Mothers Day

Today Mothers Day was set in a dense fog, a splendid day for a walk in the tranquil outdoors. I strapped Silas to my back and off we went into the obscure mist.  As we crossed the field we could hear Juncos chirping to each other, likely busy catching insects in the wet grass.  The cackling of a Northern Flicker  echoed through the trees as we entered the forest. Our destination was the Brook winding its way through the forest.

Once we reached the brook Silas was excited to throw rocks and dump handfuls of wet sand into the water. If he had his way we would have stayed here all day, digging in the sand and pitching rocks, but as with anything fun it must come to an end.

When we were done with the play we washed our hands and off we went again to explore the surrounding forest. We left the babbling brook behind and headed back into the woods, it’s important to keep moving otherwise the black-flies will accumulate and start feasting.

As we came out of the forest we discovered a small patch of snow, the vestige of a once 8 foot deep drift deposited there just over a month ago. Silas was anxious to get out of the carrier and play in the snow, again he would have liked to stay here forever but we had to get back home.

The fog had dissipated considerably from when we had first trekked  into the forest. A gentle breeze now greeted us as we crossed the field.

The fresh air, play, and steady bouncing motion of the carrier always puts Silas to sleep on these outings. Time to get home so he can have a good nap. When we arrived home Mama had also had a good nap ….. a  relaxing and well deserved rest for Mama on Mothers Day.

Spring Therapy

We’ve finally had a spell of nice weather with temperatures reaching plus 18 Celsius yesterday. When the weather turns nice like this it always seems that there are endless things to get done. Most pressing now is the preparation to start construction on the house.

I’ve been able to get onto our property and have begun working in the woods again.  A few trees must be removed since they are far to close to the buildings and will inevitably topple over.  They are valuable building material and will become important components in our new home. For now I just peel them in preparation for milling at a later date. The thinner poles will be used for fencing and other landscape components around the property. The new clearing will become our garden area.

Snowdrops and Crocuses have been in bloom for some time and very soon a flurry of daffodils will explode with color through last years brown leaf litter. A pleasing sight and a reminder to take a moment and enjoy the simple beauty and peace surrounding us in our busy life.

A Mountains Sweet Nectar

Yesterday we spent a day with our kids and the students from the Middle River School visiting a farm in Margaree that makes Maple Syrup. It was a fantastic outing and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. Even though we home-school, our kids have been invited to participate in activities at this little school. It provides wonderful interaction for them and we will integrate them into this local two classroom school in September.

With Silas strapped to my chest we joined the troop and slowly hiked up the mountain following the Tap Line winding through the maple forest. The trail gradually steepened as we ascended and the main Tap Line came in handy for many, assisting the ascent up the steep section.

The kids had a blast and as you can see Angela (the Middle River School principle) is also beaming on the hike.  There are 600 maple trees tapped on this slope providing an abundance of sweet nectar for many future pancakes and other delights.

Everyone, both young and old, made it up the steep grade.  The descent back down a side trail was much easier. A wonderful reward awaited us at the bottom. After having some snacks/lunch we were greeted to Maple Syrup Taffy. A pot of hot maple syrup was brought out. Everyone made a clean snowball and some hot syrup was drizzled on top. With the help of a wooden stick the cooled syrup was wrapped around the end creating a delicious sweet natural lollipop.

We also had an opportunity to bottle some fresh syrup and without any hesitation we purchased one.

Later in the afternoon I picked up some local farm eggs and made homemade pancakes topped with what else but fresh Mountain Nectar (Margaree Maple Syrup). A SWEET day overall in Cape Breton.

Spring unleashes her Fury.

Once again we are under a deep blanket of snow. The second storm in a week buried everything under 2 feet of fresh snow with huge drifts over six feet deep in places. We were “Off Grid” for most of the day on Friday, caused by high winds knocking  big trees over the transmission lines.

Early this morning I strapped Silas to my back, threw on my snowshoes and plodded through the fields and woods.  Spring seems to have gone back into hibernation. The only respite now from this wintery wonderland is the warmth of the sun on our cheeks and enjoying the lengthening days.

Easter and Yummy Carrot Cake

Easter this year was quiet. Previously we had always spent Easter with Oma and Opa but now we live much too far. I miss Easter with them. Building nests in the forest, pussy willows in the kitchen holding cherished Easter decorations.

