I was treated to a new recipe this weekend. Some of you may have heard of this but I am here to report even I can now make bread.
This recipe uses a brand name SAF Instant Yeast, and a product called Soy Lecithin found in the natural food store. The yeast we were able to find on our second try locally.
Also of note, this is a sticky dough. It was recommended to use Pam spray to spray on your hands, and since this is an instant yeast dough, you do not turn it out on to a floured surface, you spray your counter as well. You do not knead this dough you just sort of shape it. ; - )
Makes 4 loaves of bread
10 1/2 cups bread flour
1 Cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
3 heaping tablespoons SAF brand instant Yeast
stir together the dry ingredients and to them add:
3 Tablespoons of Soy Lecithin. ( this is a thick sticky soy oil so the recommendation is to just estimate three blobs that would be tablespoons size and to not measure this as it just sticks to the spoon)
4 cups hot tap water (not boiling)
Mix about 5 minutes. The dough should be very sticky.
(I had to add another half cup of water while this mixed for the sticky consistency)
Turn on to oiled (sprayed) surface and cut into 4 loaves, shape and place into loaf pans.
Raise 25 minutes
Bake 25 mintues at 400 Degrees.
Can use half the dough for bread, half for pizza or calzones, buns etc.
That's it. No kneading, no let it rise and punch it down no flour all over the kitchen. This is like magic.!
We made this bread this morning and got it baked before the house was too hot. It was extremely easy. We then went out and bought some whole wheat flour so our next batch will have some of that in it. Also I cut the recipe in half as I only own two bread pans and wanted to see how it worked first. I figured if I didn't like it I would just give the soy lecithin and yeast to my boss (is who gave me the recipe). I'm looking forward to giving this another go. I am looking forward to making this into buns.
Apparently if you use more whole wheat flour, you use a bit more of the lecithin.
Happy baking!!
ME
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Reflections on Cat Fostering
Back this spring in April when I made the decision to foster our daughters cats for a year or so my naive little mind though what would be the worst that can happen?
I figured certainly plenty of hissy fits, possible fur flying, and general raukus behavour while they acclimated to each other.
We had plenty of time to switch our cats to the new food, and litter type and they were fine, no problems at all after a month or more.
When the cats arrived we kept them seperated for a couple of days then slowly let them together. Even that went extremely well. All the rest of the time that our Daughter was here it went well.
Then after she left things started happening.
Our oldest cat, Susie, who is now probably 14 years old and the frailest kitty you can imagine decided to turn into attack cat. She was ambushing the other cats every chance she got. So one of our daughters cats, Ash, was afraid to go down stairs to the litter box and we were having pee spots in the corner. WELL, that had to stop, so I crafted a plastic lined corner in my office and gave Ash her own litter box and she was happy. In fact EVERY ONE was happy and used this box. What ever. But then, Attack cat Susie started ambushing them in that litter box. Can you imagine? How vulnerable you would be. POOR KITTIES.
In the meantime, we started a remodel project in the kitchen that stresses out Ash, and Sasquatch (Sassy is what we call her). And we had company, and we painted everything in the main living area as soon as we could after the remodel project. With all that going on, Sassy developed a bladder infection that we did not catch for quite a while. But her spotting everywhere confused the heck out of Hobbes our other 14 year old cat. Lo and behold THAT ROTTEN CAT went in to our company's luggage sitting open on the floor and peed in it.........
OH THE HORROR.
So, we laundered and drycleaned everything we could, cleaned the suitcase with vinegar and set it in the sun to dry, humbly apologized, while internally agonizing over the horror. Lucky for us, our company is a cat person and understood. And we could get him pretty much back on his way none the worse for the wear, we just had to mail his dry cleaned clothes to him. He wouldn't let me replace the suitcase. Said he can't smell a thing, but his cats growled at it. *grin*
All the while, poor Sassy is still suffering with a bladder infection, and we can't smell that she is peeing all over the living room cause of all the paint smell. Then we had new company come. OK, we explained that the guest room is now a CAT FREE zone and to pay special attention that no cats get in there. All was well till we took off for an overnighter to Arches and Canyonlands only to come home to a beautifully remodeled and painted house that smells like a cage.
