This week we are having fun watching Emory (2 years old) for a few days.  She has been quite busy with the chickens, (they come running to her since she gives out tons of snacks), rock hunting, searching for turtles,  but really her main focus is playing with Abigail.  Abigail’s main focus is surviving the day.  Funny thing, she is does not run away, unlike Cosmo who has been in hiding since Monday.  Maybe she is enjoying her too!

I spotted this beautiful field of yellow flowers while driving near the border of Georgia and Tennessee.  When I got out to take photos I noticed there was a sign saying it was “Canola Seed”.  Very interesting indeed.  Canola was developed through conventional plant breeding from rapeseed, an oilseed plant already used in ancient civilization as a fuel.  Rapeseed is the highest-producing oil-seed crop in the USA.  Canola now has become a major American cash crop.

Answers to”Play on Peeps”

1. Upkeep

2. Perspective

3. Shopkeeper

4. Speakerphone

5. Penelope

6. Peace Pipe

I hope you enjoy “Fowl Play Friday”…..just a little brain teaser for you to try.  This is just for fun, no prizes (everybody is a winner/wiener).  So get out a pencil and paper to play along.  The answers will be revealed next week.  Please do not write your answers in the comment section.

PLAY ON PEEPS

Each one of the answers below contains the word PEEP within its letters.

1.    Maintenance                        __P__EEP

2.    Insight                                   PE__EP__ __ __ __

3.    Store Owner                        __ __ __ P__EEP__ __

4.    Conference call device     __PE__ __E__P__ __ __ __

5.    A women’s name                PE__ E__ __P__

6.    Ceremonial Smoker           PE__ __E      P__ __ __

(2 words)

Wishing you an egg-stra special Easter!

Wishing you all the wonders of a new Spring season- the Vernal Equinox!

According to “The Old Farmers Almanac”  The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” The spring and fall equinoxes are the only dates with equal daylight and dark as the Sun crosses the celestial equator.

Question: According to folklore, you can stand a raw egg on its end on the equinox. Is this true?

Answer: One spring, a few minutes before the vernal equinox, several Almanac editors tried this trick. For a full workday, 17 out of 24 eggs stood standing. Three days later, we tried this trick again and found similar results. Perhaps 3 days after the equinox was still too near.   (my girls advise you not to attempt this trick!)

I have been awarded the Liebster Blog Award!

“Liebster” is a German word meaning dearest, beloved or favorite.  The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to other bloggers – intended to showcase exceptional blogs. The Liebster Award is recognition from a peer, for which I feel quite honored. 

My “thank you” goes to Mary Stori, a fabulous quilt artist, teacher and author from North Carolina, who has bestowed this award upon me. You too will be delighted by her humorous, bead-dazzled, embellished works of art.

Please visit her blog:  http://marystori.blogspot.com/

___________________________________________

One of the rules that come with the award is to select five exceptional Blogs to be given the next Liebster Award.

My nominees for the Liebster Award for their creative blogs…..all of which I read faithfully and know YOU will enjoy visiting are:

Judy Simmons, a long time friend and an incredible fiberartist. She creates her own fabric using various surface design techniques; hand dying, marbling and printing. She shares her techniques and works on her blog.  Judy’s enchanting work often features nature -“Daisies” is a close up of one of her works. 

http://www.judysimmonsfiberart.blogspot.com/

 Brigitte Chavaillaz, a truly amazing paper artist who is inspired by nature – she creates with paper and repurposing vintage items at “Papier-Velours”. Brigitte’s attention to detail will amaze you too – her European background (Swiss/American) influences her style.   I have one of her journals; everything she creates is a treasure.  Check out her paper magic!

 http://papier-velours.blogspot.com/

Paula Begley, The Saucy Southerner – a fab food blog that will make your mouth water.  Paula is my go-to-gal for recipes; whether cooking to impress or for just good eats.  You will enjoy her witty culinary style.  I just got rave reviews on her Smoky Spinach Artichoke Hummus. (As a side serving:  Paula taught me how to fly-fish.  She and Mr. Saucy own Little River Outfitters…http://littleriveroutfitters.com/)  Be sure to check out her archives for more recipes. Bon Appetit!

