tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43466738066320378492024-03-28T01:19:52.420-07:00Lilacs and SpringtimeSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-73403607472506055592024-02-24T15:03:00.000-08:002024-02-24T15:03:22.601-08:00Recent Knitting and Reading<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinepg6A6uwUIk1gcJckbGIRbpk6zDwYFRALFs2G-NLItDuTVdrJwe_taPwRCL1gUWZ4s2wh6bP7a9g40jEUN_2Oyz4xWI27AylVP6bQYDBJcxwh7oFzBSfLKTWasOrg9UNlwLlpv-z9-HvlrKsw7yp4fclYsE5syCt5ySVji-nU4W6VQGwdbH7T0jXZAP6/s3276/IMG_6355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2922" data-original-width="3276" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinepg6A6uwUIk1gcJckbGIRbpk6zDwYFRALFs2G-NLItDuTVdrJwe_taPwRCL1gUWZ4s2wh6bP7a9g40jEUN_2Oyz4xWI27AylVP6bQYDBJcxwh7oFzBSfLKTWasOrg9UNlwLlpv-z9-HvlrKsw7yp4fclYsE5syCt5ySVji-nU4W6VQGwdbH7T0jXZAP6/w400-h356/IMG_6355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>So far winter has been milder than what we are used to in upstate New York, but for those chilly mornings and evening we have enjoyed the cozy warmth provided by our hot water bottles. I must admit that for too long I have wrapped my hot water bottle in a hand towel. It had been on my "to do" list to either sew or knit a cover for a long time and this year I finally did. <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIj9yHHQtxc8NAQ5fvaNRa1jdnwBV2pYiIqHRjWEFbLvsjvRiwz1kA9Kq4igm-75mFVU3YgX5dSBVL37yxczwiuNi4CB-tZ3hoZvIp2XEx3KNezSA45mrY7UMlVUjXlksVCHJWoQOYwlEI-CdGUu8scCbYSmUIvdBMbTroSXBkERfH22X4NHXy7BR9int/s5184/IMG_6356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIj9yHHQtxc8NAQ5fvaNRa1jdnwBV2pYiIqHRjWEFbLvsjvRiwz1kA9Kq4igm-75mFVU3YgX5dSBVL37yxczwiuNi4CB-tZ3hoZvIp2XEx3KNezSA45mrY7UMlVUjXlksVCHJWoQOYwlEI-CdGUu8scCbYSmUIvdBMbTroSXBkERfH22X4NHXy7BR9int/w400-h266/IMG_6356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I found a few free knitting patterns on-line that I liked, but there were elements of each that I preferred. Some had a bottom opening with buttons while others were actually knit around the hot water bottle. Also the yarn weight varied from sock yarn to super bulky. I ended up borrowing ideas from the patterns I liked best and implemented my favorite features into my own cover.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeWV7MclnPMV_8hG3UBMW4FyUBPeIqwpR3yUolx3qjbXV3sGYhbcEzzCbJDf_diDP6HZHhxIIE8z56KDEi9o7-K5fCrKS7pkqpEd1sdIpY9Tsmqo9J1FtaZAptm2aIf3GtQZqF8iiBh32SNazcsN2AAXTouwnLQo0YJRvaEoHeexPY9NeNBklyRZeagJU/s4403/IMG_6360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3089" data-original-width="4403" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeWV7MclnPMV_8hG3UBMW4FyUBPeIqwpR3yUolx3qjbXV3sGYhbcEzzCbJDf_diDP6HZHhxIIE8z56KDEi9o7-K5fCrKS7pkqpEd1sdIpY9Tsmqo9J1FtaZAptm2aIf3GtQZqF8iiBh32SNazcsN2AAXTouwnLQo0YJRvaEoHeexPY9NeNBklyRZeagJU/w400-h281/IMG_6360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It had been a very long time since I had done any cable knitting and I found it an enjoyable part of the knitting process. I also was pleased to find these wooden buttons in my button box. I thought they were a nice finishing touch. <br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE-by4BavzE1PRLW47uMvKCB1G1RsDrJu_9WM8zLa2Q2-x195MgMV_Mw5ctXmSD4rT8U5CUvaicSjfAkZxCjtgF4GuOxPhVzraCeI4vr6eTipWnw88zxSdqOMo5l-VQwBe9z-QV9Va9inWustgHXXKPrEzuAGvJheEnrAtmXlkowy4JHehIKuY_4bybB6/s4756/IMG_6351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4756" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE-by4BavzE1PRLW47uMvKCB1G1RsDrJu_9WM8zLa2Q2-x195MgMV_Mw5ctXmSD4rT8U5CUvaicSjfAkZxCjtgF4GuOxPhVzraCeI4vr6eTipWnw88zxSdqOMo5l-VQwBe9z-QV9Va9inWustgHXXKPrEzuAGvJheEnrAtmXlkowy4JHehIKuY_4bybB6/w291-h400/IMG_6351.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>Another recent knitting project was this little cardigan sweater for my daughter's doll. It was such fun to knit, and quick too! I am hoping to knit a couple more before my nieces' birthdays.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdwrwr0mKFV5Qwl9Dt_uTlzZbLsUoW9pVCSBtC36mxpYUt3WwWCYytbArhAgevbdgTX8wtS0JwF3LJcMZh1sNJPmRSE_K-26VtC8AB-UkHGTFCnT5cqNrvBkLGdFOWbi6-Q4E0NQp_E-UFhSdNnwK2LfUDQgtJLRO-UVOccLw4-dLZPTsB5P3xMGNJ82o/s4240/IMG_5928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4240" data-original-width="3106" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdwrwr0mKFV5Qwl9Dt_uTlzZbLsUoW9pVCSBtC36mxpYUt3WwWCYytbArhAgevbdgTX8wtS0JwF3LJcMZh1sNJPmRSE_K-26VtC8AB-UkHGTFCnT5cqNrvBkLGdFOWbi6-Q4E0NQp_E-UFhSdNnwK2LfUDQgtJLRO-UVOccLw4-dLZPTsB5P3xMGNJ82o/w293-h400/IMG_5928.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>Earlier this month I read <u>The Blythe Girls: Helen's Strange Boarder</u>. It was a truly delightful read! I discovered the Blythe Girls series in a box of books I purchased from an auction a couple of years back. The stories are about three sisters living on their own during the 1920's. They seem to always coming against unusual predicaments, and occasionally a mystery. I enjoy the 1920's vernacular and the different personalities of the three sisters. They are a fun look at 100 years ago.<p></p><p> </p><p>Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am hoping to once again share here on my blog as time allows. May you have a blessed week! <br /></p><p><br /></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-69122879243624753022024-01-29T16:05:00.000-08:002024-01-29T16:09:24.529-08:00The Seamstress of Acadie - Review<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktsBMSBArYtBxrYnnE43jpKe10pykcixzxbcJ1UaHlYdccZKMQINVuYjIaW1gocN7MBQheilqdjVsi0uKDbMMcL-NtJ3qv_vCCaAFJ4PxJ_rWNd4miSfjMMFADwZmvalHrtXpBd6rL12ttS4GJqT_W1jK4uvjVyZ7VoWsiWwNDDavCliy5AbcBOl6TwwQ/s440/9780800740689.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktsBMSBArYtBxrYnnE43jpKe10pykcixzxbcJ1UaHlYdccZKMQINVuYjIaW1gocN7MBQheilqdjVsi0uKDbMMcL-NtJ3qv_vCCaAFJ4PxJ_rWNd4miSfjMMFADwZmvalHrtXpBd6rL12ttS4GJqT_W1jK4uvjVyZ7VoWsiWwNDDavCliy5AbcBOl6TwwQ/w207-h320/9780800740689.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><i> As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the
British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress
Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to
remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between
two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of
Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the
British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.<br /><br />As
summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon,
Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion.
Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their
land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her
kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to
pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with
William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared,
shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.</i><p></p><p><i> </i></p><p><i>********************************************************************************* </i></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u>The Seamstress of Acadie</u> is the story of Sylvie Gallant, a
young seamstress, living in Acadie (currently Nova Scotia) at the
onset of the French and Indian War. Sylvie and her family live within
view of the ocean and enjoy tending their beautiful farm and
generations old apple orchard. Within months all that they have
worked for is taken by force and Sylvie finds herself with the
challenge of forging a new life for herself in colonial Williamsburg,
Virginia.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This book helped me
grow in knowing more about this heartbreaking time in history. <u>The
Seamstress of Acadie</u><span style="text-decoration: none;"> is a
beautifully and thoughtfully written novel. I found the characters
and setting to be well crafted and described. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
conversations sprinkled with French gave the story an authentic feel.
I also appreciated the quotes that headed each chapter. I found them
t</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">o</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
be </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">engaging</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
and charming especially as </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">many
of them are pulled from the time of the story.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">T</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">his
was the first novel I have read by Laura Frantz, but will not be the
last. The author’s note at the end of the book was very insightful.
It was a pleasure to learn what inspired her to write about </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Acadian history.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*I
received a complimentary copy of </span><u>The Seamstress of Acadie</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">
from </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Revell Reads</span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">
in exchange for my honest review.*</span> </span>
</p>
<p></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-53640952442730489062022-08-11T09:20:00.000-07:002022-08-11T09:20:36.388-07:00Pictures from July<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTyL10kNnuDGGpf8rLWZ2j9uxy1wqwAkwOHskMwzA3jYl1xKn1sWXtJ3ZR2mxdzXyAwc03aSAsMe8pzP5aExtYJJDYwT_2eLr-ec3GbDmd-36msMreV8uA-sSxoFo6a14nlxPqmiwrEcaGJ5jetzeQ8vFqJvviq5JTRRm56lDQPH9nuk8c5u0o0QLFg/s4032/IMG_1546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2729" data-original-width="4032" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTyL10kNnuDGGpf8rLWZ2j9uxy1wqwAkwOHskMwzA3jYl1xKn1sWXtJ3ZR2mxdzXyAwc03aSAsMe8pzP5aExtYJJDYwT_2eLr-ec3GbDmd-36msMreV8uA-sSxoFo6a14nlxPqmiwrEcaGJ5jetzeQ8vFqJvviq5JTRRm56lDQPH9nuk8c5u0o0QLFg/w400-h271/IMG_1546.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> July was a beautiful and busy month. I always enjoy July, as I feel that it is filled with summer's best. Trips to the lake, picking berries, stunning sunsets, garden produce, family picnics, beautiful flowers, well as you can see I could go on forever!<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtzwOsmKeqTrOCsJ9ZEiZu6mjnSwoNKDBvvywXCpuyq6VKeeZ-6PMslX7ZEPwpeWpHV-8pLmxgDj3SYQL5gQJChCw_np30JtVMVDcGJ2rU4U2nxtie-lgWnVnn9R9oWPqQ-QK1RS_4QpwcbZ8buFBfLMEsa04FDX-kqFKBt-wPKdqJxll9glfxB_vdw/s3344/IMG_1528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2713" data-original-width="3344" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtzwOsmKeqTrOCsJ9ZEiZu6mjnSwoNKDBvvywXCpuyq6VKeeZ-6PMslX7ZEPwpeWpHV-8pLmxgDj3SYQL5gQJChCw_np30JtVMVDcGJ2rU4U2nxtie-lgWnVnn9R9oWPqQ-QK1RS_4QpwcbZ8buFBfLMEsa04FDX-kqFKBt-wPKdqJxll9glfxB_vdw/w400-h325/IMG_1528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were very blessed with an abundance of berries in our garden this year. I was able to make jam from our home grown strawberries, black raspberries and rhubarb, so far. I still plan to make red raspberry jam from our garden at some point. I also had enough berries to freeze for the winter months ahead.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZP6kllYdSzwVRAcmFEPl5lV6XHbsttsbHjFSbgQNCDO_JMZ1iuu1u2YpHgTkZc21k5YzuVI4UEc8qrC44N1a2Wxc-GI_ITDpZ862eiBkrwzzyc3l9LMVd9GVPrHcEgLkKWAsVnII36SMDNjakYPCVfVZ9SEUmIiwtcpSFeH9BkoTmyBK12wxcZwPdw/s3079/IMG_1539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="3079" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZP6kllYdSzwVRAcmFEPl5lV6XHbsttsbHjFSbgQNCDO_JMZ1iuu1u2YpHgTkZc21k5YzuVI4UEc8qrC44N1a2Wxc-GI_ITDpZ862eiBkrwzzyc3l9LMVd9GVPrHcEgLkKWAsVnII36SMDNjakYPCVfVZ9SEUmIiwtcpSFeH9BkoTmyBK12wxcZwPdw/w400-h335/IMG_1539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is nothing quite like a pie made with fresh berries from the garden! It gives us such a good feeling to see the hard work of planting and caring for our plants come to fruition.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2if0T16ieUkXaAFmHzCi44e0YpiWM7Eg0Y5E2tzaPeJaQzSjIH1nVTG-imUOpObG2mLbqhq7_i2uqHbPMwsRoZrOzxZBBpGNTi2MUYZoMv3ggNUcrWqZAfGLV6dGYIvFcm237APhDUm6qPG4FSWFdkOFiU5xC5y5hApqx6cVu1UaqMK_s091UBPIX4g/s3254/IMG_1582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2859" data-original-width="3254" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2if0T16ieUkXaAFmHzCi44e0YpiWM7Eg0Y5E2tzaPeJaQzSjIH1nVTG-imUOpObG2mLbqhq7_i2uqHbPMwsRoZrOzxZBBpGNTi2MUYZoMv3ggNUcrWqZAfGLV6dGYIvFcm237APhDUm6qPG4FSWFdkOFiU5xC5y5hApqx6cVu1UaqMK_s091UBPIX4g/w400-h351/IMG_1582.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although we have planted blueberries they are very slow to grow. The picture of the plant above was taken at a beautiful blueberry farm we visit each summer. Our annual trip is one of my favorite summer traditions! This year I went with my mom and sister, with her children. It was fun to see the cousins enjoy their time together and competing to see who could pick the most blueberries!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwQ5sG3AckYu7AdgUFfoVmE6u2p794wvQW_yYAmJX_qibINJQ_eaK20iyjZpYEGJ-nzZZPs3fca5s2nmH8_3i3V9y78fxAkbSOqXxbWy6nwRLzYEW2vSCMopyARZ2G2McqMY1nPtt7rsNCj5J8v3iLQ0uaIOc-gCxQ0IHJq-Hz6YfVsQ7KdCe60Rg0Q/s3164/IMG_1602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2478" data-original-width="3164" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwQ5sG3AckYu7AdgUFfoVmE6u2p794wvQW_yYAmJX_qibINJQ_eaK20iyjZpYEGJ-nzZZPs3fca5s2nmH8_3i3V9y78fxAkbSOqXxbWy6nwRLzYEW2vSCMopyARZ2G2McqMY1nPtt7rsNCj5J8v3iLQ0uaIOc-gCxQ0IHJq-Hz6YfVsQ7KdCe60Rg0Q/w400-h314/IMG_1602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One evening Jemimah brought in a basket of bell peppers she picked. She likes to pick flowers from her wild flower garden and then arrange them among the vegetables. She finds great delight in surprising me with beautiful bouquets and displays of her flowers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am grateful to have a nice supply of peppers in my freezer for the winter ahead.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIQb2t5iGzBBtVPjONRVui4gICZa9IlVh2sgpAtgg9miS3sr3SutHf5AIkVHj6N-a-IwA_8LWwtw2SrikMhn9OK1IxQhwxobvty0dsWB9l0IOvEinrjhZADQaKLhoUrWeHO7eTLYayqzNAis3jm7PEk3txHPsLQx-yeFZvz-mcWyb5J5LYcj6qIToRg/s3452/IMG_1624.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2897" data-original-width="3452" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIQb2t5iGzBBtVPjONRVui4gICZa9IlVh2sgpAtgg9miS3sr3SutHf5AIkVHj6N-a-IwA_8LWwtw2SrikMhn9OK1IxQhwxobvty0dsWB9l0IOvEinrjhZADQaKLhoUrWeHO7eTLYayqzNAis3jm7PEk3txHPsLQx-yeFZvz-mcWyb5J5LYcj6qIToRg/w400-h336/IMG_1624.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are thrilled to finally have some ripe tomatoes. They seemed to be a little slow to ripen this year. We have a few different heirloom varieties, which is a real treat. Above is another example of Jemimah's creative expression in vegetable/flower arranging. : )</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ4fGK3i-P9ubyFDJEGfmtUVYBjBf8P9v6x97sKxXqDXal6oUb6YuXL3arwwyp-vJszOIxHq8xtj7_M5C7lJS3WWkZdTGW53j5aLpKv1bEyFxFAwlDpxJUi7HYfCnerF9NPevz6PxYPdKxyhqC9pLVPZf438eUllfOmi2uc-PtvwSzKjleRbqShigbA/s3103/IMG_1549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2764" data-original-width="3103" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ4fGK3i-P9ubyFDJEGfmtUVYBjBf8P9v6x97sKxXqDXal6oUb6YuXL3arwwyp-vJszOIxHq8xtj7_M5C7lJS3WWkZdTGW53j5aLpKv1bEyFxFAwlDpxJUi7HYfCnerF9NPevz6PxYPdKxyhqC9pLVPZf438eUllfOmi2uc-PtvwSzKjleRbqShigbA/w400-h356/IMG_1549.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The geese have grown so fast! They are such characters and seem to find ways to amuse us nearly every day. Axel is a little aggressive with people he doesn't know and becomes very vocal at his annoyance when unknown guests arrive, like the gas delivery man yesterday! He also finds great delight in chasing our poor little dog Darla Mae and chasing Jemimah while she rides her bike. He has gone so far as to bite her bike tire. I'm glad to be on his good side, so far!