Making Soft Yogurt Cheese......and a busy morning.

Good morning sweet ladies,

This morning we were woke by the phone ringing..............”I don’t know if they are your cows but there are 3 out on the highway on Sterling Road south of your place”. Nope.........they are not ours, but we know who they belong to (our son’s). Hurriedly we got dressed (don't think the world wanted to see me in my cotton rosebud nightgown) and we were out the door. Last night we had thunder, lightning and rain. That always throws the animals into terror....... some real people also. As we drove we spotted the rascals on the highway. Three of them.........one named Monster..........for good reason. Maybe if the boys would have named him a sweet name he would be a good little boy cow, generally called a steer.

My honey grabbed the tools.

The morning was perfect........cool, a slight breeze and sun shinning. The bullfrogs were all crocking and the birds were singing..........just beautiful. When we got to the steers.......we saw two trucks coming our way. Just in time I thought........to help. Smile. It just so happened that some friends of our son’s were bringing out some bee hives to put on the boy’s land. I wish I had had my camera at the time.......he had a new queen bee in this little container with some candy. He said when he puts it in the nest the workers  will eat the candy and get her out  Very interesting. Wish I could do that, but that will have to be down the road. Quite an investment I am sure. Andy said he would bring me some honey. Can’t wait will be a treat drizzled on some nice warm biscuits.  I didn't know that I was going to receive a gift of a jar of honey.......isn't the Lord amazing. Always blessing His children. Thank you Jesus.

The fence was down. Every year the county comes and mows the ditches. They always seem to take out part of the fence. They probably don't even know it.

Here are pic’s of the herd. Our son’s have started out small and building their herd up each year. Kind of fun to watch them. They think they are Bonanza guys......they call their dad Pa.........makes me giggle when they call and ask........for Pa. Love those boys. 

Here is monster.......he kept trying to lick my hand.

This is Ellies new Momma Cow. She has been bawling a lot because her baby was weaned from her........ poor Momma.

I thanked my God again for living on a farm. For giving me such a special morning. I had been interrupted from my Bible time......but it was okay.......I can always get back to that when I get home. I am sitting here under the blue sky.........not a cloud in the sky..... the cotton tree leaves rustling in the breeze...........Blessed.........and I know it and I am sooooo very thankful......to God........because He gave me this DAY and I will rejoice and be glad in it Psalm 118:24. Storing up memories before going back to the college kitchen. 

Yesterday I made some soft cheese using yogurt. I used this video. Easyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!  Oh my was it good. Had to show you how to make it. I promise it is sooooooo easy ladies. Takes hardly any time and it is so good. I toasted some sliced french bread........spread a little of the cheese and some of my strawberry/rhubarb jam. My farm girlfriend Gail has a yogurt maker. I think I need to price one. Anyway the cheese was so so good........had some fruit with........ and that was my lunch. 

This is what I got to do yesterday.....making easy yogurt cheese it was so easy.

Get all your ingredients.

Add salt to 2 cups yogurt.

Place sieve on top of bowl.

Place cheese cloth over sieve.

Pour yogurt mixture onto top of cheese cloth

Set on counter........wait for 6 to 12 hours.

After all the fluid is gone from cheese.......place in fridge for 1-2 hours. 

I spread some cheese on toasted french bread........sprinkled chopped basil and tomato over the top. Very good. You can also spread the cheese and strawberry rhubarb jam........also very good, I know I tried.

Here is a Video that you can watch..........so fun and soooo easy.

Tomorrow we are going to launch (Lord willing that the internet isn’t off again) our Building  A Home Wednesday. Simple........anyone that wants to join in can. I will have the instructions up tomorrow. I am really excited to see what the Lord has for us. It do not want this to be a burden. I want you to find Joy in building a Home for the Lord. It will be work, but that never hurts any one right? The fact we will be doing this together...the burden will be light..........can’t wait. I am soooooooo soooooo excited. We will become better encouragers along the way.

