New Blog and A New Name

Changing to a new name and I am moving my blog to...

Please click and come on over!

Read more...

Simple Pleasures~ Some Spring Green

Living in a place that we can get up to 6 months of winter weather you sure appreciate green when it comes. But when outside doesn't want to cooperate ( like today...it snowed again) with your need for green... then you make it happen inside. My hubby was pruning the fruit trees on the homestead and picked me some desert plum branches to force. I learned a new trick this year. Put one tablespoon of bleach in the water and it will prevent any bacteria growth and you will have nice clear water in your vase as it buds. Earlier this week after we finished our dinner I noticed the neat shadow play that was happening on the wall. I really wished I was able to catch it better but I loved how the branches and the shadow was leaning into each other.

The time to enjoy a bit of green and shadow play was such a sweet simple pleasure after a long winter.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Read more...

Wild Turkeys On the Run and Seedy Sunday's

The last three Sunday's my hubby and I have participated in some local Seedy Sunday Sales. We sold our seed from our small joint family seed business. I really enjoy these get together's. It is a neat way to meet people out in our local community and surrounding areas. There are a lot of neat people that we have been blessed in friendship with. One friend we have made through these sales the last couple of years has blessed us with new seed to try out and grow and save. I am really excited with the bean seeds given last year, tomato seeds he gave us this year and a tomato variety he wants to share next year. We are so blessed by this friend.

On the way home from the seed sale we had the pleasant surprise of getting to see some of the local wild turkeys. We wondered where they were sense we hadn't seen them in a while but they made their appearance on Sunday. In the picture down below is at lake level and there is hardly any snow down there unlike us further up the mountain. Snow is melting more and more each day and it won't be too long before we start digging in the garden.

Read more...

Waking Up to Longer Days and Earlier Risings

This mornings sunrise

This morning I awoke to the joy of sunlight shining through my bedroom window. I have been blessed this morning with several sites that winter is leaving and spring is breaking forth. For instance ...earlier sunrises, birds returning and chirping, a squirrel scampering up and down on a ladder hanging off our woodshed, sunlight creating a diamond sparkle on the snow. I am feeling very cheerful and encouraged by God's amazing beauty in His creation. I find every winter I tend to not be able to get up as early as I would like but I am doing better now that the sun is rising sooner so I rise sooner. I look forward to this time because it is easier for me to have my quiet time. The treat of a quiet house, a cup of warm tea, a time to reflect and spend with the Lord.

some goals for my spring break....

• finish cleaning out the future bathroom
• Make perogies ( and write a tutorial)
• make cottage cheese for the first time
• give the house a extra clean as much as I can (so I can take pics of my home to share)
• some knitting *grin*
• Make some lesson plans

Those are my great aspirations and we will see what reality will be. *grin*

Read more...

Spring is Starting to Pop Up!

A Tray of Leeks

I am so excited that I am starting to finally see signs of spring here. I have to admit to those who don't know this about me but I am not a natural lover of gardening. My hubby the gardener and he has slowly lured me into helping him. I do enjoy certain parts of the garden more than others. For example after planting and waiting and then the plants just... break forth out of the ground is such a simple pleasure of mine. It to me is a sign of hope and new life. New life coming forth is such a pure joy, if it be a new born baby, or animal, or plant. I loved the verse in the creation account in Genesis that mentions that God planted a garden. He didn't speak it to be but it said He planted it. That just shows the loving and caring side in our creator that I think is missed ohhh too often. I didn't catch that till I was in my 30's and I went to a woman's breakfast at church and a sweet lady who was the speaker drew our attention to that. Isn't our Lord so amazing. I hope that you take a moment sometime this spring and stand and be amazed at our Lord's creation and know that it didn't just evolve but was a gift from our creator who thought out every detail as a gift for us.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Read more...

Still Some Snowy Days and a Peak Into My Knitting Bag

A peak out my dinning room window today.

This time a year I have to work real hard not to be discontent and feel the grass is greener on the other side. (literally, lol) It is that time of the year of transition time between winter and spring. We are seeing glimpses of spring but we are still getting snow. I am drooling over pictures on blog posts that show trees in bloom and life. Yes, it will happen here too...soon. Till then I will cozy up to my knitting and sit by the fire and patiently wait and daydream for spring.