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9L0RmuNN-bJw9I7nhCEppLbC1cKoxZ0J0aOj_EXUc73y8VtARp9d9G-Kz4ysrRnxj8FbYpk_6GAer8JX-BbNW_fJos14lf1A4NocfqSp9Ub10m0B0KVSVa71w36t0wGnRA_WK9CsOTVSLYyXV0DAPmruIqoZvhXL7-8OIJbORpYswTCp-sq3EJp3eg/s2836/IMG_1567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2836" data-original-width="2333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9L0RmuNN-bJw9I7nhCEppLbC1cKoxZ0J0aOj_EXUc73y8VtARp9d9G-Kz4ysrRnxj8FbYpk_6GAer8JX-BbNW_fJos14lf1A4NocfqSp9Ub10m0B0KVSVa71w36t0wGnRA_WK9CsOTVSLYyXV0DAPmruIqoZvhXL7-8OIJbORpYswTCp-sq3EJp3eg/w329-h400/IMG_1567.jpg" width="329" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jemimah spent time this summer working on her embroidery and learning how to sew on the sewing machine. After completing a couple of hand sewn projects she was ready to try her hand at using a sewing machine. She sewed a patchwork quilt for her dolls and did a great job! I was so proud of her hard work, and blessed when she won best of fair at our county fair for her quilt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP97AdtkiWbpNqIkBybMPUsbjRlHq8xTPRQlJRA1IVjbiDlTKi0VVSangqrQPuwKsHHweaQ7R56IHCZFOr4XuS8xAZN0cOCJhtU7T53ipc785iQR3KZHI70bZgVJ4diLMbTTL9ew6RtphvAAPNMHNhnIeEPKOk0KUArhJGzf4vUzbz2i7BtIyzQn3VQ/s3680/IMG_1606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3680" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP97AdtkiWbpNqIkBybMPUsbjRlHq8xTPRQlJRA1IVjbiDlTKi0VVSangqrQPuwKsHHweaQ7R56IHCZFOr4XuS8xAZN0cOCJhtU7T53ipc785iQR3KZHI70bZgVJ4diLMbTTL9ew6RtphvAAPNMHNhnIeEPKOk0KUArhJGzf4vUzbz2i7BtIyzQn3VQ/w400-h329/IMG_1606.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Over the summer I hand embroidered a little runner/dresser scarf. I found the stamped embroidery kit at a little quilt shop in our area; they were selling a number of vintage stamped embroidery projects for 50cents- $1. I purchased several, some appear to be from the 1950's. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVSHzLeAAzn5qP9wDbs--Ftqxa52iFlALGf9ZD8XBPqso-N-KxbF6IYN9Z0R4TouyNoDYrRdZH6bejqN27CDTKJ4wwfdwr-QWWqXrCC7IRroskOvcDH1ixKvxPS5rEGwtpPqVMNiU70k3HW8fg9EQDYcuAePSiUXGUljJIAgShZx4b5_ihFZPBrDFhA/s4032/IMG_1626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVSHzLeAAzn5qP9wDbs--Ftqxa52iFlALGf9ZD8XBPqso-N-KxbF6IYN9Z0R4TouyNoDYrRdZH6bejqN27CDTKJ4wwfdwr-QWWqXrCC7IRroskOvcDH1ixKvxPS5rEGwtpPqVMNiU70k3HW8fg9EQDYcuAePSiUXGUljJIAgShZx4b5_ihFZPBrDFhA/w400-h300/IMG_1626.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also added a couple of new (to me) vintage apron patterns to my collection. I am hoping to find time to sew them over the next few months, and maybe add them to my shop. I really like to button back closure of each design.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful summer! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h3><b>"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable <i>are</i> his judgments, and his ways past finding out!</b><span class="p"><b>" Romans 11:33</b><br /></span></h3></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-82661371888833196622022-07-16T14:24:00.000-07:002022-07-16T14:24:09.459-07:00Pasta Salad Recipe<p style="text-align: center;">Today I would like to share with you my favorite recipe for pasta salad. Earlier this month I made pasta salad for a Fourth of July picnic at my mom's house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyRBBCb2_MrmnhS426vzXGPu0bL9gNiu_wowhg1LqwGG0sRm9SbYnwg5Q8xc7oFWxJ_NeZk2sm3gq8gaoNMRytxC-AHn4FiATwwMyBKAZbVjLTxubi4TtxvFCnQ48WZCQuyDcTWkIUAVCgjNhQ6L4MI_ab1IK-pls1Gqz-XbObF_8eKI-5E5J0A6VWw/s4690/IMG_4664.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4690" data-original-width="3335" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyRBBCb2_MrmnhS426vzXGPu0bL9gNiu_wowhg1LqwGG0sRm9SbYnwg5Q8xc7oFWxJ_NeZk2sm3gq8gaoNMRytxC-AHn4FiATwwMyBKAZbVjLTxubi4TtxvFCnQ48WZCQuyDcTWkIUAVCgjNhQ6L4MI_ab1IK-pls1Gqz-XbObF_8eKI-5E5J0A6VWw/w285-h400/IMG_4664.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pasta Salad:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 box (12 Oz.) tri-colored rotini pasta</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 green bell pepper, chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 carrot, shredded</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4-1/2 onion, finely chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cup pepperoni, cut into pieces</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 can (6 oz.) black olives, sliced</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dressing:</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup olive oil</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup red wine vinegar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 TBSP. water</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 TBSP. honey</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 TBSP. Parmesan cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4-1/2 tsp. garlic powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 tsp. dried basil</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. dried oregano</div><div style="text-align: center;">black pepper to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Directions: </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Whisk together ingredients to create the dressing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In large bowl combine pasta, cheese, bell pepper, carrot, onion, pepperoni, olives and salad dressing. Refrigerate overnight. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This salad is a summer favorite in my home! It is very versatile and can be adjusted to suit your family's preferences. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also made a cake for the picnic. It was a simple boxed cake, but I thought it may be worth sharing despite the fact in was not entirely made from scratch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CcaJxme8P_UBuChwkf7X3cTRdBr0J5hVIMJIv8MqCwigY5b57RCuMHZEbQUapb1jz-NJJI787xltwd-raPtrjth2Hie8tXFV3d3mQDlF2YjJzHzbv_Kam6fAXcczIgvsvSM7ZFL_dUZgEwxHxKJ6kv4jnTvRAaaq_bWIVGtx6rm7ZaW9rxoY59cRwg/s3244/22-07-03%2016-33-42%202721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2165" data-original-width="3244" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CcaJxme8P_UBuChwkf7X3cTRdBr0J5hVIMJIv8MqCwigY5b57RCuMHZEbQUapb1jz-NJJI787xltwd-raPtrjth2Hie8tXFV3d3mQDlF2YjJzHzbv_Kam6fAXcczIgvsvSM7ZFL_dUZgEwxHxKJ6kv4jnTvRAaaq_bWIVGtx6rm7ZaW9rxoY59cRwg/w400-h268/22-07-03%2016-33-42%202721.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <b>Cherries in the Snow Cake:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 box white cake mix (*ingredients needed to bake cake)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 box instant pudding</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups cold milk </div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups heavy cream</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup powdered sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. vanilla</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 can cherry pie filling</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Directions: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Prepare and bake cake according to directions. </div><div style="text-align: center;">When cake is finished baking and still warm poke cake with the end of a wooden spoon handle. In bowl combine pudding mix with milk. Stir until smooth and let sit 2 minutes. Pour pudding into holes of warm cake. Place in fridge a couple of hours to cool. Prior to removing cake from fridge, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla, until stiff peaks form and it has become whipped cream. When cool, top cake with whipped cream and cherries.</div><div style="text-align: center;">*When the boxed cake mix called for oil I used melted butter, and it place of water I used whole milk. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since it was July 4th, I decided to try and form the cherries and some blueberries into an American flag. My attempt was a little crude, but everyone seemed to like my less than perfect flag cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a lovely Fourth of July picnic! We were very blessed with a warm, sunny day. We enjoyed good food, patriotic music, fireworks, and best of all, being with family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="text Ps-33-12" id="en-KJV-14379">"Blessed is the nation whose God is the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord." Psalm 33:12</span></span>a</b></span><span class="text Ps-33-12" id="en-KJV-14379"><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-27080236498855502032022-06-23T12:54:00.001-07:002022-06-23T18:02:27.787-07:00Feathered and Furry Friends<p style="text-align: center;">Happy Summer! I hope you all have enjoyed a beautiful spring.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;">This spring we were blessed to add to our flock and I thought I would take some time to share pictures of our feathered and furry friends.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6GaRySgp_AWnoime6L7-PwZTEoeq5wrL-qEXk_Xzu6PvZC3g4QTrF3IAZSCSeow0qoRIVdsiYveFK3BwFOW2NfzQMHYcjUzhAvZ3IhIiM7yaEpa5WOUsfaIj_RgfzoZG0eBzM37Ngn1ZMTk982pBSdVqdZYwoIsdfFvm4q78kn0tN3fIrryaW-JgLg/s3627/22-05-21%2011-20-28%201937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="3627" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6GaRySgp_AWnoime6L7-PwZTEoeq5wrL-qEXk_Xzu6PvZC3g4QTrF3IAZSCSeow0qoRIVdsiYveFK3BwFOW2NfzQMHYcjUzhAvZ3IhIiM7yaEpa5WOUsfaIj_RgfzoZG0eBzM37Ngn1ZMTk982pBSdVqdZYwoIsdfFvm4q78kn0tN3fIrryaW-JgLg/w400-h284/22-05-21%2011-20-28%201937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>For some time now Adam has been interested in purchasing some geese. He had read articles about the benefits of geese, and that they prove to be a good alarm/guard against predators. After losing all but two of our hens over the past year he had been looking into options on how to better protect our hens. Some recommend geese as they will alert their owners of harm and even scare away predators.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GY79oD9XFpreUe6bHFTT4INbwGADNxJ_y60c2vQYxzhPj4f53OH6vLKtmccgHXEiS5dy9E7mnFlVvCUBltv-9IZ1Z_dLwqMM7f5jrmxQm2y38YmFxTo07fJFewaXCaJ9vjcTUc1Gq1XnpvwEs1TcJZsDzCxLVaz1M5hxaJBQMSEXT9cJNdwiOUYgCw/s4032/22-05-17%2019-46-59%201929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GY79oD9XFpreUe6bHFTT4INbwGADNxJ_y60c2vQYxzhPj4f53OH6vLKtmccgHXEiS5dy9E7mnFlVvCUBltv-9IZ1Z_dLwqMM7f5jrmxQm2y38YmFxTo07fJFewaXCaJ9vjcTUc1Gq1XnpvwEs1TcJZsDzCxLVaz1M5hxaJBQMSEXT9cJNdwiOUYgCw/w300-h400/22-05-17%2019-46-59%201929.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> It wasn't too hard for Adam to convince me that we <i>needed</i> geese. Especially when I met the sweet little gosling above! Adam had ordered two Embden geese, unfortunately when the shipment arrived at the store, one of the goslings had not survived the trip. The store we purchased from had a mix of other goslings to choose from and this little dear caught my eye, she is a White Chinese.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHXcNq4BeLIxMAB16UTu3F4DetVGGFEaEOOWJAsCoaSE6ip5XoLiIg4IB4NtbicbbXfz8DkPmWQ5pLALuFhkxhI445m3lNkxasn1NchUlEOdrEnPsg8mDObVnsB7c2Y7ezNnRLzl_z4fomExwJ2AcQgobOAymHfvunrrncrrI_-aEiYPwNvrbmvNNBw/s1440/E7A6A51C-EC0E-4F20-87A4-5813130EADF3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHXcNq4BeLIxMAB16UTu3F4DetVGGFEaEOOWJAsCoaSE6ip5XoLiIg4IB4NtbicbbXfz8DkPmWQ5pLALuFhkxhI445m3lNkxasn1NchUlEOdrEnPsg8mDObVnsB7c2Y7ezNnRLzl_z4fomExwJ2AcQgobOAymHfvunrrncrrI_-aEiYPwNvrbmvNNBw/w400-h300/E7A6A51C-EC0E-4F20-87A4-5813130EADF3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> In just over a month the geese have grown so much! Both geese are loving and enjoy being held. In the evenings Adam and I will sit in our lawn chairs with a goose on each of our laps.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl5MDxmHT4zg29wXPb09zQxe-ia9jpqxo97dHN06vEUp_UOpqz61m3SQull9tAHmt7dtf_zrah77s6hxnCbfNb3iBwr0noNXPvU-l1SqzqxnPHTsTf8H7njldKawOHvGL0sSeZfSbd1LOp5R3UVeCQuzczBUWQ_IMxkk5q2wCVkZgLMlZ99QAytjcng/s3410/22-06-15%2019-11-18%202398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2571" data-original-width="3410" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl5MDxmHT4zg29wXPb09zQxe-ia9jpqxo97dHN06vEUp_UOpqz61m3SQull9tAHmt7dtf_zrah77s6hxnCbfNb3iBwr0noNXPvU-l1SqzqxnPHTsTf8H7njldKawOHvGL0sSeZfSbd1LOp5R3UVeCQuzczBUWQ_IMxkk5q2wCVkZgLMlZ99QAytjcng/w400-h301/22-06-15%2019-11-18%202398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Adam has named his Embden goose Axel, after the character in <u>Journey to the Center of the Earth</u>. Axel is an impressive goose already, he is twice the size of my goose. I love the picture above, as it looks like he has a crazy tuft of blonde hair! Both geese have lost most of their baby fuzziness and are growing beautiful white feathers.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvYT_wjyOijr_PdwJ1CxY0I5s_Rm9BDAuNY_fvA0LaDLCKq7Kt6VoGfhnCrQdzycXaBOS0k3Up9boluh5yL0gE6N9XxH9FZHMfF7_wQc4fFjbH0sZwNl8yl9NR3vcPICbR1lcbAETVXe3Mw78xllrsLEpjnvz4jRDRtnmLq8VX0_6RoO_w08BfTAfHg/s3277/22-05-13%2019-32-11%201855%20-%20Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3005" data-original-width="3277" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvYT_wjyOijr_PdwJ1CxY0I5s_Rm9BDAuNY_fvA0LaDLCKq7Kt6VoGfhnCrQdzycXaBOS0k3Up9boluh5yL0gE6N9XxH9FZHMfF7_wQc4fFjbH0sZwNl8yl9NR3vcPICbR1lcbAETVXe3Mw78xllrsLEpjnvz4jRDRtnmLq8VX0_6RoO_w08BfTAfHg/s320/22-05-13%2019-32-11%201855%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I mentioned earlier we lost all but two of our hens to a hawk and possum. We decided to add ten new chickens to our flock. The business we purchased chicks from has an incredible variety to choose from. My daughter and I had a difficult time limiting our selection to only ten birds! Each of the ten chickens is a different variety, many of which we never raised in the past. Some will even lay blue or green eggs.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmBpl3sDRLFbnEQ-8yew7sUVOmqyYXzP79S9t4ia8YOGIdRA1M--FS5jNAhuS71rk0ucMfn9_fdUlbp8C2KGjqbxMSicY1n0kQ-Sl96xBIPD0NoOYZxEqTE7tPuNtbJdsF0-P8ZqBsYbE21IztITTM6fLcP4i48rb4per0j_iHDi9Vv7yDZkhMmcwPw/s2333/IMG_4936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2333" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmBpl3sDRLFbnEQ-8yew7sUVOmqyYXzP79S9t4ia8YOGIdRA1M--FS5jNAhuS71rk0ucMfn9_fdUlbp8C2KGjqbxMSicY1n0kQ-Sl96xBIPD0NoOYZxEqTE7tPuNtbJdsF0-P8ZqBsYbE21IztITTM6fLcP4i48rb4per0j_iHDi9Vv7yDZkhMmcwPw/w400-h233/IMG_4936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The chicks are harder to photograph than the geese as they are constantly moving about. They love to flap their wings and "fly" about their pen. We love to watch their adorable antics!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMb86Z0WVs9Oj3VXXDewv36IyKXB3Z_GPlLN5lbsgCGRtZL2L8PkPoPpvgF_Zs1wVowHAiX_nIK__f_PnYhkRlaNXEy7_uEdw-EyfJc7A9Y9-J8ub9DRdgRdpR5iGvj4TqPBsvamQzMu75zlbPtqEq9sC2yJWB5aksTCA40Prb54aH3B9UsDXDbZdGg/s1438/IMG_1332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1438" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMb86Z0WVs9Oj3VXXDewv36IyKXB3Z_GPlLN5lbsgCGRtZL2L8PkPoPpvgF_Zs1wVowHAiX_nIK__f_PnYhkRlaNXEy7_uEdw-EyfJc7A9Y9-J8ub9DRdgRdpR5iGvj4TqPBsvamQzMu75zlbPtqEq9sC2yJWB5aksTCA40Prb54aH3B9UsDXDbZdGg/w400-h353/IMG_1332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our two remaining hens have been enjoying the company of a distinguished gentlemen. Our neighbor's rooster comes over every morning to join our ladies on a stroll about the lawn; come evening he escorts the hens to the hen house and returns home. It is truly comical to watch him walk the hens home, cut across the lawn and then pass under the fence to his own yard. We have dubbed him Sir Reginald Rooster, but call him Reggie for short. Reggie is the most conversational chicken I have ever met, he is always clucking away over every inch of lawn and will even crow in Adam's garage to request an ear of dried corn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuecLjvv7Exr3lgMiULjxaUzrSYQ4mvOuUMHf0v6cmtJ1GOiV3iJjxbgaTdSOOlUgScmBGtdW0VI4z66kX4Jis5vpY1o5ozraSRCanJ9APBfrpxSa_CgS2oGiukN5jaknTHFsUQLHIePnydLl2nNc5Iir19QfiChErJlSN54BTTRlhGljQISKVNRrBbA/s1949/IMG_4931.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1949" data-original-width="1546" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuecLjvv7Exr3lgMiULjxaUzrSYQ4mvOuUMHf0v6cmtJ1GOiV3iJjxbgaTdSOOlUgScmBGtdW0VI4z66kX4Jis5vpY1o5ozraSRCanJ9APBfrpxSa_CgS2oGiukN5jaknTHFsUQLHIePnydLl2nNc5Iir19QfiChErJlSN54BTTRlhGljQISKVNRrBbA/w318-h400/IMG_4931.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We also purchased two turkey chicks this spring. Much to Jemimah's dismay Adam plans to have the turkey butchered come fall. Adam hopes to have a truly home grown Thanksgiving this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzq5YVwOYXampnTm549mJIb7uXwSVj6uvobJBZw5dQD5-F2xwSKhm6Zxd1xyH0Lno77T6g01TJ6S3YNuwKxMzqoUeQcZPBHuf_IJ5lr6EFP_4F_CcxAM4npSrx2AvAmYc_-4oO8lVW4HJPPnWlgm3qPont8ynuCaNh5lRlTcFbYW41zOikO8a6TB1qg/s3573/IMG_1192.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3573" data-original-width="2270" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzq5YVwOYXampnTm549mJIb7uXwSVj6uvobJBZw5dQD5-F2xwSKhm6Zxd1xyH0Lno77T6g01TJ6S3YNuwKxMzqoUeQcZPBHuf_IJ5lr6EFP_4F_CcxAM4npSrx2AvAmYc_-4oO8lVW4HJPPnWlgm3qPont8ynuCaNh5lRlTcFbYW41zOikO8a6TB1qg/w254-h400/IMG_1192.