RED BARN PRIMITIVE

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT...CORN CHOWDER

2012-02-17T17:58:00.002-06:00

I found a recipe this past week while waiting in the Dr.'s office...taking Father-in-Law to his Dr. I made it, but I didn't like the End Product, so I tweeked it a bit.

CORN CHOWDER

1 - 15 OZ CAN CORN
6 CUPS FRESH OR FROZEN CORN (CUT FROM COBS...KEEP COBS TO MAKING BROTH RECIPE BELOW)
2 CUPS DICED CELERY
3 LARGE POTATOES, PEELED AND DICED
8 CUPS CORN BROTH
2 TEASPOONS DRIED TARRAGON
1/8 TEASPOON SALT
GROUND PEPPER TO TASTE
2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER
2 TABLESPOONS CORNSTARCH

PUREE CANNED CORN WITH IT'S LIQUID IN BLENDER OR FOOD PROCESSOR

PLACE ALL INGREDIENTS EXCEPT CORNSTARCH IN A LARGE SOUP POT AND BRING TO A BOIL OVER MEDIUM HIGH HEAT

TURN DOWN HEAT AND LET SOUP SIMMER UNTIL POTATOES ARE TENDER, ABOUT 25 MINUTES, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY

MIX A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER TO THE CORNSTARCH IN A SMALL BOWL, ONCE DISSOLVED ADD TO SOUP, STIRRING CONSTANTLY TILL SOUP IS THICKENED

**************

CORN BROTH

CLEANED COBS FROM CUTTING CORN OFF
TEN CUPS WATER

IN A LARGE POT, BOIL FOR 20 MINUTES....SHOULD HAVE 8 CUPS BROTH FOR SOUP RECIPE

ENJOY....
~~KATHY~~

COUNTING YOUR CHICKS BEFORE THEY HATCH.......

2012-02-12T18:19:00.001-06:00

I'm sure you have heard that statement sometime in your lifetime....it's what came to my mind when loading up my little homemade incubator today.

This is my first try at this....using my own eggs from my Buff Orpington Hens. I will candle them in about 10 days to see if any are developing. If not, I'll try again, I don't give up too easily.

till next time...
~~KATHY~~

XTREAM LOTION RECIPE FOR CANCER PATIENTS TO BABY'S BUTTOMS....

2012-02-06T10:51:00.002-06:00

I have been having to take my Mother-in-Law to her Cancer Doctor the last couple of months. She has been complaining of her extremely dry and sore skin. Last week one of the nurses gave her this recipe to try. She said it works and she even uses it on her baby girl's little bottom.

So today, I am sharing this recipe to you....a little expensive to make, but in my mind if it helps, it's worth every penny. I saved a little for myself, I plan on using it.

EXTREAM LOTION

VASELINE INTENSIVE CARE TOTAL MOISTURE....8 OZ.

VASELINE INTENSIVE CARE ADVANCED HEALING...8 OZ.

VASELINE PETROLEUM JELLY...7 OZ.

BABY LOTION...13 OZ.

EUCERIN DRY SKIN THERAPY...8 OZ. (you can use Walgreen's Therapeutic Moisturizing Cream...it is about 1/3 the cost os Eucerin)

MIX WELL WITH ELECTRIC MIXER...USE AFTER YOUR SHOWER WHILE YOUR SKIN IS STILL MOIST

till next time...
~~KATHY~~

MAKING PROGRESS ON THE FARMERS'S WIFE QUILT.....

2012-02-05T10:45:00.000-06:00

I got some early morning sewing in today before having to take Mother-in-Law to the hospital to visit her hubby....quilt is about a fourth of the way done...my Farmer's Wife Quilt in progress..wish ya'all could see it in person...this one might be a ribbon winner for me when completed:)

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

9 MORE SQUARES COMPLETED......

2012-02-04T12:10:00.000-06:00

I've not had much time to work on my quilt sewing, since we've had to help hubby's parents a lot lately. But today, we got to stay home and I told myself to spend the day sewing...here is my progress as of today....

9 more blocks finished...27 done, 84 to go

From top working the way down left to right...

Tulip...14 pieces
Contrary Wife...13 pieces
Star Gardener...57 pieces
Maple Leaf...15 pieces
Flower Garden Path...42 pieces
Hill & Valley...16 pieces
Attic Windows...7 pieces
Squash Blossom...22 pieces
Economy...9 pieces

Back to sewing I go for today!
till next time...
~~Kathy~~

TODAY'S PROJECT..EGG TURNER FOR THE INCUBATOR....

2012-01-11T16:22:00.000-06:00

My incubator needed some more work...I decided to make a semi-automatic egg turner. I just rummaged around here to find what I could use...Made from a wooden yardstick, chicken wire, fiberglass rod from electric fencing, egg carton, just to name a few of the supplies I used...and I even raided the grandkids toy box for a couple of Tinker Toy pieces for handles.

I also added some tubing to the side of the incubator. I will be able to turn eggs and add water without opening the Incubator until the sweet little chicks are hatched.

So now, I think I am set...in about three weeks I hope to fill it up with fertile eggs.

Till next time...
~~Kathy~~

ALL I NEED ARE SOME EGGS....

2012-01-10T22:12:00.000-06:00

Getting ready for Spring...We finished making an incubator today..all I need are some fertile eggs. I will be using eggs from my Buff Orpington hens.

I have been wanting an incubator, but just didn't want to spend the money for one, they are not cheap. This is what we came up with...did a trial run to see if I could get the humidity up high enough, worked just fine.

Can't wait to get started next month!

Till next time...
~~Kathy~~

THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG.....

2011-12-27T18:17:00.001-06:00

We do Stocking Stuffers (actually huge gift bags) at Christmas with our girls and their families at ChristmasTime. The past few months, I have been working on these quilts to put in my three daughters gift bags this year. I think they were pleasantly surprised they each got a Quilt this year.

Usually, I make one quilt and put it in our Adult Present Draw...and they always pass it around till it can't get passed anymore....not this year.

Churn Dash Queen sized Quilt...each one a little different as to what was in my Fabric Stash.

MUCH LOVE TO MY THREE GIRLS....
till next time...
~~Kathy~~

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL...

2011-12-23T15:10:00.000-06:00

~Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas~

~~Kathy~~

KENTUCKY PIE RECIPE......

2011-12-22T14:25:00.000-06:00

Been making Pies, Cookies and Candy today and thought I would share my recipe of this pie...I have tried quite a few different variations on this pie and this is the recipe I like the best....you could leave out the Bourbon if you want and use Bourbon flavoring.

This is a favorite pie in the family...Enjoy

KENTUCKY PIE

1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell...(could use 10")
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees F).
In a small saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter or margarine. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter or margarine melts and sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.
In a large bowl combine eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Slowly pour sugar mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Pour mixture into pie shell.
Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until set and golden. May be served warm or chilled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I like a dollop of french vanilla ice cream on top of a slice of warmed pie

Till Next Time...
~~KATHY~~

MY LAST DONATION FOR PROJECT LINUS FOR 2011.....

2011-12-19T10:13:00.000-06:00

Getting my last donation of this year for PROJECT LINUS ready for delivery today. A little less than I wanted to get done, I just had too many things going on lately. I am thankful I got this much done for donation. Hoping next year will I will get even more finished and donated.

My last donation for Project Linus in the year 2011...
5 Crocheted Baby Blankets
7 Baby Quilts

Makes a total of...
24 Crocheted Blankets
17 Baby Quilts for this year's donation

Will start back up crocheting and quilting after the holidays, taking a small break

Till Next Time...
~~KATHY~~

MADE MORE LAUNDRY SOAP...THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE MY RECIPE...

2011-11-27T11:18:00.002-06:00

I had to make some more laundry soap, so I thought I would share my recipe with you all. I have been making this for a few years now. I have learned to switch out every so often and use some Liquid Tide...as I find my whites get a little dingy. But all in all, I like using it. I do use Shout for my hard stains...and I use White Vinegar in my rinse cycle instead of store bought fabric softner...once in a while I use the dryer sheet..only because I still have a box.

