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MAPLE NUT AND PEAR SCONES WITH MAPLE PEAR BUTTER Maple pear butter 1 large ripe bartlett pear, peeled and mashed and cored. 1/4 C soft butter 1 1/2 TB pure maple syrup Scones 3 C flour 1/3 C sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinamon 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 C butter cut in pieces 3/4 C buttermilk 1 tsp pure maple syrup' 1 C peeled and diced bartlett pears 1/2 tsp sugar (for topping) Maple butter ; Simmer mashed pear over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until liquid evaporated. Let cool slightly and stir in butter and maple syrup. Let stand to thicken. SCONES Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until butter is size of peas. Do not overblend. Stir in buttermilk, maple syrup, pears, and pecans. Turn mixture onto lightly floured board and knead until dough is smooth. Press into a 10" wedge and cut into wedges with sharp knife. Place wedges on baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with 1/2 tsp sugar. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm with maple pear butter. These are delicious and easy to make. Enjoy. Cyndi "Then make my joy complete bybeing likeminded, having the same lvoe being one in spirit and purpose" Philippians 2:2 |
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Hello all; The election is over! Many many of us are disappointed, perhaps frightened ok maybe terrified! But let us move on. We are told in the bible to pray for our leaders. Let us do that; wholeheartedlty!! There is nothing we can do now, right? Or is there/ i think as Christians it is time to act like Christians. let us show the world what a Christian is> Instead of blending in with world, let us act like Christians. Love our neighbors, love our family, let our husbands lead, keep our homes. Some other things; let us get prepared. Stock up, food, necessities, learn to cook meals at home completely from scratch, grow a few vegies, grow some herbs. Teach ourselves how to heal ourselves and keep ourselves healthy; (growing herbs)Learn to sew; many materials are very reasonable on the sale rack at the local fabric store. We can all help each other here. Let us try to become united regardless of the election outcome Blessings to all Cyndi Romans 1:5 "Through him and for this names's sake we received grace and apostleship to call people from among Gentiles to the obedience that cmes from faith" |
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The Election is over........... I know for many it is sad, maddening, frustrating, and a time to grieve. Yes, grieve.I feel let down, let down that the American people were so taken in by slick words, good looks, promises that cannot be kept. That the people as a whole did not look into character and referances and who the next President "hung " out with. God is in control; He knew the outcome. We must ask for His forgiveness. Time now to get back to basics. Back to what this country was founded on. Time to spend with family; build family relationships. Live simply, get out in the garden, make your own bread,spend time each day with the Lord. Seek Him in all decisions. Time now to unite as Christians; get out in the world but do not become like the world. Show the world what Christians are, love your neighbor, get to know your neighbor. Please join me to let the world know what Christians are like........it is about time Blessings Cyndi Matthew 12:30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." |
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Catching up: I have not blogged in so long. Just not much to say I guess. My studies are going well. I am learning so much, and just recently felt God leading to also get my certification as a birth and post partum doula. It seems like it goes hand in hand with herbal studies. I have been very bogged down with worry and burden and just really feel like I need to let it go. The Lord has let me know very clearly He can and will handle all. Is that not just such a relief? I do not have to handle it Lord? THANK YOU!!! I will be doing my mid term soon in my herbal studies then one more book and I start the master program. I am enjoying it greatly. I feel as I reach a birthday here(tomorrow) that for some reason I becoming who I am meant to be. Isn't that awesome? We are still praying for a job for our oldest daughter, and praying about her going into the acceraled BA program for a local Christian private college. I know God has an amazing plan for her life as she is a awesome young lady of God. But she is frustrated and I am a little frustrated! Our youngest is doing well, doing school, her outside classes she enjoys , her swing dance. They will be having two performances soon and she is excited!. Her piano is something! She is really really getting to be very good. Our oldest has just been promoted and it really looks like it is going to work out well. God has truly blessed he and his wife once they married. She will have her special ed certificate next month, and seems to have found her calling for the time being. We still feel we are in a day by day basis with hubby's job. But I feel at peace about it; it way too big for me. God has really given me peace about it and I am truly grateful. Blessings to all Cyndi Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" |
