{Living Like Gypsies}

When I was a wee little gal,I wanted to be many things when I grew up,among them was a Gypsy (the others were a Cowgirl and a Gold Digger,and I didn't mean a woman of questionable character marrying old men and living in Vegas,I meant a gal who went out with a gold pan and dug/panned for gold:)

For some odd reason,all those things require being outside and traveling,two things I still very much enjoy.

Which could be why I love camping so much.

Even though this is one of the most hectic times for Manly,he is trying as hard as he can to take a few days and take me camping.

So,while dreams of outdoor cooking and tent living dance through my head,I wanted to show you how some people camp:

Some People Camp Retro Style

Some People enjoy camping in Luxury

Some People Camp in a Pod

(this is called the Swedish Camp Pod)

This is more along the lines of how we will be camping, and thats fine with me:)

Which style are you?

Sharing some pics.......

These two top pics are some lovely pictures of country livin'
How would you like to hang out your wash to dry on this lovely line then go sit with a glass of lemonade in this cozy little nook on your front porch?

this last one I can actually claim as my own, some garden bounty,folks!

Happy Friday!
Have a great weekend,ya'all!!!

Storms over the Wheat

Somewhat Reluctant

Its Coming.......

For most of you,

you have already figured it out.

But,for me who is child-less,the sales on notebooks and pencils hadn't clued me in yet.

It wasn't till yesterday when I opened the mailbox door,that I saw my Fall Knit Picks Catalog.

With its new line of fall/winter colors.

Fall is coming.

Now I normally welcome the idea of a break in the heat and the chance to see my husband in the light of day (which I do not in the summer).

However,I feel like I didn't get everything done that I needed to,or wanted to this summer.

But,part of me is ready,
ready to welcome crisp mornings and the time to get back to knitting more.

Ready to bake.

Bake things with lots of cinnamon and let its warmth spread throughout our home.

But,part of me hangs on to summer,reluctant to let it go......

How about you?

Did you get everything you wanted to do this summer done?

Are you ready for fall?

Making a Long-Term Commitment

Today I took the plunge.
I made a commitment.
It is going to be hard work.
Time consuming,I will have to work on this commitment,even though I may be tired and don't want too.
Though,I know it will be worth it,it somewhat frightens me.
As you probably figured out by now,I am talking about how I started a Sourdough Starter today.
Yes,Sourdough is much different then regular yeast bread.
For one thing,it lives,and if taken care of correctly,will live for many,many years!
Sourdough is a lot like taking on a pet,maybe not as extreme as a new puppy,but I would certainly say around the commitment a fish or possibly a cat would take.
It has to be kept warm,it has to be fed,it has to be taken out and spilt(I do not recommend this with the goldfish:) and then used and fed up again.
You cant NOT use it and you cant forget or it will die or rot or explode.
If that isn't a commitment I don't know what is.
Even though I know all this, fresh sourdough breads,flapjacks and biscuits have been calling my name,so I took a breath and said " I do" to Sourdough.
My starter recipe is simple.
In a crock or large jar,I mixed 2 cups of flour,a teaspoon of yeast, and one cup of warm milk.
I suggest you use a glass or earthen crock or jar and please use a wooden spoon to mix (Sourdough doesn't like to be touched by metals,its weird like that.....)
Simply cover with a cloth over the top of your container (DO NOT seal,it needs to breath or it WILL explode,and that is NOT pretty!)
Now let it sit on the counter for 24 hours.
Then after 24 hours,place in fridge for 3 days.
Take out,stir in 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup flour.
NOW,you can finally use it!
But,only half the mixture,the rest you have to keep feeding by adding 3/4 cup milk and 1 1/4 cup of flour every few days.
Now,you can google Sourdough and you will find SO many different recipes and opinions.
I personally feel that whatever opinion and recipe YOU like is what you should go with.
I don't think there is a right or wrong,the basic principles apply to all of them.
You can even go to this website and buy your starters! www.sourdo.com
Have a great weekend,Everyone!

Country Kitchens

Okay,so this is my way of "cheating"

I have felt so guilty for not posting (I actually almost got up in the middle of the night to post because it was nagging me so much that I had not posted in so long)

Life has just been crazy!!!!!!!!
So,until I get a smidge more time,I am going to distract you with pretty pictures;)