OH THE HORROR
So down on my hands and knees with white vinegar scrubbing all the wall boards and along the carpet. Only to find out that the coat closet is a total loss, carpet removed and will have to be painted even. In the meantime, Hobbes is totally confused with all the peeing, and stressed to have a sick cat in the house. I came around the corner to find him PEEING on one of our living room chairs. (can anyone say thank goodness for scotchguard) so I shooed him off the chair and ran for the trusty vinegar. Cleaned that up and then wondered where he went. I find him finishing his business on our bed.
OH THE FUCKING HORROR (sorry)
He is very lucky to be alive. In fact at this point I am so distressed I'm wondering what the hell we 've gotten ourselves into. I tossed Hobbes sorry ass downstairs and went to work with a ton of adrenalin to fashion the kennels we bought material for. We got the 4' x 8' sheets of plastic lattice stuff and 1/2 inch white pvc pipe. I had to cut the lattice in half short wise so set up saw horses boards and cut the sheets. These are pretty stout and large to handle alone but I tell you, I was so friggin stressed at this time I could have moved mountains.
Then I hauled everything that was cut down stairs to the basement and began to assemble the structure. I tell you zip ties are an amazing thing, This went together well, I was able to make a box that is about 45" cubed. In it went a litter box, the two small travel kennels for sleeping, and a short cat scratcher. Food and water. In they went. I put both Hobbes and Susie in there as they are at least happier together than appart.
Then I attacked the bed. I called the sleep number folks only to find out that the mattress cover is not launderable or drycleanable. HUH?????? I have to spot clean it carefully. OK, Hobbes has a VERY large bladder so this was a huge spot. OH, and wash all the sheets, blanket, and mattress pad that was on the bed. Again with the trusty vinegar I proceeded to sponge at the spot all day, slept on the guest bed, and the next day continued to spot clean the mattress cover. I had a small plastic crate that I put under it and kept a fan going to dry it. By the end of the second day there was no evidence of stain, and I did a final wash with an enzyme cleaner and that seems to have done the trick. GOOD THING cause to replace the mattress cover for our king size bed was over $600 dollars.
So, we didn't know yet that there was a health concern going on till we took her in to the vet. SO now she is on meds. The first round was fine, we read the package directions that stated give one 1/4 dropper twice daily to mean a 1/4 dropper full. didn't seem like enough but when I checked out and discussed it that was what the tech said as well after looking at the box. WELL what they REALLY meant to say is 1 and 1/4 dropper full. so for the first 5 days she was getting only 1/5th her dose. NICE. Yes I had words with the vet. Not like I was friggin pissed or anything. Can you imagine if it had been a CHILD or worse the other way around and she was getting 5 times the dose????????? I was good and didnt' yell at the vet by the way.
SO, the second bottle of meds was mixed up as we were still needing a second week of meds so she got her first dose of the second bottle on Wednesday and Thursday morning we had a really sick kitty. Sassy had thrown up all over the place. It so reminded me of having a 3 year old in the house with a stomach bug. LOL but it's the cat and she is so miserable you just can't imagine. So Thursday she did not get her meds, like what would be the point, and I am on my fourth day of a brand new kick ass job so I'm not missing work and Husband is out of town working. In fact he was out of town working for most of the above mess. He always did have incredible timing. *GRIN*
Not knowing his schedule, I did mention to the boss the situation and when I got home Thurs. night found the kitty ok, not good but ok. Husband was able to take her to the vet on Friday who finds nothing apparently wrong with her. We'll play it as a wait and see and gave us new antibiotics, and some anti nausea meds and see how she does. Said the antibiotics do not have any contraindications that cause these symptoms, so??????? lets try this and see.
