New Home For Cloverleaf Farm Blog
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Tell Me Why I Live Here
I am begining to wonder why we didn't buy a house further south...like Virginia.
We have gotten close to 200 inches of snow, and we have more on the way. Normal snow fall in this area is about
100-150. The only saving grace this whole winter was the January thaw we had. Luckily, that got rid of quite a bit of snow. The roads are getting narrower with every storm. The snow banks are so high, you take your life in your hand trying to pull out of a driveway or intersection. Snow is piling up everywhere. It has gone from being beautiful, to just plain ugly.
Yes, the shop is almost buried.
Will it ever melt in time for opening in May. We are taking bets.
We have gotten close to 200 inches of snow, and we have more on the way. Normal snow fall in this area is about
100-150. The only saving grace this whole winter was the January thaw we had. Luckily, that got rid of quite a bit of snow. The roads are getting narrower with every storm. The snow banks are so high, you take your life in your hand trying to pull out of a driveway or intersection. Snow is piling up everywhere. It has gone from being beautiful, to just plain ugly.
Yes, the shop is almost buried.
Will it ever melt in time for opening in May. We are taking bets.
"Back in The Day"
"Back in the mid to late 1800's, the average inside temperature was approximately 45 degrees." Those words we heard on the tour at Strawbery Banke at Christmas time seemed very real when we realized we had no furnace, and that our wood pile had only one days heat left to it.
The thought of a nice weekend away was quickly squelched with the reality of knowing we had to do something to avoid the pipes freezing. We have enough problems with no furnace, we don't really want an indoor swimming pool in our living room too. We asked a couple neighbors if they had a heater we could borrow, and they did not. Don said he had one, but we wouldn't want to use it indoors. He said, "well, it's quiet, but you won't wake up in the morning". So we thanked him, and then decided a trip was inevitable.
We trekked off to the hardware store to find a portable heater. Luckily they had 2. So we bought them both.
The next on our list was to find some wood. Called a few friends, they gave us a few names and numbers, and lucky enough one man had some left. Better yet his price was reasonable. We will be using him next year for sure.
The thought of a nice weekend away was quickly squelched with the reality of knowing we had to do something to avoid the pipes freezing. We have enough problems with no furnace, we don't really want an indoor swimming pool in our living room too. We asked a couple neighbors if they had a heater we could borrow, and they did not. Don said he had one, but we wouldn't want to use it indoors. He said, "well, it's quiet, but you won't wake up in the morning". So we thanked him, and then decided a trip was inevitable.
We trekked off to the hardware store to find a portable heater. Luckily they had 2. So we bought them both.
The next on our list was to find some wood. Called a few friends, they gave us a few names and numbers, and lucky enough one man had some left. Better yet his price was reasonable. We will be using him next year for sure.
A Furnace Burial
On Friday, Michael went down to check on our stock of squashes in the basement root cellar.
There he found soot around the furnace. This was not a good thing.
The furnace repair guy came within the hour, and told us the bad news. The furnace is gone. He said we were lucky that we didn't have boxes and such stored around the furnace because they would have caught fire and burned the house down.
So, we had two choices. Fix the furnace we have for about $1000, or replace it with one that will last about 40 years. If it were not for the $4000 price tag, that would have been the route we took, however, financially $4000 right now is out of the question. Option A, we will fix the furnace we have, and it will hopefully last another two years.
So then, came the question of when. " I have to order parts," he said. That means we would be without the furnace until probably Tuesday.
There he found soot around the furnace. This was not a good thing.
The furnace repair guy came within the hour, and told us the bad news. The furnace is gone. He said we were lucky that we didn't have boxes and such stored around the furnace because they would have caught fire and burned the house down.
So, we had two choices. Fix the furnace we have for about $1000, or replace it with one that will last about 40 years. If it were not for the $4000 price tag, that would have been the route we took, however, financially $4000 right now is out of the question. Option A, we will fix the furnace we have, and it will hopefully last another two years.
So then, came the question of when. " I have to order parts," he said. That means we would be without the furnace until probably Tuesday.
Wicked Winter Weather
Today is not a day to be outside. Even the dogs are reluctant to go out.
It has gone from snow to sleet to freezing rain. It is nasty out there.
Today is a good soup day and bread to go with it. Pea soup is simmering, and the smell is filling the air. The bread is next. I want the bread to be hot right out of the oven when the soup is done.
