Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Home


The very word 'home' is making me bones ache.

We got home late yesterday afternoon and I did nothing but soak in the tub for a good long while, washing the last remnant of smoke off my body.
I have to admit, I like smelling like bacon.
I slept like a bear in hibernation last night - and only had odd dreams about merchandising Christmas decor at the Pier One, and tracking Abe Vigoda, who was a serial killer, and I was a detective.  I really need to look into this serial killer obsession I have.

I have to say that the camping trip was a great success, and this trip was one of my favorites.
Even though it was unseasonably cold and wet at times.
Even though the fish weren't biting.
Even though we had heater wars everynight, and I have a black eye to prove it.
I nearly gouged my eye out on the corner of the counter whilst searching in a stupor of slumber for the heater in the dark.
Like the old saying goes - it's all fun and games til someone loses an eye.
Amen.

I often question why I leave home when I feel so ding danged happy to return.  Maybe that's why I leave?  It makes me realize how I love it here?

I worried about the 'girls', about the Italian Mob, about the cats, Maude, about the baby chicken, about the flowers being bitten by a frost - about the house still standing.
I wondered how I'd feel if I came home to a smoldering pile of rubble.
It makes me realize how incredibly attached I am to this little plot of land I call home.
Perhaps too attached.
Oh, you wouldn't believe what I've got up in my sleeve now.
Glenco just might be on board.
It's called Micro houses. 
I'll say no more - for now.

For now, I'm happy as a bug in a rug to be home - to be restoring order, to be simmering soup and wearing fuzzy socks and petting the cat that felt jilted while we were gone.
I'm happy.

I think I'd be even happier if I had this pot.



I'm a little obsessed with it.

In our Walmart run (we ALWAYS make a Walmart run on camping trips) I saw this pot on the clearance rack, all up in a dented box for $35.  Because I'm still in my 'buy nothing new' pledge that I made this January, (and I've done quite well, not perfect, but good)  I passed it by and my friend bought it.

I went to bed thinking about that pot.

I woke up thinking about that pot.

Must. Have. That. Pot.

My winter happiness may hinge on that pot.
I wish it weren't so.
I really wish it weren't so.
But I think it might be.
And that makes me feel shallow and materialistic.
And then I feel the need to apologize.
Cause I think I'm gonna buy that pot.
Amen.

57 comments:

  1. But it is a nice pot. So there's justification in the purchasing.

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  2. I would fail miserably if I pledged to buy nothing new. And - I don't even like to shop. *lol* I have no objections to you buying the pot. After all, it is very pretty.

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  3. I have that pot from Walmart and use it for everything from soup to nuts. I love it.

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  4. Maybe someone should go get it for you. I don't like Walmart One. Bit. and I am tempted to go get that pot. Except I am home with out a car today.......
    kim

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  5. You go buy that pot dear. I got one on sale last winter and it's what got me through. Seriously.

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  6. Run, don't walk to buy that pot! First it's at a bargain price, second it cooks like nobody's business. I have a similar pot, and was actually singing it's praises to my husband yesterday. Now, how often do you praise a pot? You love to cook. It's for the good of the entire family!LOL Have I talked you into it?

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  7. I wonder if I could buy nothing new for 30 days?

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  8. If you are still thinking of the pot you need it! Think of the homey smelling soups + stews...in fact, today is my birthday and what I want for my birthday is for you to go on and get yourself that pot...mmmmkay?

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  9. There are some things a woman's gotta have! Ha. I want one too...very much!

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  10. Dear Coop Keeper,
    I know you are a busy world famous blogger and chicken wrangler, but in light of your red soup pot obsession, I humbly share with you a recent blog post I did over at my place...

    http://www.justfollowingjesus.com/2010/09/ode-to-soup-pot.html

    Thank you for your time,
    Elizabeth

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  11. ebay...its not new when you purchase it from a used standpoint!

    I love your love of returning home...EXACTLY!!

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  12. If you buy the pot...you will make countless low-cost soups and stews, chicken and dumplings, roast and potato meals that will SAVE you money in the long run. If you DON'T buy the pot, you will be wasting hard earned money...now go buy that pot QUICK before it's gone!

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  13. We have that same pot (from Wal-Mart) and my husband, who is the alpha cook around here, says it's the best pot he's ever owned. Bar none. He uses it constantly. Go get one, hurry up.

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  14. Been there, done that, went back to get whatever it was that I had to have.....and it was gone! This is the first time I have ever left a comment, I'm in central Indiana and it is like 46 degrees, sunny and cold!! Love your blog, you make a lot of people HAPPY!! Polly

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  15. Love hearing about the great time you had camping. I miss our camping trips. Clothes smelling like smoke from the campfire, wet feeling from rainy weekend, and all the great memories in the making. GO buy that pot!!! LOL

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  16. Yes, just buy the pot. I want it too!
    Speaking of leaving home, how would you like to be gone from home for 6 months like us. It really is a mind set to live 6 mon in one country and 6 mon in another. Thank god there is skype for grandchildren fixes and that Yuma warms these bones of mine.

