Sunday Scripture…

 

Proverbs 3:6

Garden Prep…

 These arrived yesterday and I’m already starting the blueprint for next years garden layout. More pictures will come as I plan my gardens. 

Of course, the top book also has plans to make the raised container. I’ll be building them over the fall and winter. It’s a fun read, and I know the information will come in handy as I begin the process of completely building from the ground up.

Thanks for all your good wishes regarding my back. I’ve been doing what I can to help it heal. Hoping to be back to 1000% by Monday. 

I’ll end here. Coffee and then to the farmer’s market! See you for a weekly scripture tomorrow.

Plan Your Day!…

 

Tomorrow - Saturday, July 30th - is World Embroidery Day. I think you know what I’ll be working on. How about you? Will you set aside some time to put needle and thread to fabric? I’d love to know. 

I’m still taking it easy today, but that doesn’t mean I’m not getting things accomplished. I’m just not doing any lifting or reaching. If it’s on the floor or below waist level, I’ve got it! I’m used to looking the world straight in the eye. Not having a conversation toward the floor, so if this is how I’m forced to move around right now, you can bet I’ll find the silver lining in this cloud! Dust bunnies beware! lol

Just Breathe…

I have to admit that I accomplished nothing except rest today. Through the recent bread making and canning, I’ve still been suffering with this stinking back pain. 

I’m calling my doctor today, and all I otherwise intend to do is sit in a comfy chair and stitch. I’m hopeful we’ll figure this out and I’ll be able to share my Everlasting quilt top. 

Coffee or tea? I don’t much care. I just need to sit down. I’ll see you again tomorrow. 

 

If you're following my channel on Instagram, or are a friend on Facebook, you've already seen that I've been busy since the weekend. I canned a dozen pints of salsa (using fresh tomatoes I picked up from a roadside stand on my way home from Portage last weekend); four pints of lovely pickled beets; and baked bread Monday and Tuesday.

The first batch of bread was a barter with a neighbor for the fresh-from-the-garden beets, zucchini, and pickling cucumbers. I also tried out a new roll to see if Handsome liked them. (He did) So, I'm going to mix up a batch of dough specifically to make rolls. But not today.

You won't be too shocked if I say I'm still a little tired today. I apologize for not responding to your recent comments, but promise I'll do that today. I've also been working on my Everlasting quilt. All I have left to do is to create the scattering of bees onto the quilt top and I'll be ready for it to go to the longarmer's. I'm trying to finish it so I can share it with you! I'm definitely going to do my best to complete it today so I can share pictures with you.

I'm going to keep this short so I can decide what I'm going to do next. Zucchini and cucumbers are calling my name. So is coffee. Yes. Coffee is definitely calling my name, and I must answer. lol

Tuesdays With Tag - Just Me...

Hi, Everybody!!

It's been a while since I started out a post with my very own, handsome face, so today you're in for a real treat. No special guests. No long-winded storytellin'. No Black Dogs. Just Me! Head to toe; front to back; and cute as can be. Me.

We decided this photo shoot should have the woodshed for the background. Mom says takin' me up to the woodshed is somethin' she always thought about, so here I am! (I'm not sure why she's gigglin'.)

The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Air Show is on all week, so there have been lots of planes buzzin' overhead as they go back and forth to the airport across Lake Winnebago from our house. Pretty soon we'll be watchin' the skies for the warbirds and maybe the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds. We love them all!

So, rather than read a lot of words today, you can scroll back up and just take in my cuteness. Mom says the long orange handle is necessary, so it couldn't come off. Oh, well. No biggie. I'll just roll with it...or on it. lol

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"

 

July Craft Day...

Another creative Saturday spent in Portage with my crafty friends. This time we had two fun projects. This was Marie's turn. Our first one was a "cut and repurpose cowl from a t-shirt" project.

Cut a 12-15" tube of fabric from the t-shirt by laying the t-shirt flat on a cutting surface. Cut across the shirt below the sleeve opening, through both layers of the shirt. Then cut again across the shirt above the hemline (about 12-15" between the top and bottom of this tube you're creating). From there, you refold the tube, matching the seams from the shirt and cut a series of slits into what will become the front sections, shortening the cuts as you work toward the seam. Instructions said to only cut the slits about half way to the seam so, as you can see in the photographs, the back half, plus part of the front won't have slits cut into them.