Here is a peak into my knitting bag of goodies. I am using up odds and ends in my yarn stash and making hot pads that I will make a quilt front and then put on a binding. The moss stitch gives the thickness so I don't have to use batting or a backing. It is all in one, neat eh? I am hoping during spring break I can get some quilt fronts made and then assemble them. I used chunky 100% wool or cotton for this. That is important because if you use acrylic it will probably melt when used, I know b/c I used my hubby's aunts and that happened, not a good thing.

Read more...

I See Light at the End of the Tunnel or...Bathroom

The last two Saturday's I have been working on de-cuttering and clearing out all the STUFF for the future bathroom. I have talked about this in the past but now it is GOING to happen. This time trying to clean it out I made a rule with myself. When I take something out to sort through and if it doesn't pertain to the future bathroom it cannot go back in. This has been really working. ((happy dance)) I have a bit more to go and with spring break at the end of this week I know I will make it happen. We have a claw foot tub and a shell pedestal sink are just waiting to go in. I still have to get a toilet and tile for behind and under the tub area but it is getting close.

BEFORE

UP TO DATE as of Saturday March 5th

I have a bit more to go but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and a carrot dangling to get there. I am determined to soak a couple of hours in my light lavender painted tub.

Here is the shell sink I found at a second hand store...score!!!

And my tub. It is hard to see but it is a pale lavender colour on the outside and white on the inside.

Read more...

Simple Pleasures~ A Touch of Red

When I was a little girl I LOVED the color red. I had a red carpet, red bedspread, and what ever else I could have to be red. Then I went quite a few years of being sick of red but in the last decade or so I have returned back to my love of red. I accent whenever I can now with red. Red teapot, knitted and felted hot pads, table clothes, mugs, tea towels, baskets. You name it I am looking for red. When we were planning the colours for "The House That God Built" ( I need to write a post on this blog to explain this title. ) I wanted a red wall but alas my hubby did not. So when ever I can I decorate with red I do. I am thankful that red has become popular again and it is making finding things easier right now. My simple pleasure is... a splash of colour, RED. ( British spelling for colour)

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Read more...

Winter Is Still Here But Getting Ready For Spring

What I see out my door today....

Do you see my kitty's tracks?

Last night we started our leeks on the plant table. It is amazing how teeny tiny these seeds are. You plant them 1cm ( 1/2 inch) deep. We seeded 6 seeds each square because the germination rate of the seed was lower and then later on we will thin out for the best leek in each square.

We are trying to get what ever frozen fruit in the freezer made into jam or used up in pies, cakes, muffins, custards, and juice. Here is Handsome making strawberry jam and Noah is perched at the laptop on the breakfast counter. This is where I blog from. *grin*

Yes, these are the days that we are caught up in between the two seasons. Finishing up what we need to get done before it gets too busy with spring chores. And at the same time we are getting ready for planting the garden.

Read more...

A Time of Prayer and Fasting

I want to share where God is humbling and growing me right now. Please know this post is not to glorify me but to glorify HIM. Please do not take this as "a look at me moment" but it is a I want to share what the Lord is doing post. Please know this post is given from a very humbled spirit and I hope it will inspire someone if the Lord wants it to.

I have heard about fasting over the years and I had only tried once and totally failed before the day was out. I had tried to not have coffee for a period of time and the flesh was very weak but the spirit was willing. ( this was before I had given up coffee for good) Now some years later I have been needing a time of deep renewal in my relationship with the Lord. Because I know He is working things out in me so I felt a deep pulling inside to try fasting again. I thought very seriously about what I would fast from and because of my blood sugar issues I was very leery of fasting from food. Then I had heard about the Daniel Fast but for me to give up meat was not much of a sacrifice but I may still try this in the future. But in the sermon I heard on fasting recently the pastor mentioned that even a fast from the internet could be a fast. That struck a chord in my spirit and knew that was what I needed at this time.

Christian Fasting - Focus Deeper on God
Christian fasting isn't some kind of a "work" that's commanded by Christ or required by Scripture. However, that doesn't mean that fasting isn't recommended as a part of our spiritual growth. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. However, the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Extended periods of time without eating are harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish our flesh, but to focus on God.

"Yes, it's a good idea for believers to fast from time to time. Fasting is not required in Scripture, but it's highly recommended. The primary Biblical reason to fast is to develop a closer walk with God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on Christ. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18)."

That Sunday I asked my hubby to check emails for me and I would not go on the computer on Sunday's and Monday's. I am not sure how long I will keep doing this but the Lord is blessing these times with Him like I truly had hoped. He is leading me in my prayer and quiet times where He is peeling off layers that have needed facing for a long while. I am very excited and humbled at the same time.

