I gave myself an exception from the self-imposed magazine diet for the issue of Canning 2013. These are once a year issues that I keep for reference. It is early fruit time here in the Pacific NW of the USA. The primary fruits are currently Strawberry and Cherry. My friend Mitzi has a lovely sweet Cherry tree in her yard, and picking is upon us. She gave me a large bowl of Cherries, to eat fresh or to can. I had most of them still in the refrigerator and decided to make this recipe for Sweet Cherry Jam. This is my first time to make jam from Cherries. I hand pitted the cherries, leaving my fingers very stained. I followed this recipe exactly. I am happy to report that the jam is excellent!

The magazine has a large section of making various pasta sauces to can. I am really looking forward to make some of them in the fall, when the tomatoes are ripe. 

There are many interesting and unique jams and preserves in the magazine, even one for a Bacon spread....hum....I am going to try that one.

Vintage Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Yesterday I went junking with Sis in Eugene Oregon. I found a wonderful vintage dutch oven...similar to this one. It cost $10.50...wow, new ones are about $50+. It is unmarked, I have been searching the Internet for information...unsuccessfully. Well, I do know that it is old because it is very finely made...probably dating to 1920-`1930 era. The interior is very smooth, and the lid is unusual. The lid has indented basting spots, I have never seen one like this. I don't know if this will be gift to someone...but, for now it is going to travel in Prairie Flower. I can use it on the stove, or in the campfire coals. Not a camping dutch oven, but I can make it work. The Camptown Girls need better food at their camp outs, and I can assist in that endeavor by making main dish items, fresh bread, or desserts.

True to Me

This is a lovely art by Melody Ross. True to me...that is a way to live your life. Sign up for the daily messages to get them delivered right to your email. www.bravegirlsclub.com

Fixing Up a Pop-up Trailer

I know that many gals cannot afford a vintage trailer. They can have a cute alternative, a used pop-up trailer. This gal has transformed her trailer on a budget. I think that the effect is nice, clean, simple, and light filled. Her blog post about this is Sweet Meas. Some great ideas on her blog as well.

Glamping at Little Lava Lake

Oh, what a weekend. First off, Prairie Flower back lights were giving me fits, so I called my friends who have an auto repair shop....come on over they said, we'll take a look. After about 3 hours, I had new tail lights, but then we were 2 hours late leaving town. Now, we were leaving a day early (Thursday), to get good spots near the group camping area. Of course, by the time we arrived...each towing our own trailer.......the entire campground was full at 5 pm. The camp host was very nice to the two of us, opening an area for us to spend the night. He assisted in directing me backing into a very tight space, around two corners and between closely spaced trees. Here are a few photos.

South Sister, from Little Lava Lake

A Beautiful Full Moon, for the Summer Solstice

Early Morning Mist on Little Lava Lake

Boats on Elk Lake, Mt Bachelor in Background

One of the gals with her Teardrop Trailer and her two King Charles Spaniels

I am in the red clothing in these two photos. We are practicing the ukulele. The gal wearing purple is very good on the uke, we are learning from her. An impromptu class...per Se. I am using a good friends $$$$ custom made (one of a kind) ukulele. It is very nice...and plays very well. (I would not spend that much money. There are really exquisite ukulele's for under $1000.)

There were 12 women there, and 10 dogs. I think the dogs are not exactly a good thing...especially so many, but I understand that when a person is single, they need to bring along their pets. Many interesting ladies, many life stories...some really good, and some not so good. I enjoyed the conversation, however, at times too much.  When that happened, I took myself on a walk along the Deschutes River, or along the lake shore. One time I went on a drive for some fun. 

Six of the gals stayed in their back packing tents. It rained Saturday night, and they all got up early and left. I decided to pay dues and join the group, they having a camp out each month, until November. They camp at nice lakes in the Cascades in Central Oregon. 

4 of us stayed Sunday night, we were given 3 large freshly caught trout.
We decided to have a camping dinner party, and invited the camp host. It was a great evening, with good food, wine, conversation, and table (camping picnic table) was set with a nice tablecloth, flowers, and real dishes and goblets. A truly special time. Our campground host said that it was a rare treat.

Cheddar Biscuits for Camping Potluck

Have you ever had these great biscuits at a large nationwide restaurant? Hum...so good. I found a copy-cat recipe online. I am making them for a camping potluck on the weekend.

