Harvest Lane Cottage

That's the question that my friend, Deb commented on the last post.  Well... I went to bed; but, I couldn't sleep.  I knew I had to get up at 4:00 a.m. to make cinnamon rolls to sell.  Since I couldn't sleep anyway, I thought I'd just lay out the ingredients.  Then, I thought maybe I'd pre-mix some ingredients.  Then, since I was still wide awake, I went ahead and made the bread.  I posted during the rise time after I did the dishes.  What can I say?  Here a little there a little... Laura

I had a little mini-date with my little girl, Amy, this week.  My original plan had been to take her to Paws for Books at the library.  Our vet was to bring some dogs in for the children to read to and pet.  I had Amy call to check the time.  Oops!  Wrong day.  We decided to go out anyway, just the two of us.  First we went to the dollar store and bought a few cleaning supplies and toiletries that we needed.  We ran a couple of errands; then, we decided to stop for a soda at the convenience store.  As we were driving, Amy saw the quilt shop.  Amy, my little girl who doesn't sew yet, got all excited about visiting the shop!  We went inside and browsed, touching the beautiful fabrics, patterns, and accessories with our eyes and our fingers.  It was enlightening to see which fabrics made her light up with pleasure.  Now Amy wants to make a quilt block like little Laura in Little House in the Big Woods.  I think...

I had a cup of pumpkin left over after making a batch of Jennifer's pumpkin pancakes the other morning.  My little girl, Amy, helped make them.  My husband said, "Oh, yum.  You've gotta keep this recipe."  High praise for pancakes.  Thanks Jennifer!  Well, the pumpkin was sitting in a jar in my refrigerator smiling at me every time I peeked in the door.  Pumpkin does smile, you know?  Well, this morning I decided that it was time to put that happy little jar to use.  Amy loves Teddy Bear Mush.  We used to buy a product called Bear Mush at the local co-op.  It's no longer available where we live.  The closest product I can find is called Malto-Meal.  Cream of Wheat would probably work well, also.  This recipe is an original; so, there's no one to blame but me if you don't like it.  :)  By the way, we call it Teddy Bear Mush because I'm sure it's what the three bears ate. Pumpkin Spice Teddy Bear Mush ...

"The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home." ~ Harold B. Lee I agree with Mr. Lee.  I've done a lot of things in my lifetime; my husband has done even more.  When it all comes down to it though, the things we've done for our family with our family have been the things that were most worthwhile.  The time I spent teaching my children to read, the time I've been spending teaching my son division, the time I spend picking up, cleaning, washing, and cooking are all worthy of my best efforts.  Do I always give it my best effort?  Sadly, no.  Oftentimes, I find I am distracted by the difficulties of life or even the pleasures of life.  Sometimes I'm tired or don't feel well.  Still, The Word states,"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV So, this is...

Fall homemaking is much like homemaking any time of year.  There's the regular cleaning, the laundry, the dishes, the floors and the like.  What makes fall homemaking unique for me is the feeling of nesting that I get as the breezes become cooler, the colors become warmer, and the days become shorter.  I want to open my windows more to let in fresh cool air.  I want to bring in the warmth of pumpkin oranges, maple leaf reds, and wildflower golds.  I want to snuggle up on the sofa with a good book at the end of the day as the darkness falls earlier and earlier. I also want to fill my home with the aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls with lots of butter, cinnamon, and sugar.  I do this every Friday morning.  I'm up at 4:00, measuring, mixing, rolling and baking.  Praise God, I have a Bosch mixer* that does the kneading for me.  My husband comes home from work around 6:30 a.m. and gets to enjoy a hot roll before making our deliveries. My h...

The Gathering Place is a miracle in the making. My husband, Lowell, and I have been caretakers for an estate just south of Carthage, Missouri since September 2009. Lowell and I have been praying for months about how The Big House could be used. It's big, beautiful, and spacious. The owners, the Richarts, just want to see it cared for and enjoyed. After much prayer, Lowell talked with Mr. Richart about using the house for events such as weddings, retreats, birthday parties, reunions, business meetings, and church activities. Mr. Richart agreed; and, the two came to arrangements. So, now we had a vision, a gathering place, and little money. So, we waited, talked and prayed. After many months, God stepped in and started making things happen. This blog will tell the story as well as give information about what we have to offer and the special events we have planned. If you're in the Carthage area, call (417) 358-0963 to arrange a tour and discuss how we can help you ma...

Salad Soup Anyone who has had a Saladmaster Health Salad knows that although it's delicious, sometimes you have too much of a good thing. Well, not really. Those veggies are vitamin packed and delicious. Sometimes you just need a different way to prepare them. Since specific measurements aren't important, it's a good way to use up leftovers. Use what you have on hand. Substitute, add, or leave out according to what you have or what you like. Cut up the following veggies on the #3 cone like you're making a salad: ½ green cabbage ¼ red cabbage a radish 2 carrots 1 onion 1 potato 1 chopped bell pepper Add: 15 oz tomato sauce 15 oz chopped tomatoes, plain or roasted garlic spices to taste I used about a teaspoon each of: basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Combine in a three quart saucepan. Cover. Medium, click, low. Simmer until spices have mingled; and, you're ready to eat. Sharing w...

The Gathering Place is now open for private events. Let’s take a little tour! Lowell and Laura Lane, your hosts. The foyer is a wonderful place to greet your guests. Use it as an overflow for the dining room, or use it for a display area. The room features white Alabama Marble flooring and a beautiful staircase… perfect for your bride to come down. The living room is our formal meeting room. It is large enough for a speaker and will seat up to 50. It is perfect for a small wedding. Bob and Jane Richart, the owners, told me they were married in front of the fireplace and it was perfect. The dining room can accomodate 2 for a candlelight dinner by the fire, or up to 18 for your reception. With the overflow of the foyer, we can seat up to 50 for a meal. I love the dining room! Well I hope this little tour gave you enough of a taste that you would like to come and see us and take a real tour. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! NOVEMBER 13, 2010 9am – 5pm Holiday Craft Show at The G...