Pleasant Home Hill

A Launch of Something Big!

2012-01-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Congratulations........to Angela of 'Parisienne Farmgirl'.......a brand new online magazine beginning April 1st, 2012

This girl decorates on a 'centime', she is a fabulous cook.......

most of all, I love her spirit!

Check out "Parisienne Farmgirl" and join her in making a style for yourself!

"Blending Country Life Simplicity with Champs Elysees Sophistication!"

Her giveaway to kick off this wonderful venture ends January 9th at Midnight, so be quick and see what great ideas she has for you.

Hugs to you all.

November

2011-11-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

November comes,
And November goes
With the last red berries
And the first white snows,

With night coming early
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.

~ Elizabeth Coatsworth

Some days are like this........

2011-06-27T12:34:00.001-07:00

Hugs~

Multnomah Falls

2011-06-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Some places take me back in time and will always remain my favourites........Multnomah Falls is one of those! I feel a sense of awe whenever I set foot up to the base of these falls. But, I think by far it's the drive up there that is anticipation at its finest. Being there is always like a mini vacation; I come away refreshed.

Hugs,

MY Winter dreams......Sowing Seeds of Victory!

2011-01-28T09:58:00.001-08:00

My seed catalogues have been dog-eared now for a few weeks......anxious to get out in the dirt. But better planning needs to come first. Like where to place the rhubarb permanently, (so DH won't till it under again). Yes, I have a compulsive "tiller" in the family, and I am just dying to have a sweet little Potager like Angela's.
Angela @ parisiennefarmgirl is offering her talents of garden planning for your Potager, plus a give-away to lighten the February doldrums.

Best reads, site planning, seed selection, starting and transplanting and pest protection (hopefully with beauties like edible flowers) is all on the agenda. And her give-away will provide much needed inspiration for the soul and practical advice.

There's so much to learn! I'm excited!

Just click on those adorable French radishes on my sidebar and the link will take you directly to her newest post.

{{hugs}}

A Favourite Christmas Hymn~

2010-12-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

"In The Bleak Mid-winter"

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can, I give him,
Give my heart.

~Christina Rosetti (1830-1894)

Keeping hope alive.........

2010-12-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

This Grammie thinks her two littlest dearies will help keep hope alive as the University of Oregon Ducks advance to the finals January 10, 2011.

Hugs to you all~

Well, it was a great ride! Congratulations to Oregon for a great year of competition and sportsmanship.
There's always next year.

****Update: AND THERE WAS *NEXT YEAR*......."U of O Wins Rose Bowl"January 2012

A Living History Farm

2010-09-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Two of my sons and my eldest little grand girlie spent a wonderful midday at the Hanley Farm harvest day on Saturday. The Belgians and Percherons were pulling the wagons as the men and boys gathered the wheat shocks with antique wooden pitch forks, to then return to the thresher, where the wheat berries were separated from the hay. This red Spring wheat will then be ground by the old 'Butte Creek Mill' in Eagle Point and sold as 'Hanley Horsepower Flour'™ at local markets.

Hanley Farm, located just outside Jacksonville, Oregon is managed by volunteers of the Southern Oregon Historical Society who dress in period costume and host a variety of activities that let the children experience some of farm life like a typical family one hundred years ago. We churned butter and tasted it spread on whole wheat bread, used the nifty apple corer to skin and slice apples all the while listening to Banjo Bill pluck a terrific banjo. My sons remember the apple corer from their own childhood, and reminded me of the fact that I would only let them eat the skins because I wanted the apples for the pies or crisp we were making!

I am so thankful that we can keep these traditions alive within our communities and in our own homes. I'm going to find that old apple corer and use it again. I've got a lot of apple butter to make and after this practice I think I have a new helper!

Happy September everyone~

A Blessing Worth Remembering......

2010-09-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Of all the emails I may receive in my in box, those pesky 'forwards' are some of my least favourite. However, one day I was sent one that gave a poignant message that has prompted me to pass it on to you. When we go through periods of "want" or "need" it is so good to remember what we have that is truly important.......

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

A most special Blessing to each of you who comes to visit today.......

P.S. Just to keep all things in perspective......
here's the terrific humor found in Susan Branch's recent newsletter "Willard"........

Mid-Summer Supper

2010-07-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

Do you know I am in Love?

After picking my basil early this morning..............

A Late night homemade Supper shared with my Honey on the porch is so special with the little white lights gleaming and the moon coming up over the hill.

~Pesto Pasta 'Alfresco'~

4 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1 cup fresh basil pesto, recipe follows
2 Tbsp chopped olives, if desired
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted (or fresh if you can get them)
12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
1 garden fresh zucchini, sliced thin
a bit of thinly sliced red onion, if you like
Several fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper

-Cook pasta 'al dente' according to directions on package
-Stir in pesto and remaining ingredients as desired.