http://www.thesaucysoutherner.com/

1840 Farm Blog , Jennifer Burcke and her family live on a circa 1840 farm on the seacoast of New Hampshire.  Take a visit there – enjoy gardening, farmhouse recipes and see her restoration work.  Along the way you will meet her fun loving animals up close (via web cam) energetic goats (that’s Zinnia below, daughter of Violet) and  charming chickens too!  You will enjoy following this homesteading blog.  Visit the farm!

 http://1840farm.wordpress.com/

Maya Schonenberger,  a fiber artist who loves to explore our environment and nature.  She uses the most intriguing techniques to create the fabric for her pieces. Maya’s pieces reflect our ever changing world.  Her work is in exhibits and private collections in USA and internationally.    Stop by her studio!

http://mayasartstudio.blogspot.com/

“Branching Out” is a beautiful quilt made for me by Rusty (Jane) Hardy Miller.  She designed the block pattern, which is called “Watch Your Step”, it is also featured in  one of her quilting books entitled  “Step by Step”.  The blocks are made up of what I call vanilla fabrics – a variety of beiges and creams.  Rusty knows I love this color scheme– I collect handmade pottery mugs in vanilla so they all sort of match.  She also knows that I love appliqué, so she designed the branches of leaves which are outlined in big stitch quilting.  The quilting stitches start out as leaves that become swirls and sunrays as they reach the top.   Wish you could see this in person!  She has written 4 quilting books, (has a book signing this weekend in Florida) her website is http://www.frenchbraidquilts.com/  I am lucky to have such a talented and dear friend!

Found this fun Chalk Board fabric to use as a tablecloth !  Purchased it from Fabrics.com, they sell it by the yard.  I plan to use it for an upcoming party (stay tuned).  Happy Valentines Day (our Anniversary too!)  XOXOX

The girls want to thank everybody for entering!  They have been busy all night tallying the entries and came up with the Winner….

The total eggs laid 2011 was: 3,973

The winning entry was:  Lissandra and Anthony (from Florida) who submitted: 4,029 (just 56 eggs off)

CONGRATS!  We hope you enjoy the cookbook! 

EGG COUNT CONTEST—GUESS HOW MANY EGGS WERE LAID IN 2011

Sharpen your pencils, get out the calculator, the Annual Egg Count Contest is here again!  The girls, 23 of them, have been quite busy this past year.

If you can guess how many eggs were laid from January thru December you will win the Grand Prize:”Chicken and Egg” Suburban Homesteading Cookbook by Janice Cole.  I received this cookbook as a gift and loved all the delightful stories and delicious egg recipes I knew I had to get one to give as the prize for this year. 

 Just enter your guess via the comment section of the Blog (or email if you prefer).

Entries must be submitted by February 5, 2012……a winner will be selected by the number closest to the actual count.   Only entries from U.S.A. accepted, as prize will be mailed.  (Bribes in the form of cash or jewelry are acceptable).

We keep a daily count every single egg laid, even the ones I dropped!

We gathered at 6:00 for appetizers and to list our guess of boy or girl along with name suggestions.  The timer was set for 7:00 to cut the cake for the “reveal”. (Everybody tried poking, staring at the cake, etc).

The frosting was BLUE; they are having a little BOY!!  They gave the first slice to Stella, the baby’s great grandmother.  What fun!!

Fran’s Red Velvet Hot Cocoa with Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

4 cups whole milk

1 dash water

¾ cup semi sweet chocolate chips

¼ cup sugar

1 teaspoon red food coloring

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2-4 tablespoons whipped cream cheese, room temp

 Make the whipped cream:

In a mixer, combine the heavy cream and sugar.  Whip on medium speed with the whisk attachment for 2-3 minutes.  Just before peaks form, add the cream cheese and whisk for another 2 minutes.  Taste and add more cream cheese to taste.  Be careful not to over whip! 

In a medium saucepan heat the milk over medium heat.  Add a splash of water and chocolate chips, constantly stirring gently.  When almost melted, add red food coloring and stir.  When the chocolate chips are thoroughly melted, pour the hot chocolate into mugs and to with the whipped cream.

4 servings

Four Calling Birds….

Ring in the Holidays!

(Mary, Emma, Agnes & Fran featured)

Abigail opening up her gift from Melani early — the catnip just got the best of her!

This is cousin Geri’s yummy and quick recipe!

