Back in the spring, I purchased seeds to grow luffa (loofah) sponges and started them. I bought mine fromLocal Harvest, but you can find them in many places. (Next year, I will have my own!) Many people don't realize that the luffa sponge is grown in this way. In fact, it can be eaten before maturity, though I had no desire to try it! It does require a long growing season, so I started them very early.

The luffa vine requires something sturdy to grow on. I used an old metal headboard next to a tall fence. When mature, they turn brownish/yellow in color. Once peeled, the black seeds are harvested and can be stored to use for next year's plants. The sponge itself is cleaned in a bleach solution and then dried in the sun. They make a practical bath or kitchen sponge and are an interesting novelty plant to grow.

 I don't have any current pictures of my plants, butChas  just shared hers this morning, which reminded me that I had not shared mine! Like she mentioned, my hope is to have these to give as gifts, paired with homemade soap. 

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 Please stop by to visit Peggy to peek into the lives of other "Simple Women," and to read the guidelines for creating your own Daybook!

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I am spending a lot of time in the kitchen these days, over pots of boiling water and with the canner steaming away. There are piles of stacked sweet corn and big graniteware bowls of fresh picked fruits and vegetables as well as jars of beans, pickles and jams. I am so grateful for a plentiful harvest this year. I know many who haven't had any success in their gardens. That was my prayer all spring--that the Lord would bless the ground, and that we would be able to share. 

Yesterday morning, while it was still cool (unseasonably cool, that is) we picked red raspberries and ended up with twelve quarts. I froze most of them, but also made a batch of freezer jam.Today, I am expecting forty pounds of blueberries from Michigan to arrive! Every minute has been spent tending, picking, preserving and storing for winter. I feel much like "The Little Red Hen," though I do have good helpers. :-)

In fifteen days, the doors of our schoolhouse will reopen. Of course, we don't really ever stop learning in a home school, but as far as a formal schedule, we'll begin when our local district does. The boys are trying to enjoy every last bit of summer before it's gone. With the cool nights we've had, the pool water is pretty chilly, but that doesn't seem to bother them! We're planning an "end of summer camp-out" for next weekend. I can't believe that summer is almost over, but I do look forward to the change in the air that autumn brings and being chased back into our cozy home.

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Please stop by to visit Peggy to peek into the lives of other "Simple Women," and to read the guidelines for creating your own Daybook!

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Please stop by to visit Peggy to peek into the lives of other "Simple Women," and to read the guidelines for creating your own Daybook!

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This is the perfect summer treat. They are rich and gooey, and have a lovely presentation for any picnic. No campfire required. :-)

S'more Cupcakes

Ingredients
Makes 2 dozen

2 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 20 squares)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Marshmallow Frosting (SEE BELOW)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 standard muffin tins with cupcake liners; set aside.

Sift 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix ingredients together on low speed.

In a large bowl, mix together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and continue mixing on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add boiling water and stir to combine; set cake batter aside.
Place graham cracker crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl; stir until well combined.
Place 1 tablespoon graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup. Use the bottom of a small glass to pack crumbs into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Reserve remaining graham cracker mixture for topping.

Place 2 teaspoons chocolate in each muffin cup. Transfer muffin tins to oven and bake until the edges of the graham cracker mixture is golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and fill each muffin cup three-quarters full with cake batter. Sprinkle each with remaining chocolate and graham cracker mixture. Return to oven and bake, rotating pans halfway through baking, until tops are firm and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer muffin tins to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan and let cool completely.

Marshmallow Frosting

Makes enough for 2 dozen cupcakes
8 large egg whites
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

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The zucchini has gone wild! I am picking a wheelbarrow load almost daily. Just when I think I have picked them all, I find a few in hiding. I would love to be able to share them with you all. We've tried many recipes--breads, fritters, pancakes, preserves, fried, and I've been freezing it. Last night, I shredded 48 quarts (and I didn't put much of a dent in the pile). I'm so grateful for the attachments for my KitchenAid. I can't imagine shredding so much by hand! We have also been canning beans. Every day, it's picking, snapping, canning, but oh, won't they taste wonderful this winter? Of course, we aren't just waiting for winter.  I have a large pot simmering right now, with new potatoes and ham. I'll just bake some cornbread, and we'll have supper.

