All kinds of weather

Well today was the big party. However before we could get started we had to do a bit of clean-up.Jiggsy took his trusty shovel and did the deed like a true gentleman.I stood on the porch with promises of hot chocolate cinnamon raisin toast with applesauce. It did the trick because I never had to pick up the shovel. More snow scheduled for tomorrow. I'd better stock up on supplies.

I did want to show you our lovely ice storm we all had to put up with lat week.Little house on the prairie had nothing on New Englanders last week. We were without power for 6 days and some people in our area have just completed day 9. We had very little snow with that storm.It was a freezing rain that happened so quickly that branches and whole trees just snapped off.

Of course there were magical moments too. When I saw this fall kale weighed down with ice. I was reminded of the sugarplum fairy from the Nutcracker. Don't you think it looks as though it's dancing?

This is normally the path to the bird feeders.As you see, it was scattered with branches.Doesn't look like a big deal but when they start to fall on power lines the problem is monstrous.

Some of my neighbors hunkered down with extra blankets and managed to stay in there homes through out the ordeal. Jiggsy and I were able to stay in the loft apartment where I work. We are truly grateful for having such good friends. All though we constantly returned home to make sure the pipes didn't freeze, with temps as low as 6 degrees staying home was not in the cards for us. But that's old news. I'm trying to catch up on things I should have posted about so I might be here there and everywhere for awhile. Hope you can follow my drift...............................said the hobbit

Family gathering

Well tomorrow should be a big day.My husbands' family has their annual Christmas party. Usually I am unable to attend but, this year things worked out for me to finally join in the fun. By Sunday I should have pictures of the family to show. All on their best behavior for certain. In the meantime I thought I'd show you a gift from Christmas past. This is the platter we use for Mr Tom turkey. It was made by our son Thom. All the little drawings are places we lived starting with my home in Candia,N.H. followed by Manchester,Metarie La. Scarborough Me. Neptune Beach FlaFarmingtonN.H. and finally Gonic. I thought it was a great idea and maybe someone out there would enjoy making such a platter for someone they know. Well it's off to bed now so much to do before the big parrrrtie. I believe I'm suppose to be at the farmers market for 9am.Already the day is getting a little too short Oh and I musn't forget to pick up a prezzie for the scotch exchange.

Times a wasting I'd better get some rest goodnight all........said the hobbit

Almost quit

Hi everyone I gave some serious thought to giving up this blog,but after 2 months of struggling with technology and a few crazy events in my life, I decided I really enjoyed the trip this past year and want to do it again. Sooo...I guess you're stuck with me for one more year. Today is just a short visit to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and remind everyone to pass out those smiles to everyone you meet. For some it will be the only gift they receive and if you are lucky enough to get one don't be afraid to share it with someone else. I'll keep it short today but I did want to introduce you to Izzy This is great grand child # 1 and we are happy to have her I think you'll be hearing more about her. There is also a grandson Aaron but,no picture today. I need to upload and the weather here has made power a little iffy.More on that later I have so much to tell you. For now Merry Christmas to all and it's great to be back.............said the hobbit

HOW LUCKY AM I ?

I guess it's about time I check in with my people.October has been such a full month. I meant to write this post shortly after I told you about the soups,but,I lost these pictures and I was bound and determined to find them on my own.

When I open my car door at work these beautiful flowers are there to greet me.No kidding,I was sitting behind my steering wheel when I took this picture. There is no way I can look at them and not have positivel thoughts about how my day will go. Not that it's always perfect but, it certainly is a good beginning.

When I need a break from cooking this is where I go for a breath of fresh air. It's just a few steps from the door but with it's ever changing shades of green I think I have been transported to some distant spa.If I sit there long enough you wouldn't believe how creative my mind can be.

All though you can't see it in the photo ,there is a corn stalk that has decided to grow just behind the bench. I watched it for most of the season and it now has 2 ears of corn growing. At first we denied it could be a corn stalk, then we were sure it wouldn't have any ears growing on it I guess you just can't be sure of anything these days. So like the little corn stalk we need to just keep doing what we know best and things will turn out as they should.

Which leads me to the fields. This too can be seen from my work area. Out in the distance you see the workers preparing for next year.There are blueberry bushes and raspberry branches that need to be trimmed and cleaned in order to promote a healthy crop next year. So I guess I must take my prompting from the land,not worry about this years failed projects or shortcomings and try to be better prepared for next year.

I hope it doesn't take so long to get back I seem to be on a learning curve with the computer and I'm too stubborn to ask for help.

By the way the soups are doing well and hopefully I'll be able to give an update soon. On a sadder note my mothers sister died 6 months to the day of my mother's passing. They were not two peas in a pod,but, both loved their neighbor and would do anything to help someone in need. I'm sure God has a special place for both of them. Well I must be off, as I post this I'm crossing my fingers and hope I can find my way back.......................................said the hobbit

new Beginnings

Well, my little friend Champignon and I have something to tell you. We have decided to start a business of our own. I know many of you will say this is a bad time to get into such a venture ,but, hear me out. As many of you know I have been cooking at Tuttle's Red Barn for the past ten years. No I am not leaving!!!However when fall comes around I always long to cook

nice,warm comforting soups. I beg and plead but, with so many chores around the barn and preparations for the holidays there's just too many things already on the to-do list. No time for soup-making! Until now.......

So it is with encouragement from my friend Lucy Tuttle, that I venture out to cook the soups on my own.

The plan is to make three different soups on Wednesday of each week and to deliver them into my peoples home or office by Thursday. Of course I plan on using local meats and vegetables and my homemade broths will be sodium free. Nothing but the best for my people!

My first 3 soup are *turkey noodle

*cream of tomato

*Italian wedding soup

At the cost of $9 a quart they'll have warmth and comfort in a nice little bucket. That's right the Hobbit found a cute little qt. bucket with a handle and all.

Well I guess there's nothing more to say if you need me you know my e-mail. Just in case Some of my local people are reading this it's doverptchef at yahoo dot com Well that's all for now just one more thing to do................................said the Hobbit