EGGNOG POUNDCAKE

1 (16-oz.) package pound cake mix

1 1/4 cups eggnog

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat all ingredients together at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium, and beat 2 minutes. Pour into a lightly greased 9- x 5-inch loaf pan.
• 2. Bake at 350° for 1 hour  or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

We have wonderful news:  Our niece-ling Jamey and Matt are expecting a baby in June!  They shared the good news with the extended family during  Thanksgiving……She will have to teach her little “prayer” to the young one now.  We are over the moon with happiness for them.

At this time of giving thanks, I think this little children’s prayer truly says it all.   Over the years it has been tradition to have our youngest niece bless our family meals with it.

God we thank you for this food.

For rest and home and all things good.

For wind and rain and sun above,

But most of all those we love.

Cute Overload!  These rocket powered pups will certainly keep my brother and Tami busy.

Wolfgang Puck’s Butternut Squash Soup

3 lbs butternut squash (peeled, seeded and cut into 3” cubes)

1 lb Idaho potatoes (peeled, cut into 3” cubes)

6 cloves of garlic

2 cups heavy cream

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon curry powder

In a stock pot, place potatoes, squash and garlic together and fill with water about 2 inches above contents.  Place on stove and bring to a boil.  Cook until a knife inserted just slides thru the squash (about 30 minutes).

Add remaining ingredients and stir well.  Season with salt and pepper.  Remove from heat and mix with a hand blender until creamy/smooth.

Many have asked how is little Fran doing, here she is at the vet’s  office last week because she still retains fluids and needed to be “drained” (or we like to think of it as a tummy tuck).  She of course was be best behaved patient they had that day.  Fran is feeling sooo much now! 

We are lucky to have a wonderful chicken sitter….. direct from Venice Italy and Marco Island, yes we pay top dollar for her….Denise Marie.   They need to be on the best behavior now.

This farm gal is a buff orpington hen who has the pleasure of living in a historic 1915 five story dairy barn.  The girls come and go through an open side window.  Robinson Farm located in Woodstock, Vermont and is part of the Farmhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast.  Now you can see who really provides the breakfast.

Hummm?  Selling men?  I already had one to feed and care for but I decided to drive and find the sale anyway.

Turns out it is a Yard Sale with stuff a “Man” would buy.  Tools, wood, scraps of metal, parts, junk.  Clever, very clever, I wonder how many other people drove to see what they were selling!

Visiting Vermont in the summer was fun – and slightly chilly in the evenings – what a nice change!  We stayed at the cozy Canterbury Inn in Woodstock (www.thecanterburyhouse.com) with our innkeeper friends Bob & Sue.  She makes the best breakfasts ever…even had the chicken alarm clock in our room!  Enjoyed the Wine & Cheese Festival at Shelburne then onto visiting with the Corbett’s at their beautiful place in East Barnard- the kids sure kept us hopping.  Check out the great view from one of their porches. 

Tomato-Basil Tart

1 unbaked Pie Crust

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

5 tomatoes – (home grown or your favorite type)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup mayo

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

1/8 teaspoon pepper

• Place piecrust in tart pan or pie plate and bake according to package directions.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese.  Cool on wire rack.
• Cut tomatoes into wedges, drain on paper towels.  Arrange tomatoes on top of melted cheese.  Sprinkle basil and garlic over the tomatoes.
• In medium bowl combine remaining mozzarella cheese, mayo, parmesan and pepper.  Spoon over the tomato basil mixture.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.

Here’s to Red White & Blue!

Perfect Scrambled Eggs for Two  (Cook’s Magazine July 2011)

4 large eggs plus 1 yolk (from Turtle Creek Farm if possible)

2 tablespoons of half & half

½ tablespoon unsalted butter, chilled

Salt and pepper

With a fork beat eggs, yolk, half & half, salt and pepper until well combined.

Heat butter in a  8” skillet set on medium-high heat until melted (not brown) swirl to coat pan.

Add egg mixture and using a rubber spatula, constantly and firmly scrape along the bottom and sides of skillet until eggs begin to clump and not stick to bottom of pan when scraped with spatula (about 1 to 2 1/2 minutes).  Reduce heat to low and gently but constantly fold eggs until clumped and just slightly wet, 30-60 seconds.  Remove from heat and serve!  (If you wish to dress up the eggs add parsley, chives, dill or whatever to the eggs after reducing the heat).

The cutting garden is bursting with color…here are some of the zinnias.  They range in color and size from large blooms to teeny thumbelinas.  Even the buds are beautiful.

