A Prairie Harvest Holiday

An Etsy Treasury!!!!

2010-01-13T04:59:00.000-08:00

The Etsy shop, aprimitivedeason, was kind enough to add me into her treasury on Etsy.

Wanted to share with you her wonderful selctions from Etsy.

Please take a look, and enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=105910

Hugs
Barb

Old Farmhouse Gathering Marketplace Monday!!!!!

2010-01-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Marketplace Monday is always fun. Sharing the wonderful items made by fellow crafters and folk artists is always an honor!!!!!

Today Carol- the firecracker kid-- is my choice. Always offeriong the best in prim decor, she is a favorite.

A little bit about Carol:

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?
Firecrackerkid Primitives. I chose this name, because I was born on the 4th of July, and my family always called me "the firecrackerkid". My father said when I was born I came out with a bang, jokingly of course. Plus it's Independence Day, and I really love my country, and my freedom so it all fits together nicely.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?
One year and four months

3. What type of items do you offer?
One-of-a-kind Woodcrafts and reproduction woodcrafts of different Early American dough bowl racks and furniture.

4. How long have you been crafting?
Twenty years.

5. Who or What inspires you?
The love of all things Primitive. Plus, the economy is what inspired my husband and myself to make our own Primitives. My husband is who inspires me, because of his hard work ethics, and the fact that he can do just about anything or any challenge put before him. He's a hard working man. A Jack-of-all-trades so to speak. He was a carpenter since he was a teenager, and even built our home along with several other homes locally. Pretty inspiring and impressive to me.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
That would be our one-of-a-kind items. We like to come up with unique primitive woodcrafts that are appealing to others, and yet at the same time are functional in the home.

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)
http://www.firecrackerkid.etsy.com
http://firecrackerkid.blogspot.com/
http://myworld.ebay.com/carola_firecrackerbaby
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1817572815&v=wall&ref=name

MY MINI ETSY FOR MIDDLE POST 3COL X 4ROWS

New Items at Praire Harvest Arts

2009-11-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

It's time to seriously think about making the home ready for Christmas.Yea!!!!!

New items are being listed daily at my website: http://prairieharvestarts.com/shop/

Getting my things out now and turning on the Christmas music.

I know its not Thanksgiving yet, but I am in the mood!!!!

Hugs
Barb

Happy Veteran's Day!!!!! WE remember our Veterans with respect and honor.

2009-11-11T04:21:00.000-08:00

Remember
Written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC

It was the Veteran, not the reporter,
who has given us the freedom of the press.

It was the Veteran, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It was the Veteran, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to fair trial.

It was the Veteran, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to demonstrate.

It is the Veteran, who salutes the flag,
who served under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

Written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC
All Gave Some - Some Gave All

ANother Fun Market Monday for OFG!

2009-10-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

OFG is a wonderful group of artisans that I am happy to be a part of.

Today I am happy to share the artistry of Willowtree Treasures.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name? My shop name is Willowtree Treasures. As a child I had a willowtree that was located in our back lawn. Every time the branches would float in the wind it seemed so magical to me. I thought some day ...if I looked hard enough... I may find treasures nestled beneath the moving of these branches. 2. How long have you been on Etsy? I have been on Etsy for a little over a year. 3. What type of items do you offer? I offer items that range from extreme primitive to primitive with a touch of vintage appeal. I create dolls, doll lamps, pincushions, doll pins, hang tags, door greeters, shelf sitters and much more to aid in home decoration. 4. How long have you been crafting? I have been creating for about 10 years. I started with primitive jar lamps surrounded by a layer of moss and silicone bulbs as the lighting source. When I began to sew I then began adding the half dolls to my lamp creations. I then graduated to full dolls, ornies and doll pins. My business branched out from there. 5. Who or What inspires you? Life in general inspires me . The life stories people have to share of their triumphs and disappointments I also find as inspirational! 6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why? My favorite item in my shop is Annie and the Clairabelle cow. I found the construction of this set to be very challenging and did a lot of techniques for the first time! This project I truly had a hard time putting down until is was completed because of my interest in seeing the final product when it was finished! 7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog) Blog: http://www.willowtreetreasures.blogspot.com Olde Primitive Sister's Marketplace: http://www.oldprimitivesisters.com/shops/ FuzzB: http://fuzzb.com/profile.php?profile=102660 Artfire: http://artfire.com/users/Willowtree Treasures also twitter and facebook

Take a peek and enjoy the treasures that are offered at Willowtree Treasures.