Once the cutting is completed, stretch the fringe, add pony beads of your choice and tie a knot in the individual fringe pieces to hold the beads in place. That's it! Pretty simple, right?

The second project was to create a shabby boutonierre from old jewelry, lace and doilies, ribbons and other fabrics. They all had pin backs on them to wear or attach to something else. We had so much fun giggling, telling stories, and generally catching up while we played. Truly food for the soul.

Linda II is new to the group. She's my girlfriend, Linda's sister-in-law. She really got into it and created some beautiful things. Linda will be back again, too. She came along with Linda's niece who was visiting from Georgia. 

The last time I'd seen her, she was a little girl. Now she's all grown up, with four children of her own! I believe she's already headed home, so we won't see her again until she comes back north to visit.

All in all, another great day was had by all. I had an easy drive there and back, stopping at a roadside vegetable stand to pick up some produce on my way home. I bought tomatoes because I realized that we were out of salsa (oh, the horror!), so I'm going to make and can those today while it's a little cooler outside. 

I'm also baking bread for a barter with a neighbor up the highway. She planted waaay too many beets, zucchini, and pickles for her and her partner, so she offered them to me. I suggested bartering homemade bread and she jumped at the deal! Guess how I'll spend the rest of my week? lol

I'd better get started on the bread. I'm going to pick up all the vegetables later today, so I want to take this batch of loaves with me. (I'll offer her another four loaves next week when I bake again.) Tag will be back tomorrow, so I'll see you again on Wednesday!

Sunday Scripture…

1 Corinthians 15:58

 

Isn't This Dreamy?...

 

 

While scrolling through Instagram for inspiration a few days ago, I came across this image from @designermumetc. I've been searching for new stock tanks in the taller versions for my raised bed garden planned for next year, and saw this soaking pool created using a round one. They're actually all the rage right now. Did you know? Stock tanks of all types are scarce, too, because I'm not the only one who wanted to have a home garden. People have already beat me to the punch, and now I'm looking all over for them.

 

I worked outdoors yesterday. Remember I told you that we neglected to put down weed barrier when the handmen helped weed our terrace flower beds. When it's not too hot outside, I've been raking back the mulch, pulling weeds, and then rolling out barrier. Then I rake the mulch back over the top. So far, I'm about half finished. The dang thistles will be the death of me. (Not really. I'm being overly dramatic for effect. lol)

 

I pulled weeds and laid barrier for a few hours, until the sun was so hot I needed to stop. I don't fret about burning this time of year. I've been exposed enough by now, and thanks to Dad, I have a darker skin tone than my fair-skinned mum. But, I also inherited his propensity for perspiration. My glasses and clothes get drenched, and finally I cry "uncle", and give in.

 

According to my Noom app, my step goal for yesterday was 5,000 steps. That's a bump up from the day before, because I've been surpassing my previous days' goals. By bedtime, I'd walked 8,144 steps. That's comparable to 3.5 miles! Yay, me!

Needless to say, it would have been nice to hop into a nice, cool pool like the one above to counteract the heat of the day. I'm pretty sure the dogs and Handsome would like it, too. I'm not giving up. I think this is still doable. 

I'm heading over to Portage for this month's craft day today. I have no idea what the project is, but I'm sure it will be fun just being with dear friends. I'll share our creations on Monday. I'm going to grab a quick breakfast and take my coffee with me. Gotta fly! Later, my dears...

Health Progress Report...

 

I told you a while back that I'd begun a "psychology of weight loss" program through an app called "Noom". I began on April 26th of this year. The great thing about this program is that it's slow and sustained, and no food is forever off limits. In the (distant) past, I've easily lost forty pounds doing Atkins, but gained it all back when I went started eating carbs again.

Through this program, I eat those things, but in moderation, including dessert. I don't feel deprived or that I'm missing out at all. I've been more active, using a pedometer to track my steps, and a tracker for my food intake so I can become more aware of how my choices are different.

