winding down

Adam spent most of the week in the sugarhouse. 

 We've had a wonderful sugaring season, but it's winding down now.  

Because of our sandy soil, we tend to finish sugaring earlier than other parts of the state.

Our goal was 50 gallons and after we boil out, we'll probably end up with just about that amount.

Have a wonderful Easter!

another knitted gift

This week, Fenna received the sweetest knitted bunny and carrots from another cousin of mine.

Since I haven't been doing too much crafting this week, I thought I'd join Nicole with 

this adorable gift.

crazy day at the office

greens

eggs

steam

syrup

mud

school

(with some bird sketches inspired by melanie's blog)

this moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Inspired by Soulemama.

this time last year

and today.

happy spring, everyone! 

on the needles

Taking a break from the everyday cardigan to make a canning jar cozy.  

I have a weakness for visiting our local co-op to grab a cup a coffee (board members enjoy it for free!)

So, I recently ordered myself an ecojar lid for my midday coffee trips.  

I thought a cozy would go along with it well.  :)

I also made a few little ribbon clippies for Fenna.  Our little farmgirl is almost 2 months old!

~Crafting on with Nicole~

mexican chili beans

Adapted from one of our favorite cookbooks, More with Less.

Soak overnight (we like to soak for 18-24 hours and then rinse well):
1 lb beans (the recipe calls for kidney beans, but we use our hutterite and jacob's cattle and also love it with black beans)
2 qts water

Bring to a boil.
Simmer just until tender, about 40 minutes.

Saute in olive oil:
2 cups onions, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

Add:
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2-4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
3/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup tomato sauce (we use our pureed canned tomatoes)

Simmer 15 minutes.
Drain and rinse beans.  
Add beans to the tomato mixture and add water as needed.  
Cook for at least an hour.

We love to eat this with rice and sour cream.  Some of the boys enjoy tortilla chips with it.  Sometimes we'll add veggies to it (we added finely chopped carrots this time because we have so many carrots left in storage).  In the summer, it's delicious served on fresh greens.

around the farm

Another sugaring edition, as sugaring has taken up most of our week.

It was perfect weather for sugaring all weekend long

and Adam just finished boiling the sap we gathered.

Some friends of ours helped--one by working in the woods and the other

by snuggling F, so I gather some sap, too!

This is my very favorite way to welcome spring.

What's going on around your farm or homestead?

blueberry waffles

with our fresh maple syrup.

2 cups flour (we use spelt flour)

2 Tbs sugar

1 Tbs baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 3/4 cups milk + 1/2 cup blueberries pureed together

2 large eggs

4 Tbs veggie oil or melted butter

Mix dry ingredients.

 Mix wet ingredients.

Then mix together.

knitted gift

Joining Nicole this week, but not with my own crafting...

F received a lovely handknit gift this week.

My cousin (who makes custom knits) sent this sweet top and booties.

A perfect spring sweater.

spinach

Remember this post?

Well, the warmer daytime temps means the spinach is growing fast!

Another week of warm weather and we'll have so many greens to harvest.

Spinach for dinner!

this moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Inspired by Soulemama.

around the farm-sugaring edition

 

Collecting at dusk.

Boiling all day.

It's sugaring season!

What's going on around your farm or homestead?