Here's my recipe I use for the Laundry Soap

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ULTRA CONCENTRATED LAUNDRY POWDER

3 CUPS OF BORAX POWDER
2 CUPS OF WASHING SODA
1 CUP BAKING SODA
4 TO 5 OZ BAR OF LAUNDRY SOAP (grated...I use an old hand grater)

USAGE: 2 TABLESPOONS PER TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE...1 TABLESPOON PER FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINE

FOR THE BAR SOAP, I USE FELS NAPTHA OR KIRKS HARD WHITE CASTLE....CAN ALSO USE ZOTE, OCTAGON, IVORY OR SUNLIGHT BAR SOAP

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is septic tank safe and a lot cheaper than all those name brand detergents.
I find all my ingredients at Walmart or Kroger. Even if you don't want to use this all the time, nice to have on hand if you run out of the high priced stuff.

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

ANOTHER QUILT FINISHED...MY CHURN DASH....

2011-11-20T10:09:00.000-06:00

Another quilt finished this month...Churn Dash.

It's a good, simple little everyday quilt...love making this pattern...a good way to use up scraps...using a different fabric for each square.

Till next time...
~~Kathy~~

MORE GIFTS OF CARINGS CAME IN THE MAIL TODAY.....FOR PROJECT LINUS

2011-10-31T15:25:00.000-05:00

Today, I received this package of fabric in the mail...Miss Patty, sent this donation of fabric to me for the Project Linus Quilts that I make and send off to a special chapter.

Miss Patty and I have been internet friends for quite a few years, being in Primitive Selling Groups together.

What great fabric she sent me, fun prints and beautiful colors...she also sent me a little bundle of fabric for my Farmhouse Quilt I have been working on, hopefully I will get that finished this winter.

Thank you again Miss Patty, for you generous donation of fabric...Blessings to you Dear Friend

~~Kathy~~

CLEANING DAY.....

2011-10-29T15:19:00.001-05:00

This morning I decided today was going to be Cleaning Day in the Hen House. So, this ole gal got her pretty Farm Boots on and started the chore. This time I asked hubby if I could use the power washer...sure made the job faster. Still took all morning to get the job done ....maybe my Girls (chickens) will lay some nice big eggs as payment for a job well done.

My sister & brother-in-law gave me these boots. I smile every time I put them on...not something I would have bought for myself, but I so love my Farm Boots...makes my jobs of cleaning out goat barn and hen house much more fun. Thank you Debbie & Phil for the gift, greatly appreciated.

Till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

CROCHETED HATS....

2011-10-10T18:52:00.001-05:00

It's been a good day here in the country. Did some housework first thing. Then out I go to enjoy this beautiful Fall weather we have been having as of late. Got all the mowing done...hubby asked if this is the last time for this year...Nope, I said, Still got leaves to mow when they decide to fall from their trees.

The last few days I have been crocheting these hats for my Mother-in-Law who is dealing with her second bout with Cancer. She seemed happy to get them...I hope she will wear them. I think I might even make me some, sure will come in handy this Winter when I have to venture out.

Till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

COZY SCRAP QUILT....

2011-10-03T10:32:00.001-05:00

This isn't my quilt, I was hired to quilt and bind it....I think it turned out great.

While I was working on it, I pictured this quilt in a cabin in the deep woods in the middle of a snow storm...all comfy cozy in front of a roaring fireplace, maybe a pot of stew cooking...me, doing nothing but wrapped up with this quilt all cozy and peaceful on the sofa, watching the flames and coals in the fireplace....well, one could dream, Right?

Anyways, back to reality, I hope Ms. M will enjoy her quilt for many years...thank you Ms. M for the job.

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

JUST FINISHED SOME MORE BABY QUILTS FOR PROJECT LINUS....

2011-10-02T10:32:00.003-05:00

I so enjoyed making these Baby Quilts for PROJECT LINUS this past week.

If you click on the picture, you will see a better view of it.

The fabric used in the 9 squares were donated to me and I added the White Print, Sashing fabric and Border fabric from my Stash....I got 3 of these quilts made last week. The fabric is fun, bright colors...any little one would love.

This was just one bag of the fabric that was donated, the friend was kind enough to send me plenty to keep me busy in baby quilts for a month or two....Thank You Friend for your Donation.

Till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

THE START OF THE FALL COLORS FOR US....

2011-10-01T15:09:00.003-05:00

I just love the Fall colors....this mum was given to me just a couple of years ago from one of our daughters. It has grown so much. Love it's colors.

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

TIME FOR SOME HOME MADE COOKIES.....

2011-09-28T17:35:00.002-05:00

Here are some cookies I just made today, thought I would share the recipe with ya'all.

What I did was make them in balls and put the dough balls on a cookie sheet and popped them in the freezer. After they were frozen, transferred them to a airtight container and back in the freezer they went....so they are there, ready for me to bake 6 cookies or a dozen.

************************************

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1 CUP BUTTER
1 CUP PEANUT BUTTER
1 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR
1 CUP BROWN SUGAR
2 EGGS
1 TEASPOON VANILLA
2 1/2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
1 1/2 TEASPOONS BAKING SODA
1/2 TEASPOON SALT
1 BAG SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS

THOROUGHLY CREAM BUTTER, PEANUT BUTTER, SUGARS, EGGS, AND VANILLA. SIFT TOGETHER DRY INGREDIENTS; BLEND BLEND INTO CREAMED MIXTURE. STIR IN CHOCOLATE CHIPS.
SHAPE IN 1-INCH BALLS; ROLL IN GRANULATED SUGAR. PLACE 2 INCHES APART ON UNGREASED COOKIE SHEET.
BAKE AT 375* FOR 10 TO 12 MINUTES. COOL SLIGHTLY; REMOVE FROM PAN. MAKES 4 DOZEN

**************************************

Now, my question is Milk or a nice cup of Coffee or Hot Tea to go with these tonight?

ENJOY!!!
~~Kathy~~

ESTATE AUCTION FINDS......

2011-09-24T20:52:00.001-05:00

I have been going to some local estate auctions lately...love all the Primitives I have seen lately.

I bought these last weekend:

Primitive Drop Leaf Table...$2...my thoughts were to use this on the porch and have Primitives and Potted Plants on it..use it during the Spring thru Fall..store it in the Winter...don't think I will do anything to it.....I like chipped paint and old stains

Old Enamel Ware and Aluminum Pan...$4.. they were full of useable items when I won the bid....one can't have enough of these...I will tuck them around the place with plants in them.

Till next time...
~~Kathy~~

MORE SQUARES DONE FOR MY FARMER'S WIFE QUILT

2011-09-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

I got a lot done this week...4 Baby Quilts and 1 Crocheted Baby Afghan for PROJECT LINUS. I also finished these squares for my Farmer's Wife Quilt.

9 more blocks finished....18 done, 93 to go
From top working the way down left to right...

Spider Legs....37 pieces
Whirlpool....32 pieces
Silver Lace...40 pieces
Pine Tree....42 pieces
Wild Rose & Square...37 pieces
Evening Star...17 pieces
Wild Goose Chase...37 pieces
Hovering Birds....22 pieces
Strawberry Basket....28 pieces

I think they turned out pretty good...what do you think?

Till Next Time....
~~Kathy~~

GIFTS OF CARING.....

2011-09-15T09:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the mail lady drove up our driveway...she had a package for me. A friend of mine had sent me fabric to use in the baby quilts I make for Project Linus.

What fun prints and bright colors she picked out. These will will make beautiful quilts for Project Linus donations.

Thank You Ms. Peggy...I am so grateful that there are people out there like you in this world that do care about others.

I have took on this project the start of 2011....and made the promise to myself as long as I can sew and crochet, I will continue to donate to Project Linus...I hope I have many, many years ahead to be able to fulfill this promise.

