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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We had a wonderful day today. We packed up our picnic baskets and met at the pond for a day of fishing, boating and relaxation. Our lunch was typical summer fare, and we had plenty of it. The children enjoyed catching fish and wading in the shallow water and creek. They had a grand time, especially my niece who (in her sweet girlie sundress and hat) caught a fish and needed to be "rescued" by my son to get it off the hook! It was a wonderful summer afternoon and they all have rosy sunkissed cheeks and noses to prove it. I'm sure they'll fall into their beds tonight and sleep well. (I know I will!)

I've been smiling all day today. My sweet friend has a brand new baby girl to hold! Thank you, Lord! She sure is a little beauty. A new baby is definitely the best Father's Day gift ever!  Congratulations Keri, Tom, and family!

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Yesterday started early and ended late! We picked 32 quarts of beautiful strawberries, made five batches of jam and froze several trays of whole berries. (I use the same method for freezing all of my fruits. I place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze individually, then bag to avoid the "block" of fruit that happens otherwise.)

After the berries were finished, we went to work in the gardens and didn't come in until 10:00 pm! It was a long, but "fruitful" day and we did manage to work in some swimming to balance work and play. We also enjoyed some strawberries and cake after supper.

The boys have recovered from the strep and are feeling much better. I have a list of several things that need to be accomplished before our company arrives in two weeks. In fact, I woke up at 3:00 am, with my mind racing and ready to tackle the list, but decided to talk myself back into sleep. I had forgotten how this time of year is so consuming. It's wonderful, and I enjoy every minute, but we have added so many extra gardens and things this year that I find very little time for much else. I can't imagine what it will be like once canning season is in full swing! I'll have my hands full. :-)

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I'm hearing the hum of the air conditioning already this morning. I'm keeping it nice and cool for my little "patient" who is still under the weather. I have my suspicions as to what it is (strep) but the visit to his doctor will let us know for sure. It's definitely NO fun to be a sick little boy in the summer! Think of all the frogs and bugs that are out there to catch! And the creek water....it's just right and he can't even put a toe into it! I've given him plenty of reassuring hugs that he'll be back at play in no time, but even a day seems like forever when you're his age.

My oldest is out raking hay this morning. I think I'll go up this afternoon and bring him some sweet tea. He's a very typical farm boy, wearing cut off sleeves on a John Deere shirt that says "Born to Farm," wranglers and Justin boots. He is getting so tan. All of this outside work is great for boys. You know, I try not to ever take this country life for granted. Sometimes you don't even realize what you have until others point it out to you. When my husband's friends came to visit our farm, they commented on how "lucky" he was to live out here. They are doctors, and some might think that they are the fortunate ones! Yes, there are advantages to city living, but I'll take the fresh air and green pastures, any day.

This afternoon, I plan to make some oatmeal, milk and honey soap. Our niece is coming to stay with us for a few weeks in in July and I'd love for her to have some to take home with her. She lives in California, but stays connected by "texting" with our boys. (The modern day letter writing?) Speaking of that, I do have letters to write. Kelli and Keri, yours are long overdue, dear friends! My plan is to find a big shade tree and a quilt and catch up on all of my penwork one of these lovely summer days. It may need to cool down first...just a bit. :-)

**Back from the doctor**

It was indeed, strep. Momma's know these things. Not only that, but Middle Son has it, too! (That one slipped right by me. He wasn't even feeling bad!) Now I need to track down my oldest in the hayfield and get him checked for it, as well. Hopefully, by tomorrow, they'll feel much better!

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It has been a very quiet day. Unfortunately, my little one started a high fever last night and it's been a battle to keep it down today. The temperatures outside are well above 90 so we are staying in the air conditioning keeping him nice and cool. The poor guy wanted to swim so badly, but I console him with the fact that there are many more summer days to enjoy.

Since I'm indoors caring for my "patient" I've taken the opportunity to get a lot accomplished. I've worked on several book reviews, made plans for the week, and baked a batch of chocolatey chip cookies for the empty rooster cookie jar.

