PANTRY CAKES

It is November isn't it? Yesterday the temperature shot up to the high sixties. Our street was abuzz with the sound of lawn mowers and leaf blowers. I finished painting the trim on the front of the house, moved pumpkins and gourds from the back porch to the wheelbarrow out front.... cleaned the hen house, the girls need to be warm and cozy with winter coming on.... raked and raked some more.... filled the porch window boxes with pine and fir boughs. You just can't take this unusually warm weather for granted.... it is crunch time....winter weather is lurking.... Inside, the last of my Halloween decorations have been packed away....I hate to see them go....but time marches on....everywhere you look there are Christmas displays....Christmas music....and Holiday craft fairs....I rebel at the commercialism of Christmas....I want to enjoy the up coming holidays at my own pace. Okay.... here is my pantry cake. It looks similar to hard gingerbread....smells of cinnamon and cloves and looks perfect on my wooden riser covered by a fly screen. In primitive shops you will find these priced in the $12.00 dollar range. I decided to make my own. I found a recipe on line offered by BITTERSWEET PRIMS.

PANTRY CAKE:

4 Tablespoons used coffee grounds

1 Cup sea salt, I used kosher as this is what I had on hand

2 Cups flour

3 Tablespoons cinnamon

2 Tablespoons cloves

1 Cup water-add slowly

I also added cinnamon and clove oil.

Mix dough till everything is combined and not too sticky. I used my Kitchen Aid mixer....spray mold with cooking spray.... coat with spices. Press dough into the mold you are using.... making sure the bottom is even. Oven temperature is 170 for six hours.... let them sit in oven after it is turned off to cool. I took my mold placed it on a cookie sheet and put it under the wood stove for the night, worked like a charm. Six hours in an electric oven is not feasible.... I tea dyed cheese cloth.... cut strips and tied the cake and placed a piece of holly on the top. I think pantry cakes are a perfect primitive accent. I purchased eight of the small molds shown above at an antique store for $1.00. These smaller molds are drying under the wood stove as I type. Mornings now begin early at Dog Trot Farm, my feet hit the floor at 5:30 AM, time for Winslow Homer's insulin and breakfast....who said you couldn't teach an old dog a new trick....me up at 5:30....yes.... it's true!!! Please don't call after 8:00PM.... I've retired for the evening!

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

A BIG heartfelt thank you from all of us here at Dog Trot Farm.... for all the kind words and well wishes in regards to Winslow Homer. We are adapting to a new routine here, Winslow now has BREAKFAST followed by an insulin shot at 6:00 am and another with supper at 6:00 pm. He certainly is not complaining about two square meals a day.... plus a snack! We have been informed of all the bad things that can occur in regards to canine diabetes, but prefer to focus on the positive. Blessings to each and everyone of you. ~Julie & Winslow Homer~

WINSLOW HOMER

He is just a little dog, my Winslow Homer. He came to live at Dog Trot Farm nine years ago traveling all the way from Kansas. His mother's name was Julie Dee and mine, Julie with my middle initial D. It was fate and it was meant to be. That particular Saturday morning in February DH and I left Dog Trot to run errands. On our list, a new shedding brush for our dog Chloe. In the past our two dogs have been rough coated Collies, one of the most gentle and loving breeds of dogs. So to make a long story short.... instead of returning home with that new brush we arrived home with a puppy.... Winslow Homer. It has been a decision that we have never regretted. Winslow is now our only dog since Chloe's passing, he is a little dog with a big personality and a loyal and faithful companion. This week DH and I noticed Winslow was not quite himself, he was just to darn quiet. We thought the dreaded FLEAS.... lots of itching and chewing going on.... So Monday afternoon off to the veterinarian we headed. ONE FLEA was discovered and a nice healthy flea allergy. Winslow returned the following morning to spend the DAY for blood tests and x-rays....the diagnosis, Winslow Homer is now an insulin dependent diabetic....Twice daily for the rest of his life he will require insulin shots.... weekly blood sugar checks and once monthly full body workups. Just as with humans there is a lot of highs and lows with this disease however, Winslow's mom and dad are ready to take on the challenge. Surprisingly, I have become quite proficient in administering his shots, who knew?....I know he is just a little dog, but if you could find it in your heart to say a little prayer for him we here at Dog Trot Farm sure would be ever so grateful....thank you to our friends ~Julie&Winslow Homer~

