My Daybook….August 25, 2008

FOR TODAY…August 25, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s a gray morning with overcast skies. Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for later today.

I am thinking…that the state Fair is coming up next month and I need to decide what I’m going to enter

I am thankful for…feeling really good this morning….ready to tackle the tasks set before me today.

From the kitchen…Blueberry Oat Bars. Recipe can be found here.

I am creating…handmade bookmarks

I am going…Josiah has PT later this afternoon, other than that I’m staying home

I am wearing…brown shorts, a blue, green and brown floral top, barefeet

I am reading…Galatians

I am hoping…I can get a lot accomplished today

I am hearing…all is quiet except for the hum of the computer

Around the house…the tea kettle is on, a Yankee candle “Fresh Mint” votive is burning, baskets of tomatoes are on the counter waiting to be turned into salsa, the kitchen floor needs washing, laundry needs to get started

One of my favorite things…old fashioned bee hives, or skeps, as they used to be called

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…besides the everyday home things…. lunch with my sister on Tuesday so we can finalize some plans for the upcoming bridal shower, a doctor appt. on Wednesday with the orthopedist to check David’s broken arm, PT & OT appointments for Josiah, more canning to be done,

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 One of the bee skeps from my collection. This is one I keep outside in the garden.

 

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

My Daybook…August 18, 2008

FOR TODAY…August 18, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s another cool morning, but the sky is bright blue with puffy white clouds, the sun is coming up and promises to be another warm August day.

I am thankful…that everyone, including myself, is on the mend from the terrible summer cold/virus that has plagued our home for the past two weeks.

From the kitchen…I’m enjoying a cup of Kafree Roma, my favorite natural coffee substitute. Later this morning, blueberry banana bread and peach crisp will be getting made.

I am creating…a bridal shower!

I am going…no where today…there’s lots to keep me busy here at home.

I am wearing…denim capris, a white top with small red flowers on it, barefeet 

I am reading…1 Timothy in my Bible, but no time for any other reading

I am hoping…I can get a lot accomplished today

I am hearing…the timer going off to let my know the laundry is finished washing.

Around the house…laundry, baking, garden and yard work. We are harvesting so much from the garden right now….Swiss chard, kale, broccoli, corn, tomatoes, cukes, garlic, onions, potatoes, and we picked two pumpkins already.

One of my favorite things…the crispness in the morning air that tells my Autumn is on the way.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…nothing out of the ordinary….house and garden work, more harvesting of herbs for drying and vinegar making. Birthday cake for my oldest son…he turns 25 on Wednesday…where has the time gone!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

Miniature Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

My Daybook….July 22, 2008

FOR TODAY…July 22, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s another hazy, hot, humid day. There’s a bright yellow goldfinch perched on a lovey pink echinacea flower.

I am thinking…I have to ask Abby to take some garden photos so I can share them with you all.

I am thankful for…the new fan my sister blessed us with.

From the kitchen…just finished up breakfast of a bowl of cottage chesse topped with strawberries, blueberries and nectarines, sprinkled with ground flax seeds.

I am creating…actually not making anything yet, but looking for ideas for favors for a bridal shower for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

I am going…to take Josiah to OT later and stop in at Walmart and pick up some of the super deals they’re having on school supplies.

I am wearing…a cute black skirt, a white and rose colored flowered top, bare feet and hair pulled back in a bun.

I am reading…not much time for reading these days, but I did glance at the latest Above Rubies magazine that came yesterday.

I am hoping…we get a thunderstorm today.

I am hearing…a couple of blue jays calling to each other outside. It’s still quiet in the house except for the Dakota (dog) panting behind me.

Around the house…I got my desk cleaned off (major accomplishment) and it’s staying that way. In the garden, basil is ready for picking and making pesto, the cucumbers are coming in, little pumpkins are appearing on the vines, and the weeds are thriving.

