cherith revisited

another yarn along week

2012-02-09T16:58:00.001-05:00

Knitting and books give definition to my days. I hope there will always be a book or two being read and at least one knitting project nearby in my life, even if the book may take weeks to read or the knitting project months to finish.

I am for the most part a process knitter with the project being center front. And I see no ambivalence in this remark whatsoever. I love the process of knitting, the feel of the fibers crooked around my fingers and the repetitious rhythm of the needles and my hands. But I also love creating lovely things and dreaming about future projects to knit while seeing the completion of each knitting project only to start the entire process all over again with yet something else to knit.

I have looked forward to sharing with Ginny's yarn along group on Wednesdays, even if it is Thursday before I actually post it.

This week a grey chunky wool is being knitted into a cowl with 10.5 Turbo needles. I see cowls being sported these days and I must say my curiosity has been piqued when I see them. Are they comfortable to wear around the neck and do people truly enjoy wearing them? That might seem funny considering I am a person who loves wearing turtlenecks during the winter months, but I am not partial to scarfs like others might be. We shall see about this cowl.

And I presently have two books in progress, (only two?) both by authors I have shared in past weeks. An excellent book filled with wisdom by Edith Schaeffer on prayer and another joy to read book by D.E. Stevenson, a perfect before you go to sleep read.

We have all of eternity to praise God in perfect bodies, in perfect surroundings, with beauty beyond our imagination now. We have only a very short time to make known to our Heavenly Father, our Savior and Shepherd, the Holy Spirit, our trust and love. Yes, we are to pray, knowing that nothing is too hard for Him, nothing is impossible for Him to do for us. But we join the martyrs through the centuries in tiny opportunities, or in major ones, to show the reality of our love for God.

Edith Schaeffer

A Life of Prayer

Time has been gentle here.
What on earth do you mean?
Father said, "Lewis, take the tray for Charles."
Lewis got up, muttering, "Well, I don't know what he means."
"Charles's meaning is perfectly clear," declared Father."Time has had a hand in the making of your mother's drawing room; everything has been here for years and has matured gently in the sunshine. There isn't a jarring note."

D.E. Stevenson

Sarah Morris Remembers

a blue pot

2012-02-01T19:33:00.000-05:00

I had to ponder was it actually turquoise or aquamarine, and I decided I would in fact call it aquamarine since it is more blue than green. Whatever, as it is here sitting on my kitchen counter these days waiting to be returned to its rightful owner I have began to covet one for myself. not covet in the bad sense, just taking a gentle liking to it. And as if the pot wasn't enough to turn my head you should have tasted what was in the pot, a delicious chicken and leek soup made by Claire. She also sent along homemade bread and a "noisy" chocolate pie that I hope to get the recipe for and will share. I call it goldilocks pie because it was not too sweet, but just right. Noisy because we could not cease exclaiming over its virtues with every mouthful.

It was all accompanied with a vase of fresh flowers tied with a white ribbon.

She thought of everything!

a cloud with a silver lining

2012-01-29T18:49:00.005-05:00

With every cloud there is most definitely a silver lining and my particular scenario delivered the inevitable cleaning that took place recently at my house because of all the rearranging of rooms in my home at the present. Mother moves in tomorrow, she will take our bedroom located downstairs, my husband and I will take Alan's old bedroom upstairs, the bedroom that has just been recently redecorated and made into a spare bedroom. A huge task to say the least, but I was able to go through so many things and move them to more appropriate places either known as storage or garbage, depending on the item. It felt so good to be organizing closets, shelves, drawers and the deeper cleaning of baseboards, blinds and walls left me feeling satisfied, howbeit, tired as I was.

awaiting the hospital bed that is to be delivered early tomorrow morning.

to knit and to read

2012-01-25T17:20:00.001-05:00

It seems almost to good to be true, almost a daily diet of knitting which has allowed for another yarn along with Ginny this week, especially since the matter of being in the process of reading is never a problem for me.

Fingerless mitts in a jade green wool with flecks of navy blue, I like to call this a tweed yarn. Do any of you have the proper name for it? I am reading a book worthy of attention for all women, What Is A Family? by Edith Schaeffer. But then any book by her might be worth your attention. Just as the sun was heading toward the west a quick photo was shot on the paved stones outside.

I am certainly enjoying this yarn along, thank you Ginny!

on Monday

2012-01-23T23:21:00.002-05:00

The morning was cloudy and misty and it being a Monday I figured buttermilk pancakes could only help in getting the morning started on the right foot. They were served alongside fresh blueberries and raspberries in the sunroom with the glow of a lighted candle. By afternoon the day's ongoing drab and drizzle succeeded in creating a very real droopiness in me too. So I did the only sensible thing and put on a kettle of water to boil. A china tea mug was chosen out of the cupboard and filled with Earl Grey tea. The violets on this mug make me think of the unexpected discovery of violets in the springtime, usually found growing in shady waysides or on a path wandered for here to there.

"I am the LORD thy GOD which teacheth you to profit,

which leadeth you by the way that you shouldest go."

Isaiah 48:17

Upon reading these words, I meditated on the fullness of His words. Such comfort to know Him and to trust His ways.

And later I listened to Pandora's offerings of Bach/Classical while I hand basted a piece of gingham fabric that is to be smocked and made into a gift bag.

Bye Bye dreariness.

to share the times of our lives

2012-01-19T21:25:00.001-05:00

I have spent the past year actively caring for my elderly parents, which ultimately led to me creating another blog, Shadow Pearls, a place to blog about the verisimilitudes of caring for elderly, and in my case, sick parents. I desired cherith revisited to be a blog that reveled domesticity, to record and share a kaleidoscope of my life, all under an umbrella of faith and family.

Please indulge me this one post to spill over from one blog to another, especially since my domestic life will include some changes very soon. The plans are to have my mother moved here to my home by January 30, chunks of my day are delegated to making arrangements for this huge task. Yet schooling, laundry and meal preparations are carried on too, without the neglecting of any of the girls' extracurricular activities. I have cooked chicken pastry, (my husband's favorite) and a savory beef stew along with the baking of a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Piano lessons, ballet classes, CC, Latin Club, Church, and every evening play practices have formed the core of my days along with visits with my mother. And I even went by the store and bought a black dress today.

I have peace now. A peace that has eluded me this past year and instead left me feeling like I was drowning in a weighty grief.

I rejoice in His tender mercies and His perfect timeliness.

"I love the LORD because He has heard my voice and my supplications.

Because He has inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live."

Psalm116:1-2

Oh, and have I mentioned I covet your prayers?

knitting and reading and...

2012-01-18T16:51:00.013-05:00

...Yarn along...ing.

Several months back I was reading Gigi's blog and I ran across two things that interest me immensely, knitting and reading. I had toyed with the idea of officially joining this group even though I do not usually do these sort of things.

Today was the day. You may join up too, here.

A grape shrug for Charlotte, it feels like a hush. If anything could ever feel a hush that is. Actually, I completed knitting this shrug recently but I am considering knitting her another one using cotton yarn for the springtime.

Have you ever read D.E. Stevenson? If not, please allow me to introduce her to you. She is a British writer who wrote mainly in the 1930's through the 1960's. She writes the most enjoyable stories. Check your library shelves or stacks, several of her books, thankfully, still remain on my local library's shelves. A good rummage through some old book stores would be nice to see if I can stumble upon any of her treasures.

a stash of chocolate

2012-01-11T19:34:00.000-05:00

A bug bit me sometime around the first of the year. This bug demanded the cleaning, the straightening and the putting aright of several closets and cupboards.

An assortment of chocolate was found on the top shelf of the kitchen cupboard, a stash was also discovered in a bedside table drawer, and an entire unwrapped bar was hiding on a closet shelf!

Now the chocolate has the temporary venue of an antique egg basket.

No more hide and seek, though willpower might need to be unleashed in greater measure.

sunny porridge

2012-01-10T15:24:00.000-05:00

A most auspicious breakfast, cooked porridge drizzled with maple syrup and given a plenteous topping of fresh blueberries.

If I was a champion I would put my face on a box of oatmeal and give credence to its glories.

puzzling

2012-01-05T16:38:00.001-05:00

A day or so before New Years Eve we go out and purchase a new jigsaw puzzle. Then we spend hours each day making it all come together with the hope it will be completed sometime around the time of New Years Day. I am not one that likes to have a puzzle just always laying around, here a piece there a piece is not my style, I prefer marathon puzzle events. That is why we make no excuses and allow a teeny bit of justification for the expending of countless hours until its completion, thus the after Christmas holiday activity.

