Summer’s swan song and the K List

   We’re squeaking out every ounce of  seaside enjoyment we can get at the cottage, dancing in between work and farm responsibilities and the need to soak up what’s left of the summer that sort of wasn’t.  The weather has been odd – kinda wet, kinda cool, kinda cloudy.  While I don’t appreciate hot humid days because they truly make me wilt, some of that heat would have been appreciated. 

 If you’re a woman looking for a kayak that is stable, versatile in quiet and slightly choppy or running waters and easy to maneuver, I strongly recommend the Necky Manitou Sport- love my little red Ruby. She’s accumulated quite a few scratches along with the miles on her plastic bottom but so far nothing seeps through- I hope I enjoy many more years with her.

 Not for nothing here.. but I think it should be an unbroken unspoken rule –  If you’re the fisherMAN, you’re also required to actually touch the fish you catch to get it off the hook.  No squeamishness allowed.    

Just sayin. 

 My mom has gotten a few week long stays in, when weather was agreeable, and entertained friends on occasion as well.  One of the most rewarding things for us is that my mother can enjoy this little place too. Having grown up in a similar small seaside community of which she has many fond memories,  (Cedar Grove Beach, Staten Island – now defunct)… she introduced us to the notion of such a place, and is also part of the reason we were able to acquire Stella when we did.  

Ask me how much we love marshmallows toasted to the extreme… 

We accounted for all family and friends living in Florida – I hope all your loved ones are safe too.  seems IRMA was not quite as horrendous as it could have been, although there is much damage and work to repair in the forecast.  The VI’s were hit the hardest – I cannot imagine what lies ahead for them as they rebuild – in some cases their entire island.  For a location that depends so heavily on tourism, what a double blow to their economy. 
 I’m waiting for a sign from one dear blog friend, Sally – to be sure all is well there too…
Update:  Sally and family are fine – still no power several days in.  
                                     
 At last weekend’s farm market I bought a dog lead for my Sally girl from a really awesome vendor – Elliot of the WashAshoreStore.   Elliot reclaims washed-shore items like boat rope and refashions them into dog leads, etc.   Sally’s is pink… 
 Eliot seen below at market working a new lead.  Her beautiful dog lay patiently at her feet the entire market.  She and her mom have been rescuing and adopting out unwanted dogs for many years – good, good people.  Browse her online store, buy your pup a new lead, this one will last a very long time and it’s upcycled – good for the environment. 
  Meanwhile, back at the ranch… I’ve been asked many times what kind of dog Sally is, mostly because she’s such an odd combination of body part sizes.  I don’t think she’s a dog… I call her our house elf, AKA the terrorist.   
                                       
Leaving you with a recipe I just found on facebook…. Looks like an easy-to-make crowd pleaser – a great pick-on for football season, cottage season, holiday gatherings, a meal all by itself,  you name it.  Has some healthy qualities too…  and a gluten free suggestion for those (like me) attempting to go gluten free. 

Broccoli Cheese Balls…  



*this is NOT my recipe or photo – found on recipetineats.com
Ingredients
  • 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (well drained) (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli) (Note 1)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby or Tasty cheese are my usual)
  • 2 shallots / scallions , finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
Garlic Lemon Yoghurt Sauce:
  • 2/3 cup plain yoghurt
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ garlic clove , minced
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste, depends on fat % of yoghurt used)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 200C/390F (all oven types).
  2. Line tray with baking / parchment paper. (Note 2)
  3. Place all ingredients (except oil spray) in a bowl. Mix well to combine, mashing up the broccoli as you go (like when you are cooking mince).
  4. Scoop up a heaped tablespoon, then press in firmly. Flick out into your hand then form into a ball. Place on tray. Repeat with remaining mixture – should make 15 – 18 balls.
  5. Spray with oil then bake for 25 minutes, or until the surface is slightly crisp and golden.
  6. Serve with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce – it also goes great with ketchup!
  7. Sauce: Mix ingredients together then set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Recipe Notes
1. This can be made with fresh or frozen broccoli. If using fresh, you’ll need 1 giant head or 2 medium heads. Ensure the broccoli is cooked until soft so it is easier to “mash” and mould into meatball shapes.

