Passing of the Seasons- How do you celebrate Spring?

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens


Today is the first day of Spring!  The Vernal Equinox

Translated literally, equinox means "equal night." Because the Sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world during the equinoxes.

I was awakened from a deep slumber this morning by a sound not heard in months- that of Robin-song.  Robins are often called the "First Sign of Spring".  Anyone who is familiar with their song knows that when they return home for the warmer weather- they think EVERYONE should get up with them each morning.  This particular Robin was perched on our porch rail outside the bedroom singing to his heart's content.    Karl didn't crack an eyelid.  Wish I could sleep like that.

So here I am - cup of coffee, little Rupert (mom's puppy we are watching for her)  snuggling by my side thinking about our family's special Rite of Spring.

When one thinks of Spring Traditions-  cleaning, planting, starting seeds, the first Robin- all signs of rebirth and reawakening.  Routines and things that put a "spring in your step", efforts that will be worthwhile in the months to come with a lush garden, pretty flowers, a clean home.

Unfortunately our Spring Rite is not something we look forward to- 

It is time to take the cats-  Cletus and Roscoe - to the vet.  DOM DOM DOM DOOOOMM!

Anyone who has met our twin kitties knows- they are loving, curious and usually very laid back specimens of the feline persuasion.   They are transformed into little lions when crammed in a carrier and taken to our sainted vets Diane and David McCracken.  Each year brings the dread of yowling, drooling, copious amounts of white shedded hair and battle scars on ourselves and the vet from simply trying to worm the kitties with a Drontal pill.   

Our wish for your first day of spring is to enjoy the sunshine, reflect on your blessings and pray for our safe return from the vet.

Ya'll asked for it- Mama Kathy's Cream Scones!

What a perfect way to spend a dreary afternoon- warm up the oven and fill your home with the scent of cream scones!  Then make yourself a cup of tea, cocoa or coffee and enjoy the rain.

MAMA KATHY’s CREAM SCONES

(Simple, Delicious and Surprisingly Light)

Preparation:

400 Oven (make sure oven rack is centered)

Baking Pan (Lined w/parchment or greased)

2 T. Melted Butter (for brushing tops)



Measure and Whisk together in large bowl:

- 2 C Whole wheat PASTRY Flour (or All Purpose flour if you cant find pastry flour.)

- 2 1/2 t. Baking Powder

- 1/2 t. Salt

- 1/4 C Sugar

(whisk in dried currents, raisins, cranberries, etc., if desired)


Add 1 1/3 C Cream, stirring just until dough begins to come together and cream has absorbed - it will be sticky. DO NOT try and cut calories by using Half and Half or milk – the scones will be dry and hard



Turn onto lightly flowered surface and knead a few times being careful not to overwork dough.


Pat and Shape gently into 8" circle with even thickness and smooth edges.

Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.



Cut into 8 or 12 wedges and transfer to baking sheet. You may also cut with biscuit cutter or other shapes.



Bake for 17 minutes or until golden brown.



Remove from pan and gently transfer to cooling rack.



You may add glaze if you wish after scones have cooled for a couple of minutes. I just make a glaze from juice of a lemon and confectioners sugar, adding sugar and whisking until I get a mixture that is thick but will still pour. I pour a dollop on each scone and spread with fingers. It will harden as scones finish cooling.




ENJOY and feel free to share any of your favorite recipes - email  haywoodhomestead@gmail.com

-  Shannon

Our First Ceilidh- Fun Irish Style!

Bobby Beer Goggles

Thanks to all of you who ventured out in Irish Weather to celebrate St Pattys with us!

Karl and I wanted to shake off the blahs after a long winter and we could not have done it without our friends!   We hosted our first Ceilidh- (thats Gaelic for house party)- and while the music tended more towards Bluegrass- the spirit of fun and fellowship made for a great time.

The gang was treated by  Karl and Andy doing their renditions of Lord of the Dance.  Andy's performance was a spirited, uninhibited example of how flexible and energetic youth can be.   Karls dance- well it can best be described as a beer -induced -mockery of Irish Step Dancing.  Both performances were appreciated as well as lending artistic authenticity to the Irish theme of the evening.  We are also so lucky to have so many folks who love to play and who tolerated my 3 chord Mandolin playing. 

I am proud to say everyone was responsible and had fun-  no grabbing the electric fence while bending over to puke- (you know who you are).   The only real chaos encountered was when Daisy got out of the dog lot.  You might imagine the havoc her happily wagging Great Dane tail caused on all of the beverage bottles in the pickin' circle.  Her doggie brain does not register that the whip at the other end of her body is responsible for such destruction.  Good thing we had the pickin' in the garage where the floor can be hosed down!

I must also celebrate the creative way our guests took the Irish theme for the potluck.  Man- what a way to eat!  We had the expected and yummy traditionals- sausages, potato soup, corned beef.   Judy brought an amazing Baileys Irish Creme pudding.  Marty got very creative and brought a box of Lucky Charms Cereal.

