I've Got Something To Say...

via Happy Gardens

The more years I put behind me, the more meaning this verse holds for me. I love being at home, and find so much joy in homemaking...baking, canning, the little bit of gardening I actually do, and spending time with Handsome, our pets, and our family. 

I love filling the bird feeders, not only because it helps sustain them during the coldest part of winter, but also because we get to watch them when they visit. I make sure there's hay, food, and water in the Compass Barn, too, just in case a cold critter is looking for a warm bed and a meal. It really costs nothing to be kind to wildlife.

Our neighborhood has been inundated with dump trucks for the past month. A well-known excavating company (at least in Wisconsin) opened up the land for a gravel pit at the south end of our two-country block road when the highway needed to be expanded from two lane to four. We thought that after the highway was completed, they'd shut down the pit. It was blissfully quiet for a while, but reopened with a vengeance this winter. 

About an hour and a half away from us, a data center is being built. It's going to be huge, and takes up a sad amount of farmland. Farmland that could be used to raise animals or crops. It will be covered in concrete and buildings. I found myself wondering where all the wild creatures will be forced to move, even now as the construction begins.

Our more local concern has been 24/7 dump trucks that come in to the pit at the end of the road carrying loads of topsoil that are left here, so they can drive to another pit to pick up gravel fill for the building site. Did you see where I said "24/7"? These trucks run through the night, using vibrators to force the dirt out of the backs of their trucks. Once they're empty, they leave the pit on their way to the next load. The vibrators are noisy and sound other-worldly. Then there are the jake brakes, which I didn't think were legal to use in neighborhoods - at the very least they're inconsiderate in the middle of the night. It's loud for us living about a half mile away. I can't even imagine what it's like for our neighbors living right across from the pit. I'm not even going to mention the light standards they've brought in (and the generators to power them) that brighten the night like a Walmart parking lot. For folks like us who moved here to get away from city lights, it's a sad situation.

So, we cope. We're told that once the last of the topsoil has been trucked in, the pit will be reclaimed and closed. I'm praying that happens 'before the warm weather, because the farmhouse has no central air conditioning. We rely on the hillside breezes to cool all but the hottest of days, when we're forced to install two window units. We prefer open windows, the sound of birds, coyotes and other resident critters over dump trucks.

I have to admit that the thought of these huge complexes popping up all over the country to accommodate internet and AI are upsetting to me. I've spent more than a little time contemplating my own contribution to the industry. Truthfully, I've thought about checking out...shutting down my blog, my social media and my digital activities. Would I even make a difference? 

I'm old enough to remember a world without instant communication. Without the internet. Without portable media that went everywhere with us and tracked our every move. Kids actually used imaginations and played outside. They searched for answers in books. I know. Time stands still for no one. This is "progress", but is it really? Is this the price we have to pay? I'm not so sure.

So, these days, I occupy my time in the kitchen or at my needlework frame. These are the pursuits that ground me and bring happiness. Someday, everything will pass (including me), but I hope some of these things I have done will remain in the memories of my loved ones. 

When I put up this image today, I really had no idea what I would write about. I guess this just all came tumbling out. I think I'd better have a quiet cup of coffee with Handsome and reset for the day. My plan is to sit and work on my goldwork hearts. No internet. I'll be back tomorrow, and hopefully I'll have completed (or nearly completed) heart brooches to share. I promise I'll avoid anything maudlin. Thanks for listening. See you then.

Baking Day...

English Muffins

Mondays are typically baking days here at the farmhouse. Yesterday was no exception. I baked four loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread (one went up the hill to Andy and Shelly), six large hamburger buns, and ten English muffins. 

I hadn't made the muffins before, so I did learn a few things this time, including that once mixed they should cold proof in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours. They can be made immediately, but that wasn't the suggested method. So, after I mixed and kneaded the dough, into a covered container to spend three hours in the fridge.

After cold proofing, I cut the dough into equal pieces and formed them into balls. They were rolled in semolina and then placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment and more semolina to rise. Handsome was at band rehearsal and the muffins were ready to finish just as he walked in the door.

He usually likes to have a light meal after rehearsal, so I took out my flat cast iron pan and put three muffins on the hot pan at a time. Directions said to fry one side for 3-5 minutes, then turn it over, press into the English muffin shape and fry the second side. (I may have slightly overdone the last two).

