"CHERRY WINKS" Recipe

I know this is past Christmas, but I think you can make these anytime you want to.  Here's the recipe:

CHERRY WINKS

I cup sugar (I used brown sugar)
3/4 cup shortening
2 tblsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 all purpose flour (I used whole wheat for 1/2 cup of the total)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped pecans  or walnuts
1 c. chopped dates
1/3 c. chopped maraschino cherries, patted dry with paper towel
1 1/2 c. coarsely crushed corn flakes cereal
15 maraschino cherries, quartered (?)

In large bowl beat sugar and shortening with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occ. until well blended.  Beat in milk, vanilla and eggs. On low speed beat in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Stir in nuts, dates and 1/3 c. chopped cherries.  If necessary, can cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 min. for easier handling.

Heat oven to 375, spray cooking spray on cookie sheets.  Drop dough by rounded teaspoons into cereal and coat thoroughly, shape into balls.  Place 2 inches apart on sheet and lightly press maraschino cherry quarter into the top.

Bake 10-15 min. or until light golden brown, Cool 1 min. then remove to cooling racks.

ASPEN BOWL ALL DECKED OUT!

My husband is a woodturner and knifemaker.  He has made some beautiful things from wood and this is one of his pieces.  It is an aspen bowl that he actually carved from a huge aspen burl, keeping the natural look to the underside.   I wanted to use it this year to display some of the vintage glass ornaments that I've been blessed with.  The aqua/silver ornament in the center has "Merry Christmas" on it in flocked white lettering.   Merry Christmas!!!

TEENY TINY MITTENS

I have the best time decorating my house and yard for Christmas.   I would love to use more live evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands but it's just not cost effective and they just dry out so quickly.  I want to enjoy things a bit longer.  I hang wreaths on doors, the mailbox and an old iron bed frame that functions as a funky fence in my yard.  I have all kinds of ornaments, many of them homemade.  I love this cute little pair of mittens that look like they have snow on them . . . kind of like the ones I wear and when I was out shoveling snow or throwing snowballs for my dog.  These decorate a wreath that hangs on the door between our utility room and the main part of our house.

My MOM and "CHERRY WINKS"

I have Mary Jane's calendar and for today is says "Bake cookies today". . . so I am.  I decided to stir up some memories of my childhood Christmases on the farm, of my mom in the kitchen and "Cherry Winks".  These are a yummy cookie that my mom traditionally made every year at Christmas.  So, with my Christmas CDs playing selections from Vince Guaraldi, Johnny Mathis, Neil Diamond, Mannheim Steamroller and  Celtic Christmas, I'm baking my cookies, whispering "thank yous" to my mom (she's been in heaven since February 1994) and relishing the fond, sweet memories of  Christmas on the farm . . . and look out the window at the farmhouse I grew up in.  It's just down the road!  And our world is white with snow . . . hallelujah!

FAVORITE CHRISTMAS "SWEET"

I grew up on a farm and attended a two-room rural school for grades 1-8.  We always had a Christmas program at the school which included little plays, lots of music and fun things.  The teachers (a married couple) always put together Christmas treat sacks for each student.  Included in those sacks (brown paper bags) were an apple, an orange, peanuts, a popcorn ball, a variety of candies which included these orange slices.  They will always be one of my favorite candies and now, as I enjoy them I'm reminded of those Christmas programs at Mildred School. I'm also reminded of the incredibly wonderful heritage I have as a "farmkid"!  Grateful for all kinds of CHRISTMAS "SWEETS"!

SWEATERS on CHRISTMAS TREES

I have such fun finding, selecting and/or making Christmas ornaments.  I found a fun collection of little sweater ornaments at our local nursery/greenhouse that is open year round and has all kinds of Christmas activities.  They have about a dozen themed trees and it's just a blast to go shopping there for ornaments or other Christmas goodies.

This is just one of the sweaters my tree is wearing.  I have some teeny tiny red ones, bright blue ones and some others this size that are different red/whte designs.  They all came with their own little tiny hangers.