NOVEMBER

Today's weather was dismal to say the least. Heavy rain and howling wind caused major power outages to a large portion of the state. Schools closed, roads flooded and trees came down. Fortunately for us our electricity returned in the early morning hours. Winslow and I however, elected to remain nestled in. I lit the wood stove and placed a pot of spices on top which soon had the house smelling of cinnamon and cloves. I then lit candles to add to the atmosphere and began "puttering". I cut wool for a new project, tis the season for projects and tried my hand at making "pantry cakes." Pantry cakes are a staple in primitive decorating and mine is still drying by the wood stove. Tomorrow I will show you my finished product.... also items I purchased at local craft fairs....tis the season for craft fairs, but for now I leave you with this.... "Have you ever noticed a tree standing naked against the sky, how beautiful it is?
All it's branches are outlined, and in it's nakedness there is a poem there is a song.
Every leaf is gone and it is waiting for spring. When the spring comes, it again fills the tree
with the music of many leaves, which in due season fall and blow away. All this is the way of life.

~krishnamurti~

A GRANDDAUGHTER'S DREAM

When my uncle passed away last spring, my aunt returned to my mother some old family photographs, one of which was a picture of my late grandmother -Lida Adelaide Ricker. My mother in turn gifted this photo to me. I had never seen a photo of my grandmother as a child or a young adult. This photo is one hundred years old plus, my grandmother was just shy of ninety-two years old when she passed away. When I look at this photo not only do I see a resemblance, but also the person from whom I inherited my dark brown eyes. My grandmother also held a love for animals and kept a flock of chickens when she was a young wife and mother residing on the Island. When my brother and I were young, "Lile" resided in the city of Portland, Kris and I would take turns spending a few days with her and "Papa Ray" during school vacations. One of my fondest memories was a trip to the "five and dime" where we would sit up to the counter -Lile would have coffee and I a milkshake. Later we would browse the "five and dime" where I was allowed to choose a new book of paper dolls, marbles or stamps.
Lile has been gone twelve years now, and a few days after she passed away I had a very vivid dream about her. I can recall what she was wearing, her fragrance and our conversation. When I awoke I could still feel the warmth from her kiss placed upon my cheek. I felt very comforted by this experience. Later that day, I shared my dream with my mother and I learned she too experienced an identical dream. We described identical clothing, jewelery, perfume even lipstick and coat color. My mother too woke with the warmth on her cheek from my grandmother's kiss. I keep my grandmother safe in my heart and I shall treasure her photo always.

A GHOST STORY?

Was it a ghost?...spirit?....you tell me.... First you need to know our home was built for us, it has had no other inhabitants, none human that is. Our bow roofed cape was built in the style of capes from long ago.... small rooms with low ceilings.... dark and cozy like a chipmunks nest. Another feature from the past is a "good morning" staircase. The main stairs ascend to a landing that splits in two opposite directions. The left landing connects to the right through our bathroom, which is located in the center. This particular incident occurred twenty years ago. I remember this day as if it were yesterday, it never seems to fade. It was summertime and my young niece was visiting us for the week. I had taken she and my two young sons to the pet store and "Auntie" allowed her to spend her money on a turtle. "Spike" spent the week lounging in our bathtub with an occasional swim in the pool.... what fun we four had. Yes.... Spike is still with us or shall I say with my niece. That particular evening it was hot and humid the kids and I had finished playing croquet and we all jumped into the pool with our clothes on. We had ice cream cones and then the kids readied themselves for bed. My niece, who at the time was around 11.... had long blond hair and was bunking in with her cousin Kristopher for the week. Later, In the quiet of the night I got up to use the bathroom, forgetting that Darlene was with us, I hadn't bothered to close the bathroom doors. While in the bathroom I happened to glance out the doorway and saw a young girl in a white nightgown.... with blond hair walk past.... then quickly turn and hurried back towards the bedroom. I thought, Darlene must have seen me sitting here and didn't want me to be embarrassed so quickly hurried herself back to the room. I quietly crept into my son's room to let her know I was finished, but to my astonishment Darlene was sound asleep.... in pink pajamas.... not a white nightgown....I just stood there dumbfounded....wishing she had on a white nightgown. I didn't tell a soul about that incident.... not for a very long time.... later some would say I was dreaming.... I know what I saw....It was not a dream....nor have I seen this apparition....spirit....ghost again. Now those of you who have had an odd encounter .... please do a post....it sure would make me feel better....or should I say somewhat normal....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Hark! Hark to the wind! Tis the night, they say, when souls come back from the far away-
The dead, forgotten this many a day!
~Virna Sleard~
Do I believe in ghosts, why yes I do and tomorrow I will tell you why.
Happy Halloween!

