A LITTLE OF THIS AND A LITTLE OF THAT

We have experienced a few days here in Southern Maine that gave us the feeling that Spring might just be around the corner. However, we stoic New Englander's will not be fooled. I have been attempting to be productive and complete a few hooking projects. I am beginning to wonder if I have ADD. I start one project become bored and move on to the next. I find plenty of inspiration with all the wonderful blogs I read- I need some motivation! People I need help!
Both rugs are patterns that I purchased and are not of my own design, I am hoping to sell them once completed. If ever completed. I promised Dear Georgia I would not post any indecent photos of she and her sisters. Oh, my poor girls- this molting business is causing naked necks and red derrieres to match. They insist on leaving their pen to forage in the yard. But dang it is cold. I think they are going to need some form of ointment for those chapped derrieres. Oh, the indecency of it all!

Valentine's Day brought loving cards

beautiful fragrant flowers and chocolates that have been devoured.

Maine seed catalogs have started to arrive, let the dreaming begin. Some of what- no most of what I will be planting will be fortifying the girls. My mantra: healthy girls equal healthy eggs.

New socks. These are the most wonderful socks I have ever owned.

and they have been paired with my long anticipated Muck boots. These products announce the official beginning of Spring.

With all that being said tomorrow's weather forecast is six to ten inches of snow. We shall persevere, there is gas in the snow blower and the wood box has been filled!
Life is good.

WHOOPIE PIES

The old saying "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" is certainly true when it comes to Whoopie Pies. This recipe below happens to be one of the most requested desserts that I make. If you want a visit from your grown sons or desire a little attention from your husband, nonchalantly mention the word Whoopie Pie and watch the men folk flock, like flies to honey.
Whoopie Pies have a chocolate cake-like top and bottom with a center of vanilla cream filling. Oh, so delicious and sinfully addicting.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner this is a perfect recipe to please the men folk in your life. You'll put a smile on their face and a song in your heart, it works like a charm everytime, I promise!

ICE FISHING 101

First you do research for the ideal location, this happens to be Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, Maine. On this pond each person with a fishing license is allowed two holes to fish in... After backing your ice house on to the lake you hitch the"shack" to your snowmobile and tow till the perfect spot "magically" appears. Others drive their ice house out on to the lake- "oh lordy" did this made me nervous- the sound of "snap, crackle, pop" beneath my feet.
You put "hubby" to work with the much loved and well used antique auger...

you now have a perfect hole with a measured water depth of eight feet. The thickness of the ice measured a good foot and a half...

Somewhere along the way someone forgot to purchase the bait, no names need to be revealed...

Tristan arrives with "shiners," the bait of choice...

Megan baits the pink trap and now your task is complete and you're good to go...

Now some families bring four wheelers or snowmobiles to tow their kids around the ice, others have skates, and then there are those who get the fire going in the ice house, pull up chairs and just sit and enjoy the day. Now I have to admit I was once of the opinion that ice fishing was like watching "paint dry". Now however, I enjoy it for what it is, great family fun. When someone yells "flags up" it becomes quite exciting, those near run over to see what the catch is and others grab the binoculars attempting to remain inconspicuous. Next weekend is one of the many fishing derbies held each season. Entrants on this pond pay a fifteen dollar fee and have an opportunity to win the top prize of $3,500.00 dollars, not bad for a Sunday's enjoyment. Now if I would just learn to enjoy football, not!

Hope to see you on the ice and oh, don't forget to layer up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A WINTER'S DREAM

"In winter's cold and sparkling snow,

The garden in my mind does grow.

I look outside to blinding white,

And see my tulips blooming bright.

And over there a sweet carnation,

Softly scents my imagination.On this cold and freezing day,

The Russian sage does gently sway,

And miniature roses perfume the air,

I can see blooming there.

Though days are short,

My vision's clear

And though the snow the buds appear.

In my mind clematis climb,

And morning glories do entwine.

Woodland phlox and scarlet pinks,

replace the frost, if I just blink.

My inner eye sees past the snow.

And in my mind my garden grows."

~Cheryl Magic-Lady~

TASHA TUDOR

When I hear the name Tasha Tudor my mind automatically travels to Corgi Cottage, Tasha's beloved home in Vermont. I envision her enchanting cottage dark and cozy as a squirrel's nest. Her beloved corgis would be underfoot all while the magical aroma from the tin kitchen permeated the air. I found a kindred spirit when I discovered the world of Tasha Tudor. Her love of animals, gardens, crafts- and of course her art. She once claimed she was not an artist, but an illustrator, many do not agree with her statement. I have collected many of Tasha's books and her cookbook happens to be one of my favorites. I have made many of her recipes and love the fact that many call for "farm fresh warm eggs". I think to myself "why, I have those on hand" and run to the coop and snatch an egg or two from under one of my girls. Just one of the many pleasures of having your own chickens. This morning I made Tasha's chocolate cookies, I added a dusting of powdered sugar to finish them off.
Not only does Tasha's cookbook offer mouth watering recipes, but you are treated to an insight into the magical world that Tasha created.

