Time . . .

Time goes so fast when gardening season arrives, so I am working double time to work on a writing schedule.  

It's been tough.  As soon as my feet hit the floor (literally), Tiger is meowing and under my feet until I feed him, and the other house cats.

But when I do that, I see barn cats peeking into the door for their food too.  Some times it's Aurora squeaking her paws downward, begging for her breakfast.

After that is done, I finally get the coffee brewing, and load wood to the wood stove.  However, to do this I have to go outside to get wood, as the last one up, did not bring any in.  Hmpf....

When that is completed, a half hour passes.  Or so it seems.

Then I finally sit at the computer, with work to start, and I hear the pitter patter of paws, and the jingling of dog collars.

I let them out to do their business, and when I finally sit back down, hubby gets up....."you ready to go to the gym?"

I think an office, far far away, would help me out right now.      

Excerpts from a Journal Junkie

from the family journal . . .

 ...we received a lovely sympathy card from one of my brother's and his wife.  The artwork on the card looks just like Gus. 

...two of the girls went sledding with friends.  They even tried to fit the dog pool in their car to take (didn't happen, ha ha ha!)

 

from the homesteading journal . . .

...still working on the goat stalls.  We can't wait much longer, as the roofing ripped off even more during the last snow storm.

...still researching more recipes that utilize our pantry/freezer stock.  A man my hubby knows has offered to teach us how to make wine from his nephew's pear trees.  It's not a necessity, so it's not really on the top of my list, but more so for a fun self-sufficiency experience.

 ...still hanging our laundry outside, despite the snow.  We have had good winds and sunshine, and it only took a few minutes to warm them in from of the fire.  Boy did my bedding smell good.

...adding up the egg totals for the remainder of 2012.

...used the last of my cooked (and then frozen) dry beans.  I need to get both crockpots cooking black and kidney beans this week.  This has saved us money and is so much healthier than using so many store brand cans of beans. 

  


from the handiwork journal . . .

...working on more Christmas ornaments.  A few can be seen on my S.C.R.A.P. Blog, but some won't be posted until next Christmas.

...working on sewing up yo-yo's with a large box of scrap fabric.  I am so thankful to receive these scraps from a dear friend.

...dug out my "unfinished" project list to work on as well.




from my personal journal . . .

...the lymph node in my neck is still swollen, but reduced in size.  It seems like it's taking forever, but the organic teas and oils are helping.

...I've been organizing my printed craft patterns again.  I got side tracked and now they are neatly being put into their 3-ring binders, and I even have tab dividers to separate the types of projects (and crochet and knitting projects are in separate books too).

...purchased a planner to keep track of my writing in this year (deadlines, contests, words written etc).  It's a good motivator. 



from the gratitude journal . . .

Today I am thankful for...

~ for warm slippers that hubby bought me for Christmas (am thankful for these to wear during the day when dogs drag in snow, and thankful for my gifted red knitted pair to wear at nightfall).

~ for my warm cozy bathrobe 


~ for the propane that is still in the propane tank

~ for beautiful winter sunrises, filled with gorgeous colors

~ for the eggs the chickens keep providing, and the delicious meals I can make with them (not to mention desserts)

~  for the library, and all the resources they provide.

~ for the delicious coffee's, hot chocolates, teas, and wine we received for Christmas.

~ for today's sunshine.

~ for God's Promises.

 


from the exercise journal . . .

...still doing a weekly weigh in, and keeping fit on a regular basis.  I have more weight to lose, but it's slowly coming off.   

Baking with Homemade Ingredients and Real Magazines

I don't subscribe to many magazines, but I do utilize my local library.   Just before the library closed for the holidays, I picked up a few of my favorites.  I also picked up one that I typically don't read - Ladie's Home Journal.

In this particular issue, I found another unique recipe, and one worth trying. Luckily, the recipes are also on-line, so I don't have to type it out, and I can direct you to the correct source.

Fruit Jam Crumble Bars
(Adapted from Ina Garten's Raspberry Crumble Bars)

I used the idea of Ina Garten's recipe, but utilized my home canned pear jam and homemade granola.  I initially wanted to use my canned wild black raspberry jam, but we ate it all.

I did not have sliced almonds and could have used more of the crust mixture, for the topping, but these were wonderful.  It was almost like eating pie with your fingers.

I used an 8 oz. jar of jam also, even though her recipe calls for a 10-12 oz jar.

And of course, my ultimate goal is to some day, use my own homemade butter.

Here is the link to the recipe for the granola.  It was in our local newspaper, and submitted by another writer who belongs to my Christian Writer's group. 

It was also one of the homemade gifts I gave this past Christmas.

Good Morning Granola

We are taking a trip to the library today.  They closed their doors just prior to Christmas and are opening them again today. 
  


 

Angel Cookies and Real Books

As you know, I am a very low-tech, or no-tech person.  I do not read books on electronic devices, nor read them on-line on my computer.  I like to hold the real thing in my hands, and enjoy it without batteries.  That's just me.

(note:  In no way, I am writing this to be hurtful to those who do use electronic reading devices.) 

Happy New Year!

Our family gatherings are over for 2012, and the Christmas decorations come down on the 1st of the new year 2013.  We box up the tree lights, the outdoor lights and the Santa cookie jar.  We box up the stockings and homemade ornaments...until next Christmas.

Happy New Year!

Have a blessed, safe, and prosperous 2013!

 

Crazy for Cookies

I finally got some time (and cash) to bake a few cookies.  This time, I utilized some oranges that a family member gifted us.  I made White Chip Orange Cookies.   These were delicious!

Breaking out my Apron for Some Good Old-Fashioned Baking

I was reading over a Christmas book that I purchased at a Goodwill store many years ago (for $.99). I came across this recipe that looked worth trying.  I think it is a pretty tasty side version of a bread roll, but healthier, and baked like a muffin.

Wheat-Corn Muffins

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup cornmeal

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 organic eggs, beaten

1 1/3 cups organic milk

1/4 cup raw honey

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup finely chopped white onion

1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds

In a bowl stir together whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp. salt.   

 In a separate bowl combine eggs, milk, honey, oil, and onion.  Add all at once to the dry mixture.  Stir until moistened.  Batter will be thin.

Spoon into lined muffin pans, filling paper liners (See Note) about 2/3 full.  Sprinkle tops with sunflower seeds.

Bake in a 400°F oven for about 18-20 minutes.  This makes about 1 1/2 dozen muffins. 

(Source:  Adapted from  the Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Christmas Crafts and Foods, © 1980, ISBN: 0-696-00025-3)

I think this recipe could qualify under the dark days challenge - our whole wheat flour and cornmeal comes from a local mill, our honey is local as well, and the eggs came from our chickens.  This also challenges me to grow more onions and dehydrate more, for recipes like this.

Note: These muffins do stick to paper liners.  I highly suggest a non-stick spray in a good muffin pan, or lining with parchment paper instead.