Content Kid Goat

Misty is very content after being fed.  I snapped this photo when my 8^th grade daughter was relaxing in the wicker rocker on the front porch.

Misty’s brother doesn’t like to be left alone, but it’s so hard to not give this little girl attention.  Every day after school, she is in the house running around, and up on totes we leave in the kitchen for her.  One day I had to laugh, as I had turned around, she had hopped up on a kitchen chair and was looking over the table.

It’s so much fun to watch out the window and see the goats play.  When a car or school bus pulls in the driveway, Misty will jump, run, buck, and even do a sideways bounce.  She’s hilarious. 

Tree in Bloom

Here is our ornamental apple tree in bloom.  The tree was planted by previous owners, and is very pretty in the spring.  However, in the late fall it draws in flocks of birds to eat the tiny fruit it bears.  We hope to add apple and pear trees to our farm this spring.   Then we can feed ourselves the fruit.

Aprons, Aprons and More Aprons ~ CJ's Creations

If you love to cook, you have to check these aprons out.  I have had so many compliments in regards to the aprons I have purchased from here.   These would make wonderful gifts for anyone, or for yourself.  Buy some for your hope chests or for camping. Buy one for Dad for Father's Day.  Buy one for harvest time in your garden, for canning, or for housework.  It may not be to late to buy one for a mother on Mother's Day also.

CJ's Creations (click here to go directing to her site)

HeliumInexpensive ways to wrap gifts without gift wrap

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