There is nothing better than fresh hot bread with a dollop of butter and a bowl of homemade pea soup. Or any soup for that matter. We only eat home made soups, so we are partial. If only more people would take the time to make their own home made meals, they would understand the flavors they are missing.
While the bread is rising, I will dream about life on a tropical island...where there is no snow, or freezing rain.
It has gone from snow to sleet to freezing rain. It is nasty out there.
Today is a good soup day and bread to go with it. Pea soup is simmering, and the smell is filling the air. The bread is next. I want the bread to be hot right out of the oven when the soup is done.
There is nothing better than fresh hot bread with a dollop of butter and a bowl of homemade pea soup. Or any soup for that matter. We only eat home made soups, so we are partial. If only more people would take the time to make their own home made meals, they would understand the flavors they are missing.
While the bread is rising, I will dream about life on a tropical island...where there is no snow, or freezing rain.
No Plastic Needed
Yesterday, we went produce shopping. I was amazed at the fact that organic produce has to be wrapped in plastic. In order to be a certified organic store, this is one rule that has to be followed. I guess the organic produce can not come in contact with anything else, so they wrap it in plastic. This just isn't organic in our mind. Plastic wrap, with a Styrofoam tray is NOT organic in the least. I am not sure who came up with this rule, but it seems to defeat the purpose of the produce being organic in the first place.
The other thing that struck me was the amount of prepackaged salads, and other produce blazing the isles. There were at least 5 kinds of prepackaged salads. Along with them were prepackaged tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and others. I understand that the prepackaged salads are a time saver. But how much time does it really save. What is wrong with buying the lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and celery separately and make it yourself at home. Imagine 200 people a day buying the prepackage salads. Take that and multiply by 200 grocery stores. That is 40,000 bags a day ending up in the landfills. This is just a small example of what the real numbers are. Imagine this happening all over the country on a daily basis. Imagine how many plastic bags are ending up in our landfills....just from prepackaged lettuce and produce.
We have decided that we want no part in adding to the problem. When we go produce shopping, we carry along a wicker basket and use that to haul home our veggies. No need for plastic bags.
When we get home, we wash and drain all produce on a clean cotton towel. We then make our own salads, feeling that we did at least a small part in helping our landfill.
The other thing that struck me was the amount of prepackaged salads, and other produce blazing the isles. There were at least 5 kinds of prepackaged salads. Along with them were prepackaged tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and others. I understand that the prepackaged salads are a time saver. But how much time does it really save. What is wrong with buying the lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and celery separately and make it yourself at home. Imagine 200 people a day buying the prepackage salads. Take that and multiply by 200 grocery stores. That is 40,000 bags a day ending up in the landfills. This is just a small example of what the real numbers are. Imagine this happening all over the country on a daily basis. Imagine how many plastic bags are ending up in our landfills....just from prepackaged lettuce and produce.
We have decided that we want no part in adding to the problem. When we go produce shopping, we carry along a wicker basket and use that to haul home our veggies. No need for plastic bags.
When we get home, we wash and drain all produce on a clean cotton towel. We then make our own salads, feeling that we did at least a small part in helping our landfill.
Ready For Darkness
The wood stove is going, the candles are on the table, and we are all set if the lights go out. In fact I always welcome it. No electricity brings a sense of peace and tranquility. It makes people connect in ways we use to. It is called talking. There is no t.v or computer diverting someone's attention. It brings back the old art of actually having a conversation with your family.
I remember during the Ice Storm of 1998. The boys and I were living in our Rebecca Lane apartment. We were without electricity for 3 days. We cooked corned beef hash and beefaroni on the wood stove. We used snow in the tub to keep our food cold. Candles became our light source. We had a little portable radio we used to get weather and storm updates, but we couldn't use it for long or we would wear the batteries down. So, we entertained ourselves with reading, games and singing. We sang "16 Candles", as the candle light flickered in the room, and we all laughed.
It is a time that I will remember for years.
I remember during the Ice Storm of 1998. The boys and I were living in our Rebecca Lane apartment. We were without electricity for 3 days. We cooked corned beef hash and beefaroni on the wood stove. We used snow in the tub to keep our food cold. Candles became our light source. We had a little portable radio we used to get weather and storm updates, but we couldn't use it for long or we would wear the batteries down. So, we entertained ourselves with reading, games and singing. We sang "16 Candles", as the candle light flickered in the room, and we all laughed.
It is a time that I will remember for years.
