Farm Markets.

The good news is that I am not extremely cranky.

The bad news is I am fighting a nasty bought of allergies. Nasal congestion, coughing. All of that fun.

Anyway.

Rhubarb is comming in! I get to make Strawberry - Rhubarb Jam, Rhubarb Jam, and Strawberry Jam. I need to make 2 other types. But I cannot decide what flavors.... I will have to debate it.

Well, Off to the kitchen with my cup of coffee.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Sick Kids

Caleb missed school yesterday and today. He isn't feeling good. He has a fever. Yesterday he did a whole lot of laying down and sleeping.

This morning. Ian is following in Caleb's footsteps from yesterday.

I don't like having sick kids!!

Actually, Jed will have to deal with most of it. I am working today. 10-6. Unless I can scoot out a little early.

I have to bake for tomorrow. Not quite sure where that is going to fit in.

This morning I am going to finish folding laundry. Shower. Head to work. Tonight I will bake.

It's going to be an interesting week. It always is in the Flynn household.

Monday, May 11, 2009

It froze!

I woke up this morning to what appears to be a thick layer of frost outside. We knew it was going to freeze. tonight is expected to get down to the lower 20's too. yuck. Lets hope it didnt hurt my greens.

I have been busy. Let's see what has happened.

I cut Anna's bangs.

[IMG]http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg37/theflynns3/Annabeforehaircut.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg37/theflynns3/Annaafterhaircut.jpg[/IMG]

It's crooked. She did not like her Daddy holding her head. She wiggled and squirmed.

I had a good Mothers day. At church he arranged a bonfire with the neighbor and pastors. They didn't ask any of us Mom's. They just wanted to have a bonfire. But it was lots of fun. We visited. The boys, teens (I really should say young adults, 1/2 of them are in their 20's now) all played football. It was really nice.

My Caleb is running a fever. So no school for him today. I am hoping he feels better soon.

I am working up at Shanty this week, along with 3 farmer's markets. It's going to be busy, busy.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Anna's Sitting up on her own.

Anna Finally mastered sitting up on her own monday night. She can now sit up for a minute, until she gets distracted and falls over. Yipee! I know it is just a matter of time until she sits next to the coffee table and pulls herself up. My baby is getting big.

The van is getting fixed!! Scott and Laura came over yesterday, and pulled it down the road to his Dad's house. He called a couple of hours later. The part that holds the fuel pump in place needs to be replaced, it is very corroded. But the fuel pump was in. So today he was getting the part from work. Calling us with how much more it is. Urgh. This whole thing is going to break the bank. Oh, wait. It already has. But my entire fuel system will be new when it is done. And the van will be paid off this month. So it is time for major things to start breaking anyway right.

I had my first wednesday market yesterday. It was extremely slow. But I had some sales. And $ that I bring home is money that I didn't have when I left. So I am grateful for that. I am thinking that the Boyne Market is going to work out for me. I like it. I like the manager. We see eye to eye on a lot of things. So it should all work out:)

Well, today, I am going to be playing in the kitchen. I need to make some Cranberry butter, Cherry Berry Jam, and Blueberry Jam. Plus whatevery else floats my boat.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Going to be a busy Tuesday

I am a procrastinator. Some days I have great time management skills, other days. I just can't seem to get anything done.

Yesterday was one of those days that I just could not get anything done. I went into Gaylord to pick up the fuel pump that I need. Did most of the dishes. But that is about as productive as my day got. So today I have to head to the laundromat, bake for market tomorrow, get as much bath and body wise done as I can. I had forgotten to get a bunch of stuff done before Saturday for that market. But I just didn't get the chance. So now I am feeling like I need it for tomorrow. Even though I know it is going to be a slow day at market.

The good thing is that I found out I don't really need to be there before 7:30. So I will be able to get Caleb on the bus in the morning, then leave right away.

Well, that is all for now. I have a screaming Anna. So I am off.

Monday, May 4, 2009

It's going to be a beautiful day!

The sun is out! The coffee is in my cup! Caleb is on the bus. The birds are singing.

I think it is going to be a good day. I just know it.

