Loooooong Day!

This was one of those kick my butt days.  Up at 6 am, coffee, see what is going on around the area, nation and world, breakfast and off the the garden.  We picked 2 grocery bags of peas and and the same for green beans.  Of course we couldn't leave the garden without weeding a few rows of lima beans and beets. Oh our achy breaky backs.  It's worth every ache.

Early morning and cool for picking peasw and beans.
How about all the beautiful green pastures and hills?

Beautiful peas for the freezer.

Now the relaxing part, setting on the back deck shucking peas and snapping beans and enjoying the view with a nice breeze.  While Dick finished the beans I mowed the lawn, it was actually dry.  I thought it would be days until I could mow.  Mowing is one of my favorite outdoor chores, along with brush hogging.  Once the lawn was done we were ready to wash jars, beans and start the pressure canner.  It is 9:32 pm and the last batch of beans just went in.  20 minutes for the pints and we can go to bed!  We canned 10 quarts and 7 pints of beans along with freezing 2 quarts of green peas and 2 quarts of green beans.  It's been a long day.  Breakfast and nothing until 7 pm which was worth the wait.  I fixed baked potatoes our favorite way.  Wash, dry, pat of butter for each potato, salt and pepper, wrap in foil and bake at 400 degrees.  I also picked a batch of Rainbow Swiss Chard, I washed it, cut in good sized strips (stem too), melted butter in a pot, added the Chard, small onion bulbs from the garden and a TBSP of concentrated beef stock, cooked until wilted.  Delicious!  Dick fixed NY Strip Steaks.  I am getting so much better sharing my kitchen and the cooking since I was forced to be at the mercy of not being able for 5 weeks.  I'm enjoying sharing (sometimes).

Then there was an exciting event.  The UPS gal pulled in and Dick carried a huge box from her truck. A Huffy Cruiser!  We had rode them in Key West last year and it was awesome.  Dick bought this one for me thinking it will help strengthen my ankle and leg.  I know it will because I rode it up to my nephews house and back.  Going up it was definitely like pushing on the weight panel I use at therapy.  I am so happy Dick thought of the Huffy.  It brought tears spitting out and the more I thought about it  memories  flooded back.  53 years ago my dad pulled in our driveway with my first Huffy, 53 sounds so........long ago, antique, ancient and were bicycles even invented 53 years ago?  For some reason I just can't grasp and believe 53 years ago!  I was 12.  If someone had said you won't get another Huffy until you are 65 I would have said, "Old people can't ride bicycles"!  Well one thing is for sure I won't be getting another one in 53 years ;)  My first one was blue and without a doubt built much better and probably cost about the same.  I rode that bike up and down Horse Run and to town when I was allowed in the the summer.  Remember me saying Scuff's  dog bit my leg riding by the Simons farm?  Well I said it was George and after  Scuff read my blog he told me it was Woodchuck that bit me not George.  Sorry George!

The Huffy Cruiser and so snazzy with my favorite
color, turquoise.  Reminds me of the ocean.

Tomorrow I leave for MD for a few days.  That is the reason we were in high gear trying to get the garden and lawn caught up.  Dick can have a few days to relax, enjoy our Canadian friends that will be at their camp and help the Rod and Gun Club at the fair on Saturday.  He's on his own.  Of course when I get back we will be pickling beets and canning peaches, both are a messy job but oh so good.
 I will be getting some much needed hugging, loving and giggles from our three little Bryant boys.  They are excited  and will have it all figured out on who sleeps with me what night.  Pulling in their driveway and seeing those little guys all grins and running to meet me is beyond trying to explain how wonderful they make me feel.  About the time I get to Harrisburg they will have their dad or mom call to see how much longer.  Happens every trip.

Try to take time to relax, take long deep breaths and enjoy what ever makes you happy.

Where's the BIG GUN?

With all the rain wind and cold temperatures we have been on the inside looking out for the last few days.  Depending on where we set we can see East, West and South.  The East view being our number one pick.  In between the rain we can watch the chickens across Clara Creek, even wild turkey and deer at times.  You know we are much in tune to the deer and turkey when we can tell they are acting strange.  Today Dick said there's a few turkey in the back field.  Then he takes off like a streak to the bedroom for his rifle yelling all the way, "I BET THE COYOTES ARE UP THERE"!  What a guy, he can lock and load that rifle while turning corners and opening doors,  out to the back deck and uses his favorite post to steady the rifle.  Sure enough out comes a coyote from the woods.  Three shots, that gets me up from quilting, he usually fires one shot which means he hit it or it got back in the woods.  So why 3 shots I'm thinking.  Well he had the 17 that is light on wham, the coyote wasn't paying attention to it until the 3rd shot that hit him in the rear.  I had to ask where is the "big gun"?  In the gun case up in the loft.  Now we have my 38 Special in the stand by our bed, a shotgun and the 17 behind our bedroom door, why is the "big gun" not in the bedroom?  It is now, we need to be prepared with the shotgun if a bear or two come wandering through (gives them a good scare), the 17 for skunk or opossum and the "big gun" for coyotes.  My 38 is for me to decide what to use it on ;)  I take it on woods and road walks plus it's my security blanket when home alone.  Just makes my life much more enjoyable.  I know it's not for everyone but I was brought up with guns and hunting.

It was pancake  night.  In between the rain storms Dick picked a quart of blueberries from our bushes.  His favorite meal is blueberry or corn pancakes no matter what time of day.  Works for me, 30 minutes from start to table, 15 to eat and 15 for cleanup. Tonight we had side pork that I bought at the Giant in Cuba.  I fry it with just a little butter, salt and pepper until crisp.  A couple fresh eggs from the hens and that was supper.

Buttermilk pancakes

With fresh blueberries.

