The Hospitality Pantry (Re-post)

First posted January, 2007 

 

I've decided to once again put together a Hospitality Pantry. For years I had such a pantry but I got out of the habit when we were living in a town where we knew no one (and no one seemed to care about getting to know new people). I am putting together my grocery list for later this week so I am adding a few items just for last minute guests.

I think it was in a book by Emilie Barnes (one of her first) that I read about the concept of a Hospitality Pantry. Since then I've seen the idea in other books about hospitality. It differs from keeping items in our normal pantry. 

 

These items tend to be special and more perhaps on the gourmet side...not all but some of the items. It is set aside from our regular pantry so temptation does not overcome us.

For instance, something I always like to keep in a Hospitality Pantry are a couple boxes of Pepperidge Farm cookies. Because they can be pricey, even though I normally wait for a good sale, I will be less likely to open them up during a carb attack because they are more expensive. A box of Keebler Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies...watch out. Never get between a diabetic and a cookie during a severe carb attack (you should but if you value your life...).

 

These items are kept in their own area, not in with the regular pantry items to make certain they are there when needed. If I could make myself forget where they are and remember only when I need them...that would be a good thing, indeed.

In my regular pantry, I have a few boxes of mixes (brownie mix, cake mix, etc.) that I use from time to time. I prefer making things from scratch but there are days if I don't use a mix...it will not happen. In my Hospitality Pantry, I make an assumption there will be no time to bake something (added: I have collected some great recipes that start with mixes).

Normally I will raid the Hospitality Pantry when someone I'm not expecting stops by for a chat. However, it is just as good to have on hand for last minute tea parties with the children (or grandchildren), hubby has a bad day at work, the family has received news that is difficult to handle, and generally...when comfort is needed. Having these items on hand make it possible to put together a special "party" for one special person or our own dear family members.

My list may be different than yours. I don't drink beer at all and I drink wine only on special occasions so I normally wouldn't keep any on hand. I don't have young children over very much so one box of animal crackers would suffice. [On the other hand, since I don't keep them in my regular pantry (animal crackers...not children) it is important to have them in this area for those rare times I do have small children arrive.]

I have kept my Hospitality Pantry in various areas over the years. As with any pantry, you only have to make certain it is not in an area that gets too hot or damp, and the items are protected from harm (ants, mice, etc.). A good place is in the cabinet over a refrigerator...hard to get to but not impossible. When I had a larger house, mine was in a large Rubbermaid container on a shelf in our basement pantry area. Also, as with any pantry, it can be as "deep" as you like. Here is my basic list and the "deep" list...only given as an example to spark your own creativity.

Hospitality Pantry
Coffee 

The small packets sold at the grocery store and coffee shops are perfect for this. Be certain to have on hand at least one packet regular coffee, one decaf, and perhaps a flavored coffee. I keep these even though I normally have coffee on the shelf. Of course, you can store an unopened can of coffee or unopened bag of beans. If you only store one, make it decaf.

Tea
I always have teas on the shelf but I like to keep one or two boxes of Bigelow teas in this pantry. One box of a black tea like Earl Grey and one box of an herbal tea, especially one children can drink. Bigelow is best if you are putting back for storage because they are individually wrapped in foil and last for a very long time.  Otherwise, any favorite brand used regularly is fine.

Other beverages as desired: hot chocolate mix, lemonade mix for hot weather, etc. Remember, we are assuming "last minute" preparations.

Artificial sugar packets (I prefer Splenda) for those who cannot have regular sugar.

One or two cans of a good quality evaporated milk to use as cream for coffee. I like Milnot for this purpose. It tastes just as good as cream. This is where quality is important. I use store brands of evaporated milk for cooking but they don't make a good tasting "cream" for coffee.  Of course, if I have half-and-half or milk in the refrigerator, I will use it.

Good quality cookies like Pepperidge Farm and/or shortbread cookies. Animal crackers or vanilla wafers for small children.

To "deepen" your Hospitality Pantry...here are a few extra ideas:

A jar of Devonshire cream (expensive so I don't keep this on hand)
Very good quality jam
Scone mix (gourmet mixes are very easy and quick but can be rather expensive)
Fancy crackers
Can of good quality canned chicken, small jar of Mayo, small jar of relish
--instant chicken salad for the crackers

Pepperidge Farm cocktail breads (added note: I keep one pkg. of these in the deep freeze)

(Added) It can be fun to keep an eye out for items which can be placed in the Hospitality Pantry,  fancy paper napkins and plates, serving dishes, and obviously fun and tasty foods.  This is an area where we are limited only by creativity and budget... well, perhaps space.  :)

The beauty of forced frugality (Re-post)

Originally posted August, 2009

I doubt most of us would use the word beauty and forced frugality together... at least until the view you are achieving is from the rear view mirror. Years and years later one looks around at the skills developed and the life being lived, only to realize they would not have come about except for the day to day living when there is more creativity than money. :)

I thought about that this week as I was in the kitchen and working on small projects. Both the guys were away from home. I had plenty of time to think and ponder and work on decluttering projects (for there are always places in a small house which need to be decluttered). All those little items on my "to do" list are now "to done". It is amazing what two days alone (in the daytime) can do...

Yesterday afternoon I baked a loaf of honey wheat bread as promised for my husband, made the best salmon patties, set sliced cucumbers and onions in vinegar and sugar, and sliced some tomatoes... all coming together for a cheap but delicious dinner... leftover salmon patties carefully covered and set aside for a late dinner when the guys arrived home.

The bread recipe was learned long, long ago for the benefit of health and our pocketbook (kept taped inside my kitchen cabinet), the salmon recipe only recently discovered as a way to add salmon to our menu on the cheap (I used to hate salmon patties until I found this recipe, which is now on my recipe blog).

Sitting on my kitchen counter this week has been a small bowl of cider vinegar with a squirt of dishwashing liquid... battling gnats which somehow came in with veggies and reproduced. At one time I would have sprayed poison but I couldn't afford to buy any so I found a cheap solution, and it worked! So many of our "going green and good for the planet" solutions have come about by the need to be frugal.

There is a simplicity that comes when one must stay home for long stretches of time to save gas or the money isn't there to shop, go out to eat, sign the children up for various classes, or flitter from one friend to another (flitter?). Staying home is hard for some who have been used to leaving each day. It is only when one becomes good at staying home that it is possible to look at housekeeping other than maintenance... moving into the realm of creative homemaking... for such a lifestyle requires time.