The sweet smell of Oma’s baking and the table set the same beautiful way each year. Family, Fun…

I am trying so hard to keep some of the German traditions they have. We set up a nature table with Easter decorations hanging from a branch. We still make Nests out in the forest, “it’s  my favorite part”. Not too much chocolate and no toys. Easter has become my favorite time of year due to all their traditions on this day. However, not having them all around just feels lonely.

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend.

BEST EVER CARROT CAKE

4 eggs beaten
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
half teaspoon baking soda
2 table spoons yogurt
3 cups finely shredded carrots
3/4 cup cooking oil
half cup crushed walnuts

Allow eggs to stand at room temperature for a bit. Set oven to 350′. Grease and flour pan. Mix dry ingredients. In a different bowl, mix eggs,carrots,oil and yogurt. Add to the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Bake until wooden toothpick tested in center comes out clean. When baked, cool on a rack.

Once cooled off, cut cake in 2.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2- 250 grams cream cheese softened
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla or lemon
1 cup or less of sifted powdered sugar
We add lemon peel as well
Fill center with a layer of frosting, place top on and finish rest of cake.
Lick bowel with kids, ENJOY

Felting with the Ladies

I had some lovely ladies over and taught them how to felt Nests for Easter. They all showed up with yummy soup, bread, snacks and dessert. Lots of coffee and laughs.

We had so much fun and they all did such a sweet job wet felting.

I hope we get to do more of this again soon.

Having these sweet ladies over just makes my day. Winter here is long, with cold weather and a long driveway that most can not make it up to us. Now, Spring is here, our driveway is clear and hibernating is finally over.

Sa lá atá inniu (Today)

Outside our window: Misty beams of light shine through the trees.

I am thinking: We have to much STUFF, creating clutter, confusion and disorganization.

I am hoping: Tracey will forgive me for being so grumpy.

I am listening to: The birds cheerfully chirping outside the kitchen window.

I am creating: A new website for our products.

I am thankful for: Online tutorials that help guide you through the css website design.

From the Kitchen: The squeaky sound of a cloth as Tracey wipes clean the window above the sink.

Around the house: Spring cleaning is well under way as the cobwebs come down and winter gear is packed away.

A Moment In Time

 

Starting to spring clean

This nook  previously had the change station for Silas.  Now it is our shipping supplies and receiving area.

What a great feeling I get when it’s spring cleaning. Fresh air flowing through the home. Corners cleaned of  accumulated dust and debris. And if you knew me well, I tend to get the bug to change up things about once a month. It’s a new start to a room. Moving things from here to there. Henry always knows what’s in store when I get the rearranging bug. We’ve been designing the house we are going to build and he keeps threatening that everything will be built-in so I can’t move it around.

This is the first area done and organized, hopefully I will have enough time to get to the other rooms.

Baby pants that fit over cloth diapers

       

I have been using the Apple Dumpling pattern for recycled wool diaper cover/ longies.  Now that spring is in the air, and the weather is turning, I have made some recycled cotton pants for Silas.

Why do I love this pattern?

The extra BUM center adds ample room for even the bulkiest diapers.

Comfy for baby. Silas is moving more each day so he’s not constricted with those tight pants that never fit nice over cloth diapers. “All you cloth diapering moms know how frustrating this is”.

A great way to recycle unused cotton shirts that you never wear or have become too small.

It’s endless how many different custom looks you can make with old shirts.

Fun, easy to use pattern.

Want to make some too?

http://www.appledumplinggear.com

Spring is in the air

Officially spring is still a day or two away and even though winter once again tried unfurling its fury upon us last week  it has definitely lost its grip with  temperatures well above freezing the last couple days.

The snow is receding extremely fast and the Snow Drops (Galanthus) are peeking  up everywhere. The babbling sound of melt water running down the little streams can be heard throughout our woods while the Robins chatter and chase each other through the willows. It makes for an enjoyable walk with the kids down to the bus.

Silas enjoys his little excursions into the great outdoors with me and soaked up the warm sun this morning. He always  has a fitful sleep after being outside in the fresh air.

It may look and feel like spring but as we know from experience anything is possible and we may see some more snow and cold weather before it’s all over.