Thank you again Peggy!

till next time....
~~Kathy~~

HILLBILLY BAKED BEANS.....

2011-09-13T18:41:00.000-05:00

Here is a recipe I wanted to share with you all. I think I could just make a meal out of this, maybe some homemade bread or cornbread sticks to go along with it.

HILLBILLY BAKED BEANS

1/2 LB. GROUND CHUCK, BROWNED
1/2 CUP CHOPPED ONION
1 1/2 CUPS BARBECUE SAUCE
1/3 CUP BROWN SUGAR
1/2 CUP WATER
2 (15 OZ) CAN KIDNEY BEANS, DRAINED
2 (15.5 OZ) CAN BUTTER BEANS, DRAINED
2 (16 OZ) CAN PORK & BEANS, UNDRAINED
1/2 CUP CRUMBLED COOKED BACON

IN A 5 QUART SLOW COOKER, COMBINE MEAT, ONION, BARBECUE SAUCE, BROWN SUGAR, AND WATER; STIR WELL. STIR IN REMAINING INGREDIENTS, COVER AND COOK ON LOW SETTING FOR 6 HOURS...OR ON HIGH SETTING FOR 4 HOURS. SERVE IMMEDIATELY.

IF YOU'RE HAVING A BACKYARD BARBEQUE, JUST REHEAT THESE IN A FOIL PAN ON YOUR GRILL. AND YOU CAN MAKE THESE IN THE OVEN, TOO. JUST PUT THE MIXTURE IN A 3 QUART CASSEROLE DISH, COVER AND COOK IN A 350 DEGREE OVEN FOR ABOUT 1 1/2 HOURS, OR UNTIL HOT AND BUBBLY

SERVES 8

Now doesn't that sound easy enough to make for some backwoods country cooking?

Enjoy....
~~Kathy~~

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL......

2011-09-09T16:07:00.001-05:00

I received this Quilt Top last week...I just finished the quilting and binding today. I think it is absolutely beautiful....love the simpleness in form, as it shouts old country to me.

The Squares were hand pieced and did a very good job I might add...the border was machine pieced...don't know why...I think they should have hand pieced it all.

This was my first paid job for quilting and the lady wanted me to do the binding also....Thank You Ms. M...greatly appreciate the opportunity to work on this quilt for you..I hope you love and enjoy this one for many years. I have loved working on it and admiring the beautiful vintage fabric.

Since working on this quilt, it has made me want to make one myself....guess you know what that means, shopping for some vintage fabric.

Till Next time....
~~Kathy~~

DONATION #2 TO PROJECT LINUS.....

2011-09-05T17:56:00.000-05:00

My second donation to Project Linus is on it's way to it's destination to a great chapter in Ohio.

I have 4 Baby Quilts and 10 Crocheted Baby Afghans in this batch. Hoping these will keep some babies warm this coming winter and a smile on their faces. Does this Ole Heart good to know they will loved by some little people.

Already have the next batch of donations in the works.
Till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

CIVIL WAR BUCKSHOT EIGHT POINTED PINCUSHION.....

2011-09-01T20:04:00.002-05:00

Today, I finished creating this little pincushion. Added a little yo-yo with straight pins, a rusty safety pin....and topped it off with a wooden button.

It's not filled with buckshot, but if I had asked my hubby, I bet he could have supplied me with some.

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

PINCUSHION COLLECTION....

2011-08-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Don't know why I didn't think of doing this earlier. I use these on a daily basis...

These two pictured I made a while back..trying to sell them and then decided to keep them for myself. Both are counted cross stitched and stained to look primitive...You know "All Things Primitives"...is the way to go...at least for me it is.

Working on another cushion...
More to come...
~~Kathy~~

YUMMY BLACKBERY COBBLER....

2011-08-25T15:28:00.004-05:00

Here is a recipe I thought I would share with you. Would be great with a spoonful of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream on top.

If you don't like Blackberries, you can change that to any fruit you do like....peaches, cherries, blueberries....or even a mixture of berries.

BLACKBERRY COBBLER

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar, divided
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold butter
1/4 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 cups fresh blackberries, rinsed and drained (Can Use Frozen Berries)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/4 cup boiling water just until mixture is evenly moist.

In a large saucepan, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water. Mix in remaining 1 cup sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract and blackberries and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Pour into baking dish, drop dough by spoonfuls onto the blackberry mixture. Sprinkle a little white sugar over the top of the spooned dough.

Place baking dish on a foil lined baking sheet and into preheated oven.

Bake 25 minutes until dough is golden brown.

ENJOY....
~~Kathy~~

FIRST 9 BLOCKS SEWN TOGETHER.....

2011-08-20T14:43:00.003-05:00

First 9 blocks with their sashing, corner blocks and outer triangles added.

I used Brown Crackle Fabric for the sashing and Antique Tan Solid for the triangles and corner blocks. Didn't get much done today, but this still took me 4 hours to do.

Till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

9 BLOCKS FINISHED...102 BLOCKS TO GO....

2011-08-19T18:51:00.003-05:00

I started sewing this week on my new project...yeah I know, I said it was a fall and winter project, just couldn't wait.

These will have brown sashing and cornerblocks around each one....set on point. These are all 6 " square.

From top working the way down left to right...

Practical Orchard...12 pieces
Butterfly at the Crossroads...29 pieces
Gentleman's Fancy...17 pieces
Fruit Basket...28 pieces
Whirlwind...21 pieces
Single Wedding Star...29 pieces
Snowball...13 pieces
Birds in the Air...40 pieces
Garden Path...44 pieces

Hope to get some more sewn next week, gonna take the weekend off...maybe:)

Till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

MY NEWEST QUILT MAKING ADVENTURE....

2011-08-17T14:57:00.002-05:00

I have been contemplating on this adventure and finally decided to start it....this will be this fall and winter's project.

Consists of 111 blocks..each block is 6 inches square, sashing around each block and then a final border around it all. Plan to use what fabric I have in my stash, and maybe some more if needed. The templates are small, some of the squares have over 50 to 60 pieces in a 6 inch square...that's a lotta pieces packed into one tiny square. Follow with me.....more pictures posted as I progress on my quilt journey.

Till Next Time....
~~Kathy~~

GRANDSON'S BOY SCOUT BADGE QUILT......

2011-08-16T18:58:00.004-05:00

My last visit to Indiana, my youngest daughter and I came up with this ideal for my grandson's Boy Scout Badges he is earning. I know it's kinda plain looking, but I wanted the badges to stand out...backside is two different plaids...and it is hanging sideways in this picture...even put a hanging sleeve on the backside for him to hang in his bedroom.

He has already earned quite a few badges, looking forward to seeing this quilt get filled up.

Use to make many a rag quilt...they are fun to make!

Till next time...
~~Kathy~~

BEEN WORKING ON MY TREE STUMPS.....

2011-08-12T12:01:00.002-05:00

I have worked on the tree stumps some this morning. Started on my second one...still need to add to that one, not sure what yet.

I found some Ole Rusty Barbed Wire laying around here and made a couple of wreaths out of it....love the one hanging one the Black Chair.

Need to make a run to the creek and gather up some rocks to put around the stumps bases and I would like to find some kind of plant to place in between the rock spaces, maybe Ivy or Hens & Chickens. Any Suggestions??

Anyways, just thought I would share a little of my country livin with ya'all.
till next time...
~~Kathy~~

ENGLISH PAPER PIECING QUILT PROJECT......

2011-08-11T09:26:00.003-05:00

This is a new project I started this week..English Paper Piecing. Never have tried it, but so far I like it.

This is all hand pieced together...will have Antique Tan Solid Fabric surrounding each block. I should hand quilt it, but will cross that bridge when I get there.

This one will take quite a while to finish, hope my fingers hold out.

Wish me luck on finishing this beauty!!!
till next time...
~~Kathy~~

ANOTHER BIRDHOUSE ADDED TO THE STUMP....

