Growing an Avocado Plant

We've taken up the trend of growing avocado trees from seed. We have been saving our avocado seeds throughout the year and trying our best to get them to root. We've has a bit of success and therefore we've planted them in small pots and then combined them into a large pot all together. They've struggled a bit, but they are growing. We haven't read about how long it takes for them to grow larger, but for now we are happy with what we've created. The plants currently share a pot with some ginger found in the back of our refrigerator a few months ago. Waiting to see what happens with that, as well.

There's different way to get them to root, but I've always found that the toothpick balanced on the top of a glass has worked best for us.

I like to wait until there's a good group of roots showing and a small sprout coming from the seed before transferring them to soil.

These are the plants that the seeds above created. This is about a year's worth of growing. There is ginger in the pot with these, but overall there's definite success with the seeds. It's kind of satisfying to know that you can eat the avocados and with a little patience allow it to continue on with life. Everything in this world has a purpose, and I feel that sometimes giving other living things a chance to continue on living, is a great way to appreciate life on a different scale.

Easy Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are one of the first things I learned to bake once I was out on my own. But having to ice them and decorate them, is mostly something for holidays and special occasions, unless you have the time and patience. Just having a simple sugar cookie on any day of the year, or even just a quick cookie to take somewhere, or to eat on throughout the week, is something a lot of us enjoy. Sugar cookies, just baked and left by themselves, is such a simple cookie to mix together. The key to these easy sugar cookies is to roll them in sugar before baking, without the hassle of cookie cutters, or icing. Here is my version of "Easy Sugar Cookies" that you can make any time of the year. And the best part, they're soft.

Here's how to make these easy, soft sugar cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking power
• 3/4 tsp. sea salt
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk

Mix dry ingredients together and set aside. Using a stand mixer, mix wet ingredients together starting with the butter. Combine butter and sugar, and add the eggs. Combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix well. Form into balls, about two tablespoons for each ball. Roll in granulated sugar, or colored sprinkles, flatten just slightly and lay on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 30-45 minutes, or freeze at this point to bake later.

Bake for 12-16 minutes at 350 degrees.

I would add to allow them to cool before eating, but nothing is better than a warm sugar cookie straight from the oven, so enjoy!

A Day at Golf City Par 3

 We haven't been to this golf course before, but passing it almost daily we decided to check it out. Jeff has been here before, but it was a first for Skylar and me. It's located in Corvallis, and called Golf City Par-3 and there are only nine holes and with the trees and mounds it was a test of skills, for sure. We had a great day, even though it was wet. It started raining when we reached the ninth hole, but we finished before it started coming down hard. We may revisit this course in the drier months, but definitely more of a challenge when it's wet ground and raining. Side note: If you're afraid of squirrels this place is not for you.☺

Five Simple Things (May 16)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These products.

We ordered the new Cherry Blossom Dr. Bronner's seasonal castile soap scent this week. We also added a few others favorites into the cart. Dr. Bronner's will never stop being a go-to for us when it comes to health and beauty products. I love all of these products and the soaps are perfect when we are camping or traveling on the bus. The Cherry Blossom scent is light and reminds me of Mr. Bubble that I grew up with as a kid.

2. This kid.

My favorite part of the day each week.

3. These miles.

A little more distance every time.

4. This moment.

I rode in the backseat and stayed there while Skylar was in class this week. I wanted to finish reading a book I've been lost in for a few days. I was in the car for almost two hours, so I was able to finish it. It will soon be added to the Read with Me page on my blog. It was a rainy day, so it wasn't too hot sitting back there, but I did look across the parking lot and see another Veloster. It wasn't a Turbo like ours, but it was still cool seeing one the same color not far from ours.

5. This milestone.

Jeff has been with Selmet for 25 years, as of this week. They honored him with a card and a bonus. The company has seen a lot of change since he started 25 years ago. The original owner left and passed away, the company swapped hands with some investors, and went through a few more people back and forth. Jeff has seen all of those changes, and with the new owners now, it's changed so much. We used to be able to go to holiday parties and when large prizes, family day that would give tours of the facilities, and many other aspects. Now, they give employees a pie and a small bonus. We miss the old Selmet and the fun we used to have with the company. After 25 years, Jeff is considering retirement. Right now, we will celebrate his 25 year commitment to a company that really doesn't know what they have in him.

One last thing:

 

These Miniature Telescope Keychain and this Wanderer's Compass are now in the shop. The Miniature Telescope Keychain really works and will help you see from the top of a mountain, or even your own backyard. It's made of solid brass and comes with a carabiner to attach to a hiking pouch or backpack. The Wander's Compass should be part of your backpacking necessities no matter what. It's made of brass and comes in the leather pouch to help keep it secure. Both of these items are under $30 right now, and both would be a great addition to your walking, hiking, or exploring needs. You can check out the rest of the Five Simple Things shop here.

Positive affirmations this week:

Hurting others will not heal your pain. Be kind to those that have been through the fire and came out kind on the other end. They deserve a lot more than this life and others give them. If you are one of those kind souls, never let the world change you. You are what keeps the rest of the world on track.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.