I have tons of stuff to do. I am not going to bore anyone with lists today. I am just going to start working on my stuff. I am hoping to get quite a bit done today. A little here and a little there.

I am with any luck going to be able to scrape up enough funds to purchase a fuel pump for my van. I ran out of gas. It just wasn't a good thing. But that is life. The Lord doesn't give me anymore than I can deal with. Although I just wish He wouldn't trust me with so much.

Saturday's market was ok. Actually good. It was very very slow at first. But then we had some sales. Not stellar, but it was ok for the first one of the season. It was a new market for us. We have not been to Boyne before. I like the location. Although there is going to be construction on the park this summer, so it will be temporarily moved. It sounds like they are going to advertise the move quite heavily. So it should all work out.

I had a lady inquire about buying my b&b wholesale for her shop. Which is awesome. It sounds like the Lord is working in my life. I know that He always does, and always provides. I sometimes get scared because I do not see it materializing.

Well, I should get off here. Have a great day!

Friday, May 1, 2009

A new month, a new life

It's finally May!

May for me means very good things. The beginning of farmers markets for one thing. Which means that I will actually be able to pay my bills again. Yipee! It also means that I will be insanely busy from now until November. But who am I kidding, I am always busy.

So, yesterday, I had a bit of van troubles. They are not fixed yet. I will be getting on that soon. I am trying to plan my day out in my head. Not an easy thing to do. But I need to get so much done it isn't even funny.

So, I am going to be depending on Jed to help, and the kids to stay sane.

Good News, Anna, is finally crawling with her belly off of the floor. Bad News, she keep getting "stuck" in corners and under chairs, cause she hasn't figured out how to back up yet.

So for anyone interested. My Market Start ups are as follows
Saturdays Boyne City - May 2
Wednesday Boyne City - May 6
Thursday East Jordan - May 14
Friday Bellaire - May 22
Saturdays Gaylord - May 23
Wednesdays Gaylord - July 1

First Fruits is at all of the above (produce, baked goods, canned goods)
Flynn Orchards is at Boyne, E. Jordan, and Bellaire (bath and body)
Gaylord this year is letting crafters in on the first Saturday of each month. So Flynn Orchards will be there those days too.

The same people sell both products. I just wanted to keep my bath and body under a different tax number.

Ok, I need to get the coffee, then get busy.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

The last day of the month!

Wow, Has April gone by quick or what?

Been very busy this month. And not making money busy. But making stuff to make money busy, so it has been productive.

Lets see... What I have completely ready for market on Saturday is....
Bath Salts Sugar Scrubs
some tub truffles Goats Milk Soap

What I have done but need to label
3/4 of my lotion bars
1/4 of lip butter
2 solid sugar scrubbies

What I still have to make B&B wise
a couple of batches of lotion bars
3 batches of lip balm
tub truffles
fish soap
milk bath - 2 kinds

What I have to make kitchen wise
Apple Cinnamon Jelly
Apple Jelly
Marshmallows
Whatever I decide to bake
I need to fix my pepper jelly and my garlic onion jelly
If I get a chance I will make some ginger jelly too.

Lots to do, little time to do it in.

Today I must go to gfs, caleb to swim lessons, caleb to clc. I should try and fit in half my to do list. I am running on about 5 hours sleep. So We will see what gets done today, and what waits until tomorrow, and what just doesn't get done.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Wednesday April 29th

This month has gone by so quick.

Today's to do:

Laundromat
Lip Balm
Work
Find someone who will print me off labels.

The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. The county is grading the dirt road across the street. It must be spring.

I have been getting stuff ready for market, slowly but surely. With any luck it will all get done. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day tomorrow. Friday will be crunch time. I have faith that it will all get done. We will see how it works out.

Bon

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tuesday April 28th

Today is going to be busy.

I am getting to crunch time with getting ready for markets. Here is my issue. I have dedicated only one muffin pan to use for lotion bars. And I have lots of lotion bars to make. It takes them approx 4 hours from the time I pour them to when I can release them. So I cannot get many done in a day. If i use another tin I will not be able to use that tin again for food. Cause fragrance oil does not taste good. So I work in cycles. I do have 6 pans, so I just might pull one more for lotion bars.