• 2 cups Bisquick
• 1/2 cup Cold Water
• 3/4 cup, grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Directions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees
• Mix together baking mix, cold water, and grated cheese
• Pat out biscuits on a floured surface to 1 inch thick
• Cut biscuits
• Place on an un-greased baking dish
• Melt butter and seasonings together
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes
• Brush the Butter mixture over them immediately
• Serve warm

There are other recipes for these biscuits. I think that they may be better than this one. I just want an easy recipe for camping.

Life is not meant to be spent alone and isolated.

I am finding some of the people that I need to be in my life. I tell my sometimes introverted self to reach out and find the new friends I need. It works...I am happy to have added some friends that are becoming special to me.  A soul who is kindred...a shares a zest, is a treat.  May I find more friends to include in my life.........XO

Skin Cancer, Again!

I said it out loud...I have skin cancer, again...basal cell carcinoma. I went to my Dermatologist, Diane Baird (she is great, we have had a relationship since 1997) last week. I wasn't there for the area in question. The problem area was nothing to worry about. I just said what about this spot? It is just below my neck, on my sternum...it is just under the neckline of this shirt. A small spot, raised a little, and I have been keeping an eye on it. OK, just a small biopsy...to see what it is...probably nothing. Today the call, Dr Baird, it is cancer, I will need a inoffice surgery. Here we go, July 9th...........just to get rid of it.

Camptown Girls are going to Little Lava Lake

Camptown Girls is a fun group of ladies from the Central Oregon - Bend area. Some of them are Sisters on the Fly. They are getting together for a weekend of fun at Little Lava Lake. It is just a few days from now. They are staying in the group camping area and some gals are getting campsites in the regular campground. This area is just south of the Three Sisters Wilderness area and is incredibly beautiful. The snow capped peak on the left is the South Sister.  I am planning to take Prairie Flower and get a campsite near them. I want to meet them, and possibly join the group. This area is about a 2 hour drive from my home.

Two Words That We All Need

Two words... Thank You. Why do some people seem unable to utter them? The lack of support and thanks for the things that you do for another person is likely to create a difficult relationship, and maybe leading to disintegration of any interpersonal interaction. I know...............from personal experience.

A couple of hours ago I heard those two words said to me for a small task I did. I stopped dead in my tracks, I was stunned, completely. How long has it been since ___ said that to me. Certainly many months...fall...maybe longer than that.............I don't remember. I now have tears, while writing this. Why is this person...who is normally unkind, saying this. I don't believe my ears. I have built a protective wall to the words usually expelled at me.

This must be just a freaky accident...not a personality change. I think that everything will be back to normal around here tomorrow.

Thank you for listening to this post, it is directly from my heart.

Vintage Thermos Chest Cooler

This is another addition for Prairie Flower. I found it at a thrift store on the 1/2 price sale. There is a little rust on the metal exterior...but the inside is perfect. I plan to use it for my Dutch Oven cooking gear. I can fit a 10" Dutch Oven inside on one side. A small bag of Kingsford Charcoal on the other side. There will be room for the other gear...leather gloves, lid lifter, conditioner, cleaning supplies, lid holder, charcoal starting stuff, and lighter. I will be able to have this ready to go, for the trips when camping and fire rings are available. I will be able to have it outdoors when camping. I could use it with ice as was the original purpose, or for other stuff. I checked Ebay...they are listed for $75 - $100...wow. I purchased it for $12.

Dutch Oven Cooking - Cream Soda Biscuits

I just got home from a weekend of camping and cooking with Dutch Ovens. One of the things that I made was Cream Soda Biscuits. It is a great item to make when camping, and you want a bread to serve with soup, stew, or other saucy main dish...or breakfast with fruit jam.  If you search on the Internet there are a few variations. The recipe I use has 3 ingredients. It makes about 10-12 biscuits. I use a 12" Dutch Oven.

Self-rising flour (about 4 cups), a can of cream soda, and 1/2 c canola oil.

I start with about 3 cups of the flour in a bowl, add the oil, then add the soda a bit at a time and add additional flour to get a soft dough. 

I put about 3-4 T of oil in the dutch oven, pat out the dough to about 3/4 to 1 inch thick, cut out the biscuits, round/square. Lightly coat with the oil in the dutch oven. I like to crowd them so they will raise nicely. Put a few coals on the dutch oven to raise the bread.  

When they look good to you, bake them at 350 for about 25 minutes. Watch the bottom heat so they don't burn. The tops will be pretty light, maybe slightly golden like this photo shows.