The raspberries look like this...

Isn't it a beauty? The size of my thumb! All of that hard work back in the spring has brought such a sweet reward. As I would sit and weed and work, I prayed that the Lord would bless the ground. Some days I was not well enough to work, but I gave it all I had. We've had many trials with this adventure, but are not starting to see the "fruit of our labors." What a blessing.

I'm also freezing bell peppers and canning banana and jalapeno peppers. (Well, the ones we don't stuff with cream cheese and eat, that is!) I'm trying desperately to get on top of things before two big events. One, the corn coming on, and two, the fruit of 64 tomato plants ripening. I'll be a busy girl once that happens.

In other news, we bought school supplies today. I can't really believe that we're about to start a new year, but it's exciting. I love the smell of new crayons and paper. I prepared my paperwork for the Board of Education and hand delivered it this morning--a month before the deadline. The boys are soaking up every last drop of summer while they can. The pool is getting quite a bit of use these days. Aflac (our big fat duck) was placed in there for his annual swim with the boys. They certainly get a kick out of it, and I think he does, too.

  Behold the duck.
It does not cluck.
A cluck it lacks.
It quacks.
It is specially fond
      Of a puddle or pond. 

(or a swimming pool evidently)

When it dines or sups,
It bottoms ups.

--Ogden Nash

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 Helen Beatrix Potter b. July 28, 1866

It's been a long but fruitful day. We started canning beans early this morning and will be back at it tomorrow. We're canning enough for three families, so you can only imagine the volume of jars and supplies in my kitchen right now! I do love to see those crystal clear jars all lined up and ready to be turned into pantry jewels. I didn't get to pickle my peppers, but I'll do those tomorrow. I also didn't make the raspberry coffee cake I mentioned this morning, but made a Yogurt Marmalade Cake instead. My, was it good! We ate the whole thing! (It is baked in a loaf pan and is more like a quick bread.) I think I may have to make another so we have some for breakfast.

So today is also Beatrix Potter's birthday. My youngest and I will read from her classic tales tonight before bed. He loves animals so we really enjoy them. We have a rabbit who frequents one of our gardens and when we know he's been there, we always look for the little blue jacket that's been left behind . :-)

"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were -- Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter..."

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Though we haven't met, I consider all of you to be some of my dearest friends. I know that you have gone to the Father on my behalf, and I appreciate it so very much. I have a request that's really heavy on my heart today and I wanted to call on prayer warriors for it. This is not for me, however, but for my dear little sister. It is unspoken, but there is an urgent urgent need. Please pray for her and her family. Our God IS bigger than any circumstance and I know that He will be glorified through this situation. He is faithful and we trust Him.

With a thankful heart,

Amy

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Our county fair started last Friday and we have been busy with 4-H activities, competitions, showing animals, a tractor rodeo and even a muddy pig chase! I had intended to journal our daily activities, but there was not a second to spare. Our farm was also busy this past week. Twelve chicks hatched, the green beans came on, the peppers went wild, the red raspberries ripened and the zucchini grew so big they could wear a saddle (as my Gram would say).

We enjoyed the fair and all of its fun, but it's nice to be able to stay home for a change. There's plenty of laundry to do, a truck to clean out and weeds to pull from the garden. Tomorrow, we'll rest, but Monday morning bright and early I'll be officially starting canning season.

 Life is good. :-)

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My day started early, around 4:00 a.m. or so (many thanks to the dog) but after he was settled back down, I talked myself into more sleep. I like to get up with the sun. When it's still dark, I have sleepy eyes. So, once the sun (and chickens) were up, so was I.

I started with loads of washing and hung them out. Our slipcovered sofa needed laundering, so I decided to tackle it first. Next, my favorite tablecloth.

