Well, I’ve been officially sick for two weeks now. Bear has been too, and folks from work are coming down with this wretched cold/flu thing left, right and center.
I’ve drunk copious amounts of tea, bowls of soup, and, it must be admitted, a whole lot of salty potato chips that somehow are just the thing for upset stomachs and sore throats.
Last week my friend Ann surprised me with a bread machine and taught me how to use it the way she does. Ann is a clever soul and with five kids to feed she has found every possible shortcut to making healthy food for her family. She uses the bread machine to do the mixing and kneading – a process she doesn’t have time for – then shapes and bakes it in a regular oven which she’s found results in better texture and taste.
I’ve been trying all sorts of flavors and styles and each one has turned out beautifully. It’s been especially nice when I’m unwell since I can just dump in ingredients, press the button, and rest until it’s ready to pop in the oven.
Now that I’m perking up a bit, I finally have time to share the rest of the photos from my trip to my friend’s goat farm. (You can read Part I here)
After a scrumptious lunch, we donned our wellies and with a herd of curious goats at our heels, headed down to the creek for a stroll.
My first visit to their farm was in January after devastating floods swept through uprooting trees and depositing mounds of mud and debris. (Click here to see photos of how it looked then).
I’m so happy to see what ten months of time, sunshine and Joe and Shirley’s hard work have done to turn that disaster into something beautiful once again.
The entire creek is like this now, water gurgling through towering trees with banks thickly carpeted with a tangle of wildflowers.
I love it here. 🙂
Now I think it’s time for a slice of fresh bread and butter and another cup of tea.
Do you have any tricks for making healthy food quickly?
your pics are always gorgeous and inspirng 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂 I’m glad you like them. 🙂
I’m sorry to hear you have been unwell. I’m pleased you are surrounded by good people who are taking care of you. Gorgeous photos.
Thank you, dear Barbara. bear has been lovely – we take turns making food and tea and it’s so nice to not have to do everything by myself. 🙂
I like the fact that the machine does most of the hard labour and the bread is baked in the oven. The house smells so homey that way!
Me too, Val! It’s such a time saver and I feel so much healthier eating bread this way. 🙂
Hi there! Lovin’ all the pics and stories! Just thought you’d like to know…newest grand-baby, Emma Katherine Reimers was born on your birthday!!Â
Miss ya…hugs! 🙂
Hooray for baby Emma!!! You must be thrilled to bits! 🙂 Love and miss you too. 🙂
I hope you get better soon 🙂 I love the wellies! Did you get them sent over or did you buy them there? They make that outfit – very cute and oh-so stylish-country-living! Enjoy that homebaked bread – Ann sounds like a wonderful friend to have 🙂
Thank you, Katy girl. 🙂 I slept like a log last night and feel some better this morning. 🙂 Aren’t the wellies marvy? They make me smile so big. 🙂 I’m glad you like my farmgirl fashion. 😉
i wish i could just eat your pictures. 🙂 they are that delicious!
you look radiant, my dear!
please get better soon….
so much love.
Oh thank you, dear Rain! You put a huge smile on my face today. 🙂 xo
Such wonderful photos, as usual! I adore homemade bread, but never seem to find time to make it. I’ve never used a bread machine, but you have me curious now!
Thank you, Katie! 🙂 I’ve never used one either, it seemed too much like cheating. 🙂 But now I’m all for it. 🙂
I do keep a pot of ginger root tea on daily … it really helps to rid of infections and helps sterilize the air in your home… drink hot cold and inbetween 🙂
hopefully will help make you healthy quickly.
As you are in the heat you may enjoy fresh goats milk in a blender half full, add four frozen bananas and any other fruit, fresh or frozen. a bit of vanilla … buzz it all up
no sugar needed as the frozen bananas are both the ice and the sugar.
I enjoyed to see the real life in these photos and how people carry on even when troubles pass by….
God bless you richly Krista
I hope you’re feeling better now, dear friend!
How cute you look in those boots!!
I’ve never been able to make yeast breads properly – maybe a bread machine is what I need! Feel better, hon
So sorry to hear that you’ve been ill. I like to eat junk food and curl up on the sofa reading fantasy novels when I’m sick with a cold.Â
The pics from your little trek with the goats are so charming. Waht a lovely experience.Â
I’ve a good friend here who makes pizza dough with his bread maker. He then bakes it in the oven with a pizza stone. It is always amazing, so I suspect that your bread must be super.
Get well soon my friend! xoxo