It is almost dark here, and all is quiet.  My brew will be decaffeinated and non-alcoholic. I will be practicing my ukulele and winging it.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Halloween Decorations and Traditions

I put out some decorations at home. I like these quirky, fun, things. I found another one yesterday at the thrift store. Score!

We never get any kids here...way out in the sticks where we live. I enjoy a few things for the holiday.

"Halloween is one of the world's oldest holidays, dating back to pagan times. But it is celebrated today by more people in more countries than ever before.  there's a simple reason: it is fun and it is good, clean, harmless fun for young and old alike!

First, Where it all started: Ireland
In Ireland, which is considered to be where Halloween, the day is still celebrated much like it is in the United States. In rural areas, bonfires are lit as they were centuries ago, and all over the country, children get dressed up in costumes and spend the evening "trick-or-treating" in their neighborhoods. After trick-or-treating, most people attend parties with neighbors and friends. At the parties, many games are played, including "snap-apple," a game in which an apple on a string is tied to a door frame or tree and players attempt to bite the hanging apple. In addition to bobbing for apples, parents often arrange treasure hunts, with candy or pastries as the "treasure." The Irish also play a card game where cards are laid face down on a table with candy or coins underneath them. When a child chooses a card, he receives whatever prize is found below it.

A traditional food eaten on Halloween is barnbrack, a kind of fruitcake that can be bought in stores or baked at home. A muslin-wrapped treat is baked inside the cake that, it is said, can foretell the eater's future. If a ring is found, it means that the person will soon be wed; a piece of straw means that a prosperous year is on its way. Children are also known to play tricks on their neighbors, such as "knock-a-dolly," a prank in which children knock on the doors of their neighbors, but run away before the door is opened."

from- Halloween Traditions

Halloween is one of the world's oldest holidays, dating back to pagan times. But it is celebrated today by more people in more countries than ever before.  there's a simple reason: it is fun and it is good, clean, harmless fun for young and old alike!

First, Where it all started: Ireland

In Ireland, which is considered to be where Halloween, the day is still celebrated much like it is in the United States. In rural areas, bonfires are lit as they were centuries ago, and all over the country, children get dressed up in costumes and spend the evening "trick-or-treating" in their neighborhoods. After trick-or-treating, most people attend parties with neighbors and friends. At the parties, many games are played, including "snap-apple," a game in which an apple on a string is tied to a doorframe or tree and players attempt to bite the hanging apple. In addition to bobbing for apples, parents often arrange treasure hunts, with candy or pastries as the "treasure." The Irish also play a card game where cards are laid face down on a table with candy or coins underneath them. When a child chooses a card, he receives whatever prize is found below it.

A traditional food eaten on Halloween is barnbrack, a kind of fruitcake that can be bought in stores or baked at home. A muslin-wrapped treat is baked inside the cake that, it is said, can foretell the eater's future. If a ring is found, it means that the person will soon be wed; a piece of straw means that a prosperous year is on its way. Children are also known to play tricks on their neighbors, such as "knock-a-dolly," a prank in which children knock on the doors of their neighbors, but run away before the door is opened.

Read more at http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenglobal.php#UfDaxPbvm4E1gfs2.99

Ukulele Group

I decided to return to the local ukulele group. I stopped going to the weekly meetings when I became a very poor player. The group had become too advanced for me.

I went to the last meeting and I was very surprised. This time the group is right on with my ability. I am happy to be able to play along with them, and I learned 2 new songs that evening. The Beatles songs "Imagine", and "Let it Be". They gave me print outs for about 20 songs to learn. I have been practicing some daily. My middle finger on my left hand was arthritis, and gives me trouble making some chords.

My plan to add activities to my life is working!!  :)

Positive Thoughts

"Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny." - Mahatma Gandhi

Sew Can She Blog

I recently found this blog Sew Can She. I am very impressed with the free projects and patterns. This small "Forage Bag" is free today and I think that it is a fun project. I am downloading the pattern for a project.

There are many good ideas for projects available on her website. The link follows-

Sew Can She

Destiny....

What I know for sure...we all have the ability to make choices for ourselves.

Sometimes the choices are a hard thing to do, it is difficult to give up a belief about what we thought would happen. I have learned this lesson...sometimes we need to grieve about the loss, and to change decisions and direction.

I believe that delaying is a choice, and I am guilty of that action. It is an easy thing to do...taking no action. Ultimately, I am the person suffering... my spirit, my body, and my health.

Moving Forward With Your Life

But the only way we can move forward is to say..."OK, this is where I am...this is what I have to do next..." 
Today is a great day to look your life in the face and take responsibility for exactly where you are....