I managed a walk around our place this afternoon. I found these blooming all along the barn...

 They're my great-grandmother's lilies. I think of her every year when they are in bloom. She was very ill the year I was born, but knew I was about to come into the world. She was determined to see and me and so she held on. Mom took me to see her when I was just days old, and she was able to hold me. She went to heaven just a few days later.

From all I've heard, she was an amazingly strong woman. She was Osage Indian, and looked down upon by her German father in law. She survived harsh conditions and many fires out in Kansas, as well as the death of her young daughter. She always remained kind and soft and had a great sense of humor as you will see. This is my most favorite picture of her which has "Mother Goose" written on the back. I think I come by it honestly! :-) 

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We started our day by weeding the strawberry patch. Luckily, it's shaded in the very early morning and so it was actually pleasant to work in. We did see that a deer braved the shock of our electric fence to taste them! The deer around here are very determined (and also very hungry evidently). After we worked, we decided to call it a "pool day." I believe that any day that reaches 90 should be declared as such, don't you agree? We're trying to have everything looking extra tidy for tomorrow, when some of my husband's friends (physicians from the ER) come to visit our farm. They live in the city and are looking forward to a day in the country air. :-)

It was the most perfect laundry day today! The wind was so hot and things dried very quickly. I decided to seize the opportunity and handwashed some vintage linens and hung them out. The sunshine certainly brightened them up! The time is quickly approaching where we will be remodeling my laundry room/ half bath. Do any of you have ideas or pictures to share? It is a smallish space with a wood floor. I have an old white cupboard that I'd like to hang and several antique laundry items to display. I'm looking for an antique laundry cart, but that may take some time. Any space saving ideas are welcome and much appreciated!

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"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June."

Our year end assessment went well and now we are free as little birds, for a while. Homeschooling is truly a year 'round adventure in our house, but we're going to relax and refresh ourselves for a time before we start back. We're all signed up for the summer reading program, and ready to dig into our 4-H projects.

The weather here has been wicked! We've had storms the last couple of days that have done a lot of damage. Much of our soybean field was washed into the "lake" in our yard. They'll have to be replanted as soon as it dries out. Though a bit soggy, our gardens fared well and were not damaged by the hail as I feared.

Things in the house were pretty soggy, as well. We ended up filling the shop vac over ten times to get the water out of our vents! I've just never seen things so wet. It will be in the 90's the next several days. It feels like a sauna out there, but it's not the gray days of winter, so I am not about to complain!

I got up early and took Oldest Son to work, then I went about getting the laundry hung out. I'm taking one room at a time and getting it totally organized and tidy for the summer. Today, is the kitchen, so I've been washing down the walls, cabinets and floors. I used my new Food Saver to seal some granola and some cooked ground beef to freeze ahead. I bought beef in bulk to make hamburger patties for easy summer grilling, so I may start on those this afternoon.

I have a huge watermelon chilling, as well as plenty of iced tea and lemonade for when my hot and tired guys return home. Supper will be grilled chicken and a crisp salad. For dessert, organic strawberries from a newly found farm, on slices of sugar cookie cake (with a bit of whipped cream). Our berries aren't producing just yet, so it was nice to have this early treat. They're so sweet. I just love summer!

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There's been little time for my journal here these days, and I certainly miss it! I have several things to share with you (recipes and such) as soon as I am able. We're ending our school year and preparing for assessments next week. That, in combination with all of the outside work has kept me really busy.

I'm up late because I was helping my son experiment with a recipe that he is entering in a baking contest. Actually, I'm up late because I cleaned up the "test kitchen."  I *think* we have a winning recipe, but we'll see what the judges think. The award is a cash prize and he wants to be able to buy a guitar and lessons with it.

