Welcome to our 1864 farmhouse…life is good!


Thursday, August 4

dog days of August...

During these "Dog Days" of summer, the humidity is high, the sun is hot, and my energy level is almost non-existent. The work is getting done, but not without drinking a lot of water and long periods of standing in the shade. Tonight lightning could be seen in the distance and predictions are for an end to our stretch of rainless days. 

"Dog Days"...if you've never heard that expression before, it's used to describe the hottest and most unbearable days of summer...for us, that's August! The Farmer's Almanac tells us where the name comes from...because this time of year the star Sirius is so bright it was believed that is added to the Sun's heat. You can read all about it, Here

But you know, in addition to all of that heat & humidity I grumble about, there really is so much more to August...



cheery flowers in the coop windowboxes, 

butterflies floating by, 

an acrobatic crop-duster 
I was sure would hit our barn
with all of its loops and dives!

and goat kisses
(that's Tardis...love the LaMancha breed
with their Shrek ears!)



It's also time for a Throwback Thursday recipe, and it's one I remember (come on, can it really be a Throwback Recipe?!)


Poke Cake

Oh-so simple!

1 box white cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1 c. water
3-oz. box strawberry gelatin
1 c. boiling water
8-oz. frozen whipped topping


Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and water; blend until smooth. Pour into a greased 13x9-inch pan; bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until the center of cake tests done. Let cool one hour. Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake; set aside. Whisk gelatin mix and boiling water together until gelatin has dissolved; pour over cake. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, spoon thawed whipped topping over cake. 


And a heartfelt thanks for all the kind words about my last post...ahhh, hair color! 
As my daughter says.

YOU BE YOU!

Good advice indeed,

as is this:

"You make your life hard by always being in your head. 
Life is simple. Get out of your head and get into the moment."

s. mcnutt




Trying to "be in the moment" as we prepare for college move-in day in only 16 days...
time flies, friends.

Have a great rest of the week!

6 comments:

  1. What a lovely shot of the sunflower. They are truly works of art.

    Blessings as you move forward.

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  2. Ahhh...yes...the heat and humidity are fully set. I hope you receive rain. There will be some areas in our state receiving rain today, but it appears it will not likely reach us. Maybe tomorrow... Wow - only 16 days before college move-in. Time is moving quickly!

    Strawberry Poke Cake is delicious with a fresh/frozen strawberry topping incorporated into that strawberry gelatin too!!

    Wishing you rain, cool evening temps, and many little moments to enjoy and savor.

    Have a wonderful rest of the week!

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  3. Delightful to find a post here!!!! Been missing you, but know, you have a lot "on your plate."

    Didn't know the "why" of the Dog Days Of Summer. Supposed to be hot in my neck of the woods today, so I am planning on taking it very, very easy. :-)

    Never heard of a Poke Cake!!!! Cute idea. Thank you.

    Take it easy, preparing for the college move-in. It will all get done, so try to relax, a bit. :-) Years ago, we did it, with 3.

    Keep paying attention to the pretty bits. Best way to live, all year. As well as in the Dog Days Of Summer.

    Gentle hugs
    ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿƒ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿƒ๐ŸŒฟ

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  4. I am learning to embrace all the seasons but this is may favourite time of year. Long lazy days and warm sunshine. I never knew the meaning behind 'dog days'.
    I hope the college preparations are going smoothly. Xx

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  5. I have always wondered where "the dog days of August" came from. Your blog always brings a smile to me. I love your quotes, your thoughtful sharing of recipes and your photos! Have a good college move in day.......it's not that far away!

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  6. Daisy G - thank you, sunflowers are always so cheerful! And thank you, too for sending blessings...truly an emotional time for me.

    Staci - yes, we did get rain (yay!) but oh the humidity is doing me in! I appreciate the wish of moments to enjoy...trying my best to hold tight to every single one, sigh...

    Beside a babbling brook - thanks, I'm a big list-maker so I'm trying to keep track of all the college-bound things that need done while holding tight to the little moments...I love how you said the "pretty bits" that's absolutely great advice!

    Jules - you're so right to embrace it all...every season has it's blessings to share!

    Eggs in my Pocket - awww, it's so nice to have you say this blog brings a smile to you, it makes my heart happy to hear that!

    Mary

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Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!

 
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