tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53209241550182598402024-02-19T01:31:51.954-05:00Wildenblue Farm JournalNow-and-Again Happenings and Recipes from Wildenblue FarmLaura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-35006606172309016642019-08-22T19:30:00.002-04:002019-08-22T19:36:36.285-04:00Elderberry season...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is somewhat shocking how close September is... just a little over a week away! Though I do look forward to autumn, and an end to the heat and humidity, it is always bittersweet to be aware of how quickly time passes. In a few weeks, the lonesome call of Canadian geese heading southward will be filling the air, as well as their V-formations.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The flower gardens have flourished this year, but so have the weeds. It's been a struggle keeping ahead of them, and I've just about lost that battle. There is an abundance of apples and blackberries, yet only a few pears on the trees. The raspberries are coming on again after the first early flush gave up due to the heat and lack of rain. The vegetable garden suffered immensely from chipmunks and red squirrels... I have never seen as many as there's been this year.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, the elderberries have begun to ripen, I noted as I watched a bird stealing beak-fulls of them the other morning, so I plucked off enough to make a batch each of Elderberry Syrup and Elderberry Tincture. The tincture will be ready to use in about 6 to 8 weeks... just in time, as flu season starts in October. If the birds don't eat all the berries, I will dehydrate some as they continue to ripen, although I have a quart of dried berries still from last year as back up. (NOTE: If using dried elderberries instead of fresh, use half the given amount.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJMyGuadUfFwgM7UA214VDXS3IyCxQoeXweplyNNAWUMaYYHPQv6TJaRY1g-azp3Rhovub7uhyFBU2Ba4z7zuEx8hgkqSmI5wtThOr9cjdRSdQUZy7Kw7lAhyZXUHX-nlA1l-6tyCWLk/s1600/elderberry+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJMyGuadUfFwgM7UA214VDXS3IyCxQoeXweplyNNAWUMaYYHPQv6TJaRY1g-azp3Rhovub7uhyFBU2Ba4z7zuEx8hgkqSmI5wtThOr9cjdRSdQUZy7Kw7lAhyZXUHX-nlA1l-6tyCWLk/s320/elderberry+1.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">To make either, gather the berries when they are dark, deep purple... almost black.Simply twist the whole stem and it should snap the complete umbrel of berries off.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">In the photo above, you can see the ripe berries towards the center. Below shows just what you're aiming for.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMtx0rv1EBNFLXahslordg0gR_c_N9qxc1VVPw-YzcsunOi6McjO1X3QQxD3QnJ2WF8cw93M1QyG_1bjlnZnJTffHKyUxTx6Da11Mb11LPW6unALbevfSbyGvnbMM2e5U0kgydGvi7J0/s1600/elderberry+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="564" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMtx0rv1EBNFLXahslordg0gR_c_N9qxc1VVPw-YzcsunOi6McjO1X3QQxD3QnJ2WF8cw93M1QyG_1bjlnZnJTffHKyUxTx6Da11Mb11LPW6unALbevfSbyGvnbMM2e5U0kgydGvi7J0/s200/elderberry+3.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I find it's easy to strip the elderberries off by grasping the main stem, and using a fork turned upside down around the smaller stems to pull off the berry clumps.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLyMkfz9BDu3FFcG8qMi8heEqyJCIbc10GRLB_l3TyyVTb4fUgHVHeBwAXcx5KaT1QL7VVPBfbKD_p7k_2jH-H1WTSPMs9gp7ceUHdPqwKU_Y7JeENkdVk32qAsW05-QIXax-w-xjJ8w/s1600/elderberry+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLyMkfz9BDu3FFcG8qMi8heEqyJCIbc10GRLB_l3TyyVTb4fUgHVHeBwAXcx5KaT1QL7VVPBfbKD_p7k_2jH-H1WTSPMs9gp7ceUHdPqwKU_Y7JeENkdVk32qAsW05-QIXax-w-xjJ8w/s320/elderberry+4.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">I am making Elderberry Syrup here, and I ended up with roughly a cup of berries. I put these in a pot, added three cups of water, and brought the mixture to a boil. (I often add a 2 inch chunk of fresh ginger root and a 1 inch chunk of fresh echinacea root which I slice into small pieces at this point, too.) Reduce to a simmer for about a half-hour, mashing the berries as the heat softens them, then take off the stove and let sit for about an hour.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZTOVnV-gmg0FdprVUezUOwWV_6QC3b1a6_RAMmKgmWADbPVCrM6KwCYhm3W6EfaR8ReHif5BjEsarH72I5mccRJlQIRS9Mxi8QrKAHgSXyRvpuBY1zGmTOQwF1AsB7GvBlM_km2Yrzo/s1600/elderberry+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZTOVnV-gmg0FdprVUezUOwWV_6QC3b1a6_RAMmKgmWADbPVCrM6KwCYhm3W6EfaR8ReHif5BjEsarH72I5mccRJlQIRS9Mxi8QrKAHgSXyRvpuBY1zGmTOQwF1AsB7GvBlM_km2Yrzo/s320/elderberry+5.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Strain through a few layers of cheesecloth, squeezing the cooled berries to release the juice. There will be some pulp and a lot of seeds remaining... I just toss them into the compost pile.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZo0oDfy90QPMJkxS2_wV_arSYSMCX1Yu15qJD5XpPJWrg2vYrNYo3a8JgJMSiVgpZVIc42aJXuve7YLios7r2b_9XqgnaVSVQ4NENRiLH5CYC1oKy5e0wl1hyphenhyphen_coRhtNQIL3esK3m_FM/s1600/elderberry+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZo0oDfy90QPMJkxS2_wV_arSYSMCX1Yu15qJD5XpPJWrg2vYrNYo3a8JgJMSiVgpZVIc42aJXuve7YLios7r2b_9XqgnaVSVQ4NENRiLH5CYC1oKy5e0wl1hyphenhyphen_coRhtNQIL3esK3m_FM/s320/elderberry+6.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Next, mix in about a half-cup up to one cup of pure, raw honey and mix well. If you desire, you may add a half-cup of brandy, but I did not. I just poured the Elderberry Syrup into an 8 ounce bottle, capped it and stored it in the refrigerator. It should keep for about two months. </span><span style="color: #660000;">To use Elderberry Syrup, I take a teaspoonful daily from mid-October through March. If I feel I'm coming down with something, I'll take that dosage two or three times per day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XnZuNSjQY09UB90-ZElvcYbmd0wfASydH2Ra0wbHz7uCijppyM7ksaatXXXEWbQMrqcx02QFVp9FUWYec2Of6ecOdsaWaMXxuPhyphenhyphenSdgrrfGDUNSJJd2XyQAY_rm_F3JCIArQT6b_ucY/s1600/elderberry+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="564" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XnZuNSjQY09UB90-ZElvcYbmd0wfASydH2Ra0wbHz7uCijppyM7ksaatXXXEWbQMrqcx02QFVp9FUWYec2Of6ecOdsaWaMXxuPhyphenhyphenSdgrrfGDUNSJJd2XyQAY_rm_F3JCIArQT6b_ucY/s320/elderberry+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">To make a simple Elderberry Tincture, I put the prepared berries in mason jar, cover with brandy (or vodka), cap the bottle and store in my cool, dark pantry for about 4 to 6 weeks, gently swirling the bottle every few days to mix it. I take a half-teaspoon every day once I've run out of the syrup.</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-57305249188292811852019-06-25T13:33:00.000-04:002019-06-25T19:35:51.297-04:00A Tree Story<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNdRv9rEA6MFrZbJnAW6iXZ_YwS7GLnQi3t4sMzUGXF1NvVcuIah9ad9lm6SfErNfyJs9uA6MF7q5t96fl9D2-mA2aRpgcKn19gWlOfU3p0sKj2VBOa3Ng4fw2XN_NsRuIoiJALDvAX4/s1600/garner+and+maple+tree+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNdRv9rEA6MFrZbJnAW6iXZ_YwS7GLnQi3t4sMzUGXF1NvVcuIah9ad9lm6SfErNfyJs9uA6MF7q5t96fl9D2-mA2aRpgcKn19gWlOfU3p0sKj2VBOa3Ng4fw2XN_NsRuIoiJALDvAX4/s320/garner+and+maple+tree+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">This is a tale of a tree that has stood watch upon a little hill for over 70 years. A common Red Maple, it was planted by Garner Tripp in the 1940's or 1950's,</span><span style="color: #660000;"> on the southern side of his hunting camp,</span><span style="color: #660000;">. Garner's cabin burned to the ground a few decades later, but his growing tree withstood the fire. We bought his property in 1983, built our house a year later in pritnear the same spot his cabin had stood on, and that same maple continued to watch over our home, too. Throughout the years, its arms have cradled numerous bird feeders, swings, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, climbing children, and an occasional raccoon. In spring, thousands of its whirlybird seeds spin down, blanketing everything below. In summer, its thick arms create a cool, shady respite where the porch swing hangs. Come autumn, its boughs hold a full bounty of colorful foliage, soon tossed to the ground and scattered by the wind. And all winter long, a wild assortment of creatures and birds find food in and under the many feeders adorning its branches.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3a-v0woFX68FTuIeXm63Dq0D0rc_6KWD3p1BBdyfY_Tn5vrTKUQeePI0PPHYIbYgFOzRqlI05P7_tuK-_Y-nJ-_rDeN2PmVL5P40N7WI-7BphANBPEpXDAqg4HwtsmpWMoX0IglDX1M/s1600/garner%2527s+maple+tree+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1000" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3a-v0woFX68FTuIeXm63Dq0D0rc_6KWD3p1BBdyfY_Tn5vrTKUQeePI0PPHYIbYgFOzRqlI05P7_tuK-_Y-nJ-_rDeN2PmVL5P40N7WI-7BphANBPEpXDAqg4HwtsmpWMoX0IglDX1M/s320/garner%2527s+maple+tree+2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Many days over the past several years, as I sit in the porch swing, I've noted the tree is not as full as it once was. In gusty winds, large branches snap off and shatter to the ground like broken bones. The canopy of leaves is shockingly thinner with each passing year. </span><span style="color: #660000;">It is a sad fact that this beautiful maple tree is dying. </span><span style="color: #660000;">At first, I avoided thinking that the tree's years were numbered, but as time has passed by, I realize that this tree may not outlive me.</span><span style="color: #660000;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">I reminisce of the companion tree that was lost when building our home. The excavator had dug too close to the roots of this other maple, ultimately leading to its demise a few years later. The majority of the tree was used for firewood, but I cut some of the branches into building blocks for my young children. Now, our grandchildren have recently outgrown playing with them. When the time comes to cut down this frail maple, some parts of it will be saved for memory's sake.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7V2IyNf-wINM6h6YWN_ZoahM2mn2fksqJHPO59Np2EGnsCOZUB_f4603_go3TuhLNS7d9ORjFmtm7Z6zcT84B24u7CH4srOGsRfonmNDLirr0gZ14urf29GDZCONjhbzcNCH9pEzhKc/s1600/home+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7V2IyNf-wINM6h6YWN_ZoahM2mn2fksqJHPO59Np2EGnsCOZUB_f4603_go3TuhLNS7d9ORjFmtm7Z6zcT84B24u7CH4srOGsRfonmNDLirr0gZ14urf29GDZCONjhbzcNCH9pEzhKc/s320/home+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">It is hard to picture the hole that this silent sentinel's absence will leave, not only in my heart, but in the landscape itself. The circumference of the tree is close to 100 inches, and the amount of cooling shade and protection it casts over the house, lawn and gardens seems immeasurable. The time has come to plant another tree alongside this one, to allow the new one to grow for a few years before the old maple is laid to rest.</span><br />