I placed them on my cooling rack, and made Handsome's breakfast-for-dinner. As I was finishing his ham and eggs, he took a muffin out of the toaster. He declared them a roaring success, so I guess I'll be making them again in the future. 

I work today, so I'll be leaving soon. Tomorrow, I'll tell you about the constant commotion inundating us at the farmhouse - along with all our neighbors who actually have it worse than we do. I think you'll be as peeved as we are.  See you later!

The "Good" Book...

Brynwood Cork Nature Journal

No. I don't mean that good book. The last post I shared was my "practice" class piece. While this one is my completed class assignment, I can see that I still have a lot to learn and perfect.

I used a piece of my favorite wildlife printed cork fabric as the cover. The binding is called a pamphlet binding and it should be accomplished with straight rows. What I learned is that it's hard to see the punched holes for stitching in cork, because the awl-sized holes tend to try to close up. Next time, I would mark the holes with a tiny ink mark on the inside before I start stitching. Lesson learned.

The inside pages are again made from copier paper, because I didn't want to use expensive paper for a technique I'm still learning. I made five signatures (that's the term for the folded pages that make up each sewn section), and the collection of bound signatures is called a codex.

I completed the book by adding a couple stickers inside the front page of my book, and then added a Brynwood leaf tag to the spine. The final touch was to add an acorn needle keeper as the closure. I glued one magnet inside the front cover, and then attached the acorn with another magnet to the fold-over flap. I may choose to amend how it's attached at some point, but I'm sticking with that for now.

Well, I completed my class so I can say, "I've done that." Perhaps my idea for adding needlework to covers of handmade books is something that will need to percolate further. I'm sure not ready to jump into that at this point. I think I'll stick with what I know for now. I'll be doing more needlework this week.

I'll also be working in my Etsy shop this week to take my February sale live. First I want to rephotograph some of the items in my shop. Right now there are multiple items per listing, and I want to change them to one item per listing. Of course, I want to put in a site-wide sale to move some of my stock to new homes. My plan is to take the sale live by Friday. I'll be sure to announce it as soon as it's ready.

My blog is still slow on this end. How is it for you? Slow? Loading as it should? I'm genuinely curious. I haven't figured out why this is the only site that loads turtle-slow for me, but I really hope it's not hanging up on your side, too.

I'm off on an early errand today and then I'll be busy here in the studio. Now, where did I put my morning cuppa? See you tomorrow!

Sunday Scripture...

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Finally Photos!...

I'm forced to post this on my phone today, so I'm not sure what it's going to look like. I hope it's going to be readable!

I finished my first small book from the class I've been taking. The inside pages are copier paper, so I'm not going through the "good stuff" while I learn. 

The binding is called  Five Hole Pamphlet binding and the pages (signatures) are hand sewn into the cover. 

You can see the stitching on the spine in the first photo, and between the pages and cover in this photo. I used a handmade paper I've had since before we moved to Florida as the cover. On the inside I affixed a few random wildlife stickers, and an acorn sticker on the front. Nothing fancy, but I'm happy with my first effort. 

I'm going to make another one over the weekend, but before I do that, I'm going to spend some more time trying to figure out what the heck is going on with my blog page. Everything else seems to load fine. Ugh. 

Happy Weekend! 

Still Constrained...

Good morning, friends. I'm still unable to post photographs, but my page didn't take forever to load. I'm really thinking it's Google's issue and not mine. Handsome never uses his newer-than-mine desktop, so if the issue turns out to be my desktop, I can commandeer his and use that. Of course, the transfer of all my data to his will take a while (if I can even remember how to do that!).

So, I'm unable to share pictures again this morning. My apologies. My blog is looking more like a WordPress blog than a Google Blogger post. I have another bookmaking session this morning, so I'm going to get my materials ready and turn my thoughts to that. 

I hope you have a great day. I'll get this figured out and corrected soon. Thanks for your patience. I'll see you tomorrow.

Bookmaking 101...

