Welcome to an 1864 farmhouse…life is good!


Friday, April 18, 2014

spring...celebrate the bounty



 April in the country...the old lilac bush at the edge of the yard is beginning to bud, the grass is greening, the bees can be heard buzzing, and the sky is a heavenly sapphire blue.  And while, far off in the distance, we may see the hint of a spring shower to come, right now, it is time to open our hearts to the promise of another season.

The winter has been long and harsh...and Saturday we attempted to put away most of the memories of that season. Bales of straw that had been blocking Old Man Winter's fierce storms were moved away from the chicken coop and beehive, heated waterers were stored, and fallen limbs gathered. We wrangled goats for a spring hoof-trimming (that's a story in itself!) and it was good to feel spring racing at full tilt.

We admired, and were grateful for, daffodils in bloom, the sight of bees returning to the hive heavy with pollen, and the sounds and fragrances of spring as chores were done.  To ward off a slight evening chill, we lit a bonfire and enjoyed s'mores. And as the day ended, we felt April in the country had rewarded us...the signs of a changing season are here.

Should I mention we woke up to snow two days later? 
Ah yes...life continues in all its richness.

Happy Easter to all!




Thursday, April 10, 2014

Charlie Brownies...yum!









At last...

the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the bees are buzzing! 
Even though there's still a strong breeze from the north (quite chilly at times) it's beginning to look a lot like spring!

I see little patches of green grass, daffodils are beginning to push their way up through the earth, and the girls are laying eggs. I will not recall that only 12 days ago we had another snowstorm.

All-in-all it's pretty delightful...

except for the spring cleaning part. All that sunshine certainly brings to light the cobwebs and dust-bunnies. And just how I'll ever get through the teetering stacks of papers and clothes/boots/shoes that seem to collect over winter is beyond me.

However, I'm determined!

Little Man was heard to say..."You say that every year."

Ouch...and so, (she firmly says, still determined!) it is always a good idea to call before dropping by. 

At least let me take off my apron, tuck the broom and dust-mop away, and "hide" a few things in the closet.  (I am I the only one who feels this?!)

You will NOT find this... 

source: here



And while more realistic, this too, is a stretch...


source: here

And so, even on a day filled with whirlwind cleaning, a treat is necessary.
Here's one of our kids' most-est, favorit-est goodies ever...hope you enjoy it, too!


Charlie Brownies

2/3 c. butter
1 lb. brown sugar
2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2-1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 T. water
1 t. vanilla extract
12-oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips


Melt butter; stir in sugar. Blend well, then let cool 10 minutes. Sift together next 3 ingredients; set aside. Beat eggs into brown sugar mixture; add water and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, add chocolate chips.

Spread in a well-oiled 15x9 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, cut into squares while still warm. Makes approx. 4 doz.

 
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