Notice my clothespins? I collect these dear old things and just love them. My collection was added to significantly by my dear friends Chas and Crystal. I think of their kindness every time I hang out the clothes.

As I have shared many times, I bake our bread for the week on Monday mornings. I added an extra treat today by baking some Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Focaccia Bread. I have never made anything but savory focaccia recipes, so this was an experiment. It was so good!

While the bread was cooling, the boys played tug-of-war with Joe. He has so much energy!

We got a most generous gift from the neighbor...apricots and plums from her orchard. What a sweet treasure! We'll have to repay her with some vegetables when they are on, and perhaps a pinkeep or some other needful thing from my workshop. I have piles of unfinished things and sketches of inspiration that will most likely wait until winter begins.

Middle Son took the trip to the mailbox and came in with another book for me to review! I'm always excited to get them.

Time to head out to the garden. As I suspected, there were weeds to pull, so we started there and then visited each garden to see how its coming along. The beans are starting to form! It won't be long now. The cabbage is beautiful, the zucchini is on and blooming everywhere, and the peppers are just about ready to start picking. We decided to dig a few potatoes, just because, and pick a few green tomatoes for frying tonight.

Youngest Son picked me some flowers while we were there. I'm not sure there is anything better than flowers from your little boy!

After supper and dishes, I decide to rest a bit, with a cup of tea and we read more books for the Summer Reading Program so the boys will make sure to reach their goal. We decide to have a few orange ginger biscuits to go along with it. We bought them at the British market along with some pickled onions, HP sauce, and Lyle's Golden Syrup. I personally think the biscuits sound better with tea than the onions.

I find that I am so very tired at the end of these summer days and definitely ready to curl up under the quilts. Seems like I have little aches and pains from all of the gardening and weeding, but it's a good kind of tired. The greatest blessing is that Lord willing, I get to do it all over again tomorrow. :-)

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Posted inThe Summer Kitchen

(This is not my actual stove, though I have shared it in the past and it is similar.)

"Slaving over a hot stove." I hope to be doing just that this winter on my woodburning cookstove! When we gutted and remodeled our kitchen, I asked my husband to rebuild it around the stove. Up until that time, we had only used it for decorative purposes. We had planned to restore it and vent it for use. After a few months we were exhausted and anxious for the completion of the entire kitchen project, so it never happened. Before winter arrives again, I hope to tackle the project and to be cooking (or at least attempting to) with the old stove. This seems a daunting task.

While I remember cooking on a wood burning stove when I was growing up (during occasional power outages) I am by no means an expert. This kind of cooking requires patience and skill. You must know your stove's draft control, what kind of wood and how much for temperature control, as well as cleaning and maintenance. I can see that it would take time and practice to produce the simplest of meals. No wonder my beloved grandmother would shudder and didn't even want to look at my big old stove!

There is no comparison to the speed of my gas cooktop and convection oven, still I know this is a challenge that I am willing to take. I can only imagine the celebration of my very first loaf of bread! Does anyone here use an old wood cookstove? If so, do you have any advice for a beginner?

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We've had some rain and thunder for the last couple of hours. While I'm usually not fond of storms, I don't mind this kind of rain. After all, the gardens could use a good drink. Our youngest was concerned about the power going off, so we went ahead and lit some oil lamps.  I just enjoy their cozy glow so much. I was able to do some long overdue stitching by their light and just take a deep breath in. It was such a hot and humid day that the cooling breeze is refreshing coming through the windows. In spite of the sunburn I got in the garden, it should be a good night for sleeping. I really do love rainy summer nights.

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Has it only been five days since I have written? It seems like weeks! So much has happened in the last few days. The blood drive was a success. We had a smaller turn out than last year, but we are the only  drive in the entire area after the July Fourth holiday, so every pint counts. (Up to three lives can be saved with just one pint!) I was unable to donate this year due to my health, but in a way, it's better considering how exhausted I get from being the Chairperson, "cookie baker" and server all day.

