Egg In My Pocket, Not A Good Idea!

Not very smart!!!!!

Hello!!!!!!!!

It is sun shining outside TODAY! I love all the SEASONS, but I do like it when one season is finished and the next one is starting to show it's self! Today is like one of those days and I am so excited! Well, as some of you know I love to go out in my night clothes and gather my eggs. Only when it is warm though. Today it is warmer then it has been so out I went. I had on my sweatshirt, nightgown and pj bottoms. Quite the sight I must say. Anyway I decided to move one of my chicks, that I had in our little milk barn to the big chicken coop. She is such a sweet and very very tame. I moved her in and stayed around to make sure that the big girls wouldn't bug on her. They are kind of bossy that way when a new girl gets introduced. She did fine, but I will have to check on her through out the day. I saw that one of my girls had laid an egg, so I put it in my pocket. I forgot that it was in there. When I came into the house I noticed that someone had left the door open to my cupboard and Cassie our oldest daughters cat was in it. I bent down.............. to get her out. I still wondered what it was. Duh!!!!! I went into the kitchen and said to the girls, "I can't figure what just got on me". I am a little slow. Yuk!!!!!

I remember one time when I was a young girl homesteading with my parents in Alaska. My Mom needed some eggs, so my Dad put me behind him on our horse. We road over to my Grandparents house to get the eggs. For some reason I put them in my pocket. Not sure why I did that! We did not make it home with whole eggs. Guess I am a slow learner.

Happy Spring ladies!

It is almost here. Tell me what the weather is like in your area. Hope it is pretty like it is here. We hardly had any sun it seems this last winter. I really need some sun!!!!!

I am planting some seeds today. I will let you see what I did tomorrow. Are you planting any seeds in the house? I just love to see the little green sprouts coming up.

Blessings,

Linda

A Special Day For Momma!

An act of "Love" lived out by 3 precious young ladies in my life!

We do not have a bathtub in our home, only a shower. Now I am thankful for the shower, but I have always loved bathtubs. Our friend Alicia who we adopted as one of our own kids has a new home (renting from our middle son Josh and his wife Tonya). She lives right next door to my Grandchildren! Can you get better then that? Alicia invited my girls over for a fun night on Saturday. They all cooked up a "Spa Afternoon for Mom" after church yesterday, just for me. We all went to her church together. It was really a wonderful sermon on the talents. As I was listening and gleaning from the sermon, I had no idea what the Lord had in store for my day. Three sweet young ladies where going to give me such an act of kindness that I would never forget and nor would the Lord. He was watching as they served me. After the sermon we went out to Alicia's home. They greeted me with a beautiful glass filled with homemade Blueberry Lemonade. Then they made me close my eyes. Tressa and Taylor put two different fragrances of Bath and Body for me to choose from. Mmmmmm num! Then they scurried back to the bathroom. Then they all entered the room. Alicia had towels wrapped over one arm (now that was cute) to where I was sitting and said, "Welcome to our spa!" They led me to the bathroom.

1. When I entered the bathroom it had a beautiful tray of fruit, cheese, pistachio nuts, candies and brownies. There were candles lit everywhere and beautiful stemmed roses along the side of the tub, so pretty. I had so much time to relax and reflect thanking my God for my precious girls.

2. I left them a love note in the bubbles. Heehee. That was so fun! I can't even relax in a bath tub with bubbles and not create!!!!!

3. Then I was off to the next part of my spa. A pedicure!!!!!! Now that is love!!!! They had an area all set up for me to sit and get my feet done. Can you believe it? Talk about sweet!!!!

4. They had rocks, rose petals, salts and warm warm water. Lovely!!! I know that is Alicia's word, but my word for today! They put on a Chonda Pierce video on that was fantastic! We laughed and cried. Then they......................