All you will have to do "if you want" is  to comment on my blog or send a email with "Building a Home" in the subject as if you have anything to share. There will also be a linky on the bottom of my post every Wednesday and you can link up at anytime of the week to your blog, if you have something to share with all of us.  I am trusting this will let ladies be able to visit one another and encourage each other as we work with the Lord and as  “He Builds our Homes”. WE don’t want to start without Him, I am hoping we will find helpful hints along the way on  time management, understanding of the scripture, what the Lord is teaching us, decorating tips, homemade household cleaning agents, the sky is the limit ladies. Each lady will have opportunity to share what is going on with their own walk in what the Lord.  God can use us in a mighty way........I know it.........and I can’t wait to see what He is going to be doing in our lives. You will start out at your own pace and if you would rather do this quietly by yourself.......please feel free........ there is never any pressure here on this blog..........know you are loved sweet ladies.

I just heard the mail lady come up the lane.........there is a box.......a big box addressed to me.......from Susan......a follower...she said to be expecting something in the mail...........I will share what is inside tomorrow. I am so humbled by you ladies, your emails, gifts, flower seeds and just YOU being YOU!

Hugs and trust you all had a wonderful weekend. 

Blessings,

Linda

Memorial Day and Family

Hello sweet ladies,

Martha Stewart

I know that today many will be remembering their love ones who are not with anymore....... as you go to the cemetery. We will be going also and putting flowers on the graves of our loved ones. Bittersweet for all. I just spent some time praying for all who read my blog. I know for some it will be a hard day of remembering. Remember that God is close to the broken hearted. Isaiah 61:1. Trust that that will give you some comfort. 

If you make these you are in for a treat.............I am not kidding!

We call them 

"Better than a Ding-Dong"

and they are!!!!!!!!!!! Your family will love you...........MORE! Not really.........smile.

Today we will be having family coming out to the farm. It will be a peaceful day........kids running around.......not sure if fishing is on the agenda.........but we will be baking these yummy cupcakes for sure.......for them to taste. I don't remember if I have put up this recipe or not..........it is the best. It might look hard, but it is not. Promise. Try it and tell me if they are not going to be your favorite.

I will also be out in my garden getting some much needed planting done. It has been to cold around here to get my seeds in like I wanted so just waited for some warmth. Some of the garden is really doing well though. Can't wait for that first juicy tomato.  Today will be in the 90's.........that part I do not like. Know I will be thinking of and praying you will know that someone cares......MEEEEEE!

Praying for our grandbabies.......what will America look like when they are older?

Ladies please keep America and our Service men and woman in your prayers.........there is a battle raging in America for her freedom. It breaks my heart to see what is happening in our country. We have gone our own way and don't seem to need God anymore........may He never take His hand of protection off us. Also pray for the protection of Israel, they are God's chosen people. 

  God is speaking to Abraham. " I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Genesis 12:2-3.

Enjoy your day..........getting this post up before my internet provider doesn't work. 

Linda


P.S. Welcome new followers..........you have been noticed........by me!!!!!!!! So glad you are here.

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!

Good morning sweet ladies,

You may use this scripture picture if you like. Psalm 1 1-3.

Starting Friday evening and all day Saturday it was a time full of blessings. Seven boys ages 12-13.........were having a cook out.......sleeping in the refuge cabin...giggling all night..........riding small dirt bike.......... all over the farm, fishing at Peace Creek (a name I love, because when you are there it is totally peaceful). I wasn't with the whole time, but when I was I sat and watched. My grandson is now 13........and learning to be a man of God. For his birthday he wanted to come to the farm...........I wasn't surprised........he loves it here. He wanted Grammies chocolate cake that was easy.  Precious!  I watched him with his friends as he interacted. Chan has strong convictions of right and wrong. He has been trained well by his parents.......... to live for Jesus. Again.......perfect.......no.......but he is learning and that is what counts. Chan this post is for you..........and Poppa and Grammies prayer is that you would walk in a manner that is worthy of the Father......that you would be like a tree planted.........by streams of water. Strong not in your own might, but in the power of the Lord.  I have also noticed when there is something inappropriate in your path.........you look the other way. That is character..........and the Lord notices and it is pleasing to Him. Keep running the race my sweet grandson.......it will be worth it in the end. You will receive the prize.........eternal life..........with the Lord.........all the days of your life. It is so worth it..........to live for Him here........Chan. Know you are loved by your family.........a lot.

