They Wiggled!

As I was researching how to candle eggs I came upon the old fashioned method (which is awesome) using water.  Well first thing this morning I had Hub watch the video.  Eyebrows up he looked at me and said, "let's do it".  Of course he meant float eggs, what else?  Off to the barn with a thermometer, jug of warm water and a deep bowl.  The temperature has to be 100 degrees.   Lucky for us Miss Silky was off her clutch eating breakfast.  Very carefully Dick put one egg at a time in the bowl filled with water, once the water was calm we just stood there and stared, barley breathing.  The egg has to be put in round side up, pointed down.  The very top of the egg will be out of the water, balanced perfect.  Then if there is a live chick inside the egg will wiggle or jiggle, rest and then wiggle again and again.  We let it wiggle once, dried it and back to the nest.  Six out of seven eggs wiggled which means within a week, give or take we should have some baby peeps!  Hopefully there will be no quitters and they will hatch strong and healthy.  Exciting time for sure,new life at the farm.

Actually we have been watching a Robin raise 3 little ones one the rafter of our front porch.  Remember the winter winds blew down the ceiling on the porch.  We have had the material for a month ready to put up.  Mrs. Robin has put the job on hold, I just couldn't destroy her family.  It will seem nice to get the porch back together.  I'm guessing the babes will be ready to take flight in the next few days.

On to the garden report.  We have had our first picking of green onions, nothing better with a hamburg or in a pasta salad.  As far as the spinach,  Swiss chard and kale it is suspended in time.  I can't recall the garden growing as slow as it is this year.  Even the corn is dragging.  I guess we can agree the winter and spring were quite different.  Good of an excuse as any why the garden is taking it's time.  The green beans, peas and lima beans are proving to be stronger and growing fast.

I don't like to complain about the weather, I will anyway.  It has gone from quite cool to hot and muggy with 24 hours frequently.  Cool days I cook and bake, warm days is cold cereal, sandwiches and salads.  We like salads with Romaine, baby greens or both.  A  big plate of salad is a meal for us.  Last night we had Romaine lettuce, green onions and avocado.  I made a vinaigrette dressing using Prickly Pear Cactus Syrup that our friends brought us from New Mexico.  A little orange juice, vinegar, the syrup, grape seed oil, salt and pepper.  It is a very light and refreshing dressing.  I also diced the avocado and squeezed fresh lime juice over it before putting on the salad.  A few slices of ham , olive and a hard roll on the side.  That is an easy clean-up!

This was our view eating supper, a storm moving over the hills. Until the cold air of fall is back very few of our meals will be inside.  To much to see and enjoy in the great outdoors.  Mother nature at her best, "Passing it On"

FULL ALERT

I knew  the time was near when I would hear.........."I saw a snake today".  It took my breath away and of course I wanted to know exactly where he saw it and did he kill it.  The documented report he offered: It was by the garden, near the black drum, it was just a garter snake.  Of course I knew if he did not say "it was a small one", it must have been a big one.  So I kept up the interrogation, how big?  'BIG" he said, and "Cheryl it was the biggest garter snake I have ever seen".  Oh No!  Second question from the interrogator, did you kill it? ( I knew he didn't or that would have been the first thing he told me), "no, it got away in the high grass but I did try to stomp on it".  Just stick to the facts I say:   you saw a huge snake by the garden and let it get away! Why waste so many words when he knew I would get the truth out of him?  I remember our sons telling me, when someone is not telling the truth or avoiding an answer they don't want to reveal they will offer too much information and not look you in the eyes.  Dick failed on both accounts.

My one true HATE for warm weather, snakes.  I am on alert where ever I walk looking for them.  You may not like the word hate and if I could think of a stronger word to describe how I feel about them I would use it.  This first sighting has put Cheryl on FULL RED ALERT.  I will be on the lawn mower traveling for another week, then if my Dr. gives the go I will be walking.  I need speed for these two legs because when I see a snake it is the "FRIGHT AND FLIGHT" mode.  Sure, I shouldn't get all in a yank over this but I am and will continue to do so until the first snow flake comes down.

Today was making take out food.  One of my favorites is chicken and biscuits.  Not the traditional way but the one pot method in aluminum pans with no return necessary.  I roasted chicken thighs that had salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and cumin rubbed on.  Bake at 400 until golden brown.  Once cooled put the skin and bones in a pot with water and more seasoning to simmer 30 minutes.  I cooked fresh slices of carrot until almost tender.  Strained the juice simmering and thickened with flour, add the meat carrots and frozen garden peas.  Put in the pan and placed buttermilk biscuits on top.  Bake at 400 until biscuits golden, a little butter on top and ready for delivery or freezer.

 Next was rhubarb pie and strawberry rhubarb pie.  I buy the aluminum pans at the Amish Store for a few cents a piece.  This size is perfect for 2 servings.  By the way on a previous blog  I posted the rhubarb pie filling and said I never used strawberries in the filling and didn't know if it would set up.  Yes it does!  I used thawed and drained frozen berries.

