More Fall Changes ~

Fall changes are in full swing right now. As there are a few more trees gracing our yard with their vibrant colors. Most of the Poplar's leaves fell back in September, due to the Summer drought. I've added 3 more pots of bright mums to the yard, 2 in pots on the porch, with 2 more to be planted after I use them for other things first.

The last 2 nights have brought a hard freeze to our garden and a cold breath to our days. We've had our first fire for the season and had to turn on the heat a little. The chilly morning temps makes choring something I put off to later in the mornings now. I know the cold will only get more settled in around us and we will have to face it regardless of what time of day it is.

Milking will be a sure thing this winter as both Anna & Sugar will be giving us plenty come December. What! you didn't know Sugar had birthed? Opps! Guess I failed to post the good news awhile back(say about October.) Shame on me ! Well let me introduce you to the newest additions to Heartland Farm.

Newborn faces are always sweet to behold~

Sugar's baby girl ~ looks a lot like one of our other mothers.

Guess she is carrying her daddy's genes.

Sugar's baby boy ~ loving the spots!

This is the first time we've had Fall babies. Though it shouldn't be any different than the ones born in January, February and March of this year. We weathered cold then and I am sure given the latest blast of cold we will have to use the same precautions with these babies as well. Guess it is time to crochet some more sweaters for the "kids." Despite the fact they are saying we will be having a milder Winter than usual.

Our preparations for is is under way but I fear not soon enough as our list is lengthy. My time is already stretched and with teaching the Bible Study come Monday. My weeks will be fuller real soon. I'm finding that I already can't get around to everything that needs my attention. Leaving no time for those activities I desire to do, that help to keep me sane in the midst of all the work. I purchased 2 new books this month that are waiting for some focused time. In addition to pulling out a 4yr old quilt in progress and an activity basket. Has left me with the desire to get lost in them. The cold sunny days speak of a slower pace, of a rest from the labors of Summer. Of taking the time to visit, enjoy and make use of the rockers waiting on the front porch. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the weather, the colors, the foods, the activities, the fires, the crafts but not so much the shorter days.

Guess it is a good trade off anyway,

Deborah

Recognizing my 1,000 Gifts ~

Over the past couple of days I have been reminded of what is truly important. It all started with a new library book about using herbs towards a healthy lifestyle of eating and illness prevention. I check out books to preview them for a possible future purchases for our resource library. Over the past 3 years I've been sifting through the multitudes available at the local library. No surprise that I have found quite a few I would like to own. Already having a full bookcase doesn't stop the enticement for one more. My love for books started at an early age and hasn't stopped, much to my husbands disbelief that there is another one I don't already have. But not all books carry the same weight in our lives and it's not about the size of them either.

Today I was brought back once again to the premise of 1,000 Gifts, by the author Ann on her blog site ~ "A Holy Experience." Reading a few of her entries sparked a renewed awareness of all things Holy. Finding these writings was a great treat. One that I readily bookmarked for I know I will be visiting it frequently. Her words are touching, the photography ~ beautiful, her commitment to blogging her journey ~ inspirational and her dedication to seeking out the Lord's presence ~ humbling. I felt once again the tug on my spirit just like the day I read the first few pages of the book.

Tears joined in with the holy moment of realizing, there is no greater pursuit on earth than that of finding, seeing, touching our Creator. Of being a pleasing instrument in his hand. The joy of not only fellowship with, but a deep residing relationship of a life lived out as planned by a loving Father's hand. Knowing such has created in me a renewed thirst for all things pure, simple and nourishing. For those things alone ~ can be deeply satisfying. Of not wanting to waste any more time on earthly things void of eternal value. It is in these moments of spiritual awakening to the blessings of the Father that I truly "live" life, in abundance and grace. Time is precious, our calling highly valued by the unseen. I pray my focus stays as such that I wouldn't ever stray off the path or loose sight of the true beauty of a life in service for my Lord.

1,000 gifts ~ #23 a reminder that pursing the Lord is the only thing that gives deep satisfaction

Oh, how true,

Deborah

Anna's Surprise

Anna has done it again! She birthed 2 more pretty babies today. Both of them are bucks, with one being spotted like his mother. The other looks almost like a Belted Galloway calf in a different shading. It's sure with their coloration's they will quickly steal our hearts, making it hard to decide if we will keep them or share them with others.

His ears are longer than his face ~

"Mom is my face still dirty?"

"It's tough being born, think I need a nap!"

"Hello world, aint I cute?"

Making sure they each nurse before bedtime.

Thankful for the increase,

Deborah

It's Crafty Tuesday ~

Crafty Tuesdays is one day a week that I am trying to set aside for doing something creative. Whether it is Baking, Cheese making, soap making, herbal beauty products or another types of food items; herbal oils, vinegars, dressings, etc. Then there is always the slew of typical crafting projects to be done; sewing, crochet, quilting, painting, etc. It's for sure I will never be at a lost with something either new or old to create on Crafty Tuesday. As my interests are growing with each passing day. Not to mention the over stuffed closet, boxes and chest full of projects waiting to be started or to be finished.

Today I decided on making it a Crafty baking day. Anytime spent in the kitchen making a delicious meal or treat can be counted as a creative pursuit in my book. Stepping beyond the packaged items on the grocer's shelves, to a recipe and pantry stocked with basic supplies. Is an opportunity to use the resources at hand and add a personal, hands-on flair to a culinary delight.

The hard part sometimes is in deciding on just one or two items from the scores of cookbooks and collection of recipe cards I've gathered over the years of my interest in it. I have spent untold hours at the elbows of two creative cooks, my Mother and her Mother. It was in these early "tutorials" that I learned the secret of being a really good cook. You have to put your love into it. Trial and error will always be a steady teacher too. But anything seasoned with love will be accepted by the recipient, even if it is less than it should be. (as in turned out wrong/ over cooked, etc.)

Making something new for our breakfast has been on my mind as of late. As is having something quick to pop in the oven on our busy Sunday mornings before church. Seems like a good time to bring out the muffin recipes for a hearty nugget that can be reheated in the oven on low or in the microwave. Finally decided on making 2 batches of "Good for You" Muffins. A hearty combination of fruit, nuts and good for you grains.

Having extra goat's milk on hand right now lead the way to making some Aww Natu-ral Keifer. I had made a quart a few days ago that was waiting in the fridge to be flavored and sweetened. So I gathered some frozen fruit from our freezer to create a new healthy treat. Spinning some of the fruit blend around in a blender to crush it up first helped to create a slushie when added to the keifer. Letting the rest thaw before crushing add flavor to the rest of the jar. Ta-da! a Strawpineago Keifer for breakfast and the next few days. Yum Yum!

Conquering a new food creation spurred me on towards arresting a sweet tooth. In keeping with the baking theme and wholesome goodness. I started a batch of Chewy Coconut Pecan cookies. They are one of Lon's favorites and are great for snaking. They were easily blended, baked and are waiting on the counter for that perfect cup of tea with my feet up resting after a very productive morning.

Wish you were here to join me in a few and a cup of kindness,
Deborah