Calm Before the Storm
One looking out the window right now would never know we have a winter storm on the way. The sun is shining and the sky is filled with beautiful purple and yellow hues. There is only wisps of clouds covering the beautiful sunrise.
The weatherman paints this afternoon as a much different picture. A winter storm is on the way. It will start will snow, and end with freezing rain. The rain is the problem element in this storm. By tonight, we are suppose to have 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice covering our world. With the snow, ice, and heavy winds, power outages are expected.
The weatherman paints this afternoon as a much different picture. A winter storm is on the way. It will start will snow, and end with freezing rain. The rain is the problem element in this storm. By tonight, we are suppose to have 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice covering our world. With the snow, ice, and heavy winds, power outages are expected.
Life Without Mayonnaise
To me, mayonnaise was a food group all to itself. I used it on everything.
I think it started way back when I was seven. I had been really sick, and for some reason mayonnaise sandwiches didn't make me sick. So I got hooked on mayo sandwiches. My love for mayonnaise transpired into everything I ate. French Fries meant blobs of mayo. Chicken, covered in mayo was my favorite food. When meatloaf was served, the mayo jar was right next to me. So my love for mayo was born.
There is a few food items I have not put mayo on, like cold cereal, but most everything I ate required mayo on it. And I mean mayo. I would glob it on so it would ooze out the sandwich. If it didn't ooze, it wasn't enough.
For now, those days gone. Being that I am actually reading labels much more carefully, I realized how much fat I was putting in my body. I am on a mission to lose weight, and even a teaspoon of mayonnaise has 11 grams of fat, and 50 fat calories. And it isn't like mayo adds any fiber or other benefits to my diet. So out it goes.
Sorry Helmans.
I think it started way back when I was seven. I had been really sick, and for some reason mayonnaise sandwiches didn't make me sick. So I got hooked on mayo sandwiches. My love for mayonnaise transpired into everything I ate. French Fries meant blobs of mayo. Chicken, covered in mayo was my favorite food. When meatloaf was served, the mayo jar was right next to me. So my love for mayo was born.
There is a few food items I have not put mayo on, like cold cereal, but most everything I ate required mayo on it. And I mean mayo. I would glob it on so it would ooze out the sandwich. If it didn't ooze, it wasn't enough.
For now, those days gone. Being that I am actually reading labels much more carefully, I realized how much fat I was putting in my body. I am on a mission to lose weight, and even a teaspoon of mayonnaise has 11 grams of fat, and 50 fat calories. And it isn't like mayo adds any fiber or other benefits to my diet. So out it goes.
Sorry Helmans.
Learning The Gimp
This is before Gimp
This is After Gimp
No, the Gimp is not a new dance craze. It is a photo editing tool that I have been working on learning. You can take a photo, and re-colorize things, crop things in and out, and take out unsightly wires. That is what I was spending the morning learning how to do.
I had taken a picture of our house after one of the last big storms. The picture was beautiful, except for the wires over the house. So, I sat down this morning, and learned Gimp, and took the wires out. I also cropped out the road in front of the house.
Next I will learn about how the paint tool works. I want to paint the house an ocra color with dark golden trim. If I don't like that I can try any number of combos until we get the right color when we pain the house.
Our Neighborhood
This is our neighborhood circa 1917
This is our neighborhood circa 2007
As you can see not much has changed in our neighborhood 90 years. The road is now paved, and the trees have changed a bit, but other than that things remain the same.
Living in a small community is nice. There is nothing else like it. You know the neighbors, and they care about you. If you haven't been seen in a couple days, they wonder if you are alright.
I grew up in a similar kind of neighborhood, and it is nice to know that these kind of places still exist. We all helped one another when it was needed. This neighborhood is no different. If we need help, they are there for us, and we are there for them.
Who are the people in the neighborhood?
We have Earl, the elder gentleman. He will be 86 this year, and still gets up and opens his store every morning at 7. He is there until 5. His day off is only Tuesday afternoon. It is great having a store right across the street to buy eggs, milk and other staples. Even at 86, Earl still mows his own lawn, shovels snow, and be-bops across the street sung to a lighthearted tune. Earl can spin a yarn or two about just about anything. He will eagerly tell a child about the furry fish hanging on the wall. As the story goes, that fish realized how cold it got up here in the winter. So he grew fur. The wide eyed 5 year old thinks, wow, what a smart fish. He doesn't care that it is just a fish that Earl put fur on for a joke.
