Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Blueberries and Sunsets

This a close up of my blueberry fabric that I bought from a quilt shop. It sure does look like our Copper Country wild blueberries. I'm in love with this fabric!



This is a Lake Superior Sunset. It is always a different and changing look. When I snapped it I was running as fast as I could to pass up the trees to get a good view. The sun went down so fast that I really barely got the sun at all. It is just amazing how fast the sun goes down. Seems like its down in a matter of minutes.

Just one cup of Thimbleberries--thats all it takes...



The thimbleberry fits right over your finger, just like a thimble. In minutes I had two little jars of jam made. Also, I've got to mention that the leaves of the thimbleberry plant are very large and beautiful. They must be one of the largest leaves of any berry plant. A picture below shows how big and green they are.

Home with our pickings!



Here are my beauties! Muffins, blueberry pancakes, tarts, pies, blueberry crumble, jam, berry crisp and buckle coming up soon! We just need to get out for more picking, and put em in the freezer for winter. I've been working on a blueberry cookbook for some time now and just may start adding other berry recipes to it. I've got quite the collection of recipes. Notice in the picture my blueberry fabric that I recently bought. I plan to make a table runner out of it. It sure is purty!!!

Blueberry and Thimbleberry Picking



After picking our blueberries we found a nice thimbleberry patch on the way home. The patch was on a dirt road in the woods. I love to make thimbleberry jam and never seem to get out for those berries. I told John that if we could just pick one cup of berries I could make one jar of jam. It's the easiest jam to make. It just takes 1 cup of berries and 1 cup of sugar. The berry is quite tart and has natural pectin in it so it gels easily. You only have to mix the sugar and mashed berries together and bring to a roaring boil for 1 minute. That simple! Its so tasty, the jam is very seedy, but the seeds are good and crunchy. We are so fortunate to have these berries growing here in the Copper Country. I've heard that there are only 3 places in the world that they grow. I don't know how true it is, or if I even believe that though. Thimbleberry jam sells for $10.00 a jar and that is a half-pint jar. Thats a one cup jam jar. Honestly! I'm not kidding! And it seems that every year it goes up higher in price. It is such a specialty here in our tourist area that all the gift shops carry thimbleberry jam.

Monday, August 25, 2008



We got out blueberry picking this afternoon. We stopped and picked up a couple of
Subs from Subway to take along. We took along Charley, our Bichon Frise. We just
realized that Charley has never been out by the lake with us. He has never ran on
the beach, or played in the sand. Even though we went camping a couple of times
this summer and took him with us, he was not allowed on the beach at McClains Park.
No dogs allowed there. So we went to the shores of Lake Superior out on the Gay Road
to Bete Gris. It was very nice there, the weather was a little cool. I had to wear my
sweatshirt. We found most of our blueberries on the side of the road across from the
lake. Picking was great, except for a few mosquitos buzzing and biting. We ate our
sub sandwiches by the lake and let Charley run free. He seemed to be a little leary of
the big lake with waves. He would not go too close to the water, but seemed to enjoy
playing in the sand.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

My first blueberry pie of the season!



I baked these pies at my daughter's house. I mixed some tame store bought berries with our wild picked Copper Country blueberries. MMM!!! this is my favorite pie. I absolutely love blueberries and picking them. I hope to get out picking this week for more. We like to fill the freezer up with berries for the winter.

My recipe: I make my crust with butter, flour, egg, vinegar, salt and sugar and water.
Prepare pastry for 2-crust 9 inch pie. Combine 4 cups fresh blueberries with 3/4 to 1 cup sugar, 3 Tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg, and a dash of salt. I use nutmeg or a combo of both. Line 9-inch pie plate with pastry. Fill. Sprinke with 1 teaspoon lemon juice, dot with butter. Adjust top crust, cutting slits for escape of steam. Seal. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm, if desired.




My finished pie. I actually made three pies with the wild blueberries John picked before we left to go downstate. We brought one to my sisters house, and kept two at Vanessa's house. They were so good warm with vanilla ice cream.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Mom's house and flower box




Mom sure has taste when it comes to her gardens, flowers and decorating. I just love the way she redid this entire house a few years ago. It was an ugly brown and had been a home for adults with disabilities. It was built with handicap features, but had no style. After my dad passed away 7 years ago, mom had a rough time living out in the country so far from family and friends. It was hard to leave her home in the country, with all the pretty gardens there, and all the work that mom and dad put into their home. She bought this house close to town, down the street from church, friends, and the hospital being right around the corner. She had the house remodeled before she moved in, a garage built, and her decorating touches added. It really is nice. Mom since has since remarried now for 1 1/2 years. She and Archie are very happy, have alot in common, and he's great for always helping--very handy.

