Category: Uncategorized

*Nuts*

  In my quest to shed these extra pounds I have managed to pack on in recent times, I’ve done some serious diet and meal restructuring and the husband has already lost 12 lbs.  Me? Not so much.  And that drives me -nutz- because in years gone by, I had no trouble dropping the weight when I wanted to.  And I WANT TO!!!.. While we are eating primarily Paleo foods (think hunter gatherer)… we do still consume some dairy but it’s limited. I realized after talking to several friends that I am eating too much fruit (natural sugar) and that’s slowing the weight loss down.  One of the “snacks” recommended was nut butter..and I immediately thought Peanut butter, which I’ve loved all my life.  But in the healthier foods sections of most stores and whole food markets you will also find nut butters I never paid attention to before… Almond, Pecan, Hazelnut, Cashew, Macadamia,  etc.    So I did some research in that department because damn, I need a healthy snack that won’t pack on the pounds. A Healthy fat kind of snack..  you can bake with nut butters too, but I’m looking to eat a teaspoon of the stuff to tide me over now and then.
 First let me show you something I could not believe…. It looks delicious at first glance…
 
Until you read the ingredients. 
Ingredients: Sugar, Vegetable Oils (Rapeseed And Palm), Hazelnuts, Cocoa Process With
Alkali, Skim Milk, Whey Powder, Contains 2% Or Less of Sunflower
Lecithin, Natural Flavor. May Contain Almond, Cashew, Pistachio, Soybean and WHEAT INGREDIENTS
*if you have a wheat allergy or are trying to avoid it and gluten..
well that’s a sneaky additive, isn’t it. 
When SUGAR is the first ingredient and you’re not holding a bag of Domino Sugar in your hand? … walk away.  Holy cow.

 Compare to Justins – which I bought… 
Ingredients…Dry
roasted hazelnuts, dry roasted almonds, organic cane sugar, organic
cocoa, organic cocoa butter, palm fruit oil*, vanilla, sea salt.
Now, there is still sugar in this product, although much much less… and you can buy raw nut butter with NO sugar at all,  and even NO SALT… which is best…  but it’s a heck of a lot better than JIF.  The other big difference?  Jif is less than $4.00 for the jar.. whereas Justins was $14.00 for close to the same amount. 

 Ouch.

  You know… it shouldn’t cost MORE money to eat healthy… and it’s often said that low income families tend to eat crap.   Because it’s affordable!  All consumers should have better options. 
Shame on the makers of JIF… now Smuckers Company bought from Procter and Gamble.. for making a NUT butter that’s first ingredient is SUGAR.    *sigh* 
-Just Sayin

How cold IS it?…..

It’s SOO Cold… 
I’m willing to be caught alive wearing this Owl hat because
it’s the warmest thing in our glove and hat basket
and I will not tolerate another ear-stinging thaw session
just because I want to look cool.
No, I’m over that. 
I know, I know… you just wish you had one now, don’t you. 

It’s SOO Cold…
The water buckets freeze every few hours at the barn.
Ask me how much I love my horses right now,
especially as I’m banging and clanging those buckets to get the ice out.
OH yes, I know there are bucket heaters on the market.
MY special snowflake of a horse doesn’t like to drink from anything -heated-. 
It’s SOO Cold…
 the boyz wait for me at the bottom of the hill at 4pm.. staring at the mud room door
that I appear from because DANG it’s cold out here and they want IN.
 
It’s SOO Cold…they are also wearing two blankets..
and have little snowballs on their fetlock fur
It’s true, New England sees a typical winter..
but temps this low for these long stretches of time is not typical.
There is no doubt in my mind that the weather patterns are changing 
on this little planet we inhabit.
*****
I want to thank you all for your thoughts, your ideas, your encouragement
and truthful responses regarding yesterdays post.  Clearly, I have a lot to think about
and hearing your views was so helpful and reaffirming for my vision and my concerns.
To Arlene:.. I couldn’t respond to your comment because your e-mail is blocked,
 but I didn’t know about the Trove in Saybrook!
 I shall definitely visit, as it sounds like an awesome place!  
Thanks for the tip.
To all my friends experiencing the same chill…
stay warm!   To those who live in warmer climes…
yeah, I just have nothing to say to you.  
🙂

Your opinion appreciated, advice welcome, suggestions encouraged.