~Pesto~
yields 1 cup
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

-In food processor bowl, pulse basil a few times with garlic, then add cheese, pulse a few times more.
-Slowly drizzle in Olive Oil in steady stream, scraping down sides of bowl a couple times with spatula.
-Add sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.

.....and this pasta is soooo delish the next day! I could live on this all Summer long......

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

2010-07-21T12:48:00.001-07:00

This post may not be for the faint of heart!
Son, Andrew the naturalist that he is, was able to capture this awesome image on his small deck just feet from the window. A beautiful, immature male 'Sharp-shinned Hawk' ~(accipiter striatus), had just made his morning breakfast of a young robin.
I found a wonderful site to make the identification which shows additional views and information, even a link to a call.
Birding is a fun hobby for us and we are delighted when we see something so exciting. I am so glad our granddaughters will grow up loving these wonders of our world with a Daddy and Mama who enjoy sharing their love of learning.

~Happy Mom of the Graduate~

2010-06-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

I may be totally exhausted, but extremely happy! This past weekend we celebrated with our third and final 'under-graduate' who received his Chemistry degree. He was one of the 4,496 OSU students earning degrees on Saturday, June 12th.
Just as the first Bachelor of Science wasn't the end of education for the other two, it won't be the last for him. However, there's something very special about the Graduation Day as each of them completes this stepping stone toward their future.

~Proud of all your hard work and determination, late nights and grit!
Dad and I love you forever and always, Gabe!

My Favourite Time of Year

2009-11-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

~Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie~

2 eggs, beaten light
1 3/4 cup pumpkin
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. mace (the outer coating of the nutmeg)
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 3/4 cup rich top milk (or evaporated milk)
-Preheat oven to 425F
-Mix ingredients thoroughly in order given. Pour into unbaked (9 inch) pie shell.
-Bake for 15 minutes, reduce temperature to 350F
-Bake another 45 minutes, or until knife comes clean

Dreaming........

2009-09-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our own windows today.
~Dale Carnegie

Why spend my time always 'dreaming' when the Best has been given to me right here, right now? This is why I've been scarce on my blog lately.........I've been enjoying the view from my own windows!

((Hugs))

The Most Fun

2009-05-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

The most fun thing about being a Grammie is showing my little dearie how to do new things. The other day I showed her what succulent sweet treasures are found inside Snow Peas.......
M-m-m-m-m, she makes them look so good.

The second most fun is: having a companion to help pick them~

Oh, m'gosh!

2009-05-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

What an honor!.......Julia@ The Apron Goddesses sent me a surprise message. Today on the "Apron Goddesses" blog, there would be a special picture of mine. My dear Daughters-by-Love Crystle and Crystelle were 'glamming' it up showing off their new Domestic Diva gloves and aprons last Christmastime.
The Apron Goddesses is calling ALL apron wearers to show their "apron love" by sending them a favorite picture to feature on their blog.
If you love aprons, check in and see who's wearing one today!

Happy Mother's Day......

2009-05-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

"Kind hearts are the Gardens
Kind thoughts are the Roots
Kind Words are the Flowers
Kind Deeds are the Fruits

Take care of your Garden
And keep out the weeds
Fill it with sunshine
Kind Words and kind Deeds."
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

....to all the Mothers in my little world.....I wish you a "Happy Mother's Day". Thank you to my own dear Mama for teaching me how to love my own family and pass on the wisdom......I love you.

Apron love!

2009-05-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who loves Aprons as much as I do!
"Apron Goddesses" is having TWO give aways~if you go quickly and leave a comment about Annie G's online store. hereEntries close Wednesday May 6, 2009, midnight.

Not only is this great apron,but just *look* at this one ! Just post a comment on Julia's site for a chance to win a precious gardening apron! Julia's entry open through May 12th.
Don't miss a visit to The Apron Goddesses It is full of ideas, tutorials and other sites to explore.

Happy Monday to you!

The Promise of our Hope.......

2009-04-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us new birth into a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! The inheritance to which we are born is one that nothing can destroy or spoil or wither. It is kept for you in heaven, and you, because you put your faith in God, are under the protection of His power ... . .."
~1 Peter 1:3-5~New English Bible

Have a glorious and wonderful Resurrection Sunday,

What a sweet teacup......

2009-04-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

Is this the cutest pincushion ever?............

Melissa is having a First Post giveaway to celebrate her brand new blog~the Pink Peony! She is also seller of online brocante items to add cottagey sweetness to your life. Leave a comment for her on her new blog and you will be entered in her drawing for a sweet tea cup pincushion~on April 10th~her Birthday.