Turtle Creek Farm Granola

6 cups quick cooking oats

1 ½ cups brown sugar

1 cup oat bran

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup sunflower seeds

½ cup sesame seeds

1 ½ cups  coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 teapoons vanilla extract

½ cup canola oil

1 cup craisins (or raisins)

 Mix all ingredients except the raisins in a large roasting pan that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray.  Bake in a preheated oven 325 for 25 minutes.  Stir and bake another 25 minutes. Stir again, let cool, then mix in raisins.                                       Makes about 12 cups

www.pierlures.com

If you start watching the royal wedding at 4:00 am, it is suggested to enjoy a cup of Earl Grey Tea…however anytime after that sip this Blue Sapphire Martini while you’re wondering how your invitation got lost in the mail.  Pinkies out ladies. (Cue the corgies & footman)

Blue Sapphire Martini

2 Tablespoons Blue Curacao

1 Tablespoon Tequila

1 Tablespoon White Rum

1 Tablespoon Vodka

1 Cup Sprite

Garnish with a lemon twist

One of the colorful springtime events around East Tennessee is our Dogwood Festival…featuring the spectacular blooming dogwood trees in a variety of different colors from creamy white to all shades of pink.  There are dogwood trails all around each town you can take by hiking, biking or driving to view these grand trees and celebrate nature.

Thanks to everyone for good thoughts and wishes!

The Saturday before we left for our trip we noticed that her stomach seemed bloated….we feared that she was egg-bound (having trouble passing an egg – This is very serious and they can die).   Trying to find a vet to treat a chicken, much less over a weekend was a challenge.  I asked our vet when we first got the chickens if she treats them; she said well, they are either dead or alive!  So we referred to our “Chickens for Dummies” book that suggested you set the chicken over “steam” heat to get the egg moving.  Dan took our antique Victorian bird cage, removed the bottom, set it over screening, up on blocks in our pantry and we put her in it, covered it with blankets and placed boiling water in pans below her from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. (Fran was thinking “I don’t think I bought the weekend spa package”) No egg.  Next morning we gave her a hot bath and used the hair blow dryer – still no egg.  We read about injecting Calcium Gluconate…so the vet gave it to us. (ok first injection went off in my jacket pocket so had to run in and get another one)…still no egg and Fran still looked like she was wearing a full diaper.  We had to leave so the pet-sitter watched her daily for a week; still no egg.

My friend Laurie suggested another vet that treated her pet duck.  So we packed her up and took her to see Dr. Jones about 45 minutes away.  You can see that the dog carrier we borrowed was a bit of an over-kill. 

The office was filled with mis-behaving barking dogs.  Fran, been a very well mannered southern gal, sat perfectly still  for Dr Jones, calmly weighed in, even provided a stool sample.  The model patient. 

 The doctor checked inside her for an egg, no egg – so thinks it could be “egg yolk peritonitis”  Which means during the egg laying process the egg yolk missed the “funnel” and went into her abdomen, causing an infection.  So we are giving her antibiotics.

How to give a pill to a chicken:  hide it in food.   Ok chickens are pretty smart and can see in color – this pill is bright turquoise.  By the third day she figured this out.  So now we pop it down her throat.

We have been back to the vet’s office again (behind the counter I heard “that nice chicken is back”) and are on another round of antibiotics.  I pray every day she will get better.  She still eats and plays with everybody and looks like she’s got a diaper on – but she sure has a strong will to live!

A dozen life size sheep with colorful yarn balls placed all over directed festival guests to our Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival.  The city has a law against “temporary” signs along the roads leading into the Smoky Mountains……sheep aren’t signs they are just sheep.

We had a great turnout – with classes, sheep herding, sheep shearing, knitting, spinning, weaving and a wonderful array of vendors from all across the country!  Sandy from Cozy Rabbit Farm of New Jersey, stayed with me, along with her adorable angora rabbits.  She spins their fur into luxurious yarns (the chickens & cats did not get to visit with them before you ask) Another committee member had Mercedes from Kitchen Sink Dyeworks  as a guest.  She dyes and paints incredible yarns;  some even with shimmering sterling silver threads blended in.  The Festival is always around the third weekend in March, a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains or look for sheep!

www.cozyrabbitfarm.com

www.kitchensinkdyeworks.com

A friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.  

***

Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don’t want to press your luck.