 Well, this is awkward. I seem to be having some issues either with my desktop computer or Blogger. I'm not sure which, but I'm a bit frustrated. I'm unable to upload photos right now. ugh

I went to bed early last night because I developed an ocular migraine. They don't hurt, but I get a zigzag image that travels across my sight line. On one occasion, I also had an experience with speech aphasia, which was frightening. No lasting damage, and also no pain, but frightening nonetheless because you're trying to speak and know that it's not coming out as your brain is saying it. All anyone outside of you hears is gobblydeegook. Thankfully, that didn't happen last night. Rather than wait it out, I went to bed at 9:45 and there I remained until I got up this morning. Only to find that my computer is acting up. 

This Zoom class I'm taking is to learn how to assemble and bind my own books. I've had this harebrained idea to add needlework to covers of journal-type books to share and sell. I'm not sure at this point whether or not it's a pipe dream, though. 

The class is available through a website: https://handmadebookclub.com, and the instructor, Ally is very knowledgeable. I'm really enjoying the sessions, which each last about 90 minutes, and then have homework.

Yesterday was the second session of a four session class...and if I can ever get my photos to load, I'll share them here. 

If you've read this far without a photograph, Thanks! Perhaps my computer is suffering from a migraine, too?

Anyway, I'll be continuing my class homework, and if my eyes are up to it today, I'll do a little more stitching. Otherwise, I'll just take it easy and do absolutely not much for a bit. I'm just hoping February doesn't turn into the dumpster first I experienced in January. So far, this year is off to a less-than-stellar start!

See you tomorrow...or later if the photos will load. (I really don't want to shop for a computer right now!)

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe...

Cinnamon Rolls

As promised, today I'm going to share the recipe I use for the delicious cinnamon rolls I make here at the farmhouse. I cannot take credit for the recipe. It's the result of a post I saw from Elizabeth Lucenti on Instagram. HERE is a link to her channel (thehomemadefam), where you'll find lots of delicious things. 

All you have to do is click on the image to save it to your desktop or phone, and you can print it out from there.

Recipe Page2

Recipe Page 2

If you decide to make these, PLEASE let me know what you think of them. Fair warning: They're dangerously delicious! Also, you can see from my photograph that I love lots of cream cheese frosting. I almost always make a double batch for the rolls.

Haircut this morning, and then I'm going to relax and stitch all day. I'll see you again tomorrow!

Latest Canning...

Liljegren's Hickory Hill Farm - Canned Carrots, Sliced Mushrooms, Alfredo Sauce and Mushroom Pieces

I started more canning on Saturday. By the end of the day, this is what I had to show for it...six pints of carrot sticks, six half pints of sliced mushrooms, six and a half pints of Alfredo sauce, and two pints of mushroom pieces.  But wait, there was one more that day...

Liljegren's Hickory Hill Farm - Beef Stew

I also canned five quarts, plus 1 pint of beef stew. I prepared all the ingredients for this, which means nothing dehydrated or freeze dried. Everything was cut into bite-sized pieces - beef stew, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, and tomatoes. 

The beef was partially sauteed and then put into my Kilner pot with the raw vegetables, beef broth and spring water. After that was brought to a boil and cooked for five minutes, all the ingredients were jarred, sealed and then processed in my pressure canner. Actually, everything I processed Saturday was pressure canned. The recipe I used was from The Complete Guide to Pressure Cannning by Diane Devereaux that I told you about when I first started my pressure canning journey.

Have I mentioned how glad I am that I overcame my fear and got the canner and book to give me this confidence? Looking back, I ask myself, "What the heck took you so long?" Reaching for it now is nearly second nature.

Liljegren's Hickory Hill Farm - Pinto Beans and Ground Beef Taco Meat

Sunday was spent with family, so I got back to my To Do list Monday. There were things I meant to do but couldn't get to on the weekend. After we got home from our son's home, I pulled out the gallon jar filled with pinto beans. I measured 110 grams and put that amount into each clean half pint jar. Then I topped them off with water to soak them overnight.

In the morning, I poured each jar (one at a time) into my strainer, rinsed off the beans and checked for any duds that I would want to remove, rinsed that jar and then filled back up with the beans. After I'd done that to each and every jar, I refilled them with spring water, wiped the rims, added lids and rings, and then into the canner. When they came out, I placed them on a towel and covered them to finish sealing. 

