Snow

Had a couple of inches of wet sticky snow a few days ago. Rather pretty, as you can see it sticking to the branches of the trees.

The old fruit trees up front. Sadly the Very old flowering cherry tree suffered some damage. Have clean up as much as I dare this year but want to wait till next year to continue, as not to stress the old tree any more than I have too.

Horse shed with the horses eating breakfast. Can see how the trees kind'a sparkle.

Looking out to the hay field and our woodlands beyond.

Products Made in America

I have been slowly collecting a list of American made products with stock that comes from the USA/Canada too. I like to buy excellent quality that will last a life time, buying from a small family or very small company and of course, would prefer to buy American Made. If you supply or offer product(s) that are Made in American with resources found in America, please contact me and I will be happy to add you to the list.

Swallow Lane Farm~
These folks have been around a long time. Even bought Jacob ewes from them awhile back. Not only do they raise their own sheep in WA, they also make their own yarn to make into blankets, Very nice blankets.
http://www.jacobsheep.com/fiberworks.htm

Fiber Mill~
I used these folks for a number of years while I was raising sheep, to clean and make my sheep's wool into Roving, that way I could just get on with the job of spinning. They also sell yarn from their own sheep.
http://www.stonehedgefibermill.com/

Looking for a beautiful woven Bedspread......
http://www.mhweavers.com/

Storage and baskets~
Need to store things,, check out these stylish baskets.
http://www.mountaintrailbaskets.com/

This one is from my old stompping grounds. Went to see their place when I lived in NH. Very nice quality. http://www.peterborobasket.com/

Seems like if one thing in the house dies...they all do. So during my search for a round laundry basket made in the usa.. I ran across this web site... in WA no less.
Dunbar Gardens~ Makes all kinds of usefull baskets.
http://www.dunbargardens.com/baskets.htm

Cookie sheets and baking pans
Made in the USA...
http://www.doughmakers.com/newmain.htm

American Made clothes....
http://www.unionlabel.com/
The Men of the house have a couple of American made Carhartt Jackets and pants...and all I can say is...they are well made and hold up very well!

Flash lights
Maglite
http://www.maglite.com/Mag_commitment.asp

Soap and Shampoo
Janson's soap and shampoos are made in the USA. I use both. Jasons makes the only shampoo my body doesn't react too.
http://www.jason-natural.com/products/satin_soap.php

http://www.drbronner.com/ Dr. Bronner's soap is made in USA.

These folks make a nice Lobster boat, along with other models.
http://www.mainewoodenboatbuilding.com

Tools~
Here is a good write up on how to buy good quality tools.
http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/83/83-1/Countryside_Staff.html

Made in the USA
http://www.longneckertools.com/

Have one tool from these folks.. is made in the USA but not sure where they get their stock from.
https://www.kleinconnection.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/OnlineCatalog_10001_10001_-1

If you would like some furniture that is American made, every part made out of real wood, grown in the US, family made.. look no farther than..
http://www.borkholder.com/furn/main3.htm
I have 4 of their pieces of large furniture and can say with great confidence that the quality and workmanship is out standing. Have had them for 8 years now..if I remember correctly. Just bought the Pine as that is what we could afford.

Food gift baskets with everything made in Oregon.
http://www.madeinoregon.com/

Valentine Day ~ to the coast we went~

With the BDay money Mom sent, Thanks Mom & Dad!, DH and I decided to take a drive to the SW coast of WA and look at a light house. The one above is the first one we went too. Sky was a combo of sun and clouds but no rain at that point. Snapped a few nice photos and then the rain started.
So we had a very nice picnic.. in the Van, while it was pouring rain out. But that is the Coastal NW for you.

Second Light house and the one still in use by the Coast Guard was only about 20 mintues away from the first one. By then the weather was getting a little more interesting but I managed to get some more photos.

DH loves the Ocean and hearing the power of the waves against the shore. Took this picture with the second Light House behind him. Then the skys opened up, so I could not get a photo of DS and I.

Even at low tide, you can see the power of the surf against the rocks.

Shafts of bright light cutting through the dark clouds, if you look closely you can see the rain. Pretty impressive day.

On the way home we saw a very large herd of Elk. Bulls were on one side and the Cows on the other. Makes me wish I had a better camera and telephoto lense.

It was a great day out and very nice to have a break!

Hand made Hamburger Buns

Hamburger dough after 4th rise and being shaped in the round shapes.

Shaped and ready to rise for the last time.

Finished Hamburger Bun.

Delicious!!

DH and I went for a short walk yesterday

This is the sunrise we had the other morning. The photo is untouched and looks exactly as the light was that morning.

Stunning to say the least. Yes.. we have snow again...and more to come. . .

Normally I take one of the horses or donkey with DH & I when we go for a short walk on the country road. This day however I already let the horses out in the main pasture, so we went on our own. Needless to say the horses weren't impress being left behind... so they had to gallop over to say Hi!

Took some different views of the Farm. Hay fields toward the night pasture and house.

DH ditch he dug to keep the swampy area drained, looking out to our small woodlands to the right.

It was an incredible day for taking photos.. the sky was brilliant blue, just enough clouds to make it interesting. This is the hay field looking towards the point and our woodlands on both sides.

Addiction!

Ha!! Got you to look. VBG .... My DS found the red laser light cat toy he had given Heidi as one of her Yule gifts many years ago. He decided to dig said toy out, for Sadie and Mia.

Needless to say,, our cats are now Addicted.... to the "Red Dot"!! Many times a day, they lead us over by any means possible, to where the Red Dot lives, so they can get us to play. Yes, our cats are spoiled but in a good way.

No added salt Split pea soup

Here is the Split Pea soup ready to be cooked.

This is another all day meal, taking 5 to 8 hours depending on wither your water is hard or soft.
I start with "PA Hudson River Valley Split Pea Soup Mix ".
I change what goes in this soup a little to suit my dietary needs.
Add these things to the basic mix~

1 -1/2 cups of finely copped Organically grown sweet carrots

3/4 cup of finely copped Celery

2 very fresh right off the plant Sage Leaves.

I don't use Bay leaves because I dislike the flavor. Also do not add salt or any Ham. Tastes just fine without the ham or added salt in the soup.

Clean peas, then place in thick walled stock pot or slow cooker.
Put the Veggies on top, then the herbs that come with this mix but putting 2 tablespoons of the herb mix off to the side. Then I put in my Sage leaves.
Very carefully pour in salt free water, making sure not to disturb the layers. Cook on low heat and you can stir after a couple of hours.
About 1 hour before the soup is ready, put the 2 Tablespoons of herb mix you set to the side earlier, into the soup.
Cook 5 to 8 hours until done.

Flavor is out standing and this Pea Soups does very well served in a Bread bowl. Wishing now, I too photos of that.

While the He-Men of the house was out working in the Woods, I started another batch of Chili this morning. This time I am measuring out the ingredients so I can post it here. Normally I don't measure a thing because I am so used to making this.
Should be able to post the Chili recipe soon.