Mom's flowers




Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Baby moose in sprinkler

Check out this cute video! Be sure to turn on your speakers. I love the song!

Baby moose in sprinkler

Posted using ShareThis

Quote

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter
without sorrow, nor sun without rain, But he did
promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears,
and light for the way.

Favorite picture from a trip out west a couple of years ago



Counting my blessings

Below I pasted an article I read in my newsletter from Dr. Mercola. I subscribe to quite a few holistic, alternative doctors newsletters. I've been researching alternative health practices for many years now. I try to eat healthy and take my vitamins and grow herbs. I'm always learning and exploring the naturepathic field. I like to follow doctors who were trained in the traditional way, but choose to follow a different path because of being disillusioned with the medical field. There are many well-known doctors around who have been able to help people heal in a natural way without drugs. I have very strong feelings about drugs and what the FDA, pharmacuetical companies are trying to push on people. I could carry on and on with this subject, but really want to express myself in bits and pieces.

Early this summer I fell and broke my ribs. I was in terrific pain, but was able to take care of it and get it to heal alot faster with some simple measures I took from researching. My doctor told me that there is not much that can be done for broken ribs except to manage the pain. Well, I did have to resort to ibuprophen to control the pain and had to sleep on my back for 5 weeks. It was a difficult time then as it was spring cleaning time, gardening, and I was trying to get ready to have my son, his wife, and my grandson come for a visit from the west coast. What I did was take epsom salts baths for the inflamation, and put on ice in the beginning. I went to a Natural Wellness Clinic for some hands on therapy. She gave me some homeopathic remedies and did some quantum touch, and a few inflammatory supplements. She also gave me some positive affirmations to speed the healing. I remember going in and rating my pain to be about a 9 or 10 on a scale of 10 being the worst. I came out and my pain had gone down to a 4 or 5. It sure did help alot. Of course, in something like a cracked rib, time is what it takes so I had to be patient and wait untill it healed. I now feel that I'm 100% better. I did have to go to the chiropractor for an adjustment a couple of months after as I really put myself out of alignment. That also helped to put me back into shape.

During this trial I had to bear I had to lay low, rest, and could not be very active for some time. I had time to stop to smell the roses, so to speak. And time to think, dream, and just slow down. It was a nice time, as much as it bugged me to have to slow down. I started to pray more , to thank God for all things He has done for me. I started to count my blessings every night. I was so amazed at how many blessings I could count. Each day new ones were there right before my eyes, blessings I probably never would have noticed had I not cracked those ribs. Now I try hard to remember to count my blessings each night when I say the Lords Prayer. And I thank God for each and every day. Life is so precious, wonderful and beautiful!




Quote for today:


Enjoy the little things in life...

for one day you'll look back

and realize they were the big things


7 Secrets for Living a Happy and Simple Life

Warren Buffett never flies in a private jet -- even though he owns the largest private jet company. He also lives in a small three-bedroom house he bought 50 years ago, and keeps himself occupied by playing online bridge.

It is refreshing, and inspiring, to hear of a man with all the wealth in the world who still believes that happiness lies not with riches but within yourself.

You, too, may become immensely happier by integrating some of the following wisdom into your own life.

Secret #1: Happiness comes from within.

“In my adult business life I have never had to make a choice of trading between professional and personal. I tap-dance to work, and when I get there it’s tremendous fun.” -- Warren Buffett

If you do what you love and love what you do, you’ll naturally be productive.

Secret #2: Find happiness in simple pleasures.

“I have simple pleasures. I play bridge online for 12 hours a week.” -- Warren Buffett

You can also learn to be happy with the simple pleasures of playing cards with friends, playing with your children or taking a walk in the wilderness.

Secret #3: Live a simple life.

“I just naturally want to do things that make sense. In my personal life too, I don’t care what other rich people are doing. I don’t want a 405 foot boat just because someone else has a 400 foot boat.” -- Warren Buffett

Keeping up with the Joneses is the worst epidemic among those who should never contemplate that notion in the first place. Less is more.