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As we are less than a week away from a very important election. i implore everyone to pray for our country and pray about their decision as they go to the polls. This seems like a very crucial election this year, but but maybe I just feel the impact more. It seems like there is so much at stake. SO PLEASE PRAY , AND VOTE. kEEP PRAYING FOR OUR COUNTRY cYNDI 1 Chronciles 16:11 "Seek the Lord and His strength; see His will continually" |
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LAUNDRY DETERGENT 16 C water. 1 Bar Fels Naptha 1 C baking soda 1 1/2 C Borax. Boil water add borax, Baking soda and shredded fels naptha. Whisk well and whisk as it cools. Pour into pitcher. Add some essential oil. I usually ad about 15 drops of "fresh' essential oil. This will thicken the next day; simply stir with wooden spoon or whisk. I usually use about 1/3 per load. It cleans well and smells nice and clean Enjoy |
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HOME MADE SOUR CREAM: 2 Cups 1/2 1/2 1/4 buttermilk (I use homemade) Put all in a hot jar. Shake well and place in a warm spot for 24-48 hours. Mine usually thickens real well within 1 day. Place in fridge. This is really delicious, easy and not expensive. Enjoy!! |
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Nutrition Changes: This has been a journey of mine for several years, and really can put much of it in practice now. With buliding a house and moving a few times and being in a small rental it was unpractical to put much of this in practice. For someone who would like to start implementing nutritious changes for their health I would suggest starting really small.I have the Nourishing Traditions a few times. it can be overwhelming but again think small. Some of the changes I have implemented and continued to do are; making my own chicken stock, making my own sour cream (so easy and inexpensive) making my own laundry detergent, making furniture polish, general cleaner, dishwasher detergent, homemade buttermilk,, sourdough starter, homemade bread (have not bought bread now for 8 months). I did not try and do all these one day or one week I have implemented them over the 9 months we have moved into our house. Once you get used to one thing and do it regularly try something else. Be prepared for a few failures and tweaking.But do not overwhelm yourself or think you cannot do this. You Can!!!! Some of the things I still want to add are' kefi, homemade yougurt, kombucha, vegetable stock and beef stock. i know there are many other things. As I continue on my herbal studies I learn more and more also. I am growing many herbs and have used them sporadically and now will dry them and make infusions, teas and so forth. Blessings to all Cyndi "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way" Psalm 25:9 |
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Well is everyone tired of politics at this point? it has been something> Sarah Palin now that is enough to bring out the best or worst in Christians so far. By all accounts she is a very devout Christian, equally devoted to her family; which includes a pregnant 17 year old daughter and a special needs new born son. Wow and she is VP nominee. Now whether I think a woman should be in office is beside the point. It is not up to me to decide whether she should be home full time with her son or casting stones at her because her daughter is pregnant. i think as Christians we need to believe that God has her in the role for a reason and leave it at that and be supportive. It is not our place to judge whether she should be the VP nominee or whether any woman should. Historically there have been women in high authority places. Let God decide these things. I do think McCain was super smart is choosing her though. I do respect her and her family and stand on many issues. If elected I pray some of the changes will come to our country that I think will. Pray carefully before you vote , read the bible about your decision. That is just my small voice Blessings Cyndi |
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Hello all:
Have cleared out some shelves and thought I would try to sell some very good quality books and curriculum to help offset this years books!!! Americas' Christian Heritage by Gary Demar $6.00
Field Guide to H.S. Christine Field ex. $8.00
Survivor's Guide to H.S. Shackleford and White $7.50
Organizing Thinking Book 2 Sandra Parks and Howard Black BRAND NEW $20.00 (paid $40.00)
Pilgrims @ Plymouth Landmark books $4.00
Abeka America Land I love test and key (grade 8) both $15.00
Chrsitian Cottage Unit Studies Vol 1 in the Beginning God,, $40.00
Studying God's word book G w/ estra teachers manule Brand NEW $12.00 (both)
How to write a research report (grade 3-6) $5.25
Abeka Literature OF PLACES teacher key and tests, quizzes both $10.50
Bob Jones Algebra 1 tests 2nd ed $5.50
Thanks for looking- please e-mail with questions or to purchase
Blessings
Cyndi |
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Littlest Princess School plan for the fall Logic ( warm-ups) Home Ec - I did purchase a book to follow loosly Health - Apologia Science - Apologia Physical Science (will be taking that with our homeschool group) Vocab- Vocab from Classic Roots Writing - Writing Strands - 7 Latin - Latin Christiana Math- Saxon Algebra 1 with daily DVD's ( this should help!) P.E. - swing dance weekly, walks, and pilates Literature - living books along with biographies Music - piano ; lessons weekly, and practice daily study the classical pianists Current Events -- Make notebook and record in it 2 times a week Art -- nature book along with fine arts That should be it - we are combining some Charlotte Mason theory along with Classical studies and of course my own ideas thrown in there. This is a year I would like her to fill in her free time with productive activities and really learn to be in charge of her own schedule. Blessings Cyndi |