    I’m kicking it around again.  If you’ve been reading this blog since I started years ago, two things were happening at the same time. We were putting This Old House back together and I was a partner in a little artisan gift shop just up the road in a friend’s retail space. Click HERE for a blast from that past.

    While it was only a two year stint and there was definitely some heartship and heartache as we stumbled through a worsening economy, Fire & Rain brought me a lot of joy and gave me experience I would never have had if we hadn’t given it a shot. I met some wonderful people and saw what it meant to create a little space where people could come and browse and admire the crafts of others,  talk up the community scene, gift themselves or another with something someone else had made infused with love.

   The aggravations? Well, my hearing loss is always a difficult navigation in public but I managed and people were kind.  I won’t let that be the reason I don’t do it again.  The bills…hmmm, not easy, but we paid them with a little left over, in the worst of this economy.  That tells me we had something good going on.

   The plus side… meeting so many talented people and selling their pottery, jewelry, photography, paintings, quilt work, candles, soaps, fair trade items, etc. etc. etc…   And getting to know so many customers, sharing the days news or weather, it was a good feeling, that little space we filled with “stuff”.  Needful things, I like to say.  We had a goldfish bowl on the counter filled with chocolates, a – help yourself –  and people always did.

    I don’t know that I’m jumping back in those waters for sure, but I am kicking it around. This time I would proceed without a partner, which was a comfort  as well as a difficult navigation.  I think most partnerships are.  Heck, think of any marriage!

    What would I do this time? Well, location is everything.  I’d look for something along route 1, our shoreline area.. with an affordable rent.  There-in  lies one of the major rubs.   My vision is to have another artisan shop, but with a little different vibe.  You all know I am  BIG into animal rescue, and one wall would be dedicated to framed photos and descriptions of local dogs and cats who are languishing in shelters in need of a home. A wall of adoptables.  There would also be a coffee station where you can make your own coffee using the available Keurig machine  for a donation in the amount of your choice, even a dollar is OK – all proceeds go to our rescue mission at dog days or CT Animal House.  I have this vision of a big cork board too, a Community center full of information on local events, available jobs, whatever the community comes in to tack up.  As for the merchandise… pottery and jewelry made by local artisans, clothing with logos from rescue organizations,  dog and cat bowls and supplies made by local artisans,  hand crafted items made from recycled materials, fair trade items, candles and soaps, even some refurbished antique toys, and a few handpicked vintage items.   This would all be displayed well… not made to look like a cluttered attic, which is how it may sound to you right now…lol…

The name?  I’m thinking… RESCUED.   The other name that floats around in my thoughts is HAVEN.    These two words  can mean a lot of things… can you see it?  Can you feel it?  No?… that’s what I need to know.   

  

The Village assembles again…

But first…

My barometer head has been telling me
with this lovely headache for two days now
that we will be getting a good storm. 
We took the dogs for a walk around the property last night
while temps were still comfortable.
I love these dogs, I do. 
Breaks my heart in a million pieces to know that there are so many who suffer
cruelty, neglect, starvation, ignorance. 
 