Chopping and cooking fresh broccoli: Cut the florets off the broccoli then break up into medium pieces. Cut the thinner stem into about 2.5cm / 1 inch pieces. If you want to use the thick main stem, peel the outer skin (which is tough) then cut into 2.5 cm / 1” x 1cm / 2/5” batons. Boil water in a large saucepan (or do this step in a steamer). Plonk the stems in first, cook for 2 minutes. Then add the florets and cook for 3 minutes, or until soft. Drain well.

2. Storing: Cool then place in an airtight container. For a quick reheat, use the microwave, or otherwise reheat in the oven. These also freeze well once cooked. Can be made ahead, form balls, then refrigerate (not freeze), then bake later.

3. Pictured in the photo in post with: Lemon Rice Pilaf and quick sautéed kale (tear off a few handfuls of kale, rip leaves off the tough centre stem, tear into bite size pieces. Saute in a bit of oil with a handful of pre shredded carrots (I always have Just Veg from Woolies on hand), season with S&P and finish with a sprinkle of crushed almonds.

4. GLUTEN FREE OPTION: Sub breadcrumbs with 3/4 cup almond meal.

5. Nutrition is for 1/3 of the recipe which is a meal size serving (for an adult). Gluten free option: increases to 387 calories, carbs decreases to 17g.

 Till soon, Friends – 

The K List

      First – my thoughts and prayers are with all those dealing with the flood devastation in Texas. In this day and age, with all the forecasting we’re able to do, how is it we still can’t evacuate people out of a very dangerous hurricane or tornado zone before it actually hits?   I’m seeing images of elderly folk trapped in three feet of water in nursing homes, families still trapped in their flooded houses, animals drowned, electrocuted or sitting on top of kennel houses in pounds…   How are we not able to secure the people and animals of an area before the disaster hits when we have the forewarning. 
    What we have here in New England right now is a down-right chilly end-of-August.   It was 58 degrees as I fed the horses this morning.  There were even a few fall leaves on the stone walls.  I love fall, but NOT YET!!….  
I actually made (Brenda’s) Taco Soup for dinner last night  and an old Banana Bread recipe this morning to help cut through the chill.  The BB recipe is as follows – real simple, never fails. Important not to over-bake it, as you want it really moist. 

4 very ripe bananas (that’s important) 
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
t tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups flour
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 1 loaf pan. Throw all ingredients in mixing bowl and mix well.  Poor into pan and bake for approx. 45 minutes to an hour, depending on oven.  I start checking after 40 minutes. When toothpick comes out clean, it’s done. 
Sharing some pictures I took in our late summer garden
yesterday as I clipped back what was growing a little too wild

I found this perfect little two inch mushroom ….
    and went back out there this morning 
because.. this..
  

   Till soon, friends – 

The K List

   Pickles wrapped in bacon – Yuck, right?  Nooooo.. it’s the bomb!!… Seriously, try it.  All you have to do is grab a jar of your favorite dill pickle – either the little whole ones or the long slices… and wrap them in bacon – maple bacon especially! … bake them in a  425 oven in baking dish of your choice until bacon is done – about 20 minutes or so.. ovens vary. oooh man, are they good.  Make a dip of your choice to dunk them in, even better. 
 Little Sally is part of the family now, all the dogs get along, although there are the occasional sibling jealousies.  And K’s new pup, Rex is just a love bug – already adored by us all.  For a brief little while I said to myself several times a day….. What.. Did you DO!?…. but I’m over it.  I just love her, and so does the husband (BIG bonus right there).   I think I can say for certain though, not doing a puppy again. Adult dog adoptions only from here on out. 
 We’re having dinner tonight at my daughter’s condo…
we’ll get to play with this adorable scruff too. 
In between farm and work related chores and errands, we’ve been scooting
down to the shore for dinner and a swim…
I have a little plaque down there on the wall that reads..
The Ocean Fixes Everything 
I do believe it’s true. 

 Isn’t this a cool idea?… bird bath – glass top, sand and shells – BOOM
Awesome seaside table for porch/ patio/sunroom..

  I just finished a great read – well written, fascinating true story.  I highly recommend it for all my book loving friends –  Thanks, Hilary.. for the recommendation.   I’m looking for the next great read – what’s on your nightstand? 

