Starting Seeds in a cold frame

Today, I built my first cold frame, using straw bales and an old door we had in the barn!

I set it up in an unused part of the garden and had to level the dirt under the bales to get a good solid fit that will not allow drafts to enter. The door is easily removed on warm days to allow ventilation for the plants.

Inside the cold frame I have planted Basil, Oregano, Garlic chives, Common chives, Italian parsley, Zucchini, Summer squash, Nasturtiums and Two types of Sun flowers.

I need to get my tomato and pepper seeds and I hope I will have them in the next few days!

I will try to post later on the progress since this is a new experiment for me!

Breaking out and a long night of fun.....for the horses!

We were woke up early yesterday morning by a very loud knock on the front door and a stranger asking if we have horses, It turns out that one of our horses had broke out of the fence and was strolling on the road, We quickly dressed and went out to get him back in the fence. Then we went to the barn to feed them their breakfast, they both ate all their grain and decided it was time to go to sleep.......They must have been awake all night because, they slept half the day in the barn! We were not so lucky though, Our day had officially began even before one sip of coffee!

Sparta after breakfast

Dexter asleep in the middle of a beautiful day!

Sparta out cold from his night of fun!

There is never a dull moment when you have animals! We can't even sleep in on Sunday morning without some type of excitement starting the day!

Im on my way back

I wanted to let everyone know I am planning to start blogging again, We had come by hard times for awhile and I appologize to anyone who has followed my blog. Look for new posts coming soon!

Ryans first fishing tournament

Saturday Ryan had his first fishing tournament!

He came in third place!!

Not bad for his first time, in total he caught 9 fish and he received his very first trophy which he is very proud of!

Way to go Ryan!!!!

Picking Cherries and a recipe!

Cherry picking time!!!!!

We picked several gallons of cherries and then made Cherry Jam!

We got 8 half pints of jam and 9 Quarts of pitted sweet cherries...Yum!!!!

Bing Cherry Jam

from the Book

" Blue Ribbon Preserves"

by Linda J. Amendt

4 cups pitted and chopped fresh ripe Bing cherries ( about 3 lbs)

1/2 cup strained fresh lemon juice

5 cups sugar

1/2 tsp unsalted butter

1 (3 oz) pouch liquid pectin

1 tsp pure lemon extract

in an 8 quart pan, combine cherries, lemon juice, sugar and butter.

Over med low heat, stirring constantly, heat the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. Increase heat to med high and bring mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Stir in entire contents of the pectin pouch. Return mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat. Skim off foam. Stir in almond extract.

Allow jam to cool for 5 minutes before filling jars, gently stir mixture every minute or so to distribute the fruit. Ladle the hot jam into hot jars leaving a 1/4 inch head space. wipe jar rims and threads with a clean cloth. Cover with hot lids and apply screw rings. Process half pint jars in 200 degree water bath canner for 10 minutes, pint jars for 15 minutes.

We absolutely love this jam and I recommend this book to any one who loves to make their own home canned jams and jellies. There are over 300 recipes that are mouth watering and worthy of trying!

check it out for yourself!

I bought mine from amazon.com

Baby Horses grow so fast!

Dexter is now 5 weeks old and Sparta is a little over a week old, and they are growing so fast!

Sparta

Loving Sparta

Robin and Dexter

They both look alike but, they are very different in their attitudes!

Dexter is pretty calm and love to be pet and rubbed all over!

Sparta is very Independent and is already showing dominance over Dexter, I think he is going to be a hand full and a half!

Dexter now gets his own portion of grain and eats hay and grazes like his Mom, he is so fun to watch running through the pasture.. every time he runs, when he turns a corner he whinnies with this adorable little baby horse voice!

Sparta intentionally challenges Dexter and even Willow, I think he is saying " I am the ruler" Which is in part why he is named Sparta, he acts like a big, brave warrior ready to go at any moment!

Sparta carries himself tall and has a beautiful prance when he is walking!

We are going to have a busy, full of antics summer!!!

Robins Graduation

Robin Graduated and walked across the stage to

receive her diploma June 20Th!

Robin and her grandparents

Robin and Ryan

The proud Graduate!

It was a very good day for us all to watch our youngest daughter walk across the stage and officially become a Graduate!

After the graduation we had a cook out with family and friends,

On the menu was Hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on the grill, potato salad, Italian pasta salad, My Moms absolutely great creamy pasta salad, baked beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, veggie pizza, a homemade Hawaiian dream cake and home made ice cream with sundae toppings!

We all had a great day celebrating Robins achievements!

We are so proud of you Robin!!!!!