5. ......... placed my feet into the water, which had Arbonne Aromassestials Unwind Bath Salts and rocks on the bottom. I soaked for what seemed like forever. They would continue to put warm water in the pan. Lovely! Then they rubbed my feet with Arbonne Aromassestials Awaken Sea Salt. After they got them all scrubbed and massaged they put on this wonderful Mentha Foot Tingling Cream from C.O. Bigelow all over my feet. It was wonderful! Who needs a professional pedicure, when you have family that loves you? It was such an act of humility, kindness, service, honor and love. I thought of when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He humbled himself to teach these men service. I am thinking about who is in my life, that I needs to have their feet washed. That doesn't mean we just have to wash feet, it could be acts of kindness also.

6. Thought you might like to have the recipes of the desserts they served me. They are so tasty and maybe you could do what was done for me to someone you love.

Blueberry Lemonade

1 cup plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

2 cups water

1 pint fresh blueberries

1−1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about

10 big lemons, including pulp but not seeds)

First make a simple syrup by combining 1 cup sugar and water in a saucepan

over medium heat, stirring until the mixture boils. Lower the heat and allow

the syrup to simmer for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool. In a

blender or food processor, puree the blueberries with 2 tablespoons of

sugar. In a pitcher, combine the cooled syrup, lemon juice and blueberry

puree. To serve, pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of base into a glass and fill with

water. Makes base for 12 servings.

Brown Sugar Bars

1 box yellow cake mix
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbl butter, melted

2 Tbl honey
2-3 eggs

1 c. chocolate chips

opt. 1 cup chopped nuts

Mix cake mix, brown sugar, butter and eggs.

Batter will be very stiff! Stir in chocolate chips and spread

in a jelly roll pan. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes.

Cherry Swirl Brownies

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chopped well-drained maraschino cherries
1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
1 egg
1 box brownie mix

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom of 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with

shortening or cooking spray.
2. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, cherries,

cherry juice and 1 egg with spoon; set aside.
3. Make brownie batter as directed on box, using water, oil and

eggs--except spread half of the batter in pan. Spread cream cheese

mixture over batter. Spoon remaining batter on top; spread gently to cover.
4. Bake 39 to 49 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches

from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely,

about 1 hour, before cutting. Store covered in refrigerator.

I am doing better. I am thinking of new goals for my life. Spend more time with my honey and girls, is at the top of the list. That will be fun for sure!

Please remember to sign up for the drawing! Scroll down to the Market Bag, only 2 1/2 more days. I can't wait to see who wins!!!!!

If you want to leave a comment of a day that someone loved on you, please do. Maybe we could all learn some new ways, that we can touch people that are in our lives. I love stories!!!!!

Love you all for the sweet comments you left over the last few weeks. They encouraged my heart so much. I will always be so grateful for you all at this time of grief. The Lord noticed!

Blessings,

Linda

Poppa's Flag

I write with such gratitude to every one of you precious ladies. You were such an

encouragement to my family and sister during this really rough time. I know I have said that before, but we truly are so thankful that so many of you wrote to tell us you were praying. We truly felt the prayers of His people. The funeral was incredible. One thing stood out to our patriotic family though. We sat in front of Poppa's casket and draped over it was the American Flag. That was when our whole family lost it in emotion.Two young Navy men dressed in uniform stood before us and folded the flag in front of our family. It was truly the most precious time for all of us. One of the men kneeled before my sister and I and said the message above. Like I say our family loves our country with all heart and it made us proud to be an Americans.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance."

Psalm 33:12 This scripture has been a prayer for my family.

This is a picture of our littlest grandson from last year. It pictures how even a little one can love the flag. After the funeral "everyone" of our grandchildren had to hold the flag. Like I said it was a very special part of the celebration of letting go of our Poppa to the Lords care and know that without a shadow of a doubt we will be with him again. The grandchildren were crying and so Itold them that we would make a memory flower garden on the farm for Poppa. One little one said, "And we can have a flag! Life goes on doesn't it."