Fresh cut side pork.

The "big guy" will clean the plate!

We can grumble about the rain but one thing is for sure it has given us beautiful greens of all tones through the summer.  Normally parts of our lawn go dormant and turn crispy brown.  Not so, it still is a lush soft green carpet of depth.  A little too deep but it is beautiful.  From the rolling hills, fields and lawns it is a beautiful view.  The other day on a ride around the Clara back roads it was amazing to see how the trees and bushes have grown over the roads.  It looked like we were driving down a narrow green tunnel, no houses, camps, telephone poles, just a dirt road with all it's green surroundings.  Peace and quiet, nothing more relaxing for an afternoon ride.  A 40 minute ride and never saw another car, that was a good back road ride!

The Hotel Ritz

I don't mind the cool temperatures but the overcast sky can  break away!  After the rain yesterday the grass is still too wet to mow.  I might have to run the lawn sweep to pick up the clippings, it's high and doesn't look promising for mowing tomorrow.   Bhlaaaaa I love mowing.

We had a great ride today through the Amish area between, Cuba, Belfast and Friendship.  Dick is in need of a new Amish straw hat.  His has seen better days and is beginning to fall apart.  There is a young Amish housewife that makes them to order,  tall or round.  Dick couldn't decide so she is making both styles.  Fourteen years ago he paid $8.00, only went up to $9.

The old hat, Dick varnished it to make it water proof.

We stopped at the Amish dry goods and grocery store and I bought quilting thread, the good stuff at $1.50 a spool, I pay double that in Olean.  Since they are very close to my dentist I know where I will go on dentist days.
The last stop was to see an  Amish guy we have known for 14 years.  When we first met Enos Mast he was 24 and had 4 young boys.  They are now 17,15,14 and 12.  I remember asking Enos what is your little girl's name as she stood on their front porch.  He said, "that's a boy".  I had to ask him,  why does your boy wear a dress?  He had a good answer.  Amish boys wear dresses until they are potty trained, easier to change the diaper!..Dick would always take a bag of candy to the little ones when taking Enos home at night.  We did the same today and gave the 14 year old a bag of salt water taffy.  He was all smiles as he dove into the bag.  The boy 17 works their other sawmill and the one 15 works putting in hardwood floors and cabinets.  This leaves the 14 and 12 year old helping their dad at his sawmill.  We stayed over an hour catching up on their family news and what work Enos was doing and for who.  He is the one that cut the timbers for the new library being built in Coudersport.  He is very proud of the 10"x10"x30' long beams that will be used in the Post and Beam building.  Dick told Enos you get good customers because you are honest, skilled and take pride in your work.  That he does plus he is such a nice guy!  His dad is just as nice a guy that does beautiful woodworking of all kinds.  He also repairs antique clocks and antique firearms.

Fourteen years ago Enos brought his portable saw mill to our land and cut the white pine logs into boards and beams of all sizes.  Dick would drive to Friendship every morning to pick Enos up and take him home at night.  Enos would come up on our deck for lunch which turned out to be a learning experience for all of us.  He would ask questions about our boys and the Army and we would ask questions about the Amish life.  He was so funny at times and really surprised me when he would make up something and I would gasp.  Then he would laugh and say no not really!   Enos was well read on World Events and happenings.  He loves to read and he really liked our truck radio, he could zip through the channels and find what he wanted.  The Amish men in Ulysses have cell phones.  I asked Enos today if they use them, NO, not allowed in their area.  He said he wouldn't want one it would interrupt his work day.  He makes all of his calls from an Amish community phone and if someone wants to get hold of him they can call the number and leave a message but best to drive to his house.

I do wander and jump around from subject to subject.  I think I should have liked English more in school and learned how to write in sequence and subject order!  Back to the wood Enos milled for us.  The wood  was left stacked to cure and air dry for one year.  The following summer Bart and Beau came home for two weeks and built the 40'x50' barn.  Jim, Dick and our Canadian friend Larry all helped.  Kinda like the Amish, nonstop from start to finish.  The only difference these guys ended the day with a few cold beers which were well deserved.   It was a hot humid 2 weeks, lots of water during the day and I always had a big farm breakfast and supper for them.  Nothing more pleasing  than looking at the barn knowing it was our trees and our family and friend that made it possible.   My goal is to wood burn a plaque with the date, names and where the wood came from, it will be done soon.

The barn built from our White Pine Trees.

The "all inclusive" Hotel Ritz!  Free food, water, treats, unlimited
 roaming and fresh bedding.

Mama Silky showing the little ones (not so little now) how
to go on roost tonight!  The kids are growing up ;)

See That Frosting ♡♡♡♡

After a day of play yesterday we are back at the garden today.  More green beans to pick and can, kale to pick, blanch and freeze and our first picking of peas for the freezer.  It was a little too warm and humid for my liking but we got it all picked.  From my weather page it looks like cooler temperatures are moving in tonight.  This is when we work,work, work outside.  Amazing at our age how fast the heat slows us down.  Considering years ago we loved hot weather and lots of sunshine.  Now cool and overcast is our choice.   In two days we will be back at it again.  It makes us smile every time we finish and think of the freezer and shelves getting full for winter.  I might take a trip to visit the Bryant Boys and buy some fresh produce from them.  Their tomatoes and hot peppers are coming on strong from my early morning report today.  They also said the peaches are ready.   That means I will be bringing a bushel home to can.  I'm really excited to see our MD family, do a walk through their garden and get a few pictures to share on a future blog.  Mostly I will just enjoy our Cooper, Jagger and Cash.  They are always so happy and full of so much info when we visit.  Nothing in the world as wonderful as little kids.  They have so much to offer and so innocent to life.

