Found Things

Been busy busy busy getting the cottage revamped. We are so excited with this newly acquired abode. But since I don't have any pics to share I will skip all the boring details of the work accomplished thus far. I am sure you can picture all the effort into renovating a home that has not had any updating or work done to it in years. But I will show you some of the things that I have managed to get done.

So lets talk about the things you can do with 'found' objects. Now being the frugal (cheap) person that I am, I get very excited at the little things life throws at me. During a walk with my dear companion Cody, I came across a deer skull in the woods. Now what to do with it? Most would think to toss it asside I'm sure, but not me. Not long after Dad showed up with a shepards hook and Uncle Butch brought me a box of assorted size bottle neck gourds. Now you may want to ask yourself, what could she possibly be thinking of making with a skull, a shepards hook and some bottle neck gourds. Well let me show you

This was a great project and took very little time. Tho I did have to break out a cordless drill, a box cutter and raid hubbys supply of wire (I 'found' it). So don't hold back when you find some very odd things in your possession. Am very much looking forward to seeing the Morning Glories creeping up the shepards hook this summer.

So now all the seeds are planted and I can sit back and enjoy watching them grow. Ok, maybe not sit back. Floor still needs to be laid, wall paper hung, and paint applied. Good things to do on a rainy day. Happy gardening and blessings to all.

Dandelion Honey

It has been too crazy around here. One day here one day there. It makes planning meals impossible so there has been a lot of eating out of cans. Yuck! But things quieted down enough I was able to get outside for some much needed gardening. But lo and behold when I stepped outside much to my delight the yard was covered in those bright yellow beautiful, only to me tho, dandelions.

So that meant I just had to stop gardening and get to work.

After spending an hour or so picking dandelion flowers and plucking off petals I finally had enough so headed inside. After adding 4 cups of flower petals and 6 cups of water I set it on the stove to boil then turned it down to simmer for a couple of hours. To have a variety of flavors you can add a small amount of vanilla beans or lavender blossoms to the mix.

Once this is complete the water should be a golden yellow. Strain all the solids from the liquid keeping the liquid. Dispose of all the solids. Place the liquid on the burner add 4 cups of sugar and bring to a slow boil. Let it cook like this, stirring occasionally, for 3 or more hours. It will start to take on a dark golden color. To test thickness of liquid, place some on a plate. Once cool it should have the consistency of honey. While the liquid is boiling, clean your jars and get rings and lids ready to use. Now you are ready to fill you jars. Make sure you tighten the lids and let cool. And oui la....you have made hone from those pesky weeds.