My beloved pumpkin

We purchased the most lovely pumpkin from our favorite farm, and I placed her right next to my most favorite windows in the house, and she sat there basking in the sun for over a month. I would look at her as I had my coffee and admire how cute she was. I loved her so much I didn't even dare carve her for Halloween. Well yesterday I was packing up our fall decorations, and knew it was time to put her away too. Rather than just throw her in the trash...I decided to use her to make delicious pumpkin bread. I used the same recipe as my other pumpkin bread only I used butter rather than olive oil, whole wheat flour, raw sugar, and chopped almonds. I also used mini loaf pans to bake them. To be honest, I actually prefer using the butter, and love any chance to use whole wheat flour!!!

Fun

Yes, Joanne we had a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Except Hazel kept licking me.

Be still my heart.

Baking with friends.

I had stopped by a nearby farm to pick up our weekly eggs and milk when I noticed pumpkins and squash in boxes. I asked the farmer how much they cost and he said to help myself! So I did!!! I roasted the pumpkin and made a pie, and pumpkin bread. As I was perusing through my favorite blogs that evening, I came across a dear friend's blog and was delighted to discover that she was doing the exact same thing that day....except thousands of miles away.

Dear Friend,

I have been asking you for your address for some time. You have given it to me a dozen times so I apologize for my irresponsibility. You see, I want to send you a very belated gift because I love you so. I have made you something to keep your neck warm. I am sending it to you because you had posted the pattern and I loved it so much. So thank you for the idea, thank you for being born, and thank you for being a kindred spirit to me and a dear friend (one of the very best)!!!

Love,

Your friend.

**I must really love you because I am letting go of one of my beloved vintage buttons, so take good care of it.

Camphill Village

We were so happy to visit the Camphill Village in Kimberton Pa. It is truly a unique and wonderful place. It is a sustainable farm where individuals with developmental disabilities are able to live, work, and thrive in an environment that is free of judgement and bias. There are so many facets of the farm. They produce honey, milk, eggs, bread that is made there and with their own milled wheat flour, a craft cottage where they sell goods and even their own spun yarn. Our family visited the cafe where they offer a fresh seasonal menu made mostly of organic components. The bread was amazing!!!! I will definitely be back, I treasure programs that enable all individuals to flourish!!

Bright Day

Vintage buttons and patterns...

Why?

Because you could never have enough pictures of trees.

Because trees and leaves make me happy when I am sad.

Because God's love for me is more than the stars in the sky....

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace"

Jade

She rubs her cheek and makes a "mmm mmm mmm" sound, as if she is rubbing tiny satin pillows.

and looks like an absolute angel when she is sleeping.

Oatmeal Cookies

I said to Hazel, "maybe we can make cookies today!" and life happened, I got busy, and the end of the night was quickly approaching and she had not forgotten my cookie statement. She said to me, "momma, aren't we going to make cookies?". I was tired, and for a second regretted my little comment. As it turns out we did all made cookies. Jade, Hazel, and myself. I measured the ingredients, and they took turns dumping the spoons and cups into the bowl. It was so much fun, and truly seeing Hazel and Jade so excited and eating their cookies was priceless to me. We made oatmeal cookies we substituted currants for raisins, and used turbinado sugar and were super happy with the delicious results.

Energy Drink

I spoke with my mom on the phone the other day. She said she was doing great, taking care of herself, resting, and yes JUICING! My mom loves to juice! She is serious about juicing because she credits feeling good to juicing, so it works wonderfully for her. She said she had been in an organic market the other day and ordered the "energy juice drink" and it was nearly $5.00. So she vowed to bust out her juicer and make it for herself, rather than giving her money away so freely.

The drink consists of juicing:

• pineapple
• mango
• apple
• cucumber

I woke up this morning and decided to give our whole family a boost of "energy" and tried it, and it was delicious!!!

I know it looks funky and green but it was amazing...so you just gotta try it :)

Morning Frost

I woke up this morning, there was a fire going and it was nice and warm in our living room. Joe was just about to leave when he saw me and said, "you have to see the backyard", so I peaked outside and discovered a blanket of fine frost covering the grass. I suspected that winter is peaking it's way into our lives when yesterday evening it was in the low 30's. Oh my, I don't know if I'm ready for winter! I might have to fly south for the winter too.

Our lovely Fresh Turkey

We ordered our naturally fresh, local, farm raised turkey the other day from the Lancaster Farmers Market

Was it more expensive than the average, frozen turkey? Yes, but I hear the taste is incomparable. We plan to try to purchase as much of the ingrediens we can for our Thanksgiving feast locally, within 100 miles. We got the idea from the 100 mile diet. I am super excited to enjoy all the delicious & fresh local flavors.

Homemade Halloween

I simply adore homemade costumes. I think they take imagination, work, and are so much more meaningful than store bought ones. I had to take a few pictures of my most favorite costumes I saw this year. I think these kids are adorable. I especially like the Kleenex & antibacterial hand lotion especially for the flu season. I fell in love with the kid with the candy machine, especially since the kid was actually dispensing candy. Pippilongstocking was my most favorite because she was a childhood hero of mine.