A perfect day, a little cook'n, traveling the back roads and cool fresh air ♡

Cool, Rain, Enjoy

The rain just seems to keep coming down.  We are having a beautiful breeze to bring the rain in short spurts.  As I type the leaves are dancing and twirling on their branches.  Very pretty with so many different shades of green, it makes the view much more interesting.   I have been a work on the binding of the quilt that will soon be finished, a batch of chocolate chip/coconut cookies, stuffed peppers and baked potatoes.  I'm sure I will be saying this phrase over and over but here goes, "it is great to be back in the kitchen"!  Plus the house smells so good.  I have been collecting recipes to try and it looks like I will be doing them soon.  Successful ones will be on the blog.  What better way to occupy rainy days for me than in the kitchen at Cook'n by the Creek.  Now if the rain stops I will be in the great outdoors for sure.

One thing around here  it is the time for new life with the wild animals.  I opted to stay home Monday when Dick asked me to ride along to Coudersport.  That was a mistake, he came home with a great story of a turkey and young fawn.  If you remember the Steve Rapchick farm on Rt 44 just in Coneville it is where Dick had to stop and watch.  He saw the turkey coming through the field and thought at first there was a red fox sneaking behind it.  No, it was a young fawn following it and mama doe was up near the woods watching.  Young fawns are so much fun to watch, they love to run, chase and buck.  Dick also just reported we have a mama and young fawn in our back field, weather permitting we will have coffee and entertainment for the next few months out there.  A hen turkey has been coming out to the field a few times a day which means she has young ones hidden in the edge of the woods.  Yesterday she presented a little problem involving the garden.  She was dusting herself in our sweet corn that is still young and tender.  Dick tried yelling and clapping his hands but had to get off the tractor to chase her away.  Young bunnies are on the prowl too.They have decided the bean plants are better than clover or just looking for variety.  I'm pretty sure there is enough to go around and some left for us.  If not and they take more than their share we will get the fence up.  NO shooting bunnies!

I tried something different with the stuffed peppers.  How about red, orange and green peppers!  I cut them in half rather than stuff them whole.  We never can eat a whole one, this way in the freezer the other half will go.  Free meal for the day I just don't feel like cook'n.  Plus my grandson will get one for his supper tonight. Every once in a while I like to surprise him so he doesn't have to cook after work.  We all can relate to working and coming home to face cooking and cleaning.  Makes me wonder how I ever kept up.

The primrose survived being dug up while Dick rototilled the area.  I was concerned it wouldn't but by the looks of the healthy leaves and now the flowers is will live to see another year.  Mine seem to thrive in the cool, damp, shady spots that get little to no sun.  They are delicate little plants and don't take up much room.  I was happy to split a new baby plant growing off to the side.  Still waiting for my peonies to blossom out, ants and all.  I really don't know why ants invade the flowers but they do.  I still like to pick a them for the house, we have to be on ant lookout for a few hours when we first pick them.

Just to let you know the peppers were delicious.  I have never liked green peppers so the mild flavor of the orange one pleased me.  I use rice, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire Sauce, salt and pepper with ground chuck, pork and veal for the filling.  Put them in a baking dish, a little water in the bottom, cover with foil and bake at 375 for 45 min.  Then I take the foil off and spread 2/3 cup of ketchup and 2 TBSP. of brown sugar mixed together on top and bake 10 more minutes.

Does it Matter

Does it matter the lawn needs mowed, the car needs cleaned, the dust is visible in the house, the loft needs a good cleaning, nothing planned for supper, it's raining, snowing, too cold or  too hot?  Heck no!  These problems are conversation pieces.  At the beginning and end of the day only a couple things matter to me, health and happiness.  Health is a gift, happiness is a choice.  Although through our lives we have times that happiness is interrupted with happenings out of our control we usually find the strength and determination to survive.  As an older person once told me in a trying time, this to will pass.  We have to survive, I always think of Jimmy Buffet's song,  it rings so true for me.  "I'd rather die while I'm living, than live while I'm dead.  I think of this song often.  Just one of my wandering thoughts this morning when tension started taking over to get the floors done, dust and clean the loft so I can get outside paint the porch and mow lawn.  Good grief Cheryl just slow down!  So I did, (after I cleaned) I took a nice long shower which was free standing (no sitting on a chair).  Now standing like the good old days (7 weeks ago) was one more notch in my belt to total recovery. Hoping to hear on the 20th leg healed, throw away the crutches, run, jump and yes you can drive the tractor (manual with a clutch). Odd the simple things that can help the healing process.  Shower done, bathroom cleaned, sandwich, chips, ice water, a little blogging and then outside to paint and mow.  There, I slowed down!  It's what I love.