Then, I turned my attention to taco meat! I mean, what good are the pinto beans without the taco meat to accompany them? We recently purchased the deal offered at the butcher shop about three miles from here, and there were ten pounds of ground beef, individually packed. I grabbed four of them out of the freezer Sunday night after putting beans in jars, so the meat could thaw overnight.

The ground beef is also hot packed, so I browned the meat, put 2 1/2 t. of taco seasoning in the bottom of clean jars, and then added the beef. Once all six pints were filled with meat, I topped the jars off with boiled spring water, sealed and processed them. After they were finished and the canner had depressurized, I placed those jars on a towel and covered them, too. They sat overnight with the beans to cool down and seal. Hearing the jars "ping!" is the best sound when you've just done a bunch of canning.

Liljegren's Hickory Hill Farm - Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce

Last of all was a recipe I've been eyeing for a while. This is referred to as "rebel canning" because it's not an FDA-approved method. They don't like us canning dairy, but it's actually been safely done by homemakers for decades upon decades. That alone wouldn't have convinced me, but I also listened to three different, experienced canners who explained the whole "botulism" thing having done their own extensive research. They come from canning families who have also done this for decades, and they have successfully done these recipes for years, so I was convinced. (Fully disclosure - The Alfredo sauce is another rebel recipe, too.)

This recipe is done in the oven, where the cheesecake is actually baked the traditional method (jars sitting in boiled water in a pan) with the lids off. After I made the raspberry sauce, I topped the finished cheesecakes, added the lids and rings (this time really turning down the lids rather than "finger tight"), and back into the oven for ten more minutes. That was it. I had ten beautiful, wide-mouth half pints to show for it. Handsome tried one last night and gave it a big thumbs up!

I wasn't interested in making a big dinner after finishing all that so I grabbed a quart of beef stew that I'd put in the refrigerator on Saturday. That jar hadn't sealed (along with one half pint of sliced mushrooms, and one pint of mushroom pieces), so after I got that in the pan, I added half the jar of mushroom pieces to the mix. Once it was heating, I added enough of my homemade beef gravy mix (about a tablespoon) which thickened it up nicely. We enjoyed a lovely warm stew with a side of warm rolls, and declared that recipe another winner.

There is something so rewarding about doing all this work over the past three days. Seeing everything on the shelves and knowing that we don't have to leave home to do a lot of grocery shopping; knowing exactly what is in the food we're eating; and the gratitude I get from family who enjoy the fruits of my (and sometimes our) labor is just the best feeling in the world. Bonus is that I sleep like a baby on the nights after I've been in the kitchen all day! I'll share photos of the full pantry shelves later this week.

I'm off to the station for my six hour shift today. I'll be back tomorrow to share the recipe for the cinnamon rolls that I make. I'm not a recipe miser. If someone is interested, I think recipes should be shared. The more the merrier! This recipe is expecially simple and easy, and has tremendous (feedback) reward for the effort. So, you won't want to miss tomorrow's post with the recipe! Gotta run...

Sunday Funday...

With Son #2's Family

It's not your eyes. I didn't want to take one of those "everybody crammed together in front of someone holding the iPhone", so I set the shutter to get a "better" image. I guess it was so far away that my old iPhone 8 couldn't get a sharp image. Even so, you can tell who's who, and I love all the smiles.

We spent yesterday with Son #2 and his family finally having our Christmas celebration with them. Illness delayed us first, and then we determined waiting until the wicked cold weather broke was the safe way to go. It got up to 21º on Sunday and was wonderfully sunny. 

Family with Grandpa

We had a grand time sharing a meal, getting caught up, and opening the gifts that had been waiting over a month. Of course, we needed photographs before the girls had to leave for other commitments. One was heading back to her college dorm, and the other had to work her second job last night.

Grandpa and I left shortly afterward and were home before dark. All the furry girls were glad to see us, and we were happily tired from our day. I don't think there really is anything better than spending time with beloved family.

I spent Saturday canning, and I'll be doing more of the same today. I've been taking pictures, so if you want to see what I've accomplished, I'm posting about that tomorrow. 

Oh, I'm also taking a Zoom class online this morning that I'll tell you about later in the week. It's not needlework-related, and there are more sessions this week. I'm pretty excited about it. It's about 90 minutes long each session, and will start at 11 am CT, so I'm going to grab a coffee, my supplies and a notebook. 