The K-List

 I think I’ve just stumbled upon a new post title concept.  Finding appropriate titles can be challenging, especially those that reach all over the place.   From here on, when you see the title “The K-List”,  it will represent one of those ramblers, the kind of post that covers a bunch of stuff, the clutter that currently occupies my thoughts, and  I promise at least one share of something cool I’ve also stumbled upon while out and about or cruising the ‘net.   So perhaps when you see The K-List… grab a cup of coffee or tea if you’re so inclined to join me as I unload all the “stuff” here with you.

   My husband and I embarked on a weight loss journey on January 1st of this year –  We started with the nutrisystem plan and he stuck with it.  I did not, because -all that processed food, loaded with gluten.  I am not a celiac, but I have already proven to myself by trial and ERROR that gluten is not my best friend.  When I eat it, as I occasionally still do because  Cupcakes! Pizza! Fresh baked Bread!… I feel like crap the next day.   Just really blah and the fibromyalgia flares.  So that program did not work for me.   I have lost -0- pounds since we began our quest – still have 15 to lose.   M, however… has lost almost 60 pounds.  Yes 60.   He’s feeling fabulous, looks so much better, more comfortable in everything he does, I’m so very proud of him for his stick-to-it ability.   I need to find some of that for myself.

Yesterday, out in the garden….  which looks quite pathetic lately due to all the rain.

 My relationship with food is tricky.  I LOVE FOOD – so many kinds of it.  I don’t smoke and I don’t drink much.  My go-to for comfort, for anxiety relief, for just pure enjoyment.. is good food.   I love making good food for my people.  Years ago that wasn’t an issue but now?…. because MENOPAUSE… I’ve got this darn spare tire around my middle and it feels gross.

  There are so many worse things in life to be upset about though, so I will continue with my good intentions and the exercise I do manage to accomplish, and perhaps find a little more resolve to obtain my weight loss and better health goals.

 We’ve been making frequent trips to the cottage in between the raindrops –  Met with some of our new neighbors down there, what a lovely group of people.  Father Jim lives nextdoor, and just his title made me a little nervous at first, because we all know I’m not particularly religious.  We’ve come to know he is a very down to earth, warm, funny person, a wonderful neighbor, and his father is a real hoot!   The cottages are fairly close together.  We’re discovering residents for the most part are very friendly and like to socialize.  Others prefer to keep to themselves, and that wish is respected.

 When I visit Stella alone to mow the lawn or vacuum the cottage or  water the plants (not necessary lately!!)  I often bring Frasier  and we walk the loop around the “island”.  He has a bed and toys and bowls in the kitchen.  He loves these trips, it’s almost as if I have a small child in tow again.   * Ask me how much I look forward to having grandchildren to dote on some day.  ** No pressure on my children!! OK maybe a little. ***But not yet!  When you’re ready.  Love you! (I can see the eye rolls  from here)

*Frasier could use a little weight loss too.  I keep saying he’s just fluffy, not fat.

    Someone left an anonymous comment after my last post – it read simply  “BooHoo”.    My initial reaction was insult.  But, you know… this is so true for all of us.  Someone else’s issues aren’t my burden.  When I read a comment like that I feel sorry for the person who  left it…. a someone who can’t appreciate people who care about all of us. 
   
    I’m angry with the current administration because I feel we aren’t being told truths, the little guy is being walked all over, rights are being taken away,  we’re going backwards regarding the environment, equal rights, tolerance, respect.   The lies and bad behavior aren’t just my opinion, they are laid out before all of us coming right from the source.   I’m not crying about it, I’m voicing my opinion, and contributing where I think it will help make a difference.  My intentions and actions are always in favor of a better society for all of us.  I am not -of a party-.  My “party” didn’t lose. Our society is losing, daily, lately.  

      Sharing today  a recipe I found in Southern Livings new Best Drives and Dives publication…

  Missouri’s Pint Size Bakery Oatmeal Creme cookie recipe.  I plan to make this for the next family picnic ….  it is suggested that they be kept in the fridge until served.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
Cookies
1 c unsalted butter, softened
1 c firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbs light molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
2 c unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 1/4 c uncooked regular oats
Parchment  paper

Marshmallow Fluff Buttercream
1 c unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c powdered sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 7 oz jar marshmallow fluff

1. Prepare cookies:  Preheat oven –  350 degrees.  Beat first 6 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating until blended. Combine flour, soda, and cinnamon. add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in oats.