2011-08-08T15:15:00.001-05:00

Hubby and I just finished the birdhouse on the top of the stump...made from an old piece of wood I found in the back barn and pieces from the old garden chair I was talking about earlier....I love it!!!

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

PRIMMING UP A TREE STUMP....

2011-08-08T12:25:00.002-05:00

Today, I worked on this tree stump we have in our fence row...and I look at it all the time because it's right by the house.

I plan on making some more birdhouses as I have another stump to decorate and want to add more to this one too. I have an old garden chair that has fallen apart beyond repair and plan to use pieces from that for birdhouses....wish me luck!

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUBBY....

2011-07-22T08:42:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Hubby....yep his birthday is the day after mine. We used to celebrate by going out both days, going to a movie and dinner or whatever is going on special at the time.

Wishing you a great day Don....HAPPY BIRTHDAY....love you

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.....

2011-07-21T07:28:00.003-05:00

Here it is, another year come and gone, another year older. These years are adding up way too fast for me, seems like I can't keep up. I had better live it up this next year....next birthday I will be a Senior Citizen....but I think that will be a good thing to look forward to.

Not sure what the day will hold for me....just hopes it's a good day and no bad surprises.

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

COUNTY FAIR CHICKEN SHOW.....

2011-07-20T09:00:00.003-05:00

I traveled out of state to help out with family at their local county fair last weekend. My granddaughter and great nephews were showing their 4-H entries...chickens and rabbit and some baking and gift wrapping projects.

We had a great time, the kids won many blue ribbons, a few red, champions and reserve champions ribbons.. They did a excellent job....my sis and I prepped all the birds just before the kids showed them....and it was like seeing your babies with their babies in a beauty contest....Way to go Big G, Little G and Hay!!!

Already can't wait till next year.

till next time...
~~Kathy~~

ANOTHR PROJECT FINISHED...MOVING ON...

2011-06-21T10:10:00.005-05:00

It's Done, finished it late last night. I even applied a hanging sleeve in hopes of entering it in a Quilt Show one day soon.

I so enjoyed making this quilt, all the stars...I love stars.

Now on to finishing up more baby quilts for donation.

Untill next time....
~~Kathy~~

NEW PEEPS ON OUR FARM.......

2011-06-14T12:17:00.002-05:00

These are guinea keets...hatched yesterday.

I sold 10 and have 9 left......with about 50 more eggs to hatch.

Maybe we will have less bugs around here this summer

till next time...
Katy

MY LITTLE GARDEN IS GROWING.....

2011-06-05T09:21:00.004-05:00

Things are looking good in my garden....green beans are creeping up their string supports, tomato plants, green peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash all have blooms...cucumber plants are finally growing. Lettuce is growing. All looking good...can't wait for that first tomato.

Been slowly putting down black plastic and mulch as I get it.

There are 34 tomato plants in this garden and I have another 13 plants closer to the house....think that might be enough.

I put me a chair out there as you can see in the picture, gives me a place to sit a spell and enjoy what Mother Nature hopefully will offer us....with a little help from me.

Till next time...
~~Kathy~~

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU ALL.....

2011-05-07T15:39:00.002-05:00

Wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day....full of love, hugs and surprises.

~~Kathy~~

QUILT TOP DONE......

2011-04-28T15:06:00.002-05:00

Here it is...done..well the top is. Still need to layer it, quilt and bind it.

Just wanted to show you all what I have been working on lately during all the rainy, stormy days we have had lately. I like more organized quilts, been a while since I made a Scrappy Quilt...think the next big one I do will be more organized. This was one to use up some scraps I had.

Time to clean my sewing room and get back to sewing some baby quilts.

Till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

MY FIRST GIFT TO PROJECT LINUS....

2011-04-26T13:55:00.004-05:00

Today, I have been getting my first gift to a special chapter in Ohio of Project Linus ready to deliver.

6 Baby Quilts and 9 Crocheted Baby Afghans

I have more quilts in the works for Project Linus.

Does this ole gal's heart to know that there will be some babies hopefully enjoying these. I truly have enjoyed making them and hope to continue as long as I can.

till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

MY LITTLE GARDEN IN THE COUNTRY....

2011-04-23T15:43:00.002-05:00

I used to have a big garden, but since I am getting old and a little worn out, Hubby and I decided we will try this method of gardening. We have been working on it...got the fencing done today. Hubby still needs to work on the gate a little. But there it is.

I plan to use Round Up around the raised beds and maybe put down some landscaping cloth and mulch. But if I don't get to that this year, I have plenty of room in there to get my push mower in to cut grass.

Around the outside of the garden, I plan to use landscaping ties and make border flower beds at least on two sides and possibly the back side. A girl just can't have too many flowers and plants to play with.

I will also be looking around for some primitives to place here and there in and around the garden....I think I will run out of room very quickly....but this ole gal is so very glad to be back in the dirt playing after a couple of years absence in the gardening department.....And I Won't Have To Use That Ole Tiller Big Anymore

Until Next Time....
~~Kathy~~

MADE A LITTLE PROGRESS TODAY ON THE QUILT....

2011-04-22T17:50:00.003-05:00

I made a little progress on the quilt today. Still have two more rows to do and then work on the outer border.

Seems like I kept having to take out today, made for a longer day of sewing....I kept forgetting to sew on the gold triangles for the gold stars.

If it rains this weekend any, I will get some more sewing in....
Until Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

ANOTHER QUILT IN PROGRESS....

2011-04-14T16:21:00.003-05:00

Here I am again with a new quilt in progress. This one will be Scrappy, using the colors: Browns, Black, Beiges, Off White, White and Rust. It has a Black Star in the middle of each of the squares...around each square, will have a scrappy dark strip with a gold star at each corner of the square.

Seems like I have been cutting this one out forever, but now I am finally sewing...can't wait to see the results of this one done....

Until Next Time..
~~Kathy~~

HERE IS A PINK ONE.......

2011-04-06T11:43:00.002-05:00

This was made from a 50 pound Cancer Support Poultry Feed bag that Purina did last month...wish I had more of these. I think this turned out pretty well. Love the Pink!

LET'S GO SHOPPING.....

2011-04-05T20:55:00.003-05:00

I made this tonight for one of my granddaughters. She is having a Swap & Shop for 4H in a week or so...this is what I came up with to donate. Planning on making a few more if I get more feed bags....hope it makes a little money for her 4H Club.

This was made out of a 50 pound poultry feed sack, kinda hard to sew up, but it sure was something different to sew up.

Till Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

PLANS FOR THE NEW GARDEN.....

2011-03-24T17:06:00.003-05:00

If any of you know me from the past years, we live way out in the country. I have had a big garden almost every year we have lived here, except for the past few years...due to some health problems.

I used to do all the work myself, hubby only helping a little..and now my ole body is shouting to me "DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT USING THAT TILLER ANYMORE GIRLFRIEND"

So, this is what I came up with...won't nearly be as big as I had, but I so can't wait to get them built, filled and working back in the good ole dirt again.

We got five kits...I plan on getting more if this works out. This isn't what I wanted, but hubby wanted these....and he usually gets his way around here...whether it be right or wrong..oh well, that's another story and I won't go there.

Will post pictures as we progress on our journey back to the world of growing our own food.....Ahh, so ready for the first ripe tomato...warmed by the sun.

Until Next Time...
~Kathy~~

PROJECT LINUS BABY QUILT......

2011-03-18T15:48:00.002-05:00

Here it is!

After the holidays were over, I decided I needed to do this...donate to Project Linus. After doing a little searching and asking questions, I found a chapter in Ohio where my oldest daughter lives...that special chapter will be the recipient of my afghans and now baby quilts too.

Since my decision, I have been daily crocheting baby afghans (working on No. 7)....yesterday, I felt the need to do some sewing, this is what I came up with....simple, but sweet for the babies. I spent the whole day sewing as I just could not wait to get it done and see how it turned out.

I plan on making more of these as long as am able...I hope it's for a long time.

~~Kathy~~

MY GALS IN THE CLOTHES....

