How are those New Years resolutions coming?

Did you make any plans for 2015? Every year on New Years Eve my husband and I muse over what we should tackle for the coming year. This is the second year that cleaning the cellar is on my list. 

But, I'm hearing the call of my seed and plant magazines luring me away from my chosen track.

Also on the list is to knit 3 pairs of socks in January.............

But, who can resist those adorable cardinals that have come to visit my yard. Mamma hides in the bushes

While Daddy gathers the fallen seeds from the bird feeder. Such a good Papa.

Ok, I'm a little distracted but, I still have my eye on the prize.

I did manage to finish 1 pair of socks now it's off to the cellar with me.

Did I mention that I have 4 levels in my house? 

 Well..........let's not get ahead of ourselves How about you? ..................said the Hobbit

TIME FOR ANOTHER CELEBRATION !

Someone had a birthday last weekend so, we bought her a boa..........Isn't that what you buy for the child who has everything?

Of course the theme was Frozen !! I have yet to see it,however, she can sing every song.

It was also my husbands birthday and she insisted on sharing her candles with him.

Here she is coaching him on how to blow out the candles.....................so funny, very serious business.

We arrived late,due to an ice storm.......but, we played hard and at the end of the day..............
                 everyone was ready for bed........said the hobbit.

Waste not Want not

Organization seems to be the thing on everyone's mind in the new year and I am no exception. Last year I decided to go through everything in my cellar and do a complete house cleaning.............NOT EVEN CLOSE !!!However I did get all my recipe and craft books organized and these are the ones that I have projects to do . BAHAHAHA 

So I'm sticking with an easy task. This was also done last January and, it prove to be a worthy of being repeated.Step one : find all cards that have a scene that is pleasing to the eye.

  Using a plastic template that I  made from the top of a clear plastic lid I scan  my Christmas cards looking for just the right scene. Circle the scene with a pencil then cut out. Such fun.........low stress, and, feeling good about giving the cards a second life.

Now when I share my canning creations I can also have a pretty little scene on the top

Always a good thing when a project has reached the finish line ....................said the hobbit.

Something new in the kitchen

Doesn't the new year just scream.......TRY SOMETHING NEW FOR A CHANGE!! Well , no problem here. Just ask my family and they will tell you, I am forever trying something new. At least in the kitchen and in my craft room .Everything always sounds so tasty .....so fresh, so OMG I have to try this.

So, while reading my Yankee Magazine,I was drawn to this recipe for Concord Brown-Bread Muffins. The memories of my memere's brown bread that accompanied our weekend serving of bean's came flooding back and I felt this might be a nice treat.Although meals on the farm were never boring,we had a certain amount of repetition that added comfort to our routine.Saturday 's bean supper was one of those things.Most shopping was done Saturday morning and when we got home a hot pot of beans was slowly coming to Canadian bliss in the oven.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Butter muffin tins.They claimed this would make 12 muffins and I did follow their directions BUT, with such dense flours being used I think dividing the batter into 6 tins will be my choice next time.First CHOP 1/3 CUP CANDIED GINGER AND SET ASIDE

  In a bowl combine: 2/3 CUP OF CORNMEAL
                                              1/2 CUP WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR
                                               1/2 CUP RYE FLOUR
                                                3/4 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
                                                1/2 TEASPOON BAKING SODA
                                                 1/2 TEASPOON TABLE SALT
                                 
In a smaller bowl whisk together:1CUP BUTTERMILK
                                                   1/4 CUP VEGETABLE OIL
                                                    1/3 CUP DARK MOLASSES
                                                     1 LARGE EGG
Add liquid to flour and mix till just blended.Didn't dirty my mixer for this one.A spatula was enough.Stir candied ginger into batter reserving a little for the tops. Divide batter into buttered muffin tins. No paper needed Bake 10 minutes NOW SPRINKLE REMAINING GINGER ON TOP OF BREAD/MUFFINS and continue to bake 10-12 minutes.

I'm eyeing my memere's bean pot. These might just be the thing to bring back an old tradition.
                                                              "said the hobbit."

HELLO 2015 ! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

As we get ready to start a new year, I feel the need to put my thoughts on paper, so to speak.

We celebrate new and old family and make plans to move forward in a positive way.

Some projects will be fun............others not so much but, for now I will be happy just to list them.

Jayne..........a he man of a dog, was new to our family this year, No he's not ours but, Sarah's baby.Somehow I don't think he's going to be any help but, you never know. He is your typical toddlers except for the fact that he is 130 lbs.  So for now, I am off to finish my list.keeping it small and working on January for now....We'll see. So Happy New Year to all and let's work at getting it done.