A SPRING SWAP

Surprises....I love being the recipient of a surprise .... especially when the mailman is willing to brave my long.... muddy.... rutted....wet.... driveway to hand deliver a package....could there be anything better to brighten one's day than to receive a package in the mail? I think not.... My package was from Tress proprietor of the blog.... Warmth And Comfort In The Home....we were swap partners in Char's (THE PICKLED PEPPER PATCH) SPRING swap.... As explained in her note Tress had a BEE theme going on....what a delightful grouping of items she gathered for me. First let me say the package smelled heavenly....of scented beeswax and spring. I found enclosed a BEE themed dish towel.... BEE skep note pad....BEES wax candle....scented wax BEE Skeps....spring sign....glass milk bottle....and faux lavender....such a wonderful package to receive on this cold....snow flurry....March day. Thank you Tress....you're items are greatly appreciated and I can't wait to display them here at Dog Trot Farm! HAPPY SPRING to you!

IT'S THURSDAY

In my neck of the woods....sadly.... it does not appear.... nor feel.... much like spring....there are no budding trees....daffidils....or tulips....no spring songbirds....but....there is mud....lots of mud and snow....in fact it snowed most of the morning....just a dusting....but snow nontheless....Yesterday....on a trip to Blue Seal.... where I purchase my girl's organic feed....I spied this very bright and cheery tee shirt....very spring like....I thought to myself "how chic" especially when paired up with my yellow rubber chicken boots....well...low and behold I learned the tee shirt was free....free....who could resist a free tee shirt....I can hear my boy's now.... "mom you're not really going to where that in public are you"? Oh....yes I am....The flu is circulating in our area... schools....daycares....and my friend's house.....today was one of those days where I felt plain tuckered.... just had to sit close my eyes and prop my feet up....as I sat down I could have sworn I caught a glimpse of Fern running by the window....I knew I had not let the chickens out....It was snowing....the girls don't like snow....I had just begun to drift off.... when I heard a cackling...the cackle of danger....first one hen....and then all in unison.... I jumped up in a panic....pulled my boots on....and flew out the door....

my first clue....

and this....Willa....

and this....Charlotte....AKA....roaster....she is a feather pecker.... I'm always threatening her with the roasting pan....

and this....yup.... Miss Fern....right outside the window...but....

I never did determine what all the noise was about....a few squirrels....crows...but what is um.... scarey....really scarey.... I don't recall leaving the girl's gate open....could there be a Houdini in the group? I sure hope so.... and in the nest box....eggs....beautiful eggs....the girls must know it's spring....egg production has begun to increase....I discovered these eggs this morning....my girl's are afternoon layers....

Once back inside I figured I needed a few signs of spring in the house....a new gnome....given to me by a sweet friend....he does not have a name yet....maybe George....

a few Easter decorations....

I confess I am guilty of keeping items made by my boy's when they were little....these eggs blown out and dyed years ago....I cherish them....what can I say....some things I just can't let go of....how about you? be honest now!

and my guilty indulgence....tulips....

oh....and it's snowing again....I'm off to bed....goodnight....

~WELCOME SPRING~

Welcome spring....I know the calender officially informs us today is the first day of spring....and I did happen across a flock of rather scrawny looking robins this morning....However, it appears Old Man winter refuses to exit without a fight.... snow is indeed falling....two to six inches predicted for our area here in Southern Maine. For now.... I leave it to these delightful tulips to put a smile on my face. No, sadly they were not found in my garden....but the grocery store. At seven dollars a pop they certainly are not inexpensive, but they do serve their purpose well. There is just something about spring flowers that can lift one's spirit. There was a bit of warm weather over the weekend....enough warmth in fact if you discovered that perfect spot for the lawn chair.... in the lee.... you could actually feel the warmth of the sun radiating on your face. The chickens.... now let out from their coop discovered a dry patch of earth and immediately went to work bathing and preening. Such sounds of delight and happiness could be heard. There are certain sounds that chickens make that are unique.... for instance....they do purr with delight while bathing in the dirt.... make a deep throaty sound upon a discovery of a worm.... insect or rodent.... a sound that others in the flock will stop what they are doing.... take notice and attempt to snatch this treasure away.... there is the triumphant sound of a prized laid egg and of course the warning cackle of impending danger. Chickens are a great source of entertainment and enjoyment.... this enjoyment will carry me through till I can get my hands in the warm dark soil of the garden....oh... and that snow blower my husband put away for the season....fueling her up as I type....Happy Spring everyone!

SPRING TEASE

How quickly the days pass....winter is slowly evolving into spring....days are becoming longer....temperatures warming....and the sap is running....sunny days and cool nights are the perfect conditions for maple syrup season....Today the day dawned bright and the temperature climbed....there was a bit of spring to the air. The girls were most anxious for an outing....to locate a patch of dry earth to bathe in....and the pure joy of scratching around in the warm earth. I dare not tell them these warm sunny days are just a tease....I am sure there is more winter in store for us. I know this because my DH put the snow blower away.... The girls fared quite well this winter considering all the snow we accumulated. As you can see by the above photo there remains a large amount of snow in surrounding fields.... then of course there is mud season....and by the looks of my driveway it appears to be upon us....oh and don't forget those dang potholes....guaranteed to put one's vehicle out of alignment....all sure signs of spring.... Nonetheless the girls scrambled out the coop door and headed for dry ground....some ventured off for some private "me" time....while others bathed in unison....

simple pure delight in the warmth of the afternoon sun....