Bill, Earl's son, owns the eclectic shop that has everything, and I mean everything. If he doesn't have it, you probably don't need it. In the shop he has antiques, collectibles, and much more. Bill is the quiet one in the family, but always lends a hand when a dog sitter is needed. He has helped us out quite a bit since we moved here, and we are very thankful.
Next, there is Allan. Allan is Bill's younger brother, and of course Earl's son. I would say he is the comic relief of the neighborhood. Always there with a smile, and a joke, and a helping hand when needed.
The matriarch of the neighborhood is Muriel. Being 96 has not stopped her from everyday life. You would never guess she was past 75. Winter keeps her in more often, but in spring she will be out and about more often. She has been an incredible help to my sewing skills these last few months. It is always a pleasure to visit with her and listen to her stories of our neighborhood years ago. Our barn use to be a summer theater, and she was one of the players.
Don, Muriel's son lives down the street. He is a quiet man, but still is there to give a helping hand. We don't get to see him as much as the others.
That is our immediate neighbors. We have others that live further down the street. One of our neighbors is 102. We think it maybe something in the water.
Who are the people in your neighborhood?
Every Man His Own Doctor
I am by nature a curious person. I want to know what and why. Having someone tell me the grass is green is not enough, I want to know why. I have an insatiable desire for the most obscure knowledge, but there are times when it has paid off.
Being an herbalist, I am quite curious and interested in the medical world. I am always interested in knowing how and why a procedure is done, and since in the last post I brought up medicine in the 1800's, I had to find out more about it.
There are many site out there with all sorts of information. I perused for hours and found one I really liked, and it has tons of information. If you too are interested in Early American Medicine you can read all sorts of interesting articles. They even have some pictures of early medicine and guide books. Now mind you, these books were not for a doctor. They were written and printed for home use. They did not go to a doctor for the problems we go for today. They treated themselves and their families at home. The majority of children were born at home, and there had to be someone either in the home or nearby that had mid-wife experience. They had to be able to take care of the child, and post partum mother.
Every Man His Own Doctor is a fabulous way to learn all about Early American Medicine.
I am going back and learn some more.
Being an herbalist, I am quite curious and interested in the medical world. I am always interested in knowing how and why a procedure is done, and since in the last post I brought up medicine in the 1800's, I had to find out more about it.
There are many site out there with all sorts of information. I perused for hours and found one I really liked, and it has tons of information. If you too are interested in Early American Medicine you can read all sorts of interesting articles. They even have some pictures of early medicine and guide books. Now mind you, these books were not for a doctor. They were written and printed for home use. They did not go to a doctor for the problems we go for today. They treated themselves and their families at home. The majority of children were born at home, and there had to be someone either in the home or nearby that had mid-wife experience. They had to be able to take care of the child, and post partum mother.
Every Man His Own Doctor is a fabulous way to learn all about Early American Medicine.
I am going back and learn some more.
How Did They Do It...
For the last few days, I have been nursing my aching back. It got me wondering how on earth they would have gotten through it back in the 1800's. They would not have had the MRI that I was able to have, so if they had a bad backache how would it affect their life.
For a couple days, I even had a hard time standing to make dinner, or do the dishes. Luckily, my husband helps me out. Back in the day, would the man of the house chipped in with the "women's work", or just made her suffer through the pain. I resort to ibuprofen. I think their chose would have been opium or morphine, or perhaps if it was the latter 1800's maybe aspirin. I shall have to look into it.
Other than the back not working right, it has been a quiet week. More snow this morning, but the sun is shining now, and it is beautiful out. Started to make a snow creature, but the back wasn't willing, so out in my yard sits a "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", mashed potato looking sculpture. I shall go out and put the body on later. My neighbors already think we are kind of "weird", so I don't want them thinking we are inviting aliens to our backyard.
For a couple days, I even had a hard time standing to make dinner, or do the dishes. Luckily, my husband helps me out. Back in the day, would the man of the house chipped in with the "women's work", or just made her suffer through the pain. I resort to ibuprofen. I think their chose would have been opium or morphine, or perhaps if it was the latter 1800's maybe aspirin. I shall have to look into it.
Other than the back not working right, it has been a quiet week. More snow this morning, but the sun is shining now, and it is beautiful out. Started to make a snow creature, but the back wasn't willing, so out in my yard sits a "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", mashed potato looking sculpture. I shall go out and put the body on later. My neighbors already think we are kind of "weird", so I don't want them thinking we are inviting aliens to our backyard.