Hugs, Barb

Scarecrow Time!!!!

2009-10-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

Etsy shop of the week is: Pioneer Loft.

The item is described as: I made this scarecrow for a customer. It is smaller than my other one listed, but decided to post this for sale, but will make one like it when you purchase. It will NOT be exactly the same. The shirt will be out of the red & mustard flannel plaid that I've taken a picture of and added to the photo set. I'm in the midst of making this extra scarecrow, but since it's not done yet, I wanted to show you what the shirt will be made out of (I will photograph and replace this one with the exact one as soon as it is finished). Primitizing will definitely come out differently on each scarecrow, so even that part won't be exactly the same, but very close. Please allow three days for me to make and ship your scarecrow. I may have him done in less, but just in case I want to give myself plenty of time to make him for you.

Lots of primitizing to be just PERFECT for you! The approximate measurements are 13.5" tall, 12" wide from tip to tip on the sticks for arms, and 13" round in the body.

This sale does not include the berry pick shown, or anything other than the scarecrow and items attached thereto that are in the photos.

He looks perfect and would be simply fantastic as a centerpiece decoration throughout the entire fall season!

Visit the Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7872137

Hugs, Barb

Labor Day and Back to School

2009-08-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

It's that time to plan for a rewarding and productive school year, Public, private, or homeschool, every family could use tips to help have the best yer possible.

School books, bags and sports equipment.

Set aside on place for organizing lunches, backpacks and other items the kids need to use daily. Whether it is a mud room at the back of the house or the front entryway, it is a place to organize.

Make use of baskets, peg racks, shelves or a deacon's bench, use what enhances your decor. Plan your organization needs and discuss it with the kids.

Put backpacks and other school items out the night before-to avoid chaos in the morning. Have the kids help make their lunches the night before or early morning.

Plan breakfast menus for a week to avoid further confusion.

Try to make the first week as smooth as possible and set the tone for a great year.

Barb

had a mud room at the back door where each child had a peg for his coat, two small, deep shelves under it for boots and the book bag went either on top of the shelf or hung over the coat. There was a parson' bench there where the seat lifted up for them to store mitts and hats or odds and ends like small balls and whatever little things they took to school with them to play with at recess.

You may not have a lot of room but try to set aside one area where all the outdoor clothing and boots etc can be kept then there is no hunting in the morning.

Another bit of info about Labor Day

2009-08-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

"Labor Day differs in every essential from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a more or less degreeconnected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."
Yes that is what Labor Day stands for. True, things have changed these days with Labor Day being celebrated with the civic events usually associated with national holidays in America. But behind all the usual fun and fiesta of a national holiday the Day has a unique significance.
Traditionally parades, and speeches by labor leaders and political figures, mark Labor Day celebrations. The spirit is to pay a national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the power and prosperity of America

this information is from: http://www.theholidayspot.com/laborday/celebration.htm

Getting ready for Labor Day

2009-08-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

The First Labor Day Parade

A Brief History of Labor Day

The History of Labor Day

from the US Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/OPA/ABOUTDOL/LABORDAY.HTM

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Happy Holidays

Barb

Easty 4th of July menu

2009-06-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

If your life is as crazy as mine lately, here is a simple menu for the 4th of July. COuld makeit a little easier and a lot less stressful.

"Let’s not make things complicated this year. The 4th of July is quickly approaching and wouldn’t it be more enjoyable to throw together something simple? Enter: the Quick and Easy 4th of July Menu. Full of mozzarella skewers, cheeseburgers, potato salads and more, this red-white-and-blue-filled menu will not steer you wrong.

Last minute menu planning for the 4th is no problem with these fast and simple recipes!

Appetizers
Mozzarella Skewers
Ultimate Shrimp and Dipping Sauce
Creamy Red Pepper Dip with Vegetables

Main Courses
Grilled Pork Ribs
Jalapeno Cheeseburger
Baked Beans and Hot Dogs

Sides
Jazzed Up Cole Slaw
All American Potato Salad
Basted Grilled Vegetables

Desserts
Barefoot Contessa’s Flag Cake
4th of July Pie
Ice Cream Dirt Cake

Drinks
Watermelon Lemonade
Summer Slush
Fruity Iced Tea "

thsese can all be seen at: http://www.chewonthatblog.com/2009/06/23/quick-and-easy-4th-of-july-menu/

Enjoy

Barb

Fun Craft for the kids!!!!!

