It's all about the berries

One of our local farms, Brookford, is making a real effort to educate and supply the locals with products that your grandmother had on hand. I'm trying very hard to maintain a local circle that will keep my needs available within a 100 mile radius. I often make buttermilk biscuits and Mary at the farm informed me that kefir was an acceptable replacement for the buttermilk.

Although I had no doubt she knew what she was talking about it took me several weeks to let go of the notion that buttermilk biscuits absolutely had to have buttermilk in them. I'm stubborn that way.

But, it's strawberry season and of course I needed biscuits so I broke down and tried the kefir

I wasn't disappointed.........look at these babies. Aren't they just adorable? Of course we tried them with the berries and french vanilla ice cream,but, I forgot to take a picture........take my word for it so...................good. I really want to try Martha's STRAWBERRY BREAD I had it on the list for last year and got so busy with jams that I totally forgot. Then came blueberry season and raspberry then cherry and peach. I guess the bread took a back seat. This year it's at the top of the list. What are you doing with berries? How about kefir? Have you got a new way for me to make use of my local product?......................said the hobbit

Tuesday night S&B

The girls are having a little fun this week! Check out the photo on the left. Some little toddler somewhere is sporting this monster bottom. Cindi S. found it so amusing that she decided to make a mini version to put on a friends bulletin board. So. she took out her graft paper and made a pattern from the picture.

Michelle my belle was busy knitting up a new square for the QUILT It's getting very close to having enough squares.

I'll be showing you the pattern of color pretty soon.

By the time our get-together was done, Cindi had completed her little project and even put a pull tie on the waist band. Have you done anything just for the fun of it?......................said the hobbit

It's a Bittyful Friday

I'm sure there's something in here for me............I just need to tip it over and get a better look.

Tea Wisdom

TOP SECRET...................................A TOUPEE........silly

POPCORN....How do you eat it?

Popcorn is pretty much a staple in our household. Whether we are watching a movie or cheering on our favorite team, a bowl of popcorn is always a welcomed treat. We always have your basic melted butter and salt version,and, I always think "next time I want to try something different". Of course, I don't. I melt the butter and start the popcorn and think........... maybe next time.

So I checked out MARTHA STEWART "she who knows all" and found a recipe for caramel almond popcorn click here You see when I was little my father and mother would make these amazing popcorn balls. I would watch them squeeze and form these perfect round popcorn delights and so I longed to make an equally tasty treat.

So I brought all the ingredients to the said proper temperature.

Poured this over my mix of popcorn and slivered almonds and got ready to mix and form. It didn't take more than 1/2 a second to realize this could be a very dangerous thing to attempt.

You guessed it. I got a nasty blister from the sugar mix.....................dah!!!! What was I thinking? The popcorn was great but, this particular recipe was just too thick for what I had in mind. My quest will continue. What do you do with popcorn?...............said the hobbit

It's a Bittyful Friday

LOOK INTO MY EYES..............AND GIVE ME THAT WATER,NOW!.......................please

Tea Wisdom

A ood reason to use cash.

NO MAN'S CREDIT IS AS GOOD AS HIS MONEY

Look what the girls are doing

How adorable is this? Not everyone in our group is addicted to knitting socks.


These cute boxes were made by Sue T. for Easter treats. She YaYa are really into this kind of needlework.

and I was the lucky recipient of these all occasion cards made just for me by YaYa. It's always nice to be remembered even when I insist that I don't want any one to make a fuss. I guess that's what friends are for.

This little piece of artwork was done by Aaron. He even made the buttons!!! It's a scarf that appears to have a pocket for storage,and........................

when you want to put it away for the winter it stores into the pocket. Such a creative guy! I guess we'll be keeping him around a little longer to see what he can come up with.

Now I have to tell you about Cynthia. She has created a new felting tool that you can see here.Wanting to have something that her customers could felt on and get the feel of the tool, she made this adorable little scene with sheep and gnome. Not bad for her first felting attempt. However she didn't leave much room for practice felting by others. We'll have to find her another piece of wool so everyone can play.......................said the hobbit

What are we eating now?

SALADS..........that's the star of the table right now. As some of you may know I cook for a few people in my spare time. Of course it seems silly to not make a little extra so that my family gets to share in this yummy goodness. In the winter months I usual make 3 soups and the people on my list will order a quart if they want. The month of May is when this comes to an end ,however, this year I was asked if I could continue and maybe even offer a few salads. This week was the first for pasta salad and I chose to make PEANUTTY PASTA.

I'm sure a lot of you have made this out there. If not, this is a great way to use small amounts of veggies that shouldn't be allowed to go to waste. I cooked up my pasta, rinsed and let it cool. In a large skillet I sauteed in 2 tablespoons ofevoo, 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, just till I could smell their aroma. Stop here and breathe in. To the pan add 1 cup broth veggie or chicken,1/2cup good peanut butter 1/4 cup soy sauce and 1/4 cup white wine. Allow to simmer 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool. In the same pan with a little extra oil I sauteed slivered sweet red pepper, mushrooms,and last pea pods.I grated a few carrots and cut a 3 scallions. These were not cooked. Mix the veggies with the pasta then pour as much of the sauce as you wish. This is fine served hot but, we love it cold.

Whatever you have for veggies is fine. Broccoli,sprouts,corn.it's all good. Put this in your fridge,for a quick snack,but, be ready to find an empty bowl.......................said the hobbit

It's a Bittyful Friday

SUMMER IS HERE!!!!!! This is my tent..........I know it needs a little work.

Tea Wisdom

Fact you may not have known...........HUMBUG.........a singing insect

So much information for a tea bag............................said the hobbit

Tuesday night S&B

We are still going strong with our knitting group. Lot's of laughs and lots of knitting.

Occasionally we are joined by Aaron. We met him when he worked the fields at the Barn He always makes sure to keep in touch and shows up with a new creation and story to keep us up to date with what's happening in his world. Here he is hamming it up with his sweatband decorated with knitting needles. Or was he deciding which

of the many socks the girls have made lately. The" sock queen" has been on the road lately caring for aging family members and whipped up enough socks to keep her whole families feet toasty warm. No she wasn't driving and knitting. Hubby was behind the wheel and she used her time to knit.

Cindy S. made this hat by knitting a plain cap and joining a decorative band. She makes it look sooo easy.

Cindy H. finished her first pair of socks. Original pattern was for a plain leg but her creative side got the best of her and she did the math to add cables. These were to be a gift but, she is rethinking that. I vote for her to keep them, after all, It's her first pair. She should be able to look at them with a great sense of accomplishment every time she puts them on. Don't you think? If you're looking for some new inspiration or want to visit new blogs go here Not only can you post your latest creation but, this girl can give you more crafty uses for items found in your local hardware store than days in a year. Every Sunday she has a craft party and you are welcome to join in. Not sure you know how? Don't worry she gives you step by step instructions that are no fail.

Here is our youngest member of the group. Isn't she just a little love bug? She and Mom Marie don't knit yet. She eats a mean cheese sandwich and mom is kept busy picking up the pieces. There is always something to smile about when they come.........said the hobbit

It's a Bittyful Friday

I'm ready for my close-up........should I put some lipstick on?

Tea Wisdom

Couldn't pass this up! Salada tea bags has a little wisdom on every tea bag. Who knew? Had to pass it on............................said the hobbit

"flying saucers are sometimes seen in the kitchen"