A Holey Sight

The plan today was to photograph icicles forming from homes in my area but it warmed up and they've melted drastically.

The backup plan was to travel 25 miles (one way) to the local farm orchard to see what the cold storage outlet had left in apples. We read it was still open until December 21 and were amazed. This is the longest time it has remained open for many years due to an abundance of quality apples. Not only did we pick up another peck of the Macouns, and a gallon of sweet cider, I found apple potholders and had to have them. They were marked down to $2.00! 

On the way over the hills and through the woods, I took a picture of a pretty countryside view.

On the return drive, I spotted this barn and, though there was no place to pull over, as the road is heavily traveled by the large natural gas vehicles - UGH! - I managed to shoot through the truck window and was so happy when we arrived home to see the shots came out so well.  We think a strong wind or a very big bird must have hit the old barn just right for the cave in event. Interesting, but sad as well.

Please click on photos to view larger

 

And then a stop at the car wash was necessary to remove mud and salt! It was a busy place there!

     

And The Stockings Were Hung…..

……by the chimney with care - to dry out!

Click on link below to see my day:

A Snow Video

Snowy Day = Fudge it!

I'm one of the minority who doesn't really like much chocolate - but others do so…..

Out came the 1926 heavy pot from waaaay under the cupboard. 

This is the easy way to make fudge and it always comes out good.

You have to make sure to use SWEETENED condensed milk (I use Eagle brand, one can) and 1 1/2 cups of morsels. I use Nestles semi-sweet variety. 

Note that sometimes the bags don't contain a full 18 ounces and that is what you need or you will get mush. Just buy more and measure. I bought the 36 ounce size and then divided it into halves. Now I can make cookies with the rest.

 After all is melted together, slow and low and stirred during the melting, I add 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla and pour the mixture into an 8 x 8 x 2 inch glass dish which is lined with non-stick aluminum wrap.

When the fudge is still warm, I poke cashews in for just a few bites. If you want nutty fudge, chipped walnuts or pecans could be quickly stirred into the mixture when it is still in the pot. The fudge has to be completely cooled down and then it can be removed to the counter for cutting. 

I use a hot long knife to cut pieces and then bag, or wrap in plastic and box it all to be distributed. 

Come on-a my house, my house, I'm gonna give you candy…..

Looking Backward- Handrails and Handmade...

It goes up - It comes down - It went somewhere once, but now it goes nowhere! This staircase is in front of our vet's office. I never saw it before today when I stayed in truck while husband went inside to pick up dog food.

We pulled the Christmas ornament box down from the storage area over the bathroom today (the only closed-over room). Each year I really enjoy reliving the old days of tree decorating and gift giving and the family get togethers. Part of this stays with me when I look over all of the effort and love that was incorporated in these ornaments. I actually don't hang them on a real tree anymore, but my eyes feast on their beauty. They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Well, it is in the heart of mine. I envision Mom peacefully making and sharing these; I also see a friend creating some for ALL of her friends. I have made only a few and never in abundance.  

Now I would like to share with you.

Mother made these...

Click on images to view larger

A friend made these...

A friend made these...

(I made the trees and star)

I made these...

Of course, I'm only talking handmade ornaments, and not all of the wreaths, sweaters, socks, and other things I have still kept simply to remember. Like this:

It's Getting Colder Here

Soon we'll go below ZERO!

Our thermometer doesn't lie...

click on link

Weather Broadcast Today

Done With Carrots!

There! They (2 pounds of the full size beauties) are all gone from the refrigerator. Carrots are so good for you - well, maybe better nutritionally if you don't bake cakes and breads with them.

Do you ever buy the "baby" carrots from the produce aisle and think they are BABY carrots? Most likely they are "baby-cuts," large sweet carrots that are machine cut into 2-inch sections and then abraded down to size, their ends rounded by the same process. Labels that say "baby carrots" appear on some packages of very young carrots that are harvested while the vegetables are still very small. These are the real BABY carrots! The mix up is because many baby-cut-carrots are being marketed as "baby carrots," so don't be fooled!   I don't ever buy them anyway - just saying -

 Stepping down from soapbox….

Today I baked carrot bread. I like it better without the nuts, but the man who lives here with me loves nuts. (That statement speaks for itself!)

 Ready to bake

 One hour later…

 Closeup before slicing

 Sliced and ready to package, crumbs tasted

Deemed Delicious!

Provide your own cream cheese.

Click on photos to view larger. Then drool.

Waking - Making - Baking - Caking - Taking

Today was a busy day. It was THE day to bake THE once-a-year-cake. The pictures speak for themselves, but they cannot convey the delicious aromas and flavors and textures as I would like, for you to enjoy with me. Well, maybe you don't like fruit cake, but you would LOVE mine! Now to share.....

I would liked to have had help cleaning up, though!

Carrots on Hand….

The lake has entirely melted and there's not a trace of ice! I'm gonna grate carrots. 

Carrot Cake..........

3 C flour
2 tsp cinnamon
2 C sugar
1 1/2 C oil
2 tsp baking powder
4 eggs (5 if not large)
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 C chopped nuts (pecans)
1/2 tsp salt
3C grated carrots

350º 1 hour or more in tube pan. (test with toothpick)

To make it into a fruit cake add any or all:
citron
candied cherries
raisins
sugared fruit rind
chopped dates



Cream Cheese Frosting

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 to 3 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carrot Bread……..
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups flour, sifted before measuring
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated raw carrots

Preparation:
In a saucepan, combine shortening, sugar, water, raisins, salt, and spices. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes; remove from heat and let cool. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and soda. Add sifted ingredients to shortening mixture. Add chopped nuts, vanilla, and grated carrots; mix well. Turn batter into a greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pan and bake at 375° for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.

James

Transition from November to December Last year; same attire this year.