2009-06-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

Bald Eagle Toilet Paper Roll Craft

Although this does make a great USA themed craft, it works for any bird and forest theme (we have bald eagles up here in Canada too). I love the toilet paper roll crafts that have wings.

It would also work as a "Fish Eagle" craft.

Materials:

toilet paper roll,
printer,
glue,
scissors,
something to colour with
paper

Instructions:

Print out the template of choice.
Colour the pieces as appropriate and cut them out.
Glue the large rectangular piece around the toilet paper tube.
Glue the tummy onto the front of the tp roll.
Glue tail onto the back of the tp roll. I glued it to the inside back and then folded it upward. I think it looks nice that way, but be creative!.
Glue the head onto the front of the tp roll.
Glue the wings onto the back of the tp roll to make it look like the eagle is flying.
Fold the feet and glue the tabs to the inside of the tube.

Templates:

Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).

templates:

http://www.dltk-kids.com/t.asp?b=m&t=http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/image/bbaldeagle1.gif

and

http://www.dltk-kids.com/t.asp?b=m&t=http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/image/bbaldeagle2.gif

I found this at http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mbaldeagle.htm

Happy 4th

A Star Studded Treat for the 4th

2009-06-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

A great festive way to enjoy the 4th in style!!!!!

Nothing says patriotism like a star-carved watermelon filled with fresh blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, and other star-cut fruit.

Add melon shooting stars and top it off with a wire handle threaded with blueberries.

What You Need:

One large watermelon
Cantaloupe, honeydew, blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, and star fruit
White self-stick shelf liner
Star-shaped cookie cutters in various sizes (we used 2-inch and 2-3/4-inch star cutters)
Sharp knife
Flat-edged ice-cream scoop or large spoon
Pumpkin carving saw
Melon baller (optional)
Artistic wire: 18-gauge copper wire in Dark Blue and Red
3 to 6 thin wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)

Watermelon Centerpiece pattern

Download Adobe Acrobat

2. From the self-stick shelf liner, cut a 1-inch-wide strip that is long enough to reach around the center or "equator" of the watermelon, piecing several strips together if necessary to fit.

3. Trace the star shapes from the pattern section (or trace around the star-shaped cookie cutters) onto self-stick shelf liner and cut the shapes out. Continue tracing and cutting out stars until you have enough to fit around the center of the melon. Place the star cutouts on the centerline of the melon as shown in the pattern. Alternate large and small stars and adjust the spacing between the stars as necessary.

4. Using a sharp knife, cut an oval opening in the top of the melon. Using a flat-edge ice cream scoop or large spoon, remove the pulp from the melon; place the pulp in a large container and set it aside.

5. Using a pumpkin carving saw and starting at the top opening of the watermelon, cut down to the star cutouts; carefully cut around each star and along the top of the centerline. Tip: Hold each star shape securely as you cut around it to prevent the star from breaking off. If one accidentally breaks, simply put the piece back on, securing it with toothpicks. Remove the star and centerline cutouts from the melon.

6. Use a melon baller or slice the reserved watermelon pulp to make small pieces. Repeat to make small pieces of honeydew melon and cantaloupe, as desired, until the watermelon bowl is almost full. Slice strawberries, kiwi, and star fruit, adding the pieces to the bowl.

7. Cut several lengths of blue and red wire long enough to create the basket "handle." Thread blueberries onto the wires and insert the cut ends into the sides of the basket.

8. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut stars out of thick slices of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Place the melon stars on wooden skewers, adding blueberries between the pieces of fruit inside the watermelon.

Enjoy!!!!!

Barb

It's a Holiday here!!!! Graduation

2009-06-15T04:23:00.000-07:00

I know this the same pic on every blog but the kids have my camera. They are showing a friend from Shanghai sights before she goes back at the end of the week. More on this on my other blogs and there will be more pics when my camera is returned. lol

Happy Graduation to all the Grads out there!!!!!!!!!
Hugs, Barb

A great Potato Salad to go with that great steak!!!!!!!