This is our prayer for you Chan,

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

 to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 

strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and long suffering with joy;

 giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;  In Jesus name, Amen

Colossians 1:9-12

Blessings and may you have a wonderful weekend,

Linda

P.S. the internet is off again.......going to be a long weekend. Smile it could come back on as fast as it went off. Weirdest thing. Please pray they would get things fixed. Thank you.

If you would have gone to the Amish Yoder Chicken Auction with

Good morning sweet ladies,

Oh my it was sooooo much fun at the Yoder Chicken Auction wish you all could have been with. The first thing I did was to pick up my ticket. Sorry I didn't get a pic, the ladies were all set up with table and chairs in a horse trailer. Cuteeeeeee~

Linda, my  Mary Jane Farm friend and another new friend Georgia made at the auction. 

 I touched base with Linda my Mary Jane Farm/Prairie Flower Farm friend. Here is a pic of her and another friend we met there at the auction, (Georgia on the right). Linda was a delight. I enjoyed listening to a California girl as she enjoyed every little part of the auction. Living it through her thoughts was one of the things I will always remember. She had a little girl that was by her and I said, "do you know this little girl" and Linda said no.......the little girl acted like she had know Linda forever. I think that is it in a nutshell on who Linda is.........when you meet her....... it is like you have known her forever. Thank you Linda for taking the time to come and meet in Yoder. It was a day I will never forget. You are one of the "sweet ladies"!!!!!!!!

I left the trailer and started looking around...........they had 5 or 6 rows about 200 ft. long with nothing but.........EVERYTHING a farm girl would want on her farm. I mean everything. I only had a certain amount of money and I would not go over it. I ended up only spending $1.50. I'll show later. 

As I walked the auction to look things over before it started I saw these ducks........about 5 stuffed in a cage. They quacked me up...okay pun not funny. I could only imagine what they were thinking. Made me giggle for sure. 

Here are some of the sights I saw. 

I named him "Wilber".........our boss Q went with to see what he could maybe find for his farm...........he wanted to just be able to say that he bid on Wilber. He didn't end up doing so, he was afraid that he might have to come home with him and he would have been in so much trouble with his honey. 

They had a box of "tons" of little and I mean little quail eggs........and there were lots of quails at the auction. It was funny because a young man at the end of the day was taking the baby quails out of the pen to put into his pen and one flew out. To see grown men and children running around looking under trucks was a sight to remember.

Baby quail

How could you resist this adorable face?

Billy kept trying to lick my hand. He would turn his head through the stall and stick his tongue out..........silly old goat. He was huge and I mean hugeeeeeee. 

lots and lots of chickens..........I didn't buy a one. I have 42 little ones in the incubator already........but it sure was tempting. 

The auction was ready to start..........now the fun really begins.

I actually kept up with the fast bidding. I was on top of things. That makes it a little more fun if you can understand them. The day was sunny, but not hot and the wind was just a little breezy......it  kept us cooled down. 

This was my big purchase. $1.50. I was happy........it's for the grandkids to have a handy tool box when we work on the tree house. They will like. 

One of my favorite parts of the auction...........was family........loved watching the children and Momma's and Daddy's interact with each other. I also saw some of the Amish and Beachy I knew. That was a treat also. 

Time to go HOME

It was a fun day to be had by all, but you know what..........I didn't get my pie. They only had cream pies........which I like, but I so wanted that Strawberry Rhubarb pie. Guess I will have to make my own or wait until the month. Hope you enjoyed the pic's. 

If you want to make one for yourself....super easy and delicious!!!

Hugs from my farm to your home, 

Linda 

P.S. We have 7 boys under the age of 13 with our son and daughter in love staying in the Refuge Cabin..........blessing this Grammies heart. 

Father, I thank you for the little things that make life a blessing. You knew way back that my prayer for a place of refuge was going to be more then I ever dreamed it could be.  Because you were the one that put it in my heart so many could be blessed.  You are an amazing God and I love you for always being there even when life throws us hard things. Help us to be faithful when we want to be faithless. 

In the name of Jesus, Amen

Todays the Yoder Chicken Auction and meeting a Mary Jane Farmgirl

Okay...........this is really getting old........our internet went off and on at least 8 times........and finally off at around 4. I called the young man (he is now my best friend because we've talked so many times, he said oh yes I remember you.......it was good that I had been nice before) and he said all was a go. Wrong..........it went off AGAIN. I am trying to be patient, but I guess the Lord has a little more work to do........well really "A LOTTA" work to do with me. Smile. I really am not mad, just very very frustrated. It is on so I am going to hurry and get a post up. I have to say since I have started this post.....it has gone off and on again. Grrrrr! 