One of my favorite things…wildflowers

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…taking it one day at a time; no definite plans. 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

Watermelon Ice Pops

 

I had several readers comment about the ice pops that I mentioned in yesterday’s daybook and ask how I made them, so here is the recipe. It’s from the July 8th issue of Woman’s Day magazine. These take a little bit of extra work (and waiting), but they were worth it. The little ones thought they were so cute. Once frozen, they can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to three weeks (if they last that long).  ENJOY!

~~Anne

Watermelon Ice Pops

•  4 cups of 3/4 inch chunks seedless watermelon
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup sugar, or to taste
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 pint coconut sorbet, softened
• 3 cups of 3/4 inch chunks honeydew melon

1. You’ll need twelve 3 oz, ice pop molds and wooden sticks
2. Spread watermelon chunks in an even layer on a baking sheet. Freeze about 1 hour or until semi-frozen. Transfer to a blender, add 2 Tbsp each corn syrup and sugar, and puree until a thick slush forms. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Fill molds halfway with slush. Insert a stick into center of each, letting sticks extend 2 inches above top edge of molds. (Slush will support sticks without sinking; you won’t need the tops of the molds.) Freeze for 1 hour or until hard.
4. Carefully spoon sorbet (about 2 Tbsp in each mold) over the watermelon layer. Freeze 1 hour or until hard.
5. Meanwhile, spread the honeydew chunks in an even layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour or until semi-frozen. Transfer to a blender, add remaining 2 Tbsp of corn syrup and sugar, and puree until slushy. Fill molds to the top with honeydew slush. Freeze 4 hours or until hard.

To Serve: Let pops stand at room temperature for 3 minutes to slightly soften. Remove from molds. (If pops don’t easily release, dip molds briefly in warm water.

My Daybook….July 14, 2008

FOR TODAY…July 14, 2008

Outside my Window…the sky has darkened and a heavy, much needed rain is falling

I am thinking…I surely didn’t get enough sleep last night

I am thankful for…the rain and also for the swap package that I recieved on Saturday. Thanks Amy!

From the kitchen…Beef Stroganoff with buttered noodles, and fresh zucchini that we just started harvesting over the weekend

I am creating…a plan for my week

I am going…to get off the computer and get to work now

I am wearing…jean shorts and a blue & green flowered top, barefeet

I am reading…my Bible; no time for anything else

I am hoping…the slight headache I now have doesn’t get any worse. I better go drink some more water.

I am hearing…the rain

Around the house… grass to be mowed, string trimming around the garden beds, fresh bouquets of flowers being picked, and there’s always laundry to be done

One of my favorite things…homemade ice pops

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…harvesting in the garden….zucchini, lettuce, cabbage, swiss chard, kale, a few tomatoes coming, and yummy blueberries

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 I made these yummy watermelon ice pops for the 4th of July

 

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

My Daybook….June 23, 2008

FOR TODAY…June 23, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s damp and rainy and there’s still some fog lazily hanging around.

I am thinking…this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I am thankful for…Abby’s safe return home from Colorado last week.

From the kitchen…for supper tonight it’s spaghetti and meatballs, fresh Swiss chard from the garden, homemade Italian bread.

I am creating…no projects at the moment, but I have the idea in my head to make scrapbooked scripture cards.

I am going…to get some more decluttering done. I got a lot done over the weekend and it’s such a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am wearing…a lovely brown linen skirt that Abby made for me, a beige top and I’m still barefoot.

I am reading…Philippians. I also have a few Tasha Tudor books that I got from the library a couple of weeks ago. I have been reading through Tasha’ s Garden  and enjoying it very much. How saddened and shocked I was to receive the news of her death last Wednesday. She will be truly missed by many.

I am hoping…I can learn to control my tongue better. (Psalm 141:3, Eph 4:29)

I am hearing…all is quiet still; even the birds are not out singing.