♫♬Happy Birthday♪ Melissa!

Hugs to you all~

A wonderful giveaway!

2009-04-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

My friend "Barbara" is having a wonderful giveaway to celebrate her 200th post!She creates the most beautiful bird nests. Be sure to send her a comment for a chance to be included in this giveaway before tax day, which, of course is April 15th.

I wandered lonely as a cloud.....another day

2009-04-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company!
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

~ William Wordsworth, 1804
(1770-1850)

Daffodils

2009-03-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

Daffy Down Dilly
Has come to town
In a yellow petticoat
And a green gown.
~Mother Goose

Hugs for today.......

Very Vintage Easter Basket surprises!

2009-03-30T16:43:00.001-07:00

Surprises are on their way to Melissa! What fun this swap has been.....hunting for just the right things to include that would please my new friend. I wonder what all those little packages have inside?

Greetings to Spring!

2009-03-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

With love from~

At long last..........

.....it's coming!

2009-03-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

what an incredible gift.........Il Divo

2009-03-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

Listen..............such wonderful voices!
I only wish they would include the fourth and fifth stanzas which are the apex of this wonderful song:

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

~John Newton (1725-1807)

((hugs)) and Blessings for your day.

Looky....looky, what fun!

2009-03-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

Do you just love to wear an apron around the house while you're doing whatever?
I am an apron lover and wearer and found this wonderful Flirty Apron Swap hostessed by Shawnee, Swap Mama. She has coordinated the most wonderful ideas for "apron lovers" to share their talents and make kitchen puttering and the work of Home *fun*. Here's a picture of my two dear daughters-by-love in their Domestic Diva wear I made them for Christmas last year.
If you're interested in joining the swap just click on the icon to the right and follow the instructions found there.
((hugs)) Carolyne

Signs of Spring!

2009-03-02T04:01:00.000-08:00

Miniature Daffodils.........miniature Iris........I am seeing small signs of life after the long, cold Winter.

A 'twist' on a CSA

2009-02-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

LaVonne at "Serenity Sheep Farm" has begun a brand new project for those who love using wonderful home-grown yarn. From her 40 acre family homestead in Montana, she sells her abundance of Shetland and Romney cross wool, both raw and skeins.
Community Supported Agriculture is most often associated with crops from gardens and orchards. However, LaVonne sees her flock of adorable sheep as providing the Needleworkers of the World with a sustainable quality of goods, thus, she creatively appeals to those of us who love buying home-loved-and-made.
She is offering fleece and yarn at her etsy shop "SerenitySheepWoolens".
If you have ever thought about buying home-grown wool please visit her shop and support this treasured family farm.

Bird Nests!

2009-01-31T13:09:00.000-08:00

Barb over at "Treasures from the Heart" is celebrating over 100 posts with a sweet give-away! She makes adorable bird nests and has made a wonderful tutorial for making your own here. Please stop in and say "Hi" and enter her drawing for a one-of-a-kind made by Barb.

I've been tagged ♪♬♫

2009-01-24T02:19:00.000-08:00

My friend, Janice, at "Wildflower Cabin" tagged me in a fun"6th Picture Meme". *The rules are to find the sixth picture in the sixth folder on your computer and post it, then tag six friends to do the same*.

This photo takes me back to 2004. My handsome trombone player son and his brass quintet are giving a ♫♪concert♬ at our local library.

The six friends I'm choosing to tag are:

~ Clarice at 'Story Book Woods'

~Brenda at 'Coffee Tea Books and Me'

~Dawn at 'The Feathered Nest'

~Mary at 'Little Red House'

~Ingela at 'Fridhem'

~Johanna at 'My Lovely Home'

Have some fun getting to know these Inspiring Friends and pass on the fun.

{{hugs}} to you.

Epiphany

2009-01-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

On this Epiphany in this New Year may we remember the Light of Love that came to this dark season and walk in Peace.

'The Race That Long In Darkness Pined'

The race that long in darkness pined,

Have seen a glorious Light;

The people dwell in day, who dwelt

In death's surrounding night.

To hail Thy rise, Thou better Sun,

The gathering nations come,

Joyous as when the reapers bear

The harvest treasures home.

To us a Child of Hope is born,

To us a Son is given;

Him shall the tribes of earth obey,

Him all the hosts of Heaven.

His name shall be the Prince of Peace,

Forevermore adored;

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The great and might Lord.

His power increasing still shall spread;

His reign no end shall know:

Justice shall guard His throne above,

And peace abound below.

John Morison from Scottish Paraphrases, 1781

Blessings to you.

Christmas Memories

2009-01-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

The memories we keep are the ones where we learn to love........