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Since it has been awhile since I last posted you have not yet had the chance to meet our puppy, Darla Mae. She joined our family last summer and has been an absolute delight! Darla Mae is truly the sweetest little dog I've ever met. In the picture above she is wearing a sweater I crocheted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8K2-XX6pXyHeNyfxldNjiVGdYQwF0fw-IYASUl7622G3xSJWGgDQBEy6xwpd8oL8GAyYGZHsJ4A1fQavUpbCxppkk_ddAqRgVgtGleS7qYV-FimydAoC8PbGqq7DI3OoOTg6MhsS04a075HHHAZsJAZTpusZGguLP9eY39XV4035Y4vpQcPLeXV9EA/s3254/IMG_0754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2632" data-original-width="3254" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8K2-XX6pXyHeNyfxldNjiVGdYQwF0fw-IYASUl7622G3xSJWGgDQBEy6xwpd8oL8GAyYGZHsJ4A1fQavUpbCxppkk_ddAqRgVgtGleS7qYV-FimydAoC8PbGqq7DI3OoOTg6MhsS04a075HHHAZsJAZTpusZGguLP9eY39XV4035Y4vpQcPLeXV9EA/w400-h324/IMG_0754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Since I can't resist cute puppy pictures I had to include a picture of Darla Mae from last summer soon after we brought her home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfSABIhy07OYYMz1EuCNLFghOMj2kEOuM2RbpkOCdhcT-qUTxv80biaQ7wq6R44eUwewDcjCx-eboLQIr_bWcCeZ-h7Wu3KxCNgVAWh0jUXhOm8r-WEDm7A98__7cP6Bc-NgKaQq3oSmz_F5VWrkRNnpCVQdp2ETcuLHP8UHebOW23F4Mbu275_Ntlg/s2931/22-06-03%2013-25-33%202202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2931" data-original-width="2628" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfSABIhy07OYYMz1EuCNLFghOMj2kEOuM2RbpkOCdhcT-qUTxv80biaQ7wq6R44eUwewDcjCx-eboLQIr_bWcCeZ-h7Wu3KxCNgVAWh0jUXhOm8r-WEDm7A98__7cP6Bc-NgKaQq3oSmz_F5VWrkRNnpCVQdp2ETcuLHP8UHebOW23F4Mbu275_Ntlg/w359-h400/22-06-03%2013-25-33%202202.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adam has also begun beekeeping. We're all hoping to eventually enjoy a wonderful yield of honey, but in the meantime we are finding pleasure in watching the bees collect pollen from our various flowers. It is beautiful to see the bees return to their hive with their back legs coated in yellow pollen. Bees are such amazing creatures. How good the Lord is to bless us with His incredible creations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3BNAlqJP3M1__aJsyBZwC4ye7cP33srFzTGnl8LqSMeJ23q2muj43rqHn-KCEOKiDfbEbCMNZ5O16kvQEysP-D0VBuNYFJNkwU8yIX36CctkeMWIejZBUqVaUTZig3m1qbVJEpX3PH0lMnC6Vcd9rdTOGufApUTaWWVY7lMHumYrpBv8dmHOxAeuyw/s2750/22-06-01%2017-49-48%202181.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2288" data-original-width="2750" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3BNAlqJP3M1__aJsyBZwC4ye7cP33srFzTGnl8LqSMeJ23q2muj43rqHn-KCEOKiDfbEbCMNZ5O16kvQEysP-D0VBuNYFJNkwU8yIX36CctkeMWIejZBUqVaUTZig3m1qbVJEpX3PH0lMnC6Vcd9rdTOGufApUTaWWVY7lMHumYrpBv8dmHOxAeuyw/w400-h333/22-06-01%2017-49-48%202181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> We were somewhat surprised by a recent visitor to our garden. One evening Adam spotted this enormous snapping turtle in our vegetable garden. We stood by and watched as the turtle began to burrow down into the tilled soil. We all kept our distance, since snapping turtles can be quite dangerous, but enjoyed an up close observation of a large snapper at work.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you have enjoyed this little update about our animal friends. Hope to chat with you all again soon!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-104-24" id="en-KJV-15596"><span style="font-size: large;">"O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." Psalm 104:24</span><br /></span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-36008941583538935552021-05-30T17:30:00.002-07:002021-05-30T17:30:51.565-07:00Springtime Beauty<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0it6ITV3bolFkXnQmOm8fkvK8J6Z4otigCMVEqNtD5T2_NRWaAIFUM9D1LehebNffEl-BgM3O_OOxppZpewonKIAEO_r786MVk8K0U7ty7KnSX5TGu2E1nkd9CGiwa-5AFwa7XoWQZtJH/s2048/IMG_3730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1853" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0it6ITV3bolFkXnQmOm8fkvK8J6Z4otigCMVEqNtD5T2_NRWaAIFUM9D1LehebNffEl-BgM3O_OOxppZpewonKIAEO_r786MVk8K0U7ty7KnSX5TGu2E1nkd9CGiwa-5AFwa7XoWQZtJH/w363-h400/IMG_3730.JPG" width="363" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">May has been a beautiful month where I live. My family and I have been enjoying the return of each springtime flower and feathered friends. It is always such an amazing blessing to see spring unfold after a long cold winter.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWkQTvTvC-zhQsCoQXB4K6Jm-jp4YQU013q3uB9OfxCBlQD2rlnvCXhDP8SNUmAPT_4xC8lgYCGjS3fdu5ikp5-8aLr9y-C_rqPW_sruIRNYxBxV24o2MyF59FxE_dj_4iDlCKkiyLZHV/s2048/IMG_3728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1966" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWkQTvTvC-zhQsCoQXB4K6Jm-jp4YQU013q3uB9OfxCBlQD2rlnvCXhDP8SNUmAPT_4xC8lgYCGjS3fdu5ikp5-8aLr9y-C_rqPW_sruIRNYxBxV24o2MyF59FxE_dj_4iDlCKkiyLZHV/w384-h400/IMG_3728.JPG" width="384" /></a></div><br /> My daughter and I find great delight in awaiting the arrival of our favorite flowers. I cherish all of the sweet little bouquets my daughter collects for our kitchen table.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq6MAR2YBZuHIu3hzBfJumNTrIxsA7vKv64T1E_yqCpHOdEaBUNXS4zMqkgpcGjj19qzWqC_YaFxR2vBB0tMDKdhceVPvxsj5AH9B47xQkzHLD41P77rotegXo9LF1usJsvAyWd4dd0ON/s2048/IMG_3727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1656" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq6MAR2YBZuHIu3hzBfJumNTrIxsA7vKv64T1E_yqCpHOdEaBUNXS4zMqkgpcGjj19qzWqC_YaFxR2vBB0tMDKdhceVPvxsj5AH9B47xQkzHLD41P77rotegXo9LF1usJsvAyWd4dd0ON/w400-h324/IMG_3727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Star of Bethlehem is one of if not my favorite springtime flower. It is a wildflower that began blooming on our property a couple of years after we moved into our home. It tends to be a short lived flower, so we anxiously await its blossoming and soak up its beauty while we can. Each time I see the Star of Bethlehem flower I can't help but think of the sweet Christmas song by that name. : )<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6rn63CHBkbv6ui3SLhU97SHQUNzTP7f3R8D8OtBLXn8ZlIgUXCAqcRF3PCXbIgEJ_0JfL0v6RPuWfFeRexJPf0dWNUKQPE1qm14uLwLmXP4hJZmjoNpfnsP2RRFUTGVG5vUQNXZ2tdHq/s2048/IMG_0704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1712" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6rn63CHBkbv6ui3SLhU97SHQUNzTP7f3R8D8OtBLXn8ZlIgUXCAqcRF3PCXbIgEJ_0JfL0v6RPuWfFeRexJPf0dWNUKQPE1qm14uLwLmXP4hJZmjoNpfnsP2RRFUTGVG5vUQNXZ2tdHq/w335-h400/IMG_0704.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our crab apple tree was especially beautiful this year! I always love the vibrant pink blossoms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OaeTlfFAPnPmzteBIJQ8jiZA-3Sgw1ceUXjXRyIs18ATCpezn2Xu3fAIT7UiyUWZe9j_2X7Wt5CEN8IzOUP70d13KE-zXztJbzlq-rXzidLJfkJYjsoQO_tDRxaNDrObuKimk2-lTsVt/s2048/IMG_0700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OaeTlfFAPnPmzteBIJQ8jiZA-3Sgw1ceUXjXRyIs18ATCpezn2Xu3fAIT7UiyUWZe9j_2X7Wt5CEN8IzOUP70d13KE-zXztJbzlq-rXzidLJfkJYjsoQO_tDRxaNDrObuKimk2-lTsVt/w400-h300/IMG_0700.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so impressed with the amount of blossoms on the tree this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4I2jDN3vdwNGVe63dec7YzS9t9UF83-faYn4vN_J7Vrj_TBZlYUAdJT4oeotvpI_R176LAuajAoLzVxJRhCqgGf_zihtjykMD1yUYlXTQw_T_99-XwgVtHYyvQLNIhXQWfLW4SdLaRUf/s1891/tree3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="1891" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4I2jDN3vdwNGVe63dec7YzS9t9UF83-faYn4vN_J7Vrj_TBZlYUAdJT4oeotvpI_R176LAuajAoLzVxJRhCqgGf_zihtjykMD1yUYlXTQw_T_99-XwgVtHYyvQLNIhXQWfLW4SdLaRUf/w400-h345/tree3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We always eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Baltimore Orioles. Adam made little platforms for grape jelly, the orioles enjoy perching on the platforms while they eat the jelly. It is surprising just how much grape jelly they can eat in a week! If you look closely you will spot a male Baltimore oriole, a female and a very mischievous squirrel. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a family of squirrels in the large old maple tree outside our living room window. We have enjoyed watching their unbelievable antics! They make us laugh so often with how cute and crazy they behave, especially the juvenile squirrels.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHYKvCIjB08nGEi5rQyfsbPf5gaU4MdzRtbG6ixnRVErIA7Ue9uzw9EsiuEHa5s24ll-6vS4DEtzVkFMFEay37oWonovQkeQq7S23JK4yWXLC9hyphenhyphena5clQImvYCK8ImrJm_wLMzbsAXV2W/s2007/Tree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1829" data-original-width="2007" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHYKvCIjB08nGEi5rQyfsbPf5gaU4MdzRtbG6ixnRVErIA7Ue9uzw9EsiuEHa5s24ll-6vS4DEtzVkFMFEay37oWonovQkeQq7S23JK4yWXLC9hyphenhyphena5clQImvYCK8ImrJm_wLMzbsAXV2W/w400-h365/Tree2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adam took these pictures of the orioles early one morning. They can be fairly difficult to photograph. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have also been grateful to once again see the Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Bluebirds, hummingbirds and so many others! Many times when we visit my mom we are treated with a visit from the Pileated woodpecker, what an amazing creature!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_cme8fBg9BYMNTp7zsPY4AEd8fzQScng7OBfWeM0IqHUFLXV-6FKV2JXQ1bIwsqsE-w9lT1ZMMFA9FMw8E4XRlYbqCuxwIu4Cjp8-Md_Fg6fuRyFiiSnr9F0HKnnNUvjeEIA9bCWeHal/s2048/IMG_0714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="2048" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_cme8fBg9BYMNTp7zsPY4AEd8fzQScng7OBfWeM0IqHUFLXV-6FKV2JXQ1bIwsqsE-w9lT1ZMMFA9FMw8E4XRlYbqCuxwIu4Cjp8-Md_Fg6fuRyFiiSnr9F0HKnnNUvjeEIA9bCWeHal/w400-h297/IMG_0714.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We have planted our vegetable garden and are excited to once again watch the plants grow. Our first harvest this year was asparagus, which was an unexpected blessing. Adam had planted some asparagus roots in the garden last spring. We had read that it could take up to five years before the plants would produce anything edible. However, much to our delight we had enough asparagus to enjoy one evening with our dinner.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adam started most of our plants from seed this year using heirloom seeds. Last year we had purchased tomato plants from a local greenhouse, at the time we hadn't realized they were heirloom tomatoes. They were the most delicious tomatoes we had ever tasted. The tomato variety was Boxcar Willy, it was the variety's name that caught our attention. Adam was able to save seeds from last years tomatoes and start his own Boxcar Willy tomato plants this year. We are excited to enjoy them once again this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvKS6j5IUEZXIoMm0xRWUU110tq2kv1GlCyNZitGXI2Qf3SHcCGEFT7VadeNLtY_jeQzTv4vOvS9TlwUXAehGLvFfPMjnU5729fjIc6vJGp6m4DWit9tQfhRumgmiZJuH6YFzkrLDrdPp/s2048/IMG_1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvKS6j5IUEZXIoMm0xRWUU110tq2kv1GlCyNZitGXI2Qf3SHcCGEFT7VadeNLtY_jeQzTv4vOvS9TlwUXAehGLvFfPMjnU5729fjIc6vJGp6m4DWit9tQfhRumgmiZJuH6YFzkrLDrdPp/w266-h400/IMG_1504.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully I will post again soon. It seems like there tends to be more to share during the spring, summer and fall. I hope to share some of my recent sewing projects soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have you planted a garden this year? Are you enjoying any special feathered friends?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></h4></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4><span class="text Ps-104-24" id="en-KJV-15596"><span style="font-size: medium;">"O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." Psalm 104:24</span><br /></span></h4></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-91622316737061383862020-12-31T12:49:00.000-08:002020-12-31T12:49:31.496-08:00Faith's Checkbook<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DKHAMFSt7FxOEArwvHAn0iXAx4SP0f974kpfdKc7v2NcXjCBHTI9wVzfrbFLktfyGpTtONJxOme8w1tYRIB9zQGIwnp8WvHcgEz4WUvi7JL1ECbF3DKWbzLdHaSi8Feup0GFD9FsDxhl/s2048/IMG_0589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1898" data-original-width="2048" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DKHAMFSt7FxOEArwvHAn0iXAx4SP0f974kpfdKc7v2NcXjCBHTI9wVzfrbFLktfyGpTtONJxOme8w1tYRIB9zQGIwnp8WvHcgEz4WUvi7JL1ECbF3DKWbzLdHaSi8Feup0GFD9FsDxhl/w320-h297/IMG_0589.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Over the years one of my favorite daily devotional books has been <u>Faith's Checkbook</u> by Charles Spurgeon. When I was growing up my mom would often read aloud from her own worn copy of <u>Faith's Checkbook</u> to my sisters and I. When I married mom gave me a copy of my own, and it has continued to encourage me with God's promises throughout the years.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Faith's Checkbook </u>is a collection of 366 promises from God's Word, one for each day of the year, including leap years. In each reading Charles Spurgeon will expound upon the promise for that day in a brief devotion. I have been blessed time and again to be reminded of God's precious promises though this devotional. </p><p style="text-align: center;">********************************************************** <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Below is the reading for December 28th: <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Absolute Assurance</strong> <br /><em>"He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hebrews 13:5).</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">Several times in the
Scriptures the LORD hath said this. He has often repeated it to make our
assurance doubly sure. Let us never harbor a doubt about it. In itself
the promise is specially emphatic. In the Greek it has five negatives,
each one definitely shutting out the possibility of the LORD's ever
leaving one of His people so that he can justly feel forsaken of his
God. This priceless Scripture does not promise us exemption from
trouble, but it does secure us against desertion. We may be called to
traverse strange ways, but we shall always have our LORD's company,
assistance, and provision. We need not covet money, for we shall always
have our God, and God is better than gold; His favor is better than
fortune. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">We ought surely to be content with such things as we have, for
he who has God has more than all the world besides. What can we have
beyond the Infinite? What more can we desire than almighty Goodness. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">Come, my heart; if God says He will never leave thee nor forsake thee,