The cookies turn out perfectly and were much enjoyed by all. Tasha Tudor is no longer with us, but her spirit lives on. I believe our world is a better place because of her. Thank you Tasha- you are dearly missed.

BATHING BEAUTIES

This morning I informed my "girls" that "Puxatony Phil", the famous groundhog, had seen his shadow (which meant six more weeks of winter). Now if chickens could groan I'm sure mine would have. I swear I saw a tear in Willa's eye. Feeling rather sorry for the "girls" I decided to set them free for a quick bath and stroll.
Some of the "girls" headed straight for the leaves to forage, while others found some grass to nibble on. Frozen, but somewhat edible.

The "girls" are in the beginning phase of molting and would rather not have their photo taken. All of them have taken such pride in their appearance and would rather not disclose their bare spots to the public. A naked chicken butt is not a pretty sight, trust me.

Gladys my glamour girl was happy just to stretch her legs and have some "alone" time.
Being in the constant company of nine other women is not always easy. I hear ya Gladys.

Sweet Henny Penny, my shy little gal wanted her privacy and opted to hide behind the Rhododendron to bathe.

Others opted on a communal bath

Miss Pip headed to her favorite spot secretly hoping she would have it all to herself, unfortunately for her it did not work out that way.

Now, if you have never had the pleasure of watching a chicken bathe, you are truly missing out- it is quite entertaining. Chickens scratch to loosen the soil and proceed to throw it over themselves and usually any others that are near. They flap their wings to make sure the soil gets underneath, they roll themselves over, around and on their back, just as a dog might do. It is a hoot to watch. Once one begins the others soon follow and more than likely will "pig pile" on one other.

Upon completion the chickens stands, fluff their feathers, give sort of a shake and swish their tail feathers back and forth. Now you have a clean and proud hen. Believe me when I say an amazing amount of dirt comes flying out. (Think Pigpen from the Snoopy comic strip) Now you have a clean and hopefully mite free chicken. A clean chicken is a happy chicken.

Charlotte just wanted you to know its not easy maintaining such beauty.

And with that, good night from Dog Trot Farm.

WINTER DAYS

A winter morning. Slowly, I am getting back into my daily routine. Winslow and I walked through the woods this morning. I am still waiting to hear back from the neurologists in regards to blood tests and meds. Such a long drawn out process- however, I am so grateful to be feeling better and glad that my head did not actually explode! For a while there I thought it just might happen. I have been practicing with the chicken diaper. Winslow Homer, as you can see is a hesitant participant. I think, no I know this is going to be a two person job. When the weather warms and the girls are out in the yard I am going to give it a whirl. Eve where are you when I need you!

At this point in the winter season we all need a little sign of the promise of spring. I purchased these Prim Roses at the grocery store, they are just lovely. I bought them for my mom as they are a favorite of hers.

I love these tiny daffodils. Something as simple as flowers can help us to remain up beat and positive during the cold long winter season. I also purchased Country Garden Magazine. I enjoy a lazy afternoon dreaming of what is to come. Is there anyone out in "cyber space" who is missing the loss of Country Home Magazine? I surely am. I just can't seem to find a proper replacement.
If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Eleven eggs were added to my egg basket this morning, someone is working overtime!

With that being said I made another loaf of cranberry banana bread. The recipe from" Olde Crow Primitives" is addictive and oh so delicious. My waistline, not so good.

Finally, I again want to thank Leslie for the generous blogger award. Leslie I am going to publicly admit I do not know how to link back to someone else's blog. Every attempt I have made I end up messing up my own blog. I am sorry, but there you have it. Maybe when my head finally clears I can figure it out. I will remain positive and not give up. Even an "old dog" can learn a new trick!

ICE FISHING

On this frigid January morning DH and I don our long underwear, flannel jeans and layer up. Our instructions were to head to Tricky Pond in Naples Maine and look for the ice shack in the distance. Wrong ice shack, we are now informed it is painted red.Okay, spied the red ice shack....
and a newly drilled hole....

and bait on the line....
Notice the pink ice trap, made in Maine.

The cutie tending the trap is Megan, our youngest son's girlfriend...

and as we say in Maine, this gal is a "keepa."