2011-03-18T10:22:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of my gals in their new clothes. A viewer of my blog asked for a picture of them...been aiming to post a picture, just been busy sewing and such.

They don't seem to mind the clothes at all and seems to help.

They remind me of the yard art...those dressed up geese you see in people's yard...I actually hate those, but I had to do something for my poor girls.

Okay, back to work on a quilt, picture to be posted very soon.

~~Kathy~~

RAINY DAY PROJECT....

2011-03-10T17:26:00.004-06:00

This is a Chicken Saddle for my Hens...I made 4 today...even machine quilted them. Their wings goes through the elastic opening on each side...might have to do some adjusting.

My roosters are not being kind to my hens. So I did a little sewing today and made these for the girls...hoping that they are protected some now...if it works, I will make more. Seems to be the roosters have three girls they like the best. the hens don't seem to mind having them on....only time will tell

~~Kathy~~

QUILT TOP IS FINISHED......

2011-02-26T14:01:00.003-06:00

I was determined today to get this top finished, and there it is....all nice and pretty in my kitchen.

I still need to layer, quilt and bind it, but that's for a later day, this ole gal is gonna take a little break from sewing...got a couple other projects to get finished...a whole cloth quilt I had started and doing some crochet baby afghans.

I have enough fabric left over from this project to make a wall hanging, so I will plan on making that for my living room.

I think my quilt top turned out pretty well, what do you think?

Until Next Time....
~~Kathy~~

TIME TO MAKE SOME STAR STRIPS....

2011-02-13T14:20:00.004-06:00

I got all my star squares pieced together last Friday. I stayed in front of the sewing machine that day till I got them all done, I was determined to get them done...30 stars that day.

Moving on to the next step....making star strips. I think this is the fun part and kinda makes me feel I am finally accomplishing something. I will admit I was getting a little tired of making stars.

Bunny ears on the sides will be trimmed off, but for now they stay on to use as a guide to sew strips together.

Until Next Time....
~~Kathy~~

HAND QUILTING PROJECT, LIKE I NEED SOMETHING MORE TO DO.....

2011-02-06T17:10:00.003-06:00

I decided last night to start this project. I bought this years ago, think I better get it done while the hands halfway still work.

This is a Feathered Pineapple Wholecloth Quilt, natural in color..queen size. I wanted to use an off white on off white print, but I had bought some premium quality backing for it years ago. So I will use what I bought, along with natural colored thread. I haven't hand quilted in a while, so this might just be a disaster, but I will try my best.

If I do get it done, probably will never use it, but I thought it was pretty at the time I bought it...and still do.

Wish Me Luck...I will need all I can get.
~~Kathy~~

ANOTHER QUILT PROJECT STARTED....

2011-01-29T18:48:00.006-06:00

What is the saying about Idleness?

Since I got my quilt finished last night, I decided to jump right in and start another one....this is what I picked. I made a queen sized quilt using this pattern for one of my daughters a couple of years ago. It turned out so pretty, I knew I had to make on for myself.

I will make this quilt a Queen Size....The Stars, are 4" finished, will be made from various light to med light colored print fabrics, I think I have 27 prints for that so far..a black fabric with dark grey flowers for the borders and sashes....the rest will be like the picture in the magazine, bird print toile fabric.

I managed to get 11 Stars made today. I hope to get this quilt top finished in the next couple of months...before mowing and gardening starts around here. Then when it's so hot out I can't stand it, I will head for the basement and work on the quilting of it when I have all my outside work done....that's the plan anyways, you know how that goes sometimes.

So you all know what I am working on now for the time being....

Until Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

PINEAPPLES QUILT FINISHED.....

2011-01-28T18:30:00.004-06:00

I finished this quilt today...I love Pineapples Quilt....hope my sister does too...this one goes to her.

Planning on starting another quilt project this weekend, got my fabric out, ready to start cutting and piecing.

I'll let you all know what quilt I picked for the next one this weekend.

Until Then...
~~Kathy~~

QUILT LABEL.....

2011-01-27T14:33:00.004-06:00

I just finished this today...it's for the quilt that I have been working on. Flying Geese Strips are one inch wide...took me over 2 hours to make....almost done with this project, working on the binding and then will attach this quilt label.....ready to move on to the next quilt project.

Until Next Time...
~~Kathy~~

MAKING PROGRESS.......

2011-01-11T15:40:00.004-06:00

Today is a good day! After many hours of sewing squares together, I am working on putting the squares together...hoping to get this step done today or tomorrow for sure. Then some prep work and on to the quilting frame it goes.

This quilt will be a queen sized quilt, going to a very special person...My Sister...I hope she will like it...if not, I won't have any problem keeping it for my own.

I'll keep you all posted on my progress.....

~~Kathy~~

CAPPUCCINO MIX RECIPE.......

2011-01-08T13:51:00.002-06:00

Here is a mix I like to make and have on hand for these cold Winter days. I usually triple this recipe, so I have plenty on hand...I hope you will try this...

CAPPUCCINO MIX

1 CUP POWDERED NON-DAIRY COFFEE CREAMER (I USE FRENCH VANILLA FLAVORED)
1 CUP INSTANT HOT CHOCOLATE MIX
3/4 CUP INSTANT COFFEE GRANULES
1/2 CUP WHITE SUGAR
1/2 TEASPOON CINNAMON
1/4 TEASPOON GROUND NUTMEG

IN A BLENDER, ADD COFFEE GRANULES AND WHITE SUGAR, BLEND TILL FINE POWDER

IN A MEDIUM BOWL, COMBINE NON-DAIRY COFFEE CREAMER, HOT CHOCOLATE MIX, CINNAMON, NUTMEG AND THE COFFEE & SUGAR MIXTURE.....MIX WELL

TO PREPARE.....PLACE 2 TABLESPOONS MIX IN A MUG, POUR IN 3/4 CUP BOILING WATER AND STIR UNTIL DISSOLVED.....SERVE HOT

THIS IS A NICE MIX TO USE AND A ~GIFT IN A JAR~ ITEM

ENJOY!!!!

~~Kathy~~

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL......

2010-12-31T22:24:00.002-06:00

Here it is another New Year...seems like we were celebrating 2000 just not too long ago...and now look at us, starting the second decade of 2000.

My wish to all of you, A Very Happy New Year, good health and success in whatever you do in this year ahead of us.

Till next time.....
The Country Life
~~Kathy~~

HAILEY WON A SHOPPING SPREE...

2010-12-22T04:07:00.003-06:00

My granddaughter Hailey, won a Mall Shopping Spree yesterday. She came in 3rd place in the Mall's Candy Cane GingerBread House Contest. She was picked a month ago of all the house entries narrowing it down to 12 finalists. For the past month, the 12 houses have been on display at the Shopping Mall and all the shoppers could vote on their favorite house. She is so excited..I wonder what she will pick out on her shopping spree.

This is a picture of Hailey taken last July at the county fair....winning all those ribbons showing her 4-H Poultry Entries....We had so much fun that day with the kids and their Poultry Entries....first time for the kids to try this out and I think they did better than some of the older kids that had shown in the fair many years. We are already looking forward to next summer at the fair.

Congrats to you Miss Hailey Bug....I am so happy you won with your gingerbread house.

The Country Life
~~Kathy~~

HAILEY'S GINGERBREAD HOUSE MALL ENTRY.........

2010-12-17T10:25:00.004-06:00

Here is a picture of my Granddaughter Hailey's GingerBread House she entered in a Shopping Mall Contest. They judged all the entries and selected the best 12 out of the contestants......Hailey's House made it to the final 12. The 12 Houses have been on display for a month at the mall so all the mall shoppers could vote on their favorite house....in a few days, they will tally the votes and the four contestants with the most votes will win a shopping spree at the mall.

I am so hoping Hailey will win....Good Luck Sweet Hailey

~~Kathy~~

GUINEAS AND KEETS IN THE WINTER.....