I hope you'll join me again as I look forward to a fun and productive week. I'll see you again tomorrow!

Sunday Scripture...

Proverbs 27:6

MMM MMM, Good...

Frosted Cinnamon Rolls

I baked four packages of four cinnamon rolls yesterday. I woke up early, and had them rising in the pan by 10:30. They bake for less than half an hour, so I only had to wait for them to cool enough to frost. I had that done by 2:00 pm or so.

One package went up the hill to Andy and Shelly, and two of the packages went to Kim and Teresa at work. That left these beauties for us. Handsome and I shared one after dinner last night. There's nothing quite like a fresh cinnamon roll.

I'll be canning today. I have all my recipes pulled, the jars are waiting, and I can't wait to get started. My first batch will be mushrooms. Then, I'll clean and cut carrots for the jars. Last project for the day will be canning Alfredo sauce. I'm pretty sure I'll be ready to quit by then. Photos on Monday!

The wind is blowing and we were getting snow as I write this. It's still so cold, but I bundled up when I went to work, and we're staying in all day (except that I think I need to refill bird feeders). I'll be back to chat on Monday, but of course, I'll share a scripture with you tomorrow. Be warm and safe, dears.

Intentional...

Intentional - via WildflourFarm

This is how I choose to live out the rest of my days...with intention. Homekeeping, needle dancing, loving family, living a fulfilling life. 

I'm working at 4 today, but I'm making cinnamon rolls to share with my co-workers, Kim and Teresa (of course there will be more for Handsome, Andy and Shelly (dear next door neighbors), too. I'll have them frosted with plenty of time to put my feet up and have a cuppa tea before I have to leave. 

I'm making a plan for the fabric studio now, too. I'm going to move two fabric shelves into the machine room, and make it my goal to only keep what will fit on those two (maybe three) shelves. I would really love to have that room turned back into a bedroom by late summer, and if I concentrate and commit to releasing I think I can do it.  

Its going to be a lovely day, my friends. I may even do a little more stitching. I'll be back tomorrow with photos from today.

Cold Day Needle Dancing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Purple Heart Brooch In Progress

It's still cold and the wind picked up again, so the best place was indoors needle dancing! So, that's exactly what I did. I sat in front of my favorite sunny spot and listened to the wind beating against the farmhouse, but it was nice and warm inside.

The Something Blue Bridal Brooches are padded out and waiting their turn, but I wanted to work on the purple heart brooch first. I started using a different fiber around the beads but didn't like it, so I removed all that work and started over. I'm much happier with the bright silver now.

I'll work on this some more today, and I'm also going to make the dough for cinnamon rolls. I promised a tray for Teresa when I see her at work tomorrow night, and in return I'll get a dozen of her beautiful farm eggs. The yolks are almost orange, and they're soooo good. I'm sure I'm getting the better end of the deal, and I know she'll say the same about my cinnamon rolls. That means it's a perfect trade, right?

I'm going to start today with a nice, hot cuppa, and then I'll turn my attention to my needlework. I can already tell it's going to be a good day. Wishing the same for you!

I'd Always Rather Be Home...

This image was just the warm, homey inspiration I was hoping for today. The sentiments is equally appropriate. Work went really well. It was comfortable indoors and lots of restaurant and station visitors kept Teresa and me busy. The day went by quickly. 

When Handsome picked me up it was 4ºF. Not my idea of fun at all. Carly had a late vet appointment for a checkup, so we went from work right to the vet's office. We didn't get home until 7 pm, and I was chilled to the bone. 

Turkey soup to the rescue! I changed into a pair of comfortable (and warm) sweats and heated up a jar of the soup I just canned. I added an equal amount of turkey broth, and then a bit more water. Paired with warm dinner rolls (I brought some home from the station), and we were full in no time. Top that off with a hot cuppa tea, and I was one happy, toasty warm girl.

I have to go back outdoors to get a few things at the grocery store this morning. Paper products, more all purpose flour, and just a couple other things. Once I do that I'll be raring to get back home. Then, my plan is to spend a little time working on my brooches.

I hope you have something planned that brings you joy. When the weather is like this, keeping busy (as much as possible) indoors is just the ticket. Take care and I'll be back again tomorrow.

When I'm Not Canning...