Barnes and Noble had a fairly good selection for us to choose from this year. It was hitting midnight and I was all alone, everyone else had taken to their beds, my eyes were droopy and my shoulders were aching with fatigue, but I was driven with a persistent mood to finish the puzzle Monday night.

It laid there until this morning when Charlotte was commissioned to tear it apart and restore it to its original condition.

winter whites

2012-01-04T14:38:00.002-05:00

Tea is served in shades of winter in mid afternoon. It nourishes between lunch and supper.

"Winter is the time for comfort,

for good food and warmth,

for the touch of a friendly hand,

and for a talk besides the fire:

it is the time for home."

~Edith Sitwell~

the day old man winter blew in

2012-01-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

I am sitting at my kitchen table; I am warm through and through. But winter has made a definite stop with sudden bursts of cold wind and lower, chilling temperatures.

Today we started our first school day of the semester, a full morning under our belts. But CC does not begin until next Tuesday so there is still quite a bit of breathing room left for the time being. I managed to put a pot of soup on which is presently simmering. Smells so good! And while I was at it I decided to take the carcass and make stock for future winter soups. We eat large amounts of soups in the winter and having bags of ready-made stock in the freezer is handy.

Near my house there is large patch of woods, graced with a running creek, rocks of all sizes, and lofty trees. It is a marvelous place to take a winter hike. We bundled up against the cool wind and set off after lunch.

Then we returned home to freshly baked cranberry scones. These are delicious. Sift together two cups of flour, six tablespoons of sugar, one tablespoon of baking powder, and one-half teaspoon of salt. With a pastry blender cut into the dry ingredients six tablespoons of chilled, unsalted butter which has been cut into small pieces. Stir in two-third cups of half-and-half just until moistened and then gently fold in one-half cup of chopped cranberries. The cranberries just need to be halved. Gently knead on a floured surface and pat and form into a one-inch-thick circle. Cut into eight wedges and place on baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little half-and-half. Bake at 425 degrees until golden brown, about twelve minutes.

Beat one-half cup of heavy cream with one to two tablespoons of powdered sugar to be served with them.

Side note: Scones are best eaten on the day they are made. So feed at least eight people, or maybe there are four at your table so you can each have two, or maybe....you get the picture.

Rose gave a finishing comment, "I love the taste of the sweet cream and the tartness of the cranberries all at once".

It does put them on my highly recommended list.

My gift to you

2012-01-01T18:33:00.001-05:00

Another Christmas has come and gone. There resides a few forlorn presents underneath the Christmas tree, the tree that comes down tomorrow. Bits of tissue paper are scattered in various places throughout my house, red and gold ribbons are showing signs of limpness, the once shiny colored balls are dull and are showing signs of misplacement. Even though its time to pack up all Christmasy things until next year, still we are feeling the signs of sadness now that Christmas is finally over.

How marvelous the New Year has arrived with its arrival of multifarious expectations, like a mass of confetti floating wildly around us!

But I have one last gift to give. A list of blogging friends garnered that have touched my life in some way.

(The order is entirely random).

Hill Upon Hill
A Different Drum
Wayside Wanderer
Gladsome Lights
Stitching Under the Oaks
Ribbons of Light
Gypsy Slow Down
Firefly Cottage
By the Sea
the Buttr'y and Bookr'y
No Spring Chicken
Pieces of Sunshine
The Gracious Gourmand

(There are a few others that no longer blog not listed obviously, but I do miss them.) So on this new year, situate yourself comfortable-like, grab a mug of hot tea or cocoa, and visit some of these lovely sites and get to know these woman. They are each a gift to me and I desired to share them with you.

And because what is a post without a photo I may ask?

The "photographer" was set upon a litte shelf on the wall and set on auto.

baby alpaca knited scarf

2011-12-28T17:20:00.002-05:00

Charlotte at eight years of age indistinctly knows fine yarn. While at the yarn shop she indubitably selects one of the better yarns. She loves to touch and scrunch the different fibers and her tastes are impeccable. A chunky baby alpaca yarn of pink and cream was knitted into a lovely scarf.

And Rose just happens to possess the exceptional flair for modeling the scarf.

sunkissed

2011-12-27T17:22:00.000-05:00

Maybe because I woke up to the sound of steady rain this morning when even the cardinals that breakfasted from my feeder seemed hampered.

Or maybe it was the huge deluge of rain around lunch time heard outside while Rose and I were contentedly bringing order to my ribbon supply.

Eureka! When the sun finally burst forth later during the afternoon I beheld this sight as I was coming down the stairs on my way to fix a cup of freshly brewed coffee for my husband. Their glowing faces gave such pleasure I could not help smiling.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:24:00.000-05:00

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land
of the shadow of death
a light has dawned."
Isaiah 9:2

See me in the background?

Today was a bustle with last minute preparations, so tonight a buffet was set with a smorgasbord of food consisting of: ham biscuits, raw cauliflower and broccoli florets, bacon horseradish dip, crackers and an assortment of cheeses, my most favorite being the cheddar with blue cheese.

Merry Christmas to all!

2011-12-23T22:34:00.002-05:00

On the twenty-third of December...

...I traveled by car for 2 and 1/2 hours to attend the funeral of a family member.

Bagpipes were played and a bell was struck fifteen times in honor of this firefighter. A wonderful commendation displaying the brotherhood shared by all firefighters, a tribute containing great taste and respect for the deceased and his chosen profession.

Before I got into my car for the drive home, I embraced my cousin and we agreed it was not good to be only meeting at funerals.

burnishing

2011-12-22T23:31:00.002-05:00

On the twenty-second of December...

...the silver was polished.

Pattern: Buttercup by Gorham

something to sink your teeth into

2011-12-21T17:41:00.000-05:00

On the twenty-first of December...

... morning dental appointments for all.

I do not know about you, but dental appointments around here are made a year in advance and woe to him who cancels short of death. We feel so "privileged" to have a scheduled appointment. I am sure it is some kind of American Dentistry Associations approach to mind altering.

Then we stopped by our favorite deli to eat Reubens and German potato salad, the best ever.

Home to grocery shopping and making these for a neighborhood Christmas party we are attending tonight.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

2 bunches of fresh asparagus, trimmed
3 tablespoons of olive oil
12 thin slices of prosciutto, separated and sliced in thin lengths
pepper to taste
!/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
After washing and patting asparagus dry, trim ends and coat with thin layer of olive oil. Take three spears and wrap them with one piece of prosciutto. Place the bundles on a baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes (depending on thickness of spears). Arrange on platter, sprinkle with pepper and cheese.

The best part is they may be served warm or room temperature, making for a perfect carry-along food.

something to dance to

2011-12-20T16:56:00.003-05:00

On the twentieth of December...

....I will attempt a sedulous catch-up, of sorts.

The forming of gobs of chocolate into balls and rolling them in cocoa, hazelnuts, or pearl gold dust. These truffles are simply a cinch to make.

A total of four Nutcracker performances culminating in success...and relief for all concerned.

Champagne toasts for husband's birthday...

...And a pecan pie that was delicious.

In days of yore I would have been hesitant to admit it, but now I feel as plump and proud as a fat hen to have thought of it at all, ordered and picked up at the bakery.

Smart move, indeed! Cluck! Cluck!

pre-show

2011-12-15T23:23:00.000-05:00

On the fifteenth of December...

...I was backstage for the second night in a row helping with the dress rehearsal for Charlotte's dance studio's annual rendition of the Nutcracker.

But on this night Rose was engaged to assist too. All the excitement the dancers were experiencing sparked off them and left us feeling it too. It was a busy and hectic place at times.

It was late, most of the dancers and cast had departed, the girls were waiting on me as I was replacing some trim on one of the costumes.

What's a person to do?

goodies

2011-12-14T22:20:00.001-05:00

On the fourteenth of December...

...a morning was spent in the kitchen baking goodies.

yes, we did have a plan.

Specific baked items:

Rolled-out sugar cookies,

chewy molasses cookies,

peppermint bark,

dipped pretzels,

and with perspicuity of the necessity of something chocolate, we added truffles.

After a full morning of sifting, mixing, rolling, dipping and decorating, Claire had a lunch date to get to and Rose and Charlotte had piano lessons. Therefore, the chocolate is gaining firmness in my refrigerator...still. But there are plans to scoop out little melon balls worth of chocolate and roll them in cocoa and shimmering gold dust.

at the stables

2011-12-13T18:50:00.000-05:00

On the thirteenth day of December...