2010-12-15T14:26:00.005-06:00

The Guinea Keets will be 12 weeks old this coming weekend....I let them loose this last weekend and today is the first day some have ventured out in the cold snowy weather. They had a late start in life as they were born when it was starting to get cool here, but seem to be doing well. I started out with 13 and still have all..so I guess I am doing something right.

My adult Guineas are on top of the 6 foot fence....making their sounds and I think enjoying being out. I love to watch and listen to them all...hoping for a day here and there this Winter to be able to be outside more to watch my little feathered family.

~~The Country Life~~
Kathy

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY THANKSGIVING......

2010-11-23T14:53:00.002-06:00

Here it is almost Thanksgiving...where does the time fly....

Summer is gone and Fall will be also very soon. Old Man Winter will raise his ugly hand and we will be fighting the cold, snow and ice. But let's think warm thoughts for right now.

The pies will be baking, stuffing ready for the bird, turkey ready to be baking...all the fixins making for a great day....full of family, fun and thankfulness.

I hope you all have a great Holiday with your loved ones...and a safe one.

~~Kathy~~

IT'S MOVING DAY FOR MY GUINEA KEETS.......

2010-11-07T10:29:00.006-06:00

Today was moving day for my Guinea Keets....6 weeks old now.

We moved them today from their brooder (that was in our garage) to the Nursery in the Hen House. They will stay confined in there for 6 weeks...after that they will be released to join with the adult group and to venture out in their little world of the country.

I have been making waterers and adding new feeders to the Nursery for their arrival.

This next six weeks will be a a "Meet and Greet" with all the other Guineas and Chickens and to hopefully teach them that the Hen house is their permanent Home.....looking forward to the day I can release them and see them at work here.

The Country Life...
~~Kathy~~

A WALK IN OUR WOODS.....

2010-10-31T20:25:00.005-05:00

Today, I decided to take a walk in our woods. It was such a beautiful day here when I was doing my regular walk...so off I go, heading to our creek...with camera in hand. I saw a lot of squirrels and birds, didn't see any deer or turkey this time. It was so peaceful down at the creek. I wanted to go further, but decided I had better not since I was alone and have been having some problems with my ankles..maybe next time.

I took a lot of pictures, these are just a few. A peaceful day it was, time to take in one last day of a beautiful fall day...before Old man Winter decides to pay us a visit....take time to enjoy Nature....

The Country Life
~~Kathy~~

HOME MADE CHICKEN WATERERS.....

2010-10-22T19:40:00.006-05:00

Here is what we made today...Chicken and Guinea Waterers.

They were very easy to make and cost around $4 each to make...if you get your buckets for free. I made some using flower pot trays too, but wanted the metal trays to use this winter on the waterer heaters to keep the water from freezing.

I bought a metal waterer just a little over a year ago at our local farm supply store and it is already rusting. So I decided to make some of my own for much less....I think $4 is a lot better than $30, don't you.

The white bucket is 5 gallon and the black one is 2 1/2 gallon.

So far, they are working very well.

Till next time....
The Country Life
~~Kathy~~

THEY ARE NOW THREE WEEKS OLD....

2010-10-16T11:30:00.002-05:00

My Guinea Keets are growing fast. We are half way thru the brooder stage...getting their feathers and looking good.

My project this week hopefully is to do a little upgrading in the Hen House on the Nursery and to make new Waterers. I bought a new metal 5 Gallon waterer a year ago and it's already rusty...so I am making new ones to cut costs down...wish me luck on my project.

Until next Time
The Country Life
~~Kathy~~

WEEK OLD AND DOING WELL.....

2010-10-04T11:39:00.005-05:00

Here they are, a week old. The keets have doubled in size and are getting their wing feathers. Still doing very well.

Hubby and I built a new bigger brooder yesterday for them from stuff accumulated around here. Might be a bit big for them right now, but it won't take long for them to fill up a 4 foot square dwelling....they sure outgrew their first housing.

I enjoy sitting and watching them play their little chase game, one gets something and the rest chase him to take it away....won't be long and they will be conquering...The Country Life

Until next time...
~~Kathy~~

BACK IN THE SEWING ROOM....

2010-09-30T16:20:00.004-05:00

Now the cooler weather is finally here I am able to get back to sewing...the summer months are just too hot in my sewing room to work in.

This one I started last Spring and I am glad to say I am glad to be back at it again. I love working this pattern....still a long ways to start putting my squares together.

I will keep you all posted on my progress...

The Country Life
~~Kathy~~

BABY KEETS ARE DOING WELL....

2010-09-29T09:27:00.003-05:00

On my third day of my adventure raising baby keets from day old...not lost a one yet. It is amazing how such little birds eat so much. I am enjoy watching them play chase when they all think one has something special...and their little chirping sounds are so soothing.

I have them all in a little brooder I made over a year ago, glad it is finally to good use. And the are under a heat lamp to keep them warm. The Mama I think has given up searching for them and has joined the rest of the adults...so I am back up to 8 adults and still 13 babies......

The Country Life
~Kathy~

NEW ADDITION TO THE FARM.....

2010-09-27T17:25:00.003-05:00

As I went to the Hen House this morning, I counted heads of my guineas that decided to spend the night outside....Seven...wait a minute, I know I had one guinea that spent the night in the Hen House. As I walked closer, there they were...Keets with the Mama that has been missing most of the summer. Some of the other guineas were huddling close by as to help protect the keets.

There was rain for the forecast today, I knew I had to get them in or they wouldn't make it. So here I go trying to catch them. Hubby helped a little, but I know he doesn't want to any more than he has to. But I did manage to get them all and Mama put up a good fight. She has been looking for them the better part of the day. tonight will be interesting whether she will roost in the Hen House or back to the woods.

13 baby keets..so far they are in our house as the adult guineas were trying to get in the garage to get the babies.

I will do my best to keep them alive....and so it goes..in the country life.

~Kathy~

AN OLD FRIEND'S PASSING.......

2010-09-14T08:47:00.014-05:00

My old friend Clyde died a couple of week's ago....we got him as a puppy along with his half sister Bonnie years ago to guard the goats here....he is now with Bonnie guarding us from above. He came down with Parvo just a few days after we got him. Luckily I pulled him thru and Ole Clyde and I always seem to have a special bond....I will miss him greatly as I do Bonnie.

We luckily have Jake and Mollie guarding the goats now.....they are good dogs but nothing like Ole Bonnie and Clyde....and such is life in the country down here.

till next time.....
~~Kathy~~

SUMMERTIME.....

2010-06-29T12:26:00.007-05:00

Here it is Summer...soon to be Fourth of July

Been a great time in the country so far.....working outside, visiting family and having a great time.
The animals are all doing well, baby goats are growing, guineas are staying home....and the tomatoes are ripening.

Our riding mower quit on us and waiting for it to get back from the repair shop...been having to push mow so far.....sure been getting my walks in with that.

Wishing you a fun time this summer....sit on the porch and enjoy the sounds of Nature...

~~Kathy~~

LIFE...AND SO IT GOES.....

2010-05-19T17:50:00.003-05:00

I had a busy day here today in the country...a day's worth of mowing the grass. I love to mow grass...as it gives me time to think about things. And each week, I look forward to the day I get to spend the day mowing.

As some of you know me personally and some don't...I am a quiet person....mostly not by choice. I find if I stay quiet...sometimes, it keeps me out of trouble. I wish I could speak out at times, my true feelings, but I know that will get me in trouble more...so I stay Quiet.

I was brought up as a child, you are to be seen but not heard...and I stayed Quiet.

I have lived many years, gone through many of life's trials and tribulations...not been an easy life...physical as much as mentally....But I Am Woman...I Will Survive....but I will stay Quiet.

I try to live a simple life...I have not been fortunate to be as a lady, just doing housework and taking care of children. I did raise a family and did all the housework..but also had to do hard work as I was mainly the only one to be the helper for my hubby. We have accomplished a lot looking back, not sure I could do it now as I am older. We still tackle jobs, just takes us a little longer...and I stay Quiet.