I love going out to the garden to pick green beans for dinner or zucchini for a quick bread or cake (using the same batter in a 9 x 13 dish). As mentioned in another post... skills continuing to be learned as we're stretching money as a family over the years. New recipes are being researched as we use more beans, lentils, etc. in various recipes.

I was listening to a TV show recently where the author being interviewed had written about learning to live with less money. She thought some will come out of the present economic crisis with their life changed for the good, having gained many useful skills and learning how much joy can be found in a simpler and more frugal lifestyle... as she had after leaving a high paying corporate position.

Going through tough economic times can be very difficult. I have been there when a decision was made to put the house up for sale before we lost it. I have been to the grocery store when a decision was made to purchase either milk or bread (which is why knowing how to make bread became a priority... we don't own a cow). :)

Living on less can make convenience hard to come by but it also forces us (as in forced frugality) to gain knowledge and experience which come only by doing things for ourselves... and that can be a heritage passed to the next generation just as important as what is found in a bank account.

Personally, I believe such lessons learned are worth all the gold in California as one decides to depend less on what money can buy... manage expectations... develop skills for living... and stop complaining about circumstances but becoming less consumers and more producers... even it is just a tomato plant on the deck and bread in the oven.

As the Word says... do not despise small beginnings... and don't stomp your foot and complain that you are being forced to learn to live on less. In the long run, you will be thankful... someday even if it is not now. :)

Picture: Grandma's Garden, Robert Duncan; allposters.com

Rethinking frugal myths (Repost)

Originally posted May, 2009

This is the first of the favorite Recession and Pantry posts from the past.  I believe it had the greatest response of any such post so it is well worth repeating.

I was brought up in a culture where if one practiced frugality they were thought odd or miserly. Especially if they had a good income. There were a few exceptions as we know from books like The Millionaire Next Door (where some people became wealthy due to frugal living instead of spending everything they made)...frugal without becoming miserly.

Last week I used a Panera gift card to pay part of the cost of a coffee and bagel (one of those days I was waiting for my son). I gave the manager at the cash register my gift card to use first and then paid the balance... knowing there was just under $1.00 left on the card.

It sparked a conversation about the use of gift cards. She said stores love to sell them because many people don't see them as real money and often lose them or forget about them. Most people don't use all the credit available (which is why my use of the last dollar was unusual).

I remembered at Christmas time, reading that gift cards were not welcome by many teenagers (those we know enjoy them, though). I love, love, love gift cards so it was hard to understand why someone wouldn't.

After reading a little more, I realized many of these young people had never "wanted" for anything in their life. They could not comprehend what a gift card meant to one who had little to spend on luxuries (or stocking up). It would be no different than handing the teenager $10.00 when they already had $500 in their billfold.

It has me thinking... perhaps a recession isn't a bad thing for all of us (as one who has been living in a Recession for a long time now). It helps us rethink the making, spending, and saving of money. So, being a pondering type of person... I thought of a few statements about frugal living which I've been told and found to be myths.

Some of them are...

Small expenditures don't count... On the contrary, I think most people tend to be careful about big purchases (cars, furniture, etc.) and get in trouble with the small purchases adding up. I've been (trying) to teach this to Christopher, telling him to think about how much he is spending on each small item multiplied by say... 52 weeks. Once I started doing that, I realized being frugal meant being honest with myself about the dollars spent "here and there".

Money can't buy happiness... Well, that is quite true. What money can buy is convenience. The myth is that... doing that which is convenient and easy automatically brings more happiness than that which was brought about by hard work. A simple and frugal lifestyle is not always easy or convenient, it is full of hard work... but it can bring about happiness from a job well done... not to mention peace of mind when we don't have to finance a convenient lifestyle.

Frugal people don't shop... I've found that not to be true at all. Just the opposite, frugal people are good shoppers. They find enjoyment in searching out the best places to shop at the right times, knowing where to get the best deals, when to shop (for instance, the end of season sales), etc. They are masters at living "off the financial grid".

Frugal people never spend money... No, frugal people know how and when to spend money. Misers don't spend money at all if they can help it. Not spending money can get you into as much trouble as spending too much (more about that in tomorrow's ponderings).

Frugal people are hoarders... There is a huge difference between hoarding and stocking up. Frugal people save money by stocking up when items are at their cheapest prices, especially items they know they will be using like food and household goods for the pantry, craft items, clothing they will need, household and automobile maintenance products, school supplies, etc. Misers hoard, frugal people let their money work for them in a timely fashion.

Frugal people are stingy... Once again, misers are those who hold everything tight to their person. The people I've known who are the greatest givers are those who have known what it is like to be in need. Frugality gives those with little the option to be able to give and those with "more than enough" the freedom to share.

Frugal people never have any fun... On the contrary, some of the most creative and fun filled people I've met are also frugal with their expenditures. Some are forced to be creative by lack of money and end up growing in their creativity (and fun). Others have money because they are very careful with their spending and they know when to spend for pleasure (without putting their family into debt).

Children of frugal people have often learned from one or both parents how to have fun with little or no money to spend. They are often quite creative and resourceful. Children of misers grow up needy and often with hostility toward the miser.

You can't be frugal and have beautiful things... Well, anyone who has read this blog and those by many of my blog friends know that is not true. Quite the contrary, frugality in general (and forced frugality by circumstances in particular) causes one to think through their purchases in such a way that their homes tend to have more beauty and less things... more simplicity and less clutter.

Reposts and thank you!

Thank you for your birthday wishes!  Christopher surprised me with breakfast out at our favorite diner in our old neighborhood.

This is the place where Stephanie went down a grade point on an early morning class one year in college, choosing to skip the class and have breakfast with Christopher and me off and on (Christopher was much younger, of course).

Starting today, I'm reposting some of the pantry and recession pondering posts that were your favorites.  I'm harvesting and drying and freezing (not to mention getting some necessary housework projects out of the way).  Will be reading comments as usual and posting them.

Hmmm... since today is my birthday, I think I'll take the afternoon off from "all of the above".

Late summer... already?

While I will be happy to wave goodbye to the three H's (hot, humid, hazy) in the rear view mirror, I must admit to being a tad bit sad to see summer flying by... an odd combination of "good riddance" and "don't leave me, I'm not ready!".