Secret #4: Think Simply.
“I want to be able to explain my mistakes. This means I do only the things I completely understand.” -- Warren Buffett


If you apply this rule in your life, you can develop clarity and sanity in your thoughts. Life is about simple yet profound choices.

Secret #5: Invest Simply.

“The best way to own common stocks is through an index fund.” -- Warren Buffett

Often, the simplest route will bring you the most riches, and the most happiness.

Secret #6: Have a mentor in life.

“I was lucky to have the right heroes. Tell me who your heroes are and I’ll tell you how you’ll turn out to be. The qualities of the one you admire are the traits that you, with a little practice, can make your own, and that, if practiced, will become habit-forming.” -- Warren Buffett

Having a mentor is as important as having a purpose in your life, but having a wrong mentor is as devastating as having a wrong purpose in your life. The mentor has to be someone you can trust. You’ll find that person in your inner circle if you think hard enough.

Secret #7: Making money isn’t the backbone of your guiding purpose; making money is the by-product of your guiding purpose.

“If you’re doing something you love, you’re more likely to put your all into it, and that generally equates to making money.” -- Warren Buffett

Money should never become the object and end all of your motivation.

Friday, August 1, 2008

My new favorite Magazine--MaryJanes Farm



I'm just so excited about this magazine! It has everything in it that appeals to me. Vintage baby and childrens pictures, old time vintage crafts, outdoors, cooking, farms, quotes, poems, down to earth stories. I just want to sit and read every page. And I can't get my subscription mailed out quick enough.

Bloomers in MaryJanes Magazine


Isn't this just Lovely!!


MaryJane has a large selection of crafts to do with vintage fabric. Some are made with pillow cases, some from hankies, doilies, and table clothes. I just love this issue. It has my name written all over it!!!

One hundred years ago--hard to believe!

THE YEAR 1908
This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! The year is 1908. One hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes! Here are some statistics for the Year 1908:


*****The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower
The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.
The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .
A competent accountant could expect to earn $20 00 per year, A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard. '
Sugar cost four cents a pound; Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen; Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.


Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza

2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada, was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea had yet to be invented
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind,regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health.' ( Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.




I decided to add a different picture to the top of my blog. Time for a change. This is a close up of my stained glass window in my living room. I'm sure its as old as my house is which I estimate it being close to or around 125 years old. Gee, I live in a historical house! I never thought of it that way, but it is. It isn't anything grand, just a small to average house built in the days of the copper country mining era. We've made alot of changes to it over the years and updated it. One thing we kept was the built in hutch in my kitchen. Someday I will post a picture of it.

I love old things, vintage and victorian touches. I don't have alot of that out now, but I can't seem to get rid of my collection of old things. Many of them are stored away since we did some paint jobs and got rid of my lace curtains. I never thought I'd get tired of lace curtains, but they do seem to be way outdated and had to go. I love to read the vintage, victorian, cottagey blogs. There are some great ones out there. I get so nostalgic and want to change back to old timey again when I check out those blogs.

Fresh Lake Superior Salmon



I'm quite proud of myself! I created a very good recipe for baked salmon. I bought the fresh fish on the way home from work at the fish market. I got home and realized I didn't have cracker crumbs to dip the fish in. So, I hunted through my cabinets for something to use instead and I came up with 6 ritz crackers in a baggie, some cheerios, and some dry instant mashed potatoes. I crushed them all and mixed together and added some of each of the spices shown above. I then dipped each salmon filet into some egg and milk, blended together and then into my dry crumb seasoned mix and put them into a pan to bake for 20 or so minutes at 375 degrees. Mmmm! it sure turned out good. The fish was very crunchy and flavored just right.

Notice the spices. I got the no-salt seasoning (organic) at Cosco. It is the best thing I've ever had for a spice mix. I use it in everything! Look closely at my salt shaker--its sea salt. Its unrefined and has 32 naturally occuring minerals. A very good for you salt. I've been using sea salt (now the unrefined kind) now for many years. I have a book I've been reading called SALT -Your Way To Health by David Brownstein, M.D. It tells the benefits of the right kind of salt. Notice how my salt has little specks of stuff in it and is kinda pinkish colored. The flavor is much better than refined table salt. The Blazing Blend Kansas City Steak Seasoning was from the Dollar Tree. Its pretty good with many different peppers.