This is what I will see.........I took this pic some time back...........adorableness wouldn't you say?

Today is the day to go to the YODER CHICKEN AUCTION and I am soooooo excited. There will be I will take lots of pic's for you so you can feel like you have been there your self. Okay for fun........tell me what kind of pie you would eat.  We will see which pie gets the vote. I luvvvvvvv strawberry/rhubarb. So does everyone else in Kansas......... so I will have to hurry and buy a piece as soon as I get my ticket........that's my auction ticket. I love this part. It means I can bid on something and I really like to bid......but only until a certain amount. I come up with a price and I hardly ever go over. I am a cheap girl and never buy anything for very much. It is sooooo much fun though. Wish all of you who read my blog could come with me. Wouldn't that be a hoot........all of us ladies descending on the auction? I would love it. There will be Fancy or English and Plain all in one place. Older English gents with their forever sweethearts........ he will be dressed in his "town" (as my honey's Momma would say......Grandpa would dare not go to town in anything else) overalls and her in her worn calico dress. For sure there will many Amish men with their long beards and dressed in his hand stitched  blue pants sewn by his wife. White or black bonnets will be seen in the huge crowd that will be there. Lots of children running around with their yellow straw hats for the boys and adorable girls in their bonnets and all in there bare feet.  It is such a fun time and I will enjoy my day. I will be caging up some of my roosters. I really need to get rid of them. Oh and don't forget.....let me know what kind of pie you would buy.

Yesterday I went to check on my peas....... for some reason I  do not have one "sweet pea" that has bloomed yet....... not sure why, but the snow peas are being formed. Tressy was with and noticed a long pod. How did I miss that when I looked the day before? I was so excited and here is the pic. Look at how amazing it is. Things like this really bless my heart.....guess I think how blessed we are as a people that the Lord would love us so and provide food for our table........whether we buy from the store or grow it at our HOMES. Quite a gift I would say........oh and thank you Lord.

Click picture so you can get a better look.

Can you see Sophie our kitty in the background.........notice her lounging with her little paws on the side of the cage. I think she thinks all 16 baby chicks are hers. She sits all tucked in this place all the time. Need to clean the cage again.........they are the _ _ _ _ingest little chicks. Sophie is quite content wouldn't you say?

Went out to do the chores for the day..........I saw Miss Gracie sitting on her nest down in the milk barn. She has a nest she has made on the backside of the little chicks cage. 

Last night I was cleaning up in the kitchen. I heard this ruckus out the kitchen window. There was Shelby........taking her roost. She doesn't like to be around the other chickens. She has been a loaner since she came to live on the farm. We just let her go where ever she wants. Her favorite place to roost is in the evergreen tree, but I have not had her roost right out the window. It was one of those sweet treats to end my day. 


Today I will be meeting up with a "blogger friend"...........who will meet me at the auction. She is also a Mary Jane Farmgirl. I think it will be another blessing and I am soooooo excited......... God is so good.........life has it's huge challenges and some can be overwhelming................it is nice to take little break and enjoy the sweet things the Lord sprinkles into our days. 


I have not forgotten all you sweet ladies who want to come together.........with the storms and not having internet it has been hard to do anything. Keep cleaning, reading and meditating on the word........ I will also. I have been going through things and throwing, putting aside for the yard sale.......and giving to the goodwill. 

P.S. remember I said that my grandson turned 13 the other day.......well the Refuge Cabin will be being used this weekend by his family. Our oldest son called the other day because Chandler wanted to come to the Refuge Cabin. They have 5 in their family and they are inviting 3 other boys. Chan wanted Grammie to make a chocolate cake for his birthday.........I am making this. It is now our favorite. We found it while working at the college. It is the best!


Rich Mocha Cake


Try it if you haven't already. 

Hugs and prayers, 

Linda

What A Week........Life One day At A Time.

Good morning sweet ladies,  hope this gets out to you all. We have had the internet down about 4 times this morning. They must be working on it or something...not fun in my book.