The Thaw is Freezing Again
Well, the January thaw must be over. It is again snowing out. They say we are in for a Nor'easter.
School has been canceled, as well as most everything else. It has been coming down pretty hard, and steady for the last 3 hours.
Last night friends of ours came from the "big city" to have dinner with us. It was great to see them. Being that we moved "way out in the middle of nowhere", we don't get to see them as much as we use to. Dinner was good, even without the fresh carrots from the garden. Just couldn't get them out. Of course the company was nice too. We talked about everything, and laughed even more. Then they were off back to the "big city". Next time, we will venture out and have dinner with them at their home.
My measuring stick is starting to get covered with snow again. I know it was just a fantasy, but I was hoping that it wouldn't snow again this season. I figured we had already gotten our share, and didn't need anymore. I dreamt about green grass and warm breezes. Ah, for now it is just a dream.
School has been canceled, as well as most everything else. It has been coming down pretty hard, and steady for the last 3 hours.
Last night friends of ours came from the "big city" to have dinner with us. It was great to see them. Being that we moved "way out in the middle of nowhere", we don't get to see them as much as we use to. Dinner was good, even without the fresh carrots from the garden. Just couldn't get them out. Of course the company was nice too. We talked about everything, and laughed even more. Then they were off back to the "big city". Next time, we will venture out and have dinner with them at their home.
My measuring stick is starting to get covered with snow again. I know it was just a fantasy, but I was hoping that it wouldn't snow again this season. I figured we had already gotten our share, and didn't need anymore. I dreamt about green grass and warm breezes. Ah, for now it is just a dream.
Off to Tara
The dress is a dark blue fabric with small purple flowers on it. It is really pretty, and I have enough left over for a small purse. I worked hard on it so I could wear it for Christmas. Without the layers of petticoats, and pantelets, it is lightweight enough, that I can wear it year round. Although for now, I am saving it for special occasions.
For more on the layers that Ladies Victorian wore visit To Twelve Oaks for BBQ.
Recycling Christmas
Okay, so we are not really recycling the whole holiday, just the trees.
We take our tree, and donations of trees from the neighbors, and dry them out for the needles. Pine needles make wonderful smelling sachets for the home, car or office. We keep one in our car during the winter and when the defrost comes on, we get a blast of that clean pine scent. During the summer, the heat from the windshield heats up the pillow. When you inhale the scent of a pine pillow, you are instantly transported to a grove of pine trees in a forest. Or maybe it reminds you of the scent of Christmas’ past.
For us it is a way to reduce, renew and recycle things we use here on the farm. We pluck off the needles to use in pillows and potpourri’s, and the rest goes into the compost pile. We don’t waste anything.
Snow Is Melting...Thank You
According to my snow stick, (which is really the highway reflector marker) since we have had all this warm weather and now rain, we are down about a foot of snow. Last weekend we couldn’t even see the top of the marker, and now there is at least a foot sticking up. I am not going out in the rain to measure.
Today has been a quiet day. Raining, slushing, and whatever from the sky, it was a good day to sort through some fabric and get ready for a new sewing project. I inherited 2 bags worth of fabric, and I think with a the poly in there I can finally fix the quilt from Nana. When we moved to New Hamshire, I guess she thought it was the North Pole, and gave me this really heavy quilt she had made. She has passed now, and I thought it would be nice to fix it up for one of the boys. It is afterall their Great-Grandmother, and since it was from the ex’s side, really no relation to me. I always kept in touch with her, and I guess you could say we were related in spirit. She and I, even though years apart thought alot alike.
Off to the sewing room I go. So many projects…so little fabric.
In fall, we start collecting seeds from all the plants that we can. They are all packaged away in newspaper or brown grocery type bags to dry out. We package up dill, calendula, pumpkin, hubbard squash, acorn squash and others. Once the seeds are dried, we sort through them and hand pick the best seeds. Some we sell, the others we use in our garden for this seasons crops. By doing this we know where are seeds are coming from, and therefore we know that the produce we sell in the summer is the best around.
Sorting seeds is a somewhat tedious job. It can also get messy. Seeds all over the floor, and the paper like coverings of the squash seeds flies everywhere. Of course, in the end, all the hard work all becomes worth it. It makes one feel much more connected to the food they eat, when you can look at a seed and know that by next fall, that seed will be a pumpkin or two.