be thou much in prayer for grace that thou mayest never leave thy LORD, nor even for a moment forsake His ways. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">************************************************************</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">As the new year approaches it is good to remember God's goodness and His promises through His Word. If you are considering a new daily devotional for 2021 I would highly recommend <u>Faith's Checkbook</u>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><i>"As for</i> God, His way <i>is</i> perfect; The word of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is proven; He <i>is</i> a shield to all who trust in Him."</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b>Psalm 18:30 </b><br /></p><p><u></u></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-9237443927841976612020-12-21T15:16:00.000-08:002020-12-21T15:16:14.186-08:00Christmas Books by Grace Livingston Hill Part 2<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwbu3QqSlBg_aK0rfdj-s6zDsk-4EwcUFIbUoQuu44UGhZsGYGf5OUnmq-iZmjJA1AXZLXbTpgYqeuNQ5uKOjEhaqwRyvM_7pdq1MZNOo7Qxc0mYOQ2JqBXA14O2TgaEksVpjWxSkNtb9/s2048/IMG_3410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1686" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwbu3QqSlBg_aK0rfdj-s6zDsk-4EwcUFIbUoQuu44UGhZsGYGf5OUnmq-iZmjJA1AXZLXbTpgYqeuNQ5uKOjEhaqwRyvM_7pdq1MZNOo7Qxc0mYOQ2JqBXA14O2TgaEksVpjWxSkNtb9/w329-h400/IMG_3410.JPG" width="329" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Back in 2017 I shared some of my favorite Grace Livingston Hill Christmas stories. Since then I have discovered a few other Christmas books by Mrs. Hill that I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope you will too!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gNoHabwS2NfmG9PYCShzXeZutNNYPg6cx0vK0tXYtxv_9wIr1sX0yVOWt-oOhhsRHPLOR8TkFG2LHdP-P5TipzG78d1MLGEvojjVL6N9UIsTXu98mtqtMSTGOUdHhFyS8g3kNgTegJRi/s2048/IMG_3413.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1976" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gNoHabwS2NfmG9PYCShzXeZutNNYPg6cx0vK0tXYtxv_9wIr1sX0yVOWt-oOhhsRHPLOR8TkFG2LHdP-P5TipzG78d1MLGEvojjVL6N9UIsTXu98mtqtMSTGOUdHhFyS8g3kNgTegJRi/w400-h386/IMG_3413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><u>The Prodigal Girl</u> was quite the story! It follows the Thorton family during a rather tumultuous Christmas season. Mr. Thorton has spent his years climbing the corporate ladder and spending little time with his family. One day, just after reaching his highest professional achievement, he over hears a rather surprising conversation regarding his eldest daughter. He is stunned, and upon further investigation realizes that while he was pursuing his dream career his family had been terribly neglected. Mr. Thorton makes the decision to remove his family from the city and relocate to his childhood home in rural Vermont. </p><p>As can be imagined his worldly wise offspring are less than thrilled with this arrangement. Mr. Thorton meets with a great deal of opposition from his family, especially from his oldest daughter. As the story unfolds we see the Lord's redemptive plan for the Thorton family and it is beautiful! I loved the description of the old homestead in Vermont, and I especially enjoyed reading of the old-fashioned preparations for Christmas. <u>The Prodigal Girl</u> was a book that I found hard to put down and one that I would highly recommend.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMv0k31N7WnVtvKqAeWbPsXZ1lPk9tadt3rUvdfwugMThHz2odZ20ZauLVCL7YzDD62JwfDTX6rwJVbBPXFjJNhb7eqeFnWTcoDPTapr753RVKOY0Rzn6Q3i9iL3mKAriwFiP9RG_-4vY-/s2048/IMG_3414.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1982" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMv0k31N7WnVtvKqAeWbPsXZ1lPk9tadt3rUvdfwugMThHz2odZ20ZauLVCL7YzDD62JwfDTX6rwJVbBPXFjJNhb7eqeFnWTcoDPTapr753RVKOY0Rzn6Q3i9iL3mKAriwFiP9RG_-4vY-/w400-h388/IMG_3414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><u>Astra</u> is a sweet story. In the first pages a wintry storm, as seen from a train, is described so beautifully I felt as though I were there! I could imagine seeing the little towns covered in snow, Christmas lights gleaming. The main character, Astra, is a lonely young woman. She had lived with her cousins family since the passing of her parents. Her values don't always align with those of her worldly cousin, so when her cousin and family take a trip out of state Astra sees her means of escape. Life on her own is difficult, she isn't sure were to turn when all of the old friends she had counted on are out of town for Christmas. Astra finds a friend and help in a most unexpected way. A beautiful story of Christmas romance unfolds in a wholesome and engaging fashion. <u>Astra </u>is a book I will definitely read again. It was cozy, sweet and pointed to Jesus, which is my favorite kind of Christmas story.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HZoFP8dUi-O8NRTusxh-9MzDO3ZXQAyrWw8nKecZmaWAhHAOEEixRO8EcXRBjyqF41rNaO1xvvNKEryOWNkIL0oe_8sPBqwy-QhwB3hrn7ys0WVWx_5qcq6FT9tW-zbZ2QG3-jZ0K0MN/s2048/IMG_3415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1843" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HZoFP8dUi-O8NRTusxh-9MzDO3ZXQAyrWw8nKecZmaWAhHAOEEixRO8EcXRBjyqF41rNaO1xvvNKEryOWNkIL0oe_8sPBqwy-QhwB3hrn7ys0WVWx_5qcq6FT9tW-zbZ2QG3-jZ0K0MN/w360-h400/IMG_3415.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><p><u>Partners</u> is the story of Dale, a young woman out of a job and alone in an unfriendly city. Trouble seems to meet her at every turn. Utterly despondent and without hope she calls upon God for guidance and help. She is amazed at the answer to her prayer, and the unusual responsibilities that come her way. </p><p>On a stormy evening, a young man that resides at the boarding house where Dale lives discovers a baby left in the vestibule of the boarding house. The poor little baby is covered with snow, blue with cold and terribly sick. Unable to find help in the ladies running the boarding house he seeks help from Dale. From that point forwards they become "partners" in seeking to save the precious little life of the baby he had found. <u>Partners</u> is a lovely story. I was blessed with the story's ultimate theme of God's goodness and guidance in the lives of the characters.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U9uGLc-gRgKvdwNJiOE30v-s3OT-rS1dQbFENsF3aNge9KLmEfqLILKGXEh6FGPMkhhd_4djUG3pVEWgSE78J7F1WWLaC3XkuY1mkWDzoj-VX2yE2aTjuj41vaVIW1C_VzOizIUuroOn/s2048/IMG_3417.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="2048" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U9uGLc-gRgKvdwNJiOE30v-s3OT-rS1dQbFENsF3aNge9KLmEfqLILKGXEh6FGPMkhhd_4djUG3pVEWgSE78J7F1WWLaC3XkuY1mkWDzoj-VX2yE2aTjuj41vaVIW1C_VzOizIUuroOn/w400-h350/IMG_3417.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Brentwood</u>: Upon the passing of her adoptive mother, Marjorie discovers a letter describing her history. Much to Marjorie's surprise she discovers that her birth mother is still alive. With Christmas soon approaching Marjorie decides to seek out her birth mother, so she will not have to spend Christmas alone. Marjorie is met with quite a surprise when she finally finds her mother. Not only does Marjorie have a mother, but she has a father, an identical twin sister and three younger siblings! Her parents are both terribly ill and the entire family is living in poverty. Thankfully, Marjorie's adoptive parents had left her with a small fortune, so when Marjorie discovers the situation her family is in, she is able to help them and bless them with a truly wonderful Christmas! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Brentwood</u> is a story of family, and how a loving family is of more value than any amount of money. It was fun to read the accounts of Marjorie's generosity, and how she was able to forge a true friendship with her stand-offish twin sister. I truly enjoyed this unique Christmas story.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">As you well know Grace Livingston Hill is my favorite author, and I am so happy that she wrote such a wonderful variety of Christmas books! If you would like to read my previous Grace Livingston Hill Christmas book post <a href="https://lilacsandspringtime.blogspot.com/2017/12/christmas-books-by-grace-livingston-hill.html">here is a link</a>. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> <p></p></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-52842582369629913272020-12-14T15:22:00.000-08:002020-12-14T15:22:36.062-08:00Christmas Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyb_B7nLgGHKaywNnDWJR5co2SFdeF352dlpgEskz-6-83ZgycVgsOyGjp84STckgWbyeFAaOQ5z4ahK7DHFgdo1TESxUYvA26CV_F77tkTj9IrP-xJWFCryZRoP4ASQQuaMg9f77reRx/s2048/IMG_0549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="2048" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyb_B7nLgGHKaywNnDWJR5co2SFdeF352dlpgEskz-6-83ZgycVgsOyGjp84STckgWbyeFAaOQ5z4ahK7DHFgdo1TESxUYvA26CV_F77tkTj9IrP-xJWFCryZRoP4ASQQuaMg9f77reRx/w400-h285/IMG_0549.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I would like to share with you some new cookie recipes my daughter and I have recently enjoyed baking. This year I decided to try some new cookie recipes, as I tend to make the same cookies every Christmas season. All three new recipes were well received and have been added to my cookbook for future reference. <br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2KVCb1IBmLrAM_IaK7tQPiChZAcor62OHBI8w6RxMdgNTsEPNgu3XiiSOwA10AZVWEtsZYRn991OmDKuFEYhwL-xGsPAa_pKxnfDnzwkjfBaFRnJpqEGNj2erkPAH-ZMUdvlittyoCwE/s2048/IMG_0551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2KVCb1IBmLrAM_IaK7tQPiChZAcor62OHBI8w6RxMdgNTsEPNgu3XiiSOwA10AZVWEtsZYRn991OmDKuFEYhwL-xGsPAa_pKxnfDnzwkjfBaFRnJpqEGNj2erkPAH-ZMUdvlittyoCwE/w400-h333/IMG_0551.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This summer one of our favorite read aloud books was <u>Pippi Longstocking</u>. In the story Pippi is forever baking and eating pepparkakor cookies. Jemimah was shocked by many of Pippi's antics, including when Pippi rolled out her cookie dough on the kitchen floor. After baking a batch of pepparkakor cookies we could easily see why Pippi would bake such large batches of these cookies, they don't last long. Pepparkakor cookies are delicious and have a wonderfully spicy flavor.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbdvM7496g_dUeagmJVGXlUhISwAhZSxePYQWf6UWiHloo7W3pByooOCw8OTIchaHByHO5zNAuBzUtQv20a-TUMIdyst2Ni-VAd4lEripxFObbrISs-rMWtHhk4fxZwVekcX_Hv-WB-Du/s2048/IMG_3407.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1462" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbdvM7496g_dUeagmJVGXlUhISwAhZSxePYQWf6UWiHloo7W3pByooOCw8OTIchaHByHO5zNAuBzUtQv20a-TUMIdyst2Ni-VAd4lEripxFObbrISs-rMWtHhk4fxZwVekcX_Hv-WB-Du/w285-h400/IMG_3407.JPG" width="285" /></a><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Pepparkakor Cookies</b></div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">
<span>1</span> cup
</span>
butter, softened<span class="recipe__list-qty"> </span></li><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">3 1/4 cups
</span>
flour<br /></li><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">
<span>2</span> teaspoons
</span>
baking soda<br /></li><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">
<span>2 </span>teaspoon
</span>
cinnamon<br /></li><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">
<span>1</span> teaspoons
</span>ground ginger</li><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">
<span><sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub></span> teaspoons
</span>
ground cloves</li><li>1 1/2 cups sugar (I used all brown, but I think the recipe recommend white)<br /></li><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">
<span>1</span>
</span>
egg<br /></li><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">
<span>2</span> tablespoons
</span>
maple syrup<br /></li><li><span class="recipe__list-qty">
<span>1</span> tablespoon
</span>
water </li></ul> Directions: Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl. Add egg, maple syrup, and water to butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fluffy. Gradually add dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. Cover bowl and chill dough for at least an hour to make the dough easier to handle and roll out. Once chilled, roll dough until about 1/8" thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out dough into shapes. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned on the bottom.<p>**************************************************************************** </p><p>Jemimah discovered this recipe in her Club House Jr. Magazine. They were a lot of fun to make and the
finished cookies were scrumptious! The design and flavor are perfect for Christmas. I know that from now on candy cane cookies will be
part of my Christmas cookie rotation each year. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXlGXkYXCuSCjkwEr0m6QbTHiLl2-GNB-fYzJkmrNKb5tBR_mVdkJWYZrtNf4wA73TPGq1fVSf1-EAOcr6nKZ84QoMlknU51wiXzAJAKD4FVpREppuk_ZBPo9ulHyL8zraLT14wnrVYFi/s2048/IMG_0519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="2048" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXlGXkYXCuSCjkwEr0m6QbTHiLl2-GNB-fYzJkmrNKb5tBR_mVdkJWYZrtNf4wA73TPGq1fVSf1-EAOcr6nKZ84QoMlknU51wiXzAJAKD4FVpREppuk_ZBPo9ulHyL8zraLT14wnrVYFi/w400-h289/IMG_0519.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Candy Cane Cookies</b></div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>1 cup butter, softened</li><li>1 cup confectioners sugar</li><li>1 egg</li><li>1 teaspoon peppermint extract</li><li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li>1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li><li>2 1/2 cups flour</li><li>red food coloring</li></ul><p>Directions: Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, peppermint, vanilla, salt and baking powder. Gradually add flour, mix well. Set aside half of the dough. Add red food coloring to one half of dough. Chill dough for at least one hour, so that dough is easier to work with. Once chilled pinch off a piece of dough, about 2 tablespoons, from each color. Roll each dough into a rope that measure about 5" long. Twist both ropes together and then curve top to create a cane shaped cookie. Bake in a 375 degree oven 9-12 minutes.</p><p>**************************************************************************** <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpa8-Ej1P-MESya1eomuMjp59KTtbfqOcJuoHEcPb6WjOl_nJMekOE7CtmCAd4oZvRWmmX1WszE91zi5c83MT30LzxksHm7ikWbPJaQFBtLDWJTuP_RHkAEihxCmo0yLLxjjvKz0tGBiu/s2048/IMG_3321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1824" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpa8-Ej1P-MESya1eomuMjp59KTtbfqOcJuoHEcPb6WjOl_nJMekOE7CtmCAd4oZvRWmmX1WszE91zi5c83MT30LzxksHm7ikWbPJaQFBtLDWJTuP_RHkAEihxCmo0yLLxjjvKz0tGBiu/w356-h400/IMG_3321.JPG" width="356" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During the Christmas season I often think of my grandma and all of her wonderful baking. Each Christmas she would give our family a shirt box filled with an assortment of homemade cookies. My sisters and I were always excited to see what grandma had baked that year. One of my favorite cookies were grandma's mincemeat cookies. They tasted so old-fashioned and festive. Unfortunately grandma never shared the recipe and after her passing we were unable to find the recipe in her cookbooks. However, awhile back I read a recipe for mincemeat cookies shared by <a href="http://cubbycrafts.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a> that sounded similar. I finally tried baking her recipe and it tasted just like the cookies I remembered grandma baking! They are truly a special treat. I encourage you to visit Jennifer's blog and try baking <a href="https://cubbycrafts.blogspot.com/2017/03/making-do-and-mincemeat-cookies.html">her recipe for mincemeat cookies</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you will enjoy trying the cookie recipes I shared today. Have you tried any new cookie recipes this season? If yes, do you have a new favorite to recommend?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">P.S. A few years back I shared some favorite Christmas cookie recipes. If you are interested in seeing the post <a href="https://lilacsandspringtime.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-baking.html">here is a link</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="text Ps-8-1" id="en-KJV-14014">"O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens." Psalm 8:1</span></b> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-64179031008394161162020-11-02T14:59:00.000-08:002020-11-02T14:59:13.064-08:00Apple Pie and October Memories<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjmtBF0tX30h35knCKWPKRNdpgdOTHtZNwDm2X4p7pnB-AIE_3-WqSVjS4IP3Fdrld2kqwNbt3luh5y67b-BoJ-yqmS3FHbRVYCef794XZbkv13I3S1DGxqhWyvMP1FAVvHR_BVTQjZ-E/s2048/IMG_0475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjmtBF0tX30h35knCKWPKRNdpgdOTHtZNwDm2X4p7pnB-AIE_3-WqSVjS4IP3Fdrld2kqwNbt3luh5y67b-BoJ-yqmS3FHbRVYCef794XZbkv13I3S1DGxqhWyvMP1FAVvHR_BVTQjZ-E/w400-h269/IMG_0475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">October was truly a lovely month. I don't remember an autumn with prettier foliage. The picture above was taken while driving down my grandpa's driveway. Grandpa lives down a fairly long driveway, tucked back amid the woods. The entire driveway was lined with golden foliage, this picture doesn't do justice to just how beautiful the golden leaves looked in person. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrLfj1y9_XqGhUGiqbXZs_spiE0uZBF_e5WSV8JiygCIqnLGUJGzmgIOxHdBQ7ev49YmDBjmBgdZNmPedCQ5c6DN1f0ZY_Mmo0GA1KQNEcvfKCkIpHy3rMuATME-m5FgXuDi4jgdaeP3E/s2048/IMG_0465.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="2048" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrLfj1y9_XqGhUGiqbXZs_spiE0uZBF_e5WSV8JiygCIqnLGUJGzmgIOxHdBQ7ev49YmDBjmBgdZNmPedCQ5c6DN1f0ZY_Mmo0GA1KQNEcvfKCkIpHy3rMuATME-m5FgXuDi4jgdaeP3E/w400-h248/IMG_0465.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">We were able to take a couple of day trips in the month of October. Our favorite was our visit to Letchworth State Park. The trees were just beginning to change color, the weather was pleasantly cool, and it was such a treat to see so many amazing views of God's marvelous creation!