Harvest Lane Cottage

Hi, I'm in the middle of a big bad project! I've just taken everything out of all our cupboards and closets. Yep, we're spraying for ants, spiders, and anything else that goes bump in the night. I'll be up to my eyeballs in reorganizing this weekend. If you think of me, pray for me. I may be needing the support! ~smile~ I guess it's a great time for summer cleaning! Have a great weekend. Laura

I love to slip a little Caramel Macchiato in a cup of Folger's French Vanilla Cappuccino. Oh, I know, it's not a health drink. Hey, sometimes you just want a little sweet indulgence!

This is just one of the beautiful wallpapers downloaded from Knit Picks ! I could make a very long wish list at Knit Picks! They have such beautiful yarns, smooth Harmony wood needles with flexible cables, accessories and books. Oooh! I just know I'm going to love knitting up some wonderful things this Autumn and Winter! I'm hoping to make socks and mittens and Christmas stockings! Ah, but that's another post. Have a wonderul week! Laura

Hi! Today's jam was Harvest Peach. I used the recipe from the Ball pectin package and made some changes. Please take time to read the pectin package for exact directions on how to use your pectin and how to prepare your jars and process your jars of jam for safety in a boiling water bath. Thank you Free Stock Photos . 4 cups diced fresh peaches I used my liquid measuring cup. 1 package fruit pectin 4 cups brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 6 half-pint or 3 pint jars with rings and new lids ..... Measure brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon into a bowl. Stir to combine. This is important because the cinnamon may clump together if it is not incorporated. Set the sugar aside. ..... Put the peaches and pectin in a large pot. Cook on high, stirring constantly, until it comes to a rolling boil. You won't be able to stir the bubbles away. Set the timer and cook one minute. Now add your sugar mixture all at once. Continue to ...

You'd think I'd learned to share as a child; but, sometimes it's still hard! My son, Matthew, has been home on a break from school for the last couple of weeks. He leaves Sunday. He's been working on a farm this week. The lady he worked for called and said he was the best worker they'd had. She said he was a joy to have around. It was good for him to work. He had been getting a little bored. Everyone can use a little green in their pocket, too. Now, just a couple of days before he has to leave, he is going to visit a friend until Saturday morning. I didn't want him to go; but, I have to share. He's 19 not 10. This business of letting our kids grow up isn't always fun. I'll get him back Saturday morning so that we can celebrate his Grandma Judy's 70th birthday. Since I didn't fuss about him going, does that mean I'm learning to be nice and share? Laura Still learning to be Momma to a Bird who has left my nest.

Cherry jam, mulberry-raspberry-blueberry jam, apricot jam, strawberry jam, blueberry jam, peach jam.... Wonder what God will provide next? Be it a good tree in the yard, a good friend or a good sale, God has blessed us with fruit. I've blessed my family with jam. After finding that all the jams available at our local store have high fructose corn syrup in them, I'm committed to making homemade. I'm hoping to find more peaches and some plums on sale. I'm also planning to make grape jelly, apple jelly, apple butter, and pear butter in the coming weeks.

Meet Miriam! She's a miniature goat who loves to eat poison ivy! Hurrah! Laura Happy at Home ~~~~~ May I suggest? I woke up early on my own this morning.... ~~~~~

Knitting, sewing, baking bread, crocheting, cleaning, making jam, grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, planning, reading, swimming in the creek, eating watermelon, enjoying fireworks with the children, talking with visiting family, watching a few DVDs, cleaning, laundry, a visit to the library... just a few things that have kept me from blogging lately. ~~~~~ May I suggest?  A Positive Homemaking Rule for Wives ~~~~~