I still have a way to go, but I thought you might like to see my progress so far. Since April 26th, I've lost sixteen pounds. I sat at a plateau for longer than I cared, but when I began the program, I also took measurements for my bust, waist, hips, thigh and upper arm. I added those together for a total number. While I languished on that plateau, I retook my measurements. I'd lost 9" overall!  The other thing I did was told myself it was okay to plateau, because even at that point, I weighed less than I had in nearly 8 years (maybe longer)!

I wore this top when I met old classmates for lunch in August of 2019. Truthfully, I was kind of embarrassed when I saw how I looked in the picture. I had a great time, so that's what I focused on. Fast forward to 2022.

With all the surgeries I'd undergone in 2020 and early 2021, I decided I wanted to live healthier. That's when I discovered Noom and took the leap. In the image of me on the right, I'm wearing that same top. It's fitting me more the way it's supposed to, and I didn't wear the matching scarf to try to cover up.

Like I said, I have a way to go yet (about forty pounds), so I'm not crowing too loud. I feel better and healthier. My knees are happier, for sure. I'm getting in about 4,500 steps a day now, too. When I began, I was lucky to get in about 1,500. The goal is 10,000, but that will come, too.

Part of the program is to be accountable, so that's one of the reasons I'm telling you. The other reason is that my blog has always been a daily diary for me, so I'm making a post about this for that reason, too. I hope you don't mind. 

So, instead of just having that morning coffee before I start my day, I've added a healthy breakfast since April. I'm actually eating more and still losing weight. Yippee! You know the drill, I'm heading to the kitchen now. I may even do a little dance on the way.

Taking The Wayback Machine To 1927...

Two days ago, I was sorting through my still-boxed cookbooks in search of an old favorite that contains a favorite "no bake" recipe for dinners. It's called "No Time To Cook" and I think it was a Better Homes and Gardens publication (or something like that). I did ultimately locate it, and used one of the recipes for dinner that evening. Thanks to a regular breeze here, it was actually quite comfortable after the sun went down, but I still didn't have any plans to light up the oven.

As I was searching for that cookbook, I came across more "antique" cookbooks that belonged to various ancestors. This one belonged to my dear mother-in-law, Evelyn. I decided to bring it upstairs and look through it. She even wrote a recipe of her own on the last page, and I'm definitely going to make that one. 

As you can see from the front page, this is a compilation of recipes from the Royal Baking Powder Company™, and the copyright is 1927! I love old cookbooks, and couldn't wait to dig into it. I'm not quite sure why I hadn't done it before in all these years.

This is the Index of all the recipes in this 100 page book. You may want to pull this image onto your desktop or into your images files so you can read it better or print it out. I'm suggesting that for a reason I'll explain by the end of this post. Don't forget you can also click on the image here to enlarge it.

Just look at all those recipes! I've already chosen the first on my list to make, which is the recipe for Luncheon Rolls that can be made from start to finish in about an hour! Those homemakers didn't have all day to waste in the kitchen. They had to clean house, get the kids to school, prepare a hot meal for the family, and they had to do it dressed up and wearing makeup! (Right?)

So, check out these recipes and I'll tell you why soon.

As I was telling my sister, Di about this discovery, she did an Amazon search for Royal Baking Powder.™ Can you believe they still make it?! Yes. It's made by the same company that makes the Clabber Girl™ brand. I use Clabber Girl™, but placed an order for the Royal brand which will be here tomorrow. I'm curious to see if there's a difference.

I love the photographs with step-by-step technique instructions, and there's even a page on how to cut the shapes into the ends of piping bags to make all the different decorating shapes with icing. Homemakers didn't keep a drawer-full of metal decorating tips in their kitchens. Haven't we become spoiled?

The book is also filled with many other pages of helpful hints, but mostly there are some wonderfully intriguing recipes. That's when the idea hit me. Have you heard of the movie where a young woman decided to make every one of Julie Child's recipes? Why can't this more mature bird attempt the same? Perhaps not every recipe, but I could take a good run at more than a few, and then share those recipes with you!

You'll be able to print out the recipes, and perhaps put them into your own binder to keep and share. So, what do you think? Do you like this idea? My first attempt will be those Luncheon Rolls. It says they're perfect for sandwiches, and who knows? They may become our go-to for sub sandwiches for family gatherings?

