Have A Blessed Day...

I baked a couple quick loaves of bread yesterday, but mostly I elevated my leg and pampered myself. Today I'm going to make my artist trading cards for the swap group. 

The theme this month is "Labor" and the cards I've received so far are pretty amazing. They all took the theme in different directions - all very clever, and I can't wait to share them all with you. First, I have to complete my own, which I'll share as soon as they're ready to mail out.

I'll be busy, but I wouldn't want you to leave without wishing you a blessed day. Thanks for stopping by.

Christmas Eve...

Christmas Eve Blessings

Thanksgiving Update...

I'm getting a late really late start on today's post. I was much busier than I probably should have been on Thanksgiving Eve Day this year. I'd done a little shopping with Jan the day we made our Taco Bell trip, and came home with large quantities of meat and veg that was on sale. Rather than wait until after Turkey Day to process my haul, I jumped right in on Wednesday.

As a result, I pressure canned five pints of lovely carrots, five pints of rutababa (from ONE vegetable), and four pints of sweet potato (also from ONE huge potato).

I also found large packages of chicken thighs for $1.99 a pound, so each four pound package was around $6. I put up five pints of thighs with Mexican seasoning, and then four more pints with water only. (One pint didn't seal, so it's in the canner with everything from the first photograph when I took this one. These are the same carrots in the first photo, too.)

Just for an idea, one pint of chicken thighs provides enough meat for two people if I make enchiladas, tacos, chicken spaghetti or a casserole. So, the final result of eight pints of chicken thighs (for approximately $12) will provide eight different meals for us - of course, adding side dishes. I don't know about you, but I think that's pretty awesome!

This is our canning cupboard in the pantry as of today. We've consumed or shared things out of this prior to this photograph, too! 

Top Shelf l-r: Applesauce, two jars of store bought jalapeños that will become Cowboy Candy, salsa, ketchup, Cowboy Candy, stewed tomatoes, dehydrated portabella mushrooms, canned tomatoes.

Second Shelf l-r: Zucchini relish, empty Weck jars to be used soon, canned pears, more Weck jars, assorted jams and jellies.

Third Shelf l-r: Chicken breast, Mexican flavored chicken thighs, plain chicken thighs, turkey, beef roast, and venison roast, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, sweet corn, rutabaga, and beets.

Whew! By the time I was getting close to finished with the canning, Handsome came in wondering what I had planned for dinner. We were both getting hungry! I pulled a jar of venison, and heated it with the broth, sauteed onions and sliced cheddar cheese. I boiled potatoes and mashed them, and steamed peas as a side dish. Within twenty minutes, we were sitting down to dinner while the last batch of vegetables processed in the canner.

The last thing I did before I cleaned up and closed the kitchen for the evening was a gluten-free pie crust in consideration of our daughter-in-law. I put the crust into the fridge to wait until Thanksgiving Day.

I formed the crust, mixed the pumpkin puree' with the spices, etc., and then filled the crust. I popped it into the oven to bake. While the pie baked, I made a caramel pecan mixture to top the pie as soon as it came out of the oven. I haven't done this before, so it was an experiment. 

I can tell you our daughter-in-law appreciated the fact that I'd made this gluten-free. She hasn't had pie in ages because she said it's not something she purchases just for herself. She loved this pie, and it actually was a very tasty, flaky crust. I just made the same crust I always use, but substituted the GF flour cup-for-cup. We left what remained of the pie with them when we were ready to come home.

The last thing I prepared for our Thanksgiving dinner was a sweet potato gratin. This was an idea from my sister, Jan. This is made with a roux (also using GF flour), milk, asiago and parmesan cheese. I added salt, white pepper, onion and garlic powder to the cream sauce. Into the oven until everything is baked. This was also a hit, and I'll definitely make it again.

Two images from Thanksgiving Day...daughter-in-law in the kitchen with Grandson (out of frame). This was taken after dinner, and we're sitting down to pie and coffee.

Handsome with #1 Son. Who knows just what world problem they're solving at this moment? I can say, all of us were ready for naps! 