BTW, lovely weather...highs about 80's and sunny. There were 12 folks from the club and a good time, at the great location.

This Gal had a Cute Little Shasta Compact Gifted to Her

I am green with envy. Just imagine someone giving you a vintage trailer, that has not been used in 15 years, and was stored in a barn. Yes, it needs a little bit of fixing (tires, bearing, battery, etc).....but still a bargin by anyones standard.  Here is a link to her blog girl-camping.blogspot.com Enjoy visiting her blog, she shares many photos.

What are Your Plans for the Future?

What you would write in response to that question? Try this on......
To live a happy and creative life, whatever I am doing and wherever I am. To surround myself with positive, joyful, and ________ people. To continue to be the best________________________.  It is your turn to fill in the blanks.  This is from an interview that I read today. I wonder if the person answering the interview just quoted something they found online. Well, whatever happened...it is something to give thought to.

Last October at Brave Girls Camp, we sat in a circle the last day and had discussions around this theme. We were ask to say in 2 or 3 words what we would be wanting for ourselves.  I told the group that I wanted peace and joy in my life.

Prairie Flower - The May Campout IV

These are the last photos from May. The original painting in the top photo is signed Jean Holly. I found it in a Thrift Store in my small town. I think that it is very pretty, and worked with the flower theme. The small Paris flag was also a thrift find, so cute, I just had to have it for this spot. I have had the berry wreath tucked away for several years.  It just came together. I wake up every morning to that pretty painting!

The pretty floral 15" platter was purchased at Glory Days Antiques in Springfield Oregon. I am attempting to get a small collection of plates to use in Prairie Flower. I have several friends looking for them at Thrift Stores. I want to find the old ones that are European made. I have purchased 4 bowls of this kind, and have them to use in Prairie Flower. My plan is to have non-breakable and light items. I have mis-matched vintage silver cutlery, salt/pepper shakers and a few bud vases and bowls (thrift finds too). I find that fun and special. Some Sisters on the Fly stock their trailers with vintage china and good glassware, I respect them for their choices...but I don't want to break stuff all the time. The believe sign is a personal message for me. There is a small crafted sign that I made it says, Love Your Life.

Tickleberry Farm Goes Glamping

This is a blogger that I found. She has great photos of glamping on International Glamping Weekend (last weekend). She copyrights her blog...so I have not put a pic on this post. To see the great blog, here is a link Tickleberry Farm. Enjoy!!

A Little Glamping from the Farm Chicks Campout

All of you that want to be Glamping, here's a photo from last weekend Farm Chick Sale and Glampers on the Loose campout (Mary Jane's Farmgirls) near Spokane Washington. I have wanted to go to this special weekend...however it is about a 13+ hour drive from my home. It just doesn't make sense to me.

One of the bloggers that I follow posted a great post with many pics. Here is a link for you to enjoy it The Vintage Bag Lady 

Prairie Flower - The May Campout III

 Again, this photo is from several months ago when I first purchased Prairie Flower. The refrigerator is electric only, bummer. I have to use ice blocks where there is no electricity. This is not original, there would have been an Ice Box. The problem is also that it is installed too close to the ceiling, and hits a light to the right of the photo. The ice box was originally below, and this area was a cabinet with shelves.

This photo is from May. The door to the refrigerator will not stay closed when towing, so I added an eyebolt and used a ribbon to keep it closed. A simple solution...but it works. The area under the refrigerator where the ice box was located has been changed to a small round 7 gallon hot water tank. I plan to remove the hot water tank, and convert the area to shelves. I think that I need a space for the portable fresh water coolers and other stuff as necessary. All I really know is that I do not want or need an old type hot water tank. I have removed all the plumbing to the tank... it was split, broken, and leaking.

I found a 1960's metal camping cooler, you know...the box style used when tent camping. I plan to make it into my dutch oven cooking supply box. Then, when I am going for a weekend when I will be cooking that style, I will have everything together. I will be able to store it outside..beside Prairie Flower.

I have having so much fun with the decor. I am still getting the odds and ends  needed. Such as...I need to get a small fire extinguisher, extra keys, an outdoor umbrella with stand, a small axe, and a folding shovel. I will be getting these items soon.

Prairie Flower - May Campout II

This photo is from several months ago, showing the kitchen area.

This was taken in May. Several additions to the area. I am attempting to keep to a vintage theme, and use many items that I have at home. Note the green Coleman water cooler. I now have two just alike...they are my fresh water source. I want to find something to put on the wall above the sink...haven't found it yet.