Sunday, November 28, 2010

Good Night




It's 7:20 pm, I am ready to say Good Night. I am not sure what pushed me over the edge, however I am ready for bed. Not real sure if it was the regular chores, the addition of the Christmas decorating , (I only started) or the food. I made oatmeal raisin cookies for the lunch boxes, and baked Lobster Mac for dinner. What ever the reason, I am ready for bed. Do have a Good Night

Friday, November 26, 2010

Tour this house

I love this home,I love the letter E with him and her, I like the room withthe dog and the one with the dog pillow, the barn doors and fesh flowers...enjoy

Menu Plan

This morning felt very much like winter. When we opened the door this morning to start chores, we were faced with a wintry mix of ice ice and rain, I suspect we will see snow soon.
This week ends menu will be accompanied by baked goods and many excuses to run the oven.
Friday : Anti Pasta Plate
Saturday : Club Pot Luck
We are bringing New England Style Boiled Dinner, because we have a couple smoked shoulder left from our pig, they are to big for two.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=236x31489
Sunday: Lobster Mac n Cheese, perfect comfort food for after a wagon ride on a cold day.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lobster-mac-and-cheese-recipe/index.html
Monday: Cheese Burger Quiche
Tuesday : Tortellini in Turkey Broth with spinach
Wednesday: Ground Beef with Linguica and Fries From Full Bellies Happy Kids (on my side bar)

1 lb ground beef
1 Linguica sausage, sliced
1 garlic clove, chopped
olive oil
salt and pepper
paprika
bay leaf
Mixed herbs
Homemade fries
Thursday: Veggie Quesadillas


 

Nickel last winter in the snow.



and The Boys, also last winter.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving



Happy Thanksgiving Day!
I have just finished up, the last of the dinner dishes.We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner,with much to be thankful for and hope you can say the same.Both of our adult children were home, with their partners and pets.
Our meal was fairly traditional, American Thanksgiving.
 I made a 22lb fresh bird for six people. In addition we had fresh baked rolls, savory onion butter,acorn squash with horseradish sauce,crock pot stuffing with all the stuff(a stick of butter,carrots,onions,peppers,cranberries,)fresh apple sauce,with apples gifted to me
 and homemade cranberry sauce with local berries,smashed potatoes,gravy, chocolate chip cheeses cake,Birthday cake and I just wrapped it up with a slice of apple pie.
wow
I want to be sure to say how thankful I am for a wonderful family and my farm life. I have been very lucky to have had the parents and children I am blessed with as well as my husband and farm.
God Bless You and God Bless America

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Time Flies

Be glad I only posted 10 I have hundreds
this is before Lager arrived on the farm.

This one is also at the breeders

this is when he arrived at the airport

exploring town with Mommy

helping put away groceries

growing

and adjusting

getting very use to Farm Life

checking out the lay of the land

and putting up with nonsence, did I mention I am thankful for this dog?

Holiday Mode

Jessica and her husband Joe and Bob and Keri , with Remington are all coming to our house in a few days. I LOVE having them here. LOVE it. But, I admit, I’m the kind of girl who needs things in order. I do not go as crazy as I once did with the hoiuse keeping portion. I have come to terms with the fact living on a farm is messy. However I am making list's and starting the preperation. The fall decorations have been out for some time, but I will freshen them up. The food preperation is under way I have made lots of Turkey stock, for basting, I have canned cranberry sauce but might make some fresh, tonight I plan to make the herb butter:
Shallot & Herb Butter

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2c finely diced shallots
1/4c white wine
herbs of your preference, finely chopped (I used sage, parsley, thyme, and garlic)
cracked black pepper
Place a tablespoon of butter into a saucepan and saute the shallots until opaque. Add the wine and continue to saute until all the wine is absorbed by the shallots. Set aside and cool to room temperature. Mash the softened sticks of butter in a bowl. Add in the shallots, herbs, and pepper and mix well. Scoop into a piece of wax paper and shape into desired shape. Place in refrigerator to harden or freeze to store

Cranberry Sauce

1c sugar
1c orange juice
12oz. cranberries
Mix the sugar and orange juice together in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil, dissolving the sugar. Add the cranberries and simmer for ten minutes.  If you like whole cranberry style sauce, only stir the sauce a few times, being gentle to not break the cranberries. If you like it smooth and puree-like, sift the mixture through a strainer to remove the skins. Or keep as is and serve it homestyle with the cranberries smooshed, but still left in their entirety in the sauce. We will be serving homestyle.









Sunday, November 21, 2010

Please, Define "Good Day Off"

I would have to report, I had a good day off.
However as I sit and reflect, I am fairly certain my idea of what defines a good day off is not average.




It is just after 5pm, cinnamon bread is toasting in the oven , for grab and go in the morning. The Big Boys are resting in their stalls, till half time.The Pats are ahead.We had a chili but wonderful wagon ride, everyone returned safe.Jake is looking stronger, day by day.Forty+ bails of hay are on the farm, after gathering them today, from Mr,Gray's. The Minni's, Chickens and Hound Dogs are in, Pig is snuggled in his house, with only his snout peaking out from the winter quilt. I made chocolate chip cookies for Bobs lunch, and  the Turkey Pot Pie I had planned. I made stuffed manicotti as a back up, not sure Bob would like the Turkey Pie. I am happy to report we both enjoyed the pie, and we will eat the manicotti Tuesday.What makes for a good day off in your world?

Saturday, November 20, 2010

One Over Sized Pot

Bob and I slept in till ,6:00am.