In keeping with our efforts to support local business-  John and Michelle contributed local Ale from Heinzelmännchen Brewery in Sylva.  Walter and Wendy brought some AMAZING ice cream from Ultimate Ice Cream Co in Asheville- who used their berries from Imladris.  Blackberry Ice Cream and Fresh Beer are the perfect pairing to cure the winter blahs!  We also enjoyed other home brews but the donators will not be mentioned to shield their identity in hopes they will continue to contribute quart jars of shine to the cause.

Reflecting back on our evening it makes me think-  before TV, facebook and internet- friends and family kept up by face -to -face contact.  No matter how technology propels us forward (some may argue backwards), it cannot replace the gratification one has in sharing a meal, catching up with old friends and making new ones, and enjoying music. 

We are truly blessed for our friends and family and feel grateful that so many would travel out in dreary weather to spend some time with us.


STAY TUNED !  I hope to soon publish my moms much requested Lemon Iced Currant Cream Tea Scone Recipe.

Dreams of the Mystery Machine..... Can a modern car fit a Great Dane?

Why in the world can't we build a vee-hick-el that can sip gas, last more than 5 years and oh yes- be large enough to fit a Great Dane?

As the dog pack and the 4 Runner both age, we are thinking ahead to a reliable, durable ride and let me tell you folks-  DE-PRESSING, though you can get great deals on Toyotas right now...  we have looked and researched and looked some more and what a hard pill to swallow- spending a lot of money on something that will ultimately be coated in mud and cat prints on the outside and dog hair and slobber on the inside.  

Then there is "The Hobby"

An automotive vice so evil and potentially damaging that purchasing a new car is out of the question.

You imagine off roading adventures or crazed hyper-milers- no folks- it is much, much more sinister.  PETA members stop reading now.

Let me paint a picture for you.  Anyone who has ever been to our home knows that our twin kitties - Cletus and Roscoe just love to crawl on and in any car to investigate. When we arrive home on cool days the kitties waste no time crawling on the hood to nap on the warm engine.  This has left hair, dirt and the occasional bloody animal part on the hood. 

Karl and I have discovered that if  you let the kitties get nice and comfy, when you hit the panic button on your remote keys that the resultant alarm scares the hell out of said kitties-  every time.  It is like watching a cartoon as they shoot straight in the air running....

we get good laughs but it is hell on a paint job.

I have contemplated tacking some carpet on the hood like I have seen my bear huntin' buddies do so their dawgs can find purchase. 

So if anyone has my dream vehickel out there - let me know!

Oh lordy Karl is going to build an Ornithopter!

Anyone who ever doubted that TV is evil- I now have proof.  Karl has just been inspired by a TV commercial to build an Ornithopter-  alas not inspired by DaVinci- the man with the vision- but a COMMERCIAL!  Even worse- he is not motivated to fly- but has hopes our neighbors will think he is crazy and keep their distance.

I had hopes today to wax poetic on the virtues of hard work- Spring is nearing and the snow is melting.  Karl and I spent the day cleaning the flower beds, mulching and doing a general cleanup of the garage.  The weather was beautiful and the honey bees were flying about looking for early blossoms.  We rest this evening with realization that we will definitely feel this tomorrow.  Somehow - I just don't think we will be able to stomach the Academy Awards.  Thirty minutes of "Karl-Mentary" on the events of the red carpet has ruint it fer me.  I guess I am off to work on my planting schedule and a cup of tea.

Searching for Signs of Spring

FINALLY!   the sun is out, the sky is blue, the snow is melting and I found a much needed sign of Spring!

Today I awakened in a despondant mood.  Stressed about the ongoing human drama amongst employees during a rough work week- I found it difficult to force myself into "weekend mode".  My cantankerous attitude drove my poor husband into the garage for solace.  While moping inside I had an epiphany- " It is only my own self that is allowing worries in the workplace to rob my happiness of this day.  I can't do anything until Monday so why am I worrying? " 

So I reached deep, found my inner Scarlett O'Hara, and decided  "I'll think about that tomorrow" .  I  grabbed the camera and forced myself outside, away from the looming paperwork, politics and crap we all have to deal with from time to time.

What did I find?  CROCUSES!  An tiny but to me a very monumental sign of spring after a very rough winter here in Haywood County.

So now I find myself thinking- "Work crap be damned- this is my weekend off and why am I allowing myself to be miserable?"

Nature has a way of helping me gain perspective.  In that little crocus is the hope that I planted last fall- the reminder that time marches on, that in spite of adversity (be it weather or difficult people) that the sun will shine again, things will warm, and flowers will bloom.

Perhaps it is why so many of us garden?  Nature does not grant us constancy in that everything we plant will grow- but allows us to hope that at least something will rise to bloom.  Each Spring will bring the promise of new life- in every faith, in every religion literally springs hope at this transition of seasons.

So with that nature reality check I lift my  face to the sun and give thanks that the cold winter is nearing an end and that no matter what the adversity that " this too shall pass"