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The months have passed by rapidly, my dear friends!
As I've observed the neighboring fields grow white with cotton ready to harvest, and wild grass growing higher by the day, I realize that I've gone an entire season without journaling!
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I do appreciate your patience--please know that I've missed sharing my thoughts with you ;)
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The pear trees did well this year! It's always a delight to go into the orchard to harvest a few.
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We had an abundance of late cucumbers, so I made about a dozen pints of sweet pickles. I'm so excited about them--So if you happen to stop by the cottage, I'll be sure to give you a jar of course :)
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The cottage has been under-construction!
For the past few weeks, we've been taking down our old walls in order to create an open space. What a joy it has been to see it slowly change..Now we'll have more room for guests!
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Lately, I've had wonderful opportunities to help out at several state parks.
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I enjoy spending time in the old cabins--demonstrating open hearth cooking, bringing to life the abandoned garden, or just sharing about rural 19th century living---ah, I love it!
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The hedge of blueberry bushes.
The leaves are vibrant with a bright showing of crimson, browns, and golds..
They seem to exclaim, "Tis Autumn, tis Autumn!"
And I couldn't agree more.
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Inside the garden gate..
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The leafy greens are still young, but make a fantastic side dish--especially when it's sauteed with homegrown garlic. It's nice to pick collards right before supper--lovely flavor!
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I recently traveled up to the mountains to go Apple picking!
What a delight to learn about the different fruit varieties..
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Walking down the well-traveled paths,
you could almost get lost in the seemingly endless rows of fruit trees.
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My dear friend brought her darling baby to the grove..
It was so sweet to watch the little one reach for the apples with such wonder!
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Before we left the orchard, I met the owner of this year 1930 automobile.
We had traveled behind it for a good distance, so it was fascinating to learn more about it!
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The sounds of crunching leaves under my worn boots.
The warmth of the afternoon sun.
The occasional pecan being thrown at me by a squirrel. :)
I love the autumn season.
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In the living room, my brother finishes up school lessons
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Down at the neighboring farm..
I'm greeted at the gate by a curious friend.
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"A true home should be the container for reviving real hospitality...."
--John Seymour, author of The Self Sufficient Life and how to live it
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Thanksgiving Day
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I gathered the last remaining rose blossoms to make homemade rosewater--
a needed ingredient for old-fashioned Turkish delight candies!
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The heirloom dishes are carefully taken out,
and hand washed before setting the picnic table for the afternoon meal.
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As we work in the kitchen, the record player cheerfully fills the room w/ big band music,
While the air is fragranced with cinnamon and mulled spices.
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My brother begins to make his 'famous' Apple pie..
It's become a tradition to bake it in our cast-iron skillet!
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Thanksgiving Supper Menu:
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Wild greens Salad w/ pecans, cranberries and raspberry vinaigrette
Greenbean Casserole w/ portobello mushrooms
Mashed Potatoes with Turkey gravy
Fresh creamed corn
Traditional baked macaroni and cheese
Slow cooked Lemon Pepper Turkey (stuffed with fresh lemons)
Homemade spiced Cranberry sauce w/ pears and apples
Apple-glazed baked ham
Banana Bread
3 layer Spiced Cake w/ Pumpkin Buttercream frosting
Southern Apple Pie
'Three Kings' homemade bread
Sweet Tea
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Perfect weather for a Picnic.
We set up our table underneath the shade of the old pecan tree,
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And enjoyed pleasant conversation...
Soon enough, the apple pie was brought to the table.
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My dear sister prepared a fantastic cake!!
Holiday Spice Cake with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting
3 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup Buttermilk, 4 eggs, 2 sticks of softened butter, 2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp each : Baking soda, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ginger
1/2 tsp each: ground cloves and sea salt.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour 3 (8 inch round) cake pans
In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients. Cream butter, sugar and salt...then add in eggs.
Beat in dry ingredients with buttermilk, alternating one at a time, ending with dry.
When batter is smooth, divide it among the 3 pans and bake about 25 mins (or until golden).
Let cool completely before removing from pans...then frost with your favorite icing! Enjoy :)
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"...Preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving,
and for every breath a song." --K.V. Gesner
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After our meal, my sister and I sang the hymn: 'For the Beauty of the Earth.'
What a delight it was to lift our voices in humble gratitude of life's many blessings.
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At the end of the day, I put together a simple meat stock (Nothing goes to waste, right?) Nicely seasoned with herbs, fresh garlic, onions and celery. This will make quite a few quarts of flavorful broth, perfect for winter stews!
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Hope you all have a blessed weekend!