Frasier on the left here knew that life for a while.
We will never know his full story… but he was filthy and covered in matted hair
when he was found in a kill shelter. 
The SHELTER didn’t even clean him up. 
Life is good for Frasier now, thanks to many people who step up for these dogs.
But so many others fall through the cracks.  
Last week Dog Days was called with an SOS… an elderly woman down south is about to 
undergo heart surgery.  Although she is poor, she has been feeding 20 strays
on her property in rural SC for about five years now.  She can no longer
take on the task and there is no local animal control or shelter willing to help her
place the dogs.   So, Dog Days is stepping in.  We need to raise money to do this..
as vetting and transport and fostering of 20 dogs is going to be a monumental task.
A go-fund-me account has been set up and in just one day we have raised a few hundred
dollars to aid this woman and the stray dogs. 
Many of my blog friends are just trying to make ends meet and this call for donations
is not for you.  Every one of you has a heart of gold. 
I put this out there anyway, because you never know who is reading, who believes in the cause,
 is able to make a donation comfortably.  No post is wasted in my opinion. 
Even $5. gets us closer to taking in those dogs and doing what her community cannot
do for her.  HELP.  CARE.  SUPPORT.
 CLick Here  if you are interested in making a donation, no matter how small.
Put “SC dogs”  in your comment with your donation –
 ALL proceeds go to the dogs. Every Single Penny.
Now back to that storm…
You know what they say about red sky at night.. sailors delight..
red sky in the morning.. sailors warning.
True, that. 

I’m on a mission

  I’m laughing to myself here because as soon as I typed that post title I knew it  will get my husbands attention, with an accompanying eye roll and heavy sigh.  And then maybe a glance at the credit card statement or his wallet.    But seriously…
 
  Several years back I walked into an antiques mall and walked out $75. lighter with a filthy, decrepit, tail-less  magic-marker riddled rocking horse that I thought must be ancient and worth big bucks if I just fixed it up.  I found out it was an Asian  knock off and I had not scored a find worthy of American Pickers best, but that’s OK.. I still love him to this day. I bought some horse tail hair and restored his pride, too. 
 
 
   This morning at another antiques barn I bumped into an old flame.   
 

 

 The WONDER HORSE
a vintage spring horse from the 1950s that typically sells now for around $25 – $100.
depending on the condition, model, etc.
 
Oh, how I loved those spring horses when I was a youngster.
  We didn’t have one, but when ever I got the chance 
to take a ride on someone else’s, I was smitten. 
 
These shown below may not be the actual “Wonder” horse.. usually stamped 
on the fender of the saddle.  I don’t see the mark in these pics..
but I love them regardless. 
 
 
This one is a beauty – and sold for $75. not long ago.
  

  
I didn’t mind tagging along to the grocery store with my grandmother on occasion…
because HER grocery store had one of these at the front door…

 And today… I saw yet another vintage horse I had not had the privilege of meeting before…
the MOBO BRONCHO  pedal horse. These were made in England started in 1947 through 1971 and were very popular here in the US because they were a relatively affordable and durable childrens 
ride-on toy. 
 
This is not the one I looked at… he was a black beauty and in excellent condition
for $350.   Too deep for my pockets. 
But this one below is a fine example of what’s out there to be found…
for between $150-350. depending on the condition. 
They are large enough for a small child to sit on and propel along by pushing
down the pedals with their feet.
 
 
 
 I am determined to bring another pony home to This Old House…
One similar to the vintage ponies you see above.
I have to find a real bargain, though… and so the hunt begins.
I may or may not  have just made a really low bid on ebay.
Depends who asks  🙂

Team KMax

K doesn’t do the winter show scene, 
but she continues diligent work thanks to the indoor where she boards Max
to improve their “game” for the new show season. 
Here at home, Opie gets a big reprieve in winter… 
as I am a bit of a wuss when it
comes to cold weather riding. 
See that shine?  K is just a tad OCD like her Dad..
and has the squeekiest clean horse in the barn 🙂
Max is 18 this year…
looking good, old man! 

Max has a special talent.  He likes to undo zippers.
With that big horse mouth he grabs the tiny tab on jacket zippers
and pulls them down to open the jacket.
The first time he did that to K… she said..
Whoa Max.. it’s a little too soon in the relationship, don’t you think?

George Washington Slept Here

   We went from “Polar Vortex” conditions to a balmy 56 degrees and rain all day yesterday. The Mr. and I  decided to take a drive to a town known for its well maintained centuries old homes – Wethersfield, CT.  