I think Dick is enjoying my kitchen, he made lunch!
12 grain rolls, golden turkey, sliced tomato sandwiches (Wegmans
 has such a great variety) and a cold bottle of water.

Dick has been great but please remember he is a man.......they don't have the eye for the little things that need done, like dusting, vacuuming, spatters on the stove or crumbs on the counter.  I sound way too fussy when I actually write it!  I now know he can not multi-task at all.  I laugh thinking of what he will say to me when he asks for my help.  Helping him is standing there until he tells me to hold a board or whatever.  I tend to drift off and pluck weeds, sweep the porch, just anything that catches my eye.  Then he's yelling, I need your help and Cheryl you really need to stay focused!  Focused?  Really, how can I stay focused on standing, watching and doing nothing until he needs my help for a second.  There, that is what I mean and will say it, women learned to multi-task from keeping the home and raising kids.  We had to or nothing would get done.  Most men had/have the luxury of doing their little chores one at a time and usually without interruption.

After all this nonsense chatter look what I got, a beautiful bouquet of wild phlox.  They grow along the stream and give off a wonderful sweet smell.  No it wasn't a dozen long stem roses but straight from the heart ♡ which means much more to
 me ♡
The vase is a gift from Hickory Hill Pottery in Seagrove, NC where we visited in March.  Which reminds me, I need to finish Part II of Hickory Hill Pottery and the loving couple that own it.

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A few "Pass it On" gifts.  The blue vase from Hickory Hill, the turquoise vase from OVHS retired Art Instructor, Jesse Hyde ( such talent this man has in so many areas of art), the gram ma and grandchild from son and dil,  the treasure chest with pansies decoupaged on top, the pansies from our flower garden when we lived in town made by my daughter, the  Horse Run Road sign from a friend years ago.  This is what makes my house a home, memories and love ♡

When it Rains

One thing for sure when it rains we get out of Clara for the day.  We always say, "the next time it rains"  and then list what will be on our agenda.  Although it was not raining this morning it was too wet for lawn, garden or sprucing up the front porch.  WEGMANS!  Oh boy that is always my first pick.  Off to Hornell we went.  I am a happy "crutch" gal,  not only did I make it all around Wegmans, I did Aldis and Lowes.  Being able to put a little weight on the left foot has sure made a big difference in my duration of activities.

What else did we do?  Eat, kinda backwards but it sure hit the spot.  On our way home going through Almond , Dick pulled into Dick and Cheryl's.  It just happens to be an ice cream shop that serves Perry's or soft serve.  Now I have an all time new favorite.  Hard serve Coconut Rum!  Let me just say it is so darn good.  If Nanipops has it I am in big trouble, there will be NO will power having it so close.  If that wasn't enough we stopped in Wellsville at another favorite eatery, Pizza King!  Thin crisp crust, delicious sauce and light on the cheese, one slice please.  Dick always gets the turkey sub toasted.  Sounds like we ate our way across NY.  Needless to say no cooking here tonight, which is fine for me.  A cup of Hazelnut coffee and off to see my crochet/knit gals.  What an enjoyable day, a little R & R and we will be good to go for the rest of the week.

Dick & Cheryl's Ice Cream

We both had Perry's Coconut Rum!

Tomorrow my plans are painting the front porch or at least starting it.  All the spindles are so time consuming but it's outside and that is a great place for me.  Once the grass dries a little break to mow the lawn,  my favorite outdoor chore.

Time out every now and again to hand quilt #5 of the 9 quilts I am doing for each of my grand kids.  Gotta finish the 9th one by 11/19/2014.

Many times as I work with a needle, be it knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidery or a sewing machine I than God for my mom.  She taught me so much from cooking to what ever she knew.  Where would I be if I didn't have these things to keep my mind, body and soul busy?  Maybe in a Condo overlooking the ocean collecting beach treasures and painting.  Remember always "Pass it On"  kindness works too.

A New Adventure Coming in 2015

We are hoping for something similar to this camper will be our adventure for the summer of 2015.  Yes it is very small but let me tell ya we are the couple that toured the outer perimeter of the USA plus Wyoming in a 4 man tent 3 years ago for 3 weeks. We both agreed it rated tops in all of our travels.  For some reason it was like being being free of every day life and just enjoying the great outdoors.  We were in awe at the beauty of each state we traveled through.  The wonderful people we met along the way were amazing.  For some reason we gathered a crowd.  Pennsylvania plates, two people in their 60,'s in a tent.  We never lacked for company and chatter.  Everyone had a story and you know that is what I like.  I compare elevators, hotels and condos as being "put your head down and pretend you don't see the stranger"  in front or beside you.  Not so in a campground in a tent, everyone notices you and wants to know, WHY in a tent?   Because we can, want to and can still bend down far enough to get in it.  By the end of the third day we could get camp set up in 15 minutes and be on our way to explore the area.  Before going back to camp we would go to the grocery store for what ever looked good for supper and breakfast.  Taking an electric fry pan, coffee pot and cooler made it very enjoyable.  Lunch was out at a local mom and pops or specialty cafe as we traveled to our next campground.