THEN take responsibility for what is going to happen next.You can do it. It's the only way to more forward. You are so very loved.xoxo

From Brave Girls Club

Change can be a hard thing. Admitting something to yourself can be difficult. Yes, look your life in the face, and plan ahead.

I am finding peace in my heart with this planning.

Halloween and Fall Decor

I did it! I cut my decorations in 1/2, from 4 tubs to 2 tubs. Yeah, I used to do a lot of Halloween when the kid was still home. I still love some of my stuff, and I am not ready to part with it. My turkey shakers are pretty special to me, they are post WWII, made in Japan. I display a flock of Turkeys, with some mini pumpkins and stuff.

I took a large tub of Halloween stuff to my Niece, Jessica. She was happy to have the things for her house. I feels good to give my stuff to family.

I gave some other things to a friend who is a 1st grade teacher, for her classroom.

My display is not out yet, maybe tomorrow............

Letting Go Of Things

I decided to sell most of my accumulation of horse equipment. I have been thinking about it for about a year. Today, I took on the tack room. My horses have been deceased for over 10 yrs now. Yes, I think that my horse days are over. I made a big pile of stuff, and three saddles, to sell. ( I am keeping three saddles for now, there are 6.) So, I still have a problem....the sentimental part of me wants them.

I cleaned those saddles for sale, photographed them. I will be posting them on craigslist soon. Two of them are like new, and would make great Christmas gifts.

I also have a pony cart and harness for sale.

When the horse trailer is sold, and all this stuff....I will feel good about it.

A friend of mine told me that she would show me how to sell on Ebay, then I will start selling some vintage things. (Left over from my junk dealer/collector phase.)

Next, the Halloween stuff............I am mostly just decorating with fall and pumpkins, leaves....I also have a good sized collection of vintage Turkey salt and pepper shakers.....so cute, small, and easily stored.

I think that doing this is going to be good for me. I will feel less tied to all my possession's. 

Vintage Cookie Jar

I found this vintage cookie jar at a thrift store last week. It is American Bisque, made in the USA, 1950's and not hard to find. Value about $25 to $40.

I enjoy this cookie jar, and I am happy to have it join my collection (family) of cookie jars. LOL!

Creating Your Own Sunshine

When it starts the rainy season here in western Oregon, I have many craft projects, and books waiting to be read. My studio is a mess right now....but soon I will be setting it right....organized a bit...anyway.

I love this pattern, this is one sewing project to do this winter.

Today, I am enjoying the lovely, sunny, warm, fall weather!! Tomorrow I am going to spend most of the day outdoors in the sun.

Prepping the Farm for Rainy Season

The last three days have been a flurry of activity here on the farm. The weather  here in the Pacific NW Oregon, has been warm and dry, prefect for working outdoors. Everything from A (apples) to Z (Zucchini). Actually, there has not been much canning and cooking. The outdoor work for putting to farm to bed for the fall and winter rainy season was first priority for us.

I did prune back all my perennials, the lavender plants were a big project to prune. Last year I purchased a battery operated mini-pruner. Let me say that I highly recommend this device for completing the work efficiently and saving my hands.

I told the hubby that I would not assist him with a certain project.....it leads him to yell at me...and be a jerk. NO...I am not helping, I will ask the nephew to help. He figured out how to do it by himself with the tractor.

The pool is winterized for now, and the patio rugs, plants, concrete statures, chairs, umbrellas, and pottery are put away before the rain starts.

I cleaned out the greenhouse, and got rid of some old stuff, and organized my stuff in there. It is so much better.

Life is quiet and safe here.

Changing The Rule Book

You are courageous enough to create the life you are meant to life.

from Queen of Your Life

No more I am taking the old man crap, no more am I turning the other cheek when I am hurt. I will yell when yelled at. I will get angry at him, and will not stay in a quiet anger. I will prepare myself to be alone if it turns to that. My life is more important to me....than taking the &*(%... I will need to change, and I am ready for the task.

Seasons of My Life

You have to stop thinking that you'll be stuck in your situation forever. We feel like our heart will never heal or we'll never get out of this impossible struggle. Don't confuse a season for a lifetime. Even you trials have an expiration date. You will Grow, life will change, things will work out. 

- Brittney Moses

This season of my life is challenging. I pray every night for help and guidance. I fall asleep while expressing my gratitude and thankfulness. I have a plan, and I have some peace in my heart. I ask for help and receive it, with giving thanks. Prayers help.