</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Letchworth is often referred to the "Grand Canyon of the East". While there we saw the actual home of Mary Jemison, a rustic log cabin. She is buried at Letchworth and they have a monument honoring her, as well as a historical display of her life.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The three waterfalls were truly splendid! Our little girl was absolutely delighted by the waterfalls, as she had never seen a waterfall that large or impressive before.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4ZiA3-h7GCPHe6gqJe2iomgWFlk_oynqFxcxj874nTwJR9yyDp1ZwllKIHdVpNpY7lrUK_VT5gIF20J9e3NWRy2izIYMXmnG1sCBnlL529IQH4qIokLg0rVL41YpZ2Z5AlLH94KCLTU4/s2048/IMG_0469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4ZiA3-h7GCPHe6gqJe2iomgWFlk_oynqFxcxj874nTwJR9yyDp1ZwllKIHdVpNpY7lrUK_VT5gIF20J9e3NWRy2izIYMXmnG1sCBnlL529IQH4qIokLg0rVL41YpZ2Z5AlLH94KCLTU4/w400-h300/IMG_0469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Not far from Letchworth is Mount Morris, the town where Lamplighter Publishing is located. We were pleased to have the chance to visit Lamplighter and tour their book bindery and recording studio. It was a treat to see how they create the beautiful books in their collection. We were deeply impressed at all the hands-on work that goes into creating each volume.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAI73m4JCOaLiWnfIIrNTbSDQ-OgOPrBdVBecNtl8X-KFHB68LINZ26LfYL4x4KzgBVrtAxzZ2n04jiFOmd2Z3dy1yXJDc2FZPuMbUqwosSAf_cBgnwUJjcng-LQHSzxv9K23WuG7P2Ow/s2048/IMG_3003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAI73m4JCOaLiWnfIIrNTbSDQ-OgOPrBdVBecNtl8X-KFHB68LINZ26LfYL4x4KzgBVrtAxzZ2n04jiFOmd2Z3dy1yXJDc2FZPuMbUqwosSAf_cBgnwUJjcng-LQHSzxv9K23WuG7P2Ow/w266-h400/IMG_3003.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">When the days grow cooler I look forward to baking my favorite Autumnal recipes. Nothing say "fall" like apple pie. I thought I would share my favorite recipe. It is the recipe my mom always made when I was growing up. It is simple, but delicious.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Apple Pie</p><p style="text-align: center;">6-7 cups apples, peeled and sliced</p><p style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup brown sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">4 tablespoons melted butter</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</p><p style="text-align: center;">Combine all ingredients. Pour into pie shell. Top with crust or crumb topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Crumb Topping:</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup oatmeal</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup brown sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup butter</p><p style="text-align: center;">Blend well. Sprinkle over pie evenly.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-kJfqkQZ_bsiB9PkPgp4VHGU8Benb01II9jiKKExUfIkBMJCCm8zYCYNwXKIj1lSlaelzoSs_JTFAomt9MpbMlaeFTi9THQUncPMnCvrq6AJAUW1jhg7U0TPwJsgEmP91Q-0NhcsmqRX/s2048/IMG_3007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-kJfqkQZ_bsiB9PkPgp4VHGU8Benb01II9jiKKExUfIkBMJCCm8zYCYNwXKIj1lSlaelzoSs_JTFAomt9MpbMlaeFTi9THQUncPMnCvrq6AJAUW1jhg7U0TPwJsgEmP91Q-0NhcsmqRX/s320/IMG_3007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">We didn't have our first frost until nearly the end of October. It gave us ample time to enjoy the flowers in Jemimah's wild flower patch. She was bringing in little bouquets nearly every day. The wild flowers brought us all much joy this summer. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWQ3XBwYrrXF4xOC9igWF7_xWB1k3mwP3gdn_dnLcnWwkicvVYDMGUxt1cT-jex_3SwK_UrcTKe48zFZO83I3cM0bS7VSOore-yWGZodnzP3Rsr6GEr2iGFFVMDFdw98n4mJhSadIgJQ0/s2048/IMG_3008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWQ3XBwYrrXF4xOC9igWF7_xWB1k3mwP3gdn_dnLcnWwkicvVYDMGUxt1cT-jex_3SwK_UrcTKe48zFZO83I3cM0bS7VSOore-yWGZodnzP3Rsr6GEr2iGFFVMDFdw98n4mJhSadIgJQ0/s320/IMG_3008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The zinnias were my favorite in the mix. I loved the combination of vibrant and soft colors.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVsKpIlaQ8nwJjA_Duxw3bEKkGzq88pSEJmPOb5cyLEjkqBuSATNZ2rDRX40xFe3tXZ8rNw_LkPuostwodfnSXg1GAF6UBNXANS79mDLgxgy17UBsTWa47bo1ipB68gSpqgwx35Im46Et/s2048/IMG_3009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVsKpIlaQ8nwJjA_Duxw3bEKkGzq88pSEJmPOb5cyLEjkqBuSATNZ2rDRX40xFe3tXZ8rNw_LkPuostwodfnSXg1GAF6UBNXANS79mDLgxgy17UBsTWa47bo1ipB68gSpqgwx35Im46Et/s320/IMG_3009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I had to snap a few pictures knowing that these would be some of the last fresh flowers we would enjoy until spring.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnip6936xg5Uo_c3BzKPaR60QIX4hP_aUTGw4AS_1XcOF7Lf6d8NMcn2dSVsb-k9Ny58lfJv_huymxUZyI67DAl_df0NVTr8RHyRCqd_eWNCxJ_ddKC4D5cCqkC8GHVHflZvGsih6Wxf7/s2048/IMG_3011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnip6936xg5Uo_c3BzKPaR60QIX4hP_aUTGw4AS_1XcOF7Lf6d8NMcn2dSVsb-k9Ny58lfJv_huymxUZyI67DAl_df0NVTr8RHyRCqd_eWNCxJ_ddKC4D5cCqkC8GHVHflZvGsih6Wxf7/s320/IMG_3011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">A sample of how the daily mini bouquets had a tendency to take over the kitchen table.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd68QisHFqtB2fA_iKzgFwwRj3Bam82FeNCvcnkrQAPyZjYtoRnhubXFRTZCGiyuSXf7QtJuwbQiW29n_BgdNvGQAqUAqbiJ3s1OTv97WPqlS4Cf4OiIMuxgA-giA4XGtNngBzVPv6Lql/s2048/IMG_3012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd68QisHFqtB2fA_iKzgFwwRj3Bam82FeNCvcnkrQAPyZjYtoRnhubXFRTZCGiyuSXf7QtJuwbQiW29n_BgdNvGQAqUAqbiJ3s1OTv97WPqlS4Cf4OiIMuxgA-giA4XGtNngBzVPv6Lql/s320/IMG_3012.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you have all enjoyed a beautiful October as we have. May you have a blessed week!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"<span class="text Isa-25-1" id="en-KJV-18120">O Lord, thou art my God; I
will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful
things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." Isaiah 25:1</span></b></span> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-88054388718863859992020-08-28T15:16:00.005-07:002020-08-28T15:16:52.825-07:00August<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a9Kk9ucUpICAxOB2sduysLfbNq2AEnyzKVO2RVOcEW_3XzAqZ0ZjFHBzN2__wMVrXGxGu1eFJjbg95FZUPoBitz-h-GHHrxMlfY1d73NMwvvtPF2FSURAhoPHfz7s9x9HIIR-N0oKv8m/s2048/IMG_2959.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1489" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a9Kk9ucUpICAxOB2sduysLfbNq2AEnyzKVO2RVOcEW_3XzAqZ0ZjFHBzN2__wMVrXGxGu1eFJjbg95FZUPoBitz-h-GHHrxMlfY1d73NMwvvtPF2FSURAhoPHfz7s9x9HIIR-N0oKv8m/s640/IMG_2959.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bouquet of flowers came from our wildflower garden.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">August has been a busy month of gardening, canning, home improvements and beginning our homeschool year. It feels as though we have accomplished a great over the past few weeks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBPg02o5KOog-RY2qmRAJv1wXHpPocd5FPugjQ3LY8679NfUb-YuK9k3dPiPjXvfbtFl_MTm_K2Cq5S4Tu8dC0BvD_-GmDOMc8KuxKf694_Ygw9ARYOhZvLz7M6ROvP9HfXSL9LMjISmH/s2048/IMG_0317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBPg02o5KOog-RY2qmRAJv1wXHpPocd5FPugjQ3LY8679NfUb-YuK9k3dPiPjXvfbtFl_MTm_K2Cq5S4Tu8dC0BvD_-GmDOMc8KuxKf694_Ygw9ARYOhZvLz7M6ROvP9HfXSL9LMjISmH/s640/IMG_0317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">We have been so pleased, blessed and grateful with the success of our garden this year. Adam tripled the size of our patch dedicated to growing corn, and it was wonderful to enjoy homegrown sweet corn so often this summer. We even had enough corn that I was able to freeze several quarts for the winter ahead.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ30OhBvS24sa7Afk0ITfzX1v5G-VSupD4TNTFBePsLdWz-vsmvBN5d40_HF9i43akBwU-DV6H2oU1XgntiPXpBhKVs9IdvxKWzdSs_IHThIpggjkSQcLquAJo0xIjPVbQNBdInh9UvyFI/s2048/IMG_0368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ30OhBvS24sa7Afk0ITfzX1v5G-VSupD4TNTFBePsLdWz-vsmvBN5d40_HF9i43akBwU-DV6H2oU1XgntiPXpBhKVs9IdvxKWzdSs_IHThIpggjkSQcLquAJo0xIjPVbQNBdInh9UvyFI/s640/IMG_0368.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Adam has compiled a collection of garden pictures that we hope to share in a post here soon. As you can see from the picture above Adam grew almost everything this year! The cantaloupe has been a favorite. The flavor is so sweet and special during the last of these hot summer days.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TqmNUWv0Su_nXFVJeW3E4DnJL2mcH2AQtvTyweB-CHw7DHJwvD3q582y28O4S81HfzX8Kd80ljVEJvWww98bn8Sx9Kjn4Bp92nE7PCMQe3EfViZvh6Q3gHXUHtfi5xKPPaK8XaQkK20z/s2048/IMG_2962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1827" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TqmNUWv0Su_nXFVJeW3E4DnJL2mcH2AQtvTyweB-CHw7DHJwvD3q582y28O4S81HfzX8Kd80ljVEJvWww98bn8Sx9Kjn4Bp92nE7PCMQe3EfViZvh6Q3gHXUHtfi5xKPPaK8XaQkK20z/s640/IMG_2962.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">As I type this I have over a dozen jars of spaghetti sauce and a dozen jars of pepper jelly resting on my kitchen counter - all made with produce from the garden. It is such a joy to know that come winter we will still have a taste of this beautiful summer to enjoy!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier this week I made plum jam. It remains a family favorite. I am always delighted when I am able to find locally grown plums. They are so delicious and they make the perfect jam!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqb7yKwoog4OFiYLHW4y_0tkujoo7MzKAvdqc5SPECRYxSxzrtWJ99qPkeh3O7XxfOupr-pE6Re76IFQCwtBIlLUYCmZwKLZnJTSJyjjaY7f2IJfAbx8vVypN5IrLomDu39VAL8AIRGUL/s2048/IMG_2964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1921" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqb7yKwoog4OFiYLHW4y_0tkujoo7MzKAvdqc5SPECRYxSxzrtWJ99qPkeh3O7XxfOupr-pE6Re76IFQCwtBIlLUYCmZwKLZnJTSJyjjaY7f2IJfAbx8vVypN5IrLomDu39VAL8AIRGUL/s640/IMG_2964.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">In the evenings I enjoy sitting back with a good book or some handiwork. Currently I am reading <u>Duskin</u> by Grace Livingston Hill. Reading a Grace Livingston Hill book is like meeting with an old friend, some of the situations are similar book to book, but enough is different to be entertaining. The theme of God speaking through His Word is woven throughout <u>Duskin</u> in such a natural and beautiful way. The main character has promised her mother that she will read her Bible daily while away from home on a business trip. At first she is annoyed by her mother's request, but as the story progresses she realizes that God is using the book of Proverbs to guide and direct her course. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGdb1Pl6rHMC1HDxXrFFF_dsQEAXGmurjVANsDNcy8HWoCVopulfPUW765jR53aJqLxeTN7EjXGtzHls4vAkyH530JyTTROjaCNshQXMneQdKDfREor2aHxusRKmkY_XZyZBKIkBMit0e/s2048/IMG_2989.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGdb1Pl6rHMC1HDxXrFFF_dsQEAXGmurjVANsDNcy8HWoCVopulfPUW765jR53aJqLxeTN7EjXGtzHls4vAkyH530JyTTROjaCNshQXMneQdKDfREor2aHxusRKmkY_XZyZBKIkBMit0e/s640/IMG_2989.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The evenings have been cooler of late and I have been finding some time to knit again. This summer was quite hot, so my knitting sat tucked away until now. The blue yarn is being knit into a cardigan for my daughter. The natural yarn is a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/735764604/hand-knit-bow-scarf-keyhole-scarf-ascot?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">scarf</a>.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68kTBVGdVUs8AMlr6D-bVXYdnSOSJxgM8nvCd7qP8jcFAJyb64teecwDpojZojvG7Man4pKf6tvv2MhTKdoiOvB7uDPOWtQKHEN_vOYaUEh3mPErURv4fb9EkLy8Jo900r42_maO6k2KD/s2048/IMG_2952.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68kTBVGdVUs8AMlr6D-bVXYdnSOSJxgM8nvCd7qP8jcFAJyb64teecwDpojZojvG7Man4pKf6tvv2MhTKdoiOvB7uDPOWtQKHEN_vOYaUEh3mPErURv4fb9EkLy8Jo900r42_maO6k2KD/s640/IMG_2952.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Earlier this month I canned several quarts of peaches. While I had fresh peaches on hand I made peaches and cream kuchen, a recipe that my grandma shared with me years ago. It is one of Adam's favorites, so much so that I made it twice in one weekend.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Peaches and Cream Kuchen</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Crust:</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cups flour</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 Tbsp. brown sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. salt</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp. baking powder</p><p style="text-align: center;">1/2 butter</p><p style="text-align: center;">Combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. With pastry blender cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Turn mixture into lightly greased 8"x8" pan. Pat firmly against bottom and sides of pan.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3 cups of sliced peaches (fresh, frozen or canned may be used)</p><p style="text-align: center;"> 3/4 cup brown sugar</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. cinnamon</p><p style="text-align: center;">Arrange peaches over crust. Combine sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over peaches. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Beat 1 cup heavy cream and 2 egg yolks together. Pour over peaches. Bake an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Allow to stand 10 minutes, serves warm. Yum!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsNYFi2jlQtCLRktxvlCAPnPF2CoomMVJdZEVP6zG5m9Kj3_rjbA561g1SriDnZ56YbXlCFPAsxFfbtnSXbkTqQ4fALys5NEzpIjemrv8UuwSq_bu4_D_x3Oswh_CFxCqDh_PEBApL834/s2048/IMG_0340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsNYFi2jlQtCLRktxvlCAPnPF2CoomMVJdZEVP6zG5m9Kj3_rjbA561g1SriDnZ56YbXlCFPAsxFfbtnSXbkTqQ4fALys5NEzpIjemrv8UuwSq_bu4_D_x3Oswh_CFxCqDh_PEBApL834/s640/IMG_0340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">My mom, daughter and I visited a lovely greenhouse/farm market one day this month. Jemimah was excited to discover this stunning display of pink petunias. We had to snap a few pictures of her among the flowers.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="GAL.1.5"><span class="content"><b>"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works <em>in</em> us." Ephesians 3:20</b><br /></span></span></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-45828084071670126822020-07-31T16:26:00.001-07:002020-07-31T16:26:58.365-07:00Sour Cream Berry Pie Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNx2b4DlcaqjY9AsiPlrmxSMHTattMN35P_ui_9wL7ZWUMKSImLAoiW0oHQOOhSIvsx0OVNMKiFvwem1_Tjyp0EcocpaJTx1RW8ivAhH74TGXZQCjFaBE4k0mky0X0BWH4JL4UFW8QENh/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNx2b4DlcaqjY9AsiPlrmxSMHTattMN35P_ui_9wL7ZWUMKSImLAoiW0oHQOOhSIvsx0OVNMKiFvwem1_Tjyp0EcocpaJTx1RW8ivAhH74TGXZQCjFaBE4k0mky0X0BWH4JL4UFW8QENh/s400/IMG_2948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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During the summer months I love to enjoy the fresh fruits of the season through pies. Recently I had used some black raspberries for jam and didn't have quite enough left over to make a pie with, but still wanted to incorporate them into my baking. Then I remembered reading a recipe for a sour cream berry pie in the <u>Mennonite Community Cookbook</u>. It seemed a somewhat unusual recipe and at first I was hesitant to give it a try. My curiosity got the better of me! Sour cream berry pie is a recipe I will keep on hand to bake often since it doesn't require as much fruit as a classic fruit pie. The texture is delicious and I found that the berries were still the main flavor of the pie.<br />
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<b>Sour Cream Berry Pie:</b><br />
2 1/2 cups elderberries or blackberries*<br />
1 cup sugar**<br />
2 tablespoons flour<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
Pastry for 1 (9 inch) crust<br />
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Wash berries and place in an unbaked crust.<br />
Combine sugar and flour.<br />
Add sour cream and blend thoroughly.<br />
Pour mixture over fruit.<br />
Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue to bake for 30 minutes.<br />
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*I used 3 heaping cups of black raspberries.<br />
