How do you start the day?

Finally February is over and out. This is the time of year that I get really motivated. The most dreary part is over,and my mind can start planning and dreaming of what comes next. Gardening, fun in the sun, discovering new local people and places, spring cleaning. Well, maybe not so much with the cleaning but, I do manage to tweek at least one area in my home that will help me improve my gardening skills and crafts.It's also when I seem to pay the closest attention to breakfast. With all these plans running around in my head I don't want to run out of gas.

So, this is what gives me the best start for my day. Today I started with several tablespoons of my Apple Spice Butter. I absolutely feel in love with fruit butters this year and since they contain very little sugar they must be healthy.....right. Then I top the butter with Greek Yogurt

Cover it all with a generous handful of my homemade granola.This batch used up the last of my dehydrated apples. Then, I drizzle it all with local honey. Definitely a great way to start the day. What gives you the best start to the day?.............said the hobbit

Not all crafts include yarn

So many things in my home need to be repaired or replaced..........So the plan is try to repair and if not possible ..........give it the old heave ho.These 2 chairs are on the list. The music chair was passed down to my husband from a great aunt. Someone had made a seat cover out of a beach towel (no cutting done) and needless to say it was bumpy at best. All the rungs needed to be re glued. This orange chair was once white.I had my grandson paint it thinking it would make a great front porch chair. That didn't work out. It looked hideous,but,it is such a sturdy chair I thought it deserved one more shot.

First was to get all the rungs back in place. I tied the legs and gave strict instructions that no one was to sit on it for at least 24 hours.

Next was a coat of hunter green paint...........it seems to be my fallback color. You know how some people. chose white or beige. I always have a can of colonial hunter green hanging around.

I thought the chair looked much better but, a little bland so............I borrowed a little gold paint from daughter Sarah. She had recently painted some pots to dress up her front porch.You can check out her project HERE It was just the right touch.

 Back to Hubby's chair...............The seat was so wonky that I assumed someone had just taken a piece of wood wrapped it with foam and stuck that god awful towel on it It had been secured with a single screw.Imagine my surprise when I discovered a gorgeous piece of beech wood with beveled edges!! I made a new padding to fit, got a fabric that would appeal to hubby and bought new screws to put it all together.

This fabric was not my first choice but, the chair belongs to my husband and if I had chosen something more in line with the back of the chair he would have thought it too girly.So here they are ........2 chairs that are now of use. The project cost about $10 and I have plenty of wood cement to work on a few more projects.At this rate my plan to get rid of things needs a little work ...............said the hobbit

KEEPING IT LOCAL

Do you try to shop local? I take so long to make a purchase that I usually talk myself out of making a purchase.Last winter I felt we really needed a new blanket for our bed and so the search began. I went to every bed and linen store in the area,only to find most of the blankets of poor quality or inferior fabric. As usual I was looking for something just as good as my mother would have purchased.

My search ended at the farmer's market..........That's right, while shopping for my potatoes, I came across Liz of RIVERSLEA FARMS and right there on the shelf was the perfect blanket just waiting for me. Not only was the quality exactly what I was looking for but, the wool comes from her sheep which is then woven in Prince Edward Island at the MAC AUSLAND'S Woollen Mills The blanket met all the qualifications I was looking for and then some.

Hubby was happy that I finally made a commitment to purchase, Lucky for us we had a mild winter last year. I finally bought my blanket at the end of February and it was a great buy. Liz told me it was machine washable and that I could lay it on the grass to dry. Don't know if the neighbors are quite ready for that.

Our knitter's are not slacking in the creativity area........check out this purse.It hangs around your neck so that your hands are free to shop, feel yarn, measure fabric. The sleeve goes up and down to reveal 2 pockets and a credit card sleeve.


If you think this might be just what you're looking for just contact my friend CYNTHIA and she'll let you know what she has available.














This last item was done by Cindi for her cruise trip.She wanted a lightweight bag just big enough to carry yarn and needles for sock making. Not wanting to carry scissors she found that little medallion that doubled as a thread cutter. It was perfect........light and compact. We all have craft bag that might make someone think we are bag ladies getting ready to leave home for a month or so. Both of my friends have reminded me to only carry what you need for your day. My back and shoulders really appreciate the lesson............said the hobbit

Now what are my people up to?