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  17. Hi Jayme,
    I know exactly how you feel because I feel the same way about my home. There are times I start thinking I really need to travel more and see the world, but then I think "and leave the animals for more than 3 days at a time?" I don't think I could do it! Even when we go away for a long weekend, I find myself getting antsy by the second day. I know people who want to be anywhere BUT their home and I feel sad for them.

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  18. welcome home. glad you had fun. but like the saying goes 'home sweet home.' looks like a fabulous pot and perfect for winter cooking. it is a must have.

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  19. I have that pot. You need that pot. Amen girl!

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  20. Le Creuset, the real mcQuill, runs $239.00 for a 5 1/2 qt. french. I found one on the west sieede for $69.99 last year at Home Goods. Hubby was without a job, so I passed 'er by and continued to cook my soups and stews in my Club Aluminum Dutch, which is 32 yrs. old. I still think about that pot that I left behind! Hubby now has a job, can't find one for that price for the life of me!

    I think it was put there to remind me that material possessions don't make me happy. I'm happy already...so why do I still long for that stinkin' pot? Ugh.

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  21. I want that pot too! You get that pot and let me know what you think. Justify it as research for your blog !:)

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  22. too funny...I've been eyeing the same one but in the robins egg blue. Haven't bit yet though....

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  23. Are there more of them there pots? Lady, go get one! It is beautimonious!

    Also, you need to talk to Nancy Pants about Micro Houses. She's been talking to me about it for weeks, neigh, months!

    So happy to have you back up in your hood. Just feels right.

    Now, when are you coming to my hood???

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  24. Here's my take on the POT: when we decide to show restraint and not purchase something we think we love, we remember it forever. There is a chance that if you had bought that pot, THE pot that all happiness for your future hinges upon, it could very well have ended up in the heap of things you already own. You have a soup pot already don't you? It's the things that get away that we remember with fondness.

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  25. Jayme, You have tipped my giggle box as always...and I will say one thing here, girl. There is really NO place like home. After surviving a Freaking torrential tropical storm on the beach front, I was SOOOOO glad to get off that island and the flooded roadways, and cross the bridge back to the mainland and come to my home, warts and all. I love home...I'm with you! HUGS!

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  26. If you do start with micro houses you could rent them out for weekend visitors and more...then you could never leave home.
    Buy the place next door and build a bunch on there.....like a B&B business....you have lots of free time now. B.
    I will check back in to help you cure your hot flashes.

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  27. Go get the pot and be done with it.

    That pot is one of those things you don't regret later, because you'll get alot of use out of it.

    Go.

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  28. That pot is gorgeous and I'm sure can be used for millions of things - therefore it is a necessity not a want!

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  29. I love that pot too! Just want to tell you that your posts make me LAUGH OUT LOUD!! My co-workers think I've gone a little crazy I think...but then again I shouldn't be reading blogs at work should I? teehee!

    Happy Fall!
    Jackie

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  30. Hi Jayme,
    We bought the same pot for our Mom last year and she loves it. She updated her 50 year old kitchen and we had a kitchen shower for her. For that price, you'd better run to Walmart!
    Lynn

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  31. Costco has it too, just saw it the other day, it's the cast iron one right? Yep, they got it too. Me

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  32. Costco has it too, just saw it the other day, it's the cast iron one right? Yep, they got it too. Me

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  33. Love that pot and have tried numerous times to win one, but trouble is I always have 30 kabillion other people playing the same contest. Needless to say, I have no red pot.

    Di

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  34. Glad you had a wonderful time away camping with Glenco, Jayme. Even happier that you are home, too!

    And would you do me a favor, please? Go buy that pot...we all give you our permission!

    XOXOXO
    Dianna

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  35. Jayme think of this pot as an investment!!! Trust me they are you can pass it down to Aaron when you are 6 feet under!!! While in Maine a few years ago I bought from the La Cruset the 5 quart one and a bunch of their other pans. Got home and thought I wish I had gotten the 10 quart one so we hitched up the motorhome and went back to Maine (only about a 12 hr. ride)to get more all and all I spent over $3,000. on the stuff and I love every piece I have but this stuff from Walmart I have looked at it and it is terrific and just as good. Go for it girl!!Also I am sure you are thinking why didn't I just go to the kitchen store and by the other pans? That would have been way to easy. nancy settel

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  36. Jayme forgot to tell you my oldest son is on a kick right now about micro houses. He will probably build one a tiny bit bigger than the ones you see but he keeps planning things out and I sent off to Ikea to see the little places they do in the stores that would do a whole house in I think less than 300 square feet. Check them out if you have an Ikea close by. nancy settel

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  37. Tell your friend you expect the pot for Christmas since you are the one who discovered the pot!