Merry! Ho! Ho!

CHRISTMAS PEPPERMINTS

Christmas means so many things, some of them are just sweet and simple.  I adore poinsettia flowers and decorate profusely with them.   I found this beautiful cutwork runner with poinsettias on it at a thrift store.  I don't think it has ever been used.  But it graces my coffee table right now and I thought these cute little red/white snowflake dishes were a perfect accent.  And, just toss in a few peppermints for that added sweet touch! 

A' CAROLING we will GO!

Found this lighted ceramic treasure at a local thrift store . . enjoying it!

I love Christmas!  Everything about it!  But I especially love the music . . .I'm a musician you know and Christmas just gives me the gift of Christmas music.  I put on my CDs and listen to my hearts content!  Christian, Celtic, Jazz, Classical, Easy Listening.  I'm not too fond of Country Western but there are a few Christmas songs I do enjoy from that genre.  And, I love to listen to the music on my favorite Christian radio station, KTLF out of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Not only do they play great music and everything they do is so uplifting and encouraging . . they are commercial free!!!

Merry Christmas . . I sing to you!!

NOVEMBER?? . . already!?!?

How can it be?  How can it be November already?  Mercy me!  What happened to August . . . September . .  October?  It's starting to get cold and frosty and I don't feel like I was able to do all my "get-ready-for-frost" work done.  But I am looking forward to spending a few days at Thanksgiving with my daughter and her family.  My hubby, our son and our canine friend, Bramble, will take a trip to Arizona and enjoy the holiday with her in the desert, which by then will have cooled off enough that we can actually enjoy it!

NEIGHBORHOOD APPLES . . . Stop #2

 

This sign is posted on the fence around an orchard that has dark, sweet cherries, plums, apricots, peaches and several varieties of apples.  It is an orchard that was planted, pruned, cared for and maintained by my dad until he passed away in January 1997.  I remember just a few days before his passing (from a sudden heart attack) he was in this orchard on his tractor with a blade on it, moving the snow around to maximum the effect of moisture into the ground.  The orchard is now owned by another couple who are great friends and neighbors and let us go in and pick ANYTHING we want, ANY TIME there is something to pick. And, YES, it is the BEST fruit on planet earth!

NEIGHBORHOOD APPLES . . . Stop #1

We live in the country and on some acreage that used to be part of the family farm I grew up on.  My dad was a farmer and orchardman with a reputation for raising the BEST fruit, including apples.  Across the road was another farmer/orchardman that we grew up knowing.  His daughter with her hubby and two of their three daughters and their families, all currently live on the place.  This is the sign at the end of their drive, just freshly painted, re-lettered and re-hung.  The orchard is directly east, across the road from us and the sign is just across from our driveway. They have been part of the countryside always and are great neighbors.  

"FALL COLORS" . . . ATC from Sharon

 

My farmgirl friend, Sharon, did another one-for-one ATC swap with me with our FALL theme.  This is the absolutely gorgeous ATC she made for me.  Dried flowers, cancelled stamp, beautiful paper and embellishments.  Sharon is a true artist and I love her work!  Love her cards and her ATCs!  Thank you Sharon for another beautiful piece to grace my home and ATC collection!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH!

Another shot from our drive into "my mountains", with the aspens . . . aka "quakies" . . .in their gold, orange and rust garments surrounded by the deep evergreen of the spruce trees. I never tire of spending time in these mountains in any season, including winter when we go cross-country skiing.  Theses are the San Juan Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains here in southwest Colorado. We drive up the Dolores River Valley which climbs to the summit of Lizard Head Pass at 10,000 feet elevation.  The summit is in the Wilson Peaks area which includes three of Colorado's "14'ers" (peaks of 14,000 feet elevation or more).  Those are El Diente, Wilson Peak and Mt. Wilson.  Nestled in these mountains is Trout Lake, a beautiful lake favored by many for fishing, boating (NOT motorboats) and surrounded by hiking, camping and cabins.