2. Using a 1 oz scoop, scoop dough, 3 inches apart, onto parchment paper lined  baking sheets.  Chill 20 minutes or until firm.

3. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes or until a medium golden brown with soft centers.  Cool on pans 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; cool completely.

4. Prepare Marshmallow Fluff Buttercream.  When cookies are cool, beat first 4 ingredients until creamy and smooth. Gradually add marshmallow fluff, beating just until blended. Spon about 2 tbs buttercream onto bottoms of 20 cookies. Top with remaining 20 cookies.

Makes 20 cookie sandwiches.

  After mucking stalls this morning and on my way back from the manure dump, I passed one of our favorite spots on the farm to relax and enjoy the summer breezes… the hammocks on the hill.    While it’s drizzly this morning yet again and there’s more rain  in the forecast, I’m reminded there are always, always things to be grateful for.  In this picture, the hay is tall and thick, the grass is green, and the hammocks are there to enjoy in the summer days to come.

 *Recharge your soul with positive thinking. Start your day by affirming that life is good*

Till soon, friends –

It’s a Nest Fest * Lavender Honey Cheesecake

    Let’s talk about all those nests I’m finding everywhere.  So many this year, it’s almost bizarre.  What was it about this winter and spring that has every thing proliferating?… including… TICKS.    No exaggeration, as soon as one of my dogs, in particular, Frasier, step  outside they’ve got a tick or two attached to them. And that’s WITH the all natural, non-toxic – basically non-existent tick repellent application.   Bleh. 
Back to those nests – Here are just a few… 
These chickadee babies live in the outhouse birdhouse in the backyard cherry tree right next to the patio.  It’s a small, baby tree, high traffic area …but nevertheless, she persisted. 
      The eggs below  belong to a purple finch – this nest is on the front porch next to my office door. Notice one egg is different than the others.  That’s a cowbird egg.  I just learned that cowbirds, probably due to their -follow the herd- instincts,  lay eggs in other birds nests and then leave them there for the original maker of the nest to raise.   The problem with that is… cowbird babies grow at a faster rate than other smaller birds, which is the kind of nest cowbirds seek out to deposit their eggs – probably for that reason. Survival instincts!… But…  what happens is the cowbird chick  is more demanding of the parent birds and the original eggs/ babies are usually deprived of nourishment and many die.    
     Well the whole idea was cute until I read that part.   I don’t like it at all, but what’s a person to do.  Some say chuck that bad egg out… others say let nature take it’s course.  The law says it’s illegal. (ok then)    I can tell you this…it’s not gonna sit well with me if I am staring at four baby birds starving to death with one big fat baby sitting on top of them taking all the food.  Did I mention they’re right outside my door?  The door I sit next to.. the one I look out over as I work?  The nest is right there.   
    Meanwhile, down by the sea, we have a Carolina Wren nesting on Stella’s Porch …  as far as I can tell, just Carolina Wren eggs in that one. 
   

      Another Spring thing I discovered on Pinterest and shall make perhaps over the weekend… A recipe for a Lavender Honey Cheesecake, doesn’t that sound delicious?   I need to find some culinary lavender, so far, none sold around these parts.   Regarding Pinterest, great resource for all kinds of inspirational things – awesome reference, but what a time suck, hence I limit my visits there to about once a week. 
So, that recipe…  Source is Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons dried lavender flowers, divided
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1-1/2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (about 21 cookies)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • Lavender sugar and fresh mint leaves, optional

Directions

  • 1. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons lavender and water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain water, discarding lavender. Set aside.
  • 2. Crush remaining lavender flowers. In a small bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, butter and crushed lavender. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • 3. For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and honey until smooth. Gradually beat in lavender water. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into filling. Spoon over crust.
  • 4. Refrigerate overnight. Run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan. Sprinkle with lavender sugar and mint leaves if desired. Yield: 16 servings.

Editor’s Note: Look for dried lavender flowers in spice shops. If using lavender from the garden, make sure it hasn’t been treated with chemicals.