Lulu Belle opted for a siesta....

while Charlotte and Iris decide to hang together....discussing coop politics....and Winslow Homer.... well.... it was another week of vet visits and blood tests....his blood glucose appears to be under control, the main issue remains with his liver....Most mornings Winslow is still able to address our squirel population....Skippy in particular....and sleeps the afternoon away....

this afternoon however....he did what any red blooded dog would do on such a warm springlike day as this....he rolled in all the chicken poop he could locate....that's my boy!

Winslow and I would like to thank everyone for all the cards, notes, e-mails, and especially for all the prayers offered....Blessings to you all, Julie.

THIS DOG'S LIFE

Last week at this time....Winslow Homer was a very sick little man....unable to eat....vomiting....lethargic....he spent last Friday at the animal hospital on IV fluids....we were given the grim news Winslow's time on earth was nearing it's end....his liver was failing....The decision was made.... Winslow was brought home with a multitude of medications....a port in his leg for emergency purposes if needed....and a game plan....If he survived the weekend we had an appointment Monday morning with a Veterinary Specialist....

Monday arrived none too soon and at 11:00 AM Winslow Homer had an ultra sound and additional blood work done. We soon learned Winslow's gallbladder was enlarged and liver inflamed, his liver enzymes highly elevated, however no evidence of cancer. There was a possibility of pancreatitis and or hepatitis. Definitely a very sick little dog.... but the big question was would/could there be a possibility of recovery?....With even more medications....and diligence....we have made it to today, Friday. This morning while at Winslow Homer's followup visit I was given the news...."he's not quite out of the woods yet" which I replied "do you feel Winslow Homer can make a full recovery?" "yes, I think so" she replied. Those few simple words brought music to my ears....a song in my heart....and a dance for joy....a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and I could breathe again....

Tonight Winslow Homer is home and resting comfortably, he is on the mend. What a roller coaster ride. None of us know how much time we have on this earth, but I am grateful Winslow Homer will be in my life for a bit longer. I am grateful to my husband that he was not ready to let Winslow go and felt Winslow was not ready to leave either. A big thank you to Dr. Rust and Dr. Bergen for all your help and support.... and finally a big thank you to blogging friends, friends, and our family for all your prayers and support.

WE ARE BLESSED....

~BEING THANKFUL~

As I looked up at the big blue sky this morning....I realized how fortunate I am to live the life I live. Now some people live BIG lives and others SMALL. I fall into the category of the later. For instance I am quite content in my own backyard....no fancy or grand vacations....however I do admit.... I would love to visit each and everyone of you....I live in a humble home surrounded by fifty acres....no granite counter tops or flat screen TVs ....my extensive wardrobe consists of various aprons and assorted pairs of "muck" boots....no COACH purse....my chickens provide ample entertainment....and Winslow Homer my constant companion....I have a wonderful family....sons who check in on their mother.... and a handful of close friends....how lucky am I to own a plot of soil....to feel the warm earth slip through my fingers and watch the first spring offerings begin to burst forth....It seems to be the simple things in life that make me happy....Some people search their entire life looking for that something they feel is missing....sometimes that something is right under their nose....the simple life....that is the life for me....

~THE COLOR YELLOW~

Yellow.... a friendly color.... a color that lifts our spirits....a color which offers a ray of sunshine.... a color that is most welcomed on such a wet and gloomy day as today.... yellow....the color of fuzzy baby chicks....and speaking of baby chicks....order forms are now available from Blue Seal....Paris Farmers Union Stores....and other local hardware stores. For those of you who are interested in starting a flock of your own, Blue Seal is offering a free course in chicken keeping. I attended this course two years ago, and it was very informative and beneficial to a newcomer such as myself. I do not typically offer advice, however, one of the most important steps in becoming a good chicken keeper is to be prepared. Before you go to pick up your new flock have your brooder ready. I used a cardboard box, newspaper lined on the bottom and paper towels on top of the newspaper. Have your heating lamp turned on (place a thermometer in the brooder) new chicks need a temperature their first weeks of ninety degrees. Have water and feeders filled and positioned in their new home. When introducing your chicks to their new surroundings make sure to dip their beaks in the water, you do not want them to become dehydrated. I added vitamins to my chick's water and also started them on medicated feed but switched to organic when they reached the proper age to do so. Then sit back and watch the fun begin. Your new fuzzy bundles will grow quickly, the more they are held the friendlier they will become. Oh....and let me forewarn you of the "chicken dust" they will create.... ....and If you are a lucky girl such as I, your mother will keep an eye out for all poultry related items. These boots.... an unexpected delivery.... arrived at my door last week.
Oh.... did they ever put a smile on my face....Thank you mom, I love them!