2009-06-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Mediterranean Potato Salad

Makes: 6 side-dish servings

Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 4 hours

Ingredients

1 pound whole tiny new potatoes
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1 2-ounce can anchovies, drained and chopped
1/2 of a small red onion, sliced and separated into rings
3 hard-cooked eggs, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Place potatoes in a medium saucepan; add water to cover and, if desired, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until just tender. Drain well. Cool slightly. Cut potatoes into quarters and place in a large bowl.

2. Meanwhile, for dressing, in a small bowl combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper. Stir in olives, capers, green onion, and anchovies. Pour dressing over potatoes. Add onion and eggs. Toss gently to mix.

3. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours, stirring salad occasionally. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 6 side-dish servings
Calories 222,
Total Fat (g) 14,
Saturated Fat (g) 2,
Cholesterol (mg) 118,
Sodium (mg) 356,
Carbohydrate (g) 19,
Fiber (g) 1,
Protein (g) 7,
Vitamin A (DV%) 5,
Vitamin C (DV%) 21,
Calcium (DV%) 3,
Iron (DV%) 13,
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

from Better Homes and Gardens

Stay turned tomorrow for more!!!! great Father's Day treats!!!!

Getting ready for Father's Day

2009-06-01T05:17:00.001-07:00

A Father's Day Menu! Part 1 The main dish--fit for a king!!!!

Steak with Roasted Garlic and Herbs Whole bulbs of garlic are soft and succulently sweet after roasting, making them a fantastic flavor treat to spread on grilled steak or slices of crusty bread.

A Red, White and Blue Dessert

2009-05-21T04:50:00.000-07:00

Looks so good, had to share this from: http://busycooks.about.com I am going to try this recipe this weekend!!!!! Think everyone will love it.

You can make this trifle recipe anytime, just vary the types of fruits you use. For the picture, I used bing cherries and blueberries.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups cold whole milk
4 serving size pkg. cheesecake flavor instant pudding mix
8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 frozen loaf pound cake, thawed
2 cups pitted cherries or sliced strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1 cup sliced bananas
1 cup raspberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Preparation:

In medium bowl, combine milk and pudding mix and beat with egg beater for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Fold in the thawed whipped topping. Cut the thawed pound cake into 1/2" cubes. In large glass bowl, layer 1/2 of the cake cubes, 1/2 of the fruit, and 1/2 of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. Sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serves 12

If you try it, please let me know what you think!!!!

Hugs,
Barb

Memorial day Dates back to the Civil War

2009-05-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

I got this information from: http://www.history.com/content/memorial/the-history-of-memorial-day

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

A Civil War Story for Memorial Day

2009-05-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hero-Story of the Civil War

By Ben La Bree
(Adapted)

I. Bravery Honored By a Foe

In a rifle-pit, on the brow of a hill near Fredericksburg, were a number of Confederate soldiers who had exhausted their ammunition in the vain attempt to check the advancing column of Hooker's finely equipped and disciplined army which was crossing the river. To the relief of these few came the brigade in double-quick time. But no sooner were the soldiers intrenched than the firing on the opposite side of the river became terrific.

A heavy mist obscured the scene. The Federal soldiers poured a merciless fire into the trenches. Soon many Confederates fell, and the agonized cries of the wounded who lay there calling for water, smote the hearts of their helpless comrades.

"Water! Water!" But there was none to give, the canteens were-empty.

"Boys," exclaimed Nathan Cunningham, a lad of eighteen, the color-bearer for his regiment, "I can't stand this any more. They want water, and water they must have. So let me have a few canteens and I'll go for some."

Carefully laying the colors, which he had borne on many a field, in a trench, he seized some canteens, and, leaping into the mist, was soon out of sight.

Shortly after this the firing ceased for a while, and an order came for the men to fall back to the main line.

As the Confederates were retreating they met Nathan Cunningham, his canteens full of water, hurrying to relieve the thirst of the wounded men in the trenches. He glanced over the passing column and saw that the faded flag, which he had carried so long, was not there. The men in their haste to obey orders HAD FORGOTTEN OR OVERLOOKED THE COLORS.

Quickly the lad sped to the trenches, intent now not only on giving water to his comrades, but on rescuing the flag and so to save the honor of his regiment.