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-20602673913176529472019-05-09T23:11:00.001-04:002019-05-09T23:11:21.632-04:00May 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May again! It seems we've jumped from the new year to maple syrup season, and right to getting the gardens in order. Spring is a chaotic season in comparison to the solitude and peacefulness that accompanies winter. My dear friend Barb put in an order for onions, and I got mine all in, as well as some shallots and a few dozen strawberry plants. The stored-in-the-cellar dahlias, tuberose, and gladiolus were hauled up this week and given a once-over and sorted. Today was spent planting them, along with a half-dozen new blueberry bushes. Between the rain, I've managed to lay down straw to mulch for weed control between the rhubarb, horseradish, asparagus and strawberries. Seeds are started, and coming up... even with the lack of warm weather and all the rain we've been getting. Finally got my new egg house built and opened for the season, too. I'm feeling accomplished but in reality, I'm just trying to stay ahead of the game! All through the winter, we've been inundated with squirrels... red, grey, and one black squirrel too. Between them, the chipmunks, and the deer, they've wreaked havoc on a number of apple trees, lilac bushes, and crab apples; some of which will need to be replaced. I worry about the certain damage they will cause in the berry and vegetable gardens when things get growing.</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Still in all, I am grateful for the changing seasons... the predictability and comfort each brings, like a visit from an old friend. I never tire of hearing the Canadian geese returning, or the peepers call out in the pond and swamps. It is a pleasure to see the various songbirds coming back to the feeders, either to stay for the summer, or just stopping by on their journey northward. I've already seen a few hummingbirds, a couple of rose-breasted grosbeaks, yellow finches, a Carolina wren, hermit thrush, and some bluebirds, along with the regulars from winter! And almost every morning as the sun is coming up, I've been hearing a loon flying west to east, but only for a few minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As spring slowly creeps across the countryside, native wildflowers appear to brighten a short hike through the fields and woods. The coltsfoot and pussywillows have already gone by, and are being replaced with wood violets, hepetica, bloodroot, cowslips, and beautiful masses of dandelions... each one with a small pollinator in it's center! I've noted numerous skunk cabbage along the edges of the wetlands. The old muskrat is back in the pond, as well as the pair of woodchucks who live under the barn. The pond is teaming with pollywogs, salamanders, turtles, water boatmen, a great blue heron, and a pair each of Canadian geese and wild ducks. Soon the lilacs will be blooming, along with the apple, pear and cherry trees. I hope we stave off the threat of a late frost for their sake. It's been a few years since we've had enough apples for cider.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes, spring creeps back in with uncertainty, dragging her feet through the mud as she comes. The only thing predictable about her is her unpredictability!</span></div>
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-70811598505177705722017-05-02T00:19:00.001-04:002017-05-02T00:19:31.615-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Out in the woods, the delicate pink blossoms of the hepatica are scattered about the back meadow, along with pale purple wood violets. The fiddle heads of ferns are unfurling, and the wild ramps accompany them along the back of the barn. Barn swallows compete with bluebirds for the birdhouse nearest the garden gate. In the small orchard by the chicken coop, the pear trees blossomed today, the sour cherry trees are almost ready to bloom, and the tiny apple blossom clusters are tinged a deep pink, just waiting to burst open!</div>
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A peek at the vegetable garden shows two spears of asparagus poking up out of the soil. I picked a large bowlful of spinach this afternoon, and chopped up some chives and got them in the dehydrator. I also finished dehydrating the nettles I gathered yesterday... so far I've gotten one whole gallon of packed, dried nettles for tea and tossing into fall and winter soup.</div>
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The peepers still call from the marshy places in the fields and woods. Salamanders can be spotted floating near the top few inches out back in the pond, and while gathering rocks this evening to finish a stone border around the windmill, I came across a few black and yellow salamanders under the stones, as well as a small garter snake. The black flies were pesky enough as the humidity increased tonight, and by the time I finished the chores and settled into the porch swing, it began to rain. As I finish this, the first thunderstorm of the season is winding down, and with it, the anxiety eases for my poor old husky, who even at 14, with failing eyesight and hearing, is still frightened by the flashing lightning.</div>
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Happy May!</div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-26493028341669130962017-03-18T14:48:00.002-04:002017-03-18T14:58:51.817-04:00Burning wood<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i style="color: #660000;">Apple wood for fragrance, Ash for violet glow,</i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;">Hornbeam, Larch and Sassafras, such lovely words to know.</i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;">Sycamore's serenity, Hickory's embrace,</i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;">Oak to scatter golden sparks before the watcher's face.</i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;"><i style="color: #660000;">Juniper for incense, Birch for flame and flare,</i></i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;">Someone to come walking in with snowflakes in her hair.</i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;">Darkness past the windows, wind about the eaves,</i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;">And friend to friend relating the thoughts the heart believes.</i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;"><i style="color: #660000;">Hemlock, Spruce and Poplar, say them softly now;</i></i></div>
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<i style="color: #660000;">Chestnut, Pine and Mountain Ash, Beech and Cherry Bough.</i></div>
<i style="color: #660000;"> ~Esther Wood, 1905-2002</i><br />
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<i style="color: #660000;">So much of our winter centers around wood, especially in the form of firewood. We heat pretty close to 100% with firewood, using wood furnaces in the garage and shop, as well as in the house. There is also a fireplace in the living room, and two smaller ones in two of the upstairs bedrooms. Both the kitchen and the summer kitchen have wood cookstoves. I use a wood fired stove to boil down the maple sap during sugaring season.</i><br />
<i style="color: #660000;">The firewood is cut on our property, hauled out with the tractor, and cut, split and stacked in the woodsheds. After it has seasoned, before winter comes again, it is stacked nearest the wood stoves and furnaces in each building, where it provides warmth yet again. We try to keep two years worth of dry wood ahead.</i><br />
<i style="color: #660000;">Most of the wood selected for burning is dead or dying... hickory, maple, oak, white and yellow birch, and especially beech. The beech have been hard hit by blight... not just the big old trees, but the young as well. The bark becomes cankered and checked, and if the trees are not culled, they will topple and decay quickly. It is hard to look at the areas once filled with the soft grey beech trees, now becoming cleared out patches in the woods. Yes, young beech sprout up everywhere and fill in these patches with their bouquets of dry rusty leaves, but their fate will be the same. Still, I am grateful to know that the majority of the wood that is cut to provide our winter comfort were not vigorous healthy trees.</i><br />
<i style="color: #660000;">My daughter often scours the woods for various pieces of hickory, ash, pine and beech to use in carving wooden spoons and such. I am waiting for the cutting of the next season's firewood to gather some hickory and maple for crochet hooks. And unfortunately, I have two 20+ year old apple trees that need to be culled and added to the pile for the kitchen stove. The fragrance of burning applewood is a favorite of mine. And I especially love splitting hickory and yellow birch.</i><br />