BEAUTIFUL "BRANDY"

For several years I have been sponsoring a rescue horse at the local horse rescue.  It has been such a rewarding experience!  I've gone over to visit the rescue, the owners and the horses. I had to pick a "new" horse just recently and here is "BRANDY".  She is actually the fourth horse I've sponsored.  "Angel" and "Tempo" both were adopted and got new homes . . . YAY!   "Arroyo" was an elderly gelded gentleman and just lay down one morning and went to sleep . . . he was done. Anyway, here is "Brandy" who I have met, but I'll go see her at the rescue again soon.  I think she is just beautiful!

 

 

FALL GOLD . . . RICH!!

 

I love "my mountains"  which are the San Juans of the Colorado Rocky Mountains!  I love to be in them camping, hiking, glamping, or just hanging out or going on a drive.  We took a drive this past weekend to see the fall gold of the aspens . . . aka "quakies" in contrast to the evergreen color of the spruce trees and the glorious, clear and blue Colorado sky!   And, in this photo I was able to capture all of that, including a whisper of orangey-rust on some of the trees. Glorious!!  Rich!!

HOMEGROWN COMFORT FOOD

 

Just wanted to make you hungry!   There is absolutely nothing like homegrown food!  My hubby prepared this simple, but delicious meal . . comfort food!  It was SOOOO good!  Homegrown tomatoes and fresh corn on the cob, along with a pan sauted filet of salmon (no we didn't grow the salmon), with onion and poblano pepper topping.  Of course it's served on a vintage Fire King plate that came from my in-laws ranch.

Yummmmmmm!   Hungry? 

TOASTING our TOES

 

September is here and that means cooler temps, fall scents, sounds and "feelings" and I love it!  It also means enjoying the pleasure of a fire in our firepit on the deck fed with cedar. The smell of cedar is so delightful!  

This past Saturday evening I built a fire and my hubby and I had our supper on the deck. Bill just enjoyed the fire so much.  We then made some s'mores to top off the evening.
On Sunday evening I built another fire to enjoy while our son, Jeremy (38 years old, has Down Syndrome and lives with a caregiver 5 miles away) was visiting.  He always puts on these leopard print slippers when he comes to our house.  They are his to wear while he's here.  We had a lovely evening sitting together on the glider with our feet up, enjoying the fire and a cup of coffee.

I'm so looking forward to more late afternoon/early evening fall fires . . and s'mores!

GARDNERS DIAMOND-T FARM and ORCHARDS

 

It's apple time and it just brings back so many memories of the farm I grew up on.  My dad was an orchardman extraordinaire and we raised a lot of apples.  I cannot tell you how many ba-zillon trips I made up and down the ladder with a full picking sack hanging on my front.  We graded, sized, polished, boxed and sold them by the truckloads.  My dad also had a 40-gallon cider press and made the best . . . oh my . . .the BEST cider!  Boy, would that taste just divine right now!  What memories! What a heritage!

. . . and the WINNER IS . . .

Okay girls, the guessing game is closed now and we do have a winner!  Many answers were SOOOO, SOOOO VERY CLOSE.  Parts of the answers were right on but only ONE person got it all RIGHT ON!

The answers?  

It IS a vintage, handmade apron

There is a vintage NAPKIN in the pocket (not a hankie)

It IS used as a TABLE SKIRT/cover on our PANTRY TABLE

 

The winner is:  KRISTINA NELSON.

 

 

We used several waist aprons, tying them together and pinned them along the edge of our pantry table to the tablecloth that was over the top and sides. And each apron (except one which didn't any pockets) had a NAPKIN in the pocket.

 

Thanks for playing girls!  Your answers are all GREAT ideas for other glamping things to do.

 

 

 

 

The red apron is on the end of the table and tied to the canopy pole.

The aprons are all tied together and the pink one wraps around the end on the right.

GLAMPING IT UP . . . GIVEAWAY

My daughter and I just recently returned from another wonderful time of tent glamping together.  I haven't posted all of my pictures yet and thought perhaps we could have a bit of fun before I do.

