Let's Go For a Walk #3

I walked all three of my dogs simultaneously this weekend and I didn't have much time to take photos as loitering really wasn't an option.  The geese didn't seem to enjoy their company, either!  So, I used the "felicity" texture from Kim Klaussen Cafe and added a bit of orange in Photoshop - I forget exactly how (I just kind of stumble bumble along) to the above photo to "fix" it.

I have always been taken with this statue, and have tried many times to capture it in a photo.   It reminds me of my children when they were little and would run on the beach causing the flocks of seagulls to scatter up into the blue sky.  For this reason, even though I still think I can get a better capture, I am submitting this to the "Creative Exchange".

And just the simplicity of things I rarely "see" the beauty of in the spring, summer and fall.  But on a dull winter day, the sunlight reflected of this ivy growing on a tree (is it ivy?) struck me as quite lovley.

Loved this burst of yellow... and they were cold this morning as it went below 32 degrees and supposedly a few flakes of snow fell... I didn't see any, though.

Rural Thursday #1, Creative Exchange, Friday Fences, Friday Flash 55 "No Commitment"

This will be linked with Friday Fences #19.  This is near Asheville, NC and taken last fall and I have linked the top photo with "Creative Exchange".

And a brand new challenge, "Rural Thursday #1".  This tomcat hangs out at an old mill where I buy fresh ground flour mixes.  One nice day, I opened my van door and Mr. Tomcat just hopped right in!  I picked him up and told him he had it made right where he was!

No Commitment

Ol' Tom's full of charm
rubbing my leg with a
feline smile, hoping
for a little lovin' in return.

Not promising much,
just willing to spend
a night, maybe two, before
he's off howlin' for  more
at another door.  His
gorgeous green eyes
honestly twinkle
"no commitment".

Perhaps that's why
I offer the porch instead.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, February 2, 2012

This is for Mr. Know-it-Alls' "Friday Flash 55", a story in 55 words, no more, no less.  (linking up after 8 pm every thursday evening)

 This mill is over 100 year old, and this angle, believe it or not isn't her "good" side.  As the traffic is busy around 4 pm, I am unable to safely walk along the side of road for the perfect location.  One Saturday morning I will drag my sorry self out of bed early and get a beautiful shot of this place and share a bit of its history with you.

I have also been interviewed over at "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Real Toads Interview"!  Thanks, Lolamouse for doing a wonderful job.  I am truly, truly humbled that you selected me.  So, hop on over if you get a chance, not necessarily to read about me but to check out this wonderful community of poetic encouragement.  Thanks IGWRT's for the honor!  

Imaginary Garden & dVerse - Open Link Night "Homemade Apple Dumpling" & 1796 Apple Dumpling Recipe

Homemade Apple Dumplings

Pudgy and warm
love lies in my hand
rolled, rounded, and
buttery sweet.

Above the serving tray
I loiter and hover,
inhaling an indulgence

as sprinkled cinnamon
teases my tongue. I ponder
the well known etiquette:

Politness dictates
I only take one...

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, December 12, 2011

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Linked to "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads" - "Open Link Night" and to "dVerse's" Open Link Night #22.

My daughters and I returned to Old Salem, NC this past Saturday.  This week I will be sharing photos from that day trip and evening lighting of the Christmas "tree".  I am linking the above photo to "Creative Exchange".

The recipe below is from "The Art of Cooking Made Plain and Easy" Hannah Glasse, 1796

To Make Apple Dumplings:


Make a good puff-paste (*), pare some large apples, cut them in quarters, and take out the cores very nicely; take a piece of crust, and roll it round each apple, and make them round like a ball, with a little flour in your hand; have a pot of water boiling, take a clean cloth (**), dip it in the water and shake flour all over it; tie each dumpling by itself, and put them in the water boiling, which keep boiling all the time; and if your curst is light and good, and the apples be large, they will take an hours's boiling; when they are enough, take them up and lay them in a dish; throw fine sugar all over them, and send them to table, have good fresh butter melted in a cup, and fine beaten sugar in a saucer.

*  Puff-Paste - Old Elizabethan Dessert Recipe:  


Take fine Flour half a Peck, the Yolks of five Eggs and one White, one Pound of Butter, half a pint of Cream and a little fair water, break your Butter in little Bits and do not mould it too much, but roul it aboard so soon as you can, and let the Butter be seen in spots, for that will make it hollow when it comes into the Oven, then put in your Meat or Fruit, and close it over, and wash it over with the Yolk of an Egg and Cream Beaten together, just when you set it into the Oven; let your Oven be quick, but do not let it stand too long, for that will spoil it.


** Instructions for boiling dumplings:


In boiled dumplings, take great care the bag or cloth be very clean, not soapy, but dipped in hot water, and well floured.  Make sure the water is boiling and move the dumplings in the pot now and then.

* * * * *

Don't you love the measurements (or lack thereof!) and the vague temperature, and that some knowledge of cooking is assumed in these old recipes.

I can't tell you how wonderful these dumplings smelled!  My girls and I are going to try these - but in our oven at home.  Can you even imagine cooking in that fireplace?

Sebastian - Creative Exchange & Poetry Jam "A Secret Preserved"

I know I have a horse blog (Just Horses) where I post most of my stuff about horses, but thought I would plunk these photos here today.  The photo below is for "Creative Exchange".   These three photos are of my 1/2 Friesian horse, Sebastian.  He and my Quarter Horse, Oberon (not pictured here) are my de-stressers!  I love spending time outside at the farm and trail riding I ADORE!  The horses and I "suffer" through ring work, but it is good for us.  If you click HERE, you will see my trainer, James Cooler, showing off without a saddle, bridle or halter!

And for those who enjoy poetry, I linked to "Poetry Jam" this week - the topic is "Past & Present. My entry is an old one written this past summer.  If you are interested, click on the link and I am number ten.