  Another recipe, a little more technical, can be found HERE – not sure which will taste better. This one takes a little more effort.  
 Till soon, Friends – 

Cleaning House

      When I started this blog years ago I had many followers because we were doing a major reconstruction of this old house, and folks from all over enjoyed following the process from start to finish.  We even had a person of importance contact us to photograph the house, unfortunately it beared no fruit in the end.  Boy, when I look at that post now, the house was decorated so differently, I guess I like to change it around now and again.   Stella of course was a much smaller scale project.

     During that time, I contemplated adding in “ads”, with the thought that if I were going to spend time devoted to this blog, I might as well make a little money doing it.  But then when I saw the actual ads on my page, I hated the look, the distraction, the noise. The creative side of me was revolted, and so I stripped it all down to bare blog again. Ah, much better.  If you come here now and then, you’ll notice the look of my blog changes frequently.  My creative restlessness is obvious – and it was one of the main reasons I considered moving over to wordpress.  After doing some research, I’ve come to the conclusion  it would just be too big of a pain in the a** to change it over, and I like the idea of FREE with blogger. I just hope Google doesn’t decide to ditch it all some day, now that would suck. 

    
     What attracts you to any given blog?  For me, getting the sense that the author of the blog is real in their expression of their experiences and what they are sharing is key.  I love learning about regions other than the one I live in, the sharing of ideas, recipes, political exasperations (because lately that’s all there is), gardening and health advice, family values, issues, trials and triumphs.  I like the friendships that inevitably form if you stick around long enough, and it’s a stress reliever in some ways – a creative outlet, a place to share.  My blog face has changed once again, all the “clutter” is at the bottom – blog roll, labels, search box, etc.    When you visit, I don’t want you to be assaulted by a bunch of stuff all at once.  I hope I finally achieved a soothing pallet for your viewing pleasure – if not in my words, at the very least in the visual.

      Because I am procrastinating once again as I glance over my shoulder at the dog who needs walking (actually it’s ME who needs walking) and   I hear the whisper of the laundry pile sitting on top of my bed with a soggy little dog sitting on top of that…  (yep it WAS a clean pile) …. let me share just a few more things with you today.

 Great recipe below  I’m going to make and bring down to the cottage this weekend for the family – because can we all say a collective Hallelujah to the approaching sunny 80 degree temps?  We’re actually going to drag the kayaks down to the waters edge and maybe even get in them for the first time this season….

Skinny Zucchini Casserole

 That’s the healthy part of this  weekend’s meal plan… and this is the other part…

Trisha Yearwoods banana Pudding   because Dang…..

 Now, off to walk that dog…..  Till soon, friends…. thanks for stopping by.

Blizzard Stella and other Random Ramblings

I woke up early this morning, grabbed a cup’a coffee and headed out into the Tundra-that-was-not, Blizzard Stella as they are calling it ( Same name I gave our cottage – how funny is that!)  to feed the horses, rabbits and chickens.  T’is true the predicted winter blizzard has just begun, and maybe I’m pushing it a little, but I don’t see this as becoming a major storm.  Already the snow fall prediction has dropped.  Just hoping the wind doesn’t pick up dramatically. 
 The horses are in for the day with clean bedding, hay and water and their breakfast grain. 
Same goes for the chickens out in the coop – and the chicks on my porch are waiting for their morning treat of  hardboiled egg mashed for their convenience.  No, this is not cannibalism. Egg Yolk is the nourishment a chick feeds from while developing in the eggshell. 
Notice the new feathers, which have sprouted practically overnight – 
 Saw this kitchen on FB – love everything about it. 
 I’m not going to spoil my day by bringing up the Orange Scream and those who continue to lie and twist and contort facts versus fiction. No… instead I will share with you a delicious lemon loaf recipe I made the other day. Apparently Starbucks has an enviable Lemon Loaf recipe.  I don’t go there because I’m probably one of the few on the planet who doesn’t like Starbucks coffee – too bitter.. or something.   Anyway…this recipe is delicious if you love lemon – give it a try! 
Better Than Starbucks Lemon Loaf
If you like Starbucks Lemon Loaf, then you’ll love this moist, delicious Lemon cake! This easy to make recipe is loaded with delicious lemon flavor, and topped with an amazing lemon frosting.
Author: 
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 1½ c. flour
  • 1 (3.4 oz.) package, instant Lemon pudding mix
  • ½ tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, softened
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 tsp. lemon extract
  • ⅓ c. fresh lemon juice
  • ½ c. oil
  • ¾ c. plain Greek yogurt
  • zest of one lemon
  • Frosting:
  • 3 Tbsp. Butter, soft but not melted
  • 1½ c. powdered sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. lemon extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a 5 x 9″ loaf pan with a piece of waxed paper. (With a pencil, trace the bottom of the pan on a piece of waxed paper and cut out with scissors.) Spray the pan, and waxed paper with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With a stand or hand mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon extract, lemon juice, oil and yogurt. Mix until evenly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the lemon zest, and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes, or until center is fully set, and a toothpick inserted comes out crumb free.
  3. After baking, let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the pan, invert and remove from the pan, removing the waxed paper from the bottom. Cool completely on a cooling rack.
  4. For the frosting: Combine the butter, lemon juice and lemon extract with hand or stand mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and beat until smooth and creamy. Evenly spread the frosting over the top of the loaf. Refrigerate to let frosting set completely before slicing. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.