HALLOWEEN

The days are short.... and the shadows long.... Now I did not intend to take a blogging hiatus, it just sort of happened. It has been a busy month here at Dog Trot Farm. There have been household projects to complete, day trips shared with my DH. I have discovered some wonderful thrifting treasures and two new primitive shops. All of which I will share in future posts. I have visited Camp Wool in Kennebunk, if you are a "hooker" or enjoy stitchery of any kind you will feel like a kid in a candy store, I certainly do. Tuesdays have been spent with my dad. He comes to the mainland and we tend to the grocery shopping, any errands dad or my mom might have and of course that includes breakfast at "IHOP". The groceries are delivered to Casco Bay Lines and ferried out to the Island. I offered my services to a friend in preparation for her daughter's Halloween party and finally my mom underwent successful cataract surgery. The only place that it has been quiet is in the hen house. My youngest girls Fern and Phoebe have begun laying. They have given me such small smooth eggs, the cutest little eggs I have ever seen. Lulu is still producing "jello" eggs, but otherwise appears healthy. Winslow.... is prepared for Trick or Treaters....well if I were to be honest Winslow becomes so excited we have to put him in the car....he thinks he's heading to Wal-mart. Winslow loves Wal-mart. and finally.... beware....Spiderella might be lurking about.

Happy Halloween!

OCTOBER ON LONG ISLAND

Monday morning bright and early, with birthday cake tucked safely in my Bean bag, I head out to the Island. Tuesday, we celebrated the birthday of my mother. Due to work and distance for some it was a small celebration, but a celebration nonetheless. My mom received lots of well wishes from friends and family from near and far, gifts, heart warming cards and a most delicious cake. The witches boot is a gift I hooked for my mom's birthday a few years ago- it is a one of a kind.

As the ferry left Portland harbor heading down Casco Bay the sun appeared to dance upon the sparkling blue water....

The skyline of Portland on the Eastern Promenade is ablaze with Fall color....

High tide at Harbor de Grace, Long Island Maine. Tranquility to the Island has returned once again, tourists have vacated for yet another year.

There is beauty....

as far as the eye can see....

trees in full Fall attire grace winding back roads....Island living is not for everyone, it is quiet and remote....there are few amenities....

however, scenic beauty is all around....you will meet some of the most talented creative people....discover a top notch school system and library....and are you ready- there are chicken keepers! To be an islander you must be stoic, resourceful and independent. It is not a life for everyone, but one I have been privileged to experience.

MILLIE'S MAT AT DOG TROT FARM

I entered a blog giveaway, the blog being Millie's Mats. Kim, proprietor of Millie's Mats, was celebrating her 50th follower and the beautiful Fall season. I did not win, that honor went to Pix over at Rural Rambles. I did however become the recipient of a second giveaway. A silk satchel filled with festive pumpkins, napkins, and a sweet little mat hooked by Kim arrived at Dog Trot Farm. How exciting.

Kim, thank you so much for my lovely little mat, and all the other goodies. It was nice to have won such a sweet gift, but knowing it came from Millie's Mats is the icing on the cake!

Kim, your little mat will have a place of honor here at Dog Trot Farm, and who knows maybe someday you can see first hand how nicely your hooked mat looks in my home! Thank you.

A RAINY DAY

Yes, the rain and wind did arrive.But, can you think of anything better to do on a rainy day than attend a local book sale? Especially one that benefits our town library. The hard cover books that I purchased are books that I have taken out over the years. These first two books -The Complete Rug Hooker- A Guide To The Craft by Joan Moshimer and The Hook Book by Alice Beatty and Mary Sargent- both books are essential to rug hookers whether a novice or seasoned pro. Better Homes and Gardens -Living The Country Life offers wonderful photographs showing the country look and style in some of the most delightful homes and gardens in America. This book is timeless. The Farm Journal's Complete Pie Cookbook. Now as far as I am concerned any cookbook with the words "farm" and "pie" in the title, has to be a good read and one which offers decadent pie recipes.