I can still remember the first time I planted a seed and it grew into an acorn squash plant. It was wonderful to watch the plant grow a little bit everyday. Then suddenly it had a baby fruit on it. I was so excited. It was as if I had given birth to that squash. I watched the squash grow everyday. When it finally came time to pick it, I hated to eat it. It was beautiful. In my eyes anyway. When I finally did cut into it, I realized the seeds inside would be my crop for next year. That is when I was hooked.
Since then, I have grown many fruits and vegetables. I still feel like each and everyone is my baby, and I must protect them. I hover over them each day to make sure they are getting everything they need. When the season is over, and it is time for seed saving, I save each precious seed knowing next year they will be my new babies.
Slush, Mud, Muck Oh My
If April showers bring May flowers, what does the January rains bring. Slush, mud, muck and ice? Yes.
Our yard is a combination of all of the niceties of the January thaw. The temperature outside has been from 40 - 60 degrees for the past 3 days. It was like May yesterday. Now it is pouring rain out. One spot it is slushy, another is mucky mud. Under all of it is the dreaded ice patches. One would think it was April.
We can see the driveway again. I know it probably won’t last, but it is nice to have a break from all the snow on the ground. The piles of snow have shrunk down quite a bit too. I was hoping to go out today and dig up more carrots before it rained, but I guess I missed that opportunity. It is pouring out, and the winds are starting to howl. I guess I can wait for the next thaw to get the carrots. I was looking forward to some carrot soup.
Time Change
People usually adapt after a week or so from the dreaded and stupid time change. One may feel groggy for a couple days, or even mess up on the time, but you fix all your clocks and get on with life.
Well, it seems, dogs do not understand the changing of the hour ahead in the spring and back in the fall. Ever since November when we changed out clocks back, the dogs start to get restless for supper around 3:30. Before November the time would have been 4:30.
They start running around the house from room to room, checking their bowls on the way by to make sure nothing has been deposited into them. They then want to go out every 5 minutes, because we always put them out for a while before they eat.
So the dance of dinner starts at least by 4, and continues until 5 or when they eat...whichever comes first.
I have tried to tell them that they forgot to change their belly clocks back by an hour, but they are just not getting it. They just look at me with a puzzled face and wag. Then they want to go out again, because they think this will get them food.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks, and you can't get him to set his clock right either.
Well, it seems, dogs do not understand the changing of the hour ahead in the spring and back in the fall. Ever since November when we changed out clocks back, the dogs start to get restless for supper around 3:30. Before November the time would have been 4:30.
They start running around the house from room to room, checking their bowls on the way by to make sure nothing has been deposited into them. They then want to go out every 5 minutes, because we always put them out for a while before they eat.
So the dance of dinner starts at least by 4, and continues until 5 or when they eat...whichever comes first.
I have tried to tell them that they forgot to change their belly clocks back by an hour, but they are just not getting it. They just look at me with a puzzled face and wag. Then they want to go out again, because they think this will get them food.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks, and you can't get him to set his clock right either.
Homemade Soup
I have always liked playing with food and creating recipes. It seems the less food we have around, the more creative I can get. While I am not Mother Hubbard, the cupboards are getting a little bare. Going to the grocery store seems to be much more of a chore since it is over 30 minutes away. So, we only go when we direly have to.
Yesterday, while looking around to see what I would make for dinner, I decided to make soup. Soup is always good in the winter. I came up with the recipe below, and called it Poor Man’s Soup.
1/2 cup yellow split peas
1/2 cup green split peas
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 medium potatoes cut in medium chunks
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 pinches cayenne
1/2 tsp garlic powder
dash dill leaf powder
1 box chicken stock
1 cup water
Put all ingredients into large cooking pot. Boil for 10 minutes. Lower heat and simmer on low for 4-5 hours. Add more chicken stock (or water) if necessary. Should thicken up like pea soup.
Serves 6-8
We had it with fresh homemade onion bread, and it was delicious.
Drying Icicles
It is going to be warm out today, a whopping 45, so I thought I should get some laundry done. Being that we have to hang our clothes to dry, it will be a nice day to hang them on the clothesline outdoors.
When I went out and hung them, I saw a big icicle hanging down from the line. I thought, no problem, I will just hang the clothes around the icicle. After doing so, I realized it looked like I had hung out the icicle to dry. I just had to laugh, and take a picture of course.