Portobello Delight / I’m with Him.

     Made this last night- wow, so good! And good for you.   Since the kids were home for dinner and my son doesn’t like the portobello as a whole piece,  I cut each mushroom into bite size pieces to create a broiled dish –  Put mushrooms in baking dish, basted with melted butter and minced garlic, fresh parsley. Toss to coat if you chopped. Then top with sliced cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Broil on lower rack of oven ten minutes. Drain excess liquid, drizzle with balsamic/sugar glaze- ( just boil down in a small sauce pan some balsamic vinegar and about 1/4 c sugar) and serve. Awesome! 








   There’s so much to be offended by with the Orange Scream – so many things to protest or find appalling – seems daily there’s some new absurdity to add to the list.   Never in the history of ever has there been such a controversial political figure – unless you want to mention H*tler.  (Who woulda thought)   His list of enemies grows daily – and I mean the ones he declares himself!  He’s a legend in his own mind.  He refers to himself as a God, and he thinks the rules are for everyone else but him. 





   John Lewis  –  If you care to learn more about who he actually is.. click HERE  .  Because he has spoken out about the issues we all know are bogus with the Orange Scream, he’s been under twitter attack.  Who’s surprised, raise your hand….. 







 Stephen Colbert had a hilarious response (love that man) …. in his banter he said… He attackes Senator Lewis on MLK weekend… what’s next… 


 “Loser Jesus dead for 3 days and then we’re supposed to believe he just wakes up? Fake news. I like gods who don’t die. Where’s the rebirth certificate?”




   

Been walking the walk for 50 years… I’m with him



     


Warmth

 We discovered Stella’s gas stove works just fine, and just in time for the menfolk to begin interior work. 
Trim work around the windows …. 
 Gate so little dogs and eventual toddlers don’t go wandering… 
Outdoor shower 
 We’ve got some snow on the ground this morning, but it’s soon to turn to rain –  The deep freeze lasted about 24 hours, warmer temps on the horizon.  Around these parts Christmas isn’t quite Christmas until the snow falls.  I don’t know how you Floridians and other warm climate area peeps find the spirit without the snow, but I know you have your ways just as we northerners have ours.  If you’ve got a  Christmas decorations pic you’d like to share, please leave your blog post link in the comments section.  I love to see the different forms of “Christmas” in regions not my own, north, south, east or west. 
These were taken at 6 AM this morning… notice the lights in the front left corner of the house are out.. that’s where Bens bed is, a dog must have darkness to get a good sleep, don’t ya know. 
I’m writing lists for our Holiday family dinner here at the farm – buffet style.  This app looks delish and easy to make, going to try it.  Ask me how much I love artichoke spinach dip. 

 


Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 
Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.Easy Spinach Artichoke Cups

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 c. sour cream
  • 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
  • 1 c. canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 (10) oz. package frozen spinach, drained and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tube crescent dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, artichokes, spinach, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Flour your work surface, roll out crescent dough, and pinch seams together. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots and spoon 1 tablespoon of dip into the dough.Top with remaining mozzarella.
  3. Bake until pastry is golden and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.