**I used 3/4 cup of sugar. My berries were quite sweet and I felt an entire cup would be too much.<br />
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I look forward to baking this pie recipe again using different berries. I think red raspberries would be wonderful. Come September I hope to make the elderberry variation too!<br />
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<i> </i>This recipe can be found in the <u>Mennonite Community Cookbook</u>. I purchased the 65th Anniversary Edition a couple of years ago. It is a lovely cookbook. Some of the recipes are a bit more old-fashioned than what I would typically cook, but there are still many that are timeless and delicious!<br />
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What new recipes are you enjoying this summer?<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-26342554074938799542020-07-28T04:50:00.000-07:002020-07-28T04:50:48.000-07:00Black Raspberries and Clematis<br />
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This summer we have been abundantly blessed with delicious raspberries, both red and black. Ever since I was a little girl black raspberries have been a favorite. For many years they grew wild along the edge of my mom's yard. My sisters and I loved to pick and eat blackberries on hot summer days. Very often we had enough for a pie too.</div>
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About four years ago Adam planted both red and black raspberries at our home. In the picture above you can see the row of black raspberries to the left and red to the right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZnkPRAPxW8xb359sgQYcBC6Ufz13_YGNTKBn_PLgBvj_HirI6i5KKB7V04uE70x8gQZqZJMSW5QO_o4PFqHrShunVIu8Owmrw41_2DPAPo9ZqQV7gaCu6_yHDVjGhj7MuAtihWWkRO8h/s2048/IMG_2929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1784" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZnkPRAPxW8xb359sgQYcBC6Ufz13_YGNTKBn_PLgBvj_HirI6i5KKB7V04uE70x8gQZqZJMSW5QO_o4PFqHrShunVIu8Owmrw41_2DPAPo9ZqQV7gaCu6_yHDVjGhj7MuAtihWWkRO8h/s400/IMG_2929.JPG" width="348" /></a></div>
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It has taken time, but it is certainly a blessing to see the bushes reach their full potential and produce enough berries to be useful. </div>
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We had enough berries to make two batches of jam (20 jars). I love making lots of jam each year. Family and friends are always pleased to receive a jar of jam. I feel like it is a way to preserve some of summer for the winter months.</div>
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Each year my clematis brings me so much joy! The previous owners of our home planted the clematis. It was a lovely surprise the first summer we lived here.</div>
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<span class="text Eccl-3-11" id="en-NKJV-17371"><b>"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11</b></span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-15651137554432311522020-07-10T04:45:00.000-07:002020-07-10T06:02:07.541-07:00Elderberries and Bluebirds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a while since I last posted here. Life has been busy and my blog always seems to take last place on my list of priorities. Between finishing up our homeschool year, gardening, homemaking, sewing and just enjoying my family, the months have moved along too quickly for my liking!</div>
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Today I thought I would share some pictures of our elderberry bushes. Some may remember back to when Adam first planted the bushes in <a href="https://lilacsandspringtime.blogspot.com/2017/06/our-garden.html" target="_blank">2017</a>. I am amazed how they have grown so huge in just three years! We will have to use a ladder to reach the uppermost berries.</div>
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The blossoms are as large as my hand and they smell absolutely heavenly! In fact you can smell their fragrance several feet away, especially on these warm summer evenings. We are excited, and hopeful, for a grand harvest of elderberries this September.</div>
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We have been delighted with our little family of <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/overview" target="_blank">Eastern bluebirds</a> that have nested in one of our bluebird boxes this year. It may be hard to see them clearly in this picture, but there are four babies. The baby on the lower left hand side is beginning to show blue feathers.<br />
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Eastern bluebirds are very special to me. My grandma and mom were some of the first in our area to place bluebird boxes in their yard, about 30 years ago now. Both studied bluebirds and were very attentive to each bluebird family that nested on their properties. I remember one year a family of baby bluebirds had become wet and dirty due to a tremendous rain storm. My mom and grandma worked together to gently clean the babies and create a fresh nest from grass clippings that had been left from mowing the lawn. At the time it seemed a bit risky, but they did a great job. All of the babies survived and eventually left the nest.</div>
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Hopefully I will share a post dedicated to our garden in the near future. Adam had outdone himself this year! Despite the lack of rain we have had in our area, our garden is thriving. Praise the Lord! We are all eagerly anticipating the first tomatoes and corn on the cob of the season.</div>
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The lettuce in the picture above was found in one of my flower beds. The seed must have been carried there by the wind. It made for a delicious salad.</div>
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This was our best year yet for rhubarb. I was able to make two batches of vanilla-rhubarb jam. If you have yet to try this <a href="https://foodinjars.com/recipe/vanilla-rhubarb-jam/" target="_blank">jam recipe</a> I recommend you make a batch soon! It is by far the most delicious and unique jam I have ever tasted.</div>
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We love to sit outside in the evenings and watch the sunset. I thought this sunset was a beauty, however my picture pales in comparison to how the sunset looked in real life.<br />
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I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful summer surrounded by God's great creations!<br />
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<b><span class="text Ps-33-4" id="en-KJV-14371">"For the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is right; and all his works are done in truth.</span></b> <br />
<b><span class="text Ps-33-5" id="en-KJV-14372"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></b><br />
<b> </b><b><span class="text Ps-33-6" id="en-KJV-14373"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>By the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." Psalm 33: 4-6</span></b><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-70716447327818891312020-04-29T16:30:00.000-07:002020-04-29T16:30:25.957-07:00Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns About Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>In times of doubt, fear, and loss, we turn to the songs and hymns that
remind us that this world is not all there is--that what awaits us as
followers of Jesus is a heavenly kingdom. Songs like "Face to Face,"
"Amazing Grace," "Victory in Jesus," and "I'll Fly Away" were written
amid circumstances of great personal pain in the lives of the
songwriters. In sharing their stories, we can find even more comfort in
our own circumstances.</i><br />
<i>***************************************************</i><br />
<u>Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns About Heaven</u><br />
By: Ace Collins<i></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<u>Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns About Heaven</u> by Ace Collins contains the stories behind 30 well loved songs that were inspired by thoughts of heaven. Each of the thirty chapters begins with a scripture that applies to the song and story behind the song, when possible the lyrics to the song are included. Some of the songs are still within copyright laws, therefore the lyrics to those songs are not provided.<br />
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I was at times surprised but delighted with the wide variety of songs shared in this volume. I expected songs such as "Shall We Gather at the River" and "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder", but did not expect songs like "This Ole House". Some of the songs presented in this book were new to me and I enjoyed having the chance to look these songs up on-line and to hear them for the first time.<br />
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Many of the songs and hymns about heaven were written by people who were facing hard times. They came from hearts weary of this world, hearts longing for heaven and a day without tears. I was inspired by the testimonies of some of these writers, they faced great hardship and many faced tragedies, but they did not lose sight of God and His promise of an eternal home with Him in heaven. <br />
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It is hard to choose a favorite song/hymn from <u>Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns About Heaven</u> so I will include a few of my favorites.<br />
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"Beyond the Sunset" was written against the backdrop of the great depression. The writer, Virgil P. Brock, was wearied by all he saw around him. It seemed there was no hope left in the world. While spending a weekend with his blind cousin he was inspired by the "vision" and faith of his cousin. Though unable to see with physical sight, his cousin's soul was able to see "beyond the sunset".<br />
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Another favorite was" This Ole House". I have always enjoyed singing along with Rosemary Clooney's rendition of this song, while little knowing the deeper meaning the writer meant to convey. The composer of this song was a popular cowboy radio host. He wrote many songs that pointed his audience to God."This Ole House" was inspired by a hunting trip, a chance encounter with an old house and its recently heaven bound occupant.<br />
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I've always loved the song "He Keeps Me Singing", the chorus can get stuck in my head for days! The testimony behind this song was heartbreaking. But the faith of the composer, Luther Burgess Bridgers, was inspiring. After losing his wife and three sons it was his faith in meeting them in heaven one day that kept him singing and serving his Savior Jesus. After years of believing and trusting he was able to see the fruit of his faith and the far reaching power of his song had on so many.<br />
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Another favorite was "Face to Face". I loved that the theme of this song was a desire to see our Savior face to face! That the real attraction of heaven is our Savior and not simply an escape from life's difficulties. "Face to Face" was written by Carrie Breck, a wife and mother blessed with the gift to encourage others with her gift of poetry.<br />
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There were a few stories that I found a little tedious to read, as they outlined how a song became popular rather than the people behind the song. Definitely those stories were important too, to show how God can use a song at just the right time to bless people. Overall I really enjoyed <u>Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns About Heaven</u> and would recommend it.<br />
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<span class="MHRHead">*I received a complimentary copy of </span><span class="MHRHead"><u><u>Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns About Heaven</u></u> from </span><span class="MHRHead">Baker Books Bloggers in exchange for my honest review*</span> <br />
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<u></u>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-8200241685589430242020-04-20T15:08:00.000-07:002020-04-20T15:08:10.987-07:00April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Earlier this month we enjoyed the first of our springtime flowers, crocuses. My little girl loves flowers and was excited to pick dainty bouquets for our kitchen table. In the picture above you can see her collection of bouquets in her tiny tea cups.</div>
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Jemimah loves to color, and I am grateful to find a wonderful variety of coloring pages through Pinterest. I am always especially pleased to find scripture verses for her to color. Over the past two months Jemimah has memorized all of the verses comprising the Romans Road. It truly blesses my heart to hear my daughter recite the many scriptures she has memorized over the past year.</div>
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Our <a href="https://lilacsandspringtime.blogspot.com/2019/08/baby-chicks-and-flowers.html" target="_blank">new hens</a> have begun egg production! After a long winter of not collecting any eggs it has been wonderful to have an abundance of eggs to share once again. Since we have a variety of breeds this time, it is nice to take note of the variances of the egg shell colors. My sister commented how some of the eggs are almost mauve in their hue.</div>
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Over the winter Jemimah learned to embroider. Embroidery was one of my favorite pastimes when I was a youngster, however I will admit I didn't learn to embroider quite as young as Jemimah has. She spent many painstaking hours creating this precious kitty tea towel for me. I know that I will treasure it forever!</div>
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My most recently completed project is a crocheted afghan. It has been quite a while since I crocheted an afghan. It had been on my mind that I would like to crochet an afghan for our living room.<br />
My grandma was quite prolific in her crocheting of afghans. All three of her children, as well as some grandchildren were gifted with multiple hand crocheted afghans. Growing up I always loved to nap under one of grandma's afghans. I thought of my grandma a lot while crocheting this afghan. It was my grandma who taught me to crochet, and this pattern is very similar to a pattern she crocheted a number of times.</div>
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I am really pleased with the end result! It is super cozy and I love the stitch pattern. It was fun to crochet as it was not overly repetitive, but was simple to memorize.</div>
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Did you all have a nice Resurrection Sunday? We did, even if it was quiet and different. One of the special treats we enjoyed this Easter was chocolate cream pie. I thought I would share the recipe today. Over the past few years it has become a family favorite and one of my most requested desserts to bring to family gatherings. In fact my one sister always asks me to make her a chocolate cream pie for her birthday and wedding anniversary. : )<br />
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<b>Chocolate Cream Pie</b><br />
<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup cornstarch<br />
1/2 cup cocoa<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
<br />
Mix ingredients well in a medium saucepan. Then add:<br />
<br />
3 3/4 cups milk (I recommend whole milk)<br />
Cook over medium-high heat. Stir constantly. Mixture will come to a boil. Boil 1 minute or until the pudding is thick. Then add:<br />
<br />
3/4 cup chocolate chips<br />
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Mix well. Pour into an already baked pie crust. Chill in refrigerator until completely cool. I typically allow my pie to cool overnight in the refrigerator. Then top with homemade whipped cream, and if you are feeling extra festive maybe some sprinkles.<br />
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To close I would like to share a devotional I recently read in David Jeremiah's daily devotional <u>Turning Points</u>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Unwavering</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">The Lord has promised good things.<br />
<b>Numbers 10:29</b><br />
<br />
In his commentary on the book of Joshua, John Calvin wrote, “Our faith,
unless founded solely on [God’s] promise, must be continually wavering….