It's been a couple of days now, and She is much improved this morning, but still not 100%. I've yet to give her her meds this AM and will as soon as I'm done with this. By the way, Why on earth would you need to flavor cat medicine like pina colada mix? Poor cat. Bad enough I have to give her meds, why does it have to taste so icky.
So, when my niave little mind wondered what's the worst that can happen, I never saw this coming. I've had cats since I was in grade school and never saw this behavior. And our daughter is all the way in DC and can't do anything about this, and feels terrible, and we are committed to keeping these furry friends happy and healthy till she gets them back. BUT man oh man it's been a trial.
Current status is our two are out of kitty jail and living comfortably in the basement, and daughter's two are as comfortable as can be (poor Sassy) and living upstairs. Everyone is more calm, and personable so it's not ideal but better than it was. Still having someone (Ash or Susie) spotting on a favorite spot in the living room so I just today put a damn litter box there to see if she gets the message.
And as you can see, I have a new carpet cleaner that will be used over and over and over again.
hmmmmmm
ME
I figured certainly plenty of hissy fits, possible fur flying, and general raukus behavour while they acclimated to each other.
We had plenty of time to switch our cats to the new food, and litter type and they were fine, no problems at all after a month or more.
When the cats arrived we kept them seperated for a couple of days then slowly let them together. Even that went extremely well. All the rest of the time that our Daughter was here it went well.
Then after she left things started happening.
Our oldest cat, Susie, who is now probably 14 years old and the frailest kitty you can imagine decided to turn into attack cat. She was ambushing the other cats every chance she got. So one of our daughters cats, Ash, was afraid to go down stairs to the litter box and we were having pee spots in the corner. WELL, that had to stop, so I crafted a plastic lined corner in my office and gave Ash her own litter box and she was happy. In fact EVERY ONE was happy and used this box. What ever. But then, Attack cat Susie started ambushing them in that litter box. Can you imagine? How vulnerable you would be. POOR KITTIES.
In the meantime, we started a remodel project in the kitchen that stresses out Ash, and Sasquatch (Sassy is what we call her). And we had company, and we painted everything in the main living area as soon as we could after the remodel project. With all that going on, Sassy developed a bladder infection that we did not catch for quite a while. But her spotting everywhere confused the heck out of Hobbes our other 14 year old cat. Lo and behold THAT ROTTEN CAT went in to our company's luggage sitting open on the floor and peed in it.........
OH THE HORROR.
So, we laundered and drycleaned everything we could, cleaned the suitcase with vinegar and set it in the sun to dry, humbly apologized, while internally agonizing over the horror. Lucky for us, our company is a cat person and understood. And we could get him pretty much back on his way none the worse for the wear, we just had to mail his dry cleaned clothes to him. He wouldn't let me replace the suitcase. Said he can't smell a thing, but his cats growled at it. *grin*
All the while, poor Sassy is still suffering with a bladder infection, and we can't smell that she is peeing all over the living room cause of all the paint smell. Then we had new company come. OK, we explained that the guest room is now a CAT FREE zone and to pay special attention that no cats get in there. All was well till we took off for an overnighter to Arches and Canyonlands only to come home to a beautifully remodeled and painted house that smells like a cage.
OH THE HORROR
So down on my hands and knees with white vinegar scrubbing all the wall boards and along the carpet. Only to find out that the coat closet is a total loss, carpet removed and will have to be painted even. In the meantime, Hobbes is totally confused with all the peeing, and stressed to have a sick cat in the house. I came around the corner to find him PEEING on one of our living room chairs. (can anyone say thank goodness for scotchguard) so I shooed him off the chair and ran for the trusty vinegar. Cleaned that up and then wondered where he went. I find him finishing his business on our bed.