I love my garden.  I love the way the house is surrounded by all shades of green.  I love looking out the picture window from the dining area to view one huge tree limb draping itself right in the line of sight (we should trim the limb since my husband must avoid it when he mows... but it gives such beauty and shade).  I almost love the way the dense section of forest is all wild and primeval as I walk to the rural mailboxes... wondering what (or who?) lives within.  I love waves and waves of tall corn in the field.

I do not love the heat.

I love sitting on the sofa reading as my son walks in the front door and catching a whiff of... pig?  No, I am told... I am smelling lama... as he shares his adventures of racing (twice) in the greased watermelon contest at the 4-H fair.  I still say he smelled like pig.  This past weekend, a group of friends drove to the Indiana Dunes for a day of fun and sun.  Mother was reminding him there were thunderstorms in that area and to be careful around Chicago... which had received over 8" of rain and the Interstate was flooded (as if he didn't know)!  They arrived just as the storms were heading east and enjoyed a lovely day... memories to take as they all return to colleges and universities next month.

He has received e-mails as to when he will move onto campus and who his roommates will be... and had a "friend request" on Facebook from one already (they put him in with two studious engineering students)... a good thing.  Already plans are made about what to take with him and work arrangements for combining classes and work commitments.

Summer is almost over and I still haven't made it to the farmer's market (cash being tight right now).  But I have a great garden.... limited options but fresh and tasty food.  The heat has kept me inside more than usual and closer to home but when one lives in the country at the edge of a forest and within sight of a beautiful red barn... that's not all bad.  :)

Yesterday I took a book back to the library for my husband and decided to peruse the cookbook aisles... bringing home a stack of books on cooking with pasta and beans... getting ideas for more vegetarian meals when I'm cooking for just the two of us.  On the "new nonfiction" shelf was a cookbook for diabetics written by a chef (who is a Type 2 diabetic).  It was filled with good, whole food recipes and lots of ideas for cooking with pasta for diabetics... it came home with me, too.

The days are passing quickly and it seems I just go to bed when the alarm rings at 6:30 to get Christopher off for class... something I won't miss when he lives on campus.  Having to work on the "little bit at a time" basis, the days are full with much to do both inside and out. 

I don't want summer to pass with regrets over what I didn't get to do (at little or no expense) so this is a season when blogging gets placed on the back burner to receive attention and a little stirring as time permits, especially in the next few weeks.  So...

I will post recipes on the recipe blog when time, energy, and access to the desktop computer (often in use by hubby) all come together, which may be weeks away.  As for the e-mail about the new book recommendation list... ditto.  I will be reposting favorite pantry posts from the past (say that three times quickly) as well as some more pantry pics... which I started before that whole bronchitis thing.

My husband asked what I wanted to do for my birthday tomorrow, he is mowing a friend's lawn today for some extra money.  After being cooped up with illness for so long, I told him McDonald's will be fine this year (or perhaps we'll really bust the budget and go to Wendy's!).  After being so ill, I'm just glad to be able to breath again!  Life has a way of helping us appreciate what is really important.

Sunday Afternoon Tea

There is a small, framed Mary Englebreit print in the tiny half-bath off my family room.  It somewhat clashes with the otherwise Victorian floral decorations (which I inherited from the previous owner and adore) but I loved the print, anyway... for it shows a middle age woman studying garden books for Master Gardeners with the words, It is Never too Late to Be What You Might Have Been.

Most of us have empty places in our lives which we wish were filled differently... some from our childhood and others with present day circumstances.  We wish we were raised in a different environment, one with elegance and the sharing of family chats on Sunday afternoons with dinner on china plates.  We may have desired a youth filled with camping and summer by the lake when parents both worked and we spent hours in summer day care.

Thinking through what we wish we had experienced, we decide to begin our own tradition of Sunday dinners, or Saturday morning pancake breakfasts, or Holiday experiences and menus, or camping trips and a summer trip to the lake... deciding to stop feeling sorry for ourselves over childhood limitations and to begin making memories... today.  Our childhood desires become the seeds of what we do for our own family and friends.

Many families are finding themselves in unexpected financial circumstances brought about by the recession. Having gone through a couple major financial reverses and now living on a very fixed income (all due to my husband's illness, which falls under the bipolar umbrella), I have learned that less money can bring: greater creativity, new skills, less stuff, growing a garden to afford fresh food, and forced simplicity... all of which can be a good thing.  It is all in the attitude.

There are very few (if any) families who can honestly say they are completely happy with the circumstances of their entire life... and perhaps find themselves in their 30's, 40's, 50's, and older watching life pass by with their fondest desires seemingly unattainable.

That's why I love that quote and picture, to daily remind me that it is never too late to reach our dreams... not perfectly mind you... perhaps not 100% the desired goal... but much better than doing nothing.  By taking one small step in the direction of our desires, we begin to find wholeness and healing and a surprising sense of accomplishment.

What are the steps we can take, those which sprinkle joy in challenging circumstances?

Instead of studying art at a college, take classes at the community center and then... draw, paint, sketch... cards for friends, art for your own home, gifts for loved ones, illustrations for a Sunday school class... or just to please yourself.

Wish you had an interior design degree?  The world is yours with design books and magazine and shows and DVD's and... well, you get the idea.  Your own home is just waiting to be the canvas for your desired creativity... and if you do have a passion for "decorating", I expect your home already shows it.  My daughter does have a four year degree in interior design but with five young children, uses it to make her home a beautiful place (not a show home... not with kids... but pretty).  She also gives her mother advice... free.

Do you desire to open a tea room or just host tea parties for friends?  Once again, there are books and magazines and websites and blogs... all waiting for your note taking and perusal.  If finances are limited, do what I did and check Goodwill, garage sales, and thrift shops quite often... heading directly for the china sections.  I have lots and lots of teapots, teacups, vintage lace linen, and silver serving pieces, most purchased really cheap... always ready for a tea party (even when it is just a solitary tea party while watching a favorite movie).

While I wanted to be a chef at one time, circumstances do not permit it now.  However, that does not stop me from reading cookbooks like novels, watching cooking shows, and exchanging recipes with family and friends. I am always learning something new.  Currently I'm learning new vegetarian recipes.

My budget limits my food shopping but there are many ways to cook nice meals on the cheap (many European and Asian meals are humble "rural people" foods) and learning about different cultures is fun.  Cook or bake a new recipe each week with seasonal ingredients... that is 52 new learning experiences each year!

