Friday, April 04, 2008

where did the week go??


Spring is just arrived, and already time is moving along much too fast. It is Friday, and I have to stop and think, 'where did the week go ~ what have I been doing?'...

~ Sunday was Maple Syrup weekend around here, and we did need more syrup, so we headed out to a neighboring county and visited a couple different farms that make their own. How could I have forgotten my camera!! Sadly I have no pictures of: the buckets hanging from the big sugar maple trees, the wooden outbuilding full of so much steam we could hardly see when we first stepped inside, the large stainless steel vat of bubbling sap ~ heated by a wood fire underneath, the large kettle on the old stove - for the final boiling down, the farmhouse sunporch where the delicious syrup was displayed in jugs to purchase. On our way between the buildings, the chickens were wandering, pecking at the ground, and the cows and draft horse were resting peacefully in the paddock.

~ I finished knitting on my summer sweater. Now it is just waiting to be sewn together - this is the scariest part for me, for as well as it may have knitted up, you just don't know how it will all come together - will it fit, will it look o.k.? ...I hope!

~ The new chicks are ordered from Murray McMurray - Buff Rocks, Partridge Rocks, Araucanas, Silver Laced Wyandottes, and some Jumbo Cornish X Rocks. They won't be arriving til mid-May, since I placed my order much later than usual.

~ I found this new book at the library. A whole new (simple) way of making bread - very similar to the no-knead Dutch oven bread. This dough, however, is made up and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, during which time you can break off 1-lb hunks, let it rise, and bake a loaf when needed...very convenient!
~ A Scandinavian blind (from Katrin Cargill's book, Simple Soft Furnishings) finally sewn up. I bought the fabrics last year, and it's taken me this long to get to it. Hoping to hang it this weekend.
~ Some finished totes and a shop update. And my package mailed off to Melinda for the down-to-earth shopping tote swap!
Wishing you a happy weekend!


18 comments:

  1. I got the same bread book out from the library, but was having problems with the recipe (it baked up gummy in the center.) Well lo & behold, there is an errata page, and the rise time is wrong! Thanks to Angry Chicken for posting about it:

    http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/?page_id=73

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  2. I am so glad you have posted again. Your blog is so fun. I had a question about where you get the little tags that you insert in your sewing goods that you sell. Where do you get them from?

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  3. You have been busy! I've been looking for that bread book ever since Clarice mentioned it on her blog but my library doesn't have it.

    Manuela

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  4. I know...the time just goes waaaay toooooo quickly!
    Cute bag, Deb!

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  5. I remember going with my grandparents to the farms of New York to buy maple syrup. It was soooo good. Thanks for helping me remember. You are so lucky to live in the part of the country that has maple syrup. Yum! I've heard others blog about that bread. I think I need to find the book. Thanks for sharing.
    Debbie

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  6. You have had a very busy week. I just love the colours in the blind.

    I am going to see if we have that bread book in our library. Thanks.

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  7. sounds like a wonderful week!!!!! have a great weekend.

    blessings,
    missy

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  8. I would love to go to a maple syrup woods and see the whole production. Lucky you!

    You've had a busy week, Deb. Me too. Times just flies away sometimes, doesn't it?

    I've just been making the same bread you have! I did the Deli-Style Rye and it was really delish!

    Another cute tote bag you have there. You're good!

    Jody

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  9. I love maple syrup and know two people who make their own around here.
    This bread book sounds interesting. The No knead dutch oven one I have found to be too raw-yeast tasting for my liking.(I prefer keeping a sourdough starter around.) Does this bread taste similar?

    Spring came this weekend. At last!

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  10. Found your blog from Old School Acres.. Thanks for letting me know about the bread book.. I have ordered it.. I make the No Knead bread often.. Lovely blog.. i will be a "regular"!

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  11. Oh my goodness what a creative woman you are, is there time for everything:-) I am a swede living in Singapore, you are welcome to visit me:-)

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  12. Anonymous6:37 AM

    Time just seems to fly past these days doesn't it? Would love to have seen the maple syrup being made, wonderful. I just love maple syrup not only on waffles but also on little Yorkshire puddings.
    Carolyn
    http://willowhouse.typepad.com

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  13. I LOVE all the pictures you posted. I have really enjoyed reading your blog. Everything on it is simply lovely!

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  14. Deb,
    You have been busy!! And as always your creations are spectacular! I am having trouble getting my silly computer to let me directly link to your email...so I am having to send this through your comments sections...sorry about that! BUT...I must purchase bag #2...I love it and all it's greenery and finery....please email me...so I can paypal the payment or whatever you need...don't know what is wrong w/my computer...cos lawd knows it couldn't be me...

    Let me know...cos I am loving this bag!!

    Blessings...
    Teresa

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  15. Anonymous5:52 PM

    Thank you for the tip on the bread-baking book! (Unfortunately our library doesn't have it so am very tempted for a purchase at Amazon!!!)

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  16. Thanks for the tip about the bread - I shall try our library for the book. I'd love to buy maple syrup made like that, and I love the jug! :)

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  17. Oooohhh - yummy maple syrup! We get some from my family in Michigan each year for Christmas! I'm hoping to have my chicken coop built in the next month or so... and we can have some chickens too! I think I'll get mine locally though (we only will be getting 6)I have loved reading all about them on the McMurray site!

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Thank you for taking time to leave a comment--I love reading each and every one! I will try to answer any questions you have in the comment section. Due to the amount of spam, I am sadly no longer able to accept Anonymous comments....Kindly, Deb

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