....we assembled a tote-a-long basket with a thermos of hot chocolate and pumpkin bread.

Upon which we headed to the stables, and while Rose rode

Charlotte and I shared afternoon tea in Christmas mugs, naturally.

In the air there certainly wasn't a" feeling" of Christmas,

Which made sitting outside extremely comfortable for the knitting of a scarf.

And before I go I really must introduce you to Cosy.

The dangling feature out of his mouth is due to a broken jaw and makes him quite endearing, after you get over the initial shock of being a little grossed out.

He's a curious soul.

2011-12-13T15:59:00.003-05:00

On the twelfth day of December...

...Internet services went loopy and I was not able to post.

But to give credit it was late anyway and I was rather loopy too.

But I did get snazzy with the making of black and white taffeta yo-yo's

and attaching them to red satiny hats.

2011-12-11T21:08:00.000-05:00

On the Third Sunday of Advent...

Latin once again strikes a chord.

Dignus Est Agnus

Worthy is the Lamb

Barry Moser's paintings in this book are beautiful.

"about those...."

2011-12-10T21:02:00.001-05:00

On the tenth day of Christmas...

....red and gold diagonally-challenged ornaments were looped with glittering gold ribbon and hung from the chandelier in the dining room.

They catch your eye when you walk by, therefore, they may be classified as a topic of conversation.

homemade greetings

2011-12-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

On the ninth day of December...

...creations made from card stock, stamps, glitter and ribbon.

gloria

2011-12-08T23:42:00.002-05:00

On the eighth day of December...

...we enjoyed an oratorio and orchestra performance of Handel's Messiah.

I carried along a beautiful book for Charlotte to follow along with when the singers would be singing, a book I purchased back in 1992 so that Witt would have something to follow when I first started taking him. Tonight he sat beside Charlotte and from time to time I saw him glance over and follow along with her. So helpful to see the words, "Oh, they are singing verses", she said.

It was glorious.

Then we stopped by the doughnut store.

Where they were being freshly made and served "hot".
I am not a doughnut eater, but...
...It was glorious.

Then we rode through streets where balls of colorful light dangled from tree boughs, dazzling us with magnificence.

It was glorious.

notes

2011-12-07T21:08:00.000-05:00

On the seventh day of December...

...three seasons seemed to collide into one another.

Because the weather was springlike, we took a walk around the block while it was yet early, a gentle breeze stirred and a light cotton sweater sufficed. The gutters we strolled past were level with newly-raked piles of leaves waiting for the leaf machines to come by with their noisy vacuums and clean away the remains of autumn. Our eyes saw Christmas wreaths on doors and windows, fanciful balls hanging from bare branches on outdoor trees and tiny candlestick lights shining in windows.

By afternoon, gales of hardy wind escorted in rain and chilly temperatures.

a seasonal stack

2011-12-06T22:02:00.001-05:00

On the sixth day of December...

...favorite Christmas books are delved from an eleven month hiatus and set in appropriate places of honor.

We have many favorites at our house that are read year after year.

Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck.

It's guaranteed to bring a lump to your throat,

regardless of how many times you've read it.

secondhand dessert

2011-12-05T20:58:00.000-05:00

On the fifth day of December...

We served at the church, feeding a home cooked meal to the surrounding community.

I spent a portion of my morning preparing a hamburger casserole, lima beans, potato salad and a trifle.

Once I actually set out to make a trifle. But usually it comes about as a solution to a cake that is not up to par, a blunder.

Anything goes really. This trifle was created with layering broken pieces of chocolate cake, vanilla pudding, whipped cream and topping it with crushed toffee pieces.

No would would ever guess it was a secondhand dessert.

ring-a-ling

2011-12-04T20:48:00.001-05:00

On the second Sunday in Advent...

...I played with the handbell choir at church.

Upon which I must now admit I am a bona fide ding-a-ling!

nutcracker alterations

2011-12-03T21:52:00.004-05:00

On the third day of December...

I walked with Charlotte into the dance studio for her rehearsal.

Upon which I continued on past the leotard-clad bevy of dancers and down the wooden stairs into the basement for an afternoon of sewing on Nutcracker costumes. For the most part it was a matter of finishing the alterations by hand, the removing and adding of hooks, whip stitching tops to tutus or tulle skirts, and elastic changes.

For those of us who possess proclivity in this sort of thing, we are regarded as either mad or held in a state of awe.

frasers and frescoes

2011-12-02T21:49:00.001-05:00

On the second day of December...

We drove to the mountains in order to choose a fresh fraser fir.

Upon which our tree-laid car drove down the curving roads onto the highway to make the trip home. I always get a special thrill when I see a Christmas tree on the top of a car riding down the highway.

And while there it was decided there was something we must share with the girls. Four of Ben Long's frescoes are ensconced in two humble but beautiful churches within driving distance of where we were. As we sat on the wooden pews our eyes filled with awe and worship

Advent has begun in our hearts.

a room to decorate

2011-12-01T15:57:00.000-05:00

On the first day of December...

taken on my iphone

We gathered paper, garland, lights and ribbon and continued the decorating of mother's room.

Upon which she promptly thanked us.

on this last day of November

2011-11-30T16:26:00.000-05:00

I am in the last days of drinking my morning's cup of coffee in this mug of mellow colors which remind me of fall, and thoughts of paisley spring into my mind too for some reason. My Christmas mugs have been pulled out from under the counter and are now settling in beside the coffee machine.

But this November morning was so restful, the sun was flooding my space and I wanted to remember the moment.

And just so you can be assured I am totally satisfied from my fingers...

... to my toes.
(I can get somewhat amused by all the feet I sometimes see online, therefore, it took quite an indulgent whim to post this picture of my feet).

But don't you like my Toms?

On this last day of November I've ran about town a bit with scheduled morning orthodontist appointments, early afternoon piano lessons, and some Christmas shopping thrown in between times. School is carried on too, either in the car or upon returning home.

autumn frock

2011-11-28T16:18:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving Day was different this year.

Only five gathered around my table. Menu and food preparation amounts were substantially smaller too.

But the day was like a stream of honey being drizzled into a cup of warm tea.

Charlotte wore her frock.

You just have to appreciate bare feet on an autumn's day.

costumes, toiles and ballets

2011-11-10T17:33:00.000-05:00

toile (twa:l)
-n
2. a garment of exclusive design made up in cheap cloth so that alterations and experiments can be made

The rehearsals for the upcoming Nutcracker are in full swing. It only seems fitting that I do my part in the costume department. Yet the making of costumes that will be altered throughout many performances and in the forthcoming years is stretching me quite a bit. The lady in charge handed me bolts of festive shiny sleek material and a 10-12 size pattern and offhandedly mentioned they will be worn by little girls that are seven years old.

Before I wasted any of the beautiful fabric I decided a toile was in order. An old sheet was accessed in the bottom of my linen closet to be used to make a raw costume from the pattern. The only alterations so far are in the length. Tonight I will grab one of the "polichinelles" aside for a proper fitting. Then the true work will begin.

At least Charlotte's autumn dress is completed.

coram deo

2011-11-03T14:14:00.000-04:00

Latin study has molded itself into a part of my day. The study of Latin is fascinating to me and I love it. I will by no means try to make my attempts at learning Latin seem easier than it is, frankly, I find it difficult and challenging. If I could be a full time student maybe it would come with more ease, but my "older" brain is so full and busy, and alas, my attention span can run here and there like a very animated cartoon. But I plod on. "Aut viam iveniam aut faciam" (I'll either find a way or make one).

Latin sayings, you just have to love them. One in particular has been on my mind lately.

Coram Deo

Before the face of God

As I read Claire's blog this morning, that was what came to mind. (Could I possibly be thinking in Latin? HaHa!) I thought she conveyed this particular truth in her post where her personal perspectives and insights were open and honest, looking both inward and outward with specific everyday happenings in her life.

We are to live every moment of our lives with the realization of being in God's presence. With the absolute understanding that He is omnipresent and He is omniscient. How I live my moments, my days, should always be with this thought foremost in mind. To consider His sovereignty and His glory in everything should be my goal. My life makes up the whole of this whether I am teaching my children their school subjects, folding laundry, setting a pretty table for teatime, feeding my mother, working in a soup kitchen or witnessing on a street corner; everything I do is done before the eyes of God. He sees my failures and my frailties; He sees the very smallest sins in my life and the most amazing miracle is that He loves me with an everlasting love and offers absolute forgiveness. His mercy and grace in abundance is always before me, how I chose to respond and live my life has great weight. Thanksgiving and praise are the gates, even when it might be sacrificial.