I'm already putting sticky notes all over this cookbook and trying to decide which recipes I'll make (maybe once every two weeks), and I'm going to give you a chance to have input on the choices. That's why I want you to enlarge, print out, or save the Index above. Let me know which recipe(s) you'd like to see me make and share. I may even do videos  to go with them, or live episodes from time to time. I'll keep track of all your suggestions, and will keep doing this at least until your suggestions run out. I may even have little prize drawings along the way!

So, that's what I'm going to do. Beginning Monday, August 1st, I'm going to make and post the first of many recipes from this cookbook. I'll share photographs of my creations, tell you how they worked up, how they tasted (I'm sure Handsome will help with that part), and then share the actual recipe with you. Then, you can try the recipes in your kitchen if you like. I'll make a new tab in the menu bar so you'll be able to find all the recipe posts in one place, too!

I'm looking forward to some awesome feedback, so please don't let me down. I'm excited about this project, and hope you will be, too.

Sewcial Sisters - July Edition...

I had a great day on Monday with the Sewcial Sisters. I worked on my Everlasting (aptly named, don't you think?) quilt borders, and visited with the ladies. I only took one picture of a quilt (this one) because I really loved the colors. 

After we spent the day together, I drove another half hour from Primitive Gatherings to have dinner with my brother. We sat at a nice bar and grill right on the water and got caught up. I dropped him back at home and then turned for the farmhouse before it got dark. He lives in a high traffic area for deer (I saw them near the road on three different spot just driving him home!), so I wanted to get back to the main highway before they really got moving in the dark. I accomplished my goal and was home and hour and a half later.

I made a cool discovery yesterday that I really want to share with you, but I've decided to do it in a separate post tomorrow. I think it's going to be fun - not only to share, but to tell you what I have in mind. I hope you'll be back tomorrow to see the reveal.

I'm going to keep this short today. I'm going to be working outside for a while, and I think it's best for me to get out there before it gets too warm. I'm just going to grab a big cup of water and I'll be on my way.

Tuesdays With Tag - Caught In The Act!...

 

 

Hi, Everybody!

No. That's not me. (Of course, you already knew that!)

 

Well, Mom's been caught in the act! I know you've been wonderin' why you haven't seen my handsome face lately. Sure, she's takin' pictures of stoopid cats, flowers, and the black dogs, but there aren't any of me (except my butt, and that doesn't count)! 

 

So, I went into her phone after she got back from a day of playin' at Primitive Gatherin's, and...what the heck is this?!!! Another dog! She had some serious explanin' to do. Pronto!

 

Carly told me Mom smelled funny...not haha funny. Strange funny. Carly was sittin' next to Mom when she got home. The Kid gave me a side glance and said, "Somethin's up, Tag." I gave her a knowin' look. I already knew. Mom's a cheater, so I told her she'd better fess up!

 

This is an Australian Shepherd puppy. His name is Teddy, and he belongs to Miss Lisa (Bongean)'s son, Luke. It's pretty cool that there are dogs roamin' around that belong to the employees. 

 

Apparently, Mrs. Fickle Pants asked if she could pet him. Luke plopped Teddy in her arms and said, "Yep. He's your responsibility now." Mom didn't mind one bit. Teddy got his smell all over her, and even licked her face. I'm beside myself. I could have gone along and been the one they were all callin' "Cute", but noooooo. Here I sat at home while Mom was cavortin' with another dog. I'm still tryin' to decide if I'm gonna give her the cold shoulder or not for the next couple of days.

 

One thing's for sure. You'll see MY face here next week. I've got her feelin' pretty guilty, so I'm gonna milk it like there's no tomorrow. We'll see how she makes it up to me you next week!  

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"

A Productive Weekend...

Not only did I put up another batch of Black Rasperry Preserves, I also did a little weekend baking. I made these scrumptious Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies for Sunday dinner's dessert. 

It all began when I looked at the scruffy rhubarb patch at the west end of the Compass Barn. Rhubarb's sister plant, the burdock had taken up residence next to the patch and was getting ready to start going to seed. I didn't want that! Even though there are medicinal qualities to the burdock, I didn't want them sprouting up all around the rhubarb, so outside I went to take the interloper out of the rhubarb bed.