OH THE FUCKING HORROR (sorry)
He is very lucky to be alive. In fact at this point I am so distressed I'm wondering what the hell we 've gotten ourselves into. I tossed Hobbes sorry ass downstairs and went to work with a ton of adrenalin to fashion the kennels we bought material for. We got the 4' x 8' sheets of plastic lattice stuff and 1/2 inch white pvc pipe. I had to cut the lattice in half short wise so set up saw horses boards and cut the sheets. These are pretty stout and large to handle alone but I tell you, I was so friggin stressed at this time I could have moved mountains.
Then I hauled everything that was cut down stairs to the basement and began to assemble the structure. I tell you zip ties are an amazing thing, This went together well, I was able to make a box that is about 45" cubed. In it went a litter box, the two small travel kennels for sleeping, and a short cat scratcher. Food and water. In they went. I put both Hobbes and Susie in there as they are at least happier together than appart.
Then I attacked the bed. I called the sleep number folks only to find out that the mattress cover is not launderable or drycleanable. HUH?????? I have to spot clean it carefully. OK, Hobbes has a VERY large bladder so this was a huge spot. OH, and wash all the sheets, blanket, and mattress pad that was on the bed. Again with the trusty vinegar I proceeded to sponge at the spot all day, slept on the guest bed, and the next day continued to spot clean the mattress cover. I had a small plastic crate that I put under it and kept a fan going to dry it. By the end of the second day there was no evidence of stain, and I did a final wash with an enzyme cleaner and that seems to have done the trick. GOOD THING cause to replace the mattress cover for our king size bed was over $600 dollars.
So, we didn't know yet that there was a health concern going on till we took her in to the vet. SO now she is on meds. The first round was fine, we read the package directions that stated give one 1/4 dropper twice daily to mean a 1/4 dropper full. didn't seem like enough but when I checked out and discussed it that was what the tech said as well after looking at the box. WELL what they REALLY meant to say is 1 and 1/4 dropper full. so for the first 5 days she was getting only 1/5th her dose. NICE. Yes I had words with the vet. Not like I was friggin pissed or anything. Can you imagine if it had been a CHILD or worse the other way around and she was getting 5 times the dose????????? I was good and didnt' yell at the vet by the way.
SO, the second bottle of meds was mixed up as we were still needing a second week of meds so she got her first dose of the second bottle on Wednesday and Thursday morning we had a really sick kitty. Sassy had thrown up all over the place. It so reminded me of having a 3 year old in the house with a stomach bug. LOL but it's the cat and she is so miserable you just can't imagine. So Thursday she did not get her meds, like what would be the point, and I am on my fourth day of a brand new kick ass job so I'm not missing work and Husband is out of town working. In fact he was out of town working for most of the above mess. He always did have incredible timing. *GRIN*
Not knowing his schedule, I did mention to the boss the situation and when I got home Thurs. night found the kitty ok, not good but ok. Husband was able to take her to the vet on Friday who finds nothing apparently wrong with her. We'll play it as a wait and see and gave us new antibiotics, and some anti nausea meds and see how she does. Said the antibiotics do not have any contraindications that cause these symptoms, so??????? lets try this and see.
It's been a couple of days now, and She is much improved this morning, but still not 100%. I've yet to give her her meds this AM and will as soon as I'm done with this. By the way, Why on earth would you need to flavor cat medicine like pina colada mix? Poor cat. Bad enough I have to give her meds, why does it have to taste so icky.
So, when my niave little mind wondered what's the worst that can happen, I never saw this coming. I've had cats since I was in grade school and never saw this behavior. And our daughter is all the way in DC and can't do anything about this, and feels terrible, and we are committed to keeping these furry friends happy and healthy till she gets them back. BUT man oh man it's been a trial.
Current status is our two are out of kitty jail and living comfortably in the basement, and daughter's two are as comfortable as can be (poor Sassy) and living upstairs. Everyone is more calm, and personable so it's not ideal but better than it was. Still having someone (Ash or Susie) spotting on a favorite spot in the living room so I just today put a damn litter box there to see if she gets the message.
