We had a rain day at our house today.  Kind of like a snow day with lots of cuddling, snacks and book reading.  And we didn’t forget to send a few goslings out to play in all the puddles and streams.

Come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent.

The syrup house

Our crew

Tom the turkey

Making cheese

The final product.

Yesterday was truly a blessing!  We went on our first out doors field trip this year and had a great time!  We had to rise very early to drive to our destination (over 2 hours away) but it was so worth it!  It rejuvenated me and brought a smile to my face.  I think the goslings had a good time too! 

We went to a maple syrup farm.  We got a great tour and even got to smell the sap bubbling away, then taste the wonderful fresh syrup.  We made sure to buy 1/2 gallon to use on our pancakes and waffles at home too.

Next we went to a jersey cow cheese farm.  We were able to taste many kinds of cheese, watch the cheese making process and even pet the calves and ”chat” with their pet turkey 7 year old Tom.  He was a little intimidating blocking the door as we pulled up but quickly found out he was the resident ”farm dog”

I loved the time outdoors in the 70 degree weather and cherished even more the time to learn and spend time with the goslings and great friends!  I feel ready to tackle the rest of Lent!  Have a blessed day.

 What do you think?  How has the electronic communication of today affected you and your relationships?

Have a blessed day! 

Romans 12:1-2  

Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.

6 3/4 tsp yeast

5 cups warm water

2/3 cup honey plus 1 T.

2/3 cup vegetable or canola oil

2 tsp sea salt

6 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup wheat germ

4-6 cups bread flour

Disolve yeast in 3/4 cup warm water with the 1 Tablespoon honey.  Let sit about 10 minutes until foamy.   Add with remaining ingredients into mixer ( I have to split this into 2 batches in my kitchen aide mixer).  Add enough flour until it forms into a soft ball, it will be slightly sticky.  Knead for 6-8 minutes in mixer or by hand.  Place in a large bowl coated with oil, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.  Punch dough down.  Shape into 4 loaves.  This is where you can get creative.  We will often make 2 into cinnamon sugar loaves by rolling out and spreading with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and rolling up jelly roll style.  I also have added raisins at this point to the dough.

Place 1/4 of dough into each bread pan or shaped onto a baking sheet.  Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.  If you are unsure if the loaf is done, remove from the pan and tap the bottom.  You should here a hollow sound.   Remove from pans and let cool on wire racks.

I couldn’t find my camera for a couple of weeks :)  and I have been meaning to post a picture of the cloth napkins I made.  I have about 20 napkins right now with hopes to double that.  I am really enjoying the beauty cloth napkins adds to a simple dinner!  Have a blessed St. Valentines Day.