Holiday Baking

My last Blog got a whooping 4 views... The boyfriend has admitted he doesn't even read it any longer and I kind of wonder why I even bother any longer.
         
I've been doing some new stuff and I am frustrated.
       I tried Salt water Taffy. Which is another boiled thing. I've read many blogs. Some called for high temperatures of 300. Some 275. One I found was 225 for a very Soft taffy.  and since I will be feeding it to younger and old people. I figure that i would try a medium ish at 235. I soon found it, that Blog had to have lied or their thingie is wrong.You're supposed to test it in Boiling water because that temp is always the same..but anyways, It would not hold in any form or way and remained a liquid, Another I did at 265 and it could not be pulled but after some refrigeration, It held it's shape enough and tastes good, but its a insane soft candy that slowly loses any shape. I also did one at 295 which yielded a hard taffy that soon became chewy. But they weren't the flavors that I originally aimed for. I wanted to make a nice Vanilla and the other a classic Strawberry. Don't get me wrong. They still taste Yummy.
On the foods notes I've been cooking up a ton of meals that John and I tend to have weekly and both thoroughly enjoy. Packed with Vegetables. Everything I make tends to have onions, carrots and mushrooms because they are yummy and nutritious! I did what meals that the mother in law requested. Chili was weekly, but now they have asked me to cook less because they can;t deal? handle with the "fancy" cooking. it seems they want less flavor? they claim Simple food but what i make I consider simple.   Seems a regular for them is grilled pork chops(salt and pepper) served with canned beans. Or burgers, Sausage and perogies...
I am slightly insulted though they didn't mean it that way. I don't believe in using canned crap all the time.  my recipes don't start with a can or end with multi's being added. Its cheaper buying dried beans then canned with no salt added or such. If you plan your meals. Soak the beans then simmer for a hour. Canned tomatoes are the exception of course.
So I am taking a step back from cooking. I won't make the effort anymore.

I was having a bit of issues with the EI office.First off I didn't apply right away because I thought I would get a job right away.(seems I was wrong) and I was missing my record of employment from Mr.Ribs. I had quit anyways so I had to fill in a very Long forum of why I quit. The day I went in to check in with EI about everything. after I went and got the mail and there it was. Only about 9 Months late but the nice part, he put it down that I was laid off. So that clears up any question if I would receive it.
While I was getting help with resumes and what not, The lady hinted I might be getting about 500 every two weeks which isn't much but it is something to keep the bills paid and I am grateful for that. though I do Wonder how shaun who worked at the same job but worked less time, gets 800 every two weeks.

The gifts that I got people, They seemed to enjoy, Minus the children because they didn't seem to care at all.  Senior Dolan liked the Seed Flower and Power station, Carey was amused with her Lighted block, Glass tea pot and new bread knife. My John claims to love the cup i painted for him.
Terri Liked the Bracelet, Brendan was amused by the booze, Evan and I reminisced about The Crown Royal in the Purple Bag. Seems dad enjoyed it with 7-up. I had a small glass in memory of him too. The cups that I spent more hours intended on were set aside and i doubt will be remembered.
I got some neat things as well, A reflective retractable leash, A new Holder for doggie bags(sherlock destroyed the last one) A Pooper scooper thing, Chocolates, A light up thingie for sherlocks collar and one for my keys, nail polish, mother earth news , New ear Plugs( sherlock ate mine) A pink hearted Onsie, Yoga pants, A giant Wok. Etc. John is pleased with his gifts as well. :)
Though the Taffy's weren't touched at the dessert table. The ones I put in the older kids cups, when opened we ewwed because they were sticky. I don't think one made it into their mouths.  Though Zane got the tin full of them from the chinese gift exchange because it was the left over under the tree and no one wanted it. He claims he loves taffy and took them but i kind of think he heard me tell john how I was disappointed that no one even touched them or he could really Love taffy.

I successfully ish... knitted a hat.  in Multi colors.. the very top was kind of wonky and it took me a couple dozen attempts at starting to get it right. I struggled more then I should of but it seems to be to the theme of my last two months.  But I remembered how to complete a purl Stitch, But I'd never done one on the same Line as a normal Stitch.So the hat was purl 2, knit 2, Repeat.  So I did it and when I was done the line it was so weird twisted and I couldn't do a thing. I youtubed it to find that you had to bring the yarn under the needle to complete a purl stitch from a knit stitch or you create another Stitch and it makes it really wonky...  After i got that figured out. Randomly i would forgot to do it and add a stitch and could not figure out why the next line wasn't working right. Frustrating!.
But I finished it. With much slacking. I did it in 5 days. I gave it to Bailee who then wore it for half the get together until my grandma gave her a bright orange and pink knitted hat.
I will be attempting a purple one for myself... hopefully it will go better.

I fully admit I can't say I will write another Blog as no one is reading them and It feels useless to post it if no one will read it. I can't even admit that i will post this one for people to access this one.