Brynwood Exclusive "Something Blue" Bridal Brooches (and a Regal Purple One, too)

I'll be making heart brooches. There are going to be "Something Blue" Bridal Brooches, a regal purple one for someone special, and a number of beautiful red Valentine Heart Brooches for February. I may just sell these directly through my blog and Facebook/Instagram this time, as I'm planning a big sale in my Etsy shop for February of my existing inventory. 

I'm working today, so wish me a warm store. It's still bitterly cold here, but I'll be bundled for the ride over, and last time I worked it was so comfortably warm that I took off my knit jacket. I'm hoping for the same today. Speaking of which, I'd better get cracking. I sure don't want to be late! See you tomorrow.

Weekend Production...

Turkey Meat in Broth, Turkey Soup/Stew Mix, and Turkey Broth

Over the weekend I made more bread for the freezer, and then did a bit of canning on Sunday. I made four loaves of farmhouse bread, and then added a round loaf of Asiago bread. The whole house smelled wonderful and the kitchen was a warm spot, too. Bonus!

On Sunday I put a mostly frozen turkey in the pressure canner and cooked it along with vegetable scraps and spring water from the local artesian well. To make my life easier, I tied the turkey in cheesecloth with a separate bundle for the veggies. It was a snap to pull the turkey without it falling apart back into the broth, and all I had to do was pull and toss the vegetables.

After opening the turkey "bag", I pulled all the meat off the carcass and set it aside in a large bowl to cool down a bit. I tied all the bones back up in the cheesecloth and then tossed them after they were completely cooled.

Turkey Meat and Broth on the left. Turkey Soup/Stew on the right

I have a big can of Augason Farms Vegetable Medley Blend for soups and stews. They're dehydrated, so easily stored. It also contains a soup seasoning, which is nice. I added about a half cup to each pint jar, and topped it with about a half cup of the turkey, leaving an inch of headspace. Then I added turkey broth from cooking the bird. 

After I jarred up all the soup/stew mix, I canned six pints of just the turkey meat and broth. That can be used for casseroles, potpies, or even sandwiches later. I did set one pint aside for the casserole I made for us for dinner.

When all was said and done, I had five pints of turkey meat in broth, ten pints of soup/stew mixture, and three quarts of turkey broth. I left them covered on the kitchen island overnight, and will clean and label everything this morning. All the jars have already sealed. yay!

I'll take it easy today as I'm working again tomorrow. I have some mail to get ready to post, and a few boxes yet to pack for shipping. That should keep me busy for the rest of the morning. 

It's darn cold here, so the girls aren't out for very long at all. Crystal always teases to go out, so I've opened the door for her, only to have her curse something in cat talk and run back up the stairs. I have to laugh every time. Tease. Tease. Tease. Nevermind. lol

I hope you're all safe and warm. I know Tennessee has been hit pretty hard with ice storms. I contacted a friend who lives there, and thankfully, they still have power and are okay. How are things where you are? You're all on my mind as this weather passes. Take good care.

Sunday Scripture...

Ephesians 2:10

 

Baking Day...

Friday was a baking day at the farmhouse. Because of the extreme cold, my boss let me know that I was covered and didn't have to go in to work last night. So, I baked instead!

I made a long loaf of Amish Cinnamon Bread (a quick bread, like banana nut bread), and it turned out delicious. I've never made it before, but we're glad I did. I found the recipe on Facebook in the group, AllGoodRecipes. In case you're interested in trying it, I've attached a jpg of the recipe below. You can just click on it to download a copy for yourself (or write it out if you prefer).

In addition to the Amish Cinnamon Bread, I made Cracker Candy (saltine cracker base, a crunchy thin toffee layer, topped with melted Ghirardelli chocolate chips and chopped pecans). Another recent find.

Lastly, I made a dozen and a half hamburger buns (mostly to freeze), but we did use some of them for homemade sloppy joes for Friday night dinner.  

After baking, cleaning up, and having a nice warm dinner, I was ready to put my feet up to enjoy a hot cuppa for a while before bed. I think it was a productive day, and I was ready to rest on my laurels.

We were supposed to have a Craft Day today, but after polling the participants, Adrienne wisely decided to cancel it for this month. Better to stay tucked in at home than to brave this awful cold weather. I had already planned to stay home, so I'm glad the rest of the ladies are following suit. There's always next month. 