And as you can see, I have a new carpet cleaner that will be used over and over and over again.
hmmmmmm
ME
Friday, July 3, 2009
Carpet Cleaning
Well, we finally broke down and bought a carpet cleaner. We went with the Hoover Spin brush all terrain. After reading a gazillion reviews of the two major brands we just went for the Hoover.
I am absolutely convinced there is a chemical or something like an enzyme in carpet cleaner shampoo that automatically turns your water a convincingly disgusting icky dirty scummy foul color and consistency. There is no other explanation for what comes through these machines and is poured down your drains.
I also have to say with just a couple of small concerns that this machine and the shampoo completely convinces us that our carpets have NEVER EVER been cleaned. Maybe even back as far as they installed filthy carpet. After all, we vacuum, with a Dyson for God's sake, and still muck like you can't believe is sucked up to be drained down our drains. Unless the magic enzyme or chemical really really exists. ; - )
I must also wonder if the reviews are written by commercial carpet cleaners who don't want you to buy home equipment. After all, who stands to be hurt the most by the sale of these machines. I bet this falls under "Other duties as assigned" when they are hired by the various companies. We have seen our share of shysters. The ones who must clip a fiber of your carpet and burn it in front of your eyes so you can see what type of fiber it's made of. Like HELLO, WE BOUGHT THE DAMN CARPET AND KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE BOUGHT, 'MORON'. But he has to do the flash dance to clean the carpet. what ever!!!!!
The Hoover Spin Brush All Terrain has performed great. Yes, it drips when you change the buckets but what the heck do you expect? Two buckets filled with water of varying consistencies that need the machine to be man handled to change and refill. GET OVER IT. It's a frigging carpet cleaner and will likely leave a drip or two. Man the reviews cracked me up.
Plus, it seems like most of America has succumbed to the dumbing down and can't read and follow directions.
Most couldn't get past one operation before having problems with either brand machine. Go figure. Yes there will be some machines that just aren't meant to be, but over all, we have a much cleaner carpet and the machine lives to do another job!! Plus it totally rocks to do this without having to HIRE it done.
ME
I am absolutely convinced there is a chemical or something like an enzyme in carpet cleaner shampoo that automatically turns your water a convincingly disgusting icky dirty scummy foul color and consistency. There is no other explanation for what comes through these machines and is poured down your drains.
I also have to say with just a couple of small concerns that this machine and the shampoo completely convinces us that our carpets have NEVER EVER been cleaned. Maybe even back as far as they installed filthy carpet. After all, we vacuum, with a Dyson for God's sake, and still muck like you can't believe is sucked up to be drained down our drains. Unless the magic enzyme or chemical really really exists. ; - )
I must also wonder if the reviews are written by commercial carpet cleaners who don't want you to buy home equipment. After all, who stands to be hurt the most by the sale of these machines. I bet this falls under "Other duties as assigned" when they are hired by the various companies. We have seen our share of shysters. The ones who must clip a fiber of your carpet and burn it in front of your eyes so you can see what type of fiber it's made of. Like HELLO, WE BOUGHT THE DAMN CARPET AND KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE BOUGHT, 'MORON'. But he has to do the flash dance to clean the carpet. what ever!!!!!
The Hoover Spin Brush All Terrain has performed great. Yes, it drips when you change the buckets but what the heck do you expect? Two buckets filled with water of varying consistencies that need the machine to be man handled to change and refill. GET OVER IT. It's a frigging carpet cleaner and will likely leave a drip or two. Man the reviews cracked me up.
Plus, it seems like most of America has succumbed to the dumbing down and can't read and follow directions.
Most couldn't get past one operation before having problems with either brand machine. Go figure. Yes there will be some machines that just aren't meant to be, but over all, we have a much cleaner carpet and the machine lives to do another job!! Plus it totally rocks to do this without having to HIRE it done.
ME
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