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In March while visiting Bart we talked of our plans and he offered to build our "little bit".  That will be even better, we can set it up for our our needs which really isn't much.  My wants, queen size bed, air conditioner, heater and moon roof to view the stars. Of course I have already picked the flooring and theme design of the 1950's.  In the near future we will be (after canning season)  in NC, Dick helping and me pretending to be "Central Command" .

Before the afternoon storms rolled in I took a cruise around my neighborhood.  No matter how much we love to travel this is where we hope to always be.  Once we cross Clara Creek a beautiful peaceful world awaits us.  The view out back is just green everything this time of the year.  There is no view of houses or roads and the trees buff the sound of autos if they do happen up the road.  This was where we really wanted to build our house, unfortunately electric, gas and a bridge would have put us way over budget.  We are satisfied with what we have and take our chairs and coffee to the quiet zone frequently.

Here is what I saw today on my cruise.  This view is up the valley.  Sitting on our land, looking at the Costello property, then my nephew's property and last my grandson Kirk's property.  The hill on the left and tree line in the background is Kirks.  Now that makes the view priceless.

Have you ever smelled wild phlox?  They have a very sweet scent that fills the air around here during the month of June.

This is our little stream.  I'm sure by now it is raging from the cloud bursts of rain today.  The kids like to catch minnows and little crabs.  The rule is they have to throw them back in so the little guys will be sure to live.

Even though it was a warm day I started a pot of bean soup while cleaning up from breakfast (YES, I am back in the kitchen).  Lucky I have a galley style, two steps and I can reach either side.  We had sausage for breakfast which I fried half of it up loose with diced carrots, celery and onion.  I added dried Navy Beans, 2 qts of water and 1/4 cup of ham soup base.  Let it simmer a couple hours and we had a nice comfort bowl of soup when the rains began.  Leftover rhubarb pie and we were happy eaters.  To top of the night fresh made popcorn!  Sometimes it's the simple snack that satisfies the best.

The First Spring Pie at Cook'n by the Creek

Let's just say "rhubarb".  After most of my baking life I finally found a rhubarb pie recipe that turns out delicious every time!  I can not tell you how frustrated I would get when one time the pie was ok and then the next one would be too sweet or too sour or way too runny never setting up.  Nothing worse for me to invest time and money for a failure.  Oh we would say "a little too sweet, too sour or even though it's runny it's still good.  It's like playing a sport and coming in second, just not good enough.  The recipe I found (posted at the bottom of the blog) was baked several times before boasting of rhubarb pie success.  I didn't want to "pass it on" and not have it meet the challenge.  I first gave it to my niece, Pam.  I think I have mentioned before her talent for the flakiest, tastiest pie crust ever!  Yes, even better than mine. My rhubarb pie filling won her approval ;) I do use her pie crust recipe but since I still have that awesome home rendered lard I will use it for the rhubarb pie tonight.  One thing, I have never mixed strawberries in my treasure recipe so I can't tell you how it would work.  I am  straight rhubarb person, I really like the sweet/tartness flavor and have never cared to have the flavor over powered with strawberries.  Fresh strawberry pie is very good though.  When I get some fresh berries I will make a pie from the recipe Aola Maxson gave me when we were neighbors and "pass it on", yum!

Life by the creek has been a little testy and quite different for the last 7 weeks.  I will not sugar coat this confession, I have been mean and bitchy at times.  I actually rode the lawn mower to the back field and had myself a good cry.  Not a pity cry but a down right I am "pissed off" cry.  That's me get mean and come up fighting and that is exactly what I am doing.  Heck today after I mowed the lawn I was able to use my crutches, get the weed whacker out, start it, get back on the mower and weed.  That is what happens when mean and determination takes over for me.  Now the hub would do it but I am tired of asking for so much, it's not me and I just can't.  So that being said, I am actually grinning at what my next venture back to my real world will be. Crutches included.   Yada yada I am excited..........I'm almost back!