  We had a little guy named Sage entertain us yesterday at the drag races.  At 5 years he is full of questions and you can see the gears winding for the next question or solution!  He reminded me so much of his dad when he was a little guy!  If you want a good smile take the time to visit with a little one, it is worth every minute.  This morning we were coming out of a store and a little girl and her mom were coming in.  Dick asked the little one who won the game (baseball cap and shirt on).  She put her head down and said, "we lost".  He said, "did you hit the ball"?  She looked up at him all smiles and said, "YES"!  Even the mom had a big grin seeing how happy her little girl was at that moment.  I was so proud of Dick knowing what to say at that time.  Until it hit me in the car,what if she hadn't caught a ball!  I love kids and big kids at heart.

Speaking of drag races, I like them!  We went to Empire State Raceway in Liescester, NY, south of Rochester.  Seeing the older model cars from the 60's and 70's is a real plus.  They are all beautiful and well kept not to mention the speed!  Some of their front ends come off the track on take off with top speeds of 187 mph in the quarter mile.   We went to watch Ed McCleaft race his dragster which sports the logo of Sheila G's Brownie Brittle.  Good stuff and he always makes sure plenty of samples are passed out at the races.  If you haven't tried it the Chocolate Salted Caramel is excellent in my taste test.  Many stores sell it.  Oops, back to the quarter mile.  If you grew up here you know where we watched the guys race the quarter mile...........from the corner to the Horse Run Bridge.  Pretty famous drag strip for Shinglehouse.  Someone kept John Chamberlain (town policeman)  busy while they ran the quarter mile.  He knew what was going down.

Dick picked up a homemade garlic sausage ring at Wegmans the other day and it's what is for supper.  I picked some garden onions to saute with them,  on the side buttered Amish noodles and green beans. For dessert it will be Wegmans ultimate chocolate chip cookie cake  that Amber bought me.  Light on the real food and a big piece of the sweetness!  That has always been my motto.

Garlic & Herb Sausage with garden onions.

Ready to eat, I tossed the noodles in the juice from the
onions and sausage, garden beans & a pretzel roll.

See that frosting?  All mine ♡

Don't forget (even far away friends)  the Potter County Fair started today.  Growing up I always called it the Millport Fair.  My favorite treats, cotton candy and cinnamon candy apples.

A Garden Walk

I'm pretty sure I fell asleep just about the time my head hit the pillow last night.  43 degrees and a breeze coming in the window works magic for a good nights sleep.  Air conditioning doesn't do the trick.  We haven't turned it on yet and may not need to.  The sun looks beautiful coming up over the hill, coffee is hitting the need button and we are having our usual discussion of what is "tado" for the day.  It's Friday which is no different from any other day.  We do have plans to Go to Olean, pick blueberries, and stop at Scuff and Linea Simons for a bit.  The old farmer habits and curiosity lives on.  We have to check on each others gardens since there are no crops in fields and cows in the barn any more.  The other reason is word got out that Scuff makes an awesome Mango sauce!  The mission will be GET THE RECIPE!  Mangoes are one of our favorite fruits from the store.  Trader Joe's has dried mango, no sugar added that is delicious.  It is the only store we have found them without sugar added and are thin chewy strips.  There is a chance I will get to Trader Joe's next week which means stock up on my favorite picks!

Then there's the Kale to pick and get ready for the freezer.  After yesterday's workout in the garden it will be the only thing we do.  Both of us woke up saying, "my back".  I can add "oh my shoulders".  It's been a long time since they have had a good old fashioned workout.  Feels great to be doing everyday jobs around here.  By the way I am 4 for 2!  Snakes that is.  I have seen four and chopped 2 to pieces with the riding lawn mower, screaming as I did it.  The last one to meet his death was big, very big and headed to my garden!  It stopped coiled up and looked at me with those nasty beady eyes.  One scream, full throttle and done.  Yuck!  This is a record year for snake sightings but why not the year from winter till now has been out of whack.

Break time with my favorite coffee.

Even the dreaded Walmart turned out to be better than expected!  They had Wolfgang Puck's Jamaica Me Crazy K-cups.  Made it all worth going in.  It was a nice surprise to see my cousin Mary, she looks so much like my mom.  I love looking at her.  We saw some friends from Shinglehouse and had a nice chat (about gardens).  We told them we were stopping to buy yellow squash they had for sale in front of their house.  We did and it is the perfect size, small and tender skin.  If squash gets too big it is tasteless and tough.  I always bring up connections to local people.  The gal selling squash grew up on a farm that later my dad had bought and I spent part of my young life on.

Wonderful buying fresh from the garden!

We did get to visit Scuff's garden.  It's a dandy and lots of good garlic, beets, beans, cukes and onions ready to harvest.  He has had plenty of problems with deer so the garden is now sporting a 9' high electric fence.  We had a nice visit talking gardening and canning.  I got "the recipe"!  While Dick was chatting I ended up with one of my memory moments!  Of course, I was standing on a lawn that my niece (Pam), nephew (Barry) and myself had run barefoot in and played for hours.  Scuff and Linea live where Bob and Laurabelle Karr lived when we were little.  Pam and Barry lived next door where Red and Nancy Haynes live now.  I lived across the road on the farm.  I stood thinking how much the little area has changed.  In front of the farm bordering Horse Run Rd is two houses where nothing but fields use to be.  I remembered how bad the winters were and the state would put snow fence up to avoid the road drifting shut.  I looked at the little house that my dad and brother had built.  I have pictures of it's progress, block by block.  It has been sided but the brick is under it all.  Day dream over back to the present and time to head home but not until I got to see one of the sweetest most thoughtful little girls ever!  Who pulled in but the one and only Christi Steadman!  What a treat and what a day to visit "Friends of the Valley".  Brian McCleaft and Ed even took time to come out to the car and say hi (plus pick on me)  when Dick made an egg delivery.  ♡

Beets & Beans

White Onions

Scuff, Linea & Dick.  Middle far right, the house
George & Jim Gross built around 1954.