I woke up and put on the coffee pot, I took Lager for a quick walk. When the weather changes over night, I try my best to coach Lager to keep the morning walk brief . The grass this morning was crisp with frost and the rooster was crowing in the hen house.I found my self wondering if he really wanted to get up and out , quite so early.By 9 am I had my "extra turkey" in the oven. The entire day has been quite chilly, it is starting to feel like winter.First thing the hoses were frozen, the water buckets had a coat of ice .The barn got cleaned,and the yard chores are underway( always more to be done).The Belgians got a hoof  trim, and Larger went to the vet's for a scheduled vaccination. By this afternoon I was glad to get into the house, and back to  my kitchen. I finally got around to making the stuffed burgers I spotted on line last week, they were yummy. With the turkey roasted I have started the process that will be, making the most of my extra Turkey . I carved the turkey, and separated what will be the soup meat and the pie filling.I purchased a new pan yesterday, I thought it would be perfect for stock. It may be a tad too big,Bob had to lift it onto the stove.Later tonight I will put away the stock for the soup, and some extras this week.Tomorrow I will start the pie's.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Menu Week of 11/19 and still looking

Kirby is in Illinois  he's9 Drives

10 year old just started under saddle

9 year old also in Ma. $1250.00 Duke

Watch eye Ten in Ma. has done all farm work and cart...and some pulling and his name is Bob

Friday: Muscles in wine 
Saturday: Cheese Stuffed Burgers
http://fullbellies.blogspot.com/2010/11/herb-cheese-stuffed-burgers.html
Evening Birthday Party
I am roasting a turkey on Saturday, I was given one and have no room in the freezer.I will not let it go to waste and it is not large enough for Thanksgiving. I am planning to make a soup to bring to work on Monday and Pies for Sundays Football viewing.
Sunday Turkey Pot Pie
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe-Tools/Print/Recipe.aspx?RecipeID=13856&origin=detail&servings=7
Monday: Grilled Ham and Pears Sandwich
Tuesday Mac and Cheese
Wednesday :Pepper Steak in Crock Pot
This will be simple as I prep for the holiday dinner.
http://eatathomecooks.com/2010/03/easy-pepper-steak-in-the-slow-cooker.html
Thursday Thanksgiving will post Thanksgiving Menu later in week.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Finish Line





OK so I started in the dark , and finished in the dark. In between I brushed a Rottweilers teeth and a Belgians coat. I shoveled manure , and picked hooves. I pumped rain water and lugged hay.Worked retail. I hugged a Belgian, named Nickel who stopped eating to hug me back. I spotted a double rainbow, and wished for more Belgians. Clearly I am nuts but I would not trade my farm.

Starting the hunt, and saving the pennies

So he's sexy don't you think? Of course he's Two, turns three in the spring. Does not yet ride or drive, lives in Minnesota and cost $5000.00 18HH still growing 

This one is also two, located in Michigan Broke single $2,500.00 17.2 HH

This wonderful OLD man does it all , he's said to be 15
So Bob said I can get another Belgian when I fill the coin jar...it's very large. I think I better keep saving...

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Playing Catch Up





The week end flew bye, as they do and yesterday the computer was slow, slow, slow. Tonight I will try to catch you up. First it has been unseasonably warm, here in Maine.40 tonight, 46 last night as I did rounds and 46 again this morning, tomorrow is to bring rain. Friday night Bob and I had an easy dinner, hung out in the barn and talked about our week. I am convinced the animals can sense the week end, they all seem to relax and enjoy all the extra attention.Saturday we slept in till after six, then the day just flew. Lager and Bob did the Saturday morning road trip to Agway, then it was leaf clean up.I did all my usual Saturday chores, with some additional cooking for our dinner guest's. Before we knew it, it was cooling down and the sun was beginning to set. About 3:30 Saturday Bob pulled out our wagon and when our guest arrived, we had just enough sunlight for a very short wagon ride.It was nice to have our Team work together, Jake seems to be feeling better. Although the early sun set kept our ride short, it was a treat to share this experience with friends. Although I try not to, sometimes we forget how special it is to have a team. Our dinner went well, we feasted on steak tips grilled out of doors and stuffed shells.Sunday we did some farm chores and errands, then we watched a couple friends plow the club field with their team. We did not put our Team together to plow, I thought it would be far to much work for Jake.We will really have to give some thought to getting Nickel a Team mate that can keep up with him. Jake is a wonderful companion but I could not help but feel like Nick missed out not plowing. Nickel has really blossomed over the last 18 months, he has grown to be strong and proud. Belgians love to have a job, that takes them out of the paddock. I can not remember who I heard say it, but someone once told me "The best horse to buy, is not for sale" this seems to be very true, I'm not sure there is another Nickel out there anyone would part with.God willing I will never part with  my Nick.
As  I reflect on my blessings and give thanks for my farm, I remember my Dad .On this the anniversary of his death,I know he would like this place and be happy for me.  Hug someone you love tonight.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Menu Plan for the Week and Plan B

OK so it was decided I would make "homemade Chinese Food" for our guest's Saturday. Then I learned that one of the guests is very picky. So its onto plan B Steak tips on the Grill, side of pasta. Now that I have dug out all the Chinese Food Recipes, I'll have to invite another set of guests soon.

Friday Anti pasta Buffet
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/antipasto-platter-recipe/index.html




Saturday Grilled Tips , Pasta Spinach Salad Chocolate Cake
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/steak-tip-marinade/Detail.aspx
Sunday Honey Roasted Chicken Dinner
Monday Chicken Fried Rice adapted from
http://eatathomecooks.com/2009/01/vietnam-fried-rice.html
Tuesday Tortellini and Kale
Wednesday Loaded Baked Potato
Thursday Bacon Hamburger Quiche Can not wait to try this, spotted it this week
http://fullbellies.blogspot.com/