Ok like always I made a left turn from rhubarb.  How about a little rhubarb history?
ANCIENT HISTORYThe earliest recorded use of rhubarb is 2700BC, although its use is thought to date back much further. At this time rhubarbs use was as a very important drug of the time, being used for a variety of ailments particularly gut, lung and liver problems.
Marco Polo is attributed in bringing the drug to Europe in the thirteenth century when it was referred to as the Rhacoma root.
The drug was so highly regarded and much sought after that in 1657 in England it could command three times the price of Opium.
The first time the plant was seen growing in Britain was in the sixteenth century when the seeds were introduced in an attempt to grow and process the drug here, but the wrong strain was imported and eventually its use in this country went into decline as the British version simply did not work. The rise of modern medicine eventually took over from the wondrous drug.
Ben Franklin is credited for bringing rhubarb seeds to the North American east coast in 1772, yet the red stalks did not catch on until the early 1800s, when it became a popular ingredient for pie. 7
In the late 1800's, rhubarb was brought to Alaska by the Russians and used as an effective counter-agent for scurvy. By the mid-1900s, its popularity was firmly entrenched in the New England states where it was used as pastry and pie fillings and also to make homemade wine. 
Rhubarb leaves are poisonous but the stems and roots are not.
We have two types of rhubarb and I do not know their types other than they are delicious.  So good that our kids and grands eat it raw dipping it in sugar.  One type was given to us by Bill Stavisky from his garden when we moved to Clara and the other from Terry Babcock.  Lucky we picked the cool damp spot because it has thrived.  Part of the day the patch is shaded and I think that has been key to the beautiful healthy stalks and leaves.  When the flower/seed head starts we cut it off to get a second harvest of rhubarb then the second seed head we let grow and quit cutting rhubarb.

Baked in my favorite deep dish pottery pan.

Of course I sample the first piece, wouldn't want to
serve it if it was not good.

Rhubarb pie filling:
4 cups of 1 inch sliced rhubarb
1 TBSP grated orange rind or 1 tsp orange flavoring
1/2 cup of flour
1 2/3 cups of sugar
1 beaten egg
Mix together, pour into a pie crust and put a pie crust on top, seal.  Rub milk or 1/2 & 1/2 on top crust, sprinkle with sugar and bake at 425 degrees until brown.

I have enough rhubarb cut for Rhubarb Crisp tomorrow.  With a little luck someone will stop by and I can share with them.  Always love to Pass it On!

Just Stuff

Monday night at knitting group (group therapy for me:) we started talking about stuff and how important stuff should be to us.  I think we walked away realizing what we already knew, it's just stuff.  We all have it either tucked away or displayed.  Unfortunately at times we forget it really doesn't mean what we think it does.  A few examples,  our kids creations or gifts to us, parents or grandparents belongings that we have acquired along the way, even our wedding sets.  No matter it is all "just stuff".  As a friend once told me, never cry for anything that can't cry for you.  This was after she had lost everything in a fire and in her early years of marriage the loss of her husband and raised their boys by herself.  Strong woman and never a complaint or felt sorry for herself.  Buckle down and go on with life.  Life and love for family and friends is not "just stuff".  That's where it's at.   ♡♡♡

A few years ago Dick lost his wedding band that I had made for him with my mom's diamond in it.  He bought me a diamond ring for our 30th wedding anniversary,  since we were young and living on rolled pennies when we were married there was no diamond.  I remember the look on his face when he said he lost his ring at the barn.  Amazing that I looked at him and said, don't worry and fret I'm ok with it.  For some reason I really was.  Years ago it might have been different but now it is just stuff.  The ring was my mom's but it was not my mom. Dick didn't accept the fact and for some reason when he went back to look for it there it was by the barn door.
Something else that has long not been important but I do every year, put flowers on my parent's headstone.  I don't like going to the cemetery, it is not my parents, they are in my heart and that is where I have kept them since 1966 and 1970.  Headstones, jewelry, etc. just stuff.

On  a happy subject, it looks like the garden will get planted soon.  The weekend looks promising for the weather to allow the tiller to get busy.  The next couple days has rain showers and thunderstorms but after that we should be good to go.  The only thing in is onion sets so there will be an Archy back for the Mr.  We have an Earthway seed planter for the larger seeds but the little seeds are down on your knees planting.   The Earthway is money well spent if you have a large garden.  Not only does it plant seeds, it digs the trench, plants and covers the seeds all in one smooth roll of the wheel.  Plus it marks the next row with the proper distance.  They are around a $100. on line.   I have a feeling by July and August I will be getting my share of the workout with picking and canning.  For now I am perched on the lawn mower giving "suggestions".  Someone has developed a hearing problem that hearing aides won't cure!  I would too if I had to take suggestions like he is.  2 more weeks and maybe I can start physically helping.

This is our Earthway seed planter, what a joy to use.
Bart told us about them a few years ago.

A friend sent me a homemade tomato soup recipe that I will be making and posting in a future blog.  I love that so many are getting involved with the blog.  Wonderful ideas and recipes are being passed on to me. A friend said something funny to me Monday night.  She said, "I have a bone to pick with you".  Laughing I said, "tib or fib"?  Come to find out it was because I had been slacking on the blog!  Nice to know I was missed.
GO OV VARSITY BASEBALL!  ♥♥♥♥♥

Rain, chicks and tomato soup!

Hello,  things have been a little slow in Clara, PA.  With  the rain I have been working on a post listing all of the recipes that have been posted.  Remember you can message me or call if you have a question.  All of the recipes are made and tested right here at Cook'n by the Creek.  It will be much easier to find a recipe than searching back through previous posts.