Around the house…it’s beginning to look less cluttered, the bathroom shelves are nice and clean and brand new towels laid out, the big basket that once held an incredibly large amount of unmatched socks is empty, outside the gardens are looking good, the blueberries will be started to color up soon, we have been enjoying Swiss chard and kale and there are still a few asparagus poking their heads up, tomatoes are starting to form on the vines, and the flowers are in full bloom.

One of my favorite things…tea in special teacups

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…lots more decluttering, therapy days for Josiah, grocery shopping, a stop at a local thrift store to see if I can find any bargains, starting to gather my items for Peggy’s Summer Swap

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

 

Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

 

A Summer Swap

 

Do you enjoy participating in swaps?? My friend, Peggy, has plans to  host 4 seasonal swaps at her blog and the first one….SUMMER themed….is going to be starting shortly. If you’re interested, head on over to her blog, The Simple Woman, and read all the details.

 

 

My Daybook….June 16, 2008

FOR TODAY…June 16, 2008

Outside my Window…it’s a gray, overcast morning; rather gloomy looking out there today.

I am thinking…of all that needs to get done this week.

I am thankful for…the gentle rain we had yesterday.

From the kitchen…I just made myself a cup of Kafree Roma (a roasted grain beverage), tonight’s dinner will be chicken frajitas, and I’m thinking of what I can do with all the strawberries and rhubarb.

I am creating…special packages to be mailed off to friends.

I am going…to take Josiah to therapy later today, drop off some books at the library and make a stop at the thrift store.

I am wearing…denim capris, a blue and green flowey top, barefeet.

I am reading…The book of Philippians, but there’s been no time for pleasure reading the past few days.

I am hoping…I can get a lot accomplished today

I am hearing…all is quiet in the house, but I hear the lone call of a mourning dove outside.

Around the house…extra project for today is cleaning and reorganizing the bathroom shelves. We enjoyed the first of the Swiss Chard this weekend, the strawberries are the best ever this year, the blueberries are starting to form and it looks like there will be an abundance of them too.

One of my favorite things…walking in the garden after a rain…everything is so bright green and vibrant looking.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…busy days this week….Monday, Josiah’s physical therapy; Tuesday, Josiah’s occupational therapy; Wednesday, Abby gets home from Colorado so I’ll be picking her up from the airport, It’s also John’s birthday; Thursday, I have an eye doctor appointment; Friday, Eliana goes back to the orthopedist for a recheck of her broken elbow. I don’t like it when my week is this busy with places to go, but it just worked out this way this time.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you….

 

The beautiful snow-capped mountains of Colorado. Abby sent this picture to us the other day. She’s having a wonderful time out there.

 

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

My Daybook….June 10, 2008

  

FOR TODAY…June 10, 2008

Outside my Window…another hazy, hot and humid day is here. My gardens are shaping up and are looking quite nice. The roses are beginning to burst forth with their wonderful color and scent.

I am thinking…it’s not “normal” to be so very hot at the beginning of June like it has been for the past four days.

I am thankful for…this new day the Lord has given me to serve Him.

From the kitchen…fresh fruit salad topped with homemade yogurt. For dinner tonight I am planning on a big salad with lots of additions. I have no desire to do any “real” cooking and heat the house up even more than it already is.

I am creating…a more pleasant home atmosphere……hopefully

I am going…no where today; it’s much too hot to be out driving around.

I am wearing…gray shorts, a green top, hair tied up and off my neck, bare feet.

I am reading…I just started the book of Philippians this morning. Also browsing through my curretnt issue of Hobby Farm Home magazine.

I am hoping…that I can get a few things done in the house today.

I am hearing…the hum of the small fan I have in the kitchen.

Around the house…a load of laundry is washing, washed clothes need to be put away, the little ones are playing store.