Son made a beautiful beef pot roast for dinner. We brought the side dish, and there was fresh bread. It was a truly memorable meal spent with people we love very much.

As I stood in the kitchen, visiting, the usual critters moved through the yard between our son's home and the neighbors. They even stopped to check us out. This is a usual dusk ritual, according to the kids. Isn't that cool?

They went to the back yard, and then turned and went back to the front yard and across the road, where there is a vast marsh.

We finished our dessert and a little more visiting before we packed up to leave. They live about an hour from us, and we needed to get home to air and feed Tag, Bella and Carly. Trust me. By the time we got home, they were ready to get outside!

We had a perfectly wonderful celebration, and every day is a day of gratitude for us. We're so very blessed, and hope that your day was equally filled with all things family and friends. 

You know we don't ever leave the house for Black Friday. We'll be doing things here at home today, and for the rest of the weekend. If you're one of the brave ones, be safe out there!

Hope...

Hope - Image © Youngblood

 

The weather was wonderful on Wednesday. The sun shone brightly all day, and the temperature stayed below 30º. We were happy for that because we spent most of the day trying to locate someone who might come and try to repair our freezer. No luck getting anyone here before next week...and the temps are expected to be in the 50s by Saturday.

So we did what we had to do. Upright freezers are more expensive than chest freezers, so rather than purchase another upright, we decided to purchase a 9 cu ft chest freezer. It also seems strange to purchase the same brand freezer as the one who just quit on us as only three years ol, and it certainly wasn't money we wanted to spend this way right now. However, we don't want to have to buy all new food either...or make a homeowner's insurance claim for the loss!).

Thankfully, the one we chose was in stock and it should be delivered any minute now this morning. The food that was still frozen when we realized there was a problem, stayed frozen in our coolers on the porch overnight and through the day yesterday. The food that was starting to thaw fit into our upstairs freezer, so that's saved, too.

We'll switch everything into the new freezer as soon as it's up to temp, and we'll schedule a repair for the upright for next week without having to panic over a delay. 

Of course, all this telephoning, etc. preempted any needlework today, so my sweet bear still waits in pieces for me to finish her. I'll see if I am able to do that later today. We have hair appointments right in the middle of the day (after the freezer is delivered), so I'll do my best.

I'm asking that you lift prayers (or good thoughts, if you're not a prayerful person), for two people we love very much. I received a message from my dear niece mid-day, saying she'd gone to the hospital and needed urgent care. Her sister contacted me after dinner to tell me we were fortunate she was able to get to the hospital and quickly treated. They'll keep me updated as they know more in the coming days.

The second person - a dear friend - called for help late last night. She'd fallen and couldn't get up on her own. I got to her home and knew we needed an ambulance right away. EMTs were at her door within minutes of me calling "911", and took her to the hospital. I'm praying really hard for her right now, so I don't worry. I know you can do one or the other, but not both. All of us who love her are praying for her complete recovery. 

It seemed appropriate to use this image today. We have so much to be grateful for, and events like today remind me to live each day fully. I'm going to count my blessings as I go about the rest of this week. 

Farmhouse Flowers...

Brynwood Needleworks- Farmhouse Flowers

Yesterday was a perfect day to walk about the farm and take a few photos near my favorite props...the wood shed, and our old farm wagon (parked behind the woodshed).  

Brynwood Needleworks- Farmhouse Flowers

I love capturing images of the "volunteer" flowers around our yard. I haven't been able to remove the "weeds" from the garden around the front porch, some of which will grow into flowers like these. I won't remove them all, because I think they actually belong in all our landscaping. I'll plant some, and God can plant some. Seems only right to me.

Brynwood Needleworks- Farmhouse Flowers

  Especially, when His plantings are so much more random and glorious than mine. I'll get to the weeding later. For now, I'll just enjoy and continue to add this to the list of our many farmhouse blessings.