Tuesday was our 4-H judging. We're all relieved that it's over. It's such a long day. The boys are never nervous, but I always am! I suppose that's just part of being a mother. Results should come in next week, as well as the start of the fair. Then, the real whirlwind begins!

I woke up the morning after judging and headed straight for the garden and haven't come out since! Okay, perhaps that's a slight exaggeration, but I have spent quite a bit of time there and I have a dirty manicure to prove it! (I have so many cute pairs of garden gloves, but I never seem to keep them on.) I was very happy to step out of the berry patch to take a phone call from one of my sweet friends that I have been concerned about. It was wonderful to hear her voice and it made my day. :-)

I was amazed at how much the gardens had changed in just a few days. It was a bit dry, so the rain we had today was welcome. I can't believe the tomatoes! My husband asks me almost daily what I will do with over sixty plants that are producing. I don't think he realizes how much it takes to can sauces, salsa and such. I have several large green tomatoes now, so I thought I might pick a few to fry for supper. I think it will soon be time to pick green beans, and dig some new potatoes. The corn will be coming on as well. It always seems to be at peak during fair week, but lucky for me, this year the fair is a week early!

Oldest Son spent all day yesterday and some of the morning today (until the rains came) baling straw out in the heat. You can do that when you're young! Speaking of young...I have been busy puppy training these days. Joe is a good little boy for the most part, but he likes to bite. I mean, bite hard! I've read that this is common with Yorkies, but it's certainly not pleasant, so we are working on it. I have noticed significant improvement today, so that's encouraging.

The boys want to swim and I need to hang another load of clothes on the line. Isn't summer wonderful?

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Posted inThe Summer Kitchen

We had a busy day today. My sister and I took the children to a museum that they have wanted to visit. In the meantime, my poor oldest son came home very ill from work. He is never sick, so we worry when it happens. Flu like symptoms in the summer are certainly no fun! He felt bad that he was unable to get his work completed, but his boss certainly understood. I wanted to get home to care for him and thankfully, he has improved as the day has gone on.

The black raspberries are on and we picked our first this evening. The boys headed out with buckets and came back with purple teeth! I made this cobbler, which is our favorite. I took a picture of it last summer and added it to show you how beautiful the cobbler is. (Yes, that is a scoop of homemade vanilla ice-cream, which makes it even better!) I will be making this for our July Fourth celebration. Looks like I'll also be making jam tomorrow.

1 stick of butter

2 C. flour

1/2 C. sugar

2 Tsp. baking powder

2 to 2 1/2 C. fresh berries, sweetened to taste

3/4 C. milk

Melt butter in small baking pan. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, milk and baking powder. Spoon batter over melted butter. Add sweetened fruit on top. Bake @350 until lightly browned and bubbly. Serve with whipped cream, ice-cream, or a pour of fresh milk.

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My Gram always called the cold snap in May when the blackberries are in bloom "Blackberry Winter." Sounds poetic, doesn't it? It seems that a "berry winter" has fallen on us yet again. It feels like the fall of the year! My sister and I worked out in the front garden until the cold rain chased us back in, and then we worked on our menu for our Fourth of July festivities. It will be typical summer fare--grilled and chilled. :-)

It's just as well that we didn't pull many weeds today. I did so much gardening yesterday that I've been very sore. Oh, and we got the first taste of sweet fresh snow peas today! Now that makes everything so very worth it.

We received a call today from our neighbor who has the orchard and the cherries are ready. I can't wait to make cherry jam; it's my favorite. I plan to make some pies to accompany our homemade ice-cream on Friday. I also received a call from a friend who wants to give us a puppy! I have always wanted a Yorkshire Terrier, and she just so happens to have just one little guy left who needs a good home. We're going to have a family meeting tonight to discuss this possible addition. Our youngest, of course, is all for it! I'm not quite sure that I'm ready for the "baby stage" again (unless of course, it would be of the human variety) but we'll see. :-)

