"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air." - N. Hawthorne
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Roses against the fence...
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Last night we sat around the fire, then camped in the backyard!
In the morning, the blades of grass were frosted with dew :)
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Bringing in fresh cut Zinnias..~
Autumn has finally arrivedThe crisp cool air rustles the blooming flowers and the sunshine adds a warm hue to nature. It's rays touching the meadows & gardens--enhancing their beauty. I'm encouraged to use everyday profitably, not to take this all for granted!
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My brother has kept himself busy chopping wood.
It comes in handy now that the weather is cooling down!
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My sister joined me as we walked together to the back of the property...
My sister joined me as we walked together to the back of the property...~
My Dad was given a day off work, so when he came home, we finished (and began!)new projects around the house.
Speaking of projects...
My sister completed her crocheted vest she's been working on :)~
It's simple, and the color is perfect for the season!ps) she created the pattern/style herself, so I don't have a written pattern..lol!!
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~My new FAVORITE easy easy easy bread recipe~
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Many thanks to "Artisan Bread in five minutes a day" by Jeff Hertzburg
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*6 cups lukewarm water (make sure its not too warm..this is important)*3 TBsp active dry yeast (I use rapid rise/bread machine yeast)
*2.5 TBsp sea salt
*13 cups flour (I use 8 cups white, 5 cups wheat)
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Pour water in large bowl, add yeast and salt.
Add the flour, then use a wooden spoon to mix..Kneading is NOT necessary!
Cover bowl.
This whole process takes 5 minutes! yes!
Let rise for 2 hours.
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Get about a 'grapefruit sized' piece of dough...~
Lightly roll it in flour, tucking it into a ball. Place bread dough on a greased pan/dish...
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Let rise for 45 minutes...~
{I sprinkled ground flax seed on some of the loaves}Dust with flour & slash the top, so as it rises it gives a more rustic look :)
ps) this recipe makes 6-7 small loaves
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Important element: Baking w/ steam.While your loaves are rising, place a small casserole dish filled with water in the broiler, so as the oven heats up to 400 degrees, the steam will give the bread a beautiful crust!
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Bake loaves for 30 mins.
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{Delicious-- the crust is perfect, and the texture inside is soft and flavorful!}~
Fresh herbs make their way into most of our meals! Here are our staples:Rosemary, Basil, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Cilantro.
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An abundance of peppers...~
My cat decided to spontaniously climb this tree as soon as she saw my camera...hmm..I think I've taught her to pose, lol! :)
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So far we're growing Turnip greens, collards, kale & swiss chard. (More pictures to come)
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These are younger plants (collards) my Dad began to transplant.~
My recent project has been this half apron I hand-stitched. In proper 19th century style, I *tried* to do tiny stitches, so it's taken me all week to sew. All I have to do is the hem..I'm so ready to be done! ;) ~
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Due to reader's request, here's a peek of the (unfinished) back of the apron.
Your friend,
Mia
Due to reader's request, here's a peek of the (unfinished) back of the apron. All it needs is a wood or gourd button!
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Hope y'all are having a great week--Stay Encouraged!
Your friend,
Mia
