Weekend Projects

It was a nice, cool, long weekend at the cabin.

We had several projects to work on.



Kendall installed a new microwave/exhaust fan and cabinets by the stove

 I made new kitchen curtains

 Cheery, cherry on white

Kendall had also taken out the stove and chimney a few weeks ago (shown here with friend Ivan)



In its place is now a hutch about 120 years old.  Even older than the 53 year old cabin!

Purple Flowers

I love the flowers of Spring!

Kendall and I grew up with lilacs on our farms.  We planted some at the cabin in hopes that we could see some of the blooms and smell the fragrance again.  Each year they have succumbed to a late freeze or heavy frost.  This year we got a few sprigs that are so fragrant.  I captured a bee in the photo that seems to be enjoying them as well.

The Iris in front of the cabin are in full bloom

The tree we planted earlier this year is doing well.  The one from last fall didn't make it through the rough winter.

Wishing Everyone a Blessed Easter

Arizona Midday

Today I cooked Green Beans with Walnuts on Arizona Midday with Jan D'Atri.   Arizona Midday is on Channel 12, the NBC station in Phoenix.

Green Beans with Walnuts

2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons walnut oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Pepper and salt to taste

Place the walnuts on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 8 minutes to toast. Cook beans in a large pot of boiling water until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain. Rinse beans with cold water and drain well. Melt butter with oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Add means and toss until heated through, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add walnuts and parsley and toss.

Fowl Feathered Friends

This week we were visited by a pair of very pretty ducks.  We enjoyed their visit, but don't want to have a family hatching in the back yard!

 They certainly weren't frightened by me

Getting a drink 

Taking time for a swim in the cement pond before taking off for another location



Mine Is the Night

I finished a book this weekend at the cabin that had captured my attention all week.

A great historical novel! It includes a lot of historical details of Scotland in the mid 1700’s as a story is told that mimics that of Ruth in the Bible (Ruth 1-4). Mine Is the Night begins where the prequel, Here Burns My Candle leaves off. Elisabeth, recently widowed, chooses to stay with her Mother-in-law rather than going back to her hometown. They begin this new phase of their lives without title, land or money, relying on the kindness of distant relatives and strangers. The women find their faith and trust tested, but find their way through the trials to come out on a better place. Highly recommended!


Enjoy an excerpt from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Here Burns My Candle

Here Burns My Candle written by Liz Curtis Higgs
If you enjoy historical novels, this one could be for you. It includes a lot of historical details of Scotland in the mid 1700’s. The story is told from the perspective of several characters – Lady Elisabeth Kerr, Lord Donald Kerr and Lady Marjory Kerr, with Lady Elisabeth the central character. Lady Marjory is the mother of Lord Donald and Lady Elisabeth is his wife.
The story is one of love and betrayal and the very human emotions and processing that go along with betrayal. It is a glimpse into the darker, real life side of living in the 18th century where riches were easily lost and life for the poor was very difficult. Even life for the rich was not what we might think. Can you imagine being of substantial wealth, but sharing a six room apartment with six other people? The servants slept in a bunk in the kitchen and the entry hall.

For me, the frequent use of the Scottish language was a distraction. Although lending an essence of connecting the reader to the story locating, it made reading less fluid. I also felt the book ended abruptly without complete resolution for the characters. It was only as I picked up my next book to read (Mine is the Night), that I realized Here Burns My Candle was a prequel. Don’t read Here Burns My Candle without planning to read Mine is the Night or you will be disappointed.

Enjoy an excerpt from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dinning Alfresco

Friday evening we met Jenell and Doug for diner downtown.  They were in the city for an art fair.

We dined outside beside a pretty waterfall

The palm trees were lovely as the lights came on

Public Proposal

Following the departure of Whitney and the Sarahs, Kendall's parents joined us at the cabin.  For dinner Saturday night we went to the Pine Cone Inn.  It is such a great retro place with live music reminiscent of the 50's.

Donna needed an updated picture for her mantel, so we obliged with a quick pose



While we were eating dinner, the hostess clued us in that there was going to be a marriage proposal on the dance floor.  He proposed after they danced to the Anne Murry song "Could I have this dance?".    She said yes :)

Whitney's Birthday

Whitney was here for her birthday (March 18) and for something different for her to do, I scheduled us to do a cooking segment on AM Arizona.

We made Urbane's Pancakes from The Cookbook

 What a natural!

After lunch in town, we headed to the cabin for some relaxation

Whitney, Sarah N., Sarah H.

Sarah H., Whitney, Sarah N.

It was a bit chilly in the evening so we enjoyed time by the fire and eating Whitney's birthday dinner after a energetic game of Dutch Blitz.  Her selection for dinner: chicken strips, Texas toast, homemade macaroni and cheese.

No birthday candles, so another stood in as a substitute.  Quadruple Chocolate Cheesecake for the birthday girl.

Spring Break

It's been fun having Whitney and her friends, Sarah and Sarah here for their Spring Break week.  They are all nursing students ready for graduation.  Last night they cooked us a great dinner.

Whitney, Sarah, Sarah



Hesston College Event

Last night Hesston College had a get-together of alumni in the area.  I was asked to do desserts for the 100 attendees.  We had a sweet collection of lemon, chocolate, coffee and carrot inspired goodies.

Church Ladies' Dinner

Last week all the Church Ladies except Connie were in town.  It was a great way to spend an evening going to dinner with old friends.  We even allowed our husbands to share the experience with us :-)

Me, Jenell, Flat Connie, Marge, Sue

It's usually me that they have a 'flat' version of and I go out and about with them.  This time it was Connie's turn.

A Weekend of Bontragers

This weekend brought the annual visit of the Bontrager siblings to our home.  We consider it an honor that they come back year after year and we can join in their fun.

 Last night we ordered in pizza

This morning we headed north for brunch at The Pine Cone Inn and some time at our cabin

 Lola Faye enjoying the warm fire

 The group playing a game

 Donna & Larry

 Lola Faye & Bob

 Carol & Ray chatting with Kendall about the siding

You can see some of the snow from last weekend behind Grace

It was a lovely 60 degrees this afternoon

Beautiful Snow in AZ

This morning we awoke to one of the most beautiful snows outside our cabin windows!  

There must have been at least 12 inches of the fluffy white stuff.

 Kendall digging out the truck

 The birds were very happy their feeder was full!