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Day to Day life around our little homestead has been off schedule due to summer!! i have spent more time driving as hubby has flown for a business meeting; my mom flies home after a summer away and our oldest comes home from Alaska sometime(ahem!!) this weekend. But I have been steadily working on the "fall' schedule. Without the unexpected of real estate clients I feel comfortable really planning a good solid weekly schedule. Even though gas prices have dropped abit (around $3.98 in our part of the country) I still will only plan to go to town twice during the week and once on Sunday for church. On our little farm; we have lost 1 rooster and 4 chickens. Sad as I think we lost some good layers. We are down to 9 chickens but only getting about 2 -3 eggs a day. That is not much considering how much we are feeding them.Maebelle did have her babies; two. One did not make it and the other; a little guy is thriving quite well. we cannot believe how fast he is growing. Such a cutie. We play with him alot; Maebelle follows us around; bleating as she goes. The squirrels totally destroyed our garden; gone ; everything. So we have squirrel traps on the way and our neighbor told us about a safe spray that apparently keeps them away.. I have planted several herbs in pots around the front and back of the house. I will start drying some soon; will help with my herbalist studies.I froze some fresh basil in ice cube trays and worked beautifully. I have several sewing projects started and several more planned. I am slowly getting all the windows covered in the house. Still continuing with bread baking. Did get a grain mill and tried my first batch with that. it is STILL rising!!! Do not really know what that is about? now making our own sour cream, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent furniture polish and general cleaner, and of course hang the laundry outside!!! Keep trying to incorporate more things in my schedule as they come up!! Blessings to all Cyndi "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" Colossians 1:10 |
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Have you ever felt God call you in Faith to something that to the world would not make sense? And it seems scary in a way? I am really feeling God calling us to drastically change our lifestyle in a big way. To the world it would not make sense but I feel strongly about it.I know God always takes care of us and His ways are not always our ways. Or even ways that we totally understand. This is kind of a short rambling, but I have been praying so much about this and just needed to put some thoughts down on words. Will continue to pray and update as we come to any new decisions. Cyndi "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying This is the way walk in it" Isaiah 30:21 |
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MENUS Chicken stuffed with feta and basil Quiche homemade pizza Grilled steak homemade mac n cheese w/ chicken sausage Salmon Tacos Stuffed pitas Some sides this week are; grilled asparagus, quinoia salad, grilled zucchini, green salad w/ vegies, caesar salad, cucumber tomatoe salad, homemade sourdough bread Blessings Cyndi "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way" Psalm 25:9 |
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Well more changes as we settle more and more in our new 'farm life. I have been a "part time " real estate agent for four years now. With moving out to the country and prices of gas it has been difficult. Combine that with the sloooow real estate market. It just did not seem to make sense to keep my license active. But wait , pray about it right? So I have been praying for several months. I felt the Lord nudging me to "retire" for this season. I had some very special clients that I wanted to see them through to their next location. But the market did not cooperate. So finally it seemed time to retire. It actually is a very peaceful feeling, as I have felt the Lord leading me this way for several months. Sad to go in the office and pack up my desk but nevertheless a peaceful feeling when I am following the Lord's plan for my life. I have ordered curriculum to begin studies for master herbalist. It is through a Christian program; many of them are not. This is really much more fitting for me. So we shall see how this works. It will really be helpful for here on our homestead. I told my oldest daughter and she laughed and laughed and said where has that program been your whole life Mom? We have been going to a new church now for about 6-7 weeks and it feels like home. It is pretty small, but everyone is so friendly. I get so much out of the pastor's sermon every week. He has been in the book of James the last couple weeks. Good stuff!!It got me thinking how much of worldly ways I have let go of since we moved into our house. No baby goats yet!! Look ready any day now!!! I have the dehydrator full of apricots and made 4 and 1/2 quarts of apricot jam yesterday. What a good feeling. We have many squirrels and some gophers starting to attack our garden. Any ideas out there ? Also the best way to keep tomatoe worms out of the garden? Blessings to all on this beautiful Monday Cyndi "Then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love being one in spirit and purpose" Philippians 2:2 |