Several years ago I decided to step up my interest in being self sufficient. Having a farmers heritage frugality was well ingrained in me. The children were all grown and doing their own things and the thought of spending my time creating whatever I needed was very tempting. Of course I soon discovered that some of my wants were totally unnecessary and that was the first step in my journey. Then in an effort to learn some new skills I met some amazing people.One of these people is the very talented Carol Caldwell. After a divorce she was looking for a hobby that would tap her creative juices and free her mind to move forward.Well.......she sure picked the right art for her talents and patience. She has chosen a loom reminiscent of the "old way",just like grandma would have done.She works her patterns in miniature before settling on the final design.She is still learning and excited about every new project. Just ask Carol,"How does this work" and be prepared for a lesson in weaves and warps that will have your head spinning.

This finished product is a towel or wall hanging. I say that because there is nothing that she likes better than to see her weaving used in the way they were intended.They are done in the finest cotton available to her and if you ever had to dry anything with today's dishcloths you know what I'm talking about.I am most fortunate to have found her on my journey. Occasionally she is in a local craft fair but, that is the extent of her marketing.When she has  "free" time you most likely will find her taking courses at our local college to keep her grey matter going.All I can say is AMAZING.

And here is one of my latest creations. Not nearly as impressive but an attempt at expanding my knowledge none the less.Here is what's different about these socks. For the knitters out there who hate creating a flap and then picking up stitches on either side this is perfect.Working on 32 stitches or half  of all the stitches on your needle work in short rows as follows: knit to last stitch and bring yarn forward as if you were going to purl.Pass the stitch onto your needle and turn your work to start a new row. So if you started with 32  your first row will be to knit to 31 your second row will be to knit to 30 wrapping the last stitch and starting a new row after each W&T (wrap and turn). When you have 8 stitches left unwrapped it is time to reverse the process. Now you will knit 8 and wrap next row knit 9 and wrap until all you are right back where you started. And that is exactly were you will be with your other stitches waiting for you to pick up where you left off. Just a matter of knitting your foot to desired lenght.

My next project will be a shawl. I've been checking out  patterns and I'm tempted by the one Betty has started. However this one from (click on ) CLARA  was something a mother should be only too proud to show and tell.......said the hobbit

Discovering something new

I've been meaning to post about this for some time. On Mother's Day 2010 SARAH the youngest

made this hand scrub for me. It contained lemon and olive oil and was suppose to keep hands that are constantly in water smooth as silk. With all the cooking that I do, and still doing dishes by hand,it is sometimes difficult to keep my favorite tools (my hands) comfortable and moist.One day after finishing the dishes and creaming my hands I realized I had forgotten to soak a few items that had those nasty labels stuck to them. Well my hands had that cream all over them and I rubbed the price labels with my finger tip.

A perfectly useful scoop was sitting on my counter because I couldn't take the glue off.

Just a little of this magic rub and look what happened !!! Must have been a fluke right? So I dug out a plastic tcontainer top that was impossible to scrape the label from. Pretty nasty......... right? Believe me I tried everything .

A dollop of scrub on the tip of my finger and a gentle circular motion on the label and look how it turned out.

It looks like it was never used..............I repeated this process on so many labels that I had to become a believer. The gift was about 6 months old when I discovered its' secret talents. I don't know if aging had anything to do with it. If you'd like such a scrub I found the recipe HERE If you try this let me know how it works for you. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has such marvelous results..............said the hobbit

Are you thinking garden?

I can't help it...........must be something in the genes. I have food/garden on my mind for most of my waking hours. Trouble is I usually dismiss my brainstorming with a wave of my hand always so sure it probably wouldn't work. Thankfully Christmas keeps me pretty busy and I manage to stop obsessing about the garden. However this year was a little different.........A late hurricane and an early snow storm found me doing cleanup in the garden on a warm November day and I started that..........."Why can't I grow something year round?" feeling. Living in N.H. it's easy to dismiss such a possibility. Somehow this year I just couldn't let go of it.

After weeding out a new area to expand the summer garden I thought. "Why not plant a few seeds under the tunnel and see what happens.

After 2 weeks into November I raised the tunnel and look what I found!!! I know......it's hard to see but, in the lower right hand corner of this picture I spied the smallest bit of lettuce starting to sprout.

At the opposite end of the tunnel (upper right hand corner) The faintest bit of red lettuce. I had a grin from ear to ear. I know ........doesn't take much to make me happy...right? Of course...now I have the bug. I'm anticipating a longer growing season already. How about you? Are you thinking on your garden? ............................said the hobbit

Are you thinking garden?

My mind keeps drifting to the garden,wondering how I can improve on last year. This wasn't how I dreamt it would end.

Right in the middle of harvest we had Hurricane Irene which left us with minor flooding in our yard and a twisted mix of weeds and produce sitting in about 6 inches of mud.

