Company at the farm today..

Hello everyone.. 

So glad you dropped by the Blessed Hearth.. 

My, it is cold here.. And we had snow.. Terry said he heard the plows out about 5 a.m.  

I am glad I did not hear them or I might not have got out of bed.. grin... 

You probably all know by now how I feel about the Winter weather.. 

Oh well.. Spring is on it's way as my better half always puts it.. 

Thank you so much for all of your precious comments last post.. 

I know I sometimes get up on my soapbox but I think that is what blogging is all about.. 

I am glad you came back.. smile.. 

Today we were at the farm... 

It was windy and wild there but that was a good thing since Terry had to stay inside and work on the back porch.. 

He also hung the shelf in the above pic for me... 

The kitchen is small so this space comes in handy.. 

I need to change a few things but that will come later.. 

When that was finished... 

(I had to hold the shelf so he could hammer a dowel in for me.. Then he stripped a piece of copper wire and I made S hooks to hang some things... )

I made this fancy lunch.. smile.. 

Tomato Soup and my style of panini sandwiches.. 

Bread with tomato and cheese weighted down with a copper teakettle.. 

And one of the Grandma's Pickles that I did in the Fall.. 

Wow... are they sour but so good.. 

No.. Terry doesn't like them...

Reminded me of Gram and Kings Landing...

Oh and I made a loaf of bread and put it out by the wood stove to rise and we both peeled a few pumpkins and I put them on to cook.. 

I cut my thumb and all we could find to wrap it with was paper towel and electrical tape.. grin..

Then after the dishes I started making this..

My Mom and her hubby and son were going to drop in so I wanted to make a dessert...

I saw this on a site and pinned it to my PINTEREST

But I could not find the right tin.. 

I even looked on EBay and Kijiji... 

No luck..
(if any of you dear girls know where I could buy one of these then please let me know) 

Well anyway..

We were in St. Martins yesterday and finally got it all closed down.. 

It was a very dull but windy day.. 

And cold.. 

Anyway as I was gathering a few of my soap making and candle supplies I noticed a tin that I had in case I wanted to make prairie cakes or such.. 

I thought it might work for the pies.. 

I packed it and brought it home.. 

Probably this is your last view of St. Martins from me for awhile...

It seems so forlorn to me at this time of year but the residents love it because all of us Summer people have flown the coop and returned home.. smile.. 

They have their town back...

On with the story... 

I took it to the farm with me today and scalded and cleaned it.. Dried it on the wood stove and thought I would give it a try.. 

About that time my Mom and Gerald and Hardy arrived.. 

My Mom is a pie maker extraordinaire.. 

I had to finish these with her watching me... 

That's my excuse why they do not look so great ... grin.. 

She said to me how much fun it is doing things like that.. 

I agree.. 

It was fun but I forgot to take a pic when they came out of the oven.. 

C

They don't look as good as the ones in my pin.. 

Their pan is bigger so I need to practice or pray I can find the right tin.. 

Mom had brought me a jar of her mincemeat and I used it along with a bottle of my apple pie filling and of course the pumpkin we cooked.. 

I forgot to take pics of Supper as there were so many people in that little kitchen.. 

My Mom gave me the most wondrous compliment.. 

She wanted to know how on earth I had made such lovely flaky pie crust... 

Imagine that... 

Here is my recipe.. 

Don't tell though as it is a secret and is completely opposite what they tell you to do... 

OK?

Faye's Pastry Recipe.. 

3 cups of flour 

1/2 of a pound of lard.. 

1 tsp. of salt.. 

up to 1/2 of a cup of COLD water.. 

The secret is to use soft lard and use your hands to work it all in before you add the water 1 T. at a time with a fork.. 

They always say to use cold lard but this is how I always do it and everyone always goes on about how flaky it is.. 

Try it and let me know how you make out... 

Here is for the pumpkin pie filling.. 

I forgot the recipe so this is what I made up.. 

2 c. of pureed cooked fresh pumpkin 

3/4 cup of white sugar

1 tsp. of salt

2 tsp. of our homemade pumpkin spice

Stir well.. 

Add 3 eggs... 

1 can (12 oz.) canned milk.. 

Blend really well .. 

The oven there is so hot that I have a hard time not to burn stuff but here at home I would cook it at 400 degrees F. for 15 minutes and then turn it down to 350 degrees F. until the centre is firm.. 

About half of an hour, I think.. 

This is all for tonight, I guess.. 