I had to show you this precious picture of Ellianna and her sister. Ellianna is home now and getting loved on as you can see. Have you seen anyone so precious? One little bundle of love all wrapped up for her family to enjoy. I saw this and just had to show you .......new it would make you smile.  Thought you would enjoy. Keep praying..........and know that the family is so grateful. Here is Hannah's blog...........Choosing Hope...you could leave her some love, if you would like. Please tell her that you are coming from Prairie Flower Farm so she knows, thank you. She is a precious young Momma......love her like my own. 

If you have a little one that needs prayed for.......or anyone for that matter......let us know and we will pray.

What a ride Kansas and all the other midwest states have been enduring the last few days. So many deaths and stories. Tornados are not fun. I kept thinking as the storm was coming for us and my heart felt sick we could lose the whole farm. We live on a very old farm and the buildings don't need any more damage then they already have. When the high winds come you cringe. For some...... living and working on a farm may sound glamourous, but that is not always the case. I love the life style, but it is hard work. We do not have a storm cellar to go down into as some farms have. They are very expensive so we have to figure out who's farm we are going to go to that does. I know that so many farms have been totally destroyed and to have ours still standing was truly a blessing. North of our place about 10-15 miles there was a tornado. We literally saw the two storms split above our farm. 

The winds were 60-65 miles just the back drafts. We saw the wind coming from the south with dust flying up in the air even though it had been raining. Emotions get to raging inside you as you think you could lose everything in one swoop. 

As the clouds and storm rolled in the sky was incredibly dark. 

So thankful the Lord has my families best in mind, even if that were to happen. He does not change and uses EVERYTHING that comes in our life for our perfection. Not always a fun thing and some of you who are reading my blog know what I am talking about. You find yourself praying for safety all the time when there is bad weather. Thank you soooooo for the prayers and leaving notes of encouragement. Even though I didn't have internet at different times it was sweet to read your prayer needs and the kindness you were showing our family (when I would be somewhere to get on). THANK YOU doesn't seem to express my gratitude. As I have said before, I am so blessed to have you ladies daily in my life. God has been so good to me. With life challenges you are all a breath of fresh air and major sunshine to my days. 

Tress took this pick of myself with my new little blue cochin chick........isn't it the sweetest? I have three.......if the test I do by holding them upside down by their feet is right, it looks like I have two girls and a boy......just what I wanted. I think I need to do a video of this for you sometime so you can see what it looks like. It is really amazing and I do the test two times and it always seems to do the test every time. 

Hugs from my farm..........trust your day is going well, 

Linda

P.S. I have internet now........but doesn't mean I will have it later. I will stay in touch though.

Oh and thank you for the all the new followers........you have been noticed........by me.

Electricity........But Nooooooo INTERNET

Hello sweet ladies..........

this will be short. I am at a place where they have internet. Just wanted to check in and see how you are all doing if you live in an area that had the huge storms that came through. I hope all are okay. We were praying for safety. It was a really had day and evening. 

 We have pictures of the ones that came through here.......but it is to hard to put them up at this time. We had electricity last night so the little chicks and eggs seem to be fine. I would have been so sad to lose all the 42 fertile eggs. Out of the 48 that is pretty good. I candled all of them and little eyeballs can be seen with a flash light in a dark room 96 EYEBALLS and God let me see. Isn't that amazing?

Well ......hope we can get internet soon. I like it when I feel like part of the world.......internet sure does that.

Still am thinking of the Word, Retaining it and Building a HOME. I have an idea......but with the internet out it will have to wait.

Hugs to you all and know that I am talking to the Lord about you!

Linda

Without Electricity Another Storm Coming

This is just a quickie post. It is almost 10 on Tuesday night.

Just stopped in while we are in another town........ 2 times today when high winds came through our farm we have lost electricity. Winds blowing 65-70 miles...........not fun. Another storm coming in a few hours. We are still without electricity and don't know when we will get it back. Please continue to pray and thank you to those who have been. I have eggs in the incubator and the tiny baby chicks. I will warm up some rice on the top of our stove and put the rice in a sock.Then lay the sock in with the baby chicks. A friend told me to try.  Hope it works. 

Praying for everyone that might be having storms. Circulation was going on north of our town. To  close for me!!!!!!

God Bless You!!!!!!!

Hugs, Linda