So here's the scoop . . . leave your comment here with  your guess as to WHAT this is and HOW you think we used it to "glam" up our glampsite.  You have to be close in BOTH answers

I'm putting together a fun and, hopefully, nice giveaway package for the person who comes the closest in their answers.

Should be fun, I think . . . thanks for sharing and "playing"!

WELCOME to our GLAMP-SITE . . .

 

My daughter, Robin, and I were just glamping together again this past weekend in Flagstaff, Arizona.  She lives in Phoenix and is a teacher so I met her there for several days.  We built our "girl fort" again and had the best time together.  Every time we do this we make little changes to how we glamp up our site.  In this photo you can see one corner of our tent, which has a screened porch.  We put lace all along the edge of the rainfly over the porch (and all over other areas which you'll be able to see later).  Set up a little table at the corner with Mary Janes books, including her new "Glamping" book, used some vintage linens and a little "Welcome" sign!  Sure would love to have you stop by and visit!

S'MORES and more . . FLAGSTAFF GLAMPING!!

 

We are enjoying yet another Glamping adventure together, this time at the KOA in Flagstaff, Arizona. We're nestled under some beautiful, tall Ponderosa Pines in the cool, mountain breezes.  Yup, having our famous s'mores made from Sharon's homemade marshamallows, Mary Janes chocolate and honey graham.  They have this "photo" stop at the KOA and with the assistance of our camping neighbor, Dean,  we got our picture taken . . including Bramble.  Are we having fun?  You betcha!!!!  And, there will be more snippets about our adventure.

PINK PLAIDIES and CONEFLOWERS

We live in a dry climate at fairly high altitude and about the only time anyone wears "wellies" is to do their irrigating. But this past week we had some really nice rain and one day was wet and rainy enough I thought I'd wear my "pink plaidies".  So we were able to enjoy the rain, the coneflowers and the cooler temperatures with some lovely, refreshing rain.  Thank you, Lord, for the rain!

 

SISTER, SISTER & a couple of signs

Well, I finally got the little signs made with the Farmgirl Connection Sisterhood numbers on it for Robin and me.  I had made the "Glamping Farmgirls" sign earlier in the summer, and then made one with our house number on it to hang at the end of our drive.  Wanted to do these as well so they can go glamping with us too!  I had some little enamelware trays with strawberries on one side . . . actually have four of them.  I decided to use them and pop-rivet the numbers on the back of the tray and you can still see the strawberries on the other side. The metal is much more lightweight and weatherproof than wood. Add a length of baling wire and we can hang 'em wherever we want to!

WADE in the WATER

Ahhhh  . . . finally an opportunity to take a break and a drive into the mountains up the Dolores River valley.  A lovely, refreshing, peaceful, cool and quiet drive up the West Fork road and a stop to put our feet into the cool, invigorating and refreshing Dolores River water.  It's late enough in the season that it's not roily or rushing.  Felt so good!  Bramble loves it too!!

My hubby, Bill, enjoying the cool river too!!

fun with VINTAGE FEEDSACKS!

A friend of mine gave me . . yup, gave me . . several vintage feedsacks that had already been washed, the stitching removed and ready to sew into something.  I was tickled all shades of pink!  So, I used many of them in my "Retro" style aprons.  Another vendor at our Farmers Market brought me some she wanted aprons made for herself and her mom from.  And part of my payment was all of the leftover fabric.  This apron is one I made from a feedsack from my friend and the pockets, collar and ties made from leftovers from the other project.  I added some small ecru crocheted doilies to embellish it a bit more.  I have enjoyed making these feedsacks into aprons, so much!!  They are truly one-of-a-kind! 

"LET'S DO COFFEE" . . ATC swap

Some of us are "in love" with ATCs!  Little 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch "Artist Trading Cards" that become teeny, tiny works of art that we trade.  One of my favorite artists to trade with is Sharon Bakke.  We just recently did a one-on-one swap with each other and our theme was "Let's Do Coffee'.  The wonderful, beautiful ATC on the right is the one Sharon made for me.  The one below and on the left is the one I made for her.  Such fun!  We'll be doing more too! THANKS SHARON!! Sure wish we lived close enough to each other to actually get together for coffee!