Another good day has passed,the weather was perfect.  Back to our garden in the morning.  I might have to find another friend willing to let me take a walk through their garden.  Especially when their "purple beans"  are ready to sample!

The Kitchen Window

This morning was an "up and at'm", beans ready to pick, onions, cukes and squash had to have the weeds pulled.  What a morning, cool with a little breeze to remind me it's time to get the garden spiffed up.  That we did, I weeded and Dick tended those nasty potato bugs that invade the leaves every year.  He shakes the plant and steps on them.  Bill Stavisky would use a brown grocery bag and shake them into it then burn the bag. Either way it's an on going job for a few weeks.  We picked enough green beans for 5 qts.  They are in the pressure canner for 25 minutes.  A good time to blog.  Later it's out to mow the back lawn and pick Kale for the freezer.

As I was washing dishes after getting the beans ready I had one of those moments that started with the kitchen window. Out the kitchen window a dove sat on the porch rail looking at me and in the lawn was a young bunny eating clover.  If that wasn't enough the chickens were coming to the creek for a drink and bug hunting along the way.  Dick was on the tractor brush hogging the upper field.  It just hit me what a beautiful life I have doing the simple pleasures of summer.  It must be the same feeling my mom had when I was young. She had a beautiful view from our kitchen window also.  Her view was the back lawn, pasture, barn and all those beautiful Holstein Cows grazing.  She not only kept the house, cooked, had a garden and canned, she also was at the barn for chores early morning and night and drove tractor in the hay, corn and oat fields.   Mom  also made most of my clothes and loved to knit and crochet.  Not once did I ever hear her complain, in fact she was most grateful for what she had and could provide for our family.  She grew up in a very poor family, the oldest child that took care of her siblings.  I never had chores to do, mom always said, "enjoy your young life when you grow up then you will work".    Della was my blessing of life.  I had 17 years with mom that ended suddenly.  I had enough love from her that just keeps giving.   Maybe she is why I love doing it all too, to prove she taught me how to live and love doing it.  Well, that was my thought of the day that has left a smile on my face.  Not to mention the dirt under my fingernails and a slice on my thumb.

Five qts of beans ready for the canner.  When canning always use canning salt, regular salt will turn the liquid cloudy in the jars.  Something else I always do before starting,  I fill my sink with water and a cup of beach,  leave it for 15 minutes, drain and rinse thoroughly.  Wash and rinse jars, lids and rings.  Ready for the fresh, cleaned fruits or vegetables.

Before you use the canner take the lid, hold it up to the light and look through the little hole to make sure it is not plugged.  You should be able to see without a narrowing or completely shut.  If it is run hot water and a tooth pick in, it will open up.  The booklet that comes with the pressure canner will be your friend to answer a question.  Read it before using the canner.  Remember my favorite saying, "I'll google that".  Works every time or call ME!

How pretty!

For quarts of  beans the pressure needs to reach and maintain 11 pounds
for 25 minutes.  Turn fire off and let pressure drop on it's
own.  DO NOT TAKE THE LID OFF UNTIL PRESSURE HAS
DROPPED AND LOCK RELEASES.  

Before starting the beans I canned the Mango/Rhubarb sauce I made last night and was too lazy to finish.  I think I have found my passion for rhubarb.  The traditional strawberry/rhubarb sauce has  turned into what other fruits can I use with rhubarb.  The blueberry was a keeper and now the mango is too.  Honestly the mango/rhubarb is my favorite.  Spoon (key is spoon, no thin layer for me) any of them on a biscuit or toast, YUM!  8 cups of rhubarb, 2 cups of fruit of choice, 1 TBSP butter and 3 cups of sugar, cook until thick. Remember it gets thicker when cool.  When I think it is done I put some in a bowl to cool.  If not thick enough back to cook down more.  Can it or freeze.

25 minutes in the pressure canner and done!

Mango/Rhubarb Sauce

Think     Remember     Smile

Just Walk on By

I call this the "window shopping" isle!  Look but no buying and walk on by.  I have to make a pass through after I'm finished shopping.  Self torture!

We went to Wegmans in Hornell today which is our once a month trip.  From Hornell, Buffalo, Williamsport and Erie I like Wegmans.  We don't save money but having the beautiful clean store with employees that are above and beyond friendly and helpful is worth the drive.  I also read a few months ago it is one of the top places to work.  The produce is amazing, always fresh, no blemishes and cold.  I did get ground beef today at $2.69 a pound, the package was 8 pounds, 80% lean.  The milk,whole, 1%, 2%, skim is always $1.99 and frequently $1.49 a gallon.  I think Wegmans is great for keeping the price of milk so low.  Parents are more likely to buy it for the kids,  (hoping they do).  Another low price item is 1/2 gal. orange juice (fresh, not from sugary concentrate) which is  always a low price of $2.49.

Living in a city to be near Wegmans and other shopping is not for me.  Once a month is ok and living in our quiet small area and buying groceries here is more than ok.

We bought local grown sweet corn at 25 cents an ear,  yellow summer squash, zucchini and a cantaloupe.  We couldn't resist, our corn and squash will be a few weeks until ready.  Supper was what it will be like for the rest of summer.  More veggies and fruits, little to no meat.  I slice the squash quite thin, dip it in buttermilk (makes it crunchy), then in flour and fry in canola or coconut oil, drain on paper towel.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper while hot from grease, it sticks better.  The corn I put in boiling salted water, bring it back up to a boil, cover and shut the fire off.  Five minutes and it's done.