Thanks so much for your sweet visit and welcome to our new friends on the blog.. 

I am zonked.. Heading to bed.. 

It is pouring rain outside so my window will be open.. smile.. 

Luv ya all..  

It's all about ME...

Good Evening my dears.. 

How are you all?  

A very cold day here in Maritime Canada again .. 

We have had such a lovely warm Fall that these temps simply surprise us.. smile.. 

Hanging clothes out on the line today my hands were so cold.. 

Not many line days left, I am thinking.. 

Anyway... 

Instead of a how to kind of post today I am writing just words.. 

smile.. 

I read a post today that got me thinking..

It was kind of about this ME generation we are living in.. 

We live in such a blessed day and although there is strife on every hand we still have so much more then there has ever been down through the ages..

So much more.. 

I grew up in a poor home.. 

We had food on the table and a roof over our heads..

 Our  Dad worked very hard at his job and then fixed up old cars in the evenings after he got home to try and make enough to renovate our home and get a few extras..

We did not have much but I did not feel less or even think about the fact that we were poor ... 

In our home Jesus Christ was the centre and the church family meant so much to us.. 

Hospitality was a given.. 

Any visiting preacher or friend usually found their way to our dining room table... 

We did not have fancy food.. 

I do not remember having anything except moose or deer steak until I married Terry.. 

Beef steak was not something we could afford.. 

But whatever we had my parents  shared whenever they could.. 

Down through the years since we married our family have not had to go without.. .. 

We both worked hard and God has blessed that..

Although we are not rich we do not need to fret..

All that could change in a moment ...All could be lost..

The world is on a rock and roll trip and we don't know what kind of destruction could be around the corner.. 

The only solid thing we really have it the God of our soul. 

He alone remains the constant.. 

To be honest I get so fed up with parents trying to give their children everything that is available for them..

Don't get me wrong.. 

I loved giving my children more then I ever had growing up but when it becomes necessary for families to work harder at providing the entertainment and gadgets then it does to give them a family life based on Christ then there is something wrong with the picture.. 

The question of where will my child spend eternity is not even a consideration anymore in the world at large.. 

The Bible is not anything that they use to base their lives on.

Some do not even believe it to be true let alone necessary..

Life is about ME and MINE.. 

What anyone does is not an issue so long as it does not interfere with ME.. 

Parents focus more on keeping up with whatever is current and entertainment events then with family devotions or deeming it necessary to take their family to church.. 

When I meet someone who once lived for the Lord and then turn their back on Him I am always amazed.. 

Not that they turned their back on Christ because people fall away.. But when they take their children with them and don't even care about how it will affect their eternal souls then I just can't grasp it..

From the very first breath that wee babe took until they lay me in the sod my life is not about ME anymore.. 

It is about that sweet smelling bundle that I hold in my arms.. 

They grow up and build their own lives but my life is still about them and theirs.. 

The only thing on this earth that I will take with me to Heaven are my precious children... 

I just pray oh Lord.. 

Don't let me fail... 

I know that so many of you who read this blog do not fit this situation.. You love God and your families and you work hard at putting Him at the centre of your homes and lives but you are not the majority.. 

This world is on a one way street.. 

Very wide and very accommodating.. 

It leads away from the creator of our souls.. 

We so need to put Him back in his rightful position.. 

First in our lives and our thoughts and our homes..

We need to decide that it is not about ME but it is about HIM... 

 I hope I have not upset you but every once in awhile as an older keeper of the home I feel a need to share a few things that lay upon my heart.. 

smile.. 

 Our world needs God and we must share the good news..

Jesus Christ fills the empty spaces of hearts and homes.. 

He makes a difference...

Take care dear hearts... 

xo

Winners and such...

Hello everyone ..

Just wanted to let you know that the winner of the little owl was picked by Mr. Henry.. 

And it was Julie

 from OUR LITTLE RED SALTBOX BLOG..

Julie is a dear girl who just recently started her blog and she and Janice have also started their own Keepers of the Home meetings over there in the northern part of the state of Maine.. 

So Julie if you would email me your mailing address I will be sure and get it out to you... smile.. 

I am a winner, too.. grin.. 

I won this dear little package..

A couple of darling woolie gingerbread that smell heavenly.. 

Along with some gingerbread buttons..

 So cute and tiny and a piece of lovely gingerbread flannel.. 

I love them and it truly made my day when Terry brought the package to me from the post... 

I very seldom sign up for giveaways simply because I do not win..

 I know you cannot win if I don't try..