WEDDING GIFT from my HUBBY!

I know you're probably laughing, but it's true.  These plates, along with the rest of the pieces for this MELMAC (yessiree!) dinnerware set, were a wedding gift to me from my hubby when we got married.  The other pieces were either yellow or white.  I knew they were in an old hard-side popup camper we have, but it's not been used in a long while.  We're selling it so we were cleaning all the junk out of it.  All eight plates are here and there are three yellow cereal bowls. Sadly, no other pieces are anywhere to be found. When did we get married?   December 28, 1968

QUILTS are just SO COZY and COMFORTING!

I'm in love with quilts!  I just love them and the more unique and "loved" they are the more I love them!  I am not a "master" quilter but have made some and have been gifted with many. The little mini quilt hanging on the door is one I made with 3-D butterflies, yo-yo flowers and a variety of blocks.  I love to hang this one up in the spring and summer. 

On the rack in front is a very old quilt I purchased this summer at a thrift store . . paid $10 for it!  An older lady in the store told it was from the 1890s.  It shows some wear on the back and edges but is in great condition.  Behind it is a granny square afghan that my mom crocheted . . . a true treasure.

After our house fire in July 1994 we were gifted with several quilts and . . unfortunately, you can't see it . . one from one of the fire department womens auxiliary groups is hanging in the center of the rack.  Cozy!  Comforting!  Beautiful!!

isn't she JUST BEE-YOU-TEE-FULL!!

My daughter, glamping partner and best friend, Robin . . aka "Birdie".  One of our favorite things to do together is spend time enjoying a coffee drink, a scone and chit-chat at Starbucks!  Our relationship is just such a TREASURE!   THANK YOU ROBIN  and THANK YOU LORD!!!

are you girls THROUGH MESSING AROUND?

Well, Bramble was patiently waiting for Robin and I on the trail on our recent hike up the Calico Trail during our glamping trip in southwest Colorado.  We had stopped to take pics with our phones and Bramble decided to rest in the trail while we messed around.  But this is definitely a look of "any time now . . can we get moving, please?"  She had such fun hiking and sniffing everything!  She is also such a joy!  Thanks for your patience, sweet doggie!

bounty from PAONIA & HOTCHKISS

My daughter and I recently enjoyed a Farmgirls on the Loose Road trip in Colorado and visited several of the farmgirls that are also members of our Farmgirls Southwest Henhouse.  We were treated like royalty!  We brought home some fresh cherries from Laurie's orchard in Hotchkiss and pickled green beans from Rain's bounty in Paonia.  YUM!!!!!

enjoying the "BUCK SNORT SALOON"

While Robin and I were visiting Debbie & Marilyn in the Florissant/Divide/Woodland Park area wewere blessed with a surprise visit from Tammy from California.  Picked her up at Denver International Airport and then we were taken into the woods to Sphinx Park and to the Buck Snort Saloon where we enjoyed peace and quiet and a very delicious dinner . . accompanied by some Farmgirls Southwest Henhouse "Chick" fun!

more FARMGIRL FUN on the Western Slope!

With my daughter on a recent "Farmgirls on the Loose' Road trip we had the wonderul privilege

of meeting up and spending time with more Colorado Farmgirls.  These gals are also in our Farmgirls Southwest Henhouse.   Rain Klepper from Paonia in the left, me, Laurie Conner from Hotchkiss and my daughter Robin.

In the top picture we are in Rain's amazing studio at her home.

In the lower picture we had just finished a fabulous dinner at the Flying Fork restaurant in Paonia, CO.  We were able to eat in and enjoy the outdoor patio/garden area of the restaurant.

What a fun time with Farmgirl Friends!!!

cool TREATS for BRAMBLE

On our glamping trip we had ice cream treats at the camp store.  Bramble got one of the spoon and I got the other!  Refreshing!  Yummy!
Happy glamping farmgirl!
Happy doggie friend!

gone GLAMPING . . . again!!