<i style="color: #660000;">Needless to say, it's almost the time of year to start cutting and hauling trees. Like many of you, we were hit with snow from the Nor'easter this past week, and are waiting for some of the snow to melt. Meantime, trees that weren't marked for cutting in autumn will be tied with red tape or a spray painted X, and soon will be laid up in the field to season til the weather is right for cutting and splitting.</i>Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-197911408450120102016-04-03T20:13:00.001-04:002016-05-09T20:06:10.710-04:00For The Birds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000;">These beautiful vintage images were found on Pinterest. If you are not familiar with this site... be warned at how addicting it is! If you would like to visit my Bird Board, you may find it <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wildenblue/a-little-bird-told-me/">here</a></span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-15928934280306885142016-03-20T20:18:00.001-04:002016-03-20T20:18:09.776-04:00Spring<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What better way to usher in the Vernal Equinox than to include some sentimental quotes from John Burroughs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: center;">To see the fire that warms you, or better yet, to cut the wood that feeds the fire that warms you;</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">to see the spring where the water bubbles up that slakes your thirst and to dip your pail into it;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">to see the beams that are the stay of your four walls and the timbers that uphold the roof that shelters you; </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">to be in direct and personal contact with the sources of your material life; </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">to find the universal elements enough; </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">to find the air and the water exhilarating; </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to find a quest of wild berries more satisfying than a gift of tropical fruit; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wild flower in spring- these are some of the rewards of the simple life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Oh, Spring is surely coming, her couriers fill the air; each morn are new arrivals, each night her ways prepare; I scent her fragrant garments, her foot is on the stair.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.</span></div>
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-10632760519669087642016-03-07T20:39:00.001-05:002016-03-07T20:44:05.414-05:00Gluten-Free (or not) Buttermilk Pancakes<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">When my grandchildren are here overnight or after school, it never fails that they request pancakes for supper, breakfast, or BOTH! Needless to say, we go through a lot of maple syrup, as well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This recipe is my old standby... I can only imagine how many hundreds of pancakes I've flipped over the years for my four children and these two grands combined. We've also used the rare leftover pancakes as a base for ice cream sandwiches (or cones) in a pinch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Because we go through so many pancakes, I make a large batch (16 cups) of dry pancake mix, which I keep in a half-gallon glass jar. I simply add my wet ingredients to a measure of the dry, and we can have pancakes in no time flat! (no pun intended)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">First, the pancake recipe...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Gluten Free Buttermilk Pancakes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(to make non-gluten free pancakes, use the same amount of all-purpose flour and omit the xanthan gum)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Preheat a greased griddle over medium-to-medium-high heat on your stovetop</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In a bowl, combine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1 and 1/2 cups GF Flour Blend</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1 teaspoon Xanthan Gum</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1 and 1/2 Tablespoons Sugar</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1 and 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1/2 teaspoon Salt </b>and</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Stir well, then add</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>1 large Egg</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1 and 1/2 cups Buttermilk</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(NOTE: if you don't have Buttermilk, simply add 1 Tablespoon of vinegar to 1 and 1/2 cups of milk and allow to set for a couple of minutes to curdle)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Mix gently til all is incorporated, but do not beat. Drop by spoonfuls onto preheated griddle (we prefer silver-dollar size pancakes) Let cook for a few minutes til bubbles begin to appear on pancake surface, then flip and cook for another few minutes til golden brown and set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Repeat with remaining batter. Serve buttered with Maple Syrup and/or Raspberry Jam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">To make your own </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Gluten-Free Dry Pancake Mix</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">sift and mix together well in a large bowl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>12 cups GF Flour Blend</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(or regular All-Purpose Flour)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>2 Tablespoons Xanathan Gum</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(omit if using regular flour)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i>1 cup Sugar</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i>1/3 cup Baking Powder</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i>2 Tablespoons Salt</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i>2 Tablespoons Baking Soda</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Store in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; text-align: center;"> To make a small batch of pancakes, </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; text-align: center;">mix together</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1 cup of <b>Dry Mix</b> with</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1 large Egg</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>1 cup Milk</b> with <b>1 teaspoon Vinegar</b> added</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">{I use a simple homemade gluten-free flour recipe blend for most all of my baking needs, to which I add 1/2 teaspoon of Xanthan Gum per each cup of GF flour used in a given recipe. I mix together equal amounts of brown rice flour, sweet white rice flour, tapioca starch and potato starch. I purchase each in 5 pound bulks through the buying club/co op I run, and dump them in a 5 gallon food-safe tin, mixing very well}</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-2134199078922225262016-02-28T22:07:00.001-05:002016-02-28T23:11:20.440-05:00Making Kombucha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I LOVE Kombucha! Either plain or flavored, this fermented tea is a delicious way to quench your thirst. And, it's very easy to make a batch, or in my case... two!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The ingredient list is short, and the recipe is simple. You'll need a scoby (often referred to as a mushroom, though it isn't really a fungus!), well water (or distilled water), organic sugar, and a combination of organic green and black tea. You will also need to purchase a cup or so of plain, unflavored raw kombucha from a health food store or grocer. I get </span><a href="http://www.aquavitea.com/">Aqua Vitea Kombucha | Kombucha on tap in kegs and in bottles brewed in Vermont</a><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'courier new', courier, monospace;"> on tap at Healthy Living in Wilton, NY or Middlebury CoOp in Vermont.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Unless you know someone who makes their own kombucha, you may have a hard time finding a scoby. For the record, scoby stands for <b>S</b>ymbiotic <b>C</b>olony <b>O</b>f <b>B</b>acteria and <b>Y</b>east. </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It's a bit time consuming, but you can grow your own, and it will continue to grow and provide you with a jarful if you feed it and keep it healthy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">To grow your own scoby, purchase about a cup of kombucha. It is important to get plain,unflavored, raw kombucha; do not use the kinds with colorings, flavors, or chia seeds in it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Once you've purchased the kombucha, you're ready to start the process of growing a scoby. In a stainless steel pot, bring about 1 and 3/4 quarts of distilled water to a steady boil over medium heat. Then, turn heat off and stir in 1/2 cup organic sugar; mix til it's all dissolved. Next, add 2 bags of green tea and two bags of black tea, and let brew til the water reaches room temperature. Remove the teabags, squeezing gently, and in a half-gallon sized glass jar, pour the kombucha in and fill the remainder of the jar with the cooled tea-and-sugar mixture. Make certain, the tea has cooled to room temperature... do not pour hot tea mixture in or you will kill the kombucha ferment!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Cover the top of your jar with cheesecloth, secure with a rubber band, and let sit in a warm, draft-free space in your kitchen, undisturbed, for 3 to 5 weeks. When your scoby first starts forming, it will be very thin... it tends to look like a scum forming on top of the tea. Just leave it and it will continue to grow. When it is about 1/4 inch thick, you can use it to make another batch of kombucha.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">To make a gallon of new </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">kombucha when you already have a scoby and about a cup of purchased starter kombucha, bring 3/4 of a gallon of water over high heat to a strong simmer. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of sugar, and steep 3 green tea and 3 black tea bags in the hot sugar water. Let mixture cool to room temperature. Gently squeeze out teabags. Place your scoby and about 1 cup of starter kombucha in a 1 gallon glass jar (no plastic!) Carefully pour the cooled sweet tea into the jar. Cover with cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band. Set in a warm draft-free spot on the counter and let ferment for a week or two... until the tea is fizzy and pleasant to taste. Some folks like to ferment it til it's less sweet and very fizzy and somewhat strong; I prefer it mildly fizzy and still somewhat sweet. (The fermenting process eats up most of the sugar) When it tastes good to you, remove the scoby and pour your finished kombucha into a glass pitcher, cover and refrigerate.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Now, you can do two things here; if you want to start another batch of kombucha right away, remember to reserve about one cup of kombucha to add to your newest batch. (You won't have to keep purchasing store-bought kombucha if you do this!)Simply follow the directions again for making kombucha above. If you don't want to make another batch right away, place your scoby in a glass jar and barely cover it with some of the kombucha you made. Add about a tablespoon of sugar to it and mix gently. Store in the fridge until you want to make more kombucha.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Or, if you want to grow a bigger scoby, keep this jar on your counter and feed it about a teaspoon of sugar every week or two. The scoby will grow thicker, and you will be able to peel it into layers. Each layer becomes a new scoby to share! Soon you will be overrun with scobys; I store them all in one jar, covered with kombucha, and try to remember to feed them a teaspoon of sugar now and then. I've read that folks dehydrate their excess scobys and give them to their dogs like jerky treats; I have not yet tried this.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You can also flavor your finished kombucha; however, don't try to flavor it as it's fermenting... wait til the process is complete. I love adding ginger pulp to my pitcher of kombucha in the fridge. I've also cut it with a bit of grape or pomegranite juice. Experiment, and have fun! Cheers! </span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-59454824244767982482016-02-22T21:28:00.000-05:002016-02-22T21:28:04.286-05:00Sugaring Season...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-61135429787843233892016-01-29T14:32:00.000-05:002016-01-29T14:32:07.308-05:00Women's work...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-62863778067324462342016-01-24T14:42:00.002-05:002016-03-04T20:09:36.823-05:00Two Meatloaf Recipes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Meatloaf Recipes</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">(Vegetarian and Beef)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">When my children were small, one thing I'd fix for supper was meatloaf. I grew up having this for dinner, and when drowned in ketchup, everyone would eat it. When I became a vegetarian, I still hankered for the taste of cold meatloaf sandwiches, but nothing came close until I came across a recipe and tampered with it. It fits the bill, is good hot from the oven, and makes a good cold sandwich, to boot! You may be hard-pressed to figure out which was veggie and which one was made with ground beef; thus it may prove to be a good recipe for Meatless Monday!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">First the vegetarian recipe, which uses tempeh as it's base...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">*PLEASE NOTE*</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This makes a large batch, as I like to freeze these to have on hand for a quick supper. Therefore, I bake these in either mini loaf pans or in muffin pans, let cool and stick pan and all in the freezer. When completely frozen, I remove them from the pans and seal in plastic bags. When I want one or two, I remove them from the freezer, place in a pie tin, and heat in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes or so.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You can easily cut this recipe in half, as it makes about 18 muffin-size servings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Meatless Loaf</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, coarsely grind up a one pound slab of tempeh. (I cut it in chunks first, then grind). Dump the ground tempeh into a large bowl and set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In the processor, add </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3 or 5 cloves of peeled garlic</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1 sweet pepper cut into chunks</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1 carrot cut into chunks</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1/3 cup walnuts</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1/4 cup sunflower seeds</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Pulse all together a few times til everything is chopped and crumbly... not too much, or you'll end up with mush! Dump all this mixture into the bowl with the ground tempeh, and stir well to combine. Add</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1 small can of tomato paste</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">a few pinches of basil and thyme</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1 cup of oatmeal</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">about a half-cup of either Ketchup or BBQ sauce</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1 can of Black Beans, pulsed in the food processor.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Mix well with either a sturdy wooden spoon or your hands. Press into oiled pans, and bake the smaller pans for about 15-20 minutes, a large loaf pan for 35 to 45 minutes til heated through. Very good served with gravy, cranberry sauce or ketchup!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Meat Loaf (my recipe from 30+ years ago)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1 cup Tomato Sauce(or substitute </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">either Apple or Cranberry Sauce)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">About a tablespoon-sized squeeze of Mustard</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">a teaspoon or so of dried herbs such as</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Mix well with hands or wooden spoon, and dump into a loaf pan. Bake for an hour or so, and serve with gravy or ketchup.</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-27924629301015192922016-01-15T12:09:00.002-05:002016-01-15T19:01:55.955-05:00Gluten-Free (or not) Single Serve English Muffin (or Bread)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am always shocked by the cost of gluten free foods and mixes from a grocery store. At the co-op yesterday, I spotted a (small)loaf of bread for $8.00 and change. YIKES! I make my own gluten free flour blend, 20 pounds at a time, and store it in an old tin I purchased years ago from Lehman's (https://www.lehmans.com/p-3100-tin-lard-cans.aspx) The recipe is simple, I purchase 5# bulks of each ingredient from the buying club I've run for years, and just mix it all together very well. I use it cup for cup in most all non-gluten-free and gluten free </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">recipes </span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I've collected over the years, and add about a half-teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour blend in any given recipe. I simply combine equal measures of Brown Rice Flour, Mochi Sweet White Rice Flour, Potato Starch and Tapioca Flour, and store it in a cool cupboard.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Back to the bread... I do not eat bread as much as I used to, I will not pay crazy prices to have gluten free bread on hand, and I don't like freezing gf bread once I've made a loaf. I do like an occasional sandwich, piece of toast or an English Muffin... especially when there is just-made Raspberry Jam or Maple Cream available to slather on it. So I make a batch(or two as I did this time) to get a single serving of toast or muffin.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. (You can also cook this on a stovetop and flip it like a pancake... I just prefer baking it in the oven.) I made two this time... so I doubled the following recipe...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In a small bowl, combine <b>1/3 cup gluten free flour</b> blend, <b>1 large egg</b>, <b>1/4 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon AC Vinegar</b> in it to curdle it for a minute or two(any kind... I use Almond milk), <b>1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum</b>, <b>1/4 teaspoon baking powder</b>, and <b>a teaspoon of maple syrup</b> or honey.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mix well, and pour into a greased pan. (I used these perfectly sized cast iron pans from my collection, you can find them at Lehman's or on Amazon, if not at your local hardware store.) You can also add garlic and cheese, herbs, whatever your tastebuds like! Bake for 6 or 7 minutes on one side, flip over, and bake another 5 or 6 minutes til nice and brown. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing, or they may get gummy. These are great to slice and throw in a toaster too!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've used these for egg and cheese sammies, english muffins, toast, and as the base for a single-serve pizza. I've made cheesy garlic bread too! Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b><i>If you're not gluten intolerant, just omit the xanthan gum, and simply use regular flour.</i></b></span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-67416515979987533432016-01-09T22:08:00.001-05:002016-01-09T22:08:23.730-05:00Making Maple Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In another two months or so... weather dictating, of course... it will be time to tap trees and make maple syrup again. I have about three to four gallons left from last season, and I've been hankering for Maple cream, so I made a batch yesterday. Now, mind you, I've attempted this before; sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. This time, it did! (And even when it doesn't, I still end up with lovely Maple Sugar; it's scrumptious in coffee!