The day was too hot for us to be in the garden and it looks like the next few days will be evening gardening.  Tonight we will be picking Swiss Chard, Kale and maybe some peas.  Then a cup of coffee and let the chickens entertain us before they get shut in for the night.  Unfortunately the coyotes are hanging around and a pair of Red Tail Hawks with a young one.  It's that time of the year wild animals are teaching their young how to hunt.  By the way, keep watch if you have dogs, the skunk are also on the move.  My chickens are holding on, they spend most of the day under bushes and farm equipment.  The coyotes we shoot given a chance but not the hawks.

More of Wegmans and a look at supper.

We did stop for a few of their NY Style Bagels.

             Enjoy whatever makes you happy, gives you peace and makes you smile.
                                                                       Pass it On.

The Garden of Love

This morning was one of those times I just can't get enough of our garden!  Blue sky, big white clouds, the forever view (have I ever mentioned the view, just a few hundred times) and the endless abundance of onions, kale, chard and now green beans.  Dick and I spent an hour picking beans and an hour weeding lima beans.  Yes, the lima plants are now in full bloom lots of flowers.  Come on bees do your thing.  Back from the garden for Salt Rising toast with rhubarb sauce and apple butter, the pick of the breakfast.

Bean season is in full swing.

The beans will go to the freezer and the next picking will be done in the pressure canner.  While I did beans and picked a quart of blueberries Dick was so kind to pick the wild raspberries.  I regret to say (or not) this chick will NOT venture to the raspberries in our Pine Grove and bordering our lawn!  Yesterday not one but TWO snakes crossed my path while mowing the lawn. One I actually dared run over, truthfully no choice it happened so fast, it was about 4-5 inches long.  The next one looked like a python, very big!  It was on the edge of the lawn and slithered into.............>the raspberry patch<!  So the berries will only be picked if Mr. B. wants to.  I won't go near, especially not until my "scream, turn and run" is a lot quicker than it is now!

One hour and 2 quarts of wild raspberries.  Off to the freezer for
jam and jelly making on a cool fall day.

If you don't think you have snakes around your lawn just invite me over.  A few weeks ago I was telling Ron and Marcia what a "snake magnet" I am.  Ron said he hadn't seen a snake around their place in years (city folks they are).  How about the very next day they were setting on their patio and BAM Ron saw a snake.  It was a very funny story with him sending Marcia in the house while he killed it.  He said, I just didn't want her to see if the thing got away.  He got it (or so he says).

Beans have been cleaned, blanched, immersed in ice bath,
left to drain and then packaged, labeled and sent to
the freezer.

Here's supper!  Sausage gravy on buttermilk biscuits, fresh
green beans with butter and last years
cinnamon applesauce.

Half Way!

Before I get going and forget I would like to say.......To the person viewing my blog from the Ukraine, welcome and let it be known your citizens and country are in my heartfelt thoughts and prayers.  I can not imagine what you are feeling at this terrible time.  Stay strong as needed.

One more day of flying solo then I will tell the Mr. what to do and he will tell me what to do, how and when.  Of course he doesn't jump and I don't either, we use the excuse, "oh crap I can't remember anything"!  I have never been one for excuses.  Trust me I heard it from kids and hub plenty, (maybe me too).  Nothing soured me more than working in the school system for 15 years and hearing pathetic excuses.  Seriously, kids can not be that naive to think adults believe their excuses.  Especially when they shift their eyes away and start the sentence with uhhhhhh, ummmm, wellllll.  That's a dead give away, even for adults giving excuses.

When do my so called best ideas come to me?  The middle of the night.  I have woke hub up with an exciting solution or idea that usually he really never understands until he hears it in the morning.  Then it's questionable if he agrees on the good idea.  My greatest solution was when we were finishing the interior of our house back in 2000.  Wow!  Hard to believe we have lived here almost 15 years and I was only "50"!  Why I was just a young'n!  Ok so the problem was thousands of feet of tongue and groove for all of our ceilings.   Four coats of polyurethane that had to be sanded between each coat.  Two sets of saw horses took up to much floor space while other work was being done, plus I could only do 12 boards at a time.  Then in the not so deep sleep it came to me.  Have Dick take 1 x 6 x 8 boards, hook them to a frame and then to the wall, cut grooves in them so I could set the tongue and groove in the grooves.  Ok your confused...Dick just looked at me with the "what the hell are you talking about"?  I get that look often.  So out comes the paper and pencil, I apparently can draw better than I can talk because the light came on!  I was able to do 40 at a time.  Life can be exciting at times!

Plus the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen are tongue & groove.
It's work doing the finish but so easy to maintain, just once a
year wiping with cleaner.  We have an extension
pole, no climbing.

The last meal of flying solo.  A boneless, skinless chicken breast seasoned with salt, pepper, butter and sliced onions from the garden wrapped in parchment paper.  375 for 30 minutes.  The chicken stays moist in the parchment paper and no dish to clean.
A little cottage cheese, tomato and avocado with Amber's famous, delicious jalapeno mustard and it is my kind of supper.

A light refreshing supper!  Now for the fresh fish coming
from Canada.

Today was an exciting accomplishment.  I made it HALF WAY to my goal for 9/1/2014!
The last was a bit ouchy but not enough to quit.  Here is the trick, ice when done.  Yesterday after stretch exercises I put 1 part rubbing alcohol, 3 parts water and 6 ice cubes in a freezer bag.  Worked like a charm, when I was done I put it in the freezer.
Here's the best part, I just got it out to use and I'm in heaven, it didn't freeze hard it froze like a slushy.  The bag molds around my ankle perfect!  Works so nice I'm going to make a couple more for the freezer.

I'm Gonna Say It!