I am working up at Shanty tomorrow. 3-11 at summit. yipee. I guess there is a group coming in and they need help.

Today looks like it will be a nice day out today. I am going to try to get Jed to get the power drill charged for me. Yesterday when I went out to meet the bus I started pulling the wood out of the tarp that fell off of the roadside stand. The boys just want to cut the tarp up since the sides are torn anyway. But I am sure that I can find a use for the good parts of that tarp. So yesterday I was pulling out the pieces that did not have any tarp screwed into them. But I need to use some power tools to get out the rest, I think.

Anyway, off to make lotion bars, maybe get some lip balm done too.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Monday April 27

Anna is officially 7 months old!

Farm Markets Start on Saturday! I am far from ready. But it will all come together. I just need to get off the computer and get it done. I also need to figure out how to convert my lip balm labels from one on a pdf to 20 on a sheet of label paper. I have no clue, anyone wanna help. There is a jar of Jam in it for ya.

I have so much to do. It looks like the first thing on the list is going to be a load of dishes. I might be hitting the laundromat today again. Not sure though. I am getting quite the pile of laundry. We are supposed to be getting some yucky weather so it would be the opportune time to go. But at the same time, Jed and I are broke. We are going to make the week work on $50. Not sure how that is going to happen, but it will all work out. I just have that feeling that it will all be taken care of. Someday I will write about that feeling. It is a wonderful thing.

Well, off to wash dishes, then make some scrubbies. or maybe scrubbies first then dishes. I got so much to do. I made out a whole sheet of stuff that needs to get done. At least yesterday I sorted out my jams, unfortunately I only added to my list by doing that. urgh.

Busy, busy week for me.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Friday April 24th

Well, I got a call from my Sister in-Law Liz ~ She is going to have a baby! So I guess I know where I am going to pass a bunch of baby stuff. She is due in January.

In other news... I am getting ready for farmers markets. I have a bunch of stuff ready to label. A bunch of stuff to make. And a bunch of stuff to do period.

Jed is over at his parents today. Babysitting Grandma. Bill and Anita had to go down to Saginaw I think, for Bill to do some tests.

Well, the boys are going at it again, I gotta run.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Wednesday April 22

Ok, My washing machine is officially toast. That is 2 this year! I told Jed that we will just go the the laundromat, (15 mi away) until we get the $$ for a brand new one, or until the Restore in town has one. I called all over today, none at the local restores. Unless I want to pay $300 in Traverse. I can buy a new one for that. They said it was a high end one. But still, I don't have $300 to buy one. Markets start next Saturday, so it will all be good.

I have made 17 quarts of apple sauce today. I have sauce ready to melt down into apple butter. But I so badly need a nap. I feel like I have been hit by a train.

So, off to take something for the head, throat and body aches, then to bed for an hour.

Caleb has his spring concert tonight. Yipee. Pizza, Cake, Listening to my boy sing. It's gonna be fun.

Oh, and I have a huge list of labels to make and print off.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

April 21

Wow! Yesterday for the first time in a long time I actually got my to do list done plus some.

It was great. I had a good day, lots of fun. Yay! I needed that.

Today Jed and I are hoping to finish making applesauce. His parents really want to turn off the cooler. I cannot blame them. I have 2 doz quarts to fill and about 5 doz 1/2 pints for jelly and butter. We really need to get all that done.

Plus Caleb has swimming lessons. I need to run to the store today. We are out of tp.

Well I gotta get some things done.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Monday April 20th

Yesterday I had a pleasant surprise. I got 3 orders for marshmallows.

I only got started making them because someone on the West Michigan Etsy team asked if anyone made them. I of course took the bait. They are yummy. The kids love them. It is all good. Now if I can keep up with them. I am thinking of taking my marshmallow pops to market too.

Well, bad news. The washer broke this weekend. So now we have 2 bum washers. I told Jed he needs to fix one of them. He said it was not possible. I told him that we can buy parts cheaper than another machine. So I guess I need to look up washer motors. One will not spin, the other will not drain. And no, I am not moving the clothes from one to the other to get my laundry done.