Therefore, I am a student of Jesus Christ. The study of His word has molded itself into my day...

the hotel

2011-11-01T00:02:00.000-04:00

There appeared a new mat in the elevator every morning, "Have a Pleasant Saturday"or "Have a Pleasant Sunday", scripted in red with flourish, a mat for every day of the week. This simple bit of mien for proper detail was looked forward to with delight and expectation every time I stepped into the elevator. I just happen to take notice and appreciate such things. But then in this hotel, the hospitality offered is as natural as breathing.

We dined Saturday evening in the hotel's dining room where the waiter steps to your side offering a soup spoon atop a linen napkin that rests upon a china plate. It is rare indeed today to see this kind of presentation, but in a hotel filled with history, one that holds to a certain manner of tradition, it can be expected and relished.

The large, old window in our bathroom allowed views of the sunrise.

It is good to go away, yet it is even better to come home. Experience has taught me that the absence of normalcy is what makes going away a special treat. But to quote a famous bard, "People usually are the happiest at home." I could not agree more.

Home is the place where soup spoons are set by your soup bowl on any given day, but very properly of course.

a weekend of color

2011-10-28T10:45:00.001-04:00

I'm in the car traveling through roads of color. Large dabs of orange, crimson, rust, yellow, and persimmon clothe the hilly waysides. The faithful evergreens stand amid the array with understated glory.

My husband made these plans to take me "away" over a month ago. We have a few small planned out things on our list to do, but for the most part it truly is just about us as a couple. Our main focus is our relationship and the thankfulness of His provision.

The temperatures are dropping and we are expecting cooler weather. It made for packing the warmer clothing easier, no surprises.

holy words

2011-10-27T17:38:00.000-04:00

Daily visits to my mother.

taken on my iphone

This afternoon breathed warmth and sunshine. Charlotte sat on the edge of the her bed and read holy words from Daily Light.

stitching autumn

2011-10-18T15:27:00.000-04:00

All it took was a notice in the morning's newspaper that a certain little needlework shop was going out of business. I expectantly hopped into my car that Friday morning bright and early, and the inspiration to begin cross stitching once again was born. Prime on the list was this sash which will be the embellishment on a dress for Charlotte this fall. I was delighted to find the variegated floss that made me think I was stitching autumn.

This was wonderful take- along handiwork when visiting with my mother. She, like her mother before her, is a Southern lady with knowledge and experience in sewing and handwork. She sewed me some of the prettiest things when I was growing up. I sense a certain satisfaction in her when I sit by her and stitch.

Today is liquid gold, oozing with the definition of Indian summer. The sash is completed and the cream colored dress it will adorn is in the works.

I'm off to do a little afternoon sewing!

a scrapbook

2011-10-06T22:06:00.000-04:00

The morning broke and because of the cool temperatures, we bundled up in jackets and beach towels to watch its glorious announcement.

The first day gave us the hottest temperatures.

Back in late July, we experienced another loss. This time it was my husband's father. This particular trip was planned with my mother-in-law in mind.

The temperatures were variable, depending on the time of day. We awakened to mornings in the 40's, but my children spent some part of every day in the water, usually wearing only swimsuits.

snacks on the porch

There were times that it seemed I was like looking at a mural of icebergs on the horizon.

All suntan products, swimsuits and beach towels have been stored away until next year. We are on to other ventures now.

a good novel in my hand

2011-10-05T18:34:00.000-04:00

"Jean was visited by one of her rare moments of happiness, one of those moments when the goodness of God was so real to her that it was like taste and scent; the rough strong taste of honey in the comb and the scent of water."

Elizabeth Goudge

The Scent of Water

All of Elizabeth Goudge's books are treasures to be hunted in library book sales and old bookstores. Last month I was searching amongst the books at my local library's sale, I never fail to check out the G's for her books. I was not disappointed. I started to read it this past weekend while my toes were burrowed in the warm sand. But for an interlude of time I was in the English countryside enjoying the most delightful characters.

returning

2011-10-04T14:11:00.001-04:00

The mini break to the coast was full of:

plenty of sun, with its sometimes playful mood of hide-and-seek behind clouds that reminded me of sky icebergs,

walks on sandy shores with warm water surfing across bare feet,

colorful beach chair sittings surrounded by beautiful vistas and coastal sounds,

a good novel in the hand,

several rounds of rummikub played at the kitchen table overlooking the sea,

and

of course, food, dining out at restaurants situated on the waterways, or grabbing a simple sandwich at the yellow cottage.

But upon my return trip I had a day of:

photo credit

Minus the wooden wash tub, thankfully, I had Kenmores that swished and tumbled throughout the day. I would have loved to have worn the blue jumper, instead a pair of blue jeans and a sweater sufficed. But the sun was shining happy outside my windows and I am positive I had that look that seemed to say, "I wish I was still at the beach."

babysitter?

2011-09-29T20:51:00.000-04:00

Zany. No other word for it. But it seemed like such a good idea at the time! The lure of sourdough loaves baking in my kitchen as we fall into autumn made me do it. You get the idea, gather supplies, mash something, stir in a few additional things, tweak it in between all the daily extras on Monday morning. After all, it was on the long list of one of the those things I wanted to do in my lifetime.

Alas, I did not think about this week's momentum and what it entailed to keep a sourdough starter alive and well. Did I truly realize what I was doing or where my week was taking me? Making the starter was a simple enough process, but the other requirement involves a special form of babying.

And did I mention we are leaving for the coast tomorrow morning?

WANTED:
Reliable babysitter. Helpful if you live in a warm environment and enjoy stirring in warm water and flour.

chocolatey chips muffins

2011-09-22T20:39:00.000-04:00

I have been experimenting in baking with whole wheat pastry flour...just because. The one thing that is obvious to me when I eat these baked goods is the crumbly texture of whatever I have baked. But the taste is not altered in the least.

Chocolatey Chip Muffins

1 2/3 c flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
3/4 c buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/3 c sugar
12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease muffing tins or line with papers. Melt butter and 6 ounces of chocolate chips in small saucepan. Let cool. In mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate mixture with the buttermilk, egg, sugar and vanilla. Pour this mixture into a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Stir just until incorporated. Fold in 3 ounces of chocolate chips. Fill muffin two thirds full and place remaining 3 ounces of chips on top of each of the twelve muffins. Bake for 20-23 minutes.

Extra Bonus:

Made with Charlotte this afternoon,

stirred up in an antique bowl that once belonged to my mother.

...it's elementary my dear

2011-09-14T14:15:00.001-04:00

My brain strains to net aura moments. I am thinking I may be a tad bit more tired of late with the new schedules and all the extras that beckon me every day. Be informed, when I speak of such moments I am not talking rocket science. So it was today as I was preparing a lunch, requested by Charlotte, of boxed macaroni and cheese. I know this goes beyond simple, please know I give no endorsements here...just the fact of the matter is...it works sometimes. Anyway, as the water in the pot began to boil I threw in a solitary noodle, it danced, ooh..cool... then another noodle, a definite two-step...how about the addition of a third noodle? I am now observing a grand dance right before my eyes! Elementary, my dear. A fascinating lunch began with boiling water, single noodles...and a dance observed!

And there is the healthy blooming hibiscus that glows outside on the back patio with its display of multifarious blooms due to the cooler September evenings. It is the closest thing I might ever own to the resemblance of a lemon tree.

Latin declensions are kindling my mind lately. I was a student of Latin for three years, eighth, ninth and tenth grades. There is no reason to remind you this was a long time ago. Since the study of Latin is one of Rose's school subjects this year, I am taking on the challenge of studying Latin along with her. These days I find myself grabbing Latin words and declining them while sitting at stop lights or waiting in grocery store lines. This site helps when online practice is needed.

The windows are opened wide letting in evening sounds that fascinate and aid in creating a wonderfully soothing sleeping environment. We dine outside every evening we can and with our new later schedule due to ballet lessons and and visits with Mother, we find ourselves dining by candlelight as darkness tiptoes into our spaces.

It was a quick stop by the market to pick up some sushi for dinner, which we ate with the chopsticks given to us by some friends who were former missionaries to Taiwan. I have always loved how material items can bring special people to mind.

A before bedtime game of Rummikub with Charlotte. As we were finishing the last match even my husband had joined in to the game's fascinating pull.