My heart is not hurting as it was after my Dad died. I was so tired and worn out from the up's and downs of his illness. I will now take the baton and run in a way that would make him proud. I will have more time to invest in my grandchildren. Can't wait for the "Grammie and Poppa Camps". We were not able to have our Valentine party. We will now.

Just wanted you to know, I was able to see Claris at the manor when Shannon and I went to go see Momma. She is going to be teaching us the feather stitch and she told my daughters that they "had" to get a thimble. It was a must she said! I look so forward to some fun in my life with my girls. Maybe some normalcy can come into our life. Whatever that means. smile!

I am taking Shanny to the airport today. Hmmmm...............not going to be easy. We will go to the quilt shop. That will be nice to do together. Can't wait to see what I can't find.

Love you all bunches!
Linda

Gift from my Sis!

You may not be able to read the little saying, but is says,

Dear One,

When it hurts to look back and you're scared to

look ahead, you can look beside you and your best

friend will be there.

Well, this morning my Tressy came to me and said, "Oh, I forgot to give this to you. Aunt Shanny told me to wait till she was gone and to give this lotion to you later." Hmmmm I am thinkin 3 months is later enough, what do you think? Smile. But you know I was thinking with this last week being a doozy, the gift was absolutely God's timing! I have been kind of worn out you could say and the lotion smells so nummy. Isn't it the little things that come along that give us that little boost? The gift was maybe a little late, but it ended up just at the right time! The lotion is called Planet Spa Himalayan Goji Berry Revitalizing Body Lotion from Avon.

I just want to tell you that after not talking to my Dad for days and thinking he was not going to make it this time, he talked to me yesterday. I came into ICU where he has been since last Friday and the first thing he said to me was, "I have been worried about you." Now isn't that a Daddy that loves you? He is not out of the woods yet, but he is stable and for that we are so grateful. My family thanks you so much for all the prayers and personal emails that so many of you have sent.

P.S. Shanny, when you read this post, thank you very much. I smell so lovely!!!! You are a sweetie. Jesus used you in a huge way this morning.

Father, thank you so much for answering my prayers. In Jesus Name, Amen

Blessings to you all,

Linda

My Sweet Valentines!

As some of you who follow me know that my Dad just got moved into the nursing home a few weeks ago. He lived in his own home and Momma has lived in the nursing home a block away. They had not seen each other for along time, because his emphysema has kept him on oxygen 24/7. Anyway he has been there and been able to see his sweet Valentine. Here is a picture. I love this picture!

Yesterday I had just hung up my sheets on the line, set up the props for the new Prairie Flower Book & Craft Bag had the camera ready and the phone rang. My Dad was in real bad shape. He was not responding. Mr. Phil and I dropped everything and drove to the hospital 30 minutes away. While driving I didn't do very well. I know there will be the day, but not today!!!! 5 years ago on this very day my father in love died. When we got to the hospital he was still is pitiful shape. My heart was broken. I kept trying to keep my mind on the Lord and trusting He would get us through this. I remembered this scripture.

Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness,

riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the LORD,

the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

I will hold on to this, when times get hard. Riches stored in secret places. Yesterday when we got to the hospital he was unconscious. He was still breathing, but they said he was in really, really bad shape. He has sepsis which means he has infection in his blood stream. Two of his Pastors were there to give encouragement. The doctor and nurses got him stabilized and into ICU. The "treasure in the darkness" was about to be revealed. His nurse was named Sherry. She was an absolute doll and a gift sent from the Lord! She let us know that she had worked in Kansas City in a hospital with patients who had sepsis for many years. We were so thankful the Lord put her with Poppa. We were able to talk and she was to be leaving for Haiti on Monday. That was really neat for us since we have such a heart for what is going on there. My Dad was not responding to us, so we left for home. We had our girls go home earlier in the evening, because this was already a hard day for them. Their other grandfather who they were very close with had died 5 years ago. When we got home I was just spent. I was so glad to get my girls in my arms. As I was sitting our oldest daughter came and took my shoes and socks off my feet. Then she laid a towel on the floor with a bowl of water with my favorite eucalyptus and mint foot salts. She placed my feet into the water. I about lost it. God has mercy when we need it the most. I don't want to miss what the Lord has for us at this time. Life is hard and sometimes it is real hard. I would appreciate any prayer, as today will be a big day and again if I can pray for you please, please let me know.