Next thing you know, I'm pulling out wilted rhubarb leaves that were rotting on the grass, and then I took off all the seed heads that were growing out of the rhubarb. (I'm going to try growing new plants from seed to put into next years new and improved garden space.) I also pulled beautiful stalks that would become these hand pies, another small pie, and a few near future treats. I'm going to make rhubarb simple syrup that can be added to sparkling water, or perhaps a summery adult beverage. I'm also contemplating another of Marisa McClellan's recipes for a Rhubarb Rosemary jelly.

The recipe for the hand pies is simple. I cut up 2 cups of cleaned rhubarb into 1/2" chunks; added about 1 cup of cut up fresh strawberries, and about 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle one cup of sugar over the mix. Let sit while you make the pie crust.

The pie crust recipe was from my ancient Betty Crocker cookbook. 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 t. salt, 3/4 c. Crisco shortening, and 2 tsp. water. Cut the Crisco into the flour until it's incorporated. Add the water and mix into a dough. Roll it out and use a hand pie maker (mine is from Pampered Chef) to cut out the dough, form and then seal the pies. I put an egg wash and granulated sugar on top before I popped them in the oven. I baked these in my air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 400º. Drizzled a mixture of confectioner's sugar and half & half over the top when they were still hot. (If you use a conventional oven, bake at 475º for 10-12 minutes.) It's that simple.

Full disclosure: My sister, Diana is a Pampered Chef consultant, so I get all my kitchen wares through her now. I just hosted my annual online party, and the Hand Pie Maker was one of my free perks. Not only are they perfect for making sweet treats, but you can also make savory pies, too! I just prepare a meat and vegetable like you would for a pot pie, and then seal them into the crust with this handy gadget. If you'd like to get one for yourself, you can click HERE to check it out. There's even a little video that shows you how they're used! Di is happy to answer any questions, and if you want to get yours free, the online parties couldn't be easier. She does all the work. All you do is invite friends who you think would be interested in some new recipes and seeing what Pampered Chef has in their product lines. Anyway, enough of the little commercial. I'll just say the Hand Pie Maker is an awesome tool and it made making these extremely simple.

Once all my dessert-ing was finished, I prepared a nice meal for Handsome and me. After dinner, we went outside and watered all our new plantings, and then settled in to enjoy a little rhubarb treat. It was a lovely end to a lovely weekend.

I'm heading up to Primitive Gatherings this morning for a day with the Sewcial Sisters. Kathy D. is having a procedure today, so she can't be with us. If you're inclined, please say a little prayer for my friend that all goes well, so she can join us for the August gathering. 

Tag will be here tomorrow, and I'll be back on Wednesday. I hope you have an awesome week, and make time for something creative. I'd better be on my way. I sure don't want to be late for all the fun!

Sunday Scripture…

 

2 Corinthians 5:7

Farmhouse Herbs...

I harvested these beautiful herbs on Thursday and they're bundled and drying in the pantry now. The whole kitchen smells of lavender, sage, rosemary, and thyme. (I know. You're humming another song again, aren't you?)

We awoke to a glorious, steady rain yesterday morning. We really needed it, so there were no complaints. Another few days wouldn't be unwelcomed, either.

I'm not sure what I'll do today. We stayed up until after 1 am, watching the Brewers stellar closer, Josh Hader give up the game in the final inning with a grand slam by the Giants. We were ahead for a good portion of the game, so his job was to protect our win for the final half of the inning. It all fell apart. He fell apart.

It was so frustrating to see him struggling. He was so disgusted at the end of the game that he left the field and headed straight to the locker room. It won't be a fun trip home from San Francisco for him, for sure. 

Have you figured out that I'm a die-hard baseball (Milwaukee Brewers) fan? I love the art and finesse of the game. It's so much fun to watch...except for last night. Ugh

So, I may just stay close to home and relax today. It's not like I don't have things to occupy myself without leaving the farmhouse or grounds. I'm going to grab a cup of coffee and mull over my options. It's the weekend! I hope you enjoy it, too.

Happiness In A Small (-ish) Package...

