Kentucky yarn and wine, a great combination!

The delivery I was expecting yesterday arrived, a Wine Club shipment from central Kentucky's Talon Winery and exquisite alpaca yarn from... Seldom Scene Farm! I won't elaborate, as I have decided to branch out with another blog more focused on alpacas and the farm (though I'll still mention them here from time to time, since they're such a big part of my loco life!) Be sure to check it out!

Enjoying the passage of time...

I have spent a bit too much time around the house today, some of it ordinary housework and a bit too much on the computer. I have to miss my Wednesday knitting group, as I'm waiting for a UPS delivery. Feeling antsy and restless, it seemed a good time to go for a walk, reminding myself that this might be the last REALLY nice day before the weather changes. We took the boat out of the river last night and I tend to feel melancholy with such obvious reminders that winter is coming next.

First I was greeted by an entire flock of wild turkeys right in the front yard. Our Siamese, Sushi, began to walk along with Munchie and I, but he's mostly an indoor cat and got spooked by the yearling alpacas who tried to look all tough when he went by their fence. The leaves were literally raining down as we strolled along the river trail, a warm breeze enveloping us. A floating log was lined with turtles sunning themselves, and I wondered what they will do when the cold weather arrives in a few days. I actually found myself humming the tune of James Taylor's, "The Secret of Life is Enjoying the Passage of Time."

I sat on a log with the intention of meditating (Eckhart Tolle-style) for a few minutes, but Munchie kept jumping on an adjoining log saying "Look at Me," and I was easily distracted by him and all of the captivating scenes literally at my feet (tiny wildflowers sticking out of holes in the log, colorful leaves, insects). As I walked on, the horses came alongside the fence to greet me. I trotted to see if they'd trot as well, and they joyfully played along, then cantered to the other end of the field as if to remind me that they are far faster than I.

I came in and was drawn back to the computer, asking myself why I want to blog when I have so many other things requiring my time. I never kept a journal or diary for more than a few days here and there when I was younger, and regret it. The good, the bad, the ugly and the ordinary... as an avid reader I wish I had memoirs from my grandparent's lives, especially to see how they got by during the tumultuous Great Depression, and how their 12 surviving children grew up so happy with so little. I also wish I had recorded the first few years of our marriage living in the old cabin, the excitement of Robert's arrival in our home and the fun of watching him grow up, the long, emotional journey we made to adopt Mirian from Peru and the ups and downs of her adjustment. It's hard to tell from my scant comments if many people read what I write, but that's okay. I have a humble record here, a few words of my own passage of time and seasons... and I think I just may stick with it this time.

And they're off!

I don't know why I'm not in bed after such an eventful weekend, but my mind is whirling as I go through photos of the past few days. It all started with a book signing at Joseph Beth for the Mason Dixon knitters, followed by a super-fun birthday party with friends. Ann and Kay from Mason Dixon Knitting are hilarious, and they amused the crowd with the wigs that they wore in the now-famous video, "Pardon Me, I didn't Knit That for You." If you're a knitter and haven't seen this yet, be sure to take a peek- I guarantee you'll love it! My sweet niece Lauren and her husband JP graced us with a visit, and we had tons of fun!

Paul's Dad and Aunt Ginny from Chicago also visited, and I really enjoyed getting to know Aunt Ginny better, and catching up with Paul's Dad.

We went out on the boat and enjoyed mild weather and great fall colors. Today we went to Keeneland Race Track, starting with tailgating with my stepson Jason and his fiancee Crystal.

This was the kid's first time there- we ate Kentucky Burgoo (look for a recipe here later this week), Mirian and I wore hats, Robert climbed a huge burr oak tree, and we all had a grand time!

The Smell of Fall

Fall would be my favorite time if it weren't for the days getting shorter, but despite that there are many wonderful sensory pursuits to enjoy. Local apples are certainly one of my favorite things, and it is time to make apple butter from the surplus that I bought at Boyd's Orchard for Farm Day. These may not be the most apropos for apple butter (Golden Delicious plus some other variety I forgot), but I really don't think you can go too wrong with apples, sugar, cider, and spices.

The recipe below is SOOOO easy since all you do is quarter the apples leaving the skins on (remove seeds and pith), put in a slow cooker with apple cider and cook for ten hours, then add spices and cook for another hour. The aroma that's released throughout the house is better than ANY candle can provide, and I figure it will be a great way to welcome Paul home tonight!

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

4 lbs. cooking apples (NOTE: I think it would have been worthwhile to use cooking apples, as this apple butter didn't turn out as well as previous attempts)

2 cups cider

3 cups sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ground cloves, optional

1/8 tsp. allspice

1. 
   
   
   Stem, core, and quarter apples. Do not peel.



2. 
   
   
   Combine apples and cider in large slow cooker



3. 
   
   
   Cover. Cook on low for 10 hours.



4. 
   
   
   Stir in sugar and spices. Continue cooking 1 hour. Remove from heat and cool thoroughly. Blend to mix in skins.



5. 
   
   
   Freeze in pint containers, or pour into hot sterilized jars and seal.

Makes 4-5 pints apple butter.

Quickie Funny

Mirian wants to know, if Barack Obama is elected, will it still be called The White House?

Mission Accomplished

Wow, this weekend exceeded my expectations in every way! I'm so glad that my friends didn't shoot me after all because the kids were very good and helpful and we had a low-stress and very successful weekend at the Heartland Classic Show in Indianapolis. In fact, this was one of our best shows ever- with 9 animals we took 3 Res. Championships, 5 1sts, and 4 2nds!

Jitterbug didn't let me down, either, taking a blue in her class. It was pretty funny though, every time she'd get stressed she'd lay down and we had to get help to carry her from the show ring.
Maisy finally had her cria on Saturday, a white male sired by Sinbad. This morning we had another cria, a lovely dark brown male from Shiva and Dakotia Decadence. Shiva is one of our best dams, always so quiet, gentle and cooperative with easy births and lots of milk. This one is no exception! I love being with the dams and crias when the dams appear to be "in a zone" where they are awash in maternal hormones and stand calmly for their crias to take their first steps and find milk. It's a privilege to witness new life in this way, and it makes me feel very grateful to live on a farm. I hope you enjoy this small piece of farm life.

Welcome to my World

First of all, let me reiterate that I am one of the luckiest girls I know! Above is what I woke up to this morning (in addition to my wonderful husband on the pillow next to me- we have an unspoken agreement that there will be no photos taken while in bed), literally right outside my window. I'll try to focus on this soothing image this weekend when I'm at my wit's end taking the land yacht to an alpaca show with 4 young teens, a dog, and nine alpacas.... without my hubby to provide reinforcement.

Last time I did this, I appealed to several friends to just shoot me if I ever suggested it again... they are not coming through. I plan to hand my Hosensizers (ask my sister-in-law, Sandy, what this term of endearment from her German grandmother means- she just found out)alpacas needing training whenever they get surly.... here's one that needs it:

I actually have very high hopes for this girl, Jitterbug, so hopefully I can report on Monday that we survived and came home with lots of ribbons!