Dear Mr. Jefferson: Letter's From A Nantucket Gardener, by Laura Simon. "No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden." Thomas Jefferson. Ms. Simon turned to the works and letters of 18th-century statesman and avid horticulturist Thomas Jefferson. I am an admirer of Mr. Jefferson and have visited his Monticello home and gardens. I hope to find this book as delightful as it sounds.

Finally, The Big-Little World of Doc Pritham by Dorothy Clarke Wilson. This is the story of the life and times of an old Maine doctor who spent his whole professional life in Greenville, Maine- a village at the foot of Moosehead Lake. Doc Pritham was a country doctor, general practitioner willing to go anywhere at anytime ready to minister to anyone who needed him. He traveled thousands of miles through the Maine wilderness on horseback, foot, skates, snowshoes, boats, cars, and jumped aboard railroad cars. Dr. Pritham died in 1972 at the age of 92. He was still practicing medicine at the time of his death.
Dr. Pritham sounds like a very interesting man with lots of tales to tell about the people in and around the Maine Wilderness.

The total of my purchases, $10.00. I do believe I have acquired enough reading material should the rain decide to continue. What are some of your favorite books? I'd love to know.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

There is a Northeaster heading our way, a rain storm bringing heavy winds and downpours. It is to begin this evening and continue throughout the day tomorrow.
With wind and rain heading our way the once beautiful October foliage will become nothing but a faded memory. Winslow and I decided to take advantage of today's weather and take a walk through our woods, enjoying all the sights and sounds that Fall has to offer.

There is such beauty all around us, we do ourselves such a disservice by not taking the time to truly "look" and enjoy all the gifts God has given us.

If you get a chance get out in the crisp Autumn air, enjoy the scenery, but hurry before it's to late.

THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD

Fall is the season of nature's beauty and one way to appreciate nature's spectacular scenery is to take a train ride. This is the Conway Scenic Railroad train located in North Conway, New Hampshire. This train leaves North Conway and heads to Crawford Notch via Intervale, Glen and Bartlett, New Hampshire. This line was established in 1875 and will climb more than 1300 hundred feet to the "Gateway to the Notch." Sunday was a perfect day for such a train ride, the sun was shining and the air crisp and cool. We had packed a picnic and soon boarded the coach car. The fee for our trip was $56.00 dollars per person. We certainly felt we got our money's worth.

This railroad follows the Saco River Valley Northwestward to the headwaters at the top of Crawford Notch. This train winds through the Presidential Mountain range, with a starting elevation of 535 feet. This particular train run was the last of the season- it's destination, Fabyan a 5 1/2 hour round trip ride with an elevation of 1575 feet. The views were spectacular and behold off in the distance the mighty Mt. Washington- home to the world's worst weather. Do you notice in the far off distance the distinct white?

why yes that would be SNOW....It was such a clear and vibrant day you could visibly make out the Mt. Washington Observatory and it's adjacent buildings.

Here in New England it appears the foliage has reached it's peak. Friday a rain storm is predicted with heavy winds, winds that will most likely remove the color from the trees. So, If you haven't had the opportunity to enjoy nature's spectacular offering, get out and do so before it's to late!

SIMPLE DELIGHTS

If I were being honest I would tell you that I am a home body.... plain and simple. I enjoy being at home.... I take delight in everyday tasks.... in hanging sheets in the cool fall air.... I cannot sleep on sheets that have been dried in the dryer....line fresh for me.... regardless of the season. I confess I have a special relationship with my vacuum....Instead of beginning my day with a cup of coffee.... I vacuum. I find watching my chickens far more interesting than anything I can locate on television....well.... unless I can find an old rerun of "Little House On The Prairie." I usually read two books at a time.... one upstairs.... one down.... For me there is a simple satisfaction in retiring the garden for winter.... or finding one last bloom for the canning jar I use for a vase.... then there are my projects....I love projects....do you recall the little side table I found at "Goodwill" for $5.00? I gave it a good sanding....a coat of paint....choice of color .... Colonial Mustard....

a second application of paint.... then the Briwax....ta da....I love the end result of my new "to me" side table....

my smiling "Jack".... well.... he gives the table a festive flare.... my favorite colors....orange and black....favorite outfit....apron- muck boots-jeans.... favorite indulgence....Vera Bradly Bags....Keene Shoes....Drakes Devil Dogs....Books....I love the smell and feel of a book....to me a book is like an old friend....one that I can take from my bookshelf and read over again....Okay.... so I have come clean....these are some of my simple delights....how about sharing some of yours?