This was not quite the Valentine I had planed for my parents, but the last few weeks they were able to enjoy some very precious times. My Dad is in really bad shape, but like my youngest daughter and I had prayed last night was that God would give us a miracle. At 2 in the morning we received a call from Nurse Sherry, my Dad had awakened and was stabilizing. Praise the Lord!!!!! Thank you so much ladies for being a part of my life. I so enjoy your personal emails and comments on my blog. As I have said before, you are precious!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Blessings,

Linda

P.S. I have another treat for you all. I met a lady named Claris who in the nursing home where my parents are. She was coming down the hall walking with her walker with her apron on. I saw her and I said, "are you not just the cutest?!" She smiled, I also told her I loved her apron. She said, "Do you want it?" Of course I wouldn't take it, but I did want to copy the pattern. She had one that was very old, that she gave to me so I could make a pattern. She said that I could interview her for my blog. I didn't tell you, but she is 98 years young. She has a memory like you wouldn't believe. She is so adorable. She wears her hair up all sweet! and said, "You are not dressed, if you don't put your apron on when you get dressed for the day!" You will love the pattern. I will be changing it a bit, but you will like it a lot!!!!!!! You will just love Claris! Claris was ready when I came to her room. She had two quilts that she had made from scratch. She wanted me to look at all her aprons that were hung in order in her closet. She is going to teach us how to do a feather stitch. They are so perfectly done. She loves Jesus and I want to glean from her life. She was married to her sweetheart for almost 60 years. I want to be like here. She said her place was always filled with people eating from her plates. Oh, my heart was so encouraged. The apron was a very sweet valentine, even in the washed out state. I will treasure the apron that Claris wore forever. I almost forgot we are related to each other and like she said, we went for so long not knowing each other and now we are friends. I needed this in my life. I know you enjoy getting to know her.

Here is a picture of the pocket on the apron Claris gave me. If you click on the pic you will see her tiny little stitches. Her quilting is probably 10 stitches per inch. Like I could ever do that? I will ask her to teach me and then I will teach you.

I also had a Valentine dessert I wanted to put up. Not going to happen. I will put it up later though.

Excellent Video, It Will Touch Your Heart!

Our family watched this video this morning (older children can watch, but little ones best be protected). We cried and asked the Lord to stir our hearts, as to what we should do. It was very sobering to think all that has happened in Haiti. God has scattered His people in Haiti and wants to rebuild. You will see by this video that He is still in the business of using those "who will be used by Him "to" build His church. Not with brick and mortar, but in the Hearts of Man. That they would go out and touch lives, so that all may be saved. We are a family that wants to be used. After you watch this we trust the Holy Spirit will be moving in your family also. He has a work for us to do, PRAY and GIVE. I know I can't go at this time, but like a friend of ours said last night. There are already people in place there, they can be our mouth, hands and feet. They need money to buy medicine, water and food. Mars Hill from Washington State is doing that right now. On the video, you will meet Grandma Angel. It will bless you as you hear how God used her. You will meet pastors who have lost their whole congregation. You will meet another pastor who has 4 little children, who had just buried his wife. She had been sitting in his class learning from his teaching. It makes me think of the scripture in Eph 5:25-27. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." He ran outside to see what was going on only to turn and watch the building collapse on the students and his precious wife. What heartache, but what a precious man to have been washing his wife in the word right before she met JESUS! I want to do more! Praying that we will know what the Lord has for us to do. I am sure our Father will tell us. I will pray He will tell you also. I love you friends! If you have a minute and listen to the video, tell me what you think.

