My Daybook….September 22, 2008

FOR TODAY…September 22, 2008

Outside my Window…It’s still early morning and the sun is not even up yet. There is no activity at the bird feeder yet, but I do hear some blue jays calling off in the distance. And as I walked back in the house after saying goodbye to John, I saw a hummingbird at the flowers in the backyard. Probably won’t be seeing them too much longer around here though.

I am thinking…this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

I am thankful for…My daughter, Raquel, who just turned 16 this past weekend

From the kitchen…Lots of baking this week….cookies, pies, breads….as we get ready for the state fair this weekend.

I am creating…not much time for crafts this week

I am going…to the library today….most of the Fall books I requested through interlibrary loan are in.

I am wearing…a pair of jeans, a plain blue top, a navy hoodie (it’s a bit chilly this morning), but I’m still barefoot (I really hate shoes)

I am reading…still enjoying my Hobby Farm Home magazine.

I am hoping…for nice Fall weather this weekend.

I am hearing…it’s very quiet except for the water beginning to simmer in the tea kettle.

Around the house…there’s excitement in the air as the girls and I get ready for the fair this weekend.

One of my favorite things…Have you guessed yet how much I enjoy our state fair?? It’s one of the events of Fall that we look forward to each year.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…My mind is mostly focused on the fair this week…getting the baking done and getting all the entries to the fairgrounds on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then enjoying the fair on the weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

A basket of mini pumpkins

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us.

A Fall Giveaway

Monday, September 22nd is the first day of Fall!! Kay over at The Rustic Cottage is having a “first day of Fall” giveaway at her blog. One lucky winner will get two bars of her handmade soaps in her new Fall scents….. Pumpkin Spice and Chai Tea. Don’t they sound good!!!

Visit her blog, The Rustic Cottage, between now and Monday to find out how you can enter. The winner will be selected on Tuesday, September 23rd

My Daybook….September 15, 2008

FOR TODAY…September 15, 2008

Outside my Window…the sun is just coming up over the tree tops. It looks and feels like it’s going to be another hot, humid day though….and I thought summer was on it’s way out.

I am thinking…I wonder if Peggy is going to be doing an Autumn swap??

I am thankful…that my son David was able to get the new muffler put on Abby’s jeep this weekend

From the kitchen…Esau’s Stew (Lentil Stew) with fresh baked bread for supper tonight

I am creating…more handmade bookmarks

I am going…to get off the computer and get busy around here!

I am wearing…a pair of gray shorts, a pink top and sandals

I am reading…the book of Proverbs. The current Hobby Farm Home magazine

I am hoping…I can get a lot accomplished today

I am hearing…it’s unusually windy this morning and that is all I hear….the wind rustling through the trees

Around the house…tidying up the kitchen, laundry, getting herb vinegars made, getting all the entries ready for the State Fair in 2 weeks

One of my favorite things…homemade apple crisp made from freshly picked apples

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Josiah has two therapy appointments this week, I need to finish putting out the Fall decorations, schedule a dentist appointment for John, clean out the garage, clean up the gardens and yard, get the entry forms for the State Fair submitted

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 

Homespun fabric stars that I made

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

The Bridal Shower

Last Sunday was the bridal shower that my sister and I hosted for my soon to be daughter-in-law, Jen. We had a wonderful time and it was so nice to catch up with family that we haven’t seen in awhile.

The food was excellent…..our menu consisted of: cheese and crackers, fresh fruit and dip, fresh veggies and dip, roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, parsleyed carrots, ziti and meatballs, salad, bread and rolls. Then there was a really yummy cake and an assortment of homemade desserts.

Jen got a really nice assortment of gifts….many that I wish “I” had. Some of my favorites were…a large electric griddle with a warming tray, a meat slicer, and a 5 quart enamal covered cast iron casserole.

Here are a few photos I have to share……

 

This is the table that we had set up for when the ladies first walked into the hall. There was a guest book, name tags, a basket for the recipes that each guest brought to share, and a basket of favors. Those hibiscus flowers on the table are real…and from my sister’s garden.

 

This is a close-up of the favors…..handmade chocolates shaped like hearts and bells that my sister made. The little boxes were purchased at Michael’s and the girls and I spent a lovely afternoon at my sister’s putting them all together. At the shower I had Eliana, my youngest daughter who is the flower girl, carry the basket and we went around to all the tables visiting and passing them out. 