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here is the process... I started with half a gallon of maple syrup and poured it into a reliable stainless pot. It is important not to use too small of a pot, as the syrup needs room to come to a full rolling boil. Heat on high and boil away. You want the temperature to reach 235 degrees. (It is well worth investing in a digital candy thermometer.) This photograph shows the syrup as it's been boiling for 5 minutes...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As the syrup continues to boil, it will quickly shrink down in the pot and the foam swiftly condenses. Do not leave the pot at this time, as it can boil over. The syrup has now been boiling for 10 minutes. Keep inserting the thermometer and checking the temperature... remember, you want it to reach 235 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And I'll say it again... do not leave the boiling syrup... it may boil over. Then, what a mess you'll have to clean up.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVuGLoeqHTDF2fxkFWhfB3RhGf9eXT-_q6C9VQ8fIfGYzYAZr5J9Z_kkAukiAflFhrfHhLYg_fzOD2hzHiqW8eq0vYhSXAQ0JXfRD_ZkDVvPVYIvBetxtsQYszMSP2ec8ubW9zZ7MKAk/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVuGLoeqHTDF2fxkFWhfB3RhGf9eXT-_q6C9VQ8fIfGYzYAZr5J9Z_kkAukiAflFhrfHhLYg_fzOD2hzHiqW8eq0vYhSXAQ0JXfRD_ZkDVvPVYIvBetxtsQYszMSP2ec8ubW9zZ7MKAk/s320/005.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When the temperature reaches 235 degrees, remove from heat and immediately place the mixture, pot and all, into a sinkfull of cold water. Let it sit, undisturbed (do not stir) until the temperature cools down to about 100 degrees. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdEEVsE6VkPlbmW6JjEXWAVTlltV2MgsLRY6styxqDxtEzMrOqO3Rx4v9VGhSGJVseAY3CNfvlAggBqo6Lst5ECP7QleqvsWmJMcNYqw1S2Go9CrdaR8oY3uHjHB91TmLv_Vfc-Mb3aw/s1600/maple+cream+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdEEVsE6VkPlbmW6JjEXWAVTlltV2MgsLRY6styxqDxtEzMrOqO3Rx4v9VGhSGJVseAY3CNfvlAggBqo6Lst5ECP7QleqvsWmJMcNYqw1S2Go9CrdaR8oY3uHjHB91TmLv_Vfc-Mb3aw/s320/maple+cream+3.jpg" width="210" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When it has cooled to 100 degrees, remove the pot from the sink and begin stirring with a wooden spoon. Stir, and stir, and stir and...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">stir and stir. You will notice that the dark amber color of the syrup begins to lighten ever-so-slightly</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It will continue to lighten, and you'll notice it getting a little more harder to stir as it begins to thicken up. Keep stirring... in all, I stirred this batch for about 20 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It is ready to put into containers when the Maple Cream has been stirred to the consistency of all-natural peanut butter. Do not keep stirring past this point.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Scoop out the Maple Cream and put it into your jars. Remember, I started with 1/2 gallon of maple syrup. I ended up with over a quart of Maple Cream.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sweet!!</span></div>
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-18032598323445609462016-01-07T17:47:00.004-05:002016-01-07T18:08:32.586-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkdc9iq2l5MO7Rj56xKxQ0OqAiCohkzKJ68sv7eN8RKm4936jB7B3oH4MwkpehVqvn1yxHQh_OX6sMt0iN23mzacEOvy54XhFvK2jsRen2YPu-Z1Vk7EjetNVBUSLZ8NOmDwbXdTSyrA/s1600/ny+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkdc9iq2l5MO7Rj56xKxQ0OqAiCohkzKJ68sv7eN8RKm4936jB7B3oH4MwkpehVqvn1yxHQh_OX6sMt0iN23mzacEOvy54XhFvK2jsRen2YPu-Z1Vk7EjetNVBUSLZ8NOmDwbXdTSyrA/s320/ny+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The Old Year’s gone away to nothingness and night:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">We cannot find him all the day nor hear him in the night:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">He left no footstep, mark or place in either shade or sun:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The last year he’d a neighbour’s face, in this he’s known by none.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">All nothing everywhere: mists we on mornings see</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Have more of substance when they’re here</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">And more of form than he.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">He was a friend by every fire, in every cot and hall-</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">A guest to every heart’s desire, and now he’s nought at all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Old papers thrown away, old garments cast aside,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The talk of yesterday, are things identified;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">But time once torn away no voices can recall</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The eve of New Year’s Day left the Old Year lost to all.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">~John Clare</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-4828159632315433552015-11-26T13:12:00.003-05:002015-11-26T13:12:28.262-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-90371722321834035462015-11-11T22:32:00.002-05:002015-11-11T23:08:45.462-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBkk_y0yggCgpPNofLzpxjroB1xJRdOszVk3xoeX7_NsyffhI6chiDtY5Gk11Xu9N-jvfa2gU-K4f4zJlPHThup-MskOX27wkvYdjfbT5haotpRgqVQQxN6r8W19xMdvzShgCkFTPv4Y/s1600/thanksgiving+14.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBkk_y0yggCgpPNofLzpxjroB1xJRdOszVk3xoeX7_NsyffhI6chiDtY5Gk11Xu9N-jvfa2gU-K4f4zJlPHThup-MskOX27wkvYdjfbT5haotpRgqVQQxN6r8W19xMdvzShgCkFTPv4Y/s320/thanksgiving+14.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanksgiving blessings to all</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBbbznytRgxAkFoFsAlXNVOaVnIeWe4PcOluOvU2kUn5v1l1FNMnsVa_PF5XHsiMo9qoOx8W-s_4hwuVFH4JYmR5jnYLGLhAIeqccg5uA9JnZWWSqyBtOaOI5exMc5H6wYcbmQb4LdD0/s1600/thanksgiving+1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBbbznytRgxAkFoFsAlXNVOaVnIeWe4PcOluOvU2kUn5v1l1FNMnsVa_PF5XHsiMo9qoOx8W-s_4hwuVFH4JYmR5jnYLGLhAIeqccg5uA9JnZWWSqyBtOaOI5exMc5H6wYcbmQb4LdD0/s320/thanksgiving+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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The year has turned its circle,</div>
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the seasons come and go.</div>
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The harvest all is gathered in</div>
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and chilly north winds blow.</div>
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Orchards have shared their treasures,</div>
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the fields their yellow grain,</div>
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so open wide the doorway...</div>
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Thanksgiving comes again!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGSxWcws2_pHadMrwRknP6octw08VnnMGEtm6I4StEMYtS7LHDWK4o1aIug5j54BCN7ldlBUBdS6j-uD76f3-2Ixw0gkHBFdoBEKzuo2t5uWeFYkxs5LR7dm68FgmX_6iEsEewdDSGnQ/s1600/thanksgiving+2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGSxWcws2_pHadMrwRknP6octw08VnnMGEtm6I4StEMYtS7LHDWK4o1aIug5j54BCN7ldlBUBdS6j-uD76f3-2Ixw0gkHBFdoBEKzuo2t5uWeFYkxs5LR7dm68FgmX_6iEsEewdDSGnQ/s320/thanksgiving+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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The wider the central brown band on a woolly bear </div>
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caterpillar is, the milder the winter shall be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOwWz910eaAp0216rj81-XG_4ZfQaIBN8WEwUBOTgELNoBy0PoEIbbqX6B_qZpC2vDUFC-sAH6ZLKO1cMJ18fgphGKSHkTZDS7jeCPVOYdu-LcvQTxLD3OZSfysI6kFy6eo5cYZhHMik/s1600/thanksgiving+10.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOwWz910eaAp0216rj81-XG_4ZfQaIBN8WEwUBOTgELNoBy0PoEIbbqX6B_qZpC2vDUFC-sAH6ZLKO1cMJ18fgphGKSHkTZDS7jeCPVOYdu-LcvQTxLD3OZSfysI6kFy6eo5cYZhHMik/s320/thanksgiving+10.jpg" /></a></div>
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When the trees their summer splendor</div>
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Change to raiment red and gold,</div>
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When the summer moon turns mellow,</div>
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And the nights are getting cold; </div>
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When the squirrels hide their acorns, </div>
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And the woodchucks disappear; </div>
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Then we know that it is autumn, </div>
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Loveliest season of the year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carol L. Riser </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNune5_fY3T9rwWzF2fXq-U7pxZEKeA568HR-6FM8wENtNbldm8-fqE9gPVThl-GpDKbUsDNzqF9J7bTXmwhn4faQeVIUBOLTLPEnph2FJAbTWfaizVu9N_Qmh7_jb8ZHY3TasVI0zGNo/s1600/thanksgiving+3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNune5_fY3T9rwWzF2fXq-U7pxZEKeA568HR-6FM8wENtNbldm8-fqE9gPVThl-GpDKbUsDNzqF9J7bTXmwhn4faQeVIUBOLTLPEnph2FJAbTWfaizVu9N_Qmh7_jb8ZHY3TasVI0zGNo/s320/thanksgiving+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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the winter will be mild if the first</div>
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snow falls on unfrozen ground</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHLpIBANT7EP5Mvdcug93pO0THUi5hyphenhyphenTh8JxhL1puiouHZ_Wio9x0qv1Ux6ZWvaBm-RWqJ1akLN6Oh2wkBHVY-3JdESht4wWUpcj942zilDM5GujB2m6qqvAi962YPAeDaxfLeXwyGto/s1600/thanksgiving+8.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHLpIBANT7EP5Mvdcug93pO0THUi5hyphenhyphenTh8JxhL1puiouHZ_Wio9x0qv1Ux6ZWvaBm-RWqJ1akLN6Oh2wkBHVY-3JdESht4wWUpcj942zilDM5GujB2m6qqvAi962YPAeDaxfLeXwyGto/s320/thanksgiving+8.jpg" /></a></div>
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My Sorrow, when she's here with me,</div>
<div>
thinks these dark days of autumn rain</div>