Staying on my knees,

Linda

P.S. For those of you who have followed my blog and have been praying for my dad, thank you. He just called and said that he will be going into the nursing home tomorrow where my momma (his wife) is at. He has been a shut in, in his own home and hasn't seen her for a long time. Now I'm thinking after I just wrote the verse about husbands, he will be able to wash her in the word every day. God will do something very special for the both them. I will wait, watch and see. He asked to be put in the same room with her. How sweet! That will make our life a little simpler for a while......... smile..... Not having to go two place!

Thank you Lord for giving me the desires of my heart in this situation! You are sooo good to me. Please bless all my friends, that have followed my Dad's situation and prayed for us. I know that you have heard and answered their prayers.

Peace Creek, not far from our farm

This is a lot of snowflakes! I wish you could see how pretty it really is, even though some of you are not quit as excited as myself, about my snow and want it to stay away from you! Smile...

I just love pictures of fence posts.

The trees a loaded down with lots of snow.

I will enjoy today, for tomorrow it will soon be spring....

He Gives Beauty For Ashes

Don't forget to sign up for our drawing for the Cookbook and Library Book Bag. Ends this coming Wed. Feb. 3rd. Go to my January 22 post and leave a comment please.

Also still have some Valentine gifts available. Post January 18th. I have sold so many and I want to thank you all who bought from me!!!!!

Mr Phil went out this morning to take some pictures for me. I just love him so much!

He is such a sweetie to letting me stay in and keep warm.

You are welcome to use this picture for your encouragement on your

blog, if you like. Just put that it is from Prairie Flower Farm please.

It is truly a winter wonder land everywhere you look on our farm. The trees have ice and snow clinging to their branches . The wind started blowing and the snow was swirling everywhere in the sky. Wish we could have captured it on camera for you; as it really looked beautiful. I could even see it in the house. The ice cycles are about 3-4ft. long on the side of the house. We have not left our place for the last day and a half. That means PEACE in our home. Not having to run around and go here and there has been so delightful for this momma. I have been talking to my Dad and he is as snug as a bug in the hospital. Safe, that also feels good to me. He is feeling and looking much better. Our older kids that live closer to him are going and keeping us posted. Today we will go in and check on him though. He will like. I want to thank allllllll of you who have prayed and encouraged our family with comments on my blog. I believe that your prayers have been answered by the Lord for my dad. I told him that you were all praying and he said Thank You.

This last summer we took rolls of barbed wire down.

I think it looks so pretty with snow on it. Don't ya think?

The trees are hanging with ice and snow. BEAUTIFUL!

"Fuzzy Wuzzy Juneau" is wanting her food this morning.

She is so pretty with her thick coat. I love a horses nose. Don't

know why, I just do.

Those of you who have been following the Livesay family in Haiti please go and read this. Click Please start praying that the Lord would step in. That is their hope. It must be so sad for Troy and Tara. Thank you! If you wouldn't mind putting their picture and link up on your blog to get the info out, as to what is going on in Haiti. They would appreciate it I am sure. I don't even know them, but I do go and read at least 2 times a day. I have grown to love their heart for man in the name of JESUS.

I heart you all, you make my day special! Some of you write me so I can pray. It is an honor and I thank you for letting me know your needs also. I know we all have them and if we don't tell them we walk alone. The Lord gave us each other for sure.

Blessings,
Linda

You Are All So Precious!!!!

Haiti is still being touched by the Lord!

Precious Ladies!

Our family wants to thank you alllllll, so very much! My Dad is still in the hospital. He has times when he is a little confused, but it is good that they are taking care of him and he is getting the care he needs. I want to thank all of you who left us words of encouragement. Every time I would read one, I was a big baby and just cried. I guess that is good to do sometimes and just let it all out!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! If I can ever pray for you, please let me know!

