Pepper Place Visit

We got up early, at 10 am and left by 11 am. I think the produce market closed at noon, not sure. 

 Pepper Place

"Adjacent to the historic Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Pepper Place is the link between the redevelopment of downtown Birmingham to the west and revitalization of the old “streetcar suburbs” of Avondale and Crestwood."

The other markets that take the SFMNP card sort of faded early. So, I had $35 left on my card and was determined not to lose the benefits left--$35. I researched all the markets, large and small. I decided to go the Pepper Place. 

Oh My Gosh!  

It was like a huge carnival. There were guys playing music, stalls with handmade items. food booths, produce booths, just everything. I sent Tommy out with my card and his walker. I was in an apartment parking lot on the periphery of the Pepper Place. 

I did get the benefit of sights and sounds of a tiny bit. I was lonely when Tommy left. I cracked the window and heard wonderful music. People were out in hordes carrying away just a tiny, decorated pumpkin to huge bags of produce and bunches of flowers. This spurs me on to get a scooter to ride on. I called a friend who lives in Birmingham and had a great visit. 

He came back and he did shop, not just pick up stuff at one booth. He brought 1 lb. raw, unfiltered honey, 1/2 pint blackberry jelly, 1/2 pint pepper jelly, and six beautiful tomatoes. He threw in $1 because my card ran out. As we drove away, he commented that there were a "hell of a lot of persimmons." I would have wanted some of those. Yes, I will get a scooter soon. I had told him get whatever at the booths,, just get tomatoes. So, he did both. 

Next January I will apply again. This program is in almost all 50 states. 

He brought back a brochure with something about disability services from one booth. Tommy said they wanted to talk with him. He told them he was so tired that he just wanted something to take home and read. So, they let him go without further talk. He did bring me the pamphlet. 

We stopped by Publix for milk for both of us, bananas, and something else. I took a nap when we got home. 

About 6 pm, we installed the skeleton into a lawn chair in front of the ramp. I tied skeleton and chair to ramp. Tommy put his hand into the air, waving at passersby. His red glowing eyes are on until we turn them off. I would love a remote! 

He had dinner and now is having pepper jelly spread on bread.  I will have a very small amount on cracker and cream cheese--one cracker only. Tomorrow, I might have some blackberry jelly on toast and butter. 

Overall, it was a great Saturday. I did wake stuffy and hurting in sinuses. One Hall's Mentholyptus took care of all the congestion and pain. It appears I will make it through the worst month of the year for my sinus health. It makes me deliriously happy.

The weather was beautiful, high 80s, sunny, and, of course, dry.

 Edit: Tommy was amazed there were a few thousand people instead of a few dozens. He was amazed there was so much for eating right there--sandwiches, homemade popsicles, pastries, etc.There were even dish tubs with water and ice cubes for dogs. 

Crockpot Chicken, Jelly, Inserts, Hot and Cold, Haircut

Saturday evening, I put a chicken in the crockpot. It barely fit in the 4 qt. Crockpot. I had to mash it down to get it in. Today, I saved legs and thighs for exbf and breast for me. Yum!

He went to his church where they were celebrating 200 year anniversary of the founding. He brought home a plate of bbq, slaw, and other things that he said would make two or three meals. That makes for a happy man. It rides on the seat of his walker, so he can handle it.

Saturday evening and today, I cooked down 2 gallons of blueberries, one gallon on Saturday and one on Sunday. After I left them to drain in a colander, I had a quart of juice last night. Today, I didn't put any water in them, nor did I cook them down as long. I ended up with about a cup and a half of juice.

The juice is in the refrigerator. Today, Sunday, I bought Sure-Jell to make jelly. Cooked blueberries were strained through a colander and should be strained through cloth to make clear jelly. I am not making this for a competition or for show, so I will use the murky juice full of blueberry matter. Monday, I will make jelly. I don't remember ever making blueberry jelly.

There were three coupon inserts in today's Sunday paper. Two of them were only two sheets folded, so only 8 pages of coupons as opposed to three or four times that for a normal Sunday insert. Bummer!

Friday, I went to buy the newspapers for the last three Sundays since I was ill one Sunday and forgot another Sunday. I don't remember why I did not get one on the other Sunday. I bought one newspaper and the other Sunday with four inserts was sold out. However, someone had bought the paper and did not want the inserts, so I was given a whole stack of inserts.  Lucky me.

It is so hot in my area with daytime temps of high 60s. Then, tonight it is about 49 and sprinkling, just enough to make me feel very cold. So, heater gets turned off and then on. It's an awkward time of the year. I am continually taking off socks, putting on sandals, off the  sweatshirt, now I am too cool. it keeps me busy.

Sunday, I cut my bangs and they look great. Then, I cut some angled on the sides, and I am not sure if I ruined it or not. When exbf comes this week, he is going to cut the back for me, just the length. I was going to get it cut. I do not like my hair washed at the shop but I come in with it fresh, clean, and dry. I want to walk out after the cut. So, no washing, no water or towels or person used. Nothing, no product or time spent on me afterward. I always hate the product and must wash it out when I get home. I hate hairspray because of the smell and it makes my face break out. She wanted $18 for just the cut. No!

Your turn
Do you make blueberry jelly? What is your favorite jelly? Did you notice the coupon inserts were skimpy today? Or, was it just my paper? Are the temps where you are so variable that you have to take clothes off and on and actually turn the heat off and then on a bit later? Am I the only one who thinks $18 is a lot for just the haircut, trim length of hair, no layering?