It Wasn't PCH...

Brynwood Needleworks - Friday Night Visitors

So, what would you think if you'd just changed out of wet jeans, socks and t-shirt (from working in the garden) into your most comfortable, but not-so-chic sweat pants and top, and saw this coming up your driveway?

Tag had sounded the alarm that someone was coming up the drive, so I got up from my chair to see a white limousine. What the...? I told him to quit barking his fool head off, and went to the door.

The front passenger door opened, and Tom (one of the masonry crew) stepped out with a beer in his hand. I asked him about the limo, and he told me it was his son's birthday - and that thirteen friends and family members were going out for dinner to celebrate. They were passing by on the highway, so he asked the driver (a family friend and designated driver for the night) to come up to the farmhouse. (Great "designated driver" idea, right?) He wanted to show off the new porch.

It was all I could do not to laugh. Upon meeting the rest of the birthday celebrants, I was told that the look on my face as they pulled in was priceless. Did I think they were the Party Patrol from Publishers Clearing House? I replied that hadn't crossed my mind, but I was a bit embarrassed to be caught wearing my sweats.

Tom made sure everyone saw his handwork, and that his wife knew where he'd been working the past few weeks. She was impressed, and then offered me an adult beverage. They were drinking Salted Caramel Sangria with apple bits for garnish. It sounded tasty, and they left one for me as they turned around to make it for their evening reservations.

Brynwood Needleworks - Moving On

 

Frankly, I'm surprised I had enough wits about me to snap a picture or two. I mean, isn't this a great story to share about our time here at the farmhouse? It's not every day a stretch limo rolls into the yard! I'm looking forward to seeing Tom today. It should be interesting!

 

Tag will be back tomorrow. Handsome and Bella got back home yesterday! All is right with my world again.

 

Sunday Scripture...

Image via Pinterest

 

Making Tomato Bruschetta...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tomato Bruschetta Ingredients

I've been busy in the kitchen, making a new favorite...Tomato Bruschetta. It's fresh-tasting, colorful, and delicious! I found the recipe on the Ball Canning website HERE. Now, understand, if you're not a canner, there's nothing to keep you from making up a batch of this and serving it to your family, or keeping it in the refrigerator to enjoy later.

The recipe is really simple. There are only nine ingredients: (not shown: white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, water and 2 T. white sugar), dry white wine (I used Pinot Grigio), white wine vinegar, garlic cloves, basil, oregano, and tomatoes.

Brynwood Needleworks - One Batch of Tomato Bruschetta

The most time consuming part is simply peeling and chopping the fresh tomatoes. Mix the other ingredients together and bring to a boil, keeping hot as you pack the sterilized jars, top the tomatoes with the liquid mix, seal jars according to best practice and water bath process for twenty minutes (adding time for altitude - I process for 25).

I let it sit for about five minutes in the uncovered canner after the processing time to avoid siphoning, and so far haven't had that happen to any of my jars. (I've made four batches so far, with at least two more to go.) This will make for tasty gifts when placed in a basket with a pair of beautiful napkins, a loaf of French bread, and a wedge of fresh Parmesan cheese. (You might want to add a bottle of your favorite dry white wine, too. I chose Dark Horse Pinot.)

To serve: I thinly slice a baguette, brush with olive oil, and place in a 375° oven until it starts to crisp. Remove and top with the tomato bruschetta and a sprinkle of grated cheese. Return to oven until the cheese has melted and the tomato mixture is hot. Serve. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Home Canned Goods To Date (9/6/2019)

I thought I'd share a picture of our pantry as of yesterday. I have a couple other things to make (which I'll share later), as you can see I still have space!

Top Shelf (l-r): Dill pickles, bread & butter pickles, sweet onion relish, zucchini pepper relish, chopped and stewed tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, and salsa.
Middle Shelf (l-r): Strawberry/rhubarb pie filling, applesauce, strawberry/rhubarb jam, strawberry jam, raspberry jam, crabapple jelly, lemon balm jelly, lemon basil jelly, lavender jelly, lilac jelly, ground cherry jam.
Bottom Shelf (l-r): More applesauce, apple pie filling, pickled beets, pears, stewed rhubarb, pickled banana peppers, Mexican carrots (a gift from daughter-in-law #2), tomato bruschetta.

Brynwood Needleworks - Day's End At The Farmhouse

Late yesterday, I went out into the yard to put the newly-purchased plants into the ground. Except for the white mums, which I'll leave flanking the porch stairs for a little while longer. I didn't plant the yellow flowers on the right yet either, because I'm waiting until Monday when the gravel is replaced with black dirt in this area.

The skies were dark all day, but late day, the sun peeked through under the clouds, as it was setting. I had to just stop and look at it for a while. It was so beautiful. Shortly after, the sun was back behind the clouds, and then gone for the night.

Handsome and Bella stopped in Oklahoma last night, and they're planning to be home by tomorrow...earlier than I originally thought. That's great news. We'll start the new week together again. I know he's anxious to see the porch for himself, too. squeee!