Always wanted to write a book?  Then start writing... and in the meantime also start a blog.  Believe me, you will get lots of practice writing and that is the only way to learn (besides reading great books).  Write your family history for the grandchildren (interview parents and grandparents if you are younger and they are still alive), put pen to paper and write poetry or songs which come to mind, write Bible stories for your children to simply explain scripture... write.

Volunteer to write the newsletter of any organization or church in which you belong, write letters to family and friends, write, write, write... each day if you do nothing else but keep a journal... start writing instead of dreaming about it.

Want to work in full time ministry but you must continue working as an accountant or attorney or teacher?  Check out online classes from a well respected Bible college or seminary and learn all you can about the Word, church history, etc.  Teach a Sunday school class... begin a Bible study in your home... reach out to those in need... be the hands and feet of Christ to a hurting world.

Use your skills as a volunteer as all done in the name of Christ... giving a cup of cold water or rewiring a sanctuary or typing the bulletin or being on call to make dinners for a family in need, or fixing the cars of those unemployed... nothing goes unnoticed by He in whose Name we work. 

I personally think there has to be a special reward in Heaven for nursery workers.  :)

I have already written about my desire for a small hobby farm.  Two years ago I decided I wasn't going to complain about circumstances but I was going to start a small garden.  I am learning more all the time and enjoying the results of this year's garden.  God willing, next year I will expand the garden even more.  I also hope to sweep the dust off my my canning equipment this year, even if on a small scale.

My sister, Bonnie, lives in a small apartment on the ground floor of a complex and she has had a beautiful flower garden for years.  She told me yesterday she just started growing an herb garden in various containers.  Bonnie is seventy years old (although she doesn't look or act seventy).   It is never too late to begin.  :)

There is so much to learn... take a sewing class, learn to quilt, check the community college for computer classes, refinish furniture, learn the language of a country you want to visit, check out books on medicinal herbs or organic gardening, learn how to build birdhouses and feeders as you decide to learn all you can about the birds in your backyard, read the manual which came with your camera and learn to take better pictures, study a period in history and learn about their food and crafts (learn to dip candles!)... learn something new this week.

Does illness keep you housebound or on the sofa?  Use your time to learn a new craft... knitting, crochet, tatting, or hand quilting, or calligraphy, or cross stitch, or tapestry, or embroidery... you get the idea.  Decide to read all the books by your favorite author or research a subject which you have always wanted to learn.  Begin a book club meeting in your living room... with you stretched out on the sofa like Loretta Young in your best housecoat.

Assemble your pictures into a family scrapbook... perhaps one for each child.  Write letters.  Start an indepth study of a subject, person, or book of the Bible.  Keep a prayer journal and begin a prayer ministry (Billy Graham often said he believes it is the prayer warriors who will receive God's rewards for the large crowds coming to Christ when he speaks).  

Use your down time and you will not feel down... at least as much as you would if you watched soap operas all day  :)

Do not wait for the ultimate you desire...

begin now to take one small step toward becoming

the person you want to be.

What to do instead of melting outside

The heat index yesterday was 105... suppose to be the same or hotter today.  Yesterday's storm and today's rain left behind only more humidity (although the garden enjoyed the shower).

After fifteen minutes or so in the garden yesterday, I had to go back into the air conditioning (diabetics do not handle heat very well... believe me).   I thank God for the miracle of air conditioning.

I grew up in houses where air conditioning meant the windows were up and the screen door was often heard slamming shut (not by me, of course... never).  It's funny because I remember being hot in the summer but rarely so much it affected me... was it youth or just our body's being more acclimated without the use of AC?

Christopher needed a dessert for a party last night, his first "office party" given by his boss at the research center.  I made Sheila's Cake which is our name for the chocolate chip apple cake... it is always a hit with chocolate lovers.  Otherwise, the oven is off!

This morning I figured a hot day was a good excuse to (finally) clean out the refrigerator.  It was also easier to fish out two whole chickens from the bottom of the deep freeze when one doesn't mind the cold draft in the hot garage. 

Otherwise... this is a day for taking it easy... very easy.

So ready for autumn

On vacation in

New England last October

(Stephanie's former neighborhood)

Oh, I know... following autumn comes winter but I'm already longing for cool days where a sweater is a must-wear, stew is slowly cooking in the oven, and a throw feels all warm and cozy as I read.  There is a point where humidity gets so high, one can still feel it in the air conditioning.  We are in the hazy and lazy days of a very long, hot summer.

I'm not very fond of cooking in hot weather but I did whip up a cherry cheesecake dessert for tonight, since I had all the ingredients and had to use up lemons which were getting on the old side.  I wonder if the guys would settle for dessert for dinner?  I doubt it...

The heat does have a good side, though.  I harvested my first red heirloom tomatoes yesterday as well as a couple more yellow tomatoes (all are delicious, I will grow them again).   Everything is growing as if they were part of a garden in a 1950's SciFi movie where the vegetable plants were inadvertently given too much radiation and took over the world.

No, really... be afraid, be very afraid.  Especially of the watermelon vine taking over the fence... and the herb garden... and heading towards the tomatoes.

I have been surprised (and delighted) with early birthday presents from my daughter (two Anne of Green Gable DVD's, after hearing me wax poetic about seeing them on TV) and another DVD and book (Miss Potter and a book about her)  from a sweet blog friend who always remembers my birthday.  :)

Along with my various Jane Austen DVD's, these are a welcome addition to my girlie movie collection... those which take me away from it all for awhile... in the air conditioning.  Instead of sitting on my deck, I will brew a pot of tea and perhaps make a few cucumber sandwiches... and travel back to Prince Edward Island or England's Lake District.  :)

I know I still have to post a couple recipes and I want to write some pantry posts.  Someday when I'm not feeling lazy and hazy and worn out.

On the well read life

"What binds the authors together in an intellectual community 

is the great conversation in which they are engaged..."  Mortimer Adler

It was a Biography Channel show about John and Abigail Adams that reminded me of a great passion of my life... that which I hadn't thought of as I used to when we were actively homeschooling (I say actively because in essence... we all educate at home whether we realize it or not).  For the narrator talked about Abigail being "self taught" (or what we now call... homeschooled) through the reading of books and well able to keep up a conversation with anyone in the new country.

I was (teasingly) accused by some people that my decision to homeschool my son was to give me an excuse to purchase books.  While not the real reason, it certainly was an enjoyable part of the process which many homeschooling families have been going through recently.  The enjoyment of picking the books to read in the next school year. 