So I grabbed my little 3 prong hand tool and proceeded to rototille my garden. I know your probably thinking "Why didn't she have someone till it for her?",but, I'm crazy like that. It took 2 days of intense flipping and digging of my soil,and when it was done I certainly felt like I had won the battle.

Just check out what I found in the garden. Lots and lots of big fat juicy worms. They all said they would bring on a great harvest in the next garden and that I shouldn't throw in the towel quite yet.

The garden is only 12x15 feet. Ever year I try to extend the amount of growing space. This year will be no different. My son in law has made a few boxes which will give me more room to plant without the chore of turning over new soil. Just fill and plant. Sounds too easy doesn't it?

Anyway once that was done I went out and purchased some Cow A Dunga to feed said garden.Of course it's the end of January, the seed catalogues are arriving almost daily and I'm itching to get started. I definitely need more tomatoes...........maybe some turtle beans and green beans of course.......and cukes lots of cukes. What about potatoes? Should I try them.Hmmm........maybe we should call the rototiller guy......................said the hobbit

Here in New England

Do you know someone that has made preserving the past their purpose in life? I am fortunate to know LIZ AND JEFF and their wonderful farm. They made the choice to live on this farm,raise sheep and lamb and educate people to a way of life that is still possible. For the second year they have opened their doors to the public to show how it's possible to live with the land and share with each other so many great talents.

Many of these crafts were available to purchase but, every artisan was also there to give you hands on instructions if you wanted to try yourself. Of course most have been at it for quite a while so their finished product was most tempting to purchase. The baskets were of the highest quality and would make a great gift by themselves or filled with fresh bread and homemade jam.

These adorable felted animals are made by Liz's niece and she proudly displays them with all her local yarns. Isn't that how families should support each other?

I fell in love with these and I wish my camera could have done them justice. They are 16x16 napkins. She uses the finest of threads to weave patterns that she remembers seeing. I have her card and will be placing an order for a few real soon.

Also on my must have list are these 100% wool blankets. The wool comes from her sheep and they are woven in Nova Scotia. They are over sized and even a twin would fit a double bed with overhang. At $75 for the twin size how could you possible go wrong. It was a wonderful day and I was introduced to so many new arts. I'd love to do them all but, I have decided to support my local artist instead of copying them. So this year for Christmas I will be making some of my gifts but some I'll just say I made it..................Naw, just kidding............said the hobbit

And now for the Raspberries

Summer madness is officially here. You know, that time of year when you are able to get fresh fruits and vegetables that are local and right off the vine. Why would you call this madness? Well, My head is spinning with new recipes and I don't want to waste any of that precious food that we have all worked so hard to harvest.

Last year I made raspberry vinegar I thought it might be fun,but, was amazed a how tasty and useful this was. A triple batch is in the making because by Christmas we had used ever last drop. Not going to happen this year. Of course starting with the best berries is essential to great results,but , if you're using fresh how can you go wrong? I'm fortunate enough to have a friend who owns just such a farm. Isn't that a great coincidence? So when she called and said the berries were ready I really got excited. I searched my cabinets and fridge to see what I could fix when I got back from berry picking.

In the drawer of the fridge I found 2 grapefruits. I carefully peeled them and then cleaned out the fruit "a la Martha"

There was nothing edible left when it was over.

A little bit of raw honey and then I let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning Jiggy proclaimed it heavenly. That man is great for my cooking ego. Of course that was just the beginning. You remember I have that great peel from the grapefruit. What do you think became of that?..........................said the hobbit

Getting ready for CHRISTMAS

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Isn't it exciting?? This doesn't look very tasty,but, oh what fun this will be for someone who loves to be in the kitchen.

This has been doing it's magic in my kitchen cabinets for about a month now. It was time to strain it and put it in an attractive bottle for someone very special. It's raspberry vinegar!So good for marinating chicken or mixed as a dressing.

Doesn't it look yummy? I've enclosed a recipe for beet/orange salad that is one of my favorites.Hope they like it as well.

Next came lots of chopping of dried fruit and nuts...Of course a little tasting doesn't hurt. We have to make sure the combination of flavors is just right.

Toasting in the oven we have oatmeal sunflower seeds with local honey and oil. Wow that smells so good.. Let them cool mix together and put into a pretty container for a treat that can be eaten for breakfast, on ice cream,yogurt or right out of the jar for a quick pick me up. This year granola was one of the things I decided to make on my own instead of from the grocers shelf. First few tries were a little shaky but, I have to say "better than store bought" is something I've heard on more than one occasion.Who knew one could have such a warm feeling over making granola.