Chicken keeping will become addicting....and soon you will find chicken related items decorating your home....and before you realize it you'll be proud to sport a pair of chicken boots such as these....advertised in Martha Stewart Living....I'm sure Martha would say "Chicken Keeping: It's a good thing."

"WICKED WHOOPIES"

Because you asked....

~Amy Bouchard's Wicked Whoopie Pie Recipe~



Whoopie Shells
4 heaping cups sifted flour~ I use King Arthur and yes you do need to SIFT
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup HOT water
1 cup cocoa~ I use Hershey's Dark Cocoa
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sour milk or 1 tablespoon vinegar and milk to make 1 cup
2 eggs
1 teaspoon REAL vanilla



DIRECTIONS

mix together shortening, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients and set aside.

Add milk, cocoa, and hot water, then add the dry ingredients. Scoop large rounded spoonfuls of batter onto a GREASED cookie sheet. Space 2 inches apart.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 for ten minutes.

*I would highly recommend using a small ice cream scoop for putting the batter on the cookie sheet. I cook my shells for 11 minutes and no peaking!



FILLING

6 tablespoons marshmallow fluff, 4 tablespoons REAL vanilla (THIS IS NOT A TYPO) 4 tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons milk, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 cups shortening. I use the Crisco sticks
Add all the ingredients in a bowl and beat till smooth.
Place a large dobble of filling between 2 shells and enjoy!

*NOTE* I am not to be held responsible for any MUFFIN TOPS that may occur!



I had the good fortune to bump into Amy Bouchard ...a very pretty gal....dressed in pink....with blond curls.... and oh so tiny.
I thanked her for sharing her grandmother's "wicked" recipe....she gave me a hug....and thanked me!



BON AMI can be found at HANNAFORD'S SUPERMARKET



ENJOY!

SNOW....SLEET....RAIN....

Monday morning dawned with dreary weather....snow in the morning....sleet at noon....and rain for the remainder of the day....what does one do on a day such as this.... bake....Now.... If you are a mother of grown sons as I am....and are craving a visit from your boys....drop the words "Wicked Whoopies" and watch your sons race to your doorstep.... My "Wicked Whoopie" recipe comes from Amy Bouchard, the founder of Isamax Snacks.... a Maine Company. I changed Amy's recipe up a bit. I added my homemade vanilla (which has been brewing for the past year, all I can say is WOW) and Dark Hershey's Cocoa instead of Hershey's traditional. Add a cold glass of milk.... why you just might think you have died and gone to heaven. A warning....pack the remainder of the whoopies up and send them home with your sons....mailman....fedex person....give them to your husband to share with co-workers....otherwise....before you realize it you will have a good "MUFFIN TOP" going ....

Later in the morning.... while doing up the dishes....I was looking at my dish detergent bottle....Yup....If it has a HEN or CHICKEN on it I am going to buy it....but this Bon Ami is really good stuff....

and the little guy on the bottle was the inspiration for my little spring mat....

Inspiration....you never know where it might come from....Have a great day everyone....

SATURDAY PROJECTS

What do you think of when you look at the face of this tulip?....I dream of being in the tropics.... lazing in a hammock....smelling of coco butter....flip flops dangling off my feet.... and sipping margaritas from a glass with little pink umbrellas in it........ soon I glance out my window and quickly recover....I am brought back to reality....Dear Husband is still digging us out.... but decide today is a good day for UFO'S otherwise known as unfinished projects.... This rug was my first attempt at primitive rug hooking. This design was inspired from an antique rug design found in an old catalog and adapted for me by my good friend Deb Arcaro. "Rocky and Bullwinkle" were a pair of calf's given to us by friends who own a dairy farm down the road. It was love at first sight for me....how I enjoyed making their bottles.... feeding....cleaning their stall.... however....little did I realize what I was getting myself in for....the calf's grew quickly....soon it was time for the elastic band neutering....hoping to train and use the steers for working in the woods....hauling logs to the sawmill. Those two steers quickly became quite the escape artists ....once off their tether they devoured laundry off the clothes line.... wreaths off the door.... lick the windows on the house....their sign of wanting my attention....Soon it became apparent they were too much for me to handle....one sad day they were loaded on a truck and taken away....I never inquired as to where they were heading....I felt I had let them down....but it was a great learning experience .... to this day I eat very little meat....

So today I cut wool....

steamed this "May Basket" runner....

finished hooking a small springtime mat....

and began an another....

waxed a shelf....

I like to use powered milk paint in my wood projects....milk paint dries quickly and is easily sanded down for the "grunging" process...

an application of Brixwax....

once dried it quickly finds a place on the wall....

This shelf I stained in "Puritan Pine"....the same shade found on most of the woodwork in our home.

once the first coat is dried I'll apply another application and off to the wall it too will go....no "grunging." My Dad has been quite busy in his Island workshop....thank you Dad....keep those projects coming!