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We had a lovely Homecoming service at our church today, complete with a wonderful meal. The only thing better would have been if they had embraced my idea of wearing 1800's dress. I am always looking for an opportunity to get to wear my three times great grandmother's bonnet and cape. ;-)

I particularly enjoyed listening to one of our "oldest" members share the history of the church. It was founded in the mid 1800's and the congregation met in a log cabin. Eventually, land was purchased and the church was built soon after. The log building was eventually moved off of the original property. (The current owners of the cabin are family friends and we've had the pleasure of dining with them in it. I fell in love with it and could have easily moved right in!) She shared many details, but one I did not know was that there was an incident where two horses that were hitched out front were struck by lightning during the church service! Can you imagine?

After church, we came home and napped a little before going out to work in the gardens. Everything is really growing! It's so exciting to visit. I never know what new discovery awaits me. I find more and more little green tomatoes and peppers coming on each day. The potatoes, garlic and onions are coming along and the beans will be on soon. We've planted them every couple of weeks so that we will have an abundance, but not all at once. The pumpkin patch is really taking off and I can't wait to see what we end up with.  We'd like some to sell in our farm market, but will be content to have them for our own use if nothing else. Our front garden is filled with various greens and things like zucchini, cucumbers and peas. I weeded the rows and they look so beautiful! Tomorrow, we'll tend to the fruit.

 Last week was so full. The younger children enjoyed Vacation Bible School and the older ones helped. We entered a baking competition on Wednesday and placed--so we'll go to the next level in the end of July. It was a bit tense trying to get the finished products transported. Charm City Cakes, we are not! I think we were all covered in icing by the time we made it there, but we managed to smooth things over. :-) This will be yet another busy week as we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and the boys prepare for 4-H judging next week. I can't believe that July is almost here!

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(This was our field last summer, and my youngest getting lost in it!)

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I have injured my back somehow (the doctor says there is compression in my spine) and have been spending the first true days of summer resting with an ice pack. Though it is very difficult for me to be still (especially with weeds to pull) I know it's best to follow doctor's orders and heal. The fast approaching month of July is such a busy time for us and I won't be able to slow down once it's here! Plans for our annual Fourth of July Celebration here on the farm are in the works and our family from California will arrive next week. There is much to be done to prepare, but it will have to wait for now. It's not all bad, I have been able to work on some reviews and things that I've been unable to catch up on during this busy season.

I'm also changing my grocery shopping to once a month. This means a lot more menu planning, but I enjoy it. This has given me the opportunity to really think about what we use and how much of it we need to last the four weeks. I'd love to find a local food co-op, but have been unsuccessful so far. I'm looking at Azure Standard and their bulk products until I can find something.

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Summer is such a lovely time, though it is also filled with laboring! It seems that I have spent much of my time out in the gardens. By evening, I am simply exhausted. We have lost some of our raspberries, though we worked very hard to save them. We're still unsure of the cause, but watching the rest very carefully. It has been a deep disappointment, especially considering the amount of hard work and financial investment that was poured into them. I think I cried buckets of tears. Such is the life of one who farms. You truly have to just pray for the best, but be prepared for the loss that sometimes comes with it. The Lord is faithful.

 Working the land is enjoyable and satisfying, but sometimes I just need to take a moment to rest and take in the season. Yesterday, I chose to take the afternoon off. I grabbed a quilt, found a shady spot under a tree, and read a good book (Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser). I enjoyed several chapters out in the fresh summer air. It seems a simple thing, but it was a delightful, much needed time of refreshment. The hard part was putting the book down! I have never been one to read a book over several days. I'm too impatient to wait for the ending, I suppose. :-)

Thank you for the prayers concerning my husband's father. We are awaiting further testing to see how far the cancer has spread and what his treatment options are. This has been a difficult time, especially since my brother in law was diagnosed with cancer as well not long ago. It is a lot for a family to bear at once. Also, please keep my friend and her sweet little one in your prayers. I know they long to go home and be reunited as a family, and I pray that it will be soon. The Lord has been keeping them during this time and has done many great things. There is always something to praise Him for!

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