Winter of our discount tent

The sun is coming up over the tree line in the east.  It's all pink and orange.  The days are getting so short now.  Once we change the clocks, it'll seem even shorter.  The sun is up about 8 am and goes down by 6. 
We had our first snow on Tuesday and Wednesday.  It's melted now, except for the remnants of my son's snowball.  He's hoping it lasts all winter.

Our Newfie loves the snow and would rather sleep in it, than in her new straw in the doghouse.

A few things are left to do to get ready for the winter.  Some posts for a new corral, more barn cleaning (always), insulating windows, doors and floors, and a couple of rafters to go on the new roof my honey has been working on. 

Then...time to get serious about getting some Christmas gifts done.  That's work I love to do.

Lord help us this day to please you and make you smile. 

Rendering Lard

In the oven??  On the stove?? I think I prefer on the stove. 
A man my husband works with, gave him a bunch of pig fat and asked if I would render it for him.  In return, he gets one jar and we get the rest.  What a blessing.
We don't raise pigs, (yet), so this is really helpful.  I use lard in all of my baking and in my goat milk soaps.
I cut the fat into small pieces, place in a roasting pan, keep the oven between 250 and 300.  Stir this occasionally so it doesn't stick and to help it liquify faster.Once it is all melted, check the temp to make sure it's above 212.  Strain and pour into jars and seal.
This oven method takes longer than putting it on the stove, so I'm doing the last of it on top of the stove.  You might want to pull out the cracklins(pieces of pork) from time to time.  I'm not fond of these, but some people like them.
Sit down today and count your blessings.  Don't let the cares of this world overcome you.  Christ has overcome the world.

Hay Ride

Well, just about all of the leaves have fallen from the trees, already.  They turned, we looked, they fell.  Nevertheless, we've had some beautiful weather.  It's been chilly, but sunny and the sky's been brilliant.
Hayride time.  Brrrrr. We went on Saturday and it seemed the longer we were out, the stronger the wind blew and the colder it felt---but it was beautiful.

Some of the trees with their leaves still intact.

We stopped to roast hotdogs.

A lonely maple still clothed in yellow.

Okay, so it's a tractor, no horses.  Still, such a nice day.  And a big thank you to Bob for taking us on this trip.

Answers to Prayer

Update to my prayer request .  Things are going much better, still not resolved, but God will do that.  This will all be to His glory.

Thank you so much for your prayers.

Super Snacking

Is it just my children, or are yours constantly hungry?  I don't remember eating this much when I was their age,(selective memory??).  Now that things are just about done in the garden, I'm putting up snacks for my hungry hordes.The  Pumpkin Chips recipe is one that I'm still planning on using.
Roasted sunflower seeds are another that I make for snack.  I soak the seeds in salt water, overnight, drain.  Place on a cookie sheet. sprinkle with sea salt and put in the oven at 250 for as long as it takes to get them crispy.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are one of our favorites.  Scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin, I do this by hand as it gets less pulp this way.  Take off as much excess pulp as you can.  Spread them on a cookie sheet.  Dot with butter and sprinkle with sea salt.  Roast at 250 until crispy.
How about Corn Nuts ?  I dry some of my corn every year and this year I'm going to try these.  Soak dried corn in cold water for about two days.  Drain and pat dry.  Heat oil to 375.  If a test kernel bubbles and rises when tossed in, it's ready.  Put 1/2 cup of corn in the oil and cook until a nice shade of golden brown.  Test to make sure they are crunchy and not chewy.  Drain well. Sprinkle with salt, or seasoning of  your choice.  This recipe is from "Down to the Roots" magazine, a terrific read.
And then there's the ever popular Dried Apples .  Thinly slice apples.  I sometimes don't even bother coring them if they're right off of our trees. Place on cookie sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Place slices on drying racks.  Dehydrate until crunchy and leathery.

Well, there are some ideas.  Soon you'll be rivaling the convenience store down the road. I'm sure you have many more and I can always use some new ideas.