Chanterelle Mushrooms

Finally, let's go mushroom hunting!

How to Find Chanterelle Mushrooms

Campfire Skillet Apples

I made these tonight at home, on the stove with a cast iron skillet. This is a wonderful and easy apple dish. I have all kinds of ideas of different ways to use this dish. I think that from now on I will cook my apples for apple pie, it is so easy to do, and it will be a great apple pie filling. I could use these apples with my camping pie iron.



I am thinking that maybe I could freeze the pre-made apples.



Campfire Skillet Apples
Ingredients for a serving of 4:

5 large apples (we like Granny Smith for their tartness)
2 Tbs butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
The easy camping recipe you can't leave home without! Campfire Skillet Apples, an apple recipe you can make on the stove or over a fire.

Peel and slice apples. I slice mine about 1/4″ thick.

Melt butter in heavy skillet over grill.

Place apples into skillet, top with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Mix gently, and stir every 2-3 minutes until apples are tender. Total cooking time is around 15 minutes, depending on how thick your apple slices are.

The easy camping recipe you can't leave home without! Campfire Skillet Apples, an apple recipe you can make on the stove or over a fire.
If you have never made skillet apples on your stove top, you’ll have to give it a try – it’s so cinnamony-sweet and a great way to cook apples without a lot of fuss!

from
Campfire Skillet Apples

October 13 - Here on the Farm

First of all I want to say that I have sympathy for everyone who is affected by Hurricane Michael. The news that we get here in the Pacific NW shows extreme devastation. 

The weather news here is that we are going to have a beautiful fall for the next 10 days or so. Sunny, dry, and about 72 F. The forest fires are not out, they will smolder all winter. That is pretty normal.

I have so much work doing outdoor cleanup, and putting things away for winter, and getting ready for rainy season here. I fill the tractor bucket with loads of plant materials to dispose of...it all goes on a compost pile. I have plants to move, and dahlias to dig.  There is the garlic to plant, and tulips too.

I hope to go mushroom hunting for Chanterelles in a few days.

The farm feels pretty odd, without any livestock. It is all part of my plan to make live easier here for us. It trim the things, one at a time. Now is the time to sell some of the excess livestock equipment. Hubby has my horse trailer in the shop, to clean and do some small repairs, put on new tires....then sell.

We have a friend who is going to purchase all our hay.

I am going to see if I can sell two of my saddles. A vintage western Side Saddle and a youth size Saddle. I am keeping three saddles. This is part of my overall plan....

Remember When You Were A Brownie?

Oh my!  I certainly remember my days as a Brownie Scout. The cute uniform and beanie cap were something that I loved to wear. My mother had me wear brown tights to keep me warm in the cold Spokane Washington weather. I have a brownie project stored away, it is a penny bracelet. I have a brownie necklace left from those days...it was a Christmas gift. I wish that I still had my cap....however, the memories are with me.

I think that most of you in the USA...who are about my age...remember? Please comment if you were a Brownie.

My Fall Camp Trip

I did not go out with Prairie Flower much this summer 2018. There were many reasons...but mostly it was because the weather was very hot. We had over 40 days in a row with temperatures above 90 F. It was very smokey from forest fires burning in Oregon. The smoke is something that I do not want to be in...it causes me respiratory issues.  I have no AC in Prairie Flower, just 2 small battery fans. 

I became restless to get out from the farm, and hook up Prairie Flower. I needed a week away. There was no reason to delay any longer.

I need some me time. I really needed some me time. I need to take care of myself. I will take care of myself. I must....

I looked across the Deschutes River from my campsite and saw a hiking trail. Intrigued, I got out my small hiking pack and hiking stick. It was loaded with just a few things, jacket, water, snacks, cell phone, and whistle / pocket knife on lanyard. I guess that I went about a mile, thinking that I shouldn't push it. My left foot might become painful, and I do not want that to happen.

The early fall weather had turned the Quaking Aspen a beautiful golden yellow, and I took this photo on my hike from the campground.

 This photo of Prairie Flower is from the hiking trail across the river.

This photo shows the lovely campground that I used. It is a small campground with just 10 campsites. It is rather primitive, and the nightly fee was just $5 with my senior passport card. The road is fairly busy during the day, but it is very quiet at night (7pm-7am). I feel safe here. It is just a few miles from a major resort area, and about 30 minutes from Bend Oregon. I can play that I really have a vacation cabin here. I sit by the river to see wildlife and kayaks go by, see hikers and fishermen on the shoreline.

For now, this little trailer is my cabin in the woods.....I would go back, but, the weather was turned quite cold. 