It's been too-o-o-o long!  So, my daughter, Robin and I, are at it again.  This time in Colorado in the San Juan Mountains by the Dolores River . . cool, fresh, quiet.  And we have a new tent with a porch!  We love the porch!  We love spending time together and building our "girl fort", just enjoying our friendship . . . we're more than mother/daughter! 

coming to visit?? LOOK for this NUMBER!

Okay, I couldn't stop at just one "license plate" project, so here's a much smaller, more simple one. We live in the country and our addresses are on a county road grid system.  So, here is our house number on a little sign I attached to the old gate my dad made . . same one where the snapdragons grow!  Look for this number when you come to visit me!!!

snappy little SNAPDRAGONS

Snapdragons are one of my favorite flowers and I adore these dark red beauties that grow at the end of our driveway.  There is a very sturdy and deeply "planted" cedar fence post that my dad put in many years ago as one of his corner posts.  That is pictured on the left of this pic and I call it "Pop's Post".  Attached to it is an old gate that my dad made that graced the picket fence around our farmhouse for as long as I can remember.  I was able to salvage it from the farm (no longer ours now that our parents are gone), paint it and use it as yard art at my place. I call it "Pop's Gate" and these "snaps" get to enjoy being part of this little "vignette" of my family and the farm.

RED HOT POKERS and ASPENS

My "Red Hot Pokers" are now in bloom and they are enjoying being right next to some of our aspen trees.  These "pokers" are some that are transplants from the ones my mom had in her yard.  They are an unusual flower, but brightly colored and the orioles and taningers love them.  I look forward to seeing these equally bright colored birds come and "hang out" on the "pokers!  It's always interesting to observe . . and ENJOY . . the sequence of the flowers in my yard.  The sequence being when the different ones bloom and grace my yard with glorious beauty.  I love it that there are ALWAYS beautiful flowers in bloom and that they aren't in bloom all at the same time.  I can enjoy flowers for a LONG season of color, fragrance and beauty!

let's play PAPER DOLLS!

I loved playing with paperdolls when I was growing up.  I had lots of them over the years and just enjoyed them immensely.  This is a teeny, tiny ATC I made for an ATC swap featuring Miss Polly Pratt and some of her outfits.  I made Polly, her yellow dress and the blue cape 3-D to add dimension to the ATC.  Added a few embellishments of buttons and rick-rack . . . such fun!

anyone for a BIKE RIDE?

I was wondering what I could do with this old bicycle that is no longer road worthy.  I decided to "dress" it up a bit and share it with the neighbors and passersby.  So, it's parked in the rabbitbrush at the end of our driveway with a pot of petunias in the basket and a pot of zinnias on the ground beside it.  Yes, it's old!  Yes, it's "funky"! But I like the old 'funkiness" of this summertime yard art!  Flat tires and rusty seat and all!

"GLAMPING FARMGIRLS" sign is ready!!

Finished the sign for our "glamping" adventures . . . aluminum siding, license plates, baling wire, fun "add-ons"and my daughter and I have our own sign!  YAY!!!   Was a fun project and we're anxious to use it.  The little number sign at the bottom is detachable and it a VERY SPECIAL "House" number just for my daughter, Robin, and me!   We'll be out there in less than a month . . . YAHOO!!

an adorable little "DWARF"!

Isn't this little dwarf just adorable??  This an ATC  I received from another artist in a swap.  The swap was for "Fairies and other Mythical Folk".   I was just tickled all shades of pink to be able to add this one to my collection.  What a fun little ATC!  What a fun little "mushroom dwarf"!

a different kind of "PURPLE MAJESTY"

These irises are just one of the colors or varieties growing in my yard and I think they are just ... WONDERFUL!!!  Purple is one of my favorite colors and these just make me smile!!  Behind them is another variety that is more of a "smoky lavender" color with the orange "fuzzy" part on the petals.  I LOVE THEM ALL!!!