 

The cake

 

 The happy couple….Johnny & Jen

 

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. The wedding is just shy of six weeks away now.

~~Anne

My Daybook….August 25, 2008

FOR TODAY…August 25, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s a gray morning with overcast skies. Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for later today.

I am thinking…that the state Fair is coming up next month and I need to decide what I’m going to enter

I am thankful for…feeling really good this morning….ready to tackle the tasks set before me today.

From the kitchen…Blueberry Oat Bars. Recipe can be found here.

I am creating…handmade bookmarks

I am going…Josiah has PT later this afternoon, other than that I’m staying home

I am wearing…brown shorts, a blue, green and brown floral top, barefeet

I am reading…Galatians

I am hoping…I can get a lot accomplished today

I am hearing…all is quiet except for the hum of the computer

Around the house…the tea kettle is on, a Yankee candle “Fresh Mint” votive is burning, baskets of tomatoes are on the counter waiting to be turned into salsa, the kitchen floor needs washing, laundry needs to get started

One of my favorite things…old fashioned bee hives, or skeps, as they used to be called

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…besides the everyday home things…. lunch with my sister on Tuesday so we can finalize some plans for the upcoming bridal shower, a doctor appt. on Wednesday with the orthopedist to check David’s broken arm, PT & OT appointments for Josiah, more canning to be done,

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 One of the bee skeps from my collection. This is one I keep outside in the garden.

 

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

My Daybook…August 18, 2008

FOR TODAY…August 18, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s another cool morning, but the sky is bright blue with puffy white clouds, the sun is coming up and promises to be another warm August day.

I am thankful…that everyone, including myself, is on the mend from the terrible summer cold/virus that has plagued our home for the past two weeks.

From the kitchen…I’m enjoying a cup of Kafree Roma, my favorite natural coffee substitute. Later this morning, blueberry banana bread and peach crisp will be getting made.

I am creating…a bridal shower!

I am going…no where today…there’s lots to keep me busy here at home.

I am wearing…denim capris, a white top with small red flowers on it, barefeet 

I am reading…1 Timothy in my Bible, but no time for any other reading

I am hoping…I can get a lot accomplished today

I am hearing…the timer going off to let my know the laundry is finished washing.

Around the house…laundry, baking, garden and yard work. We are harvesting so much from the garden right now….Swiss chard, kale, broccoli, corn, tomatoes, cukes, garlic, onions, potatoes, and we picked two pumpkins already.

One of my favorite things…the crispness in the morning air that tells my Autumn is on the way.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…nothing out of the ordinary….house and garden work, more harvesting of herbs for drying and vinegar making. Birthday cake for my oldest son…he turns 25 on Wednesday…where has the time gone!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

Miniature Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

My Daybook….July 22, 2008

FOR TODAY…July 22, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s another hazy, hot, humid day. There’s a bright yellow goldfinch perched on a lovey pink echinacea flower.

I am thinking…I have to ask Abby to take some garden photos so I can share them with you all.

I am thankful for…the new fan my sister blessed us with.

From the kitchen…just finished up breakfast of a bowl of cottage chesse topped with strawberries, blueberries and nectarines, sprinkled with ground flax seeds.

I am creating…actually not making anything yet, but looking for ideas for favors for a bridal shower for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

I am going…to take Josiah to OT later and stop in at Walmart and pick up some of the super deals they’re having on school supplies.

I am wearing…a cute black skirt, a white and rose colored flowered top, bare feet and hair pulled back in a bun.

I am reading…not much time for reading these days, but I did glance at the latest Above Rubies magazine that came yesterday.

I am hoping…we get a thunderstorm today.

I am hearing…a couple of blue jays calling to each other outside. It’s still quiet in the house except for the Dakota (dog) panting behind me.

Around the house…I got my desk cleaned off (major accomplishment) and it’s staying that way. In the garden, basil is ready for picking and making pesto, the cucumbers are coming in, little pumpkins are appearing on the vines, and the weeds are thriving.