"Christian fasting is more than denying ourselves food or something else of the flesh - it's a sacrificial lifestyle before God. In Isaiah 58, we learn what a "true fast" is. It's not just a one-time act of humility and denial before God, it's a lifestyle of servant ministry to others. As Isaiah tells us, fasting encourages humility, loosens the chains of injustice, unties the chords of the yoke, frees the oppressed, feeds the hungry, provides for the poor, and clothes the naked. This concept of fasting isn't a one day thing - it's a lifestyle of servant living for God and others.

"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am' (Isaiah 58:8-9)."

If the Lord strikes a chord in your heart to try this I pray that you will be as blessed as I have been in prayer and fasting.

Participating in....

Read more...

Feeling A Bit Under the Weather

I thought I would come up for air and say that I am feeling a bit under the weather. Yes, it is cold season and our family this winter seems to be getting the latest, most new cold passing through. This latest one I just feel like crawling in bed with a good book and a tea but I need to keep going because my family does. I am very thankful being able to take the Rose Hip Syrup I made in the December. Nursing my cold with herbal teas, apple cider tonic, and earl grey green tea. Yesterday I made a big pot of chicken soup and a batch of whole wheat bread that should last a couple days. At this point I don't know if I will be posting a simple pleasure and Friday Farm Girl's posts or not. I guess time will tell. But I do hope to get some blog visiting in here and there. Hope you all are in good health.

Read more...

My MIL's Stripy Wooly Socks and Ramblings

With all the day dreaming I find myself slipping into here and there thinking about spring. I need to remember to savor the now. I know that in the next week or two it will be the beginning of starting seeds on the plant table. Which means in the next couple of months we will start prepping the garden to be planted and it will be full speed ahead from there till New Years again. So, I need to remember to savor this time of quiet days sitting and stitching and planning.

It also shows me I need to get a move on certain projects I wanted to get done this winter. I better get them started and finished in proper time. I really want to clean out what will be our future bathroom. Ohh for those who have known me for the last few years...well yes things have crept back into that room. I need to just get it all out and not allow anything other than what is needed for the future bathroom back in there. I think I will get started on this mammoth of a project a week from today. I will have to block out my Saturday for that alone. Maybe a pre-made frozen dinner is a good idea or a crock pot dinner. I think I will have to get hubby to get me a kitchen timer this week so I can set intervals of work and rest periods. Then what ever doesn't get done that day I will set a goal of 15-30 minutes each day till it is done.

Do you have any mammoth projects that are calling your name this winter?

Read more...

Friday Farm Girls ~ Super Simple Bread Recipe

This is the recipe that started my bread making career way back when I was 12 years old. *grin* If you haven't made bread before it is a wonderful starting point. This bread is made with store bought flour which acts different than home ground wheat. If you want to make bread from freshly ground flour then go HERE.

~Super Simple Bread Recipe~

Soften in a small bowl for a few minutes till frothy.

-1 rounded Tablespoon or one package of active dry yeast

-1/4 cup of warm water ( can test temperature by using a candy thermometer and you want it to be between 105 to 115*F)

- 1 Tablespoon sugar

~Combined in a large bowl:

-2 cups scalded milk ( heat till steamy but do not boil)

-2 Tablespoons sugar

-2 Tablespoons salt

-2 Tablespoons shortening or... margarine or.... butter.

~Cool to lukewarm and add:

-yeast mix

-2 cups of flour

Beat with mixer for 5 minutes. Add enough flour to make a firm ball. Which is about 4 cups flour. Knead until smooth.

-cover with a cloth and let it rise 30 minutes.

-Punch down

-divide dough into 2 pieces.

-Rolls each into a rectangle.

-roll up to a firm smooth loaf.

-place in a buttered bread pan and place into oven at 200 *F for 1 hour ( check at 30 min.) until doubled in size.

-Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes.

( To read other Farm Girls @Heart and/or join in on the fun go visit my friend Lori's blog by clicking on the graphic)

Read more...

Simple Pleasures~ Brightness of Snow

Being a Pacific Northwest raised gal I have never grown tired of the novelty of snow sense I have moved inland. I love how it brightens everything around. It helps with the winter blahs so much. Each time it blows in a new layer on the tired old snow it is all fresh and new again. I can sit by the window and get lost in watching the flakes come down. Sometimes big flakes some times small. Sometimes they come down fast and sometimes slow. I also love how our Lord decided to make it that there are no two flakes alike. All unique and all beautiful...just like the way he created us. I also like winter for the time to slow down and ponder, to think of things that we don't seem to have much time any other time of the year. I also like to take extra time this time of the year to stitch projects, which create more time to think. I work hard not to create too much business so I can soak up this time. Yes, I try not to rush this time and enjoy it for what it is.