There is a special vocabulary among readers who learn to speak the language of the bookish.  We nod in secret agreement when we are told our home is very cozy and Mole-ish in character.  We understand that Aslan is not a tame lion... but he is good.  Others stare at us as an adult and a child search for Pooh sticks near a creek... but the two are oblivious to the others as they are in search of the sticks and perhaps a little honey.

We long for red headed kindred spirits and fully admit to being on the Tookish side of the family as we nurture a secret desire for adventure. We appreciate mother's chamomile tea (even when we have not been naughty) and think of Laura at Christmas when we place a shortbread cookie (wrapped, of course) in the heel of a stocking.

While there is something special about the literature of our childhood, the fellowship brought about by favorite authors knits adults together... both friends and strangers.  I recently (this past winter) joined the sorority of women who love Goudge and Stevenson, want to attend a ham dinner cooked by Father Tim, and have many times followed Christy into the mountains.

I quote Lewis and listen to others wax poetic about authors I have yet to "meet".  Their recommendations are sought after at library sales and used book stores for those out of print or skimming library shelves for that new author's best selling mystery.

Our favorite books and authors form us into who we are.  Just tonight I discussed with my son the Schaeffer's interest in taking care of the environment and seeing any sword in a movie reminds me of his passion for French literature... which led to many evenings reading while he attended fencing lessons.  :)

My daughter immediately understands who Edith is and the difference between Elizabeth and Elisabeth.  We adore "all things Jane" (including those books made into movies to be viewed over and over).

I mentioned to a friend that I was reading my first Wendell Berry book of essays, which led to an excited recommendation of his novels.  As I've been reading it, I understand so much why certain people in my life have told me, "you'll love his writing!".

When we read the classics, we join the "Great Conversation" of Western thought through centuries past.  The reading of classic Christian ministers, pastors, and poets link together the generations and truly cause us to "stand on the shoulders of the giants".

A good biography can take me into the life and times of an admired historical figure as well as in the midst of a great battle or holding my breath as war is breaking out on a new front.  I visit New England and feel I've walked this path before but only in books and the battlefields of Pennsylvania and Virgina bring memories of words read late into the night.

I must admit to being sad at the way children are taught in schools these days.  So much is taught "for the test" that little time is given to the reading of whole books and stories to spark their imagination and develop a love of books for a lifetime.

Thankfully... hopefully... prayerfully... there is a shelf at home with precious volumes, well loved by the child and read with great theatrical voice by one who loves them.  One day may they be described to another as... "well read".

Life at the edge of a forest

Mailboxes last autumn

I was standing by the rural mailboxes yesterday and had the oddest sense I was not alone... someone was on the other side of the fence... behind the mailboxes... on my neighbor's farm.  I looked up to see her staring at me... not certain if she should stand quietly still or run... her spots betraying her youth. 

I smiled in delight to see her and we stared at each other for awhile, until I asked her where her family was and she ran off following the fence down the rural road.  I looked around and saw no other deer nearby so I sent up a quick prayer for her safety... a human praying for another mother's child.  :)

I wonder if he was her father... or an uncle, perhaps?  One evening at dusk, Christopher and I had stopped to pull into our gravel road when in the distance I saw him... standing in the middle of the road... a mist surrounding him making his appearance almost ghost-like...  so much so I asked Christopher if he saw the same thing I did or was it my overactive imagination.  Had I a glimpse into another time and place... an Eden in the midst?

No, my son saw him, too.  A tall buck with a rack of antlers, both so big it took my breath away.  Just standing in the middle of the road looking towards our car, no fear in his eyes.  He acted as one who was accustomed to being honored and admired.  He was the king of their domain.  He was fabulous.

This morning I thought of him again as I walked down the county road, further into the forest and close to where he had been standing in the mist.  Scissors in hand, I was out to snip Queen Anne's Lace for a bouquet.   It grows wild along the country roads.  I can't say I enjoyed the walk for there is that whole Bigfoot thing.  I know, there has never been a sighting here but then again... how many people have seen ghostly bucks?

Before you plant sweet Annie

Kristi's comment reminded me of something I forgot to add to yesterday's post (I really did plan to say something about allergies).

Sweet Annie is in the ragweed family and can cause the same allergic symptoms.  I don't have a problem with it (obviously) but just to be safe, I keep it away from anyplace in the house my husband spends a lot of time.  :)

He is allergic to ragweed and has never shown any reactions to me just hanging it in the same room.  Just to be cautious, I did stop using a sweet Annie wreath on our front door long ago.  I certainly didn't want my husband or friends to enter the house sneezing!

Books, baking, and a continued harvest

 Sweet Annie and Italian oregano drying on the yellow pantry

I was asked what sweet Annie is and my answer... the most delightfully fragrant herb I know, that often stirs up memories which bring tears to my eyes (quite often used for wreaths).  A favorite family outing was a trip to The Feast of the Hunter's Moon each Autumn.  It was one of my favorite days of the entire year, especially when both kids lived at home and we were still a family of four.

We would park the car at one of the locations where a fleet of shuttle buses drove people out to the location of the Feast and back all day.  As one of my annual souvenirs, I would purchase a fresh sweet Annie wreath or swag to hang in my home... the aroma at times a little overwhelming on the bus ride back to the car but just perfect in a room or on the front door.

Throughout the year, I would often rub my fingers on the sweet Annie when walking by... memories of dulcimer music, hot cider, and cool smoke filled afternoons mixing with the fragrance of the herb (smoke as in lots and lots of wood fires).

I let my Sweet Annie go to seed last year (not smart if you want to bring it inside as it loses the seeds everywhere).  However, it reseeded itself where it had been growing, too.  Thus... the surprise of the herb growing this spring even though I had not planted it.

I'm drying the sweet Annie and Italian oregano in the kitchen since I don't plan on using them for anything but decoration.  The lemon verbena (and a few other herbs) are drying in the postage-stamp size bathroom off the family room that is rarely used (and often dark).  This is the same room where I use the shower as a pantry for nonfood items (an idea stolen borrowed from Manuela).  These herbs will all be used for cooking or tea so I want them to retain quality... thus, the dark-ish room.

 As for the harvest... the above picture shows us the results of time in the garden this morning.  Lots and lots of green beans were picked, two yellow tomatoes (which really are more of an orange color), parsley to use in a recipe, thyme to dry, and two different mints to use as tea.  My Roma and the heirloom tomatoes are beginning to see a touch of red!