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  38. It's not a frivolous purchase and one that can produce good meals for you and Glenco. I think you should have that pot Jayme.
    Amy

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  39. I have this pot. You need this pot. I am a so-so cook and everything I make in it turns out scrumptious, so I can't imagine how wonderful your food would be!

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  40. Jayme,
    I went through the same thing last year! I saw a red cast iron pot at Sam's club for $40 and I had to have it. I had been lusting after the french versions for years, but I am too cheap, so I bought the Sam's one. I must tell you that owning this pot has brought me true happiness as nothing before ever has. Where has it been all of my life? You can throw a roast in there (a 3 pounder for 3 hours) and it comes out heavenly (angels sing in the distance, I kid you not!). It browns and tenderizes. And, the gravy . . . oh my! I like to keep it on my stove just to look at it. It is seductive and I think my husband is jealous. Okay, here is my advice. Run to the nearest store and buy yourself one. I promise you that you will be writing about it in the future.

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  41. Glad you had a wonderful time and that you are home and comfy/cozy. I love that pot. Red is my favorite color so now I need that pot. But I have a similar one that I have had for years so I cannot get the pot which means you must. Looks like a roast making pot.

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  42. You are too cute. Fuzzy socks n soup. Sooo me. Love that pot. Have a blue one my Mom gave me. I'm all about 1 pot meals plus some veggies n dip. n wine. Eazy peazy n comforting. Welcome home!

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  43. I would buy the pot. At that price some vows just have to be broken.
    Your, "it's all good fun until someone loses an eye", line made me laugh out loud. You always make me laugh.
    I hope you buy the pot or one just like it since your friend bought that one.

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  44. Just read your email, and had a feeling you must have a new post up that would explain the whole pot thing - I'm proud of you....you gotta break your own rules every once in a while. And I can only imagine the wonders that you'll produce this winter with that beautiful pot.
    Now, do I need to research micro houses myself, or will you give me all the details and save me the trouble.
    Always learnin from you Keeper, always something new!

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  45. I feel the need to go against the grain here!! Seems ya may have opened a big can of peer pressure! Don't Buy The POT...even though I would have bought the pot...DON'T Be LIKE ME...cause I really would have just bailed on it all and bought it. I don't think a big pot like that will even fit in a micro house...So, Pot Schmot! Who needs a multi-purpose pot that I bet would make great stews and...stuff (it's late)or that you could make that bread you perfected in. It's just a POT! It'll be there later, I'm sure...when's your thingy over? January? January Scmanuary. It's not that far off. Trust me, I'm countin' cause that's when my lease is up.
    God Bless Ya!!!

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  46. I think I feel an intervention coming on! Love you-love your blog-I'm glad you're home...now I am leaving for 10 days. Can't wait! hugs- Diana

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  47. Jayme, I REALLY wish I hadn't read your post tonight because now I want that pot! I can't run to Wally World tonight to get one though as there is a killer on the loose! But, I REALLY, REALLY want to go there RIGHT NOW!!! Sigh. Looks like I'll be heading there tomorrow to search for one...

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  48. I like you yearned for that pot for almost 2 full years and on Christmas morning last year my sweetie had it under the tree. What a guy!! But back to the pot, Oh the stews, soups and roast that pot has turned out to perfection. You'll Love that pot and wonder how you ever lived without it.

    Patra

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  49. Pot luck.

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  50. Oh yes, the things that make us toss & turn in the night! What's a girl to do? Some things I've bought...then wondered why. The wanting was almost more fun than the actual having. Then some things I bring home and just stare at...they make me silly happy! Anniversary coming up? Birthday? Isn't Sweetest Day this month? A little "hint, hint" never hurts! And yes, it's always wonderful to come home again. (And in an 1864 house with less-than-perfect wiring, I'm glad to round the corner and see it still standing too!)

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  51. Oh hey, that's the best dutch oven. This link is to a post I did on it and a great cookbook for it: myso-calledhandmadelife"

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  52. Jayme, I too am on a no buying pledge. It has been 13 months for me. BUT this pot is a necessity. Really it is. Not only can you make great stews etc in it, I make my all time favorite bread in it! So good, great crust! enjoy!

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  53. My friend gave me a pot like that when I looked after her for a week when she had her knee replaced. Getting to her house required an eight hour train ride each way. I love the pot and made hambone soup in it today. It weighs a ton!

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  54. Well, it is a cheerful pot. And looks like a perfect size for making soups and stews this winter. Maybe you should buy it.

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  55. You mean a cook like you doesn't already have a pot like this in her kitchen? This is a fabulous cooking pot! No need to feel guilt; this is a necessity for those serious in the kitchen :) And, I might mention, these are generally fairly pricey--I wouldn't pass it up--i'd consider it a kitchen investment!

    Marianne

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