  The town, founded in 1633–34, has its niche in history, being “Ye
Most Ancient Towne” in Connecticut. Over 150 of it’s distinctive old Colonial homes still stand as a symbol of  its heritage since the early days of its
founding more than 375 years ago.

   We visited in the off season, meaning the museum houses are only open for tours by appointment or on  special occasions.  So, we weren’t able to go inside.  All are close together, however. We grabbed some breakfast and walked between, in and around rain puddles and snow melts to take some pictures.  While other continents can boast much older ancient structures, here in New England I still marvel at the homes that withstand the elements and other tests of time for hundreds of years. The design of homes haven’t changed much over the centuries either. 

The Webb House –  built in 1752 by Joseph Webb.   A young and successful merchant, he hired
Judah Wright to frame a stylish three-and-a-half story house and shop
with a massive gambrel roof that provided greater upper-floor storage
for Joseph’s trade goods.  It was also probably used as the sleeping
quarters for the household’s enslaved Africans.  In May 1781, Gen. George Washington
spent five nights in the house.  Here, in one of the front parlors,
Washington met with the French general Comte de Rochambeau to plan a
joint military campaign that led to victory at Yorktown and American
independence. 

 To see the interior, click on the link highlighted above.

Beautiful brownstone steps and foundation blocks…  
Brownstone was a popular, durable building material used in many places
Many of you are familiar with the brownstones in  brooklyn and NYC…
and one of the main quarries back in the day is located right here
in Portland, Connecticut, now a recreational water park.

   Pineapples were a sign of welcome in the early colonies and continue to be a popular element in decor today. Visiting was the main form of entertainment and sharing of news, making hospitality in  that period vital. The way a woman presented her “food” declared her personality and her family’s status. There were, in fact, competitions of this nature between the women, creating elaborate table displays with what they were able to acquire. If she could produce a pineapple for her company to enjoy, it was a  highly regarded gesture.  At that time, pineapples came on ships from the Caribbean and those trade ships sailed right into the cove mentioned below. 

 

The Deane House,  built in 1766,  was the home of Silas Deane, the first diplomat for the United States. 
Note the large size of the windows and front door.. This surprised me, as one would think those features would be smaller to keep out the New England weather.  I believe I read that  the doors were made so wide because in those days wakes were held in the deceased person’s home and the casket needed to be able to fit through the door.  The large windows were a status symbol, as glass was scarce. The wealthy had the economic ability to install them.

Beautiful old glass like this cannot be duplicated and is prized among 
antique and history enthusiasts.  These particular windows have a leaden hue…

These homes have many layers of (original?) paint and hardware.

BUTTOLPH-WILLIAMS HOUSE – 
Built for Benjamin Belden around 1715, this house – now a
museum – provided the setting for Elizabeth George Speare’s
award-winning novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, which depicts a young
woman’s encounter with superstition and intolerance
 in a 17th century
New England town.

Note the smaller window size in these houses…

I Love the simplicity of this door.

More houses heading toward the cove…

 

The Cove and Warehouse…

Once part of a thriving commercial center, the warehouse located on the cove –
now housing a Wethersfield Historical Society maritime exhibit –
contains reminders of the West Indies trade that flourished in
Wethersfield from 1650 to 1830. Merchants exported lumber, grain,
onions, salted beef, fish and pork in exchange for salt, sugar, molasses
and rum from the Caribbean. 

We also drove through the ancient burying ground –


“The quaint, often poetic, inscriptions found on the
headstones in this historic burial ground tell poignant tales of the
demise of loved ones. The skills of a dozen different Connecticut Valley
stone carvers are represented here. The earliest one – Leonard
Chester’s table stone – dates from 1648.”

 
Many stones had this face or a variation  of it on them…
An Angel?  The Sun?  A Spirit Guide?

If you care to stay for a while among these colonial treasures,
there is a bed & breakfast right in the heart of it all –

The Silas Robbins House


Silas Robbins, an owner of the seed business Johnson, Robbins and Co.,
built the large house in 1873.
It is now renovated and  available for weddings, special occasions and as a B & B. 

*LOVE* the front door!