 The first real "artwork" we bought as a married couple...

After months of reading English novels, I have been enjoying light stories (except for the aforementioned sinus infection month of June).  I have finished Brunstetter's Merry Heart and started the second in the series (Brides of Lancaster County) during a rest this morning. Since all four books are in one volume, it will be easy to read one after the other.

Finding a new recipe is much akin to striking gold in this family.  At the end of each Wanda Brunstetter book is a recipe found in the reading of the story... in this case, a peanut butter chocolate chunk cookie (I used chocolate chips).  When I finished the book, I realized I had all the ingredients so immediately went to the kitchen to do some baking.

Oh, my... they are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate.  I tried them out on my picky cautious eater and waited for his opinion... definitely two thumbs up... especially with a large glass of cold milk.  I wonder if these will bring him home from campus on weekends?  :)

The recipe will make its' way to the recipe blog soon.  I have many recipes to post when I get time.  I need to sit down for an afternoon at the desktop computer and get the recipes posted... someday... when the siren song of the garden is not calling.  But I do plan to post the promised peek-a-boo stew and the cookie recipe soon.

Sunday Afternoon Tea

Due North... that is the phrase running in and out of my brain these days.  I suppose it has something to do with my last post, where I was pondering doing the best with what we have instead of just longing for that which would perfectly fill our desires.

Coming out of a long illness has a Rip Van Winkle affect on a life, much happened while one was sofa bound (or in bed).  A lot of it having to do with clutter, dust, and grime in my house.  Long overlooked household duties are vying for attention with the everyday gottado's of life, laundry, three meals a day, the lawn and garden, books to be read, people needing attention, and a cat with another flea attack (it has been a bad year for fleas and long haired kitties).

I long for the life I desire.  You know, the life where everything falls into place easily and there is enough money and time and energy to go around.  I long for gorgeous flower gardens as well as veggies without the bad bugs... and a world with no misquotes.  While I'm dreaming, let's ask for a life where chocolate is not fattening.

Recently on a weekday morning, I was sitting in the hunter green Lazy Boy... reading Psalms 91 and glancing out the windows of the French doors once in awhile amazed at the scene.  In mid-July, there is an illusion of trees growing on rolling hills rather than the very small rise in the terrain where our house is located.

I know the land around me is made up of forests and clearings, cornfields and farms, a ranch or two with regal horses... and the occasional goats and pigs and other animals one finds in the country.  But one can almost smell mountain air in the summer, looking out the windows and over the deck.

It was the combination, actually, which filled my thoughts... the illusion of living in another land while reading the promise of protection in life's stormy journey.  Thinking how lost one can feel in this world... as the demands of everyday living cause us to go through life in such a rush of doing rather than being... that we could look back and realize we have lost our way in the midst of all of it.

It is not only the rush of this life which can pull me off of Due North... but that which I wrote about earlier this week... the quest every human has for their idea of perfection.  At times a sign post shows up on the journey, one promising my greatest desires... flashy in letters of gold or masquerading in simple vintage style... but both placed by an enemy of my soul to distract me from that which is the real journey.

I sent up a prayer that I didn't get lost... that He keeps me going in the direction of Due North... the Word is my compass which points the way... the world pulls me into every direction but North. 

As I walk the journey on the way to the City whose Architect and Builder is God (think Hebrews 11)... I pray the distractions do not win over the real path.

In a perfect world...

If I had my choice, I'd own a small farm... my husband and I would be very healthy and able to do most of the work... my son would want to be a farmer instead of a computer scientist... and my grandchildren would live close enough to visit the farm on weekends.

I pass gorgeous farms when driving on the highways and byways of my county and I covet.  Especially those with white farmhouses and red barns... tall fields of corn... cows... horses... more cows... and a large veggie garden near the house.

Long ago I made the decision to live life as it is and not as I want it to be... to a certain point.  For there are plenty of options within the parameters God has ordained.  Edith Schaeffer talks about this a lot in her books... that we are not to complain about what we do not have while doing nothing with what we do have.

I cannot sit at home longing for acres of produce and a John Deere tractor while letting the sunny section of my yard remain as grass.  In one year... with a severely limited budget... we built and planted the small veggie and herb garden. 

All it took was a little research online and in books, setting aside a portion of money my husband earned working the usual two weeks at the bookstore last winter and this spring, building the fence and two small beds last spring, and building another two this year... and planting.

All done a little at a time when circumstances and budget allowed.  The hardest part of the entire process... making the decision to "go for it".  God does give us the desire of our heart, we only need to not look at the perfect dream but what part of that dream is available right now.

A basket of herbs waiting to be dried

This morning I enjoyed checking the garden after yesterday's soaking rain.  I gave the herb garden a haircut while chatting with Stephanie on her way to a Connecticut beach. 

There was some puttering around on the deck on the way to the house to put back what was taken down before storms hit yesterday... and time was taken to cut back the sweet annie (which surprised me by coming up again this year near the house) to dry with the other herbs.

Just enough for now with what is given in time, energy, and finances.  Not perfect by any means.. but good.  I must admit to a constant struggle between the perfect desires of the heart and what is available at the time.  But I think that is common to mankind. 

The difference faith makes... the knowledge this world is not all there is.  Our hearts long for Eden but we are to do the best we can on this sod called Earth.

Herb mystery solved

It's Italian oregano!  The little plastic thingy was still there... albeit within the jungle I call my herb garden.

I did a little research online and Italian oregano is a hybrid of Greek oregano and... ta da (the reason it looks a little like marjoram)... sweet marjoram.

 I had no idea this oregano is somewhat rare.  I bought the plant at my favorite nursery, which has all kinds of amazing herbs available each spring.

The best article I found about Italian oregano is... here.

Baking in the Midwest

No, the kitchen oven is not on... we are in the oven... or so it feels!  This is the hottest summer I remember in a long time.  It will be interesting to see how many 90+ degree days we end up with this year.  I know many of you can commiserate.

It is a hot summer when you feel a cool down with 80 degree temperatures.  I made a peek-a-boo stew when the weather was just a tad cooler and I found stew meat on clearance at the grocery.  I'll add it to the recipe blog soon (it is really the old fashioned no-peek stew but Stephanie changed its' name for this family when she was little).

It is good to be "out and about" again even when I'm still getting tired much quicker than usual.  I met a friend for coffee on Tuesday (chatting for almost two hours!) and then grocery shopping Wednesday... more than running to Wal Mart (which is closest to me) for milk and bread.  My favorite grocery store had veggies on a 10 for $10 sale, including excellent lettuces and English cucumbers.

