Currently ...

 Reading ... in the Bible, this morning ... Philippians. 

In other books I have both of Peggy Rowe's books here waiting on me to dive in. I borrowed them from the library and they're due back on Saturday, so I'm hoping to get to them soon.

I'm having a harder time the last while simply reading for pleasure, but I have been enjoying stacks of non-fiction books on various topics of interest. Those include straw bale gardening, foraging for mushrooms, basket weaving, and of course lots of cookbooks.

Writing ... my writing has mostly consisted of writing letters to my Dad. 

I have attempted working on my in progress book, but found it frustrating, difficult, and hard to focus, so it has been pushed to the back burner, so to speak.

Watching ... a nature show called Eden: Untamed Planet.  So far we have really enjoyed it.

Listening ... to a scolding bird and the mournful moos of a cow who has been separated from her calf. I'm not sure if the bird is having some kind of problem, or is simply as tired of listening to the cow as I am.

Baking ... yesterday a pan of dark cherry bars were made. They turned out beautifully which is always a pleasure when trying a new recipe.

Cooking ... tonight there will be a curried vegetable stew and some herbed dinner rolls.

Feeling ... a bit all over the place. There's so much to be happy and thankful for. There's also sadness, concern, and other emotions all scrambled together.

Disliking ... flooded basements. Our late 1800's farmhouse has always had a stream of water running through the basement during spring thaws and when ever we have abundant rains. The floor is sloped so that it usually stays in a proper little stream all the way to the drain. 

With hurricane Ida sweeping through here on Wednesday and depositing loads of rain we experienced more flooding than we have had since moving here. The creek spilled over its banks and water covered the road. The basement drain no longer had a place to drain to. We ended up with several inches of water in the basement. Not horrible, but not pleasant either. 

Loving ... how nice the basement is since we cleaned it out after the flooding. There's still a bit of work to do down there, but at least all the flood damaged things have been cared for.

I intend to continue with the fall housecleaning as soon as I'm done with the basement.

Hiking ... we've been enjoying getting outdoors. There's something so healing and rejuvenating about spending time in nature.

Later today ... I'll be canning grape juice.  We won't be getting a whole lot this year, but even a few quarts are better than nothing.

We're all looking forward to enjoying it with popcorn later this winter.

The Only Thing Sure in Life ...

     Blink, blink, blink goes my cursor on the blank page in front of me. 
    Hundreds of thoughts tumble through my head, each presenting itself as a possible topic to use to write.
    Memories, recipes, thoughts, dreams, fears, all take a turn. Happy and light, sobering, joy filled, sadness, deep ponderings, and simple musings. They all come and go, while my cursor keeps on blinking patiently.
    Nothing seems appropriate to write about now.
    My Mom had her 65th birthday. That afternoon God called her home. On one hand I am so very happy for her to get to experience heaven and be with her beloved Saviour. On the other hand I wanted so much for her to be healed from her cancer, and be able to have many good years together earth-side.
    She was well loved by many people and will be sorely missed.
    Prayers would be appreciated, especially for my Dad as he tries to pick up the shattered pieces of his life.

Laughter

    There seems to be so much in life lately that simply is not funny. 

    First ...  my Mom was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and given only 8 - 12 weeks to live, and it is becoming quite obvious that they knew what they were talking about. I'm not ready to say good-bye yet, There is so much I still want to talk about with her. Time I want to spend at their house. I want her to meet her great-grandson, and the list goes on.

    Second ... we've been dealing with a poisonous spider bite on Steven's leg. The doctor prescribed several medications for it, and it is looking a lot better, but for a while there it was quite a sight, even while following doctor's orders.. Growing from the initial inflamed bite, to wrapping entirely around his leg and reaching from his ankle to an inch below his knee.

    But last night ... last night laughter rang through the house when LV was in hot pursuit of a pesky housefly. I was in the kitchen preparing a pizza. I had the toppings arranged nicely and was just ready to pop it in the oven when the fly came to check it out. LV tried to grab it with his hand. He missed the fly and sent the pizza toppings flying across the kitchen. Both our mouths dropped open, and then we dissolved in gales of laughter.

    I redid the pizza, and we ended up with little later, but still delicious supper. The slight delay was worth it though. It felt good to laugh again.

Processing Life

     Some day I may turn my thoughts and feeling into writing, but right now life feels too full to be able to do that.
    Baby T is doing well, and has brought so much joy into all our lives. We are so very thankful to God for his gift of life.
    There have been weddings, events, and extended family to spend time with.
    But ...
    Our world was rocked when my Mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I still believe in the power of prayer, having seen and experienced first hand how God still performs miracles. If you care to join me in prayer for healing for my much beloved mother, we would be most grateful.

Blueberry Ice Cream

     LV gave me a lovely ice cream machine for Christmas. I have enjoyed trying different recipes for ice cream and gelatos, but this week I decided I want to try my hand at creating my own recipe. I'm so glad I did. It just happened to become our favorite ice cream yet. 

    I jotted everything down as I did it, so I won't forget if I ever want to make it again. I 'm glad I did, because I already have requests to make it again. Since it was such a hit I decided to share it with you as well.

Blueberry Ice Cream

1¼ c wild blueberries (frozen is fine)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
½ c. sugar
Pinch of salt

Combine and bring to a boil. Stirring constantly. Boil for about a minute or so. Remove from heat and cool. Pour into a blender and blend.

In a medium size bowl beat:

1 egg

Add 
½ c sugar
½ Tbsp cornstarch

Mix well then add:

¾ c. whole milk
½ heavy cream
blended blueberries 

Heat in top of double boiler until thickened.

Cool and freeze according to your ice cream freezer instructions. Mine took about 30 minutes. Scoop into a container and tuck it in the freezer until ready to eat.