Shimmering Attire...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hickory Hill Farm's Compass Barn and Snowy Yard

 

I've said more than once how much I love my life here at the farmhouse. That doesn't alter based on the season. Every season in Wisconsin brings its own special, and unique gifts. While Autumn is my own personal favorite, I find blessings in each of the other seasons, as well. Winter is no exception.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Icy Weed Heads

I'm able to simply stay off the roads when Mother Nature brings ice and/or freezing rain, and I'm happy to while away my hours in joyful, indoor pursuits. Yesterday was one of the days that, in spite of the extreme cold, I donned my warm clothes and boots, and went outside with Tag and my camera.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Weeds Dressed In Ice

Mother Nature greeted me with sparkling, shimmering jewels, covering everything in our yard. The ground was covered with snow and ice, and the view was magical everywhere I looked.

Brynwood Needleworks - Crunchy Grass

As Tag and I walked through our yard, both (all?) our footsteps were through ice, and we made crunchy sounds as we broke through to snow.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sun Shining Through The Ice

All the dried leaves, grasses, seed heads, tree branches, bird feeders, and buildings were covered with ice from last nights' storm. Everywhere I looked was beautiful in its own unique way. Even plants that many consider "weeds" were elevated in their chilly attire.

Personally, the "weeds" are some of my favorite plants. I love that the birds find sustenance from them over the cold winter months, and the bees during the spring, summer and fall. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Ice Flower

 

The sun was shining all day, so most of the ice will slowly slip off its lovely perches. I can't wait to see what lovely treat Mother Nature plans next for the farm.

 

Christmas Decorating At The Farm...

Tree Ornaments

 

Saturday morning began with me unpacking Christmas decor that we've had stored since our move to Florida seventeen years ago. When we lived there, we chose a different direction for our decorating, choosing tropical blue hues, starfish and silver ribbons over our traditional northern colors.

 

I was so excited to start unpacking 36 years of Handsome's and my life together. We have a whole ornament trunk, filled to the brim with ornaments we've chosen and hung together. So many old favorites (including the glass ornament of Handsome, Kes, Fezzik and me in the center of this picture) that brought a smile to my face as I lovingly placed each one on this year's tree. I can't wait for him to walk in the door to see what will welcome him back to the farm for the holidays.

 

Dining Room Decorations

I set our beautiful Nativity set up on the table in front of our large dining room window. Remembering the Bible story of the Star in the East, our nativity is set up on the east wall of our home. 

Our tree is standing next to the front porch door, which we don't use in the winter. As it comes straight into the house from the porch, and the porch stairs lead to our front yard (with no driveway access), we just keep it closed until spring. It's a perfect place to place the Christmas tree, between the living and dining rooms.

Christmas Table Decorations

I placed a vintage crocheted tablecloth on our teak table, and then topped that with a table runner I made last year. My recently created Advent wreath, candles and our Christmas cactus sit on that.

 

Built-In China Cabinet

Our built-in china cabinet is on the wall across from the front window. It holds all our English transferware, flow blue and wedding china; my Toby jug collection; crystal and glassware that belonged to Handsome's parents so many years ago; and my collection of Royal Copenhagen collector plates (including yellow and black Labrador retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgi!). Once our kitchen is remodeled, the collector plates will go into the kitchen.

I chose to put all our family Christmas stockings here. (I realized I need to purchase two more for our girls!), and Handsome and my stockings (which we've both had since childhood) hang in the living room.

Our Tree

I so love how the tree turned out that I had to share a couple more pictures of it! The tree skirt was my first real quilted project. I took a class from a long-closed quilt shop in Fond du Lac in 1984. 

Mom (Grace) was working there at the time. I signed up for the class and I was the only student in that time slot. I had the full benefit of Mom's teaching skill, as she showed me how to cut, arrange and assemble the pieces to get me started. I think it was supposed to be a two-session class, but I finished it the same day and it went under our tree that first year Handsome and I were married.

It's been under every tree (no matter the decor) of our married life all these years. December marks the celebration of thirty three blessed years as husband and wife. 

 

More Ornaments

The barn ornament (right above my watermark) and the red snare drum (on the upper right side of the picture) are new additions this year. There's also a new Green Bay Packer glass helmet ornament that was a gift from our long-time Wisconsin realtor and good friend, Jim. That one can't be seen in this image, though. I think we'll also choose three new, special ornaments for each of our grandchildren to add to the tree this year.