Faith ought properly to recline on the truth of God alone.”</span><span style="font-size: 11px;">[1]</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Are you troubled today? The Bible says, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion” (Psalm 27:5).<br />
<br />
Do you feel weak? The Lord declares, “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).<br />
<br />
Are you anxious about how a situation will work out? Proverbs 3:5-6
says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct
your paths.”<br />
<br />
For every pulsing thought, there is a pulsating Scripture. There’s
always a Bible verse waiting to be requisitioned to your need. Search it
out and write it on the tablet of your mind. If our faith is founded
solely on God’s promises, we’ll be unwavering.<br />
<br />
That which God promises to us in word he seals by act.<br />
<b>John Calvin</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11px;"><i><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b> </b></span></i> </span></div>
"<span class="text 2Pet-1-2" id="en-KJV-30482">Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,</span> <br />
<span class="text 2Pet-1-3" id="en-KJV-30483"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>According
as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto
life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to
glory and virtue:</span><br />
<span class="text 2Pet-1-4" id="en-KJV-30484">Whereby
are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these
ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust."</span><br />
<span class="text 2Pet-1-4" id="en-KJV-30484">2 Peter 1:2-4 </span><br />
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</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-51883493139328572862020-04-11T11:49:00.003-07:002020-04-11T11:50:42.069-07:00One Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>One Day</b></div>
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One day when heaven was filled with His praises,<br />
One day when sin was as black as could be,<br />
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—<br />
Dwelt among men, my example is He!</div>
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Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;<br />
Buried, He carried my sins far away;<br />
Rising, He justified freely forever:<br />
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!</div>
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One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain,<br />
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;<br />
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected;<br />
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He.</div>
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One day they left Him alone in the garden,<br />
One day He rested, from suffering free;<br />
Angels came down o’er His tomb to keep vigil;<br />
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He</div>
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One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,<br />
One day the stone rolled away from the door;<br />
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;<br />
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore.</div>
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</div>
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One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,<br />
One day the skies with His glory will shine;<br />
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;<br />
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!</div>
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-J. Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918)<br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-5-8" id="en-KJV-28056">"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-5-8" id="en-KJV-28056"><span class="text Rom-10-13" id="en-KJV-28202">"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13</span></span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-15-3" id="en-NKJV-28722">"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, </span><span class="text 1Cor-15-4" id="en-NKJV-28723">and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures"<b> </b>1 Corinthians 15:3-4</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-15-4" id="en-NKJV-28723"><span class="text John-14-6" id="en-KJV-26675">"Jesus saith unto him,' I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6</span></span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-15-4" id="en-NKJV-28723"><span class="text John-14-6" id="en-KJV-26675"> </span></span><span class="text 1Cor-15-4" id="en-NKJV-28723"><span class="text John-14-6" id="en-KJV-26675"></span></span><span class="text 1Cor-15-4" id="en-NKJV-28723"><span class="text John-14-6" id="en-KJV-26675">May you have a blessed and beautiful Resurrection Sunday!</span></span></div>
<span class="text Rom-5-8" id="en-KJV-28056"><span class="text Rom-10-13" id="en-KJV-28202"> </span> </span> </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-2105182044235591322020-03-21T12:14:00.000-07:002020-03-21T12:14:58.713-07:00Quiet Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5evaTlC4IPLRAYZionnoJg-mm-0gyxrrbtYuHTQ1j3UP4Qh4A_dY6ZCj9ByTjkEoSa3VkKi_bivFov7K0dTg7QkhUwdza6Va5yvOanI6iLAZVAg-BF7iXrD383CCO8VRGDHrlJ3UfzS8/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5evaTlC4IPLRAYZionnoJg-mm-0gyxrrbtYuHTQ1j3UP4Qh4A_dY6ZCj9ByTjkEoSa3VkKi_bivFov7K0dTg7QkhUwdza6Va5yvOanI6iLAZVAg-BF7iXrD383CCO8VRGDHrlJ3UfzS8/s400/IMG_1320.JPG" width="323" /></a></div>
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Already we are feeling spring in the air! Usually we have snow on the ground, and more in our weather forecasts, in the middle of March*. This week has been warmer and rainy.<br />
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Adam has been busy in the garden this week. He has cultivated a couple of beds and is getting ready to plant peas and beets. </div>
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Before the springtime flowers are in full bloom I wanted to share some pictures of my African violets. At this point they aren't blooming quite so profusely as they were when I took these pictures back in January. I love how my African violets are most vibrant during the long winter months. They help cheer me through the dark winter days.</div>
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Once spring arrives I will need to re-pot my violets. Two of my plants have grown new plants. </div>
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During the winter months I tend to enjoy baking more than I do the rest of the year. When I was growing up my mom would often bake a recipe called "Cinnamon Flop Bread". I loved waking up to the smell of cinnamon on a Saturday</div>
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Baking something delicious is a great way to make a dark rainy day feel cozy and comforting.</div>
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The picture above shows what the "bread" should look like before baking. The cinnamon flop in the blue pan has been sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, while the other has not. I did this so could see how to distribute the butter.<br />
<br />
<b>Cinnamon Flop Bread</b><br />
<div>
1 cup sugar (I use brown)</div>
<div>
2 cups flour</div>
<div>
2 tsp. baking powder</div>
<div>
1 Tbsp. melted butter</div>
<div>
1 cup milk</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mix and spread into two greased pans. I will often use one bread pan and a pie plate, but two bread pans would work too.</div>
<div>
Dot with one stick of butter that has been cut into small pieces. Sprinkle with mixture of 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.</div>
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Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes</div>
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Recently I sewed this dirndl for my daughter. She loves wearing this style of dress and was especially pleased with the pink ribbons! It is a very versatile outfit, lately she has been wearing the dirndl with a turtle neck or tee-top. Once the weather is warmer the dirndl will be worn with a white peasant blouse.</div>
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The dirndl pattern I used was designed by my mom with a little help from myself. My mom makes a variety of European inspired dresses and sells them <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TaylorsScarletThread?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=13147406" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b><span class="text Ps-91-1" id="en-KJV-15397">"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.</span></b> <br />
<b><span class="text Ps-91-2" id="en-KJV-15398"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I will say of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."</span></b><br />
<span class="text Ps-91-2" id="en-KJV-15398"><b>Psalm 91:1-2 </b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-91-2" id="en-KJV-15398">*I wrote this post last week.<b> </b></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-31760314231693040942020-02-29T10:51:00.000-08:002020-02-29T11:05:35.788-08:00Amy Le Feuvre Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-ZD0faa7k2pldAEo8Zj8G-9Z66z_6mBeHCmiSPTmdp5XprVwTl4S-BhpCzZnjHge3HHjq_NRryK6vjc07WOoyFJc6GW6wp8DgS91ZTNmi0S9fv9hdYv8zwzAPNpkAWRS-YsrgSpQtOfF/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-ZD0faa7k2pldAEo8Zj8G-9Z66z_6mBeHCmiSPTmdp5XprVwTl4S-BhpCzZnjHge3HHjq_NRryK6vjc07WOoyFJc6GW6wp8DgS91ZTNmi0S9fv9hdYv8zwzAPNpkAWRS-YsrgSpQtOfF/s640/IMG_1345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today I would like to share four books written by Amy Le Feuvre that I have enjoyed. If you like stories that take place in England during the 1800's then these are books that you will not want to miss!</div>
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<u>The Secret Bridge </u> is the story of Bridget, a lonely young woman recently bereaved of her father. She finds herself alone and penniless. Lacking the skills to provide for herself she finds that she must rely upon the kindness of a new acquaintance. Without giving the entire story away, I will say that Bridget finds herself residing in a lovely farm house near the ocean. As Bridget becomes familiar with the people in the community she finds herself in the middle of a feud between the two most prominent families. What I loved most about this story was the spiritual growth of Bridget. She desires to grow closer to her Savior and rely on Him in all of the obstacles she faces. A wise friend shares the challenge: “Acquaint thyself with Him.” and all throughout the story we see how Bridget grows when she does just that.<br />
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<u>On the Edge of a Moor</u> is a lovely story of a young woman who decides to move to a small cottage "on the edge of a moor". At that time it was unheard of that a young woman would live alone. However our main character, Rhoda, is not completely alone as she has her maid to accompany her on this adventure. Rhoda is a well meaning young woman who desires to reach the poor and uneducated people living on the moors for the Lord. Rhoda is a wonderful character! She is full of enthusiasm and youthful hopes. Once again there is a wonderful picture of spiritual growth in this story. Rhoda learns so much while teaching those around her. <u>On the Edge of the Moor</u> is filled with beautiful descriptions of the English moors and there is a grand cast of characters that I am sure I will want to revisit in the future.<br />
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<u>The Treasure of the Secret Cove</u> is truly an exceptional story of mystery, adventure and romance. Once again, the setting of this story is beautifully described. The main character, Marjorie, lives in a fantastic mansion on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Her love of the sea and tendency towards mischief involve her in quite a mystery. So in order not to give away too much, I will say no more. : )<br />
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<u>The Locked Cupboard</u> was the first book I read by Amy Le Feuvre. Being one of three sisters, I enjoyed this story of four sisters immensely! When visiting their childhood nurse, Nannie, each girl is advised to
seek God in earnest. To help them along that path Nannie shares four special verses from Psalm 37. The Dane sisters are orphaned and left with a small amount of money to support themselves with each year. Used to living in a large home with every convenience they are now forced to leave that way of life for a simpler existence. They rent a small cottage in the country and begin a new life. The sisters are all unique in their personalities and struggles. It was interesting to read how each of them grew in the Lord and how the truth of their specific verse from Psalm 37 impacted their life. Of course there is that mysteriously locked, carved cupboard in the cottage they rent, which definitely adds interest to the story. The cast of characters are unforgettable making for another wonderful read!<br />
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One element that I especially appreciate in all of the books I have read
by Amy Le Feuvre is her ability to write an exciting story and naturally
interweave a message of personal growth in Jesus. I have found myself inspired by the faith and growth of the characters in her stories.<br />
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In case you are interested in purchasing any of these books, I will include links below. All of these books were given to me as gifts by my family and I am writing this review in order to share something I have enjoyed.<br />
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<a href="https://store.lamplighter.net/secret-bridge-the-p2590.aspx" target="_blank"><u>The Secret Bridge</u></a><br />
<a href="https://store.lamplighter.net/on-the-edge-of-a-moor-p2631.aspx" target="_blank"><u>One the Edge of a Moor</u></a><br />
<a href="https://store.lamplighter.net/treasure-of-the-secret-cove-the-p2591.aspx" target="_blank"><u>The Treasure of Secret Cove</u></a><br />
<a href="https://store.lamplighter.net/locked-cupboard-the-p2370.aspx" target="_blank"><u>The Locked Cupboard </u></a></div>
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Have you read any of Amy Le Feuvre's books? If so, do you have a favorite?</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-86030234656209488372020-02-17T18:11:00.000-08:002020-02-18T04:56:38.625-08:00A New Favorite Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcAoZmU2bTz0QVT0aG5eCs-2p2X7qyk-ks5XNcvIseUvBGrVd0usr5qt1wrhCXjxqwXsIPWu_ovM6GevMAJt_VL8tIjTzUPjL9pWtnUvXj3TCT90ufdADIsr-CsqvCxD4tHm5FJS51CM2/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1090" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcAoZmU2bTz0QVT0aG5eCs-2p2X7qyk-ks5XNcvIseUvBGrVd0usr5qt1wrhCXjxqwXsIPWu_ovM6GevMAJt_VL8tIjTzUPjL9pWtnUvXj3TCT90ufdADIsr-CsqvCxD4tHm5FJS51CM2/s640/IMG_2176.JPG" width="433" /></a></div>
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As you may guess from the pictures, this is a dress I sewed sometime last year and it has taken me quite a while to find the time to write this post. In fact I sewed this dress sometime last summer, as it was one of my entries in our county fair!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lbl9lMA35SG5KvYv6JCSJ0lOaXz0URUwk9eYLMqSIDYSwkjxhP6LvAGkD4fYmYOqSqlBWe_pWX6_WLjVV7mYr7TcFuLnLl1STfaEjeBuNZSCL1LPZSZZb3LVm_x-B-ZVMFYLPMBI0By0/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lbl9lMA35SG5KvYv6JCSJ0lOaXz0URUwk9eYLMqSIDYSwkjxhP6LvAGkD4fYmYOqSqlBWe_pWX6_WLjVV7mYr7TcFuLnLl1STfaEjeBuNZSCL1LPZSZZb3LVm_x-B-ZVMFYLPMBI0By0/s640/IMG_2178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It quickly became one of Jemimah's favorite dresses! The ribbons, ruffles, embroidery and bows made this dress irresistible to my ruffle and ribbon loving daughter!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCE4g4hZwFdW6PJBt51IZN4mP9xkjN-TGMxFB6rAptAWHCnZie8HAzYh0J5hs8F0bx5twpxZk0VkmonKfMNXv18T9R3oGc4X8E6tKna7pAc5-oQWbNeHzl2pB6s6pz5cBSdT3TLMbuVmr/s1600/IMG_2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCE4g4hZwFdW6PJBt51IZN4mP9xkjN-TGMxFB6rAptAWHCnZie8HAzYh0J5hs8F0bx5twpxZk0VkmonKfMNXv18T9R3oGc4X8E6tKna7pAc5-oQWbNeHzl2pB6s6pz5cBSdT3TLMbuVmr/s640/IMG_2350.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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The pattern is from the early 1980's. I was drawn by the details of this pattern. You don't often see patterns with
this many options for embellishments. It was hard for me to choose which style to sew first! I look forward to sewing the option with the cream sleeves and apron at some point, maybe come fall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviXyJePK2khN9-Ss7K1DyNY3hDNivALAfuUfmo1_fqvG2RT1KDColeIGFWp6S9napEQS899RwE-pp9-2KdpuJncnq5QImVQwM_KzJzZJmLEb8dSuLAqncU1MtiXWzL24x_ejFA-tznO7E/s1600/IMG_2351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviXyJePK2khN9-Ss7K1DyNY3hDNivALAfuUfmo1_fqvG2RT1KDColeIGFWp6S9napEQS899RwE-pp9-2KdpuJncnq5QImVQwM_KzJzZJmLEb8dSuLAqncU1MtiXWzL24x_ejFA-tznO7E/s640/IMG_2351.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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I decided to sew view three, as I was especially drawn to the ribbon inset. I had hoped to find a fabric that would coordinate with red ribbon, since it looked so lovely on the pattern envelope. But I was pleased with the navy calico I was able to find and the gold ribbons are a more subtle accent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM43D5XEFVgPOyggokm9gdnccP45IGma1P1DLVFxGn1VDLRABSdnqnz8a68L-GxbJW3AXBYZqWEgAi6KXcHc2MDGYL8HkCWR7yRbWL7oSjOfCj3K1GdXb9KwWrnB3xWjiSD8MuvvpUE5uj/s1600/IMG_2179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM43D5XEFVgPOyggokm9gdnccP45IGma1P1DLVFxGn1VDLRABSdnqnz8a68L-GxbJW3AXBYZqWEgAi6KXcHc2MDGYL8HkCWR7yRbWL7oSjOfCj3K1GdXb9KwWrnB3xWjiSD8MuvvpUE5uj/s640/IMG_2179.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
My daughter was very pleased with the little bows on the wrists. They seemed to make the dress extra special to her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9fMS6LvXt6Dmvh4FDEgPqc0kD_k4JWZXW0_GkpleMINpX1039YVaBO0CP1j2Y3pZVP16I7qm2Akz2JuRT7Pegxh1y_mR8qcaDsGTRsbVdLkTccP-ThfChNewcgyu2GUwB0myEOOL-p3b/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9fMS6LvXt6Dmvh4FDEgPqc0kD_k4JWZXW0_GkpleMINpX1039YVaBO0CP1j2Y3pZVP16I7qm2Akz2JuRT7Pegxh1y_mR8qcaDsGTRsbVdLkTccP-ThfChNewcgyu2GUwB0myEOOL-p3b/s640/IMG_2181.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
The "V" shaping of the bodice gives this dress an old-fashioned fair tale look. My little girl looks a bit like Goldilocks whenever she wears this dress! : )<br />
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We were also extremely pleased when this dress won best of sewing at our county fair.<br />
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I hope you have all been enjoying a peaceful and cozy winter so far. Have you been working on any special projects? </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-51914088385282832572019-11-26T15:48:00.000-08:002019-11-26T15:48:23.381-08:00Butternut Squash Soup and Bread Dressing Recipes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUp3pTC50S14UqlsRFcXbegAgpWa3Kjqtb1tSs_Bjt0qYH4BP1iHRgjI78-j6-2qPemoi-uE1HTYhw_RlUvnFTAmWl5ovZU8N2OsULWpcle1AfC_XK6-8CORY09LwFnIHS1tJfozGMzRC/s1600/IMG_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUp3pTC50S14UqlsRFcXbegAgpWa3Kjqtb1tSs_Bjt0qYH4BP1iHRgjI78-j6-2qPemoi-uE1HTYhw_RlUvnFTAmWl5ovZU8N2OsULWpcle1AfC_XK6-8CORY09LwFnIHS1tJfozGMzRC/s400/IMG_2365.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this turkey platter at a barn sale a few years back. I love the colors.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week I thought I would share two recipes that we have enjoyed lately. I think both recipes would be a nice addition to a Thanksgiving meal.</div>
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We were blessed with a fine harvest of squash in our garden this year. Butternut squash soup is one of my favorite soups and up until this year I had yet to find a recipe that I really liked. Earlier this fall I found a recipe online that was very close to what I was looking for, but there were a few changes I made to make the recipe exactly what I thought butternut squash soup should taste like.<br />
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The recipe for the soup is fairly simple, but truly delicious!</div>
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<b>Butternut Squash Soup</b></div>
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Cut one large butternut squash (about three pounds) in half. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil. Then bake in the oven at 425 degrees for about an hour or until tender. Once you have removed the squash from the oven allow it to cool, once cool remove the skin.</div>
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Saute one small onion in olive oil, once translucent add two cloves of minced garlic. After a minute add 2-4 cups of chicken broth. The amount of broth will depend upon the size of your squash and how thick you would like your soup to be. I typically add 4 cups. Allow the onions, garlic and broth to simmer until vegetables are tender.</div>
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Add squash in chunks to broth mixture. The next step is to puree the soup. For this step I use my blender, but you could you an immersion blender. If using a blender I recommend blending the soup in two batches so as not to over fill your blender.</div>
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Once your soup has reached the desired consistency return soup to sauce pan and add two tablespoons of maple syrup and two tablespoons of butter. You can add some salt and pepper to taste as well.</div>
