Dairy Daze...and Now Beyond

This is my second batch of this type of freezer jam. So easy. Pina Colada Freezer Jam. It has a secret ingredient; zucchini. This is a great way to use up some of that extra zucchini and satisfy your sweet tooth as well. Even the hubby likes the stuff...which is good. I rarely ever eat jelly or jam. Mostly it's Ellen and hubby who eat it.

This was rather a surprise when I was making deviled eggs this evening. We had chickens when I was a kid, and the Rhode Island Reds seemed to push these out on a not-uncommon basis. But MIL's chickens (I forget the breed; they are black) are rather sparing with their double yolkers. In any case, I had never seen one hard-boiled before.

Here's the picture of the repainted PIP pup. Ellen wanted it put on our porch, so hubby drug out the drill and here it is. Ellen was thrilled with it. I am hoping it will be the only dog we have.

For the past 3 years or so the neighbors have had what they call Heritage Days at their farm across the river from us; in Windyville. It started, I believe, as a homeschool event and has turned into a sort of community get together. Everyone involved or attending is encouraged to dress in 1800s outfits. There are multiple demonstrations or activities going on. It is much like a toned down Silver Dollar City-type of day. It was super warm and all the women in their long skirts and bloomers (one person admitted to shucking hers) looked miserable. The whole experience gave those involved a renewed respect for the early pioneers and what they had to do to survive. I have to say kudos to Tim and Carla, who are the ones who organize the whole shebang. This is the first year I have attended. It was interesting. Of course the most interesting demonstration I watched was the one I got so fascinated with that I forgot to take a picture of; the lye soap making. Oh, well. Below are some ...

In case you aren't a follower of my blog, (and I wouldn't blame you) you may not know that my 4 year old has this thing with people giving her things. Here is yet another example. This dog head was on the post for the mailbox in front of our internet service provider’s office in Buffalo. Ever since Ellen has been big enough to notice it, for the past 3 years or so, she has wanted me to hold her up so she could pet the doggy. The receptionist would smile and tell Ellen not to forget to pet the dog on the way out. Well, I had noticed the past few months that it was getting rather wobbly. Then this summer we went in there one month and it was gone, but the regular lady wasn’t there. The next month Gary went in to pay the bill. Then just this past Friday we went in there. The lady WAS there; she saw us come in, groped back behind her desk and handed this over to Ellen because; “I know you loved it so much and it would have just been thrown away.” **sigh** So now I am ...