One of my favorite things…wildflowers

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…taking it one day at a time; no definite plans. 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

Watermelon Ice Pops

 

I had several readers comment about the ice pops that I mentioned in yesterday’s daybook and ask how I made them, so here is the recipe. It’s from the July 8th issue of Woman’s Day magazine. These take a little bit of extra work (and waiting), but they were worth it. The little ones thought they were so cute. Once frozen, they can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to three weeks (if they last that long).  ENJOY!

~~Anne

Watermelon Ice Pops

•  4 cups of 3/4 inch chunks seedless watermelon
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup sugar, or to taste
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 pint coconut sorbet, softened
• 3 cups of 3/4 inch chunks honeydew melon

1. You’ll need twelve 3 oz, ice pop molds and wooden sticks
2. Spread watermelon chunks in an even layer on a baking sheet. Freeze about 1 hour or until semi-frozen. Transfer to a blender, add 2 Tbsp each corn syrup and sugar, and puree until a thick slush forms. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Fill molds halfway with slush. Insert a stick into center of each, letting sticks extend 2 inches above top edge of molds. (Slush will support sticks without sinking; you won’t need the tops of the molds.) Freeze for 1 hour or until hard.
4. Carefully spoon sorbet (about 2 Tbsp in each mold) over the watermelon layer. Freeze 1 hour or until hard.
5. Meanwhile, spread the honeydew chunks in an even layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour or until semi-frozen. Transfer to a blender, add remaining 2 Tbsp of corn syrup and sugar, and puree until slushy. Fill molds to the top with honeydew slush. Freeze 4 hours or until hard.

To Serve: Let pops stand at room temperature for 3 minutes to slightly soften. Remove from molds. (If pops don’t easily release, dip molds briefly in warm water.

My Daybook….July 14, 2008

FOR TODAY…July 14, 2008

Outside my Window…the sky has darkened and a heavy, much needed rain is falling

I am thinking…I surely didn’t get enough sleep last night

I am thankful for…the rain and also for the swap package that I recieved on Saturday. Thanks Amy!

From the kitchen…Beef Stroganoff with buttered noodles, and fresh zucchini that we just started harvesting over the weekend

I am creating…a plan for my week

I am going…to get off the computer and get to work now

I am wearing…jean shorts and a blue & green flowered top, barefeet

I am reading…my Bible; no time for anything else

I am hoping…the slight headache I now have doesn’t get any worse. I better go drink some more water.

I am hearing…the rain

Around the house… grass to be mowed, string trimming around the garden beds, fresh bouquets of flowers being picked, and there’s always laundry to be done

One of my favorite things…homemade ice pops

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…harvesting in the garden….zucchini, lettuce, cabbage, swiss chard, kale, a few tomatoes coming, and yummy blueberries

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 I made these yummy watermelon ice pops for the 4th of July

 

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

My Daybook….June 23, 2008

FOR TODAY…June 23, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s damp and rainy and there’s still some fog lazily hanging around.

I am thinking…this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I am thankful for…Abby’s safe return home from Colorado last week.

From the kitchen…for supper tonight it’s spaghetti and meatballs, fresh Swiss chard from the garden, homemade Italian bread.

I am creating…no projects at the moment, but I have the idea in my head to make scrapbooked scripture cards.

I am going…to get some more decluttering done. I got a lot done over the weekend and it’s such a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am wearing…a lovely brown linen skirt that Abby made for me, a beige top and I’m still barefoot.

I am reading…Philippians. I also have a few Tasha Tudor books that I got from the library a couple of weeks ago. I have been reading through Tasha’ s Garden  and enjoying it very much. How saddened and shocked I was to receive the news of her death last Wednesday. She will be truly missed by many.

I am hoping…I can learn to control my tongue better. (Psalm 141:3, Eph 4:29)

I am hearing…all is quiet still; even the birds are not out singing.

Around the house…it’s beginning to look less cluttered, the bathroom shelves are nice and clean and brand new towels laid out, the big basket that once held an incredibly large amount of unmatched socks is empty, outside the gardens are looking good, the blueberries will be started to color up soon, we have been enjoying Swiss chard and kale and there are still a few asparagus poking their heads up, tomatoes are starting to form on the vines, and the flowers are in full bloom.

One of my favorite things…tea in special teacups

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…lots more decluttering, therapy days for Josiah, grocery shopping, a stop at a local thrift store to see if I can find any bargains, starting to gather my items for Peggy’s Summer Swap

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 

Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us.