This is not what I want to feel and say but here goes, IT FEELS LIKE FALL IS CREEPING INTO CLARA, PA!    Last Monday on my way back from Shinglehouse around 4:30 pm I had the windows down (no radio blasting, a Johnny Cash cd blasting :) and it hit me.  It feels like fall.  I had the same feeling Friday morning at 43 degrees, muted sun and cool air throughout the day.  Come on!  How will the garden produce August crops with cold nights and cool days?  I'm sure the soil temperatures have not come up to the usual summer temps.

Fall is my favorite time of the year, it's just not time!  Fall reminds me of getting school clothes and the excitement of seeing classmates.  I loved taking my kids for school clothes, a day in Williamsport or Erie and a couple meals was a great treat at the time.  The crisp cool air and beautiful fall foliage and the smell is worth knowing winter is close.

The other hints that fall has progressed faster than usual, the dove are flocking and hitting the feeder hard plus the wild hay seeds in the field.  Then there is the little "poppy things" not a clue what they are called but if you ever touched the little striped green seed pods and they pop open you know what I'm talking about.  Another early happening, my dahlias are in full bloom which usually is not until mid August in past summers.  The hay field has gone to seed and turned a golden color, sure hop some got an early cutting between the rain.  Also the wild Brown Eyed Susans are blossomed out.  I remember picking raspberries after August 1st, we have been picking for a couple days.  Maybe it's just me but I still think it's just too soon.  Time will tell, we can always hope for a warm gorgeous fall!

I am head of the house or as I like to say Queen of my land, garden and barn for a few days.  Thankful I am able to get around to feed the animals by myself, it's been a long 3 months coming.  With luck the weather on the lakes in Canada will allow for some good walleye and perch for Dick and Kirk to bring home for the freezer.  They are so tasty in the winter, a nice reminder of our good friends from Canada too!

Summer is busy with chores around home and fitting in our little excursions.  I always feel when the Potter County Fair in Millport, PA is over summer is too.  Next week on July 27th-August 2nd Clara Rd will be full of fair traffic.  Let the sun shine and be a great money making year for the fair organization.  The folks in charge work hard to keep it going and it is free admission and free parking!  I don't know if there is another county fair in the state that offers free admission and parking.  If you went to school in the 50's and 60's you probably had Flossie Shields for a teacher or knew her.  I heard years ago she is the one that started the fair having her students display their projects.. How's that for a history lesson?  If I'm wrong I apologize!

This morning was an experimental learn how to make popovers.  Two of my favorite guys  let me fix  ham, eggs and Salt Rising Toast for them this morning  Of course after they ate I asked if they would try the popovers with fresh blueberry and orange sauce.  They were all smiles and YES they liked them.  Ricardo (my handsome, polite and sweet nephew) and Kent (also handsome, polite and sweet) had some great input on other ways to use the popovers, chocolate melted in the bottom with fresh fruits and whip cream, even nutella!  It was so nice talking food with them and seeing how interested they were.  Ok, so let me tell you about popovers.  When I read the recipe I thought they would be like cream puff shells. Well they are but they're not.  There is milk in the batter and it is very thin and light.  They easy to make and so worth the try!  The batter is poured into greased and very hot cupcake tins.  They puff as the bake and leave a hollow center.  Very moist and tender.  Popovers can be used for desserts or with meat, sauce and vegetables in them.  The meat ones will be my next mission.  I really am excited about trying and liking them.  The recipe will be posted below.

Popover filled with fresh blueberry sauce, a slice of Black Forrest
Ham and of course a good strong cup of coffee with 1/2&1/2.
Ready for the day ♡

Popover recipe:
3 TBSP melted butter (real butter)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
★ I mixed the batter with a whisk and it was fine instead of the blender.  Easier clean-up. If popovers had not turned out of course I would have tried them again following directions......not good at directions!

• INSTRUCTIONS

  
  

  
  

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Remove all of the racks from the oven except one arranged in the lower third position. Place a baking sheet in the oven while it heats.
  2. Place 1/2 teaspoon of the butter into each well of a 12-well muffin pan; set aside.
  3. Place the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, eggs, milk, sugar, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Turn off the blender, add the flour, replace the lid, and blend until just smooth, about 30 seconds. Set the mixture aside in the blender.
  4. Place the prepared muffin pan in the oven on the heated baking sheet and bake until the butter sizzles, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the muffin pan and the baking sheet from the oven. Pouring from the blender, fill the wells of the muffin pan halfway up with batter.
  5. Return the muffin pan and baking sheet to the oven. Bake until the popovers are puffed and the tops are starting to brown, about 20 minutes. (Do not open the oven door during the baking time.) Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake until the popovers are golden brown all over, about 15 minutes more. (Do not open the oven door until the popovers have baked at least 35 minutes.)
  6. Remove the muffin pan and baking sheet from the oven and place them on a wire rack. Remove the popovers from the pan and serve immediately.

Carpie's on the Lake

Today we took an afternoon break to have lunch with Ron, Marcia, Kenny and Donna.  They suggested Carpie's on Cuba Lake, NY.  I'm all for trying new places and heard from my dentist friend they have a great hamburger along with other good choices.  What a beautiful view of the lake.  Tables outside so ya don't miss a thing, boaters stopping for lunch or get fuel for their boats and ducks with little ones patiently waiting for bread crumbs.  It  added up to one of those "awe" days.  For some unknown reason we never run out of conversation filled with some good laughs.  It usually means one of us just got picked on, we kinda take turns attacking each other all in the name of "good times" and "remember whens".  ♡  Another perk of living where we grew up.  Sometimes it is a history or genealogy lesson with the "hey, remember so and so or who lived in what house.  I guess that's what (shhhh) old people do.  It works to keep our get away times loaded with fun.
Back to Carpie's and the food.  The guys had the "Cuba Burger" which is huge and topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, chips and pickle on the side.  Of course a cold beer, let's see one a Coors, Bud and  LaBatt Blue. One of the gals had a black bean fajita and two had  steak, onions, red peppers and cheese on grilled flat bread.  No complaints, all delicious.  I had a Raspberry Smirnoff which went down way to fast!  Something about being outdoors with a cold bottle ;)  Our time together went just as fast.