One of my favorite things…lightning bugs…and the excitement they bring to my little ones. My daughter came to me one night and excitedly told me to come see the “sparkly things” that are in the woods.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…an eye doctor appointment tomorrow, Josiah’s therapy on Friday, more work in the garden…..finding just the right spot for my fairy garden items.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you…

The first of the June roses to bloom

 

 Please stop by Peggy’s blog, “The Simple Woman”, to join in with (or just read about) the other ladies as they give us a glimpse into their day and share their “simplicities” with us. 

My Weekend

 Despite the very hot temperatures (90’s) which is unusual for early June in New England, I had a very enjoyable weekend. Saturday morning found me and my two youngest children going with my sister  to the CT Herb Association’s HerbFest. It’s been a long time since she and I got together like this to spend the day just doing something enjoyable. With all that we both have been dealing with concerning our mother’s health problems and rehabilitaion from a fractured hip, I think we really needed this time away together. When my mom is discharged from the nursing home she will be staying at my sister’s home and times to get away like this together will probably be non-existent so we made the most of this opportunity.

HerbFest was held at Top Most Herb Farm and the owner, Carole, has some lovely gardens. We did alot of walking around admiring all the gardens and I was gathering ideas to use in my own gardens. Carole not only has a greenhouse full of herbs plants for sale, but she specializes in heirloom tomatoes. We bought two heirlooms, Russian Rose and Tiffen Mennonite. I also got a new Sorrel plant. I didn’t get any other herbs because I am pretty well set and was only looking for a few unusual ones, like Arnica, but she did not have it. There were free workshops on various herbal topics, but I didn’t attend any because the little ones probably wouldn’t have lasted sitting still for 40 minutes.  It was so hot. There were quite a few vendors selling their wares and it was great fun to walk around seeing everything for sale. They were selling plants, jewelry, handmade soaps, cleaning products, herbal teas and medicinal products, handmade clothing and tote bags, and goat cheese products. But my favorite was Lisa’s Garden Designs. And judging by the way her items were selling, it was a favorite of many others too. She was selling planters and garden decorations made from hypertufa. If you don’t know what hypertufa is, it’s a mixture of cement, peat moss, perlite and water and from it you can make very lightweight and realistic stone looking products. She had panters of various shapes and sizes, birdbaths, toad houses that were really cute, and various sizes of mushrooms. My sister was so sweet and treated me to what is called a Fairy Garden Mushroom Kit. It consists of 3 different size mushrooms and a birdbath. They are not real tiny miniatures, but a pretty good size. The mushrooms are 6 1/2,  5 1/2, and 5 inches in height and the birdbath is 4 1/2 inches tall. They are so cute!! Below is a picture from Lisa’s site so you can see them.  When Abby gets home from her trip to Colorado (she has her camera with her, of course)  I will share a photo of them in my own garden. 

 

I got home around 4:30 that afternoon and there was still plenty of time to get a bit of garden work in so I got quite a bit of weeding done. 

Sunday was another hot day, but we worked in the yard again and and it is really starting to look nice. Again, I will have to wait to share pictures and take you on a garden tour when Abby gets back. By late afternoon, the dark clouds started to roll in and thunder was heard in the distance. The heavens opened up and it poured and poured for a good half hour. We even had hail for a few minutes. The children thought that was so neat. When it stopped, the sun came back out again and everything was so bright and green. As I was standing looking out the back door admiring God’s beauty, a male Ruby Troated hummingbird came by to feast on my Salvia and take a drink from the feeder. What a lovely site. God is good!

Raquel came home later in the afternoon from a Drum Corps competition. She joined back in October and is doing Color Guard. She gets to carry the American flag. Anyway, this was her first competition and she was so excited to come home with a medal in the duet category. I’m so happy for her. She placed third in the individual category, but unfortunately no award is given for that place. The entire corps placed first and received a thropy for that.

Later in the evening was home church and it was nice to sit down after another prodcutive day and reflect on God’s word and sing psalms of praise. The perfect way to end a wonderful weekend.

This has got to be the longest entry I’ve written, so if you made it to the end, thank you for sharing my simple weekend with me.

~~Anne