Welcome to our 1864 farmhouse…life is good!


Wednesday, June 29

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.




10 comments:

  1. Summer! Take time to enjoy all those wonderful days - the seasons seem to change so fast now (must be get old!!).

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  2. What pretty pictures. Happy July 4th! I love the fireflies. I look out at night and watch them myself in the trees. So wonderful to see and nature at its best. Janice

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  3. So happy to hear things are quiet for you. And a cool breeze! Sounds marvelous. We've been blessed with fairly mild temps so far this summer. The fireflies are mesmerizing. Have a happy Independence Day!!

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  4. Fireflies bring back so many memories for me. Thank you for that. And thank you for the recipe. I am always on the lookout for a good one!

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  5. Margaret - you're right, how can it be July already? Nooo, I refuse to think I'm getting older! Have a good weekend...hope your garlic is coming along!

    Janice - they're my favorite part of summer, I just can't believe how truly magical they are...and that night, the soybean field must have had thousands of them to enjoy. Happy 4th to you...I'm sure you're busy in the shop!

    Staci - so glad you're temps are mild, it seems ours are a bit warmer lately, but we still have a nice breeze. That makes it easier when being outdoors. Enjoy your 4th as well!

    Billie Jo - you're welcome, it's a recipe I really like and great for a crowd. The lake must be lovely right now...you can probably sit on on your porch to enjoy fireworks - perfect! Have a great weekend!

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  6. Just found you via a comment on another blog - can't remember now which one I clicked from. So lovely to "meet" you.

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  7. Lady Locust...so nice to "meet" you as well, thank you so much for stopping by. I'm looking forward to spending time this weekend reading your blog! Mary

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  8. Oh your old home sounds delightful..

    Fireflies, I too love them!

    Gentle hugs

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  9. Jules - thanks for the good wishes, fireworks are something I always look forward to!

    Beside a Babbling Brook...so nice of you to leave a comment and to "meet" you! Your blog is so sweet, I love the artwork. So appreciate you stopping by, just the pick-me-up I needed! Mary

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Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!

 
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