Ocean's 8

Wow, this movie is fun! The cast is great, I love the work of so many of these ladies. It is wonderful to see a movie with great women acting all the primary roles. Maybe it is not rated so high...but I loved it.

Western Line Dancing

A few years ago I joined a local group to learn Line Dancing. Life got busy, and the winter weather caused me to stop going. You see, I don't drive after dark, and when the roads are in bad conditions. Today I went to the Line Dancing group at the local elementary school. I am planning to go as often as I am able. It feels good to be moving to music, it will all come back to me!

I love these boots...they are so beautiful, but Old Gringo Boots come with a high price tag...$540. Not for me...too expensive.

Fall Camping

Last week, I took Prairie Flower camping for a week. I had to work on a personal issue and decision. I needed to be alone with my thoughts and to search myself for an answer. I like alone time, I need alone time, too much togetherness is difficult for me. I think that most folks don't understand. I am not worried or afraid, I feel that I make safety a priority and if I start to feel uncomfortable....I hook up my trailer and leave. The campground is small with just 10 camping sites, and most were occupied with normal folks that I talked to a little bit.

I love Central Oregon and the Bend area. I climate is good for me, with more sunshine and less rain. I would choose to live there. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities and a nice city, Bend, nearby.

P.S.  I wish that I was still there...it rained over and over this week....

Roast Potatoes

Ingredients for Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan

• 2 1/2 lbs red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Roast Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Lightly dust with flour and shake out excess.

In a large mixing bowl toss potatoes with remaining olive oil. Add parmesan, rosemary and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp each), then toss to evenly distribute.

Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer (add Parmesan clumps that may have fallen off potatoes back on tops of potatoes).

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on bottom, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, add garlic and toss (they may stick slightly so use a thin melt a spatula to lift from pan and rotate).

Return to oven and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Roasted Potatoes

• I like to use refrigerated grated Parmesan.  Shelf stable works too, such as Kraft I just prefer the fresher taste of the refrigerated kind. And I’ve found I don’t like shredded Parmesan here because it doesn’t coat as evenly. For best results go with the powdery stuff.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand I’ve also made these with Italian seasoning instead, use 1 1/2 tsp (instead of rosemary and parsley).
• Wait to add the garlic until that 30 minute point so it doesn’t burn. Otherwise you’ll end with bitter garlic.
• Use a flat metal spatula to turn the potatoes. Even when the baking sheet is greased and dusted with flour you’ll likely find a few still sticking, so that thin spatula will help turn them (if you try non-stick foil let me know how that works).
• If you find they don’t brown enough to your liking try using a darker baking sheet the next time around. The dark coating on those promotes browning.

From Cooking Classy

www.cookingclassy.com

This a wonderful recipe, it is easy, and the results are yummy.

An Idea From Jenny's Blog

When only a small amount of a particularly beautiful fabric remains my heart is tempted to fold it carefully, place it gently upon the fabric shelves around eye level, and leave it there to gaze at lovingly for the next however many years.

But my head tells me something else. Use it. And the past year or two I have tended to listen to my head more often than not.
(hope you're not one of those people who hates it when someone begins a sentence with 'and' or 'but'...I used to be like that but now I write how I speak...so I'm forgiven, right?)

The floral fabric inside my new needle/thread/scissor keeper, or as I officially call it, a sewing supplies folder, is one that very much held my heart for quite a while, which is why it needed to be displayed in a forever home. So I made this folder with a 'home' on the cover!

Inside there are roomy white-lace trimmed pockets which can hold larger things than the average needle-book.   Jenny

I found a new blog that features many wonderful patterns and tutorials. This is one that really captured my eye, so I'm sharing with my readers.

www.elefantz.com and then look under tutorials.

Grape Harvest, and Making Raisins

I have an arbor of 2 Pink Seedless Grapes, that I planted about 6 years ago. Wow...I am harvesting many grapes that are perfect. There are so many that are ripe right now. Hum...I am going to try dehydrating some into grapes tomorrow. I did research on how to DIY grapes. Many people say that the DIY are so much better than store bought raisins. Wish me luck!

A Book I Recommend, by Christiane Northrup, MD

I have watched Dr Northrup on several shows and I was impressed enough to purchase a book or two.

I found this book at a used bookstore. I thought that her title was unusual and that I would go ahead and read it.

I am about 1/2 way through my reading and I am impressed. She has so much great information and I am starting to follow her suggestions. Chapter 1 alone, was worth the purchase.

I highly recommend this book, it is a few years old, and you can easily find a used copy online.