I made cherry marshmallows last night to see how they would turn out. I will find out soon when I go cut them. But Ian was begging for the spatula. He is quite funny about that. He loves the taste, but when his mallows get sticky he doesn't like them.

Caleb and I washed the van on Saturday. So yesterday and today it is raining. We need the rain so I cannot complain to much. I will not have to water the greens I planted on friday now. But I was hoping to get more planted today. I am not planting in the rain either.

Well. Off to cut some marshmallows.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Friday April 17th

Well it has been a busy day for me!

Jed let me sleep in, which was very nice. I guess I needed it too. He said that Anna woke up a couple of times during the night, but for once I did not hear her.

Lets see, Today, I hung out 3 loads of laundry. Cleaned out my tomato pots from last season, and replanted greens in them. I got 7 plant trays ready to plant tomorrow. I poured 4 batches of sugar scrubs. I poured 6 bars of soap. Played with my kiddos. Took pictures of my marshmallows.

Spent some quality time on etsy trying to update my shop.

Yeah, I have been busy. Tonight I still need to design some labels. But that won't be too hard.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Thursday April 16th

Well, Yesterday for the first time in a long time I finally got something done!!

I poured a dozen bars of soap, made a dozen containers of bath salts, made homemade marshmallows (i need to cut them this morning.) Three loads of laundry were hung out on the line, and most of the laundry was put away. I even got the plastic containers for the microgreens picked up.

Today's list of stuff to do, is plant the microgreen, I know it's been on the list all week. Cut the marshmallows, freeze some for coating later. Laundry, dishes, ya know the regular household chores. Clear up counter space in the farm kitchen. Find the carmel sauce recipe. Make caramel sauce to drizzle over marshmallows with chocolate. Take pics of all of that. Figure out pricing. Maybe post that on Etsy. PLus, Caleb has swim lessons and clc tonight. And I would love to get in a batch of cp soap.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Wednesday April 15th

I am seriously falling behind. I just counted the days until market starts. 17 more. Now I am starting to get nervous.

I once again forgot the planting trays. So I am most likely making a special trip today to get them. Fun, fun. But Caleb and I did plant some herbs yesterday.

Today I am going to do my citrus grove scent mix. Laundry, sugar cubes, and I am going to make marshmallows. With any luck I will get some more done, but I am not counting on it.

Laundry is going outside today. The high is 60! I am so excited. Maybe I will get outside and get my tomato planters ready. We will see.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Tuesday April 14 2009

Well I didn't get all that I wanted to get done yesterday. But I did get quite a bit done.

On today's slate is More laundry, it's never ending. Finally plant the microgreens, we did not grab the trays yesterday. Caleb has his first swimming lesson at 3:45. There is also a farm market meeting for the Bellaire market at 5pm tonight. I need to make a dish to pass. I should also make some bath and body stuff. Not sure what I want to play with yet. I do need to do my scent blend for Citrus Grove.

Most of the snow is off of the back yard. Jed is out pruning trees. I got a call about the application for accepting food stamps, sounds like that is going good. I know who I want to use for accepting credit cards, I just need to fill out the stuff on that.

Well, Anna wants attention, and I need to wash some dishes.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Monday April 13 2009 ~ It's going to be a busy day

Well the Sun is shining and the birds are chirping. Most of the snow melted while we were downstate this past weekend. We still have a bit, but not much.

I am expecting a shipment in today of supplies to make body products. Depending on when that gets in I might be able to get some fish in a bag soaps made today.

Today I have to finish doing the taxes for my In-Laws. I should plant some micro-greens, market will be starting soon and I would like to bring them in. We have to pick up Turbo, the resident bunny. He was on a vacation to the In-Laws while we went downstate over the weekend. Get some laundry done. I am thinking I might be able to hang some out on the line today. It appears it will be nice out.

I also need to take stock of what is in the fridge, and stop by the store to pick up some necessities.

We are thinking about homeschooling Caleb this fall. So I am going to try to carve out an hour o two to devote to the books I checked out of the library on that subject.

I am hoping to do a short blog everyday. So that people can keep up with me and my life on the farm.