throwback Thursday and a peek a what's happening on the farm

 Hello friends, 

after my last post, I'm so grateful for a quiet, there's nothing exciting happening on the farm week!

The days are filled with welcome cool breezes from the north that billow the gauzy tobacco cloth curtains at the windows. We've been keeping the double front doors open, which we hardly ever do, to take full advantage of that breeze. This old house is designed so that when those doors open fully, the breeze will go straight through to the kitchen through 4 rooms...good planning on Mr. Ward's part in 1864! (But also remember, that when those northern winds blow in January, they will push the heat right out of this old house!)

I know everyone's busy as you plan for an upcoming holiday (and for my friends across the miles, I know you're days are filled as well!) And since my last post was soooo long, I'll keep this one short and sweet...

just a few snapshots of summer on the farm:

And something that never fails to make me believe in magic...fireflies at nightime:

Sweet & Zesty Pasta Salad

1 c. vegetable oil

1 c. white vinegar

1 c. sugar

1 0.6-oz. pkg. dry
Good Seasons Zesty
Italian Dressing Mix

1 lb. rotini pasta

as desired: red onion,
green pepper, pepperoni slices, cheese cubes, black olives

Combine oil, vinegar, sugar, and dry dressing mix; whisk well to combine. Set aside. Prepare pasta according to package directions; rinse with cool water. Add dressing to taste and any additional ingredients as desired. Chill at least two hours, tossing in any reserved dressing if needed.

I know I'm in the minority...but I am not a big pasta salad fan. The vinegar in the recipes always is just too sharp for my taste; but this recipe, for me, is a winner! The sugar balances out the tart of the vinegar and the Zesty Italian dressing mix adds just the right zing. 

I never add all the prepared dressing at first, but find that after the salad chills and the pasta has absorbed some of it, I do need to stir in a bit more dressing.

Have a wonderful weekend...and in the middle of our busyness, let's take a little quiet time to look for the blessings in every day.