As I was mowing grass today, so many thoughts came running through my mind, wanting to post it here on the blog.....but once again...I WILL STAY QUIET....

The Country Life
~~Kathy~~

AND YET MORE BABIES......

2010-05-09T10:16:00.004-05:00

Another set of twins were born yesterday afternoon....two little girls. I named these two....Laverne and Shirley. This makes five new baby goats for us this Spring.

Seem to be doing just fine. We will surely enjoy watching all our babies play this summer...they are fun to watch, playing king or queen of the mountain or tag, your it.

I told hubby yesterday, his feed bill just got a lot bigger for the winter months. He was thinking of fencing even more land for them....ugh, more work!

Until Next Time.....
~~Kathy~~

ANOTHER BABY GOAT..DOWN ON THE FARM...

2010-05-08T12:38:00.002-05:00

Here is our newest addition to the farm...a little boy, J.D. to go along with the girls we had born just a couple of weeks ago.....Thelma and Louise. J.D. was the character that Brad Pitt played in the movie...Thelma and Louise.

A good looking baby I must say. Once again, the dogs, Mollie and Jake are staying very close to the babies. They are definitely earning their keep.

I went out this morning to brush the goat dogs and Mollie just wouldn't give me the time of day...she had a new baby to watch...it was like her telling me "Come, See What We Have New". So, I left her alone to do her job. But I did mange to get the two boy dogs brushed, Jake and Ole Clyde.

We have another momma goat due to have her baby just any day. Maybe tomorrow, being Mother's Day???

The Country Life....
~~Kathy~~

IT'S BEEN POURING DOWN RAIN......

2010-05-02T19:23:00.006-05:00

We have been having flooding rains here the past two day....I heard around 13 inches so far in two days...and it is still raining...suppose to stop late tonight.

Hubby and I took a walk in all this rain, we wanted to see what our creek looked like with all this rain. We don't have a little creek any more, we have a small rolling river. And our pond, it is full and water going over the top on the back side.....there is a road all around it. So when this is over we will have to work on that backside of the pond....probably will have some trees down on our back roads. Ahh, The Country Life.

But, watching all the flooding going on near us, I am thankful that this is all I have to blog about in our little corner of the woods.

My heart goes out to the ones that have lost everything and for the lives that have been lost.

~~Kathy~~

OUR GOAT FAMILY JUST GREW YESTERDAY.....

2010-04-22T09:11:00.004-05:00

Yesterday morning, I went out to check on the animals...I found these two little girls in the goat barn with Mama Matilda.

I named them Thelma and Louise.

We will be having a fun summer, watching these little girls play and grow...and we have more babies to be born soon.

Oh yes, gotta give Ole Jake a little credit for protecting our little family....Molly and Jake get into a tiff seeing who is going to protect.....at least they are doing their job. This will be their first babies to protect.....Our Sweet Bonnie(died 1 1/2 years ago) and Ole Clyde( still have him, but he is getting old for the job) always did a great job of protecting the goats...and our family when we would go for walks in the woods....I so miss Bonnie.

Have a great day......
~~Kathy~~

HERE WE GO WITH ANOTHER HOME PROJECT....

2010-04-17T14:36:00.007-05:00

Out with the old, in with the newer.......As if we need another project, but it will be so nice when it is all done. Hubby and I will be doing the work ourselves, so it will be a day of work here and there when we feel like it.

Our oldest daughter and her hubby bought a farm a while back that the house is over 100 years old. The house was so neat, original woodwork, hardwood floors, original glass paneled doors and a fireplace fit for a king. I would love to hear the stories of the history of this house and the land.

They decided to demolish the house...so I asked if I could be on the list for the kitchen cabinets. The kitchen had been updated recently and the cabinets were much nicer than the ones I have. My kitchen here at home is big, but not much counter space or storage...so maybe after this project will be done, I will have a much workable and enjoyable kitchen....and yes the woodstove stays in my kitchen....love my wood stove. There will be No installing of a dishwasher, just don't see the need for it here, and as for me.....the simpler, the better. But I am hoping for a new cook stove.

We still have another load or two to get of cabinets from our daughter...but right now we have managed to get the pantry installed and having fun organizing it. I have cabinets sitting everywhere...in the kitchen and in the garage.

I have not decided what color to use for the counter tops...I did find a black marble like formica top that I like, but not sure if that would look good in my kitchen...I know whatever I decide, I will have to live with it for a long time. As most of you know, I like the primitive look and my floors are a grey slate looking tile...so maybe the black counter tops will look okay?? I just have never seen black in a house for counter tops, always have had beige or if I go back far enough that olive green, which hubby and I finally covered that with...yes, beige.

Our next installment of the cabinets will be the refrigerator surround and a small counter top for hopefully my laptop or a desk like area. Moving the refrigerator to a different wall, that will involve some plumbing for our ice maker.

Until next time, I will keep you all posted on our progress.
~~Kathy~~

LEMON CREAM CHEESE PIE

2010-04-05T19:29:00.006-05:00

Here is another old recipe of mine.....got it in our electric bill when we lived in Lee's
Summit, MO.....many, many years ago. I used to make these for my girls or when we were having company come over.

This is an easy recipe and never lasts long when I make them. I forgot to purchase the canned pie filling, so I just sliced some fresh strawberries and placed on top
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LEMON CREAM CHEESE PIE

1 8 OZ PACKAGE CREAM CHEESE
2 CUPS COLD MILK
1 (3 3/4 OZ) PACKAGE LEMON INSTANT PUDDING
1 9 INCH GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST....( I make mine from scratch, but you can use the
pre-made ones)

IF YOU AREN'T USING A PRE-MADE PIE CRUST, MAKE YOUR GRAHAM CRACKER PIE CRUST AND LET IT COOL A WHILE BEFORE ADDING THE CREAM CHEESE/PUDDING PIE MIXTURE

SOFTEN CREAM CHEESE BY SITTING OUT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR OR PLACE IN MICROWAVE ON 30% SETTING FOR A MINUTE. STIR SMOOTH. ADD 1/2 CUP OF THE MILK, A LITTLE AT A TIME, BLENDING UNTIL VERY SMOOTH. ADD REMAINING MILK AND THE PUDDING MIX. BEAT SLOWLY WITH ROTARY BEATER OR MIXER SET AT LOW SPEED ABOUT ONE MINUTE. POUR INTO CRUST AND CHILL UNTIL SET.

TO SERVE, TOP WITH BLUEBERRY OR CHERRY PIE FILLING, IF DESIRED.

VARIATION: USE PINEAPPLE CREAM PUDDING AND TOP WITH PINEAPPLE PIE FILLING OR STRAWBERRY GLAZE.

NOTE: TO SAVE CALORIES, USE "LITE" CREAM CHEESE AND 2% OR SKIM MILK.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope someday you will try this recipe......
~~KATHY~~

ANOTHER QUILT IN THE WORKS....

2010-03-11T08:32:00.004-06:00

I started sewing another quilt top this week....another Pineapple Queen Sized Quilt. This one is using White on White Print, Dark Blue Print, Gold and Brown Print and a Green Print. This one will also be given away.....to my little sister Debbie. I hope she will like what I have picked out for her.

It's a bad time to start sewing a quilt, as mowing and gardening season is soon here. But I will definitely be working on this one in between.

I love making these Pineapple Quilts....
~~Kathy~~

PINEAPPLE WALL QUILT......

2010-03-01T13:07:00.002-06:00

Just finished this last night....this Pineapple Wall Quilt might go to a quilt show this spring...and will have a permanent home on our living room wall.

~~Kathy~~

PINEAPPLE QUILT IS FINISHED.....

2010-02-27T15:32:00.002-06:00

Finally, it is finished. I loved making this quilt and plan on making another one, just different colors.

I hope to take this to a quilt show and I will keep it for a short while and admire it, then give it to someone that appreciates all the long hours and love I have put in this quilt.