My tomatoes are just beginning to ripen and they are highly anticipated for summer meals.  Hopefully by this time next week we can harvest them?  One of my favorite summer sandwiches is a grilled cheese with sliced tomatoes (added cold to the hot sandwich).  My mother worked in a "diner" which was part of a drug store for years (remember when neighborhood drug stores had a soda fountain section?).   This was one of the sandwiches regular customers would request.

I have a few vegetarian recipes put back to try including one which features garlic, pasta, and beans.  I was served a similar dish in a restaurant a long time ago, having been encouraged to try it by a friend and remembering at the time it was amazingly delicious.  Since then, I peruse Italian pasta recipes to find something which has the same ingredients (the restaurant went out of business or I'd try to get the recipe from them).

Christopher will be moving to campus in less than a month.  With him not being home at dinnertime, I'll become more adventurous with bean meals!

Kristi - I'll check to see what kind of oregano that is.  I think the plastic tab thingy should still be there.

Picture:  Early morning sunlight through the lace curtains;

A bouquet of oregano

My oregano has been growing so fast, it developed lots of flowers long before I used any of it. 

Yesterday I decided to clip it back (ohhh... the beautiful aroma!) and use some of the "clippings" as a bouquet.

Next year I will be certain to build something my vines can grow up.  This watermelon plant has taken me completely by surprise!   

Overflowing vines

 Yes!  I hope you like the new background as much as I do.  I had no plans at all to change anything this summer but I noticed a brand new background offered by Blogger and just loved it.  Along with returning to my favorite "Header" (taken on my deck a couple years ago as I prepared for a morning quiet time), it is very Summery.

As beautiful as it may look outside, it has been way too hot and humid for my liking.  Last year it was so cool and damp that people complained about their tomato crops not growing at all.  This year I believe the heat is making up for it and the forecast does not see any relief in sight.

Now I remember why I begin dreaming of sweaters, pumpkin everything, and the cool nights of October about the time the classes at the University start in August.

My garden, however, is absolutely giddy with the weather.  The first picture above is of the raised bed that I planted quite late as it was just built in May.  One would never believe it was planted later than the rest, especially if you view the baby watermelon vine... which you can also see in the second picture, growing all the way to the herb garden.

The same baby watermelon vine which was just a couple inches tall when I planted it.  The vine that I was doubtful would grow in partial shade.  It does...

My friend (and one of my favorite bloggers), Manuela, has a bumper crop of pumpkins growing in the Southern heat where she lives.  I had already taken the pictures of my melon vine when I read her post yesterday.  Her creativity extends from the house to the garden.

Next year I want to plant some pumpkins, too... although that will mean expanding the garden.  I think I'd better start hinting about that even now.  :)

You can see Manuela's pumpkins... here.

Picture at the top of the post... a closeup of a baby melon almost ready to pick.

Nature's sculpture

Dill seeds as floral design.

Sunday Afternoon Tea

I don't know what the emotion is or what sparks that moment... but there are short expanses of time I feel a sense that can only be described as a "deja vu of joy".

This past week the emotion was just below the surface of my thoughts, ready to pop up as I cooked fresh-from-the garden green beans in the kitchen while listening to Jamie Oliver discuss leeks on the television (my stove is behind the TV... sort of).

These emotions have to be sparked by some past memory or experience, much like re-reading a book which was originally read a decade or more earlier.

It reads like a new book but once in awhile, one comes to a paragraph remembered from the original reading... one that had been important at the time and was burned into memory.  There are times when re-reading a book, certain sections can take me back to the place where it was originally read (or many places for favorite books re-read multiple times).

I wasn't certain what these deja vu memories meant or if others experienced them.  I suppose the closest I came to reading about such feelings was found in the words of the poets and the prose written by those who have the soul of a poet.

What is there about a gentle summer thunderstorm that brings back a happy feeling?  Why does just the sight of watermelon on a plate cause me to smile?  I have yet to understand fully why tying on an apron makes me feel a connection to homemakers long gone or the way the garden smells after a rain shower brings a melancholic (yet safe) feeling somewhere from the deepest part of my soul.

Many of us have had the experience of a certain song suddenly coming from the radio and realizing tears are running down our cheek... mostly remembering (but at times confused) by the sadness the song brings.  As well as certain music coming on the radio which brings with it a whiff of Coppertone, sand, and water... and the long forgotten feeling of a teenage summer with no responsibilities.

But what about those rare emotions when one feels the Presence of the One who loves us above all human emotions can comprehend?  For some of us, we felt that pulling toward Him long before we accepted that love and salvation.  The soft Voice of One speaking from eternity into the present day of time and space... for me... the least, the little, the lost, the insignificant.

The first time I glimpsed these emotions in a nonfiction book was while reading The Sacred Romance.  Not only the words of the authors but in the many quotations they provide through the book by others (not surprisingly many writers I already adore).  We truly do "read to know we are not alone"... as reminded by dear Mr. Lewis. 

They had been there... they knew... they had heard the One calling in the midst of all that is crazy in this world.  They realized the Romance and reminded us that He who is Love and Joy tabernacles within...

Hostas

When we first moved to this house, my husband wanted to clear out some of the Hostas on the back fenceline.  Until the first time he saw the flowers they produced.  :)

This picture was taken last week after their peak and they are still pretty.

Thank you for your comments about our house.  We have a small-ish house but a huge yard. 

Talk about mix and match

I have read that the longer you live in a house, it tells you how to decorate.  While this sounds like a plot for a Stephen King novel, it really is true.

The first couple of years we lived in this house, I didn't feel comfortable in my family room.  It contains furniture we purchased through the years, the hope chest I received from my mother when I turned sixteen, and a favorite side table inherited from my in-laws.

There is the silk tree which was in Stephanie's college apartment and an oval table that belonged to my parents, along with favorite artwork... not to mention a garage sale item here and there.

As time went on, accessories were added and curtains removed to show off the woodwork around the French doors.  Pretty silk valances were purchased on clearance for the window over the sofa, which reflect the green hue coming into the room in deep summer from all the trees.

 

Vintage suitcases hold old Victoria magazines and my (now) unused vintage picnic basket acts as a side table.  Slowly it has all come together to make a cozy room which we all enjoy (having a ceiling fan also helps in July).