*** 

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing

]]> http://vitamarielovett.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=858 2 http://vitamarielovett.com/blog/?p=841 http://vitamarielovett.com/blog/?p=841#comments Sat, 12 Mar 2011 02:25:39 +0000 vitamarie http://vitamarielovett.com/blog/?p=841 We just got back from a quick trip to Miami for a friends wedding.  Here are a few snaps.

For the birthday celebration they enjoyed tiny corn muffin cupcakes filled with corn kernels and non-chickens got carrot cake cupcakes.

Here is what I learned about chicken birthday parties:

A.    They do not like colorful balloons or streamers.

B.   They do not like giant hanging Happy First Birthday banners.

C.   They do not share cupcakes.

It was quite windy, so I can understand flapping colorful objects would be scary. (Dan said they are so chicken). So after removing all the decorations, they were willing to put up with one small Happy Birthday sign on the ground.  Perhaps they were expecting jewelry?

It was a good thing that Dan nixed my idea of a renting a tent, pony rides and a clown. 

Who likes clowns anyway?

Next year definitely going for a magic act.

 Credits: 

I purchased the pattern for little woolen “Chicks” Candle Mat from www.pumpkinvinecorner.com 

Idea for chicken decorated cupcakes came from  Auntie Cindy in Atlanta.

The story of Valentine’s Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr. The emperor was Claudius II Gothicus. The Christian was Valentinus.

Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship state religion’s idols, and he had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ, and not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs.

During the last weeks of Valentinus’s life a remarkable thing happened. One day a jailer for the Emperor of Rome knocked at Valentinus’s door clutching his blind daughter in his arms. He had learned of Valentinus’s medical and spiritual healing abilities, and appealed to Valentinus to treat his daughter’s blindness. She had been blind since birth. Valentinus knew that her condition would be difficult to treat but he gave the man his word he would do his best. The little girl was examined, given an ointment for her eyes and a series of re-visits were scheduled.

Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might also be brought to Valentinus for lessons. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of Rome’s history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about GOD. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

“Valentinus, does GOD really hear our prayers?” Julia said one day. “Yes, my child, He hears each one, “he replied.

“Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you’ve told me about!”

“GOD does what is best for us if we will believe in HIM,” Valentinus said.

“Oh, Valentinus, I do believe,” Julia said intensely. “I do.” She knelt and grasped his hand. They sat quietly together, each praying.   Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell.  Radiant, Julia screamed, “Valentinus, I can see!! I can see!

On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia – knowing his execution was imminent. Valentinus asked the jailer for a paper, pen and ink. He quickly jotted a farewell note and handed it to the jailer to give to his blind daughter. He urged her to stay close to GOD, and he signed it “From Your Valentine.”  His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.

 He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. In 496 Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day. On each Valentine’s Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are still exchanged around the world.

The official egg count for 2010 was:  2,459

The WINNING guess was submitted by Rusty of Miami, Florida who guessed: 2,550  (off by a mere 91 eggs).

Along with her egg count guess, she noted that if she won, to please send the Clock to Sue Frost of Woodstock, Vermont who had the best idea of what to do with it!  Sue said she would place the clock in one of her guestrooms for when we come and visit.  Sue and Bob Frost own Canterbury House Bed & Breakfast—a grand 1880’s Victorian house – where the Chicken Alarm Clock will surely blend right in with the lovely décor.  So if you’re planning on visiting Vermont and want to stay in a wonderful B&B, just ask to stay in the room with the Chicken Clock:

http://www.thecanterburyhouse.com/index.html

CONGRATS RUSTY!!!  Another surprise gift will be sent to you for being so generous! If the box has air-holes in it, open quickly it’s a chicken.

The “girls” started laying eggs in July and have been busy……so if you can guess how many eggs were laid from July thru December you will win the Grand Prize:  Chicken Alarm Clock (sure to annoy those around you with the crowing alarm).

Just enter your guess via the comment section of the Blog (or email if you prefer).

Entrys must be submitted by January 31, 2011……a winner will be selected by the number closest to the actual count.   Only entries from U.S.A. accepted, as prize will be mailed.

We have counted every single egg laid, even the ones I dropped, we keep a daily record!

We had John and Terry Crane come up from Florida to spend a few days relaxing.  New Years Day was too rainy for our annual hike in the park, so we had to walk the next day.  Also got a chance to show off my new chicken boots from Melani to the “girls”.