Saturday in Stitches

This morning was chilly.  We didn't have any heat last night, even though the low was 47. So this morning, I decided to make biscuits to warm up the house, and treat our bellies.  I use a recipe out of Sundays at Moosewood, which is chock full of butter, but oh so good.  I rarely make them these days, but everything in moderation, right?

 I decided to can the stock in pints yesterday, as I had all quarts on the shelves, and sometimes recipes call for less.  While sitting with the canner, I worked on some stitchery. I've enjoyed doing some handwork recently.  Not long ago, I finished cross-stitching the bib up top for J & I's little grandbaby.  Above is a peek at one of the things I've been working on for the shop.  I've used a variety of thrifted fabrics.  This one was a tablecoth that had some stains, so I'm going to use the good pieces for some stitched items.  When there are enough items, I'll be listing them. Today, I'm heading to Body, Earth & Imagination, an art show by my dear friend Carey Smith.  Wishing you the loveliest of weekends!

Stock and Spring Cleaning

The stock pot has been simmering on the stove all morning.  Every year, about this time, the freezer is burgeoning with bags full of vegetable trimmings.  Most recently, asparagus ends have been added, but I started these last fall, so there's also winter squash, spaghetti squash and tomato trimmings, in addition to the usual carrot tops, onion and herb bits.  Oh, and lots of mushroom bottoms from that canning session. As I could barely get the freezer closed, and today is cooler, only reaching the lower 70's, it seemed like the day to can stock.  I'll cook it down a bit longer, then strain and can it, to use in future soups and other recipes calling for stock.

First attempts at spring cleaning have begun.  The bed has been stripped down, with all pillow and mattress covers laundered, and crisp summer cotton sheets replacing flannel sheets.  Is there anything better than sheets fresh from the line, smelling of sunshine and warm breezes?  All the houseplants were taken outdoors, to spend the warm months in their stand under the trees.  I'm not sure when I'll begin the actual cleaning portion of spring cleaning, but at least it's begun.

Spring Blooms and Dirty Dogs

The flowers are arriving with the spring showers.  Blooms in all colors are a welcome sight, after a cold winter.  The pansies are doing well, even with temps in the upper 80's.  There are iris, baptisia, clematis, lavender, comfrey, roses, mock orange, and grape hyacinth blooming, as well as lots of wild rattlesnake weed, atamasco lily, virginia spiderwort, yellow stargrass and azure bluets.

   

The garden is mostly planted, thanks to J's hard work.  The cutworms have done in another two tomato plants.  Grrrrr...   I've planted seeds of calendula, tansy, marigolds, borage, bee balm, purple hyacinth bean, garlic chives and several basils- lettuce leaf, cardinal, lemon sweet dani and cinnamon today.  A few of them went in the ground, but most went in pots. 

The dogs are now getting into the pond, which is still just under 4 feet.  Would you believe they got baths yesterday?!

McNibs

I hope you had a most enjoyable Easter weekend.  We had J's son and family here for a cookout on Saturday, and spent yesterday at my Moms.  She prepared a feast for us, 14 in all, as she usually does.  In discussing the newest puppy, my brother helped us come up with his name... McNibs.  My Dad's parents, both Irish immigrants, often used the term McNibs as a catch-all term for us kids.  As in, "you and McNibs come over here".  It's one of the many things they said that still makes us giggle.  Maggie and Joe, the couple on the right, were a colorful pair, both excellent story tellers and quite the characters.  Mama McHugh, as we called her, spent her life as a domestic, and Poppy Joe, as a plumber.  They met at a dance in Brooklyn when they were in their early 20's.  They moved to NC when our family did, and were always a regular presence in our lives.  I think they'd be pleased at our choice of names.  Guinness and McNibs just seem to go together.  Thanks, Steve!

Spring Love on a Good Friday

These are some views from around the homestead.  We've been eating well from the garden this week, enjoying salads, chard and asparagus.  There has been some rain, almost half an inch last night, with more to come. The pond needs lots more rain to fill it, and is still pretty homely, but we're hopeful it will be looking pretty after some good spring rains. 



 J has been hard at work in our little vineyard. Two years ago, he planted Chambourcin and Corot Noir grapes, 5 in all. Last year, he bought a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cayuga and Chambourcin.  They've been heeled in, allowing them to grow a bit in a protected space, and now are ready to be planted out.  The vineyard is just off to the right when we look out our front door, with the pond just to the left.  We're hoping there will be some nice views before too long, between the two.  The Corot Noir grapes we ate fresh last year were the best grapes I have ever tasted.  The Cayuga are also said to be good fresh.  So, we've got that, should our winemaking skills be less than stellar. 



 There is so much to do, outside and in, it's been hard to spend much time on the computer. 

The pups are doing well.  They visited Dr. Perrin Heartway, a caring holistic vet in the area, and were pronounced healthy boys. 

 Wishing you the nicest of Good Fridays!

Spring Chicken

Though we were spared the brunt of the storm yesterday, neighboring counties had significant damage from tornadoes touching down. We are feeling most grateful, with prayers going out to those who were affected. Our Mud and Suds show will go on today. This chicken is one of the new metal art pieces Joseph has at the show. We hope you'll come see us!

Singing in the Bathtub with the Dogs

The birds have kept me filling their feeders this week.  There has been more hummingbird activity, but  I haven't seen more than one at a time, so I can't be sure it isn't just the same one right now.  The dogs had baths yesterday, and seem as though they're getting used to it.  I just praise the heck out of them, sing loudly made up songs to them, bless their hearts, and use my homemade dog shampoo.  Hickory used to think the suds were pretty tasty, and would lick them off almost as soon as I would soap him up.  He also got to where he would just step into the tub when I asked if he wanted a bath.  Which is a blessing, when you're dealing with a Great Dane mix.  I hope these two will follow suit, but in the meantime, I'll just make it as fun and positive an experience as I can for them.

The potatoes have started to sprout in the garden.  One of the newly planted tomatoes was bitten off by a cutworm.  There's some justice, as I found him and fed him to the chickens.  I hope he was an only child.  My tastebuds were happy last night, with asparagus soup.  The recipe I use is from homesteader extraordinaire, Carla Emery's The Encyclopedia of Country Living.  Though she is no longer with us, her light still shines brightly, showing the way for old and new homesteaders.  Borrow or buy the book if you can.

Asparagus Soup

Cut about 1 lb of asparagus in one inch pieces.  Cook with a little salt in 1 quart of water (or stock) until tender.  Make a white sauce by stirring 4 tbs flour into 4 tbs melted butter.  Add to soup along with 1 beaten egg yolk and a dash of cream.  Serves 2.

I always run mine through the blender.  If you use storebought eggs, you probably will want to cook the egg yolk a bit after adding it to the soup.  I don't worry about it, using eggs from my own, healthy chickens.

I'll be at the Celebration of Spring Kiln Opening at Whynot Pottery this weekend.  If you come out tomorrow, you may have to dodge a storm or two, but Meredith's cookies are worth it.  Sunday promises to be a calmer day.  Hope to see you there!