Falling Back Into Blogging and Autumn Joy!

3 years?! I cannot believe it has been that long since I wrote a blog post. I began blogging here and there in November of 2012. Life has been fast paced, full filling, challenging and never, ever dull. I think everyone can agree that 2020 has proven to be one of the most significant in our lives. I can assure you, this blog won't even scratch the surface of the current political scene. All you will see from me is how we enjoy our homestead, cherish family time, our love of travel and many ways to help you decorate, cook and clean on a dime. Below is a little update before I dive back in.....

This year, we tackled many projects, renovating a guest room, creating a remote learning classroom and improving our outdoor spaces. The highlights include projects that went along with our new adventures, building large raised bed gardens and raising baby chicks. Both of these projects have been incredibly rewarding and I highly recommend doing both if you have the opportunity. They brought ups and downs. We laughed when chickens escaped the brooder, we were saddened when we lost a chick from illness, we were amazed when our tomato plants produced hundreds of tomatoes, watched in wonder when we trellised cucumbers successfully and knew that running out of time to get squash plants in the ground meant we would have to try again next year. 

Here are a few photos of the true love for those days that passed by but taught us so much. 

Along with spending many weekends at a race track and enjoying our family love of motor sports we also found ourselves enjoying a lot of time on Maine's ATV trails, packing picnics and having fire side chats. All of those times seemed to pass in the gentle warm way that summer often does. The months were fruitful in many ways but it was September that brought my thoughts to preserving what I could with our bounty in the gardens. This past month I learned to make my Dad's Bread and Butter Pickles from the cucumbers we grew. I made the most delicious sweet and spicy relish from our zucchini, peppers and onions and most importantly, taught myself to can so that I could keep these goodies for months to come. I will share the relish recipe below, but that pickle recipe will stay tucked away for our family to treasure, if you were lucky enough to snag a jar when my Dad made them many moons ago,  the taste is locked into your memories. 

You won't regret making this, it's scrumptious. https://cravingsomethinghealthy.com/sweet-spicy-zucchini-relish/

One last little update before I share the fall salad that I go back to every year....

September also brought much joy as we entered into a full home school program with our daughter and we are LOVING this opportunity to spend more time with her and see her change and grow. To watch her curiosity and passion for math and science and help her work thru challenges with reading have been some of my best days this year. This new opportunity came along and we are thankful to be able to do this as we keep our business rolling, and full fill our duties to the community that we love. 

As I begin blogging, sharing tips, recipes and thoughts with you again, you'll be caught up on our little piece of the world. 

When fall hits and I see delicata squash at the markets, this salad comes to mind and I make is as soon as possible. A dear friend made this for me years ago and it has an everlasting way about it. The recipe calls for butternut squash, which I am sure is delicious but I highly recommend you try delicata squash if you have yet to. Delicata is a thin skinned squash so you can cut it in half, scoop out the indsides (save that for your chickens) and cut it anyway you choose and roast it. I like to make 1/2" slices. The skin get a little crispy and the flesh of the squash is soft and buttery. I also like to keep my apples cold and crisp. The balance of crunch and the warmth of the squash keeps me craving this all season long. Oh and the dressing....a maple goodness that feels illegal. I also sometimes add a spicy sausage to add protein and substance. 

Wanting to try it yet? Here you go....

https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/maple-roasted-butternut-squash-apple-salad/

More to come in the coming weeks...seasonal decorating, budgets, holiday prep and how I adopted Hygge as my word of the year and implemented it in our home. Until then....I hope your September brought you many joys and that you leap into October and embrace the fall season. 

Warmly, 

Jenn