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are beautiful as days can be;</div>
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She loves the bare, the withered tree.</div>
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She walks the sodden pasture lane.</div>
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Her pleasure will not let me stay. </div>
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The beauties she so wryly sees,</div>
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she thinks I have no eye for these</div>
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the love of bare November days</div>
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but it were vain to tell her so,</div>
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before the coming of the snow,</div>
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and they are better for her praise.</div>
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She talks and I am fain to list.</div>
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She's glad the birds are gone away,</div>
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she's glad her simple worsted grady</div>
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is silver now with clinging mist.</div>
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The desolate, deserted trees,</div>
<div>
the faded earth, the heavy sky,</div>
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the beauties she so wryly sees,</div>
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she thinks I have no eye for these</div>
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and vexes me for reason why.</div>
<div>
Robert Frost</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRFhZni4E-MGMFzjVNs8oXHtbM5pSaMTFpyfckP1dGV4KWSTtYK_k6ZY8HvdFjYopBpYgEjJOs5k7loNb8rNLv0urX8QOqSvfDDy8Zgt8vUpdLNuphdw1pUOMcMZJ-zTklU6gnrLaQ3U/s1600/thanksgiving+4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRFhZni4E-MGMFzjVNs8oXHtbM5pSaMTFpyfckP1dGV4KWSTtYK_k6ZY8HvdFjYopBpYgEjJOs5k7loNb8rNLv0urX8QOqSvfDDy8Zgt8vUpdLNuphdw1pUOMcMZJ-zTklU6gnrLaQ3U/s320/thanksgiving+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Expect a harsh winter if: </div>
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onion and apple skins and cornhusks are thick and tough</div>
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wasp nests are high up in trees </div>
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squirrel nests are big </div>
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rabbits are fat in October and November </div>
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geese migrate earlier </div>
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squirrel tails are very bushy </div>
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nuts and berries are plentiful</div>
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pigs gather lots of leaves and straw</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZqA38hfHve8q4rbMetjMTkoU6tK_nCZzzhdoJMxSEGpRf4QloOEHP5reXEn-4k66RnPaHK6OJHehl61ImqlHBoASjV3vS9DzAuxSEBd63qb1KgRx65_PR1YD44Vgel0dY-eLktR7RN0/s1600/thanksgiving+9.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZqA38hfHve8q4rbMetjMTkoU6tK_nCZzzhdoJMxSEGpRf4QloOEHP5reXEn-4k66RnPaHK6OJHehl61ImqlHBoASjV3vS9DzAuxSEBd63qb1KgRx65_PR1YD44Vgel0dY-eLktR7RN0/s320/thanksgiving+9.jpg" /></a> </div>
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How well I know what I mean to do</div>
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When the long dark autumn-evenings come:</div>
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And where, my soul, is thy pleasant hue?</div>
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With the music of all thy voices, dumb In life's November too!</div>
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I shall be found by the fire, suppose,</div>
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O'er a great wise book as beseemeth age,</div>
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While the shutters flap as the cross-wind blows</div>
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And I turn the page, and I turn the page,</div>
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Not verse now, only prose!</div>
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Robert Browning</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9ND_8kn51dkhxTCiKcxSap8OMEomUR8tm_Xu_odIDF8vCbh-K2lZRQcFsLiDeT9Mk2-JBVfOO3Hvr2q_wpfdBJDSV-eKsMBFUWpjnJ-6r7QCnrssFSJaVRbqCd6LT8H2pCh6U-STcj8/s1600/thanksgiving+5.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9ND_8kn51dkhxTCiKcxSap8OMEomUR8tm_Xu_odIDF8vCbh-K2lZRQcFsLiDeT9Mk2-JBVfOO3Hvr2q_wpfdBJDSV-eKsMBFUWpjnJ-6r7QCnrssFSJaVRbqCd6LT8H2pCh6U-STcj8/s320/thanksgiving+5.jpg" /></a> </div>
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Give me the end of the year an' its fun </div>
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when most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done,</div>
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bring all the wanderers home to the nest,</div>
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let me sit down with the ones I love best.</div>
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Hear the old voices still ringin' with song,</div>
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see the old faces unblemished by wrong,</div>
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see the old table with all of its chairs</div>
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an' I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers.</div>
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Edgar Guest</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgYNXcxoGjZ3oEAr3lGYDnDi4SvILAHYrzZTLXEiJY_bPafJ10wAQOt73aem14JXi1bTw3XDaoFKOjXPJ1-m1GRljyHEXxONIgO9EoD5AYMUAZPOMb-cW-J2oiglXxb2oVIJg5x4PXIw/s1600/thanksgiving+6.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgYNXcxoGjZ3oEAr3lGYDnDi4SvILAHYrzZTLXEiJY_bPafJ10wAQOt73aem14JXi1bTw3XDaoFKOjXPJ1-m1GRljyHEXxONIgO9EoD5AYMUAZPOMb-cW-J2oiglXxb2oVIJg5x4PXIw/s320/thanksgiving+6.jpg" /></a> </div>
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A tingling, misty marvel blew hither in the night, </div>
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and now the little peach-trees are clasped in frozen light. </div>
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Upon the apple-branches an icy film is caught, </div>
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with trailing threads of gossamer in pearly patterns wrought. </div>
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The autumn sun, in wonder, is gayly peering through </div>
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this silver-tissued network across the frosty blue. </div>
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The weather-vane is fire-tipped, the honeysuckle shows </div>
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a dazzling icy splendor, and crystal is the rose. </div>
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Evaleen Stein </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sMqSc6D0_zpxN_ZuMoLKgbr9mznRpgday-E4iJQ7viCgFDSiIrdpy0eB_GntVUgDLvlxS9Vhmys5QQEVx1aHJWH15eYI2IzbALekZrNCYGptdDLgumNZzDi5nns6Z31i0UM6vRU8JnA/s1600/thanksgiving+7.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sMqSc6D0_zpxN_ZuMoLKgbr9mznRpgday-E4iJQ7viCgFDSiIrdpy0eB_GntVUgDLvlxS9Vhmys5QQEVx1aHJWH15eYI2IzbALekZrNCYGptdDLgumNZzDi5nns6Z31i0UM6vRU8JnA/s320/thanksgiving+7.jpg" /></a> </div>
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Come, my boys, come</div>
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Your hay it is mow'd, and your corn is reap'd, </div>
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Your barns will be full, and your hovels heap'd. </div>
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Come, my boys, come </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John Dryden </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfcaHVrDF1wV4IOkUcIjKoskM3jDX2-QSyqXPw0ca7UWYXzBf5jbnmBPk_G7_BLcEOOgraxnsau8g-2l6OG9PNq5lNbkVompJdM4LXt3K_C1XX-JDCNoepJo6lXoKyJ1Lwda9XMDQ8GY/s1600/thanksgiving+12.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfcaHVrDF1wV4IOkUcIjKoskM3jDX2-QSyqXPw0ca7UWYXzBf5jbnmBPk_G7_BLcEOOgraxnsau8g-2l6OG9PNq5lNbkVompJdM4LXt3K_C1XX-JDCNoepJo6lXoKyJ1Lwda9XMDQ8GY/s320/thanksgiving+12.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A feel of warmth in this place. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In winter air, a scent of harvest. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No form of prayer is needed, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When by sudden grace attended. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Naturally, we fall from grace. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mere humans, we forget what light </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Led us, lonely, to this place. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
John Montague </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINjJS4trP-zkaqMRnxr6Rh7tHdACWc-1lyegbuG86AZHW86regwr8RA8jIhF-FTGgu5PYvQnk6jh8qkLBufejRTxudyUk2iXNqGhgkZORsHZ1vj7CeWmVedO1Bm0yBrcp2StUethSznU/s1600/thanksgiving+11.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINjJS4trP-zkaqMRnxr6Rh7tHdACWc-1lyegbuG86AZHW86regwr8RA8jIhF-FTGgu5PYvQnk6jh8qkLBufejRTxudyUk2iXNqGhgkZORsHZ1vj7CeWmVedO1Bm0yBrcp2StUethSznU/s320/thanksgiving+11.jpg" /></a> </div>
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Over the river, and through the wood Oh, how the wind doth blow!</div>
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It stings the toes and bites the nose as over the ground we go</div>
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.Lydia Maria Child </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD3MEikQRCbESF1cYZcNfcFG9owrtuikX0vwlnnQEYa49m58OWYC51euZlgYHXRtvDc81uT-YAWnSkBld7LBoUc1gr_3AejQMjh8nLMg9mMJkbh3fVaU9yvUpGxo7WiMyYPBLuK-VHxU/s1600/thanksgiving+17.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD3MEikQRCbESF1cYZcNfcFG9owrtuikX0vwlnnQEYa49m58OWYC51euZlgYHXRtvDc81uT-YAWnSkBld7LBoUc1gr_3AejQMjh8nLMg9mMJkbh3fVaU9yvUpGxo7WiMyYPBLuK-VHxU/s320/thanksgiving+17.jpg" /></a> </div>