.....Simple Pleasures is to remind me to stop, to look, to listen, to slow down and pay closer attention to the simple things in life. And when ever I do, I am never disappointed.

To join click on the Simple Pleasures graphic and see what it is all about.

Read more...

::right now::

right now, I am ...

:: marveling .How it is acting like spring already.

:: plotting what we will be ordering in our seed order and planting in the garden when spring is here.

:: finishing up my MIL's stripy wooly socks.

:: stopping and pondering where I am in life and what goals I want to work towards.

:: wondering how time has gone so fast and how I am old enough to be a mom of a son who is married.

:: listening to Nicolas watching how they made the Lord of the Rings DVD's...again.

:: feeling like I am discovering so much and growing so much in my spiritual walk and learning so much more right now in my homemaking skills.

:: loving meeting so many new Sweet Sister's in Christ on blogspot. I am thankful I made the jump to come here.

:: hoping to get a lot more organised as this year progresses.

:: wanting more hours in my day to get to do all I want to and still have time to rest too. *grin*

:: thinking and thinking and thinking what I want to do in our little homeschool.

:: making many baby steps to much better health.

:: planning to try to make cottage cheese soon.

:: learning how to make my own beauty products and trying to expand my sewing skills. I got to get on my dream sewing projects soon.

:: thankful for all that has been given and not given. I am coming to a place of contentment.

Read more...

He Hath Heard My Voice

Our family was not able to make it to church on Sunday because our road (which is on a steep hill) was a sheet of ice. After we attempted and thankfully parked our car and we went home. I prayed for what our family would study together that morning. And the Lord gave me a verse...

Psalm 116

¹I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

²Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

I was very encouraged that day as our family started a bible study together. We are using Understanding The Bible~ A Biblical Survey. It covers from Genesis to Revelations. I love how the verse the Lord gave and saw how he lead our family that day. It also spoke to my heart that my Lord has not forgotten me and knows what I need. I love how the Lord never turns His back on us even when we might feel that He is distant. He isn't but what it means I need to put all that doesn't matter aside and to gather at His feet and and pray all the more fervently and gather close to Him.

Read more...

My Favorite Whole Wheat Bread Recipe and Dough Enhancers

Update:

I will share next week how to make some simple breads using flour bought from the store. They DO act differently than home ground flour.

Using Dough Enhancers When Making "Home Ground" Whole Wheat Bread

Sense last summer I have been figuring out how to make yummy things from grinding my own wheat in our grain grinder. I haven’t been fully happy with my bread till last summer. The change ? It was using dough enhancers. I haven’t bought any pre-made ones because it had things that my 2ds is allergic to. So of course I have been researching on the net. And I found some answers. ((happy dance))

Here is a link to a neat video Dough Enhancer for making Homemade Bread

*******Here is the bread recipe that I used and loved ! It is at BreadExperience .com **********

Tips for using your own everyday items as dough enhancers in WHEAT BREAD: (It’s best to use ALL THREE of these enhancers when making whole wheat bread)

Gluten: use 1/2 T. – 1 T. per cup of flour (this means before you measure a cup of flour place the 1/2 T.-1 T. gluten in the bottom of your cup and then measure flour as usual)

Apple Cider (or white) Vinegar: use the same amount of vinegar that you are using for yeast (i.e. 1 t. yeast – 1 t. vinegar)
I have to say that prefer to use Apple Cider vinegar because it is healthier and more natural but white vinegar works just fine.

Potato Flakes or Potato Startch: use 1/8 to 1/4 C. per loaf of bread you are making, experiment to see what works best in your recipe. (do not substitute in potato pearls, they don’t dissolve as easily and are artificially flavored which you will be able to taste in your bread)

If you are making bread and want to give a extra umph try it and here is some must sees in how to make really good bread videos. I learned soooooooo much from this gal and I have been making bread for 30 years.

***Lately I haven't been using Potato Starch and it does pretty okay. It you make some bread from this recipe I hope you share that you did. I would love to hear how it worked.

Here is a series of videos that REALLY helped me in this learning curve.

1/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

2/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

3/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

4/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

5/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

6/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

7/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

8/8 Making Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Bread

Participating in ....

Read more...