Have you played this game yet?

incredible edible egg salad

2011-09-06T14:48:00.000-04:00

I am resolved to admit that sandwiches are a part of my life, especially at lunchtime. Sometimes they are a means in themselves; let's just get something in our hungry bellies. Other times they can be as pleasant a treat as kites in a blue cloudless sky, wide open, soaring and carrying you as far as your imagination would like to venture out.

To make this incredibly finger-licking good egg salad,

Boil 4 large eggs, peel and coarsely chop.
Add:
2 Tablespoons plain whole milk yogurt
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
a small pinch of fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste

Serve open faced, by lavishly spreading on Artisan bread slices or crackers rather than between two slices of bread, if that is your pleasure. Then sit back and dream. Picnics by the seaside, breezes blowing your hair in a hot air balloon, or reading a good book in a scented bath...

the fact of the matter is

2011-08-25T15:01:00.001-04:00

Man does not live by bread alone...some of us also need sewing projects in our lives to survive.

This time it is embroidery stitches on silk...in neutral colors...to cover a journal.

O, for the love of basil

2011-08-24T21:31:00.000-04:00

Some of you already know how much I love basil, considering it the gem of any summer garden. This year my basil has done exceptionally well, some of the leaves have been truly as gigantic as a tomato.

I have been seeing the words basil syrup in recipes scattered from here and there. And since herb syrups of any sort are right up my alley, I wasted little time in making one with basil this week.

I have been a fan of Susan Branch and her cookbooks for years. Her quotes and original drawings dispersed throughout her cookbooks are fun. This recipe was recently given on her fairly new blog. It has a unique taste, not at all like basil though. Maybe it is the lime juice and condensed milk that makes it interesting. However, I do like it especially when poured over crushed ice. It will cool you down quickly... but one may need to watch out for what my children call "brain freeze" with those first few swallows.

(The fish straw has no extra significance whatsoever)

make pesto while the sun shines...

2011-08-20T20:31:00.000-04:00

Ah, summer. Flourishing herb gardens and basil abundant, the trophies of summer's heat. I whizzed up a batch of pesto this morning in the food processor. But for the very first time ever I did something to the basil that I have never tried before in all my years of making pesto. I blanched the basil for 30 seconds in boiling water. This will make the color of the pesto stay the most lovely shade of green I am told.

Immediately after blanching run cold water over the basil leaves, and with gentle handling press out the excess water before putting the leaves into the processor.

the sound of watermelon

2011-08-19T16:32:00.000-04:00

"I hear watermelon".

These were the words out of Rose's mouth as she walked into the kitchen just as I was sliding a knife through the green rind of a watermelon. Funny, when I perceive watermelon it is the sweetness of its taste, the appealing shade of red and the feel of its juice running down my bare arm. But all senses do escape in that pop!

There is something I need to add here, no two things. Charlotte meticulously checks out every slice of watermelon for seeds before she eats it. Her opinion is that watermelons are not to have seeds, any seeds whatsoever. Sad, I know. She will never know the fun of spitting watermelon seeds from here to yonder.

And as for the blue rubber hair band in her hair....I was straightening the kitchen counters and to get it out of the way, I slipped it onto a bit of her hair. Better hers than mine. But it is perched in a comical way I think as I watch her eat her "seedless" watermelon.

Peach Lemonade

2011-08-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

Quenching your thirst basically takes water, of which I drink plenty, but when you want something delicious and refreshing that will zing your taste buds, peach lemonade does seem to be rather divine.

Peach Lemonade
6 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 cup water
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
Heat until sugar dissolves, steep for 10 minutes.

Drain.
Add 2 cups of peach nectar or peach juice. I have used both, the nectar has a stronger peach taste, but the juice works just fine.
Stir in1 cup lemon juice. I personally use this brand of 100% pure bottled lemon.

To this add 2 cups of water. I enjoy the tartness, but you can add more sugar if preferred. Serve over a glass of ice and add a garnish of fresh rosemary.

Then sit back and taste summer while it still can be found. Mine is packing and planning to leave very soon.

love stitches

2011-08-16T21:07:00.000-04:00

I stitched by candlelight at the dining room table tonight following a dinner of prime rib and yorkshire pudding. It added a calm to my after dinner mood and reminded me of olden times when stitching by candlelight was an only possible choice. Kiri Te Kanawa was singing in the background adding her own style of harmonious heights, it was beauty moving.

The particular piece I was working on has been taking its time in coming. But I love what it stands for... heritage, meals shared around a table with family and friends, fine things, some of which can never be purchased. White flouche on white linen, one single initial embroidered in the corner, awaiting its place at a table. Things that possess lasting value that will stretch over years and years.

My stitches are not professional or even that beautiful or clean cut. The true beauty must be seen with the heart, each thread stitched in love.

Kit in the herb garden

2011-08-09T16:29:00.000-04:00

Several pairs of flannel pajamas, neatly folded and set aside, were brought to my attention this past weekend. The time had come to get started on something that had nestled back in my brain a couple of months ago awaiting the proper time of delivery. An outfit for Charlotte's American Girl dolls constructed from the plaid flannel of Daddy's pjs was the result. Quilt squares cut from the flannel fabric have also begun with hopes of a completed lap quilt in the future.

The photography shoot took place in the herb garden with Kit standing in my newest woven basket.

The green and blue color scheme was quite successful.

fruity summer sipping

2011-08-03T21:54:00.000-04:00

I am one of those types who enjoys reading magazines. I subscribe to several: food, sewing or knitting; and from time to time I will even purchase one from a store that captures my eye and tickles my fancy.

Sangria was boosted to places of prominence in some of the food magazines I have been reading this year, causing me to want to make some for myself. I can not imagine why I had never desired to try this beverage before since it is so easy to mix together and very good and refreshing to sip on during summer evenings.

I had quite a huge amount of fun concocting several recipes this summer. My husband prefers the citrus recipe of oranges, lemons and limes. For me though nothing was as delicious and tempting as watermelon, strawberries, lemons and mint. Oh my goodness! Ambrosia in a glass.

There are many recipes to try and you can even buy the sangria mix if that is your preference. Since I anticipate the fruit's sweetness to do the trick, I add no extra sugar or soda.

CHEERS!

another one to grieve

2011-08-02T20:58:00.000-04:00

While we were staying in an out of state hotel vacationing, my husband received a call on his cell phone. His father had passed away.

We buried my father-in-law two days later, a day that the thermometer registered at 103 degrees. As we drove up to the cemetery for the graveside service we observed the waiting relatives and friends huddled under the few shade trees in the cemetery. I found an essential tinge of comfort in that scene.

a little summertime sewing

2011-07-22T09:30:00.019-04:00

An apron made in a cinch with a packaged deal I picked up one day while roaming the aisles of *Hobby Lobby*. They were selling for 50% off, and I thought I would be silly willy to refuse such a bargain. It is becoming my daily cooking apron on these summer days when the making of pestos, salsas and tarts are the norm.

Charlotte became my photographer upon its completion.

No heads please.

And where's the iron? Oh, that is right, it is summer.
I forgot I am allergic to summertime ironing.

random grace moments

2011-07-18T11:38:00.000-04:00

"And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."

John 1:16

As I sat outside this morning my journaling began with random thoughts jotted down neat and packaged with little dots resting beside each one, somehow maybe I was grasping for a connection in these thoughts. I remembered that God is never random. Everything HE does is with purpose and for my good. I scrunched down, satisfied in his grace and sovereignty.

But here are some of the randomness of my morning thoughts:

*smocking guild tonight
embellishing a journal cover

*leftover lasagna in the fridge to warm up for tonight's dinner, tossed salad on the side with the addition of tomatoes due to their bounty

*A time of swimming this afternoon, perhaps

*laundry, sheets to change

*read to my girls aloud , Charlotte will eat an icy popsicle

continuing the randomness even with photos

camp and arbors

2011-07-15T20:45:00.000-04:00

We left early this morning to fetch Rose home because she had been attending this camp all week. We stopped for a late lunch

and because the weather had taken a pleasantly comfortable turnabout we dined outside under the arbor.

During the springtime blue-violet pendent clusters of wisteria dot the cedar-stumped arbor, but these days the leafy verdancy creates shade and an aura of charm. This is one of my most favorite places to visit.

Then of course we popped into the bakery on our way out of town.

The discussions began on the way home of what she had learned and gleaned from the week at camp and I expect many more will continue in the days to come. But it certainly is good to have her home.

burying myself in words...

