A MINI VACATION

Last week DH and I went to visit his sister Sandy and her husband Brian for a couple of days. We had a great time seeing all the beautiful gardens, their horses and eating all the great food that was prepared for us. We visited some local antique shops in Bancroft and a primitive shoppe called "The Old Tin Shed" that was full of some great treasures. They sent us home with lots of raspberry bushes that we planted the day we got home. We are looking forward to another trip next year.

Horses enjoying their hay

Sandy's wood burning cook stove

Sandy and I admiring the freshly dug sweet potatoes

Sandy and I walking up to the "The Old Tin Shed" primitive shoppe

Sandy and I on the porch of the Old Tin Shed

The Old Tin Shed Primitive Shoppe

SIL and BIL, Sandy and Brian digging some raspberry bushes for us to take home

A GATHERING OF FRIENDS

Last night we had our Quilting Friends gathering at our friend Linda's log home. What a gorgeous log home too, nestled in the woods. What a great dinner she made for us. She served us a wonderful salad, then asparagus fritatta, whole grain fresh bread, potato bakes, chicken and pork. For desert we had a choice of banana loaf or peach cobbler. I think we all chose both. Oh yes, some great beverage choices too, red or white wine, or cider. We all enjoyed a delicious meal then we all got some sewing done.

Our friend Shirley surprised us all with a binder for each of us and she had stickers made that said "Quilting Friends recipes". Everytime we have dinner at one another's homes, we always ask for the recipes, so this way we can all stay organized. What a great idea. The next gathering is at my place so I had better start planning.

APPLE CIDER FESTIVAL

Today was a beautiful day here on Southern Ontario, so DH and I decided to go to the Egmondville Ciderfest. There was so much to see, from Pumpkin displays, rug hooking, rug braiding, quilting, and beading. There was fresh apple fritters too and we had to try some of those..........delicious! There was also lots of home baked pies, butter tarts, jams and jellies, and apple cider too. It was just interesting walking around the historic property and touring the historic home.

Apple Fritters

Hot Apple Cider on an open fire

Bayfield Berry Farm selling baked goods and berries

Pumpkins for sale

Pumpkins and Gourds

Old Washing Machine (this was actually working)

Old Wash Tubs

Demonstrating Baling Hay

Egmondville Historic home

Historic bedroom

ANOTHER FANTASTIC DINNER

Last night DH and I were invited to another fantastic dinner at Sandie and Henry's home (THE HOLLOW CUPBOARD).  Henry makes the BEST barbequed ribs. Sandie made a wonderful pasta salad that was a great compliment to the ribs. We had lots of corn on the cob, cucumber salad, baked potatoes, and crusty bread. To finish the meal, we had home made apple pie with ice cream. Needless to say we were stuffed after eating such a good meal. Sandie and Henry's neighbor Bev also joined us for dinner. It was great meeting her too as she is also a quilter. If you haven't visited the website of THE HOLLOW CUPBOARD, you should take a peak. Sandie and Henry sell the most awesome early goods and antiques. Their website address is: http://www.thehollowcupboard.com

Table setting

Delicious Pasta Salad

Henry's wonderful barbequed ribs

Pasta salad and corn on the cob

Henry, Stan, and myself

Bev and Henry

Apple Pie

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Chicken, corn on the cob and .............. Puff Ball! This is what we had for dinner tonight. DH and I always look forward to these each year around this time. They grow at the edge of our woods and they taste a lot like mushrooms. You must pick them when they are white, just at the right time or they are not good. This one was so big, I only used half of it. They can get to be the size of basketballs. I peel it, cut it into small pieces, and then fry it in butter then add a little sea salt. They are delicious! If you haven't tried one, you might like to.

~Janet

THRILLED TO HAVE WON

First off, I would like to thank everyone who posted all the thoughtful and heartwarming comments on my blog after my cat, Tigger passed away last week. It has been a tough few days. We really miss him.

On another note, I am very thrilled to have won the Pumpkin doll from Brenda's give away. Brenda's blog is the Rusty Thimble. Thanks Brenda. I am really looking forward to her arrival and I have a special place all picked out in my home for her. I hope everyone is enjoying the Labor Day weekend.

Janet

A SAD DAY

Today is a sad day. We lost another member of our family. Our 17 year old cat "Tigger" passed away last evening. Tigger was such a special cat. He always seemed to care for other cats on the farm when they were not feeling well. He was the last remaining cat from a litter of five that were born on our farm 17 years ago. Tigger lived in our barn until last January when we brought him into our house to live due to his age.  He adapted very well to living in the house, quite a change from mousing in the barn and sleeping in the hayloft for all those years. He loved sleeping next to our wood stove last winter. He also loved sharing the couch with DH. He will be missed very much.

HOLLY MICHIGAN

Last Saturday I had to judge a horse show in Allegan Michigan, so I stopped into Holly Michigan and had a visit with Dawn of Holly Hills Primitives. I was overwhelmed with all of the great things Dawn had in her shop. She had it decorated so perfectly! She must have spent hours and hours getting it to look that good. The very back of her store was done up like a log cabin........I could have moved right in. Dawn had so many hand made unique primitive dolls and other autumn things. It is so nice to go somewhere and not see the same things you see in other shops. The shop also smelled wonderful. I didn't want to leave. If you ever get a chance to visit Holly, make sure you pop in and see Dawn. You won't be disappointed. She will be glad to see you. Dawn is thinking of having a Blog gathering in the near future too. To visit her Blog go to http://hollyhillsprimitives.blogspot.com