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MENUS FOR THE WEEK Pesto over pasta with grilled chicken chicken Enchiladas Crusty Fettucini puff Taco Salad Chicken Caesar Salad with homemade sourdough bread Chicken Picante Grilled steak with grilled asparagus Some of sides we have with dinners are: fresh green salad, sliced fruit, cut up vegies(with hummus), homemade refried beans, rice pilaf, grilled vegies, dinner rolls, sourdough bread(all homemade), caesar salad Blessings Cyndi Philippians 2:2 "Then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in the spirit and purpose" |
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Hello All: Just a little update here at our homestead.Our garden is growing well and we are pleased with how God has blessed it. This is our first attempt at a garden here in our new home. We will enlarge the garden area in the fall. We have little bit by little bit getting a few more things done. Hubby put in some nesting boxes with the chickens, whew what a difference. Those chickens love them, hopefully that will help with some of the problems we have been having. He also built some feeders for the goats so poor little Maebelle does not always have to compete with Daisy for food. We need to replant part of their area to bring in more vegetation and bugs, etc. Our little grassy area out back is coming in nicely, thanks to a wonderful blessing from some dear friends. An amazing rototiller!! Hubby just loves it and is amazed by such a wonderful gift. I have started on curtains for the house, and am finishing up two more rooms. have lots of sewing projects planned, and is so nice to have my sewing corner where I can just go and work for a short time, shut the door and move on. Still making all our family's bread. Will order a grain attachment this week for my kitchen aid. Have a few buckets. I know, I know wheat prices are out of control. Still must be better than buying flour each week. Have made several quarts of strawberry jam, boysenbery jam and some strawberry preserves(delicious on belgian waffles). Have frozen several bags of strawberries and plan on doing the same for boysenberries. There is more I am sure. Will update later with menus for the week. I have kind of gotten out of the habit of that. Blessings to all Cyndi Provers 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." |
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Tonight our littlest princess goes from an 8th grader to a high schooler (gasp!!) We have homeschooled this year through a private Christian school and she will participate in their graduation ceremony. She is so excited.It is so hard to believe that she is really a high schooler and then what!! We have a party at some friends nearby the school afterwards so it should be a good time of celebrating. We have lots to do today before we leave. We also have guests this weekend and must get the house ready for our guests coming tomorrow. Have a blessed weekend Cyndi 2Timothy 2:19 - God's solid foundation stands firm" |
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Hi all:
Update on bread recipe; this recipe is so adaptable. I generally use King Arthurs (I don't have a grinder yet) flour and mix whole wheat and their white. Sometimes I add oatmeal. This is the only bread we use. It works real well for sandwiches; I was surprised. My family likes the taste of "white ' sourdough; so sometimes I use very little of the whole wheat and no honey or maple syrup. It is very similiar taste to the sourdough in bakeries. I would start out with half and half with the flour and then if you want straight whole wheat; just slowly start adding more and more whole wheat to get the texture and taste you want. Enjoy
Cyndi |
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Hi All: here is a good basic all around bread recipe. it can be adapted for many different types of bread. I adapted it from Candy at keepingthehome. She has some amazing recipes. Here it is: 2 cups homemade starter 2 cups homemade buttermilk dash salt 2 TB softnened butter 1/3 cup maple syrup ( I sometimes use 1/2 honey) about 8 cups flour (I sometimes add some oatmeal) MiX all ingredients but flour. I use my kitchen aid and it works fantastic. Then slowly add the flour in. I switch to my dough hook when it is starting to look dough like. Let your dough hook do the work ; if you have one. Turn out onto floured surface; knead for several minutes, should be pretty elastic. Roll up and put in oiled bowl. Punch down and make sure smooth surface is on top. Let dough double in size. Punch down one more time ; place in oiled bread pans. Let rise again. It works really well to let rise the second time overnight. Bake at 425 for ten minutes, then 350 for 45 minutes. Homemade starter; one cup of flour with one cup of water. Add the same everyday for 7 days. Leave in a dark place. Once you have your starter made; you can leave in the fridge and just add one cup of flour and water each day. Homemade buttermilk; 1/4 cup storebought buttermilk with one quart milk. Let sit in a dark place for 2 days. Then put in the fridge. This bread can be easily adapted to cinamon rolls, dinner rolls, etc. Have fun with it> Blessings Cyndi |