2011-07-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

...on the written page.Sitting on a vintage glider,

propped up against a needlepoint pillow,

reading a good book.

Francine Rivers never disappoints, she writes books I find extremely enjoyable.

Even though we have been involved with Classical Conversations for the past two years, it is only this year I began reading this book written by Leigh Bortins, the founder of Classical Conversations. Some books are destined to be picked up for a refresher when you are on a particular course, whatever that course in your life might be, for me this happens to be the classical mode of teaching and learning. It puts the questions of," Exactly why am I teaching this?" to a better understanding and makes the path clearer, and therefore, not as difficult. I will try to remember this when daily Latin lessons overwhelm.

And because I can not be found just reading one or two books, that is far too simple, these books are on my nightstand with appropriate bookmarkers of sales receipts, coupons or clothes tags. I do believe I need a good week at the beach to enable full days of reading.

I sincerely hope you are burying yourselves in some good reading this summer. I know some of you are.

a "spoonful" of sugar

2011-07-09T12:27:00.002-04:00

Rose is having a few friends over tonight for a cookout. Seeing that this week has been a myriad of t-storms the cookout will more than likely move inside...sounds familiar.

We eat fairly healthy around here...for the most part. I have been preaching healthy eating habits for years and serving foods that are good for you. Notice I put that in italics because there are those around here that carry a different perspective on the word good. But I do not stuff food down your throats. I present it, even give adequate explanation when needed and leave it at that. You know the saying, "you can lead a horse to water but..." Limiting the intake of sugar in our diets has been like a challenge course...probably up there with swimming the English Channel. Sugar in moderation is my mantra, and I have even convinced myself that Truvia in my morning's cup of coffee is rather good..or at least okay.

Because of the 12 teenagers coming this evening, cookies were baked; an all time favorite, chocolate chip. And sometimes you just have to add sugar, the masses are satisfied and I find dogmatism has no platform. I do cut back on the amounts of sugar though, and I do not think it is missed one little bit. Handfuls were taken and devoured.

cooling on these hot days of July....I like that!

more on fermented vegetables

2011-07-08T15:31:00.002-04:00

Several of you appeared curious about fermented vegetables and wanted to know more; therefore, I thought I would expound and share the tiddly winks bit of information that I have learned. I find that I learn so much more by doing.

*It is delicious!
*It can be made with several recipes, all which are mainly made of raw cabbage, carrots, greens, peppers, brine and good probiotics.
*It becomes something you almost have a "craving for" several times throughout the day.

Here is a link that explains it all very well.

My first batch recipe:
2 heads of green cabbage
1 head of purple cabbage
6 carrots
2 red peppers
2 poblano peppers
1 bunch of kale

A brine was made of:
filtered water
1/2 green apple
4 stalks of celery
wakame (seaweed)
salt
culture starter (good bacteria)
a scoop of probiotics

I also added a small bunch of garlic chives and basil to a few jars. You do need to be aware of adding herbs or garlic though. A little goes a long way. Salt is also dependent on your taste and health awareness. I added about 2 teaspoons max.
I allowed it to set (ferment) for seven days before I tasted it. When you first open a jar the smell is strong, but not bad. Surprisingly, the taste is not strong at all. I have been told you would know if a jar was "bad" by its smell.

I will make a few changes to my next batch, but nothing major. Another thing you might consider is to start your daily allowance with a small helping (1-2 teaspoons) to see how your body system reacts. After all most of us are not use to such a super food on a daily basis and digestion initially may be affected.Two to three tablespoons three times a day is an optimal amount. As I have mentioned before it is so tasty that it is a pleasure to eat it. I usually eat it as a snack on a corn tortilla chip several times a day. I have been told it is "magic" in that your body will not crave sweets any longer when you are on a regular diet of fermented raw vegetables.

embroidery in the corner

2011-07-07T16:45:00.017-04:00

There has been something I have been wanting to share with you, a little something I have been working on these days. The embroidery bug bit hard back in the spring and when I discovered this free pattern I almost tripped over myself in the process of starting to stitch one. I have little wall space in the sun room, but still I thought using this design with the rug's colors could be definitely squeezed into a corner somewhere.

It does not scream,"Look at me!" when one walks into the room. But it certainly has a gentle and pleasing presence to catch your eye, as it is framed and hanging in a corner in the sun room now.

Gracious Plenty

2011-07-06T16:32:00.001-04:00

The days of July paraded in just as one would hope and have already provided for us mornings of berry picking, days of celebration and nights of fun.

Instead of eating outside on the fourth as planned, we moved all inside due to the heavy rainstorm that rushed in and spread the red, white and blue tablecloths on the dining room and plastic foldout tables for the twenty-one persons to eat. Grilling the hamburgers presented itself as a small challenge for my husband until there was enough of a slack in the rain to roll the grill to the garage. Due to the delay I decided to uncover the many side dishes on the kitchen table where several nibblers and hungry souls had arranged themselves. After all chips, salsa and sangria only hold for a spell.

Then the rains graciously stopped, cooling the night air and permitting us to go outside to spin sparklers and observe the colorful lights bursting in air.

Berry Cake

2011-06-29T14:12:00.001-04:00

I have quite a bit to say these days, yet my visits here have not affirmed the sharing of my days and thoughts, but isn't summer grand? I have taken note though that food seems to be at the top of what I talk about here lately.

The season of blueberry picking has arrived just in time for the approaching July weekend. I knew I was destined to bake something with them, and a recipe in this month's Bon Appetit further inspired me. Also, the sighting of this recipe last week in my blog reading. (You ladies do know I read your blogs?)

I used blueberries, but I plan to make one with blackberries soon. But it is equally delicious with the blueberries and since my husband has a certain prejudice against blackberries due to the seeds, his preferences highly influence me.

My best suggestion for you today is to head to the blueberry bushes, or your local market, and make one of these cakes. I do not think you will regret it.

I feel as if I can give the recipe I used because I did make a few changes to their original recipe and maybe you do not have a lovely daughter-in-law like Claire to give you a subscription to this magazine for Christmas, and you might just have some berries right now screaming to be made into a delicious summertime berry dessert.

Berry Buttermilk Cake

1 1/2 sticks of butter, softened at room temperature

2 1/3 cups flour

2 1/2 to 3 cups fresh berries, at least until bottom of pan is covered

1 cup sugar, more if desired

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3 eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter a springform pan, line the pan's bottom with parchment paper, butter and lightly flour.

Layer berries on the bottom and toss with 1/4 cup sugar (optional depending on your sugar taste buds, but I did for this cake)

Sift flour, baking powder, soda and salt.

Cream the butter and sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition Beat in the flavorings. Then add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk in thirds beginning with the flour and ending with the flour, beating only until incoporated. Pour the batter over the berries.

Bake until lightly brown about 1 hour, check for doneness.

You can dust the cake with powderd sugar before serving.

Enjoy outside on the patio, or under a shade tree, or by the pool...you do not even need a fork or plate.

fresh herb storage

2011-06-28T16:50:00.000-04:00

Most of my herb garden serendipitiously lays just outside my kitchen steps making it convenient for me to grab my kitchen shears, step outside and snip whatever herbs are needed when cooking.

Throughout the day I will drink glass upon glass of water. I love to add a few fresh mint leaves and having fresh mint readily available on the counter is a time saver. The mint will last for several days in a glass of water but I am constantly refreshing my supply.

Like all herbs, basil has its own unique stance in summertime foods. If you need to cut your basil back but you are not planning on using it right that moment, do not store it in the refrigerator. Instead place the fresh cut leaves in a glass of water and cover with a baggie, allowing it to rest on the kitchen counter out of direct sunlight. The water in the glass should be changed daily. Your basil will stay fresh and green for more than a week when stored in this way. You might even have the added benefit of having your basil root if left long enough!

she kneads the dough

2011-06-25T11:27:00.000-04:00

Lately the girls and I have rediscovered the art of making our own pizzas. No more salty pizza toppings filled with nitrates and preservatives for us, we have aspired on to higher and healthier pizzas of thin homemade crusts with the addition of natural toppings from where the tossing on of this and the placing of that makes for a delicious meal.

Due to Charlotte's discriminating taste buds half of the pizza absolutely must be cheese and pepperoni only, while Rose and I have discovered a most satisfying combination: olives, fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, basil and balsamic vinegar. The basil and vinegar are added to the hot pizza after it is removed from the oven.

I have plans to take my homemade pizza making frenzy to the grill very soon; fresh ingredients at my fingertips and a charcoal grill at my disposal, seems like the reasonable thing to do.

two weddings and...

