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!

Four More Finished Feathers...

Well, technically, they're not finished until they're finished. I still have to put the backing muslin on them, cinch them into the hoop, attach the felt back, ribbons and verses. Then, they'll be finished.

It was dangerously cold outside yesterday, but sunny, so it was a perfect day to plop myself in front of my favorite window and stitch the day away.

Today, I'll be going back to work. We'll see how that goes. I'm feeling much better, and I'm not gasping for air when I walk around, so I think I'll be fine. Even so, I'm planning to come home, change into my sweats and share a meal with Handsome that my coworker Teresa prepared in the store before I bring it home. I don't want to work all day (my first day back), and then come home and make dinner, too!

It's good to have a plan. Don't you think? See you tomorrow. 

I'm Back!!!...

I think it's appropriate to describe the first few weeks of 2026 like this. I feel like I was on an out-of-control Big Wheel careening down a hill. Don't ask me what I had. I have no idea. I can tell you it began as a mild sore throat with a bit of a fever that quickly morphed into full-blown cold symptoms. LOTS of coughing. Extreme fatigue and aches. I mostly slept to try to recover. Just about the time I was feeling better, some of the symptoms returned, and yesterday...YESTERDAY, I finally started to feel human. I haven't been ill in over ten years, so this really hit me hard. (I take good care of my health, too, which made this even harder to swallow.)

I haven't been to work since before New Years Day, and until yesterday, I didn't even feel like doing needlework. I made a couple of Facebook and Instagram posts, thinking that if I acted positive I could just will all this away, but I was wrong. I set everything up for doing a bit of needlework, and then either went back to bed or settled into the recliner. I can tell you that after the first ten (bad) days, it made me stir crazy! I'm really praying it's all behind me now.

I'm still taking Mucinex DM™, which has helped immensely, along with my regular daily meds and healthy meals, so I'm hoping they support me as I try to get back to a normal life.

One of my coworkers has been stepping up to cover my Tuesdays, and another on Friday nights. I've missed three weeks of my shifts, so - barring anything catastrophic - I'm planning to go back tomorrow. One more day of taking it easy (I have been stitching more feathers), and I should be good to go. Of course, I'm not planning to go overboard, but I'm going to cover my own shift for a change and plan to swap out my work clothes for sweats as soon as I get home. I'm sure it will be an early night, with a cup of hot tea to send me to La La Land. 

I'll be sharing photographs of more feathers tomorrow - just to show "proof of life". lol I'm ready to get back to normal, and I have a list of things I want to do. I'll save the canning and heavy lifting for a couple weeks from now, but I do plan to share a few needlework projects as soon as I can.

It's good to be back. Thank you for all the notes, cards and gifts while I was sick. I read them all, but just didn't have the energy to respond. If you sent something and haven't heard from me yet, you will soon. I hope you understand. See you tomorrow, my friends.

Sunday Scripture...

Numbers 6:24-26

 

Sunday Scripture...

Luke 10:9

 

Sunday Scripture...

Deuteronomy 31:8

 Sorry for my absence. Don't worry. I've been knocked flat by the same nasty cold that gripped Handsome. I'll be back asap. 

Happy New Year...

Today is the beginning of a brand new year. A year filled with hope, possibility, and promise. May the next three hundred sixty five days bring only the best to all, peace for our world, and creativity and good health to every heart.

I've chosen my Word of the Year and am ready to share it with you. I actually found it in a scripture a friend shared. It's from Isaiah 43:18...

"Forget the former things. Do not dwell in the past."

My word for this year will be "Release". I'll be releasing everything that does not serve me well...tangible and intangible. Time to release all the old burdens, and look ahead. 

Do you adopt a new word to guide you each year? If so, what is your new word? How will it manifest for you? What are you looking forward to in 2026? 

Thank you for once again joining me on this journey. 2026 marks fifteen years that I've written a near-daily post. I'm so glad I changed settings so that we could converse when you leave a comment for me. They really are the highlight of my day! 

I step into the near year immensely grateful to be sharing my life with you. May God bless each of you richly in the coming twelve months (and beyond) with good health, happiness, and enduring love.

Always,