Anyway...

Trace from GRANNY TRACE SCRAPS AND SQUARES BLOG

had a little spicy giveaway and I signed up and WON..

 WOW... 

Thank you, dear friend... 

How was the weekend for you girls?

We mostly just poked around home here.. 

I love weekends where it is not rush and go but just puttering away.. 

Terry put two new garage doors on last week.. 

Then we had church yesterday... 

Pretty boring as far as something interesting for the blog but I did make a few meals.. 

So.. 

As I have nothing better to share here are 

 a few weekend food pics... 

I tried something new.. 

Black Lentils.. 

This is called Ada Bil Hamod..

Lentils with Lemon Juice and can be found HERE

I was into the Bulk Barn and saw the lentils.. 

Black lentils..

 Ahhh.. something different I thought.. 

Then I came across the recipe and gave it a try.. 

I really liked them but you know who would not even taste it.. 

No adventure in that man.. grin... 

This is more his type of food.

Homemade Potato Scallop.. 

Do you ladies make this? 

I believe it is my Mom's favorite recipe... 

I only make it once in awhile and serve it with ham or such..

And of course a day rarely goes by that there is not some kind of soup in the pot... 

My version of Hamburger Soup... 

Do you make that?  

This is simply hamburger, onions, celery and garlic cooked together until the meat is browned and cooked.. 

Add some beef broth or water and simmer for awhile.. 

A bay leaf and some dried lovage if you have it..

Then add a can of diced tomatoes and some veggies (I used green beans as I was in a hurry but usually I add carrots) and a bit of pasta or rice or potatoes... 

Keep adding liquid as needed.. 

Lots of parsley, salt and pepper.. 

How do you make your Hamburger Soup?

And I thought I would share this pic.. 

They were standing at the end of the driveway talking.. 

One dear little man broke his thumb playing dodge ball.. 

Ouch:-)

Sweet, though, eh? 

A dear old Dad and his boy and grandson.. 

Notice how the boys are listening to the words of wisdom...

So blessed... 

Take care dear hearts... 

Thanks for dropping by.. 

Tomorrow I hope to start making some lists... 

Coming up with some ideas and plans for Christmas.. 

Hope to hear from you all.. 

Hugs..  

An owl of a giveaway and preserved lemons recipe...

Happy Saturday Evening.... 

Welcome to the Blessed Hearth tonight.. 

So glad you dropped by... 

Just wanted to share a wee giveaway with you tonight to celebrate the changing of the season... 

We will now be getting ready for Christmas, eh? 

One of our grandsons visited with me yesterday and while we chatted I made this wee owl... 

As you can see he is only as big as my hand.. smile.. 

To get a chance to win him there are 2 requirements.. 

1.. Be a follower of the blog .

2.. Leave a comment and tell me what state or province you live in..

OK? 

We will draw a winner on Monday night.. Nov.. 5... 

You can live most anywhere as this is such a small parcel.. 

Good...

 Now I also mentioned that we made some preserved lemons...

I love these and try to have a bottle always on hand.. 

I chop them up and put them in my salads or fish or on my oven fries or in my salsa.... yada yada yada.. smile... 

Here is one link although there are many on the web.. 

Just click HERE FOR THE RECIPE..

I followed this recipe and didn't add any spices.. 

Nor did I use a mason jar as I had just washed this one and it was sitting there on the counter waiting to be used.. smile... 

Well, dear ladies have an awesome Lord's Day and we will try and get together again after the weekend.. 

I will be looking for your comments... 

God bless.. 

Enjoying the basics....

Hello Dearies... 

I promised I would post the recipe for a new bread that I tried out and so here I am... smile.. 

Terry and I spent the day at the farm again yesterday.. 

The weather right now is so great for him to get outside chores done up there... 

As for me I always find lots to do.. 

I rearranged the kitchen... 

I know ...

 I should have taken some pics.. 

It is a small kitchen there and very basic, believe me.. 

A vintage one shall we say.. 

Terry had taken the old chimney out a few years ago and bought a new one but has not installed it yet.. 

It looks very unsightly and I tried to cover it up by placing the old china cupboard in the corner..

 It only covered about three quarters of it and you can still see it at the top.. sigh.. 

 Then as there is  not much counter space I decided to drag another enamel topped table in and see what I could do with that.. 

I think it was a good idea but now I need to get a few things from the shop to fix it up a bit more.. 

Some old crocks and stools and such..

Oh well.. another time.. 