The "littles" learned to show how they give hugs 'n loves for Grammie's camera,

and.........

The new Daddies built handmade cradles 'with love' for their little girlies to rock-a-bye their babies to sleep.

The Blessings of a Quiet Christmas Week

2008-12-28T13:06:00.000-08:00

"The great of the earth are those who leave silence and solitude around themselves, their work and their life, and let it ripen of its own accord."

~Antoine de Saint-Exupery 'Wind, Sand and Stars'

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

"In The Bleak Mid-winter"

In the bleak mid-winter

Frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak mid-winter

Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him

Nor earth sustain;

Heaven and earth shall flee away

When He comes to reign:

In the bleak mid-winter

A stable-place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty,

Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim

Worship night and day,

A breastful of milk

And a mangerful of hay;

Enough for Him, whom angels

Fall down before,

The ox and ass and camel

Which adore.

Angels and archangels

May have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim

Thronged the air,

But only His mother

In her maiden bliss,

Worshipped the Beloved

With a kiss.

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man

I would do my part,

Yet what I can, I give him,

Give my heart.

~Christina Rosetti (1830-1894)

Christmas Planning

2008-12-19T08:40:00.001-08:00

Around my home the days before Christmas are full of last minute projects and little finishes on precious gifts. Somehow, time spent on stitching feels more like "showing love" than rushing around a store getting caught up in the advertiser's lure of the 'buy of the decade'.

Enjoy the Love of this season and the truth of why we celebrate giving gifts to each other.

Holiday giving ideas......

2008-11-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

Our family is being very careful this year to give gifts that are thoughtful, useful and lovely. Handmade is always loved, but sometimes not as 'useful', so I'm always on the lookout for inspirations.

I am fond of stopping in to visit Clarice at Storybook Woods, and since I am also most fond of everything handmade with love, I am excited to share her most recent post. She comes up with fabulous ideas for giving gifts that are handmade and thoughtful. Please stop by to see her "Gift Inspirations"~ ideas that anyone would love to receive.

Getting ready......

2008-11-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

How are you preparing for Thanksgiving?

Our holidays will be a little different this year with parents far away and married sons at other family tables.

When the "study abroad" student arrives back home we will have a Big Celebration on the hill. I'm planning (and practicing) the menu and some special desserts.

Today the mantle got a bit of an update with some wonderful nuts and berries.

Mama's Luscious Pumpkin Pecan Tea Loaf

2008-11-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

I cannot seem to get enough pumpkin this time of year. This recipe is delicious toasted for breakfast and perfect with a cup of my favorite Celestial Seasonings 'Cinnamon Apple Spice'.

Mama's Luscious "Pumpkin Pecan Tea Loaf"

2/3 cup shortening

2 2/3 cup sugar

4 large eggs

1 can (1 lb) pumpkin

2/3 cup water

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

1 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 cup golden raisins

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

-Cream together shortening and sugar, add eggs and pumpkin, very carefully blend in water.

-Sift spices with flours and soda, salt and baking powder

-Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture, incorporating all well.

-Pour batter into 2 greased and floured bread pans

-Bake 350F, 1 hour 15 minutes, or until toothpick comes clean

-Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans and cool thoroughly on rack.

Grammie's busy, busy days......

2008-11-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

Grammie loves her little fairie~dearies!

Mom's Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie

2008-10-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

October is the month of pumpkins at home. I'm making my Mom's "Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie"~the best I know anywhere......

~Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie~

2 eggs, beaten light

1 3/4 cup pumpkin

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. mace (the outer coating of the nutmeg)

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 3/4 cup rich top milk (or evaporated milk)

-Preheat oven to 425F

-Mix ingredients thoroughly in order given. Pour into unbaked (9 inch) pie shell.

-Bake for 15 minutes, reduce temperature to 350F

-Bake another 45 minutes, or until knife comes clean

The fun falling leaf decorations were added the last 15 minutes of baking time. I think next time I will sprinkle a little milk and turbinado sugar on them so they turn more golden.

'A Vagabond Song'

2008-10-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

There is something in the Autumn that is native to my blood~

Touch of manner, hint of mood;

And my heart is like a rhyme,

With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time.

The scarlet of the maples can shake me like a cry

Of bugles going by.

And my lonely spirit thrills

To see the frosty asters like a smoke upon the hills.

There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir;

We must rise and follow her,

When from every hill of flame

She calls and calls each vagabond by name.

~Bliss Carman, 1861-1929

October Eves

2008-10-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm just re-treading an old post, but the rhythm speaks to me this time of year. These are favourites always........

Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we've had our summer evenings, now for October eves! ~Humbert Wolfe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

October gave a party

The leaves by hundreds came,

The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

~George Cooper