I washed every quilt, blanket and rug in sight today. It was the perfect kind of line drying day. My favorite is to walk into my bedroom and have that fresh clean linen smell greet me. I also use some herbal pillow mist that smells of citrus and lavender. Yum! Speaking of sweet aromas, I noticed this evening that the honeysuckle is blooming. It's everywhere around our berry patch and creek. I have really enjoyed working back there. It's tucked back in the hidden pastures of our farm and is nice to just kind of hide away in.

We've had a problem with raccoons invading our barn this year. I was awakened the other night to one attacking and killing one of my poor hens, right outside my window! She must not have come in when we put the rest away for the night. Oh, it was terrible and just made me sick! 

The boys have been setting traps and I hope that will solve the problem. I've heard others talk of an abundance of menacing raccoons this year. When I was young, my brother found one as a tiny baby and raised her as a pet. She was fairly tame and entertaining, but of course, wild. Though some say they make good pets, I wouldn't allow my boys to try it. I suppose I should be grateful for the caterpillar named "Cliff" that we have in a jar right now. He was found on a sleeve this evening and is the newest member of our family. I had forgotten how many new "pets" summer brings to a little boy!

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We got up early this morning and headed out to a little country greenhouse that belongs to some lifelong friends. It was a very cool morning and felt much more like autumn than summer!

I used to make the trip with my grandparents every spring, but this time, I was blessed to have my mother and youngest son. We enjoyed reminiscing about my grandparents with the owner, and wandering up and down their many aisles of wonderful plants. We brought home a goodly amount of tomato and pepper plants (several varieties), more purple cabbage than should be humanly allowed (we overestimated just a bit) and some collard greens. After planting, I took the boys to town for a frozen Coke.

Everything is coming up now and looking lush and green. The raspberries are really thriving. What a relief! It takes a lot of faith to plant several hundred sticks, you know! The grapes, strawberries and asparagus are also doing well. Though costly, the electric fence was a wonderful idea and has spared us from the wrath of hungry deer. Since our other (unprotected) gardens have been nibbled, I've decided to till yet another spot within the safety of the fence for more vegetables, and of course, we mustn't forget the pumpkin patch! Youngest Son thinks we need a scarecrow, so that will be our next project. I can picture our "garden guardian" in my mind's eye, and will need to come up with a clever name for her.

I relaxed a bit this evening and watched the new version of Sense and Sensibility. I must say that though I enjoyed it, I still prefer the Kate Winslet/Emma Thompson version. Maybe it's because I have watched it so many times that I know it by heart? I still cry when poor Elinor fears losing her dear sister and when she learns that the man she loves is free to love her back. (I'm just sappy that way.) Perhaps I just identify with being "the older sister" who holds it together. Hmm, come to think of it, maybe "Miss Dashwood" would be a good name for our scarecrow. :-)

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Finally, some warmth and sunshine! We've had such a wet and cool May, and it's kept us out of the gardens. I hear that we have a warm up coming. In fact, from what I gather, we will be wanting to get the pool open! Though it was brisk, I enjoyed sitting on the back deck with a hot cup of Vanilla Nut Teeccino. I adore coffee, but I am eliminating chemicals and caffeine, so this is a natural alternative. I'll admit, it's not like my favorite cuppa, but it's a tasty substitution. (Especially with a bit of cream!)

My menfolk have been out building fence today, so I have the house all to myself. I opened all the windows and enjoyed the spring breezes throughout. I hung my grandmother's wind chimes in the pear tree, and I enjoy their sound while I'm in the kitchen. I hung several loads of laundry out, and mopped the floors. I have a stack of cookbooks on my table and I'm searching for some inspiration. Our fire department's annual ice-cream social is this weekend and it's a good time for the ladies to showcase their baking abilities. :-) I'm thinking that I'll make a tall lemony layer cake and a berry pie of some sort. Sounds summery, doesn't it?

Tomorrow will be a full day in the garden, and I hope to get all of the beans planted. I'll get started on my baking in the evening. We have several "small town" Memorial Day festivities to look forward to this weekend. I really can't believe that summer is almost here... but it's certainly welcome.

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