Blanket Season

       Indeed, we were spoiled with a most beautiful Autumn.  Yesterday, Winter let us know she is not far behind and I blanketed the horses to fend off the chill.  She’s sprinkling flurries and whipping winds up on the hill as I type this.   
 The girls have a heat lamp in the coop, because I can’t stand the thought of their little combs and wattles frostbitten when the temps really dip.  Not all chicken tenders (no pun intended!) believe this is necessary, but it makes me feel better.. so.   Henrietta is very appreciative. 
     I’m supposed to be out shoveling sh*t right now, but I’m feeling under the weather today – a combination of stress over the election and it’s fallout, a cold – the first I’ve had in about 15 years,  and perhaps a stomach bug last night just to kick it up a notch.   Of course, fibromyalgia, not wanting to be left out, kicks it up another notch for good measure.
    I keep trying to -reset-  —  Put  the election results behind me and move on. My friends are still ranting and arguing on Facebook, even the “winners”, although we all lost in my opinion.  I’m trying not to get into the fray, but it’s so damn hard when you feel so damn concerned about what all this means.  I was hoping for some Presidential Behavior to arrive with the incoming President Elect, but no.. the 3 a.m. tweets continue.  Doesn’t he have more important things to worry about now??   The whining continues ( Please Donald.. you reap what you sow, simple concept, google it)  He’s taking liberties already with his children, with his business interests,  The Draining of the Swamp didn’t happen, he’s picking from it.   And I called this one months ago…. The First Lady isn’t moving into the White House…. for now.  Yes I know she found a believable excuse but I don’t think for one minute she wants to live in the Big House.    So another special exception will be made for  his wife and one of his children.  What that means for the Secret Service detail and other occupants of the Ivory Tower remains to be seen, but for sure, it’s “un-presidented”.   
   What’s a girl have to do to get out of her own way?  Create.  I’m starting a new painting, an oil of my horse underneath that glorious old pear tree (the giving tree) that still gives about 1,000 pears per season regardless of it’s almost completely hollowed out core.  This is going to be tricky and will take a while, but I’m hoping it will soothe my soul.  My “studio” is now my son’s bedroom – the one he vacated this past year to live with his GF.   They’re doing remarkably well, by the way.. so proud of their accomplishments as they build on their education and career, and learn what living together responsibly and selflessly means.  It’s a beautiful thing. 
  
  Are you getting ready for the big Thanksgiving Feast?  Most years I have cooked the meal here and various family have been invited. This year my SIL is hosting and I will be bringing a few desserts.. I plan to make an apple pie and a maple cheesecake, which is new in my repertoire… because SOMEONE ELSE IS BRINGING A STORE BOUGHT PUMPKIN!! – WHAT?? GAH!!…  The recipe can be found here if you’re interested.  For the cheesecake, not the store bought. 
    An update on my father and his  life at Apple Rehab- while there are things about him I will never understand or condone, I have to give him credit.  He has adjusted well to nursing home living, something I didn’t think would happen.  He’s made friends.  He has a “coffee clutch” – I call them the rat pack, who hang out in the front hall and watch people come and go.  They play cards, they order take out and have pizza delivered, they flirt with the nurses, they watch football and complain about the candidates.  My dad is one of the “winners”… we don’t go there because in his previous life he was a racist and a womanizer. I can’t tolerate his fist pumping over this one and so he has learned if he doesn’t shut up I’ll walk out.  Sounds harsh, right?  But it is the reality. 
      The one area that is still a struggle is  this –    He is supposed to share his room with another.  So far, he’s been through three room mates – He’s not very considerate, leaving the heat at greenhouse temps (uncomfortable for anyone but him) and never shutting off his TV, not even when he leaves the room for a while. His reason is he doesn’t like the inconvenience of having to turn it back on.   They’ve tried talking to him about being considerate of his roommates, but ultimately they’ve had to separate them.  The home has been very considerate up to this point, but there’s just so much shuffling they’re going to be willing to do.   He lies to me about the reasons for the squabbles so I no longer ask.  They gave me permission to -stay out of it- so that our visits can remain cordial.  for this holiday  I will pick him up and bring him to my SIL’s house, and bring him back home when he peters out.  It’s not the ideal, but it’s what we’ve got. 
  Not the ideal, but it’s what we’ve got.  Wash, Rinse, Repeat…
    There is much to be Thankful for, tis true.   I’ll be back with updates on Stella over at Once Upon a Tide soon enough..  Happy Thanksgiving! and  Peace be with us all.