From Vine To Freezer Tomato Sauce

From vine to freezer tomato sauce is my newest way to 'put up' some of  the tomatoes that I have been harvesting from our garden.

Let me just start by saying, I have such admiration and respect for my Mom and the generations before her that canned so much produce.  It is a lot of work!  

Although I have done some canning this year, for this round I did some freezing.  

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars With Coconut

This time of year our schedules are full!

School is back in session.

Both girls are doing tennis.

Work hours are crazy sometimes.

We have had internet problems lately.

The garden is producing lots of tomatoes (that need canned and frozen).

The farm animals don't care how busy we are...they want fed twice a day.

There is always a DIY project (or two) going on around our homestead.

Remember the deck I told you we are building?  Handy Hubby works on it when he can.

These strawberry oatmeal bars are pretty quick to pull together and offer a great snack on those busy days.  

Farm Photo Friday (August 19, 2016)

Welcome to Farm Photo Friday!

The garden and chickens have been providing us with plenty to eat during this busy summer season.

As I write this, I have tomatoes simmering on the stove.

Chickens and Herbs

Did you know that growing herbs is fairly easy and has great health benefits for you and your flock of chickens?  

In my post at Community Chickens, I talk about some of my favorite herbs to use for myself and for my flock. 

I kind of look at it like this:

Chickens and herbs go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Marina looks at it like this:

I'm not sure if the aroma lulls her to sleep or the container is comfortable, but this is one of her favorite napping spots.

I'm off to get some herbs, I hope you hop over and read the post ;-)

Yard Sale Dresser Gets A Makeover

Don't you just love yard sales?  

Someone else's junk/trash can become your treasure...

Cucumber Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

This cucumber salad is a quick and easy way to use up my bountiful supply of cucumbers.

I harvest from the garden in the morning before it gets so stinkin' hot outside.

We have had days on end where it's sooooo hot that when I step outside my glasses fog up!

I really need to get on the ball and can or freeze some pickles, but until then I will continue to delight in eating them raw or like this.

Peach Cobbler

I believe that baking (and cooking) is a way of showing love or gratitude to someone.

Anything homemade can brighten someones day and make them feel special.

But why wait for a special occasion?

Let's make a peach cobbler today...just because!

As much as I do like a pie, I have yet to master making the crust, and...

truth be told - I usually just eat the filling, leaving the crust on the plate. ;-)

But a cobbler?

The taste is amazing and I love the rustic look that a fresh baked cobbler offers!

A Morning Walk

In the mornings as I go about feeding the animals I take a little extra time to walk around our property and enjoy the splendor that nature has to offer.

Summer has been crazy busy for us, so I revel in this time.

During my mornings walks, I can get lost in time as I am amazed at the simple, everyday beauty that surrounds me.

This morning was very foggy which created an extra layer of elegance. 

Everything glistened in a magical way.

As I started out, the chickens were still sleeping and the sun was desperately trying to peak through.

I captured some pictures with my phone and reflected on life a bit...

Zucchini Spice Cake

How are your zucchini producing this year?

We aren't swimming in them like we usually are this time of year.
As a matter of fact, I have to say this is the first year that my cucumbers are surpassing the zucchini...so far ;-)

I truly love zucchini...it's so versatile...