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-81487351349895573922015-11-07T18:31:00.001-05:002015-11-07T18:41:11.704-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000;">(My middle son bravely scaled the windmill with camera in hand to take these photographs while I kept my feet firmly attached to the ground)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWPXZ1SiG_e5GysxQ3QiarpuOrfcr7ATZN1XeIaQgUMk2v2aeAhbOiTeIq_YVcj5jDPxVQwPBpPSRE7DRU_EyzYbcx7CyUwnsYTeJKJjPg38NcodfrejFcHt_rRxX4oun5DGbauhi7-c/s1600/atop+the+windmill+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWPXZ1SiG_e5GysxQ3QiarpuOrfcr7ATZN1XeIaQgUMk2v2aeAhbOiTeIq_YVcj5jDPxVQwPBpPSRE7DRU_EyzYbcx7CyUwnsYTeJKJjPg38NcodfrejFcHt_rRxX4oun5DGbauhi7-c/s320/atop+the+windmill+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; text-align: center;">The mountains of Vermont, far off in the distance. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Y5VdN6JsHVaMccXomUrCS_tNW8798ABF47vNHFVlUh1oRwKuG9MrQGI2C1aaCPYqPIq5XNYGh85gDoFWFtmeSo1ca9LYAcv_dJc-yMn9RTEMpTJ8pwoIoYaypScDftfpIscFpRJpBO8/s1600/atop+the+windmill+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Y5VdN6JsHVaMccXomUrCS_tNW8798ABF47vNHFVlUh1oRwKuG9MrQGI2C1aaCPYqPIq5XNYGh85gDoFWFtmeSo1ca9LYAcv_dJc-yMn9RTEMpTJ8pwoIoYaypScDftfpIscFpRJpBO8/s320/atop+the+windmill+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"> A bird's-eye view of the garden. I am so very grateful to my mom for all the help she's given me with weeding, mulching and composting over the past few weeks. It is a huge relief to head into winter knowing that the garden has been put to bed before the snow falls. (We are still working on mulching all the fallen leaves, but hope to be done this week)</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-48016157583957368722015-11-01T12:05:00.002-05:002015-11-01T12:22:49.791-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;"> November arrives, along with some rain. Though at first glance it appears damp and dreary out my window, the vibrant red and yellow leaves of oak and beech catch the eyes, and from there, they focus on the bleached amber of the new mown field. Brilliant color still remains along the woodline, appearing brighter on account of the dark black and umber skeletons of wet trees.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;"> Most of the gardens have been cut back and weeded, seeds have been saved for spring planting, the harvest has been stored. Seed and trees have been ordered for spring planting. Firewood and kindling are in and under cover. Extra bedding awaits to bank up the barn critters against the inevitable below-freezing temperatures that lurk just around the corner. I've stocked up on suet, birdseed, peanuts and grain. Yet there is still much to be done before the finality of snowfall </span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;">puts to rest this season's work.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> There is still cutting back to do, and mulching, and leaves need composting and spreading on the gardens. There are still apples needing to be picked, and cider to be made. I noticed the other morning that the chickens have scratched up two grapevines I had put in a month or so ago, so that needs tending to. I still need to make about a dozen-and-a -half wire cages to wrap around the trunks of some young apple trees. (Last winter, the mice and rabbits wreaked havoc on a half-dozen fruit trees and several lilac bushes) The garden paths need to be mulched, as well.</span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;"> .</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fffbf0;"> The call of migrating geese, the scolding chatter of squirrels, crows and bluejays venturing closer to the house (and the birdfeeders), the deer and wild turkeys lingering longer in the fields, the lacy frost on the lawn and rooftops, all are signs of the slowing -down of things, a signal of drawing homeward, for coming back inside after months of being out about the gardens. The shortning of daylight hours will see to that! For me, it is a bittersweet time, yet I anticipate the lull of winter and the beauty of impending snowfall. There are piles of books waiting to be read, and projects I've neglected indoors now needing my attention. I have a bunch of furniture refinishing I am longing to start, and my pine floors need </span></span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">re-oiling too. And I can finally make that raspberry jalapeno jam I've been meaning to get to. (it is far too hot and humid to make jam when the raspberries are ripening; I've learned to pick and immediately freeze them, and wait for a cold winter day to can)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> And so, we are reminded yet again of nature's way and time with the march of seasons moving ever forward. May this season bring you blessings, and may you find time to accomplish what you can, yet be able to savor and appreciate what is at hand as well~</span></div>
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<i style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; text-align: -webkit-left;">If it is true that one of the greatest pleasures of gardening lies in looking forward, then the planning of next year's beds and borders must be one of the most agreeable occupations in the gardener's calendar. This should make October and November particularly pleasant months, for then we may begin to clear our borders, to cut down those sodden and untidy stalks, to dig up and increase our plants, and to move them to other positions where they will show up to greater effect. People who are not gardeners always say that the bare beds of winter are uninteresting; gardeners know better, and take even a certain pleasure in the neatness of the newly dug, bare, brown earth.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; text-align: -webkit-left;">Vita Sackville-West </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: Verdana; text-align: -webkit-left;">A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: Verdana; text-align: -webkit-left;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: Verdana; text-align: -webkit-left;">Eric Sloane</span></i></span></div>
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-8827482742140435032015-04-01T11:05:00.004-04:002015-04-01T11:05:57.442-04:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDTo4Xvbn5CiWmxaNFhyjAOGzVrZmUOL2dt3Klq9fLYDGiL7LWGouMkJCsfckqN9bxaIHDweE6JmdZq45NX-_RXxIxrROeo1ECz-U2kSuPb7NxAuEoTaMduIhHCnYaVyWWqw1CbGg_04/s1600/April.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDTo4Xvbn5CiWmxaNFhyjAOGzVrZmUOL2dt3Klq9fLYDGiL7LWGouMkJCsfckqN9bxaIHDweE6JmdZq45NX-_RXxIxrROeo1ECz-U2kSuPb7NxAuEoTaMduIhHCnYaVyWWqw1CbGg_04/s1600/April.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />April blessings to all! Yesterday, I spent most of the day outside working around the mud and remaining snow in the yard. It was a fairly warm day, about 42 degrees (that dang ol' wind persisted still!) and the afternoon was sunny. As I went about my chores, I heard that beautiful, old familiar cry and looked up to try and find the flocks of geese as they passed overhead. One cluster contained well over 300! As I mentally kept track of them throughout the day, there were over 1500 geese that flew over on their homeward migration. I never tire of seeing them...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHMGB3iL1kzYzau-q0emzIWSTDAeFgFMBa1-y1EQMMV_mVpn8u2KJg5e3vm1R8KeLprr9odVbcTrCj6Zt72MxkTLAwvEzq76w19UZbOpxehjP14opTkh8FdgsKJMLN48XLeojnnGX5IE/s1600/April+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHMGB3iL1kzYzau-q0emzIWSTDAeFgFMBa1-y1EQMMV_mVpn8u2KJg5e3vm1R8KeLprr9odVbcTrCj6Zt72MxkTLAwvEzq76w19UZbOpxehjP14opTkh8FdgsKJMLN48XLeojnnGX5IE/s1600/April+4.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Quite a bit of snow remains around the fields, and it is mostly corn snow in the woods. The deer, fox and coyote are moving about more, and there are red-winged blackbirds joining the usual crowds at the feeders. The number of finches on the lawn under the feeders has grown to over 300 most days... I appreciate that they are cleaning up the leftover bits of seed the others have dropped.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am still waiting for the first song of the peepers, and to catch a glimpse of the first snowdrop...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The sap is running quickly still; over the past two days alone I've collected enough to make a gallon of sap, and I expect to do the same today.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEPn1G4HSELNP5v5NdwKNZ3ljCoDd9hMX9VUzq6oFn5zohgkKgCDMXRQu5a8YVjnwpcjUKhzkYvfc6P_G8PU2TcV1dgbYrwr0MI1KvHrbsmRGbLla4CNp_i5Xj93l23jmPhxLJCzYWAc/s1600/April+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEPn1G4HSELNP5v5NdwKNZ3ljCoDd9hMX9VUzq6oFn5zohgkKgCDMXRQu5a8YVjnwpcjUKhzkYvfc6P_G8PU2TcV1dgbYrwr0MI1KvHrbsmRGbLla4CNp_i5Xj93l23jmPhxLJCzYWAc/s1600/April+3.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now I must head outside and take advantage of the sun! May you enjoy your day!</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-86530274729376722602015-03-26T16:50:00.000-04:002015-03-26T16:50:16.637-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrmfesEPjLYLkXRYyB6zUtOgwXzuu93M4Y5FL0R5OGee47YnrGeFyXYVUImVkrZPKDuDEMnXUfkr7Yrd_W6fL4ygc5-z9zEyf6LtvuN-vVtp-XcGW79beK3o5M2uXpil0yyv96QMUpWU/s1600/maple+2+feb+28+2013+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrmfesEPjLYLkXRYyB6zUtOgwXzuu93M4Y5FL0R5OGee47YnrGeFyXYVUImVkrZPKDuDEMnXUfkr7Yrd_W6fL4ygc5-z9zEyf6LtvuN-vVtp-XcGW79beK3o5M2uXpil0yyv96QMUpWU/s1600/maple+2+feb+28+2013+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Well, I'm still at it! This typical (atypical?) March weather has certainly slowed things down, but this morning, I collected another 20 gallons of sap. I will head back out in about an hour and a half to collect what's t</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">here. It has been POURING out all day, but at least the fog has gone away. I had every intention of g</span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">athering sap last</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> night, but by the time I had gotten some chores out of the way, the sunny, 48 degree weather had suddenly snapped itself into a snow squall!