I had one of those "how sweet" moments before we left.  I think we all did.  An older (yes, older than us) man was leaving with his friends and had a drink in his hand, he raised it to our table and with a big grin said, "cheers"!  It felt so genuine and that grin sealed the deal.  Later Ron told us it was Eric Laine, chairman of the board at Cutco, past president and a key player in developing the successful business of Cutco.  I only new the name because Beau worked college summers at Cutco and always spoke highly of Mr. Laine and was so impressed with what a nice guy and always taking time with the work force  We all agreed, Mr. Laine is the type of person that builds a sound business and cares about his employees.  Cheers Mr. Laine!

Here's a question from left field.  Do you remember "Commander Tom" from Channel 7,  Tom Jolls the weather guy?  We rode with Ron & Marcia, he took us a route from Wellsville to Cuba we had never been on.  When I mentioned the fact Ron asked us if we remembered Commander Tom and then he showed us Commander Tom's summer home.  There's one of those history lessons!

After eating out yesterday breakfast was a little bit of this and a little of that with not a lot of anything this morning.  Farm fresh eggs, crisp side pork and left over buttermilk cornbread with butter and maple syrup.  Coffee and orange juice, that's it.  I usually don't fix anything more than toast or cereal during the week and have a big breakfast on weekends.  Since Dick is off to Canada for a weekend of fishing I fixed more today.  I will be on my own and only experimenting with a couple recipes for the weekend.  In case you haven't tried side pork before it is the beginning of bacon before all the nitrates and nasty stuff that is used to become bacon.  We like it way over bacon, I can control how much salt is used.  A little butter, salt and pepper and fry until crispy.  It use to be very cheap to buy $2 #  but like everything it is up $4-5 #.  A half pound is just right for us.

Once when I was at a restaurant with my brother for breakfast the waitress
 asked him how he wanted his eggs. He said, dead!  HUH?  She didn't look surprised.  Of couse when she left I had to ask.  Apparently it means you want the yolk hard, not runny.  That's a family tradition, we don't like runny yolks!  Dick doesn't like dead eggs, his have to be runny....ewwwe.

Dead eggs.

If you have a chance or just take the time call an old friend and enjoy a day together!  It's surprising how much there is to talk about.      Pass it On

It's a Walk!

Glass half full or half empty?  Long woods walk or short road walk?  The glass is half full and I'll take the short road walk for starters.  Today is the 3rd road walk which is about 320 yards round trip.  It is tough on rough ground so I'm sticking to smooth surface.  Twelve weeks ago I thought I would be running, jumping and skipping on this date.  Reality hit when the  doctors, PA's and PT explained the extent of damage to soft tissue, ligaments and tendons.  This is a challenge considering I thought once the bones were healed I was good to go.  Every step I take I am saying, relax, heal, toe and let the toes roll.  This is key to getting my gate back.  Plus giving in to the hurt and changing the gate could do harm to the knee and hip, that is not good.  I'm doing
good managing the pain which was little to none until I started walking and exercising.  Motrin 3 times a day and ice is a must. After exercises my movement is "almost" perfect ;)  so doing them is a joy time!  I still hope to walk to the head of Kirk's beautiful valley September 1st.  I guess for once it pays to have the "Gross" stubbornness flowing through my veins.

Ok done with the whining without the wine!  I need to get busy and plan some supper.  First I have the smoked Hatch Chiles left from yesterdays salsa.  What to do?Yes, I already know.  I'm making Green Chile stew for my neighbor boys.  Dick and I can't eat it as hot as I will make it for them.  They like it hot!  We will have left over split pea and ham soup I made Monday.  What I have to decide on is corn bread or homemade dinner rolls?  The day is certainly cool enough for the oven to be on, maybe both.  Left overs are always good to have.  They give another day of free food and free time to do something else.  The recipes and pictures will be at the bottom of the page

Today we woke up to a surprise, the sun was out.  Seems like a long time but forecast is rain moving in by 3:30 pm.  I did get the lawn mowed but had to mow around the little ponds.  I don't think I have ever seen the lawn pool water this bad.

Here's supper!  I have posted the cornbread recipe before but since it is so good, fail safe and easy to make I just have to "Pass it On" again.  The Hatch Green Chili Stew is a quick fix plus you can use any hot chile peppers you want and any type meat.  I used chicken today because it's what I had.

Buttermilk cornbread with fresh home churned Amish butter
and Green Chile Stew.  The cool day made for a perfect
stew with heat.

All divided up and ready for the Costello men to pickup.
♡Cooking for family and friends ♡

The first picking of blueberries from our bushes.
I think blueberry granola for breakfast.

Buttermilk Cornbread "best ever":
In  large cast iron fry pan or oven safe fry pan melt 1/2 cup of butter (real butter), remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of sugar, when well mixed stir in 2 beaten eggs then add 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt and 1 cup of buttermilk.  Stir until incorporated. put in oven at 375 degrees until center is done.  *NOTE: no mixing bowl everything is done in the fry pan ;)

Hatch Green Chile Stew:  In a large pot add 4 TBSP butter and 2 TBSP olive oil, saute 1 cup of onion sliced (I used green onions from the garden) and one whole chicken breast or 1 lb of pork or beef cut in chunks. Add 1 TBS CUMIN, 1 tsp paprika, 2 cloves chopped garlic, 1tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 3 cups diced potatoes and 2 qts of chicken broth.  Now this is where I add the roasted chiles, you can roast peppers in the oven put them hot in a dish with a cover, when cooled they will be easy to  peel,  add as much heat as you like.  Simmer until potatoes are done.