2011-06-22T13:49:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we attended the weddings of two of our good friends' sons. You can not even begin to imagine my extreme relief when it so happened that one wedding was held on Saturday afternoon while the other one was on Sunday evening. I know I would never have been able to make a decision of which wedding to attend if both would have chosen the same time to get married because both sets of parents are very special and both grooms are equally important to us too. I have prayed countless prayers for these young men over the years and to see the culmination of at least one of those prayers was priceless.

But it made for a very busy kind of weekend with Saturday's chores, grocery shopping, cooking, church, and Fathers Day...all within forty-eight hours!

fermenting raw vegetables

2011-06-16T22:32:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday I attended a workshop on learning how to prepare raw vegetables for fermentation. I must say my curiosity was kindled when I first heard about the process of preparing raw vegetables with the intention of having them ferment.This is something I had never tried before, but now I am learning all about the truly amazing health benefits of fermented vegetables. This morning I met at Tanya's yellow farmhouse and we began with the chopping and shredding of a variety of organic vegetables. Two necessary ingredients, the bacterial cultures and a jar of probiotics, had been purchased at the workshop.

A simple lunch of baked potatoes topped with butter, cheese and chives was served under the maple tree in the backyard.

We were inexperienced enough to think we would have two batches done by lunchtime, however, it easily turned into a full day's work! But as Tanya helped me carry my portion of the fruits of our labor to the car, we agreed we were tired but feeling extremely good about our shared efforts.

Oh, and while we were in the kitchen, Charlotte was busy making a fairy dwelling under a pecan tree with Tanya's older daughter.

Now that evening has fallen and the lightening bugs are flittering here and there I am thinking today certainly was a day drunk with summer and its magic.

while I was away from here...

2011-06-12T13:53:00.000-04:00

I took a trip away with my husband.

We took it literally.

A beautiful spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains, if not a full day at least we squeaked in a good afternoon's worth here.

As we drove down the graveled path," Oh, give me my camera." It was serene, green and picture perfect

with the sight of the grapevines stretching here and yonder.

The charming way in which the owner has filled the nooks and crannies is creative and fun. Welcoming you to come sit a spell, and if you are so inclined you can bird watch.

We dragged ourselves away. There were still more sights to see and things to enjoy on our weekend away.

in the merry month of May

2011-06-01T21:40:00.000-04:00

At one time I toyed with the idea of naming my second daughter Mae, with an e. After all it only has three letters and one syllable and I have strong inclinations toward preferring such names. Instead she was given her name by rites of family consensus. May just happened to be the month I gave birth to both of my daughters, seven years apart.

Since Charlotte shared her birthday last year with another very important event, I felt as if this year a birthday party with friends was due her. So as promised nine little ladies showed up wearing their summer dresses on a Wednesday afternoon to attend a tea party with all the trimmings in celebration of Charlotte's eighth birthday.

The entire day beforehand was spent baking and preparing such treats as cucumber sandwiches, ham roll-ups, peanut butter and jelly heart-shaped sandwiches, vanilla cupcakes,

lavender cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar,

and strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.

The morning of the party, watermelon balls were scooped, cream scones were baked and then all goodies were arranged on the dining room buffet.

Pots of tea were served in china teacups.

And of course there were presents and giggles too.

After genteel civility had reached its limit, the nine young ladies scampered outside to the back yard to play in the playhouse. While in the dining room I sat down and had a cup of tea with a dear friend of mine.

lavender lessons

2011-05-25T19:32:00.000-04:00

The lavender is blooming....

...so amongst the bees she gathers.

Sunday Feasting

2011-05-22T19:49:00.000-04:00

Sundays are holy.

For my family this means a day we choose to go to church and worship. We feast on preaching from His Holy Word, praying, singing songs of praise and giving thanks while enjoying the fellowship of other believers which includes giving as well as receiving encouragement.

Then we come home to other types of feasting altogether. Today it was on the patio with a menu cooked from top to bottom in less than one hour upon arriving home from church. A meal fit for "princes and princesses."

Chicken Piccata
Roasted Cauliflower
Fresh Green Salad

It is unfortunate that I did not remember to take a picture of the food on my plate before I began eating it, but do keep in mind they are ravenous by this point.

And what would feasting be without dessert?

Creamy vanilla ice cream with fresh, local strawberries.

A pitcher of iced tea with a lemon slice and a mint leaf,

continuing our sabbath rest after the table is cleared.

"How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You,

which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You."

Psalm 31:19

waiting

2011-05-18T18:04:00.000-04:00

Who does not enjoy any sort of diversion when waiting is inevitable? I am consistently conditioned to carry along a book, a latest knitting project, or even a bit of smocking or embroidery in which to occupy myself while waiting. Anything to fill that time with something I deem constructive or at least entertaining.

Then there are those unprepared times and whatever the hand finds to do is in order.

And the unexpected can produce the loveliest of things.

body song

2011-05-16T22:07:00.000-04:00

"Dance is the song of the body." - Martha Graham

Many have a song to dance, my Charlotte is one such as this. I am glad that she is. When I was in my late twenties I took beginner ballet lessons on Tuesday evenings, chasing dreams from a childhood desire I had fostered for many years. Charlotte seems to have the music in her head and throughout the day she instinctively moves her body and feet with the movements of the song.

She performed with her dance group this weekend on a stage of green grass wearing a crimson skirt.

Then my ballerina sat in my lap and smiled for the camera.

her style

2011-05-13T23:26:00.000-04:00

First we discovered the shoes, way too cool shoes. I even desired a pair. Then we found a dress to go with the shoes... a pretty dress, modest and feminine.

Then I guess she decided to paint her toenails blue to continue on in her course of style.

Rose is fifteen years old as of Mothers Day.

She drives now.

With guess who in the passenger's seat?

rosy blessings

2011-05-07T21:21:00.000-04:00

To all you fabulous ladies and mothers who make my day by sharing bits and pieces of your life with me.

Happy Mothers Day!

Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, but only one mother in the whole world.

Kate D. Wiggins

hands and knees scrubbing

2011-05-05T21:41:00.001-04:00

I was ironing a wrinkled jumper I was planning to wear this morning. Usually the place to do this sort of ironing at my house is in the bathroom.

Yuck, my bathroom floor felt horrible to my bare feet!

"It needs a wee bit of proper on hands and knees scrubbing," me says to myself. (I know none of you talk to yourself!)

The usual quick mopping will not do the job adequately; it is time to grab a bucket of warm soapy water, a large rag and get down on my hands and knees for some serious scrubbing.

How do you keep your floors clean? Mopping or hands and knees scrubbing?

new stone patio

2011-05-04T19:55:00.001-04:00

The new stone patio is completed and curing nicely.

Now we can commence to dining outside once again, with the natural feel of stone under our feet.

Even if it is a run by the fast food store and pick out picnic food affair.

decorated morning

2011-04-29T20:43:00.000-04:00

I stepped outside my sun room door one morning with a cup of coffee in hand while still in my bathrobe.

Sitting down on the door sill I marveled at the morning's ornaments.

I breathed deeply and the lilacs obliged.

Easter menu

2011-04-28T21:05:00.000-04:00

Trimming the lamb in preparation for the marinade

Easter menu for this year:

Roasted Leg of Lamb with Red Wine Sauce

Risotto with chives

Roasted Asparagus

Deviled Eggs

Yeast Rolls

Lemonade Cake and Vanilla Cupcakes with Lemon Frosting

The lamb was absolutely delicious this year. It began with me trimming a leg of lamb as close as possible. I then rubbed cloves of fresh garlic over the entire lamb, squeezed fresh lemon juice and continued by rubbing the lemons over the lamb. After seasoning with salt and pepper, almost a quart of buttermilk was poured over the lamb and several sprigs of fresh rosemary were thrown in along with the garlic. The lamb was then put into the refrigerator to be marinaded overnight.

The next morning before church I placed the prepared lamb, minus the marinade, into a pot and roasted it at 350 degrees for about 1 hour. The meat thermometer registered 155 for a medium rare roast of lamb.

Easter dresses

2011-04-27T21:38:00.001-04:00

One of the familiar and special things I remember about Easter at my house when I was a child was a new outfit purchased or handsewn by my mother to be worn to church on Easter Sunday. It represented newness and special worship. I have chosen to continue this tradition with my family.

