SELF IMPOSED EXILE

The flu has struck, I need not say more.

~ UPSIDE DOWN RHUBARB CAKE~

Provided below is the recipe for the decadent Upside Down Rhubarb Cake from Farm Chick's blog- Fresh From The Farm.

1 Yellow Cake Mix

2 Cups diced rhubarb

1 1/4 cups white sugar

1/2 pint whipping cream

pre-heat oven 350 degrees-grease and flour a 9x13 pan.

Make cake according to package directions

in a bowl mix diced rhubarb and sugar

Spoon mixture of rhubarb and sugar over yellow cake

Drizzle whipping cream over the top of rhubarb

bake 40 minutes

Cool completely before turning out.

As I said prior, I devoured mine warm from the pan!

Enjoy!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY You can see it in their eyes,

in a tender hung and long good-byes,

a love that only moms and daughters know.

You can see it in their smiles,

through passing years and changing styles,

a friendship that continually seems to grow.

You can see it in their lives,

the joy each one of them derives,

in just knowing that the other one is there.....

To care and to understand

lend an ear or hold a hand

and to celebrate in memories they share.

~Anonymous~

I love you mom, Happy Mother's Day

NIRVANA

Finally, the long wait is over....the rhubarb is ready to be picked. and since it's raining cats and dogs outside....

and since I have been patiently waiting to tie this new apron on....ooooooh, I just love aprons( especially paired with my Muck boots-think Ma Kettle)

it's time to make the long awaited Upside Down Rhubarb Cake. I discovered this recipe over at Farm Chicks -Fresh From The Farm's blog. Oh, baby I was not disappointed. Now let me just state if you love rhubarb as I do, do not pass this recipe over. It is sweet, gooey and the rhubarb- just tart enough.Oh, heavenly day what an easy recipe. A Yellow cake mix, 2 cups rhubarb, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/2 pint whipping cream. 40 minutes later you have this....

Lets just say it never made it to the upside down stage or to a pretty plate. Warm, right out of the oven with a cold glass of milk- my taste buds were in nirvana. Thanks Farm Chick, we here at Dog Trot Farm love this recipe, my taste buds thank you, no so much my waistline, but yes I would do it all over again! Now go to Farm Chick's blog and check it out for yourself, you will not be disappointed!

PRIME REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE

One rental unit available at Dog Trot Farm.... Sorry, this unit is occupied ( notice one of my Buff's feathers nestled in among the Eastern Blue Bird's eggs.)

This unit has been spoken for as well....

Sorry, this one has been taken too....

However, this end unit is ready and waiting for the perfect tenants. Fine views, quiet neighborhood, lots of field and woods close at hand. A great place to raise a family- just ask the neighbors.

Stop on by and check it out, don't hesitate they go fast!

I'M JUST SAYING

A friend of ours came for a visit last weekend and was surprised to learn that I was now a chicken keeper. I was filling him in on my and the girl's escapades, along with the tale of Charlotte's and Gladys' survival and miracle return from the grips of death. It seems his mother too has been experiencing issues with Mr. Fox. Her Guinea population, once numbered fifty had dwindled to six. Her prize turkeys-two hens and two toms, now consisted of two hens. So those of you who were horrified at my mention of killing a fox, relax I couldn't kill it even if I wanted to. Our local fox population has proliferated to large numbers, are healthy and beautiful. To tell you the truth as far as I can see eating high off the hog. Whoops, better no say that hogs could be next! I'm just saying.

PURPLE FEATHERS?

Oh, Springtime in New England, the air is permeated with the heavenly fragrance of apple blossoms and daffodils. The visual presence of Spring blossoms are found as far as the eye can see. Tis Springtime at it's finest hour. For now the "dust has settled" here at Dog Trot Farm. Well, if you exclude me locking myself out of the house and my DH's company vehicle being taken for a joy ride at 4AM, but that is a story for another day. Dear sweet Gladys has returned to the company of her sisters in the chicken yard. First it was days only, but now that I am assured she is capable of flying to the roost at night time she is residing full time. I do miss the presence of a hen in the house, DH agrees and Winslow Homer rather enjoyed having a "bunk mate."

Gladys was warmly welcomed back by the flock and so happy to once again be able to bathe. My girl Gladys loves to let the dirt fly. However, it appears an uprising has been going on in the coop unbeknown to me. First Gladys spilled the beans....

Then Charlotte was more than happy to voice her opinion (by the way Charlotte completely recovered from her incident with Mr. Fox with his jaws of death. She is plump and seems no worse for wear.)

Little Henny Penny just couldn't wait to add her two cents. (Henny has completely recovered from the trauma of being hen pecked and her feathers have grown in quite nicely.)

Please do not let on to Miss Willa that I took this most undignified photo of her - she is rather modest. Someone once again has been feather pecking, this time derrieres. Three derrieres for that matter. Out comes the Blue Kote - again. I should have bought stock with this company. I informed the girl's purple feathers were hip and they would be contributing to fashion history, soon there would be purple feathers in chicken yards everywhere.

But why was it that this girl "Miss Pip" retained all her feather's, might that be a guilty look on her face? Why I do believe so and yes I have just experienced this naughty girl in action.

And with that Miss Pip is now having a "time out"

Did I mention I missed having a hen in the house????

THRIFTING 101

Friday presented an opportunity to go "thrifting" with a friend. Now I am the first to admit I am not good at "thrifting" or yard sales for that matter. I tend to come home with something I don't really want or need, because I often feel guilty if I don't make a purchase. Now, when my friend approached me about attending this thrift sale (she is a pro at this I might add) and knowing it was being held at a local church ( a good cause) and also knowing perennials were involved I jumped on board. At 8:45 we arrived, the line was out the door, people of all ages were waiting patiently with cloth bags and coffee in hand. My first target the plants, now all of the plants I purchased were on my "wish" list that I had put together last winter. A Mayapple, Solomon's Seal, and two variegated Hostas I located for the shade garden. Hens and Chickens, Sedum and Golden Glows for a sunny location. Grand total $8.25. WOW! As I wandered further into the building I spied this lovely antique covered dish for $3.00. I thought it would be perfect for my Mom (she is the queen of dish collecting) it could hold her everyday jewelry or even a plant. I am sure she will come up with a clever idea for it's use. Next for $2.00 I purchased this Currier and Ives platter which matches my dishes. Prior to this I had purchased one for $14.00 at an antiques mall- this definitely was a good buy!

Last but not least a set of glass decanters for $2.00. I figured they could hold bathroom items, small collections, bird's nest, or even small soaps. The more I think about it I am leaning towards using them for terrariums or building tiny fairy gardens in them.

Or I could adhere these French labels and use them as storage containers.

Well my grand "thrifting" total was $15.25-worth every penny. I also had the good fortune to spy a fellow blogger, Tiff, proprietor of the blog "Folded Gingham". I introduced myself and got a peak at Mason the newest addition to her family. So there you have it, a great way to spend a Friday morning, "thrifting" friends are just the greatest thank you Becky and Elizabeth too. I hope we can do this again real soon!