Still praying for the Livesay family in Haiti. We read their blog every morning and afternoon. The Lord is blessings our family with what He is doing down there. Please if you haven't gone go. Read it to your family. It is wonderful to see really what is going on!

I receive posts from Sugar Pie Farmhouse and today Aunt Ruthie sent out a new one. I enjoy her love for the Lord and all her pretties! Aunt Ruthie told us of some new video's out by a company we have followed for a long time called Franklin Springs. Our family has enjoyed their family movies. They are very family friendly. Franklin Springs have lots of wonderful videos, so please go check them out. Anyway, Aunt Ruthie told us about the new videos from Homestead Blessings. They are The Art of Dairy and The Art of Cooking. Mr. Phil said,"YOU CAN ORDER THEM!" I am so excited. He knows I need a little Valentine LOVE. They have a sale going on right now on the two. Check the websites out. They said,"This set will serve as a great tool to encourage, entertain, and educate your family in these wonderful arts." They have a few trailers that you can watch to "whet your appetite." Hope you all enjoy, if you have never seen anything from Franklin Springs. A listing of all their movies are here.

Blessings!

Linda

P.S. Thank you again for all the love, prayers and encouragement you are showing to our family. You are all so precious!

Blessings To You This NEW YEAR!

Blessings to you this New Year! This is a pond close to our farm.

It was such a beautiful day a few weeks back and had to take this picture.

I can't believe we will be in 2010! Where has the time gone? I am excited to see what the Lord has for each of us. I do thank Him for all of you who follow my blog. Can't believe how many precious friends I have made and for that I am truly thankful!

I am still working on the post for the Grammie and Poppa Snowman party. I was gone for 2 days to Lawrence and it did cut into my time on getting it up. I have to do a few pdf's for your use if you want and I need Tressa to help me on that. She is leaving for two days so maybe the first of the week.

I would love to hear of one special blessing that you received this last Christmas or maybe a way I can pray for you for the New Year. I love you all bunches!

From my home to yours,

Linda

A LITTLE OL" POMEGRANATE.......

Now I have a picture of the pomegranates the girls bought me this year!

Last night our daughters went to town for us to pick up some things that we were needing. Tressa called and said "Momma we bought a pomegranate, in fact I bought two they were only .50 each!" Now they new what that meant, in our home that means the celebration of the holidays is truly beginning. Every year for forever that has been an essential part of our coming together. Isn't that funny and yet so simple. When I was a girl growing up times were hard (not living in a Christian home, but our momma would do her best to make traditions for my sister, brother and I to take into our own homes. One of those memories was a pomegranate. I would wash it and then we would start in. They now have it down to an art of opening a pomegranate. It is not as much fun as the way our momma taught us. It was a lot of work, but when it was cut then the work began. Working to get the beautiful pudgy plump red seed out of its little rubbery casing was half the fun. You would have to have at least 5 or 6 seeds in the palm of your hand, before you could plop them in your mouth to eat them. They squirt in your mouth with the most yummy juice. Mmmmm I can taste it now as I am talking about it. God is so good to give the memories that we hold so dear. Would I ever think, that that act my momma did all those years ago, I would be blogging about it to lots of other ladies that have the same memories tucked in their hearts? If my momma could be here with me I would share the pomegranate with her. I am thinking......... I need to go to the nursing home and give her a taste. Maybe it will take her back to a day that she had her children all around her laughing and eating a silly old pomegranate! Oh how I miss my mom during the holidays. She has Alzheimers and lives not far from our farm in a nursing home. So this act of kindness with my children is for you momma! You would enjoy seeing what you and daddy lived is now a part of me. I can't wait till heaven and we can catch up on all the things you have missed in the last 10 years. Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."No more crying momma, what a day that will be. Maybe Jesus will have pomegranates for you to eat with your kids and all that have come after you. It is not over for those in Christ. I praise our Heavenly Father for that!!!!!!!