We have had so much rain and the ground is full.  The run off from the hill has caused rushing little streams through our fields that has never happened in 15 years of living here.  2014 has certainly been a year of firsts for weather losses.   The wind took off the porch ceiling in February, the severe below freezing temperatures killed our holly bush and now the water has routed into one corner of our garden.  All part of Mother Nature doing her thing, she is still the boss around here, even though the dogs do a good job of telling us what to do!

The eggs we have  in the incubator should be hatching in 2-4 days.  Wouldn't you know we made it so close and last night the electric went off.  I looked at the alarm clock this morning and just groaned when I saw it flashing.  The temp had dropped a few degrees in the incubator, hoping it didn't ruin the chicks.  We do have a back-up.  Our beautiful little "Miss Speckles"  was acting broody and has been laying in a corner of the barn ;)  As of Saturday she started setting.  21 days and counting for her eggs to hatch.  Another wait and see, patience please.  Her peeps will be tiny since her and hubby are very small.  Sad to say Big Mr. Roo passed which means we are looking for another like him.  He was one handsome big dude and great entertainment around the barnyard.

There is Miss Speckles and her husband in the front guarding
his girls.  He struts his stuff and crows when we get near!

Messaging to a friend all the way across our beautiful USA in the state of Washington gave me this delicious tomato soup recipe.  Actually her father would make it for his kids.  She told me about how he did it and of course being curious on one of the ingredients I googled it.  Well, we had homemade tomato soup for lunch today and never will I buy canned tomato soup again. This is delicious plus you can change it up with many different ingredients although basic was the choice here.  Ok, so many of you either knew this guy, had him for a teacher or one of your family members did.  I had the joy of working with Mr.Smith at the high school. My kinda guy, he told it like it was and not afraid to say it.  I have many funny stories about him and cherish each one.  Here is Mr. Smith's tomato soup recipe ( or very close to what Robin described), thanks Robin Smith Henderson for "Passing it On".

In a saucepan add 1 qt tomatoes (bought or home canned) with 1/2 tsp of baking soda and bring to a boil.  Add 1 qt. of milk and 4 TBSP of butter, salt and pepper. Heat but do not boil....ready to eat.  Remember you can add seasonings of your choice.  This really is great and fast to make.  Next time grilled cheese sandwiches too.

Dick decided fresh chives would be tasty and they were!

The baking soda threw me but makes sense when I found out why.  It cuts the acidic in the tomatoes so the milk doesn't curdle.  Clever, makes me wonder what old timer was so into the science to know this.  I sure wouldn't.  I do know that my buttermilk recipes all call for baking soda, another google to find out if for the same reason!

How Highs The Water Mama

As  a friend from Oswayo posted the joy of waking to the sound of rain and birds singing, it was nice.  We have had the doors and windows open which pulls a beautiful fresh smelling breeze throughout the house.  Unfortunately the fresh cleansing smell has turned to the smell of earth worms.....yuck!  Plus the gentle rain has turned to the old saying, "it's raining cats and dogs".  Never did figure that saying out, have you?  How about it's raining, it's pouring and lucky me the old man is not snoring.  It didn't take long for the driveway to become a small stream and the lawn a shallow pond.  Unfortunately we also woke to looking out the window to see the sun roof wide open in the car.  Lucky the sun is out and if it continues everything should dry out today.  This gives a whole new meaning to rain fresh scent.

Not intentionally but at the top right of the hummingbird
 feeder on the sky is a hummer coming in for a drink.

We were going to plant garden yesterday, so happy the lawnmower mishap didn't allow time for planting.  This hard rain probably would have washed the seeds to the top of the ground.  Can you see I'm still trying to justify hitting the rock nest?  Yes,there was more than one rock, I must learn to slow down.  Someday :)

The wild strawberry blossoms are every where.  Now if mother nature provides just the right environment there will be plenty of little bursts of flavor.  Amber gave me a beautiful plate and ceramic berry carton for Mom's Day.  I'm excited to put berries in it and wash them, they are so tender, the less they are moved the better.

The ceramic berry carton on the right.

May 17, we will stop turning the eggs in the incubator in 3-5 days after if we are lucky the chicks should be hatching.  Dick has been turning them 3-4 times a day for a total of 17 days.  I am to nervous to candle them to see if there are chicks in the eggs.  This will be our first  farm born chicks if they do.  Last summer we let a hen set on them but for some reason they did not hatch and there were chicks in the eggs.  Hopefully we will learn the technique on the correct way to hatch eggs.

Today I am going to bake for the first time in 4 weeks.  One of my favorite cookies to have with coffee, milk or a cold glass of ice tea, Snicker doodles.  If you have not made them they are a nice little sugar cookie dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar.  They also are great keepers for the freezer.  I always put half of what I bake in the freezer for unexpected but always welcome company.  Plus the freezer stash has come in handy since being sidelined for the last 4 weeks.  Not to mention the goodies dear friends have brought us.