Sometime shortly after the Christmas holidays, I will choose the fabric for Charlotte's Easter dress. In this way I plan to have several months in order to sew her dress without too much hurrying around. Since her dress this year did not involve smocking and Easter was in late April, I knew it would not need to be a rushed job. The fabric was Westminister/Free Spirit. I used a simple pattern adaption with lots of fabric in the skirt and a cumberbund.

The same pattern was sewn in silk for lovely friend's dress by her mother, my sewing friend.

I treasure these days of girly childhood, rummaging through the lettuce patches and running through the green grass with their dresses hiked up or tucked under their arms for ease.

Like all females, they instinctly make do.

the story unfolds

2011-04-26T10:52:00.000-04:00

Resurrection Day lives on in our hearts. I look forward to celebrating Jesus's resurrection every year. Because of this season of Spring with new and fresh things jumping out at me everywhere I look, it does seem to linger. That makes it even better and makes this post, two days past, very relevant.

"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him

For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again;

death no longer has mastery over Him.

The death He died, He died once for all; but the life He lives,

He lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."

Good Friday

2011-04-22T22:43:00.000-04:00

A rainy day celebrating Good Friday. A tea of Hot Cross Buns set on a floral tablecloth in the sun room. Charlotte and I had made the buns earlier in the day, anticipating the time we would gather around the table.

Upon which Rose read from the holy scriptures.

"He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself."

Hebrews 7:27

dusk

2011-04-21T20:29:00.001-04:00

Here at my house, remembering another time and setting,

Over 2,000 years ago,

A Passover Meal, a new commandment, feet washing
   A Garden, praying, agony
   A mob, soldiers, a kiss
   An arrest, a rooster's crow, a trial

for Justice.

"God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice..."
Romans 3:25

beets

2011-04-19T21:00:00.000-04:00

I crave beets.

And this is not some sort of beginning statement of a "Beet Anonymous Group" either. I just get in these pressing moods that only the taste of beets will satisfy.

Usually, I cook the typical purple kind, but now I can also say I have tried the yellow baby beets and they are super delicious! I placed them on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzled them with olive oil, wrapped and roasted on 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.

You then have an added pleasure which comes with the purchase of a bunch of beets, the greens, sauteed in a bit of garlic and olive oil..wilted greens.

Served over a bed of fresh lettuce greens and chicken, hit the spot on a spring evening.

creme fraiche

2011-04-15T16:55:00.000-04:00

A spring in my step these days. The weather is cooperating and creating blissful mornings and evenings.
The list of things that need to be done seem endless, like a race with no end. Therefore, I adore it when I find something that is simple and quick to do, it adds skip to my step too.

A very simple and quick creme fraiche recipe:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons of buttermilk

Shake in jar and set it on the kitchen counter for at least 8 hours, until thickened. Stir. May be kept in the refrigerator for about 10 days. Use in sauces, soups, over fruit, etc. But for me...

... it is ready for a new recipe I have been wanting to try using canned tuna. Let me say here, I enjoy canned tuna in a salad for a sandwich, but casseroles made with canned tuna, frankly, gag me! Yet, I am always seeking for a possible tasty dish that will utilize a can of tuna fish.

I found one here. (Molly Wizenberg's, A Homemade Life). These are quite tasty, certainly good picnic fare since I preferred them cold the next day. I husband did not like the color of them (orange), possibly due to the tomato paste, so I am considering leaving that ingredient out and adding fresh chopped tomato and a dab of mayonnaise next time.

silk wrapping

2011-04-12T17:43:00.002-04:00

A Saturday afternoon wedding to attend. Desiring a gift wrap that was extraordinary for what I considered just an ordinary gift...but it was on her gift registry after all. All those yards of silk in my stash upstairs gave me an idea to create a lovely package, soft teal-blue moire silk tied with a champagne-colored satin ribbon.

Will she sigh when she sees it?

I can not imagine the coffee grinder inside causing any sort of great emotion unless she is in a dire need of a freshly ground cup of coffee at the moment.

unrolled color

2011-04-11T18:30:00.001-04:00

Last year I made Charlotte a pencil case. I still remember the pleasure of simple stitching on felt. Almost every school day this year Charlotte has unrolled this case and displayed her assortment of colored pencils, just like a palette of life savers. She has colored a variety of world geography maps, history sheets, science papers or whatever needed a touch of color. One dear little friend received her own pencil case for her eighth birthday this year.

Charlotte, blanket stitched the berry-red bird and added the snazzy song notes from his bright yellow beak. After it was completed she filled every linear pocket with the assorted colors of new pencils. Now her friend will be able to pull out and unroll her very own pencil case out too. Fun.

yarn basket show off

2011-04-07T17:04:00.001-04:00

Another basket, this one is called the "lots of yarn" basket. I see why; a basket any knitter might like to own. I have already filled it with my knitting projects and set it by a chair in the sun room.

I make baskets simply because I like baskets, after all, they are extremely functional. Enjoying the actual basket making process is low on the list on crafts I like to do, however. But an evening with ladies to chat and laugh with and then going home with a finished basket makes for a warmly wonderful evening.

for whom the cake was baked

2011-04-04T17:40:00.000-04:00

It was a warm spring day twenty-three years ago. In my mind's eye I see an image of Witt wearing shorts and a tee shirt while watching his bare feet run through the green grass. It was the early evening of Maundy Thursday. The redbuds were gloriously in bloom and it was time for my second child to be born.

After his birth just shortly after midnight, (making his arrival on Good Friday), I remember being extremely hungry. The nurse brought me some Rice Krisipies. That was the best bowl of Rice Krispies I have ever eaten. Through the snap, crackle and pop, I smiled all under.

I am still smiling today. So mature is this young man.

Alan is my child that is satisfied with excursions in the pursuit of new cake recipes. Every year I enjoy baking his birthday cake; of course, we do have our favorites. This year I baked a Hummingbird Cake, bananas and pineapple, with lemon cream cheese frosting.

frost and turn

2011-04-02T20:37:00.000-04:00

One day I shall take a cake decorating class. I will go to the store with my list to buy the needed supplies to decorate cakes. Then I will bake cakes, lots of them I hope, wrap them in saran wrap, place them in a basket and tote them to my specially selected class to decorate with flowers, curlicues, ribbons and such.

Maybe, just maybe, one of the items I will purchase will be a turntable.

But I find my Lazy Susan works remarkably well for frosting cakes, especially cakes with fluffy cream cheese frosting.

pretty contrasts

2011-03-29T16:52:00.002-04:00

There have been times these past few days that the thoughts of stoking a woodstove seemed desirable, but today Spring burst forth and decided to warm us up once again. On my afternoon walk, under cloudless skies of blue, the redbud blossoms were dazzlingly enchanting.

The blue and pink theme reminded me of babies and their cuddly soft blankets. Yet no baby announcements are presently coming across my desk. Instead I am seeing creamy invitations from brides-to-be with approaching wedding dates.

Then as part of our afternoon, we have the matter of girls in pink boots building forts by the creek.

And maidens fair that walked amongst the woody lushness.

I melted under such warmth.

the peepers

2011-03-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

The peepers sing,

in the dusk.

Out of the mud,

Their song drifts

Sweet and green.

-Kathleen Tenepas-

Actually, the month-long, haunting song of the peepers has ended, and I am missing it. But the girls find them skitting across the shallow creeks beds, ready to make acquaintance.

a moment in time

2011-03-26T16:00:00.001-04:00

While I was sitting, and sewing on white linen,

Rose stopped by with my camera and caught me at that particular moment in time. She likes to pick up my camera every once in a while to practice manual focus.

I love the gentle blurring and glaring sunlight.

pay it forward

2011-03-22T08:59:00.000-04:00

I know I mentioned before that so many blessed me with providing meals when my father died. It was appreciated, beyond measure.

So today when I found out someone in my church had lost her father just this week, I was able to help by providing a meal for her family.

The girls helped me prepare lasagna, green salad, french baguette, and chocolate cake.

Then we placed the food in baskets and carried it in our arms to their table.

We know how it feels, blessings extended.

risotto

2011-03-18T17:58:00.000-04:00

There was a time that cooking risotto seemed out of reach. For the life of me I can not imagine why I let it take on such a daunting air. Now I cook risotto quite regularly, especially since my husband gets big smile on his face when he knows it will be on the table.

The only thing to remember is that it is not a crock pot sort of dish. You must stay nearby at all times, stirring and adding broth. (Now that I think of it that was the daunting part.) Anyway, I've matured now and staying nearby is good.

And today I snipped some parsley from my herb garden and tossed it in for good measure.