As I'm getting older, if I didn't have a To-Do List, I'd get nothing done.
I could no longer ignore my upright freezer. It needed defrosting badly as the ice has been building up and reducing the efficiency of the freezer. I put everything in a big box and covered it with heavy blankets and throws and everything stayed frozen while I placed pots of hot water on the shelves to speed defrosting.
I've been wanting to do this but kept putting it off, but I couldn't ignore it any longer as the ice was really taking up a lot of room. I really regret buying that freezer because frozen packages often slide off the shelves and things get mixed up pretty quickly, especially when I'm in a hurry. So now, I've put frozen food in plastic gallon ice cream containers and labeled them so I can see at a glance what veggies I have and nothing is sliding off the shelves anymore. Sorry, I didn't take a picture of this new system but I like it a lot better.
The cardboard box holds the cold in and frozen food stays frozen longer with all the layers of blankets.
Another thing that I finally got done today, is mulching my daylily debris. It took me all afternoon with a little break in the middle. Now I'm left with cleaning up the gazebo area, where I did the work. I'm always mindful of any debris falling on the carburetor as it could potentially cause a fire. I got 9 bags of mulch which I plan on using in the spring.
I've been getting a design ready for my new rug, and when things slow down, I'll dye some wool so that I have something to work on when the snow flies. Sorry, I said that "s" word... but I'm still in yard work mode.
The photo doesn't show all 10 bags of mulch, but that is how many I got from only the large bed. It was nice yesterday and I got a lot more done so I'll have less to do in the spring.
Thanks for leaving a comment and have a great day.
Julia
We need to do the freezer defrost this winter. We wait until about January when it's usually cold enough to put things on the deck and it all stays frozen. It also serves as time to find the forgotten items in the back. I too use boxes to organize things that don't stack nicely, like the meat and bags of veggies. Yes, it's sort of a pain, but I've lost far less in the upright than I did in the chest freezer where one needs to excavate 3 feet down, only to find it's not the right end.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a freezer in addition to the one on the side of the fridge. But since it is just me here and I don't garden the side freezer accommodates my needs. But do remember the day when refrigerator freezers needed to be defrosted and hated that job.
ReplyDeleteI have a chest freezer in the garage that also needs that dreaded job. That will be my next project and yours looks so nice and what a great idea for organizing! Leave it to my little Julia to come up with a smart idea! My 2 granddaughters were looking to make some extra money so I'm going to hire them to help me clean out my flower beds and hopefully have a jump on my spring cleanup. So don't work too hard (I know that won't happen!) and have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the list making! My lists have lists and there are sticky notes on all the lists! It works pretty well for me...though sometimes things are on the list for weeks on end.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you are planning a rug. It has been a LONG time!!!
Hugs
Oh, I need to do the same thing with our chest freezer. What I do not like about our chest freezer, is I am only 5 foot, so to get way down to the bottom, I just about have to crawl in to reach anything. I started to use reusable grocery bags to put my veggies and meats in, so I can just pull up the bag handle.
ReplyDeleteWe have a few snowflakes falling today.
Wow that defrosting such a big job! I hate tat job but it makes you feel so much better when it is done.
ReplyDeleteYour gardens are always wonderful.Looking forward to seeing your new rug
Cathy
Cathy
Somebody has been busy. I am sure you are so glad your freezer is back to normal now. I remember those days when I had to defrost mine. Janice
ReplyDeleteAhhh...the dreaded defrost. I dislike that task so much it has been several years (yes, I just confessed that) that I have done it. It so needs doing....but I tell myself that I first need to "purge" things that got overlooked and are now likely freezer burnt and be rid of them first. Maybe then the actual defrost project won't be so onerous. Glad you are still have some pleasant days. Yesterday was rain...lot of it...today a bit of snow. I'm afraid to look at what in store for tomorrow. Yay that you're planning a rug!! I've been thinking of starting one too...but I will not be planning it, nor dyeing the wool... Yeah, I cheat. ;-) Happy Weekend-to-be. ~Robin~
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog, Julia. You are very busy and creative.
ReplyDeleteYou are the busy one Julia with all that has to be done your doing it! Our upright Costco freezer is self defrosting but I remember defrost the way you did with upright freezers in the past & I too procrastinated until it could no longer be avoided & when it was done was so pleased at having everything in its place.
ReplyDeleteVery clever making your own mulch, I've not tried that yet, we live close to Evorm were the 2nd's are so cheap to purchase & a trailer load of black mulch & compost is always on our spring to do list.
It has been so unusually warm this late fall but the winds are really strong near the water so we've retreated inside where I continue with the Christmas explosion awaiting the kids arrival in just a few weeks now.
I can't wait to see what wonderful design you are going to be hooking up!!
You are beautiful inside & out & inspire me with my daily living in the rural area which is now home to me.
Wishing you the very best!
Hugs, Cynthia xXx
Well done on all the mulching work- that's hard work!
ReplyDeleteI reaaaaaaaaaaally need to defrost our freezer. It is SOOOOOO iced up!!!!