Snicker Doodles Recipe:  
1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 medium eggs
*Beat until creamy then add:
2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
2 tsps. cream of tartar
1 tsp.baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Stir until well blended
Roll into 2 inch balls and then roll in 1/4 cup sugar and 3 tsps. cinnamon mixed together.  Bake for 8-10 minutes in 400 degree oven.  Cool on rack and store in airtight container.
Change of plans.......since I have not been paying much attention to my kitchen I don't have enough sugar.  Love my country home but when we run out of something we usually wait for a trip to town.  Another day and then I will post a picture of these tasty little beauties.

What a weekend!

What a weekend!  The weather was perfect to get some much needed chores done around Cook'n by the Creek.  Our son-in-law rototilled the garden with his "big green tractor"  and Dick got the first planting in of Super Sweet and Stuttgart onion sets.  In a few weeks fresh "spring onions" will be on the menu.  Next he will be planting the garden peas, butter crunch lettuce, spinach, kale and collards.  Every day he has cut asparagus for either breakfast or supper.  This is the 3rd year for the new asparagus bed and it is plentiful.  Well worth the wait, we like asparagus and like any vegetable or fruit nothing better than garden to the table within a few hours.  One of my favorite sayings, "spring green"  the color and the food it provides.  Everything is green from the garden, like fall and all it's beautiful colors even the fruits and vegetables harvested take on the colors of fall.  From red and yellow apples, yellow pears, purple plums, orange squash, colorful tomatoes,  it's like the grand finale show before the white of winter sets in.

These will be spring onions for the table and some will be left to
mature for winter onions.

Kirk had the family at his home for a cookout (Amber did the cooking) and the chicken was delicious!  Kirk worked on the "duck house" that is quite elegant for ducks, front porch and cedar shake shingles.  The six ducks are ready for their new home.  Amber and Chris introduced them to the big pond, they took to it like "ducks to water".
Jim and Amber took us on an ATV ride through Kirk's valley which is also my favorite walks.  The last walk was the day I broke my leg 4 weeks ago yesterday, 4 more to go and maybe I can start walking on it.  The ride was welcoming, I was able to see how much the woods had greened up.  Low bushes have leaved out, good time for the gobbler hunters to set up and wait for Mr. Big Boy to come out in a clearing.  After checking the woods we took to the dirt road and went up by the Clara Airstrip.  Yes, small planes actually landed there.  Our friend Al Kaufman (we called him Cloud Buster) landed there in the 1970's when he flew up from Williamsport for a visit.  Then we rode up Wakley Hollow, one of our favorite road walks.  It's a dead end that rarely has a car on it and makes for a back to nature peaceful walk.

I hit a rock while mowing today!  Yep I am a lucky gal to have a husband that can diagnose and repair.  The belt came off which I learned today is not a good sign.  Dick warned me it might have to go to Riverside Simplicity Dealer in Wellsville, Ny.  Well it doesn't, he replaced two bolts and unbent something (I am not mechanical at all!) and of course I was humbled and apologizing for not watching where I was going.  Turns out I really was lucky to have hit the rock, it gave Dick the opportunity to find something that was worn and needs replaced, kinda like the ankle bones connected to the leg bone.  If gone undetected it would have been more serious.   A call tomorrow and Rod will be able to order the part for us.  How did we get along without Rod and Kim and their wonderful business?  They make life much simpler with the little farm equipment.  By the way, I'm not off the hook.......Dick and even my son-in-law have made the comment about how hard I am on lawnmowers.  I will agree I am a little wild and go too fast on them.  I love it!

Break time, leg up and a Sangria/Spanada with fresh blackberries and
strawberries made by Amber ♥♥♥ 

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather, flowers and birds, we sure are. We found out Orioles and Scarlet Tanagers love fresh mango, fresh strawberries and blackberry jelly along with oranges and grape jelly.   Remember any good tips to offer please "Pass it On".

That's Entertainment!

I'm talking about the beautiful birds visiting our feeders.  This has to be the best spring yet for color fluttering around the lawn.  Lucky for me from "Central Command" I have the Crab Apple Tree to look at.  A Robin has been building a nest along with a little English Sparrow.  At various times the brilliant red of two male cardinals and the sunshine yellow of a flock of gold finches brighten the branches.  This makes the tree look like a painting with all the birds in it.  I can't remember seeing so many beautiful birds at one time.  I'll take the cool spring temperatures if that is the reason for so many feathered visitors.  My niece called Tuesday to give me the heads up the Hummingbirds are back.  A few days earlier than last year.  Thursday was the first we noticed the familiar humming sound, sure enough they have arrived at Cook'n by the Creek.  Another free entertainment out the kitchen window.  I'm sure they go by daylight hours rather than the date when the birds and geese decide to head north to start a family, either way we are happy to start feeding them.  I wonder if Mr. King of the feeder will be back, he ran the show last year!   Dick was happy to report the other day he watched two pair of bluebirds building nests in the bluebird boxes he built and hung last fall. The Indigo Buntings and Scarlet Tanagers are also accounted for.  They are more evasive when showing their beautiful colors and only allow quick glimpses.  The beautiful bright colors are easy to see if only for a few seconds.   It looks like most of the spring arrivals are here and ready to entertain us for the summer. Now to keep an eye out for the neighbor's cats that roam freely.   I am not in favor of cats out and about.  They rob nests of baby birds and kill baby bunnies.  Not to mention leaving paw prints on cars!