I had been into Chapters and noticed a wonderful new book called 5 minute Breads or some such name.. 

It cost $35.00 here in Canada so I just sort of thumbed through it.. 

It looks wonderful to tell you the truth.. 

Anyway... 

There was a whole chapter on Peasant Breads.. 

Sound interesting? 

I thought so and noticed one that was a lot like the no knead one that we make .. 

I scrutinized the amounts of ingredients and thought I may as well give it a try.. 

Here it is mixed up... 

That only took probably 4 minutes or so.. 

Then you just let it rise for an hour or two.. 

And make a peasant loaf and let it rise again...

Cut a cross  in it and bake it... 

Voila.... smile...

I did not use their method but used the basic No Knead Rosemary Bread way that I make all of the time.. 

It is HERE...

Anyway... Here is my version of..

NO KNEAD PEASANT BREAD.. 

2 cups of warm water 

1 T. sugar

2 1/2 tsp. instant yeast

4 cups of unbleached flour

2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups of 12 grain flour

Let yeast rise for a few moments and then stir in white flour 2 cups at a time stirring after each addition..

Add the grain flour and salt

Stir well again and cover and rise in a warm no draft spot.. 

(inside your oven is a great spot..)

Let rise until doubled.. 

With oiled hands roll into a round loaf while oiling the dough.. 

I used olive oil.. 

I placed my bread in a greased round cake pan as I had no cookie tin and I think it helped to keep a good shape.. 

When it is high enough cut a cross with a sharp knife.. 

Sprinkle on a bit of flour on top and bake at 375 degrees F. for about 35 - 40 minutes.... 

If you try this let me know how you like it.. 

Next time I hope to use rye and whole wheat flour for another kind of peasant bread... 

The afternoon slipped away and I made our supper.. 

We love our salads...

Then we had a bit of rubbed herb chicken breasts... 

Some of our homegrown squash and mashed potatoes... 

Just basic food, my dears... 

After Terry had put the ladders away and I had finished the dishes we headed back home... 

Just in time to light a candle or two and make a nice cup of tea... 

Life is a very basic thing here in the Maritimes of Canada... 

Just down home stuff like old farms, peasant bread, meat and potatoes... 

Then we settle down for the evening with a nice hot cup of tea and end the day with a thankful heart for all of the wonderful blessings bestowed upon us for another day... 

Gotta love it... 

Thanks for visiting.. 

Welcome to the new followers.. 

Love having you all along for the ride.. 

You guys are awesome.. 

xo

Oh.. I had some darling company today.. 

One of our grandsons came for a visit and we made some Preserved Salted Lemons.. 

Stop in tomorrow and I will tell you about it.. 

And I made a woolie owl... 

Maybe it will be finished...

Later...

Those old back roads just keep calling my name....

Good Evening, my dears..

Hope all is well with you ..

A little simple post for tonight.. 

I thought you might like to go along with us on a little field trip we took last week up into places with names such as Collier Mountain, Meadow, Pleasant Ridge, Hillside, Ferndale and  Elgin.. 

Not a lot of traffic in these hills.. 

Just a few early hunters out checking to see what was about.. 

The windmill farm certainly is visible in many areas for miles around...

Many old houses and barns ... 

Empty ... 

 They may have moved to town... sigh..

Yet there are still folks living in these areas.. 

They have wonderful old homes that have been around for many a year.. 

Their views are splendid..

Lots of brooks and streams and old bridges ...

Clear beautiful water...

Farms with cattle and there are horses at almost every farm..

Some dear Mama still hanging out the laundry.. 

While it is blowing in the Fall breezes

the cow bells are tinkling over in the pasture... 

A dear precious old cemetery.. 

My sweet father's stone is the fifth one...

I have 4 sets of grandparents here along with many uncles, aunts and cousins..

Some glad morning, though... smile..

Blueberry fields abound...

Aren't they the most awesome color? 

Such beauty to behold....  

Rushing streams and falls...

And sweet reminders of what is really important... 

I am not a photographer nor do I own a great camera but God has given us such beauty in this old world..

And as you can see...

 The rural back roads of Albert County just keep calling my name... smile... 

Hope you enjoyed our time together.. 

So glad you dropped by..

If you are not busy stop by tomorrow and I will be posting a recipe for peasant bread that I made at the farm today... 

Welcome too to our new followers.. 

So nice to meet you all..

Loved all of your comments on the Keepers Meeting.. 

You guys are so sweet..

God bless...