Colors are: Fall Colors, dark red, beiges, browns, black, tan, golds, and plum....meandering quilting using variegated quilting thread. This is a Full/Queen size...I have a wall hanging that matches almost completed.

On to the next quilt to make for me......
~~Kathy~~

HERE'S AN OLD RECIPE......

2010-02-22T15:00:00.004-06:00

I went through my recipes a few nights ago....wanting something sweet, but halfway good for you. I came across this recipe. It is an old recipe, I remember my mother making this when I was a young girl.
One change I did make, I left out the salt.....and thought maybe you could use the Splenda Brown and White Sugar to further cut the calories...I didn't try this, maybe the next time I make it I will. But in any case you are getting raisins and dates and some oatmeal, those are all good for you.....

RAISINS DATE BARS

Heat oven to 400*

Crumble Mixture:
1/2 cup Butter, softened
1/4 cup Shortening
1 cup packed Brown Sugar
1 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Quick Cooking Oatmeal

Filling Mixture:
1 1/2 cups Seedless Raisins
1 1/2 cups Chopped Dates
1/4 cup White Sugar
1 1/2 cup Water
Add the filling ingredients in saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling until mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

Grease rectangular pan, 13 x 9 x 2".
Mix butter, shortening and brown sugar. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda and oats. Press half of the mixture in pan. Spread filling mixture over pressed mixture in pan; sprinkle with remaining crumbly mixture, pressing lightly.

Bake until light brown, 25 to 30 minutes. While warm, cut into serving squares.

I hope one day you will try this recipe...grab a cup of good ole coffee and ENJOY.....

~~Kathy~~

A COUNTRY BLANKET OF WHITE......

2010-01-30T13:35:00.005-06:00

We got our snow storm last night....got around 7 inches....more snow than we have had for quite some time. Pretty to look at from the window...and so glad hubby and I don't have to be anywhere...just going to stay home and enjoy the warmth and comfort of the wood stove....now how many more days till Spring???

~~Kathy~~

A WINTER SUNSET....

2010-01-14T02:36:00.012-06:00

Almost every evening as I walk to the Hen House to put my guineas and chickens up for the night, I always look to the west...always hoping to see the shades of color of the sunset. Some evening are more beautiful than others...and then there are evenings there are clouds covering the blaze of a sunset. The bare trees, the quiet stillness of the winter woods, most of Nature asleep, waiting for warmer days ahead.

I love to see the sunset...when we lived in Oklahoma, I always made time for the sunsets there. I would make a cup of coffee and sit on the back porch waiting for it's beauty, all the many different colors...and towards the end, the sky looked like it was on fire almost.....I miss those evenings.

Take some time in your busy life to enjoy the simple things
~~Kathy~~

WINTER......

2010-01-08T10:56:00.005-06:00

Winter holds me with his arms of icy white,
and kissed my breath with frost upon the pane.
Subdued by touch of winter's frigid hand,
I pray for spring to find me once again.

O'wind, you whistle to the winter's tune.
Your melody is heard 'pon day and night,
but one day spring will come to rescue me,
and wisk away your song of winter's blight.

O'tree, you're frozen in the winter's dream.
Your leaves have left you 'neath a moon of white,
but when my prayers are answered 'pon spring's dawn,
you'll thaw beneath its sun with warm delight.

O'field, your harvest has been reaped and spent ~
and winter blankets you 'neath snowy mounds.
Yet one day soon in springtime's rising mist
you'll feel the greening of your earth rebound.

Winter holds me with his arms of icy white,
and kissed my breath with frost upon the pane ~
but deep within I somehow always know,
that spring will come and find me once again.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.....

2009-12-30T08:57:00.006-06:00

A New Year is soon to be here, just doesn't seem possible.

My wish for myself and my family is to only stay out of the Doctor's office this next year, not too much to ask for I think.

May this New Year bring you all joy, happiness and peace....Wishing you all a Happy New Year
~~Kathy~~

MERRY CHRISTMAS.....

2009-12-21T16:25:00.004-06:00

Christmas is getting really close now...just wanted to wish all my blog friends a Very Merry Christmas.

I hope you all have a great time with friends and family....lots of presents and good food....and most of all a safe holiday.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL...
~~Kathy~~

I STARTED MY WINTER PROJECT........

2009-11-22T11:48:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, I decided to start another quilt...start to finish. I went thru my stash of fabric and made this first square to decide if I would like what I had picked out or not....I think I like it.

It will be a PINEAPPLE QUILT when finished. Colors are fallish...red, brown, golds, solid tea colored tan and black. I am paper piecing this one and yesterday, the first square took me 2 1/2 hours to make....but that is okay, I like to sew.

I will keep you all posted on my progress on this quilt, hopefully I will finish this one in time for Spring Quilt Show we have in a town nearby
~~Kathy~~

PRIMITIVE CHRISTMAS TREE 2009......

2009-11-19T10:51:00.003-06:00

I got our Primitive Christmas Tree up and decorated yesterday. Most of the ornaments are hand made, some given to me in ornie exchanges in the groups I am or was a member of.....and there are many that I have made and my daughter has made for me from years gone by.

I keep telling myself I will do something different each year, but I keep going back to this tree decor....as I am a Lover of All Things Primitive.....
~~Kathy~~

FORTY YEARS.....

2009-11-15T12:02:00.004-06:00

Well, here we are (that's not us in the picture, I just like the vintage look)...my hubby and I will be celebrating Forty Years of Marriage later on this month.

It's has been an adventurous forty years...the joy of raising three beautiful daughters and now watching them with their own families, moves to other states, hopefully just one more move (to be closer to our daughters) one day, watching our grandchildren growing up way too fast.

Now, we are enjoying the quiet life, enjoying not having to go to work everyday (4 a.m. every morning was no fun)..if we don't want to do anything, we don't have to, living here doesn't feel like work, a vacation in the woods everyday.

I have many things to be thankful for....granted, it's not been all fun and games the last forty years, but we did have lots of fun, raising our girls, taking canoe rides, riding our motorcycles, camping with the family, trying to out fish my hubby....so many things to remember back, I won't list them all, but they are in my mind and heart. We have had our ups and downs, but that is LIFE, we learn as we go.

I feel a LOVE between two people is a private thing, no matter how new or old the relationship is. It's between two people, Not the Whole World. No one really wants to read about a couple's personal life and such......

With that said I will close as I want to try to keep this general information only....My wish for my hubby is for a long and healthy life and to be comfortable as we take this journey together....
~~Kathy~~

NEW LISTING IN MY RED BARN PRIMITIVE ETSY SHOPPE....

2009-11-14T09:01:00.004-06:00

I decided to get back to Cross Stitching a little bit....This set consists of a big weighted Pin Keep (pincushion) and a Sewing Pouch. All Handstitched and Primitive Stained....Hens & Chickens Pin Keep with Sewing Pouch. Plenty of room on the Pin Keep for your needles, pins and and room to lay your skeins of floss on it while you are sewing. The Sewing Pouch can store your little embroidery scissors, packaged sewing needles and threads.

I love how this turned out, will have to make myself a set

This item is found in my ETSY SHOPPE...Red Barn Primitive
~~Kathy~~

REMEMBERING........

2009-11-01T21:17:00.005-06:00

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar;
I love not man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal.

LEAVES OF FALL 2009.....

2009-10-29T17:38:00.003-05:00

I got outside today and did a little work. I thought maybe I should take some pictures of our trees before more rain and wind comes our way. These are just a couple of the picture I took

I am fortunate enough that all I have to do is look outside our windows..or hop on our four wheeler and trek thru our woods...I don't have to drive anywhere to see such beauty, I have it right here all around us.

I love the Fall Season best of all, but in my mind and heart, a little sad...as Winter will be here very soon and our Nature will be sleeping...the cold winds of Winter will be howling and snow will be blowing

My wish for you today is that you take a little time to enjoy Nature, before it goes to sleep for the Winter

~~Kathy~~