Christmas is Over, Girls!

Okay girls.  Christmas is over, so now what do we do!

My girls had to go three days without seeing me and hearing my voice, and worse, they didn't get any treats (tortilla chips).  But they sure all came running today when I went down to give them some lovin' and treats.
They are the best hens ever, still giving me eggs when the temperature has been in the low twenties!  They know they are loved. 
If you live in the city and have rules, I feel sorry for you that you cannot have chickens,(especially hens).

They all have very distinct personalities going with a certain breed.
 I have one that feels she is so elite that she won't eat around the others and definitely won't be bothered with the excitement of seeing me or running for treats, even when I throw them out to her.

I have another one that comes over the fence every day to lay her egg in the woodshed, where we have a box for the cat with a blanket in it.  She parades back and forth in front of the entrance to make sure the coast is clear before she enters.  The whole process usually takes about an hour.  Sometimes I go out to check on her to make sure everything is going as planned, talking softly to her as to reassure her.  When she is done, she parades by the window in the kitchen, clucking radically, so I will come and open the gate for her to go back with the others. 
She expects me to do that for her, after all she gave me an egg! 

Life is so fun in the country!  



To Grandmother's House We Go

Over the river and through the woods---

To Grandmother's house we go;

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh

through the white and drifted snow

Over the river and through the woods---

Oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose

As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the woods---

And straight through the barnyard gate.

We seem to go extremely slow,

It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the woods---

Now Grandmother's cap I spy!

Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie! (lydia Maria Child,  1844)

Sleigh Ride Anyone?

How many of you have been on a sleigh ride in Austria?  I think it would be heavenly to experience something as to that nature especially at Christmas time.  The snow is beautiful and clean and deep.

I just imagine the swish of the runners gliding in the snow and the clopping of the horses.  The rest of the world has faded out of mind . 

There is no automobile exhaust,  no television,  no newscasting,  no cell phones.   Just soft, quiet, glistening , white snow and the steam of one's breath from the clarity of the icy cold.  Feeling the sting of the air that hits your lungs---how fresh it is. 

This is what a lot of our Christmas carols talks about, but we never stop to imagine what we are singing, and to enjoy the simplicity of the Christmas season. 

Since we are only a few days away, instead of the stress of buying and shopping in the mall, slow down and give some thoughts to the lucky ones who live the simplicity of the slow country pace, and to enjoy  what each one of us already has, friends and family. 

Then, go with your imagination to Austria!   

Artsy Wood Pile ll

I think I like this wood pile better than the one I had up yesterday.  Also it will stay dry, to a certain degree, being under the stairs.  You could say it resembles a window, or even possibly a barbecue or fire pit area.
Whatever it is, it is very beautiful to look at, however I don't believe I would want to spoil the whole effect by removing about seven pieces of wood!

I wonder what would motivate a person to do this creative masterpiece--possibly listening to opera music and singing along with every "heave ho"!  Possibly, a "Sousa" march to keep the timing going at a pace that seemed right. 

Whatever it takes to get the job done is right. 

Happy Stacking! 

Art in Stacking Wood

When you get bored with just stacking wood in a regular cord, be a little creative.  The job goes faster that way. 
Obviously this was done in the fall before the icicles formed.  There are all sorts of designs one could do if you just let your imagination soar.  I am sure it would be very forgiving if you made a mistake and changed the design as the stack grew. 
I just thought this would be an interesting project for those with a little time on their hands. 

Tomorrow I will show another artsy wood pile! 

Hang in there and" keep on keepin on".

Corn Chowder

This recipe for corn chowder is to die for.  My husband has raved about this to everyone he knows.
I was very surprised because when I made it I thought it was just another "corn chowder recipe".
Not on your life.   Here it is:

2 cups water
2 cups diced peeled potatoes
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk
1 can cream style corn
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
In a large saucepan, combine the first five ingredients; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Do not drain.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter.  Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually stir in milk.
Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Stir into the vegetable mixture.  Add corn and Parmesan cheese.  Cook 10 minutes longer or until heated through.   Yield:  7 servings

Raking Oak Leaves

We went to our mountain retreat this morning to rake oak leaves before the snow really started to fall.  We did pretty good, as we got two pick up trucks loaded and hauled away.  Once the oak leaves get wet, they are difficult to rake, because of the stickers on the points of the leaves and they stick to the ground.
This is why we try to get them raked up before they get wet.  We do have over two acres to rake so it is a good week's worth of work every year.

It is supposed to snow about six inches tonight and it feels like it will.  I like to have a little fire going outside in the fire pit to keep the hands warm.  Some hot cider would have really tasted good, but we didn't have that privilege today since we went on a last minute decision.  I sure will remember it the next time we go in the cold to rake.

We did have a lunch that I packed and that included persimmon cookies.  I packed a tin of them to give to two friends in the area.

The air is fresh and brisk and is so good to be in the cold and then go inside where it it warm. 
Tomorrow we will wake up to snow, we are told.

After the Christmas Program

Last evening we completed the third night of our country church Christmas program.  We all feel it was very successful by the crowds of people that came each night.  They enjoyed the pie and home made fudge.
We had hot apple cider outside for those who wanted to hear the brass quintet playing under the boughs of cedar and lights. 
The setting was so very festive, one could not help getting the spirit of Christmas. 
Those of us who were involved are just a little bit tired after having it three nights in succession.  But the whole community came out to take part and everyone did their share to make it wonderful. 

The brass quintet did songs like "Chestnuts Roasting in an Open Fire" and we did have a fire pit going, and they ended with "Have Yourself a Merry Merry Christmas".  

I hope you will have a good time with doing something fun, such as going caroling with a small group and stopping along the way for a cup of hot chocolate.  These are the things that make Christmas so special.

Christmas Hen House Fantasy

I have been very curious about the "Neiman Marcus"  chicken coop that sells for $100,000.  I wonder if they have actually sold any of these for Christmas giving for city Chicken Lovers.  If you are curious, like myself you can go to www.neimanmarcus.com.
Having your own chickens is becoming very popular with city dwellers, but I have heard, one must have a valid permit and you are limited to five chickens and no rooster,  in some cities. 
But, I am thinking if you have a Chicken House that meets all the criteria, and this "Neiman Marcus" house has everything,  why not have a flock of hens.  After all, if one can afford a fantasy house like this,  "bring them on". 

I am not a city dweller, so my chickens get a "country coop" and they are very happy.  They like to go free range and scratch for their food, of course, I throw out chicken scratch to them and they talk to each other and to me, letting me know how happy they are. 

www.neimanmarcus.com.

Cowboy Christmas

        

We have been rehearsing at least three times a week for our community church Christmas program which goes for three nights next week.  We already have "full house" reservations. 
It includes good old fashion sing a long music such as "White Christmas" and other popular songs.  The local cowboys will do some funny guitar numbers and pie will be served. 
They serve hot cider, coffee, or hot chocolate, and of course home made fudge.  People that do not attend church on a regular basis just come out to have a good time! 

Right now, the weather is being kind and no snow is predicted. 

This year we have relatives coming up to see what it is all about.  Events like this really puts one in the right spirit for Christmas.  We hope to have a jolly good time.