Inherited table and thrift store lamp... love it.

By the way, did you notice who was in the basket in the first picture?  Now I know why my veggies from the garden had to have cat hair washed from them (and with all the other places she could be sleeping...).

Just a little book talk

It is good to be reading again!  If you have ever had a sinus infection, you probably know how difficult it is to read (thus, there is no "Books Read in June" post).  I even had to shut the blinds in the family room to keep any light out when watching TV.  About all I could do was peruse previously read decorating books and magazines.

If one saw the coffee table in the living room before this morning, there was such a stack of books it looked like the famous tower of Pisa (and just as crooked).  However, having come to my senses about the reality of house and lawn and garden work... a few of the books were put back for a later time

I'm (finally) finishing Elizabeth George's Loving God With All Your Mind.  What an excellent book for where I am on my journey right now.  It's odd because I read this book long ago (it was written in the 1990s) but it felt brand new on this reading.  I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with fear, intense trials, and keeping our thoughts in line with God's Word. 

When I finish this book, I plan to re-read Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot.  It contains a number of her newsletter articles throughout the years and I've already read it a couple of times.  Having just come out of a lengthy illness, I need the peace it brings to my heart.

Thanks to those of you who ordered books and products through my Amazon widget, I was able to purchase Faith's birthday present and have it sent to her in time for her birthday.  I had just enough credit left over to order an inexpensive used copy of Betty Crocker's Kitchen Gardens, just a lovely book for one who has a small garden of vegetables and herbs.  The author gives the history of kitchen gardens, including the fact that every homemaker at one time had at least a small herb garden and grew a few vegetables even if they had a small house and yard.

I am about half way through the book and I've already gained a great deal of knowledge that I've used in my garden.  The book reads like I have an experienced friend teaching me the basics of growing (and using) herbs as well as the most popular vegetables grown in a kitchen garden.  The illustrations are by Tasha Tudor, including many black and white drawings and a few color pages.

As I read Kitchen Gardens, I was thinking how it would be a nice book for a homemaker- in- training to have on her bookshelf (as well as a grandmother or two).  :)

The book which caused the leaning tower spoken of earlier is Brides of Lancaster County by Wanda Brunstetter.  It contains all four books in this series!  I bought it last year when I saw it on clearance at Border's.  My husband was in the process of reading this series when we visited Lancaster County (wow, now two years ago... times passes so fast).

I had placed it on the shelves for such a time when I needed light reading.  Which is now.  I need a vacation and since I have neither the energy or the money for one right now, I am going to take a literary trip back to Pennsylvania.  By the way, if you have never been to Lancaster... it is wonderful.  So family friendly and one could gain lots of weight at all the well priced buffets... yum.

I'm hoping this heat and humidity breaks soon.  A friend had sent me a Starbucks' gift card quite awhile ago and I had hoarded it for a hot day when I needed a Venti Frappuccino.  That day came this week!

Read For the Heart; Whole Books for Wholehearted Families, a review

While I knew Sarah was writing this book as she would mention it on her blog, it was in a conversation with my own daughter that my interest in reading it was peaked.  Stephanie was reading through it in a rare evening of being alone in a hotel room (on her way home from attending one of the Clarkson's Wholehearted Mothers Conferences).

"The first chapter will bring tears to your eyes," is what I was told that evening on the phone.  Now... that is not what I would expect from a "book about books".  However, when I did read it she was quite right for Sarah is not only a writer who can compile a great list of books... Sarah is a great writer.  Her story of growing up in a bookish family reflected so much that of myself and my own children... I remembered why I originally came to love this family (albeit her mother's books which first caused me to "read to know I am not alone").

There are many "books about books" but one can always recognize when they are written by an author who loves books.  I don't mean one who just enjoys reading but one who loves the look and feel and everything about books... and not just the content. 

The index will give a description of what to expect including why we read, chapters devoted to types of books (fiction, poetry, history, picture books, art, nature, etc.), chapters listing Caldecott medalists, Newberry medalists, Henty books, Landmark books, and Trailblazer series titles.

This book is not just a compilation of lists but much of the book is broken down by author, giving an indepth review of at least one of their most famous books.  Sarah also includes a list of her own favorites.

I highly recommend this book for families who bring home books for their children... whether through purchasing them or tucking this book in your basket when going to the library.  Any homeschooling family using whole books (as in the Charlotte Mason style) will find this book invaluable.

You can take a look at the inside of this book at Amazon... here.

It is also available directly from the Wholehearted website... here.

Disclosure:  I was given this copy of Read For the Heart and I think Sarah Clarkson is one of the sweetest and most gifted young women I know.  :)

Enjoyed the holiday

 We had a very quiet 4th of July at home.  I was still recovering and even Christopher stayed home all day on Sunday.  Dad went to church but was home the rest of the day. Although I could hear many neighbors celebrating with fireworks, I watched the national fireworks display on PBS in the cool of the air conditioning.  :)

 I had already decided Monday would be our official grill out day with grilled skirt steak, "cooked to death" green beans, potato salad, and Cherry Cheesecake Pie for dessert (that recipe... here).  It is my husband's favorite dessert.  I usually keep everything for the cheesecake in my pantry but this time I didn't have any cherry pie filling.  I did, however, have some canned cherries.  :)

I had never cooked skirt steak before (much less grilled it) but I saw it grilled on a cooking show recently and I had to try it since skirt steak is very reasonable.  Wow, it was delicious.  I will definitely be grilling it again only next time I will use it in fajitas.  The only thing special I did with it was to rub in some Tony Cachere's creole seasoning about an hour before grilling.

My kitchen dish drainer has been full for days, lots of dishes to do!  Yes... although I own a few sets of gorgeous china, I use colorful plastic for my day to day dishes.  It all started when I had a little boy and a husband... now I have a young man around and a husband.

I was out early this morning watering the deck flowers (which all look quite miserable) and the garden.  It is already very hot and humid again... and getting hotter.  I gave the garden a very long soaking mist and watering, now it looks happy.

Today's harvest?  Green beans, mint, lemon verbena, and kale... which continue to all sit in the basket as I am too tired to wash them.  Hmmm... I wonder if the green beans will have a minty flavor if they stay there long enough?  :)

So much to chat about right now... cooking and gardening and decorating and books... and cats.  That will all have to come later.

A new picture of Anna

She looks so much like her mommy did at this age. 

Both of my kids had reddish hair when they were newborns, just like Anna.  :)