You may notice a little something different in the pantry these days. I was spending way too much time watching a few camper-related reels on Instagram a few weeks ago and noticed a handy contraption one of the families had installed into their rig. I read through the comments until I found an answer to the question, "Where did you get that, and what's it called?". I followed links until I located the portable, countertop, mini dishwasher I'd seen in the video.

We don't have much counter space so we wanted to be sure of dimensions, etc. before jumping into a purchase. After doing a little research, Handsome and I decided we needed to order one. The best deal (and the unit that would fit into our space) is a Comfee™ Portable Countertop Mini Dishwasher. 

This one isn't plumbed, although it probably could be. It comes with a 5L built-in water tank that we fill before each use. There are six programs, 360º dual sprayers, 192º F high temperature and air-dry function. It's perfect for our needs. 

It easily fits dishware and silverware for two people, freeing up some sink time for us. Just load, add soap, and pick your setting. Oh, and we need to remember to place the drain hose into the sink, so we don't hose down the entire pantry.

You know we filled it and ran it within an hour! It works like a dream, and takes some of the pressure off Handsome and me when it comes to doing the dishes. I fully understand that I'm one lucky girl, and I just had to share my excitement. Thanks for jumping up and down with me.

Nothin' Says Lovin'...

If you're of a certain age, you'll know that the title of today's post is the beginning of the lyrics for an old commercial jingle for Pillsbury. I'm using part of it today because nothing makes me happier than seeing the expressions on the faces of loved ones when they enjoy something I've created with my own hands.

My husband thinks that my ability to create bread is a magical power. He enjoys watching me combine ingredients that transform into something he deems delicious. He's always grateful for my efforts, and I always feel so appreciated by his reactions.

I did what I said I was going to do today. I put up just over a pint of beautiful black raspberries into a tasty preserve, in between proof segments for the bread. I ended up with just shy of four 4 ounce jars of this beautiful mixture.

I also made four loaves, plus one shy of a dozen sesame rolls. I think there are grilled hamburgers in our near future. 

Everything was finished by 5 pm. I cleaned up and headed to town to watch Handsome's concert in the park, and when the beautiful evening of music was over, ran to the grocery store before coming home. Grocery shopping isn't as much fun lately. I look at the prices, knowing I'll cringe when the total is rung up. Between that and partially empty shelves, well...let's just say I'm looking more and more optimistically at having a garden for a full season next year.

Rather than concentrating on the end of the day, I'll instead happy dance all over the rest of my day. There's always something for which I'm grateful. That's what I'll focus on. 

A Gift...

It's easy to forget how blessed Handsome and I are to live where we do. Then, one day, you find a veritable bounty right outside your door. Such was the case this weekend. 

I was walking around the yard with my leashed Corgi at my side. He'd been dragging me all over tarnation and I was beginning to get a little cross with him. He really wanted to run, but the leash kept him in check. I figured the least I could do was let him explore to find just the right spot. He pulled me over to the old apple tree, and I'm so glad he did!

I've been neglecting the planting area between the apple tree and the large lilac bush for the past few years. I tell myself I need to cut back the weeds and tidy it up, but now I'm happy about that. If I'd been keeping it open, the birds wouldn't have planted seeds of their own, and I wouldn't have a volunteer black raspberry patch! It's abundant, too!

I stopped to pick and taste a few berries and found them to be very tasty, so after Tag was through with his meanderings, I took him back to the house and grabbed a bowl. I proceeded to pick until the bowl was full, and then went inside to see about a recipe for preserves.

I have a great cookbook I've told you about before called "Preserving By The Pint" by Marisa McClellan. I was tickled to find that she, indeed, had a small batch recipe for Black Raspberry Preserves. Based on the weight of the ripe berries I'd harvested, I can make two half-pint jars of preserves.

They've been cleaned and dried, so this morning, I'll make up the small batch while I'm waiting for my bread dough to rise. It won't take that long to make the preserves and I can water bath the jars between "stretching and pulling" my dough. Handsome has a concert in the park tonight, so I'll get everything done with time to spare.

By the end of the day, I'll have fresh loaves of bread, and preserves to spread on a few slices! The best part is that there are still lots of berries to ripen, and I'll be able to make more jam, while still leaving some behind for my feathered friends. After all, it's because of them that we have these beautiful berries in the first place.