I'm going to bake bread today, and am contemplating mixing up a sourdough starter, too. I know I'll have to tend it for a week or so, but it might be nice to make a sourdough loaf from time to time. Either way, I'll have our usual fresh farmhouse bread for us for the next couple weeks, so that's my plan for this morning. 

I'm going to go out and refill the bird feeders for the birds, and see if there's anyone in the Compass Barn that would like food and fresh water. Otherwise, I'll be in the farmhouse at least until Monday! I know most of the country is experiencing some of this weather system, so please stay safe and warm...and don't take any unnecessary chances. 

Finished Feather Hoops and A Guest...

Bluebird Feather Hoops

I finished finished the bluebird feathers yesterday and took pictures to share with you. I've done eight in all, and they'll be flying to new homes soon. The hoops each measure 3-1/2" in diameter.

Back of Bluebird Feather Hoops

Once they were completed, I backed each with muslin and rehooped them. Then, I gathered and secured them in the smaller part of the hoop to be sure they wouldn't loosen. I assembled the hoop and added ribbons and the bluebird verse from the Blackbird Designs selvage to each one.

Bluebird Feather Hoops Detail

Here's a closeup of one of the hoops to show you the verse, which I printed on vellum. I used enough thread to attach it that the recipient can have the option to either keep the verse in front or slide it around to the back. I'm quite happy with how they turned out!

Hickory Hill Farm Brown Creeper

Wednesday morning, I was making our bed when I heard a bird strike the window. One of the cats immediately jumped toward the pane hoping to "get it", but I quickly shooed her away from the window so I could see if the bird was okay.

What I saw was this little bird (I'd never seen one like it before), sitting on the window sill, obviously stunned and blinking. Once I made sure the cats were out of the room, I carefully opened the window, put my hands outside and picked up the wee thing. 

I stroked it and warmed it in my hand for at least ten minutes, letting it regain its senses, and it finally flew off. Then I went to my Facebook friends to see if anyone knew what kind of bird it was.

The response came quickly from one of my Portage friends. Linda P. told me it's called a Brown Creeper. They're small woodland songbirds native to Wisconsin. They have long tails that support them as the cling to the bark of trees in search of grubs and bugs that reside in the bark. Their long beaks help them reach in to extract tasty morsels for food.

While it was in my hand, I took photos from all angles to help me remember just what it looks like up close. You know that I'll be adding this one to my list of future bird embroideries! I'm telling you, holding it in my hand was like cradling a little miracle. I've never seen one before, but certainly will be looking for them in the future!

January Classmate Dinner...

Front: Lisa, Cal, Bruce, Donna and Handsome Back: Julie, John, Mary, Deb and Brad

I'm so glad our dinner was planned for yesterday and not today. It's supposed to be wicked cold today, and lots of folks are canceling events. I'm sure we would have, too.

As it was, we had a nice-sized group for our gathering this month, and Handsome joined us! Everyone was so wonderful, asking him how he's been since he healed from the emergency surgeries two summers ago. They really are a great group of friends. We all checked on each other's health, and then got down to just having nice visits.

We took our monthly group photograph, set the date for next month, and were on our way back to our homes by about 4:30. Aren't we a bunch of "old fogies" now? lol (Early bird dinners, and all.)

I'll share photos of the finished feathers tomorrow, and a few photos of some really special feathers, too! See you later! Stay warm, friends.

Now We Rest...

Work went really well yesterday. I did what I said I'd do when I got home...immediately changed into my sweats and took off my makeup. Teresa made an excellent batch of broasted chicken that came up just in time for me to leave for home. So we had a hot meal ready to eat when Handsome brought me back to the farmhouse. It was perfect. As you can see, the girls were down with the resting program, too!

Today, I have a few "office" things to do, and then I'm going to finish my bluebird feathers. Handsome and I are going together to my classmate dinner this afternoon. The weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse with record low temps late today, but we'll be settled back at home by then, and not going anywhere again until I work on Friday evening. Our plan is to stay tucked in and safe here until then.

If you're in for some of this bitter cold and snow in the forecast, please stay indoors as much as you're able, and please don't take any chances outside. I'll be praying for everyone's safety. I'll be back tomorrow with our monthly classmate dinner photo. See you then!