Another Christmas Packed Away
Except for the lights and decorations that are outside, and buried under 3 feet of snow, another Christmas has been packed away for this year. I don't think we will see the ones outside until May.
It is always kind of sad packing all the ornaments and such back into the boxes. All the kids ornaments they got every year, the ones they made in school, the felt Christmas tree I made in 6th grade, and all my childhood memories are now all tucked safely away in the attic.
Now, we will be finding tinsel until July. It's inevitable. No matter how many times you vacuum, there is always a piece lurking somewhere. They hide while you are vacuuming, and come out when you are done. That is the only explanation I have been able to come up with. Either that or there is a tinsel fairy.
It is kind of nice having the shop closed for the winter. It gives me time to get so much done. Now that Christmas has been put away, I can get started on the husband's birthday gift. First, I have to sort out the sewing room. That is a project for tomorrow I hope.
For tonight, we will relax and watch a movie.
It is always kind of sad packing all the ornaments and such back into the boxes. All the kids ornaments they got every year, the ones they made in school, the felt Christmas tree I made in 6th grade, and all my childhood memories are now all tucked safely away in the attic.
Now, we will be finding tinsel until July. It's inevitable. No matter how many times you vacuum, there is always a piece lurking somewhere. They hide while you are vacuuming, and come out when you are done. That is the only explanation I have been able to come up with. Either that or there is a tinsel fairy.
It is kind of nice having the shop closed for the winter. It gives me time to get so much done. Now that Christmas has been put away, I can get started on the husband's birthday gift. First, I have to sort out the sewing room. That is a project for tomorrow I hope.
For tonight, we will relax and watch a movie.
Frosty Paws
One good thing about January, the January thaw.
Even though the temperatures have only been anywhere from -30- =+16, we are for a heat wave starting tomorrow. Heat wave in winter terminology means 30 plus. According to the weather man, and we all know he is always right, it is suppose to get up even into the 40's by mid week next week. I can hear the snow melting now. The bad thing, is the rain we are suppose to get. In winter, around here, rain means skating rinks everywhere you walk. I can see our yard now. It will be one sheet of glare ice that we could probably open a skating rink on.
Now, if this was years ago, I would be elated. When I was younger, I loved to ice skate. Now, I don't think I would want to try. Not sure my ankles could hold me up, or if my back could stand it if I fell. I think I will for go trying to be Peggy Flemming this year.
Even though the temperatures have only been anywhere from -30- =+16, we are for a heat wave starting tomorrow. Heat wave in winter terminology means 30 plus. According to the weather man, and we all know he is always right, it is suppose to get up even into the 40's by mid week next week. I can hear the snow melting now. The bad thing, is the rain we are suppose to get. In winter, around here, rain means skating rinks everywhere you walk. I can see our yard now. It will be one sheet of glare ice that we could probably open a skating rink on.
Now, if this was years ago, I would be elated. When I was younger, I loved to ice skate. Now, I don't think I would want to try. Not sure my ankles could hold me up, or if my back could stand it if I fell. I think I will for go trying to be Peggy Flemming this year.
Woohoo....It Is Cold Out There
Wow, I can't believe how cold it is out.
When I got up at 5:30 to let the dogs out, I couldn't see the thermometer. I just knew it as cold from the breeze that came in the door. I turned on the t.v. to catch the weather, and that is when I knew it was cold. Minus 20 with the wind chill. Baby, that is cold.
Now that it is noon, and the sun is out it is still only like 8 degrees. With the wind it is still in the negative numbers.
I know we live in the north, but this is really not normal for this time of year. Just like all the snow we have gotten. Personally, I think that Mother nature is trying to tell us something. She is telling me to stay indoors till spring.
Actually, if you dress right for it, the cold isn't really all that bad. Layers of clothes is the key to keeping warm. In this low a temperature, any exposed skin is vulnerable to frost bite very quickly.
Off to the big city today. Have to get some staple products for the house. A roof rake being on the top of the list. The porch roof has about a foot of snow on it, and really should be cleaned off. Luckily, the house roof is at a good enough pitch, that we don't really have to worry about it.
When I got up at 5:30 to let the dogs out, I couldn't see the thermometer. I just knew it as cold from the breeze that came in the door. I turned on the t.v. to catch the weather, and that is when I knew it was cold. Minus 20 with the wind chill. Baby, that is cold.