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The 57 gallons of sap collected last week was boiled down into a gallon and a half of syrup. Let's see what this weekend will bring~</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-85317499968077285722015-03-20T03:23:00.001-04:002015-03-20T04:40:49.553-04:00Spring<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Tis true... Spring has officially arrived. Here in these parts, there are still patchings of snow and ice upon the ground, the buds on the trees remain unswollen, the wind is still sharp and icy... but the sun is warm upon the back. Robins and bluebirds are returning to the fields, the maple trees are freely giving their lifeblood sap, the chickadee's wintersong is changing to the shorter and sweeter "dee deee". Owls are hooting close in the evenings, coyotes answer in similar refrain. Mud is taking the place of the snow as the frost oozes out of the ground. The chickens are laying, the roosters, ducks and geese are testier. Soon, the pussywillows will give birth to their fuzzy new catkins, the spring peepers will chirp out from their damp quarters, the geese will cry out daily in their joy on returning home to their northern places. We will look for signs of the first snowdrops and wait for the blossoms to burst out from the forsythia and quince. Yes indeed, spring has sprung!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
Daffodils</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
I wandered lonely as a cloud</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">that floats on high o'er vales and hills,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">when all at once I saw a crowd,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">a host of golden daffodils,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">beside the lake, beneath the trees,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">fluttering and dancing in the breeze.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">~William Wordsworth</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
When Spring Goes By</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
The winds that on the uplands softly lie,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">grow keener where the ice is lingering still</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">where the first robin on the sheltered hill</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">pipes blithely to the tune "When Spring goes by".</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Here him again, "Spring! Spring!" he seems to cry,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">haunting the fall of the flute-throated rill</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">that keeps a gentle, constant, silver thrill,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">while he is restless in his ecstacy.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
Ah! The soft budding of the virginal woods,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">of the frail fruit trees by the vanishing lakes.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">There's the new moon where the clear sunset floods,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">a trace of dew upon the rose-leaf sky.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">And hark! What rapture the glad robin wakes...</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">"When Spring goes by... Spring! Spring!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">When Spring goes by!"</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">~Duncan Campbell Scott</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">March winds and April showers bring forth April flowers</i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Spring</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
Now that the winter's gone, the earth hath lost</i></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">her snow-white robes, and now no more the frost</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">candies the grass, or casts an icy cream</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">upon the silver lake or crystal stream.</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">But the warm sun thaws the benumbed earth</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">and makes it tender... gives a sacred birth</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">to the dead swallow; wakes in the hollow tree</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">the drowsy cuckoo and the humble-bee.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Now do a choir of chirping minstrels bring</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">in triumph to the world the youthful Spring.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The valleys, hills and woods in rich array</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">welcome the coming of the long'd- for May.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Now all things smile, only my love doth lour;</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">nor hath the scalding noonday sun the power</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">to melt the marble ice, which still doth hold</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">her heart congealed, and makes her pity cold.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The ox, which lately did for shelter fly</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">into the stall; doth now securely lie</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">in open fields; and love no more is made</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">by the fireside, but in the cooler shade</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Amyntas now doth with his Chloris sleep</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">under a sycamore, and all things keep</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">time with the season; only she doth carry</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">June in her eyes; in her heart January</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">~Thomas Carew</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
Spring</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br />
The air is like a butterfly with frail blue wings</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The happy earth looks at the sky and sings.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">~Joyce Kilmer</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;">It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold... when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">~Charles Dickens</i></span></span><br />
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Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-63651941727680632172015-03-18T10:30:00.001-04:002015-03-18T10:30:20.184-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have a bit of spare time while waiting for the sap to boil, so I've been playing digitally with photographs and such.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I love these words from Ram Dass, stated simply yet the meaning is so profound. My daughter-in-law took this photo of my oldest son walking in the back field with my grandson, and it seemed the perfect fit for this message.</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-86180149620057859902015-03-15T21:36:00.001-04:002015-03-15T21:42:04.602-04:00March 15th, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdzgacr0lOmYiU1kt8MoRuGeGCA1OdBVNq5Ut-aDmyZSNJqgy7kXlzw5iep3z-5NTHGzkBxQaW036UubsGUjq2IeiPz6DA4sJgg3UK34dQeLKSmBl6U98tfP4AeFR4hfDuPaVE6o7jnk/s1600/maple+sap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdzgacr0lOmYiU1kt8MoRuGeGCA1OdBVNq5Ut-aDmyZSNJqgy7kXlzw5iep3z-5NTHGzkBxQaW036UubsGUjq2IeiPz6DA4sJgg3UK34dQeLKSmBl6U98tfP4AeFR4hfDuPaVE6o7jnk/s1600/maple+sap.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">historic photo</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Collected another 20 gallons of sap tonight, even though it had snowed on and off all day here, and the temperature hovered around freezing. I started boiling down sap tonight, as well. Hopefully will end up with close to a gallon of light amber syrup tomorrow. My favorite is this first batch, which resembles honey more than syrup.</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320924155018259840.post-82056157489518309902015-03-11T20:18:00.002-04:002015-03-11T20:18:30.324-04:00Sap has begun to flow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOQ4pg0vsDemYSG6uW1K9s0PbJkBftsOmMis1xyX68lTlDF9nN-_82d6bGdWObjpLNLTSWOgTj9saviLznMIhQgbbH1_oCAQqluxJuvh4QI9oKXxGw9P1hfRVMajPTMVwSW2W3PfpTac/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOQ4pg0vsDemYSG6uW1K9s0PbJkBftsOmMis1xyX68lTlDF9nN-_82d6bGdWObjpLNLTSWOgTj9saviLznMIhQgbbH1_oCAQqluxJuvh4QI9oKXxGw9P1hfRVMajPTMVwSW2W3PfpTac/s1600/a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just a brief note (to myself mostly!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">sap started flowing a tiny bit yesterday, and then enough throughout today so that I collected approximately 12 gallons of it tonight.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Today, I began pruning the fruit trees, and heard a small flock of Canadian geese heading homeward.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As I was smashing down a trail with my snowshoes to check the maple trees farthest out in the field, I noticed the ground was COVERED with snow fleas. And, I found a moth inside one of the sap buckets.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mom and I went to Vermont last week and saw about 40 robins along the roadside near Orwell.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I do believe spring is tiptoeing in...</span></div>
Laura ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00241842755792415489noreply@blogger.com2