I've been picking up attractive containers through out the year. After falling in love with every one that I brought home it might be a little hard to part with them.

Of course what is Christmas without a favorite cookie. Last year I made these and although they were very tasty,I neglected to read the recipe all the way through. It's done in 3 easy and short steps. What I failed to notice was a 24 or overnight waiting period between steps.These are called fruitcake cookies. You probably just said the same thing that came out of my mouth when I first heard about them YUCK!! Never having been a fan of the holiday fruitcake I was a little slow to take up the task but, now that I have I can tell you that I was WRONG Fruitcake is not a dirty word and I was more than willing to try them again this year. If you too are ready to forgive the fruitcake and allow it to play a part in your holiday,this is a good place to start.

For starters dice or chop:

1/2lb dried figs

1/4 lb dried raisins

1/4 lb candied cherries

6 oz walnuts

Drizzle with 1 tbls of honey ,2tbls sherry,1 tbls lemon juice. Stir this really well sprinkle with salt cover bowl with wrap and leave on counter OVERNIGHT.

When you're ready to move on,you will need:

2 sticks (1/2 pound) butter softened

1/2 teas.ground clove

1/2 cup superfine sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 extra large egg

2 2/3 cups all purpose flour.

Cream the butter ,clove,and both sugars at medium speed for about 3 minutes.

With mixer on low add egg and make sure it's well blended Slowly add flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix till just combined,Add the fruit and nut mixture.Divide dough in half Form into 2 logs.Roll in parchment paper and refrigerate TILL FIRM.

Here's the easy part slice cookies 1/2 inch thick and place on ungreased cookie sheet Bake 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. I liked them at 15,besides I couldn't wait to eat one. Knowing that this had to sit for 2 sessions it was easy to just mix and wait,mix and wait,cut and bake.

How's your Christmas coming?...............................said the hobbit

Storing herbs

This is way too simple. This year I started growing herbs again. Why would anyone stop,you say? Well a few years back I was ill and couldn't work in my garden or yard. I'm all better now but, so many of the things I had planted are buried in a jungle of weeds.

So this week I harvested my rosemary and my oregano. Should I dry it?Freeze,maybe? I think this is even better. I recently discovered Amy Cotler Although she is just 1 state over from me, a 4 hour drive separates us,so any plans to have a face to face will have to wait till spring She was brought to my attention by Sarah my youngest who is always recommending a new locavore guru for me to check out.. ok back to so simple.

How simple is this! Clean and dry your herbs.

Cover with kosher salt.

Place in a sealed container and mark for future use. Don't forget to mark it. This is a mistake I do repeatedly and I am trying to break the habit. Lesson learnt when I tried to blend diced chicken in my Mango rum slushies. Yes I was able to save the slushy,but it was a little embarrassing. A real plus to doing this is the salt takes on the flavor of the herb. This will be great for my little soup business. I can add flavor without having to fish out a bunch of herbs. The salt might even make a nice gift for a friend around the holidays, or maybe a stocking stuffer? cute little jar of flavored salt. I'm all over it..........................said the hobbit

Streching the dollars

I'm always looking for ways to save. I can usually come up with so many that I often have to put most of them on hold till another day.Sometimes another year!! After all we all know that time is money and when trying to go down a new path we often don't have the time or the money to follow through. Well on my quest for a different path I now have the time to do things that will save me the money to do the things I want. Are you still with me?? I am getting dizzy just trying to follow my train of thought.
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This sock darning egg is something I begged my friend Cynthiaaaa to make for me. When she gave it to me I was thrilled and couldn't wait to try it.I spent about 2 months picking it up and stroking the wood grain. It was great to have on hand when I was stressing or thinking up new paths to go down. With more time on my hands lately I am determined to at least try some of the quirky ideas that I come up with.

Some of the first socks I made were these heavy boot socks. They were great for outdoor playing and skiing ,but ,those things are in the past for me and the socks have taken on the duty of adult booties. That's right ! Winter time I have a pair of these on at all times, unless of course I'm leaving the house.Then I put on my outdoor bitty booties.( I'll show you those later).So I took out my new toy and proceeded to fix my booties. I no longer have this yarn on hand so my repairs are visible to the eye,but, only if I have my feet up on the ottoman.

First repair was a little sketchy.That would be the one on the heel.Then I realized if I turn the sock inside out it makes for a better finish.

So, a little time saved me the cost of more yarn to replace my booties, not to mention the time I needed to knit those babies up.

I have to say I felt pretty good about the "hole" thing...............said the hobbit