Now that it is noon, and the sun is out it is still only like 8 degrees. With the wind it is still in the negative numbers.
I know we live in the north, but this is really not normal for this time of year. Just like all the snow we have gotten. Personally, I think that Mother nature is trying to tell us something. She is telling me to stay indoors till spring.
Actually, if you dress right for it, the cold isn't really all that bad. Layers of clothes is the key to keeping warm. In this low a temperature, any exposed skin is vulnerable to frost bite very quickly.
Off to the big city today. Have to get some staple products for the house. A roof rake being on the top of the list. The porch roof has about a foot of snow on it, and really should be cleaned off. Luckily, the house roof is at a good enough pitch, that we don't really have to worry about it.
And We're Shoveling...and Shoveling
Mother nature can stop now. We have enough snow.
Barn
Barn
and we're shoveling...
and shoveling...
and we are still not done shoveling.
Free Snow for the Asking
Poor Henrietta Scarecrow
Hopefully the green house doesn't get buried.
Cold Butt on top of the snow
Front of Shop
Front of the house
Snow Up to Our Ears
It has been snowing today since around lunch. The last time I looked out, we had about 2-3 inches. By now we must have around 6-8. It has been snowing pretty steady all day.
Being a so called holiday, it was quiet and we got alot done. I never did start on my sewing projects, but I did get alot of web stuff done. I have been working on more herbal articles for my other blog cloverleaffarmnh.blogspot.com. It is starting to be chocked full with all sorts of herbal information. Need more you could always check out www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com. That site has more information than the dictionary. It took us forever to put it all together, and we are still tweaking it. We want to put pictures on it so you can actually see what the herb looks like.
Being that I haven't been out all day, I think I will go check out how much snow we actually have. Tomorrow I will get around to posting pictures of the 1860's day dress I made for Christmas
Being a so called holiday, it was quiet and we got alot done. I never did start on my sewing projects, but I did get alot of web stuff done. I have been working on more herbal articles for my other blog cloverleaffarmnh.blogspot.com. It is starting to be chocked full with all sorts of herbal information. Need more you could always check out www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com. That site has more information than the dictionary. It took us forever to put it all together, and we are still tweaking it. We want to put pictures on it so you can actually see what the herb looks like.
Being that I haven't been out all day, I think I will go check out how much snow we actually have. Tomorrow I will get around to posting pictures of the 1860's day dress I made for Christmas
Leaping Into 2008
Happy New Year. Welcome to 2008.
This year happens to be a Leap Year. A leap year happens to make up for lost days the last 3 years. Each year is short by a quarter of a day, so every four years they throw one in to make up for it. It must be funny to be born on February 29. If you are born on the 29th of February, you only have a "true" birthday every 4 years. I guess when you are older this could be a good thing. When you are 50 you are really only 12 1/2. Now I know this isn't really the case, but it sounds good.
We are getting more snow today. It doesn't look like it now, but we are in for a big storm to start the New Year. If this keeps up, I'm not sure where we will put it all. The snow is way up over our porch where we didn't shovel. The snow banks are so high now it is hard to see around them.
Today will be a good day to start on some of my sewing projects. The husband's birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and I want to get started on another petticoat. I bought this soft peach color cotton almost a year ago, and it is still sitting in the closet waiting to be put together.
I am also working on putting together a website to sell my patterns and clothing on. As long as we don't lose power from the storm, that will be a good afternoon project.
Happy New Leap Year to everyone.
This year happens to be a Leap Year. A leap year happens to make up for lost days the last 3 years. Each year is short by a quarter of a day, so every four years they throw one in to make up for it. It must be funny to be born on February 29. If you are born on the 29th of February, you only have a "true" birthday every 4 years. I guess when you are older this could be a good thing. When you are 50 you are really only 12 1/2. Now I know this isn't really the case, but it sounds good.
We are getting more snow today. It doesn't look like it now, but we are in for a big storm to start the New Year. If this keeps up, I'm not sure where we will put it all. The snow is way up over our porch where we didn't shovel. The snow banks are so high now it is hard to see around them.
Today will be a good day to start on some of my sewing projects. The husband's birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and I want to get started on another petticoat. I bought this soft peach color cotton almost a year ago, and it is still sitting in the closet waiting to be put together.
I am also working on putting together a website to sell my patterns and clothing on. As long as we don't lose power from the storm, that will be a good afternoon project.
Happy New Leap Year to everyone.
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