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Miranda is my supper time companion every night. She loves to sit in the window beside me and patiently wait for a little treat. Surprisingly enough Miranda even likes butternut squash soup! She is a unique cat.</div>
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Adam's favorite Thanksgiving dish is bread dressing. I realize the picture of dressing doesn't look all that appetizing, but I snapped a picture before baking the dressing. I knew that once it was baked I wouldn't have time to take a picture. : )</div>
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<b>Bread Dressing</b><br />
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1/2 cup butter<b> </b><br />
3 cups chopped celery<br />
1 1/2 cups chopped onions<br />
14-16 cups bread cubes (I used sourdough and Italian bread that was slightly stale) <br />
2-3 tsp. sage<br />
1 tsp. salt*<br />
1/2 tsp. pepper<br />
3-4 cups broth (enough to moisten the bread)<br />
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Saute onions and celery in butter. Add broth, simmer until onions and celery are tender. Toss sage, salt and pepper with bread cubes. Add broth mixture to bread cubes. If necessary you can add additional broth if bread cubes are still too dry. At this point I usually have Adam taste test in case I need any extra salt or sage.<br />
*I would recommend starting with 1/2 tsp. of salt and then adding more if needed. Sometimes the broth can be too salty and this can create a dressing that is too salty.<br />
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Bake in a well buttered 9x13" baking pan at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until crispy and golden.<br />
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Another recipe I make each Thanksgiving, and pretty much every holiday, is <a href="https://lilacsandspringtime.blogspot.com/2015/04/my-favorite-coleslaw-recipe.html" target="_blank">coleslaw</a>. I shared this recipe a couple of years ago and thought I would add <a href="https://lilacsandspringtime.blogspot.com/2015/04/my-favorite-coleslaw-recipe.html" target="_blank">a link</a> for those who may have missed that post.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738662716/red-and-green-calico-vintage-style-apron?ref=hp_rv-3&pro=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738662716/red-and-green-calico-vintage-style-apron?ref=hp_rv-3&pro=1" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1044" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkpGzwU19WPxVYWA4Gnfx8RvpuiJ50M_Wnvgsg4sCX4IbVFUq_1hbZbQ-wjVlUuxWGfpV01Ll1HRK1Mq1q6Fils7r3j1-RAIRGGqN0lFwaAfDDPAFk7LHmA54VAO-kDHpezq0qNPQMBoS/s400/IMG_2324.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
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Starting today I am offering 10% off all of the items in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lilacsinspring?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=752531407" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. The sale runs through December 3rd. If you are looking for a Christmas present for a friend or family member please consider taking a look at the items I am offering.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/752531407/turquoise-calico-vintage-inspired-apron?ref=hp_rv-1&pro=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/752531407/turquoise-calico-vintage-inspired-apron?ref=hp_rv-1&pro=1" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="936" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfnfMc4FG7i6paIl8tRD-tmg0ROMBOU7I2bfpcbo21hPaIW5uADQ5Rq6ESNAuKKkcIYCkZLwHQ22JAukLU7rxP80oLeQWc7LqqwES92lUCbaMhkQBJUlOgSuxC8qZntU4EYmH5zLO_0nG/s400/IMG_2315.JPG" width="233" /></a></div>
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I hope you all enjoy a blessed and beautiful Thanksgiving! Is there a special family favorite recipe you plan to prepare this year?</div>
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<h4>
<span class="text Ps-100-1" id="en-KJV-15510">"Make a joyful noise unto the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, all ye lands.</span><span class="text Ps-100-2" id="en-KJV-15511"><sup> </sup>Serve the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> with gladness: come before his presence with singing.</span><span class="text Ps-100-3" id="en-KJV-15512"><sup> </sup>Know ye that the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.</span><span class="text Ps-100-4" id="en-KJV-15513"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.</span><span class="text Ps-100-5" id="en-KJV-15514"><sup> </sup>For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100</span></h4>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-80805839576469007082019-11-12T15:13:00.000-08:002019-11-12T15:13:47.615-08:00Homemade Grape Juice<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRyiNpfUs5offyiYc3XRH7mlHC5mOX5BUdpv5K9VruxLYF59_yxgAdvNbhkBLqdA5GqQg98HGatPsdH6W9nchEiQyh19xMA2fHYrfHfUp95gKLmvWbQJGp1a25DLDcw_bpTEL5bWmLzBF/s1600/IMG_7646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRyiNpfUs5offyiYc3XRH7mlHC5mOX5BUdpv5K9VruxLYF59_yxgAdvNbhkBLqdA5GqQg98HGatPsdH6W9nchEiQyh19xMA2fHYrfHfUp95gKLmvWbQJGp1a25DLDcw_bpTEL5bWmLzBF/s400/IMG_7646.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Over the years we enjoyed purchasing locally made grape juice. If you have never tried freshly made grape juice you are truly missing out. : ) The store bought grape juice cannot even begin to compare with the delicious flavor found in fresh grape juice.<br />
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We have friends that make grape juice each year. Canning homemade grape juice has been something that my mom and I have wanted to try for many years now. This year we finally purchased a steam juicer so we could make our own grape juice and we are so glad that we did!</div>
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We were inspired when a neighbor invited us to pick grapes at his home. Adam and I picked a bushel and were able to produce nearly 14 quarts of grape juice from that bushel using the steam juicer.<br />
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We purchased our juicer from a local Mennonite grocery store. We found the steam juicer very easy to use and I am sure we will be making a variety of juices next year.<br />
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Adam describes the steam juicer as a triple boiler. You fill the top pan with grapes, the middle pan catches the juice from the top pan and the bottom pan is filled with water to create the steam. The top pan looks like a colander as it is filled with holes. The middle pan looks much like an angel food cake pan as it has a hole in the center which allows the steam to pass through to the top pan. It is quite a clever design and works great.<br />
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Since we had the steam juicer and found that making the grape juice was fairly easy we decided we needed to find a source for more grapes. After looking on-line I found a few different vineyards that offered u-pick grapes. The prices were a lot less than I had expected. We figured that each quart of homemade grape juice cost less than a dollar to make. Plus homemade grape juice is much thicker than store bought, water can be added to home canned grape juice, stretching it even farther. Visiting the vineyard was a real treat! It was truly a beautiful place.</div>
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I am so excited and grateful to have home canned grape juice in the pantry for the winter ahead.<br />
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<b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="text Joel-2-23" id="en-NIV-22335">"Be glad, people of Zion, </span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="text Joel-2-23" id="en-NIV-22335"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Joel-2-23">rejoice in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="text Joel-2-23" id="en-NIV-22335"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23">for he has given you the autumn rains </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="text Joel-2-23" id="en-NIV-22335"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23">because he is faithful. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="text Joel-2-23" id="en-NIV-22335"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23">He sends you abundant showers, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="text Joel-2-23" id="en-NIV-22335"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23">both autumn and spring rains, as before. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="text Joel-2-23" id="en-NIV-22335"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-24" id="en-NIV-22336">The threshing floors will be filled with grain; </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24"><span class="text Joel-2-23" id="en-NIV-22335"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-23"><span class="text Joel-2-24" id="en-NIV-22336"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Joel-2-24">the vats will overflow with new wine and oil." </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Joel 2:23-24</span></span></b> <br />
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P.S. The pictures of the grapes and vineyard were taken by Adam. : )</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-39359369914576908022019-08-31T14:54:00.000-07:002019-08-31T14:54:19.215-07:00Baby Chicks and Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilX6qp9WZSkEv986NFbFifY2uTTxQBL9fBE-dOrS3lzIDWTRtUVDEAlFc0QX7vU_2cYPBSENQveaR7VcWKYn9ZvXZ7GxHAtg_4Yzs0tjSTxZiq4d9AWk3-SzUyBcnAMyIGEZVaDO4xKJEj/s1600/IMG_1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilX6qp9WZSkEv986NFbFifY2uTTxQBL9fBE-dOrS3lzIDWTRtUVDEAlFc0QX7vU_2cYPBSENQveaR7VcWKYn9ZvXZ7GxHAtg_4Yzs0tjSTxZiq4d9AWk3-SzUyBcnAMyIGEZVaDO4xKJEj/s640/IMG_1876.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Earlier this month we added seven little hens to our flock. We lost two of our older hens this summer and had only three left. It was depressing to imagine how cold and lonely winter would be with only three hens - but we thought it was too late in the season to purchase baby chicks. </div>
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Much to our surprise Adam discovered that our local Tractor Supply was selling baby chicks earlier this month. What surprised us even more was the selection they had available. Back when we purchase our original seven hens they only had Isa Brown pullets available.</div>
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This time however they had several breeds to choose from, in fact it was little hard to decide, so Adam picked out the seven little beauties we brought home.</div>
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Adam chose two Barred Rocks, two Brahmas, two Plymouth Blue Rocks and one Silver Laced Wyandotte. The little cutie in the picture above is one of the Plymouth Blue Rocks. Adam claimed both Blue Plymouth Rocks and named them Callie and Iola after the Hardy Boys' girlfriends. : )</div>
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They are all adorable and such fun to watch. Jemimah is thrilled with the baby chicks. The white Brahmas are her babies. She has been hoping to train them to ride in her bicycle basket.</div>
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Miranda has found the baby chicks quite fascinating. When they were tiny we kept them in a box on the porch with a screen over the top. Miranda watched them all day long! The picture above is of Miranda watching them out of the kitchen window. </div>
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Each August I anticipate the first blossom from my Rose of Sharon bushes. I love to see each variety blossom. We have three different pinks, a white and a lavender.</div>
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I think the color of this Rose of Sharon is especially pretty.</div>
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The cows across the road have been fun to watch all summer. There is nothing quite like waking up to the sound of cows mooing. This year the farmer has had a bull penned up, separate from the other cows. The bull does not moo, I'm not sure what to call the noise, but it sounds a lot like a fog horn on a ship. Thankfully he is quiet most of the time, but when he does sound off, we all have to chuckle over the absurd sound.</div>
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<b>"The LORD is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works." Psalm 145:9 </b></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-34071927600274977692019-08-24T13:56:00.000-07:002019-08-24T13:56:48.775-07:00Jam, Zucchini Bread and A Doily<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfS1LaIFswdOgfwvoHNTZrZXNmCB8ZDPLfL_n2kfBYHL1hhzQAexBkj5CeHYzE-uGbtOpYzof2Bjq-pwLz7UgaTJx39hMh-f9kXkbEozt2nNwJUf5tEgPMD-aFWTaaGRsVw6sxVd38rg9/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfS1LaIFswdOgfwvoHNTZrZXNmCB8ZDPLfL_n2kfBYHL1hhzQAexBkj5CeHYzE-uGbtOpYzof2Bjq-pwLz7UgaTJx39hMh-f9kXkbEozt2nNwJUf5tEgPMD-aFWTaaGRsVw6sxVd38rg9/s400/IMG_1643.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Zucchinis are one of my favorite vegetables! They are incredibly versatile, just yesterday I was commenting to my mom how many ways I have incorporated zucchini into our meals. Last night we enjoyed a supper of <a href="https://lilacsandspringtime.blogspot.com/2012/08/zucchini-pancakes-and-blueberries.html" target="_blank">zucchini pancakes</a>, corn on the cob, tomatoes and cucumbers- all from our garden, and for dessert zucchini brownies. It is such a blessing, especially since our first few gardens at our home were complete failures </div>
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In the picture above I had made a <a href="https://laughingspatula.com/savory-zucchini-cheddar-quick-bread/" target="_blank">savory cheddar cheese zucchini bread</a> and <a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/double-chocolate-zucchini-bread/" target="_blank">double chocolate zucchini bread</a>. When I make the double chocolate zucchini bread I substitute the 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/3 cup honey, making it a little healthier. My daughter, niece and nephew all refer to the double chocolate zucchini bread as chocolate cake. It truly is a delicious recipe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5odS5Peee5uzUXHDw5I-ptx88anqj_skFf6LMjA-oxpr6KOXX83H74mMwuf3wVtNKKbghxeFQaZm1bQyNybjHr-F7vrY_EihsvZSA-2IpTmHug8JVKqgfJlX_SFY-eR3HMCn9vFwcuLV/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5odS5Peee5uzUXHDw5I-ptx88anqj_skFf6LMjA-oxpr6KOXX83H74mMwuf3wVtNKKbghxeFQaZm1bQyNybjHr-F7vrY_EihsvZSA-2IpTmHug8JVKqgfJlX_SFY-eR3HMCn9vFwcuLV/s400/IMG_1862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another recipe I tried for the first time this year is Peach Maple Jam. Adam made maple syrup this spring. Much of it was boiled over an open fire and it has a marvelous flavor. It was fun to find a jam recipe that could use some of Adam's syrup. The flavor of the maple syrup and vanilla combined with peaches is unique and absolutely delightful. </div>
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Recently I finished crocheting the doily pictured above. It was a fun project and the design is one of the prettiest I have seen in quite a while. I love the unique shape. It looks perfect on my kitchen table under our oil lamp. The pattern I used can be purchased <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/685345169/crochet-doily-pattern-anastasia-square?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlIxSF6l2aggsTEcaDbtdhu7ncb1v9G1uACn7GWKYzL0yhCEwvQ_bn6ZkQrmzHLZR1j3pdnDIfZRxKnMjlSuR4F-8AyUmImCPYoKT-Md7sritWXSKIwScjwpY_vKh1fe8gK2ABHCnjdQD/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1200" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlIxSF6l2aggsTEcaDbtdhu7ncb1v9G1uACn7GWKYzL0yhCEwvQ_bn6ZkQrmzHLZR1j3pdnDIfZRxKnMjlSuR4F-8AyUmImCPYoKT-Md7sritWXSKIwScjwpY_vKh1fe8gK2ABHCnjdQD/s400/IMG_1855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was our first year to plant sweet corn. Jemimah loves corn and was extremely excited to plant corn with her papa this spring. She monitored her corn daily and compared her corn's growth with the corn in surrounding fields. You can imagine how thrilled she was to eat the first ears of corn from our garden. : ) We have been eating corn a few times each week for the past couple weeks. Jemimah has been very pleased to pick the corn for supper and then husk it. I love to see her carrying the freshly husked ears of corn in her apron skirt. </div>
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We are already planning to plant more corn next year in hopes of having enough to freeze or can.</div>
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Right now I am collecting up tomatoes with plans to make pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce.</div>
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Do you have a favorite zucchini recipe? Or a favorite jam recipe? </div>
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<b><span class="text Ps-66-1" id="en-KJV-14875">"Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:</span></b><span class="text Ps-66-2" id="en-KJV-14876"><b><sup> </sup>Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious" Psalm 66:1-2</b></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4346673806632037849.post-7495351856242942532019-08-13T15:35:00.000-07:002019-08-13T15:35:15.900-07:00August Days and Thimble Summer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left peaches from a kind neighbor and on the right tomatoes from our garden! I am hoping to make salsa tomorrow.</td></tr>
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"While the men worked on the barn Garnet and her mother had their hands full with the house and garden; for now the garden was yielding in all its abundance. It was hard to keep up with it. When you had finished picking all the beans it was time to pick yellow squashes, shaped like hunting horns. And when you had got through with squash it was time for the beans again. And then you had to hurry, hurry and gather the bursting ripe tomatoes from the heavy vines, for canning. Then there were beets and carrots to be attended to; and after that it was time for the beans again.</div>
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"Beans never know when to stop" said Garnet's mother in annoyance.</div>
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Corn was picked every day; and that was pleasant , walking in the rustling good-smelling aisles between the stalks. And the watermelons! Big solid green ones that Garnet thumped with a finger to see if they sounded ripe. And every now and then she dropped one on purpose and it would burst open, cold as a glacier and rosy red. Then she would walk homeward dripping and drooling, spitting out black seeds and feeling fine.</div>
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And Canning! Oh those weeks of harvesting and peeling and preparing apples, peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, plums and beans. All day the kitchen smelled like heaven and was filled with steam.The stove was covered with kettles and vats, and upside down on the windowsill stood processions of mason jars full of bright color and hot to the touch."</div>
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From <u>Thimble Summer</u> by Elizabeth Enright 1938</div>
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Jemimah and I recently finished reading <u>Thimble Summer</u> together. It is hard to say who enjoyed it more. I love stories that are set in rural areas and especially those that take place in the 1930's. <u>Thimble Summer</u> is a simple story that spans a summer in the life of a young mid-western farm girl. There were many incidents in the story that made us laugh and a couple that surprised Jemimah. She would occasionally feel it necessary to scold the main character, Garnet, as she would get herself into some rather wild predicaments. </div>
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I especially enjoyed the descriptions of home and family throughout the book. The selection I shared above seemed to capture the essence of August. The smells, the warmth, the abundance. </div>
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My kitchen has been once again taken over by my canner and an assortment of beautiful vegetables from our garden. We feel truly blessed by the produce we have picked each day.</div>
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Today I made dill relish. I have made dill pickles each year but never relish. Adam loves relish and made a special request that I would find a relish recipe and give it a try. This was the ideal year since we seem to have more cucumbers than we know what to do with. This is <a href="https://www.thesaucysoutherner.com/dill-pickle-relish-for-canning/" target="_blank">the recipe</a> I used. I can't say how it tastes, it needs to set for two weeks before using. But we are looking forward to sampling some then!</div>
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Don't forget, it is always best to do your canning in a pretty apron. It makes the experience more enjoyable, and keeps your clothes clean. : ) This <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/704256681/navy-calico-1944-calico-apron-ready-to?ref=shop_home_active_14" target="_blank">particular apron</a> is sewn from one of my favorite calicos, so be sure to stop by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/lilacsinspring?ref=seller-platform-mcnav" target="_blank">my shop</a> if you find yourself in need of a new apron.</div>
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<b><span class="text 1Thess-5-16" id="en-NKJV-29638">"Rejoice always, </span><span class="text 1Thess-5-17" id="en-NKJV-29639">pray without ceasing, </span></b><b><span class="text 1Thess-5-18" id="en-NKJV-29640"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</span></b></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970258840708111494noreply@blogger.com8