We'll fill the farmhouse again with love and laughter as our friends and family gather together for our very first full Christmas here at the farm. It may be cold and snowy outside, but it will be warm and wonderful inside.

After The Storm...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sunset On The Farm

 

Monday was dotted with occasional heavy rains, and we enjoyed sunny, breezy hours in between. It was an overall lovely day. Even as the sun set over our farm, we were treated to one more blessing...this beautiful, evening sky.

 

Four Hundred Twenty, Actually...

That's if you use the standard "1 human year equals 7 dog years".   Tag was right, though. Today is my Birthday. This is what "60" looks like on me. (The photograph was taken at our guild Christmas Party last night.)   Do I wish there were fewer wrinkles or a few less pounds? Who wouldn't? (I have to admit, though, I do love the silver sparkles in my hair.) I've heard people say, "Oh, don't use that picture of me. I don't like it." I look at it differently. I may not always like the way my pictures turn out, or "Gosh! I can't believe that's what I look like from behind now!", but it's who I am - or rather - who I've become through all these years.   The way I look at it, I've earned every wrinkle (and pound) and each  and every little, silver hair on my head. They've come from the years, the laughter, and the tears. They're earned over every life-changing,  life-altering decision I've made. They've come with each love and life shared or lost. They've come with every "hello"...and "goodbye". They've been earned during unimaginable joy and unbearable grief. Can you tell I'm a little more introspective this year? I'm feeling a little different on this Birthday than the others.    My appearance is only the outward evidence of my life; the wisdom  I've gained through countless trials and errors; the person I've become  as a result of the countless experiences I've had. These visual traits are  only clues to the essence of who I have become. The person I am inside. I'm not the "hot" 30-something I used to be, but I'm a "hot" 60 now. I still giggle, and blush (Can you believe my husband can still make me blush?). I dance and sing with reckless abandon. I love my life.  I love who I have become.   But most of all, I love the people with whom I share this blessed and wonderful existence...My husband of thirty years, our family and my dear and loving friends who are so generous with their affection. Yes. Today is the start of my sixtieth year, and I can't wait to see what's next on this adventure.

Blessings...

I spent most of the day tidying the studio and the spare guest room. While 

I was in the house, it rained outside. I love the sound of rain on our tin roof.

 (It's one of the things I love about rain on the roof of the Flying Cloud, too.)

At 5:30, I left home to go to our quilt guild board meeting. (I'm the recording

secretary.) When I turned from our street onto the nearest main east/west road,

this is the view that greeted me...a magnificent rainbow crossing the sky.

  Finding blessings in our lives is simple. All you have to do is take the time to look around you (or in this case, "up").
Wishing you many blessings as you go through your day today.

Another Day With Mom...

Back: l-r Sis and Sonja Front: Mom and me ©2014

One of the blessings of our travels to Wisconsin is the time I can spend with

Mom. Every minute with her is a rekindling of our love and friendship.

Yesterday, Sis, our friend, Sonja and I "sprung" Mom out of the nursing home

and got her out into the fresh air. She appreciates the chance to visit and share

a meal outside the confines of "the home". We are always eager to accommodate.

Sis and Sonja

Sis and Sonja have been dear friends for many years. I met Sonja through Sis.

Our shared passion is needlework, and the two of them have spent many hours

together in their shared pursuit. I'm so glad to have seen Sonja again. She's lovely.

Sisters by choice

I first met Deb in 1973. She and I have been sisters in all ways all these years.

We laugh over shared memories, and what one has forgotten, the other remembers.

As we mature, it's comforting to know that we will always have each other...and

there are still so many new memories that we have yet to create together.

I am so grateful for every day God blesses me with Mom in my life.

We were all so afraid that we would have to say goodbye just a few short 

years ago, but Mom's strong spirit and the care of those who watch over her 

daily have given us the gift of time. Her eyes still sparkle when she tells a 

joke,  and she's always happy to share a few memories of her own with us. 

I'm blessed and honored to be her third daughter and for each new sunrise 

that shines on her beautiful face. I'll see her again before we leave here,

and I thank God, always, for another day with Mom.

Sunday Scripture...