His mission of mercy was soon accomplished. The wounded men drank freely. The lad then found and seized his colors, and turned to rejoin his regiment. Scarcely had he gone three paces when a company of Federal soldiers appeared ascending the hill.

"Halt and surrender," came the stern command, and a hundred rifles were leveled at the boy's breast.

"NEVER! while I hold the colors," was his firm reply.

The morning sun, piercing with a lurid glare the dense mist, showed the lad proudly standing with his head thrown back and his flag grasped in his hand, while his unprotected breast was exposed to the fire of his foe.

A moment's pause. Then the Federal officer gave his command:

"Back with your pieces, men, don't shoot that brave boy."

And Nathan Cunningham, with colors flying over his head, passed on and joined his regiment.

His comrades in arms still tell with pride of his brave deed and of the generous act of a foe.

It's more than a 3 day weekend!!!!!

2009-05-20T07:45:00.001-07:00

About Memorial Day

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in the service of our nation.

Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, but it's difficult to prove the origins of the day. There is also evidence that a women's group in the South decorated graves before the end of the Civil War. In either case, Memorial Day has had numerous starts due to the human need to honor the dead. Though some people think it's a day to honor any and all dead, Memorial Day is intended to honor those who have given their all in service to our country.

It's been a while for this blog

2009-05-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I worked on this blog but will try to give it the attention it needs. Holidays are wonderful times for families and groups of people to get together and share past memories as well as make new ones.

SO Father's Day is the next holiday on the calender. That is what we will concentrate on for the time being.
So come back often to see ideas and stories about fathers and what they new to us and how to celebrate a day dedicated to them.

Hugs,
Barb

A good idea for mom

2009-05-07T05:44:00.001-07:00

Since we have goats, I thought that it would be appropriate to share this recipe I found for using goat cheese. Goat cheese also has a great and unique taste. We like it.

Onion & goat's cheese tarts

A great vegetarian snack, and only 5 ingredients
Ingredients:

225g pack ready-rolled puff pastry
1 batch Basic sticky onions
2 x 100g rounds goat's cheese , sliced
4 thyme sprigs
olive oil , to drizzle

BASIC STICKY ONIONS

50g butter
12 medium onion
1 tsp sugar

Preparation and cooking times

Prep 5 mins

Cook 10 mins

Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Cut the pastry into 4 rectangles and place on a baking sheet. Mark a border 1cm in from the edge of the pastry with a sharp knife. Spoon the onions into the middle, smooth then top with the cheese and thyme. Drizzle with oil and bake for 15-20 mins, until the cheese has melted and the pastry has risen and is golden brown.
For the onions: Makes 600g, which is 3 batches. Prep time 5 mins, cook time 30 mins. Melt the butter in a large, deep frying pan and stir through the onions. Cover with a lid and cook gently for about 10 mins, until softened. Remove lid, add sugar, then cook 15-20 mins, stirring, until all of the liquid has evaporated and onions have turned golden. Divide into 3 batches to make the recipes, right. Will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

482 kcalories, protein 15g, carbohydrate 30g, fat 34 g, saturated fat 18g, fibre 2g, salt 1.44 g

Recipe from Good Food magazine, September 2006.

2009-05-05T08:43:00.001-07:00

Dear Lord
Author: Unknown

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day
With little time to stop and pray
For life's been anything but calm
Since You called on me to be a mom
Running errands, matching socks
Building dreams with building blocks
Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes
And other stuff that children lose
Fitting lids on bottled bugs
Wiping tears and giving hugs
A stack of last weeks mail to read
So where's the quiet time I need?
Yet when I steal a minute, Lord
Just at the sink or ironing board
To ask the blessings of Your grace
I see then, in my small one's face
That you have blessed me
All the while
And I stop to kiss
That precious smile

p.s. even when they are grown up!!!!!

Mother Day is Coming

2009-05-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to Mother"s Day.

Three of my four children will be home for Mother's Day. The missing son is in the middle of finals and will be home the next week. Actually he is graduating from college.

Being a mother is the best and hardest, rewarding and heart breaking job I have ever had. I would do it allover again. I really like my kids.

Anyway, I know that this Sunday I will give my mother, who is the best, some extra attention. My mom showed me how to give unconditional love and also be tough enough when needed. She taught me how to be a mom through example.

