Tomato Update

Tomato sauce bubbling away on the stove is a happy thing.  I think that the Giant Italian Paste tomatoes make the best sauce. They do not have as many seeds as other varieties and the sauce thickens quickly.  It smells good in here.

I take the green tomato stems out to my chickens. It is one of their favorite treats and they come running.  “Lone Ranger” the biggest rooster, always gets to the tomato stems first. He is followed by the hens and “Tonto”, the smallest rooster.

The garden is full of green Brandywine tomatoes.  I will make some fried green tomatoes this week end. They should go good with lamb chops on the grill. Thinking that some sweet corn would be nice too.  Three words describe what I am feeling about all this.

Happy! Happy! Happy!

August 30, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Garden, Kitchen

Cut-Offs

The tomatoes are finally abundant enough to do some serious sauce! It’s about time! The extreme hot weather has been good for something.

Cutting off an old pair of jeans into shorts improves my comfort zone. I would not wear them anywhere except the garden and the kitchen, but they sure do help to keep me cool.  My boys used to live in the “cut offs”.  Now I know why.

Look our tomatoes, here I come. Me and my new “cut-offs” have work to do!

August 29, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Garden, Kitchen

Hiding Out

I am officially “Hiding Out” and running the air conditioner full blast. It is way too hot to be outside. Early this morning, I watered the hanging flower baskets, collected the eggs, and picked some basil to make Pesto. That is the extent of the outdoor activities today. From now on, I will enjoy the air conditioner, and work on my writing project.  Sometimes, it is okay to admit defeat to the August heat.  Yesterday, the heat index hit 110 degrees.  Unreal!

The big dogs have shade and fresh water. The sheep are staying in the barn to escape the sun. The chickens are back in the chicken coop. It is too hot to be scratching for bugs.

Minnesota is a place of extremes.  It gets so cold in the winter, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.  It is true on Milk and Honey Farm that what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.

August 27, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Contemplations

School is Starting – Pray for Protection

FYI I am praying for my Grandchildren who are going back to school.  “School Prayers” also include children of friends who will be starting new schools this year. I have included my daughter in law who teaches elementary school in Indiana and my husband who teaches in a Technical college. Teachers need prayer too.

At the top of this years prayer list is to ask the Lord to Protect them!  The world is a crazy place and  violence and terrorism are increasing. It is vital that we cover our loved ones with prayer for protection. (Psalm 91 says it all)

I have prayed for years that me and mine would always be at the right place at the right time, and never at the wrong place at the wrong time. The Lord directs our steps and He is faithful to protect and to defend what is committed to Him.  If you haven’t done so already, begin to pray for your kids as they enter a new school year.  Please.

August 26, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Contemplations

Celebrating the Elderberry

My kitchen is the center for the Elderberry celebration. What comes out of it will be Elderberry Syrup (flu and cold prevention and treatment), Elderberry Jam, and Elderberry pie (to make Bob happy).

The first picking and cleaning was last night. It takes longer to remove the berries from the stems than it does to pick them. It looks like there will be a second picking in several weeks. We have to keep watch over the ripening berries or the bad birds will get them.

My hands are purple, the kitchen smells good, and I am a happy girl. (smile)

August 23, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Kitchen

Chicken Soup

I wasn’t feeling well, so I called a friend and asked her to pray. She prayed and arrived with homemade chicken soup. What a blessing!

The Body of Christ in operation is a beautiful thing.

August 22, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Contemplations, Kitchen

Happiness

The  Constitution of the United states of America declares that I have the God given right to pursue happiness. While  I live, I will pursue happiness.  I will support the document that gives me that right.

I  applaud men like Phil Robinson, who stands up and speaks up. He is one of my new found heroes. I honor the Robertson Family and what they are doing in America. We need more just like them.

Happy! Happy! Happy!

August 22, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Contemplations

Elderberries Are Ripe

elderberryMy Elderberry bush is a vision of what is soon to become jars of Elderberry Jam.  Elderberry pie is good too. Yum!

August 20, 2013 · Sarah · 2 Comments
Posted in: Garden

Beautiful Hands

I used to have long red fingernails. Back in the day, I had soft hands. Now, my nails are short and stubby, some are splitting. They wear a coat of clear polish. The hands are not soft.

My hands work in a big garden growing food for my family. My hands preserve that food for the cold months of winter.  They care for the animals on our farm.  They pet and scratch the big dogs.  They are strong.

I like my hands better now. They do what hands are suppose to do. They work!  I live in the country on Milk and Honey Farm. I love this life and am grateful for the lessons learned.  Thank you, Lord, for my beautiful hands!

August 20, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Contemplations

Seasons

The tiny cabbage seeds have come full circle. They grew into huge green cabbages in the main garden. The next step, was to turn them into sour kraut. Today, I will be canning the kraut.  Since moving to the farm, twenty years ago, I have learned to appreciate and to celebrate each season of things.  We will enjoy meals of delicious sour kraut this winter.  My German Grandmother would be proud.  I can almost feel her smiling at me.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,2  To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;

It is beautiful in its time.

August 15, 2013 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Garden, Kitchen