I'm just going to wear ear plugs.

I don't know why I am always surprised to find that any project I take on, takes six times the amount of time and effort that I think it will.  Saturday was a cooking day - I had preps to do for the third round of party for my mom's birthday.  Then the rest of the day was pretty much shot.  That meant - yes, you guessed it - on Sunday morning, I threw back two extremely large pumpkin spice lattes and got to work.

There were no brownies...

My goal was to break down the above list into manageable parts.  Saturday morning, I hardboiled my eggs in my Instant Pot (oh.my.goodness) and roasted the pumpkin and a sweet potato for the dogs.  I then made my salmon cakes and put them in the fridge.  I did a few things outside and then made a waldorf salad, using Marianne's organic apples, golden raisings, fennel, and celery, with toasted pecans.  The eggs were deviled and plated, and I was all ready for the picnic.  Which was held indoors because we have been living in the clouds for the last two weeks.  And, while that sounds delightfully romantic, clouds are comprised of water.  So pffft.


Sunday morning - I slept in until 4! - I made an apple cake instead of the brownies because it came across my email and I just HAD to!

It was still dark at 5A...

It used Greek yogurt and had a center stratum of cinnamon/sugar/butter.  Since it was not for me, it was non-GF.  It made enough for the barn crew, my neighbor and I brought in the rest for the NYC crew that is coming up to work on our files.  As my farmer said, "be sure to put this on the Make Again List!"  Nuff said.


I also made another batch of easy 'bagels', GF style.  They look frighteningly white, don't they?

With my favorite TJ topping!

I then changed into working garb and tackled the quail hutch, as I was determined to Get Them Out of my laundry room.  I started on the project at 9:30 and finished at 4. 

Predator-proofed.  I hope.

Flooring above the tray.

I realized early on that I had not gotten enough 1x2 boards and could only complete one floor insert.  Can I tell you that I could give a d%&n by then?  There is nothing like working in the confines of a small dining room, using power tools and by oneself.  AND with hardware cloth.  I persevered. 


An aside here.  This quail hutch has (in my mind) gone all over the property, inside and out of numerous buildings.  Originally, I planned on putting it waaaay far away from me, mostly out of earshot, in the barn.  Then I realized it was dark and drafty.  I would have to install a window in the front of the barn.  Plan B was to move it out to the shed, next to the chickens, where they would be more protected and have the advantage of door with a window.  I went with Plan C - right outside the sliding glass door on my deck because, well, because I was completely knackered and couldn't face setting it up.  I will just wear ear plugs.

Light (sort of)!  Air!

Then I transported the little darlings out, one by one, to their new digs, only dropping one!  Thank goodness for my dollar store butterfly net.  So far, they are very quiet.  It's all new and scary.  I have to make another floor for the top level and insulate both sides and the back before winter.  I will also have to make some sort of arrangements for a stand (right now, it's on sawhorses on boards) because it needs to be high enough that I don't have to lie on the ground to get the bottom tray out.


Onward and upward!