I Baked...

The weather was mild, the breezes came through the open windows of the farmhouse, and it was a perfect day to bake. 

I made six loaves of bread, and sixteen more caramel pecan rolls. Fear not. Most of them left the farmhouse late yesterday to share with our neighbors. A few remained - to be enjoyed judiciously.

After all the dishes were washed and put away (thank you, Handsome), I pulled a jar of chicken soup/pot pie filling I canned a few months ago. I thickened it with my homemade chicken gravy mix, and made a crust specifically developed for meat pies. We had a homemade chicken pot pie for dinner. I do love having simple and tasty options at the end of a busy day. 

Today, I'm going to the blood bank to donate for a friend who needs a transfusion. Did you know you're allowed to request donations for upcoming procedures? All you need to do is plan ahead so the donations are received within a time frame that keeps them viable for the date of your procedure.

As I'm a "universal donor", they asked if I'd help by making a donation. I haven't donated since we lived in Florida, and I was happy to help, so off I go this morning to do my part.

I'll have the rest of the day to do as I please, plus Handsome has rehearsal tonight. I may even work on the monarch again!

 

Baking For Barter...

Shelly and Andy gave us some beautiful eating cucumbers and a watermelon they grew next door, so I wanted to reciprocate to say thank you. For me, that means baking. I've made the same arrangement with my friends, Dawn and Pete.

I wanted to try adding a new ingredient to my cinnamon rolls, and then make caramel pecan rolls to add a new variety to my repertoire.

I made a sixteen rolls, sending half to Shelly and Andy and their grandsons who are visiting. The rest stayed her. (I have to test them, after all!) Sorry, I didn't stop for pictures until the big tray went next door.  

Handsome tried the pecan rolls, and allowed as how I could make them any time. Later I got a message from Shelly that they loved the new ones, too. That means now I can offer cinnamon rolls, caramel pecan rolls and/or farmhouse bread and hamburger buns to barter for fresh produce for eating and canning.. I feel really great about that.

I'm back to work today, but I wanted to tell you my schedule is changing. Beginning August 17th, I'll be working Mondays from 6 am until 10 am; Tuesdays from 6 am to 10 am (instead of  6 am until 4 pm or my previous 10 am to 4 pm); and then my regular Friday evenings from 4 pm until 6:30 or 7 pm. 

I'll have this schedule (by choice) until I have my knee surgery in October. I'll definitely need to get to bed early on the nights before my new work days! I'm looking forward to it, too!

I'd better get crackin' now, though. I still have two six-hour Tuesdays before I start the new schedule. I don't want to be late, so I'll see you tomorrow!