Ahh, the smell of fall--that burning smell that comes when the furnace is first turned on for the season. We got a new furnace installed yesterday and new furnaces have a special smell all of their own. Hopefully, all of the newness will burn off quickly and we won't notice it in time. The old furnace served this house for 31 years, so I think it did its duty, but I'm not sorry to see it go. We're hoping for more even heating and comfort with the new furnace and its upgraded the filter, UV light, and humidifier. We'll see, but I have high hopes.
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| When they are not at our feeders, both the squirrels and the birds are enjoying the berries off this tree. |
The furnace is not the only new thing we have gotten recently. In the never-ending battle with the squirrels at our bird feeders, we have gotten two new squirrel "proof" feeders. So far the squirrels haven't been able to outsmart the feeders, but it's fun watching them try. While I wouldn't mind feeding the squirrels a little, when they are at the feeder, the birds stay away. However, the birds are starting to try out the new feeders and we hope more will come when there is not as much competition from the squirrels.
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| These were the best carrots we've gotten this year. They definitely like the cooler weather. |
While we have had several frosts and freezes, it wasn't until last week when even the protected plants froze. Thus begins the fall bed cleanup. We started first with the vegetables and harvested everything except the turnips and radishes. They should be okay in the ground until we need them.
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| The turnips have grown huge. Who knows how big they might have gotten if I had thinned them more? |
In other happenings, we have planned our Thanksgiving dinner and will start cooking this weekend. Since we won't be together, my sister and I are sharing food. For example, I am making make-ahead mashed potatoes for both of us and she is making cranberry relish to share. Also, Ward and I are busy working on Christmas gifts. We're finding that sometimes ideas that seem so simple are a lot harder to make that one would think.
For various reasons, staffing levels have been very low at work. I am thankful that I work with such good people that are always willing to pitch in wherever needed. And speaking of work, I'd better go fix my lunch for today so I won't be late.
Until next time...
I turn on the furnace way before we need to use it so I can open the windows to get rid of the smell.Your carrots are really pretty and the turnips are huge. I would have to throw them away though and just cook the greens!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to remember that trick about turning on the furnace early for next year. We usually cook the turnip greens, but with these last two we decided that we didn't like them well enough for the effort it took to clean them and cook them. We should live closer together and then we could share our turnips.
DeleteWow, those are big turnips. My hubby loves them. Me, not so much.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the new furnace purchase. We always have ours inspected in the fall. A couple of years ago during the inspection, they found that ours was emitting carbon monoxide. We were given the option of waiting it out or installing a new one right away. Guess which option we chose? It was a no-brainer as far as I was concerned. Wishing you luck with your new furnace. At the very least, it should give you peace of mind to know that you have a good furnace to get you through the winter.
I didn't used to like turnips, then one year I got a really sweet and mild one and I was hooked. Now I will put up with a bitter one as I am looking for the sweet one again. We have them various ways, but we like roasted best.
DeleteThe furnace actually was heating, but when he said to make sure your CO detectors are working, we decided it was time for a new one just as you did.
I hope your new furnace will keep you nice and warm this winter. Those carrots look wonderful and those are huge turnips! I like how you and your sister are sharing the Thanksgiving meal cooking! :)
ReplyDeleteSince we can't meet together this year, I wanted to share some how. This works out because our groups are much smaller and it will be easy to make extra for someone else.
DeleteThe carrots tasted good besides looking good. The ones that grew over the summer were not so good. I think the weather just got too hot for them.
Those carrots look good enough to eat! I love just out of the ground carrots. I like turnups too, cut into fry like lengths, with dip.
ReplyDeleteI haven't eaten turnips with dip, but everything is good with dip. Gonna have to try that.
DeleteNice turnips!!
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty sweet, too. You never know with turnips because they can often be bitter.
Deletewow, those are some of the biggest turnips i seen. Thank you as always for posting and sharing.
ReplyDeleteThere are more in the ground that are just as big. Definitely got lucky with them.
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