Dandelion Jelly

My first batch of dandelion jelly, and it turned out syrup.  Ugh.  We picked the flower petals free from the dandelion tops,

I carefully simmered them, and strained them,

and boiled the final ingredients just as the recipe stated.  However, in the past, I’ve added the sugar after it’s been brought to a boil.  This recipe boiled everything together.  

Newest Chickens Get Freedom

At first they just stayed next to the barn, just like last time.  However, after the day passed, we found them wandering all over the area.  They will need to be trained to go back in at night, as we had a fun time chasing and catching them. The one if the very front may very well be a rooster.  Notice the colors are lighter?

 

The red hens did not bother them either.  They kind of stuck together in their own little clan with Mazda (rooster) and went their own way.  I love this photo, but I can see how having a tripod would help me keep the camera still. 

Photography Updates ~ Planting Day

Once again, I have been lucky to find antique dish towels at low prices.  The one below is now being used in the kitchen, along with 7 flour sack towels I have embroidered.

I have one more barn series to embroider, and then it’s off to finish a few pillows.  Speaking of pillows, I found 2 nice ones at a thrift store for $.20 each.  One will be the head for our female scarecrow, and the other will be made into an apron or possibly something else.

During our recent disconnect to reconnect weekend, we stopped at a thrift store on the way home.  I had more fun in that store than in a downtown Amish store.  I found tons of fabric scraps sold at very low prices, embroidery threads, embroidery hoops, yarn, and even Amish handmade aprons ($1.00).  I was able to buy a pair of bib overalls half prices ($1.75), a red and white gingham shirt ($1.00) and a hat for our scarecrow also.

Today, however, it’s not raining.  We have to take advantage of this weather and plant more in the garden, till up more area, mow, and so many other unfinished projects.  I am adding two new herbs to my herb garden as well.  It’s a good thing I must be at home today, 

because our gas prices have jumped to $4.15/gallon.  Getting a horse a buggy is still not out of the realm of our homestead possibilities.  Prices will however, put a damper on my drives to the big city to get pictures developed.

I have been practicing my photography, and it’s been a bit harder than I thought.  Although I love it, it takes patience to get the right picture taken. 

 This was the only bird photo that turned out somewhat good.  They are so difficult to get a good shot of.  They zip in and out so fast.  There were so many of them flying around.  The males are a bright red.  This cardinal is a female.  I took this photo from the cabin's front porch.  The slightest noise sends the birds off.  I hope to return and get a good photo of a male and female together.

Link for a pillowcase apron:  craftster, vintage pillowcase apron

New to the Flower Beds

This is what the new orange tulips looked like before the storms arrived.  They are new to the flower bed, and that is why you see them in bloom before tulips bloom here.  They will have a short life this spring, but next spring they will be back for the spring season.

Storm and Power Outage

I woke up at 4:00am to the sounds of tornado winds.  After taking inventory on outside barn cats, checking the barn doors, and porch furniture, the power went out.  

In my mind ,I quickly took notes on things we need to be better prepared for disaster, and for self-sufficient living.

1.    Generator

2.    Wash tub

3.    Well with hand pump (so water will be available when the electric cannot run the pump).

I am very prepared at drying clothes without a dryer or electric, but I do not have a back up plan for washing clothing.  The well and hand pump would provide water for us, and the farm animals, and would not require electricity.  The wash tub would come in handy year round, and the generator would be a way to keep the food in the refrigerator/freezers cold/frozen.

I think the kids will realize that taking showers promptly, and not waiting until the last minute has its benefits.  Luckily, only one was too lazy to shower last night.  It also pays to have your dishes washed promptly and animal bowls filled before retiring for the night.  One of these days, they will all realize that.

I, on the other hand, was pretty calm.  I have oil lamps, candles, matches, camping lanterns with batteries, extra jugs of water, and so forth.  They one thing I forgot about, was a way to make coffee.  

I guess I could always heat water over a candle or the wood burner, but a wood cooking stove would be nice too.

Disconnect to Reconnect Weekend

 Where I spent most of my weekend relaxing.

The bridge and uphill climb to the cabin.  When my husband booked this retreat for us, he had no idea that we had to climb a hill to get there.  It wasn't fun with my bum foot, but once I got up there I went straight to the rocking chair on the porch, or the one inside with a foot rest.  It was extremely peaceful and secluded.

 Although I would love to share all 88 scenery photos I took, I can share this one.  A fat squirrel stealing sunflower seeds from the bird feeder outside the cabin window.  It appears he has visited here more than once. Ha ha ha!

Spring Color

These tulips are new to my flower beds this spring.  I love flowers and the peaceful feelings they give.