A little note here. I was looking up the word pomegranate on Biblegateway. Exodus 28:33.

"Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them." I thought God designed yarn and embroidery. Wow. That is so precious to me. The fact that I enjoy working with my hands designing things that I enjoy. I know there is more to this chapter of scripture, but I did like thinking about the people (it doesn't say women or men) that were making the yarn and then embroidering the design of pomegranates along the edge, doing as the Lord had asked and making it just as he wanted. I often think of the scripture also in Prov. 31:13 "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." So many ladies are so creative out there in blogger land. Making absolutely the most beautiful pieces. It is a gift that we can even do the things we like to do.

A "silly ol' pomegranate." You hold more then just a sweet fruit. You hold a tradition that brings joy to my heart! Father you find pleasure watching your children down here on earth doing the best they can in loving one another. Wives loving their husbands, momma's loving their children and making homes of refuge. I am sure.

Do you have a story? Of a family tradition that you would like to share. I love reading them and I am sure those who follow my blog would love to hear. Please please, leave a comment.

Note for my sister: Shannon that means you. You are my sister and you need to share something. Not about me either. heheheh

Blessings ladies,
Linda

Special Memory

When my sister, brother and I were growing up we always went to our Gramma Reid's house for breakfast on Saturday mornings. I remember it was a very special time for us and if I could do that just one more time I would be so blessed. Grandpa and Gramma's house was always warm and inviting. I loved going over there. I would sometimes ride bare back with my dad. We lived about a half a mile from their house. We would walk lots of times through the woods to their house. Anyway, one of the breakfasts she would serve us was sourdough pancakes. I can taste them now. This summer my dear friend Mary was able to go on an Alaskan cruise up the inlet to Juneau where I was raised. I was so excited for her, but oh how I wanted to

be smaller, so she could stuff me in her suit case. She asked me if there was anything I would like from Alaska. The one thing I have missed is a sourdough starter mix. She did just that! 2 packages. How fun is that? I have been waiting all summer long for today. You will need to have it in a warm place. Between 70-80 degrees to have the starter get started. This

starter jar is just like my Gramma's. You also can use a wide mouth mason jar. Just so easy, promise, try it.

I picked up this Bread Book this last year and can't wait to try some of the recipes. It is so beautiful inside. There are so many wonderful breads and starters. It is worth the spend!

I am giving some web sites for you to look up, if you want to start your own starter buy scratch. It is sooo easy. You just need to feed your starter every week or so. We bake so much more bread in the winter months. It has been a while since I have had an Alaskan Sourdough starter going; I will really enjoy this day. Will take me back to memories with Grandma Reid. I would love to hear from you, if you start a starter or have one going. I will be trying out some other starters later on. I will keep you posted.

If you would like to order Alaska Jack's starter call. 1 888 660 2257. That is all they have on their web site. Just the phone number.

http://northwestsourdough.wordpress.com/2008/10/11/alaskan-sourdough-bread/

http://www.northwestsourdough.com/

Sourdough Pancakes Recipe

1 cup of starter

2 cups lukewarm water

2 1/2 unbleached flour

2 large eggs

2 large eggs, beaten well

1/3 cup half and half

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 teaspoon soda

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Let mixture bubble about 10 minutes. Pour about a 1/4 cup of batter onto a hot griddle. Butter and pour maple syrup over the top..... It is so nummy!

My sister reads my blog so here is a note for her.

Hi Shanny,

Doesn't this recipe take you back to some very special memories? Wish we could be sitting in Gramma's dressing room (that Grandpa had specially built for her) and putting on make up, dressing up with her clothes, jewelry and painting our nails. Now that would be a very special day wouldn't you say?

If any of you ladies have memories or breakfast memories with your Gramma. Please share with us. I just love reading special stories!

Blessings,

Linda