When we went camping, she would color code our clothing so she would know quickly where we were and could do the headcount efficiently.

She taught me many little tricks of being a mom. She was a formidable foe in our water balloon fights, strict on curfews and forgiving when needed.

Thanks mom and Happy Mother's Day.

It's been a while!

2009-05-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Things got a little busy around here and finally are slowing down. Spring is always extra busy in farmland. At night the tractors are out in the fields and I actually find the sound soothing. It's that way in the autumn during the harvest when the combines are out. The only lights, other than the stars are the lights from the equipment in the fields. It's s smooth, dull sound that is actually quieting and calming.

So I am back and will be posting regularly and happy to see you and share holiday memories in the making.

Easter is Around the Corner

2009-03-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

This winter and early spring have seemed like a strange, strange time. SO much to do and so little time! Well, here on the farm, we have some things going in the greenhouse and they seem to be doing well, in spite of the unseasonably cold weather. Lets hope for a great growing season.

To celebrate Easter and to decorate your this wonderful time of year, I made some sweet spring ornies, to tuck in on a shelf, in a bowl, etc. With this cold weather, it's nice to have a reminder that spring is actually on its way!

A fudge Recipe for Valentine's Day

2009-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

Might be fun to try this fudge recipe for all those special people in your life. I am going to try it this weekend. If you do, let me know what you think--will compare notes. lol

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups white sugar

1 pinch salt

2 tablespoons butter

1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

2 cups chopped nuts

1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate

chips

12 (1 ounce) squares German sweet

chocolate

2 cups marshmallow creme

Directions:

1.	Butter two 9x9 inch baking pans and set aside.
2.	Place chocolate chips, German chocolate, marshmallow creme, and nuts into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
3.	In a 4 quart saucepan, combine sugar, salt, butter, and evaporated milk. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, and cook for 6 minutes.
4.	Pour boiling syrup over ingredients in bowl, beat until all chocolate is melted. Pour into prepared pans. Let stand a few hours before cutting.

New Primitive ornies/Bowl FIllers for Valentine's Day

2009-01-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

Just completed these sweet ornies for the coming holiday and wanted you to see them. They are available at my website: www.prairieharvestarts.com

Interesting Valentine's Day Trivia

2009-01-16T11:05:00.001-08:00

February 15th was the date of the Roman festival of Lupercalia - where young men held a lottery to decide which girl would be theirs.
During Medieval times, girls ate unusual foods on St. Valentine's Day to have a dream of their future husband.
In the middle Ages, people believed that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex you met on the morning of St. Valentine's Day would become your spouse.
In the middle of the 17th century even married people took a Valentine - not always their legal other half!
Alexander Graham Bell applied for his patent on the telephone, on the Valentine's Day, 1876.
In Wales, love spoons of wood were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes formed the favorite theme of decorations on the spoons, which together symbolized- "You unlock my heart!"
It wasn't until 1537 that St. Valentine's Day was declared an official holiday. England's King Henry VIII declared February 14th a holiday in 1537 for the first time.
On February 14, 1779, the natives of Hawaii murdered Captain James Cook the great English explorer and navigator.
Some people believed that if a woman saw a robin-flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor and if she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a very rich person.
The Taj Mahal at Agra, India is perhaps the most splendid gift of love. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Work on the Taj began in 1634 and continued for almost 22 years. It took the labor of 20,000 workers from all over India and Central Asia.
In England, the Romans, who had taken over the country, had introduced a pagan fertility festival held every February 14. After the Romans left England, Pope Gelsius, who established St. Valentine's Day as a celebration of love in 496 A.D abolished the pagan ritual.

Autumn Stars have been featured on Andeesigns Blog!!!!!

2008-12-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Surprised and happy that the Autumn Harvest Stars have been featured on a blog from a very creative woman from Germany. Her blog can be found at http://andeesigns.blogspot.com/ , in her Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, entry.

Thanks so much for featuring the stars.

She also sells on etsy.com and has beautiful items. Please check them out.!!!!

2008-11-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

Good morning and greetings from the farm. Thanksgiving is less than a week away and preparations are underway for a great Thanksgiving. It is a great time of year to stop and look at the past year, rough or not and take time to actually be thankful for what we have. This year has been very trying for many of us and that is why it is so important to remember the good things in life.

Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you all enjoy your meal!

Barb