Off to be with my stick ladies tonight.............yarn and chat!

Soon a Clay Oven

For two years we have been thrashing around the idea and plans for an outdoor brick & clay oven.  I believe it will soon become a reality in the next week.  At least getting supplies bought and field stone gathered.  I am so excited to mix up the first few batches of dough.  I realize it is going to be trial and error for proper fire building.  Then to learn proper temperatures and where to place the bread or pizza in the oven.  From what I have read and heard from people once I get the hang of it the fun begins.  I know one guy that will get invited to try his hand at fresh pizza from the outdoor oven.  Brian McCleaft come on up.  Brian and I share a love for "out of the ordinary food" no matter how far we have to travel.   This is going to be a learning experience that of course will be blogged every step of the way.  You know the saying, "just remodel or build to see how strong your marriage is"!  It's been a "little" touchy at times.  We will get it done with no bruises ;)

That is a whole lot of heat!

When making guacamole add all ingredients and then mash to
consistency you like.  Lime or lemon juice is good.

Tonight we ate with friends, not physically here but with us in good thoughts and memories.  I made fresh tomato salsa with Green onions and garlic from our garden.  The awesome most delicious "smokey heat" came from New Mexico and the famous "Hatch Geen Chiles".  John and Diane Surra sent them to us last fall, these two are ☆☆☆☆☆ friends.  They know how to put a smile on our face and satisfaction in our stomach.  Dick built an apple wood fire to roast them and let me tell you all of Clara Valley probably wondered what was smelling so good.  The funny thing, Dick broke out in a full fledged sweat while roasting them.  They are hot, hot, hot but such a wonderful flavor.  Well tonight making the salsa was a different twist, no jalapenos like I usually use for salsa so off to the freezer for the Hatch bag.  Then the vinegar was in the basement and we were both a little lazy to get it.  Why not?  Let's try Balsamic Vinegar.  A little fresh ground sea salt and coarse pepper and I think we made our all time favorite style salsa!   I made fresh guacamole with garlic, green onions, sea salt, coarse pepper and lemon juice.  I cut up a boneless skinless chicken breast, tossed it with salt, pepper, cumin and paprika, then fried it in a hot cast iron skillet with a little butter.  Dick toasted the corn tortillas in a cast iron skillet and put them in the tortilla warmer which was a gift from Diane and John.  How nice to reach in and get a warm shell.

Toasty warm corn tortillas.

Now you see why we had supper with friends.  They are with us for supper often as this is one of our favorite meals, very light and refreshing.  We don't use cheese or sour cream, keep it simple and enjoy the true flavors.  For dessert (I love desserts) we had strawberries and bananas, refreshing end and a good cup of coffee to top the cool night off.

That's it, quick and tasty!

These are my favorite style tortillas.

Life is what we want it to be, sometimes we just have to work a little harder to smooth out the rough edges.

Rainy Day Monday

Unlike the song rainy days and Monday do not get me down.  In the years past I would say yes.  Now with retirement and every day about the same I look forward to the rain.  Of course Mondays have always been wash day and still are for the bedding.  Old habits are hard to break, truth of the matter I like Mondays to start the week out with clean air dried sheets.  In the cold freezing temperatures of winter the smell of  freeze dried sheets is beyond wonderful.  The wash has been rain delayed until Tuesday, oh well on to plan B.  After the dentist today I went into the Cuba Giant.  Some good meat sales, by good I mean still expensive but better than usual.  Tonight we are having meatloaf seasoned with garlic, smoked hot paprika, salt and coarse ground black pepper with ketchup, eggs and soft bread crumbs added too..  It's a big one so 3/4 will go to my favorite family along with potato salad and a side of green beans.    I was even ambitious to bake a homemade Devil's Food Cake.  Later I will google for a new frosting recipe, something light and not "gloppy" sweet.  There, rain does offer something besides water the garden and make a good sized lake in our back lawn, it put me in the kitchen.

I planned on buying potatoes today, at $6.99 for 10# that did not happen.  I have potatoes canned from last fall they will serve the purpose!  Baked would have been nice with the meatloaf but I am always subject to menu change.

Potato salad made from potatoes I canned last fall, great for
home fries, soups, stews and salad.

Meatloaf, enough for family.  Yep I like easy, line the cast
iron skillet with foil, NO clean-up.  Cast Iron or hand thrown
 pottery is my favorite baking pans.  Even, consistent heat.

The perfect way to peel eggs.  Boil 10 minutes, dump off hot
water, run cold water in pan and peel immediately.

Homemade Devil's food cake with Almond flavored
butter cream frosting.  Recipe below

Even the dogs are enjoying the rain all stretched out on their beds.  I moved them to the back deck with me.  Cool breezes are always welcome on high humidity days around here.  Well it is a forced day of rest, that is a good thing.  The guy that lives with me tends to go nonstop no matter how high the temperature gets.  He is so bored up to the loft he went for an afternoon siesta.

Devil's Food Cake:
Sift together 2 cups of cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 tsps. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 cup baking cocoa then dump in 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk, 1/2 cup shortening or coconut oil, 3 eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla.  Beat until well mixed.  bake at 350 until center springs back. cool and frost

No new frosting recipe, my good old, always tasty one.
Almond Butter Cream Frosting:  1 stick soft butter, 2 cups confectionery sugar, 1 tsp almond flavoring, beat adding cream a TBSP at a time until desired consistency.  You can use any flavoring, orange, raspberry, lemon, coconut they are all interesting flavours.