Indigo Bunting

Scarlet Tanager

The next nature event will be starting around Memorial Day, the doe will be dropping their young.  It is funny to watch the young fawns, it looks like the are playing tag.  They run and chase each other in and out of the woods into the field.  Natures way of building strong bodies and quick movement for the  predators they will face daily for the rest of their lives.  Shortly after this the hen turkey will start parading their brood into the field.  They look like vacuum cleaners going back and forth in line searching for bugs.  Last summer we had two flocks entertaining us daily.  It was the first time for me to see them go to roost.  How funny, the little ones would fly up to the branch and knock another down!  This went on for quite a while until they were all lined up ready to sleep.  I bet mama hen thinks the same as we did when our kids took forever to settle down for bed!  This show went on for about a week in the same tree on the edge of our field, then they moved on to their next destination.

Wednesday and Thursday I was stuck in the house, Dick was subbing at Vo Tech.   My days were long and boring, even I can only knit, crochet, quilt and read so much before I get antsy.  I temporarily lost my inspiration to remember what motivates me to think, talk and express it all.  I wasn't feeling sorry for myself because I don't, way too much to be happy and thankful for.  I guess if I was walking on two feet you could say I lost the pep-in-my-step.  I am happy to report I found it and it feels darn good.  What brought it back?  My lawnmower and the great outdoors.  I knew it would and was so happy to feel the wind on my face, smell the fresh cut grass and just enjoy all of what I love to do and look at.  Actually as I mowed the barnyard I asked myself, just who are you Cheryl Bryant?  Kinda laughing as I answered the question because really I am just the one that would rather be outside mowing, seeing fresh ground tilled and ready to plant, getting dirty and not caring who sees me that way.  Watching the hens peck in the soil and grass for bugs and the roosters strut their handsome selves around is wonderful.  Horses enjoying the green grass with their tail and mane blowing in the wind was all part of the calming affect today.  I was also thinkng about my kids and husband that were not brought up on a farm like me but all love the outdoors, gardening and animals.   It all brings me an inner peace that takes my breath away.  Times like today are a reminder to thank the Lord for the moment.

Let the mowing begin!

Once I mow the lawn for the first time in the spring it will be a twice weekly event.  Cool nights with plenty of dew or frost, hot sun during the day will make the grass grow so fast, almost to the point "you can watch it grow.  I'm not complaining because it is a time for me to relax and enjoy the beautiful view of Clara Valley.  Especially now that I am sidelined for another 4-6 weeks.  Dick helped me get on the zero-turn mower yesterday and away I went.  Leg propped up with a pillow I stayed on the lawn mower for 3 hours.  It was freedom of movement that I haven't had for a few weeks.  I even crossed the bridge to the barn and back fields, mowed the barnyard and around the garden.  Oh joy, it looks like we will be eating our first batch of asparagus this weekend!  It was so good to leave "Central Command", that today I will get back on the mower, head to the garden and give the Mr. some gardening tado suggestions.  Yep, I'm back in the driver's seat (or like to think I am).

Later we will be back in the house to finish up the last 4 #'s of leek butter for the freezer to enjoy next winter.  Since we didn't get the chicken tamales made yesterday that will also being going down during the afternoon break from garden work of tilling, planting onions, spinach and collards if time allows.   I never would have survived being a supervisor, I like getting my hands dirty, feeling the soil, planting the seeds, standing back and admiring the hard work.  Busy mind/busy hands makes my world go round ♥

As in every home plans tend to change and today was no exception at Cook'n by the Creek.  The garden tilling took much longer and then the garden stakes had to be sharpened.  No ride on the mower for me.  I stayed in and worked on the #5 quilt for my grandson.  I did get to eat lunch on the back deck which was quite cool but nice.

Thanks Sebina, I enjoyed learning how to make tamales!

Finally I made chicken tamales for the first time.  They turned out better than expected but it might have been the cream sauce with leeks that put the awww in them.  On the side was black bean and corn salad in half of an avocado.  Well this is how it goes, one meal down and already thinking of what to have for the next one.  Sometimes it gets to be a real pain and today is one of those times.  I think I will Pass it On and let the student chef think of something.........I'm officially on strike for a few meals.