A Horse's Tale

I first saw him on Christmas Eve.

A very cute, black and white pinto wearing a small lambswool blanket, black saddle and bridle.

He neighed at me and shook his head and tail.

Did I say how adorable he was???

I imagined my newest grandchild sitting astride him--her feet in the stirrups and hands on the reins; her glee and delight as she sat on his back!

I was totally won over!

The price was right and so I made an impassioned plea to my husband of 25+ years--but to no avail. I couldn't persuade him and so I sadly left without the little horse.

It was not a happy time...

Christmas passed and a day or two; I continued to sing the glories of the little horsey and how our grandchild (and I) needed him!

One night my hubby left for awhile and when he came back there was a little 'friend' with him!!! It was the horse with a brightly colored bow attached to his bridle!

I was SO excited and quickly made a place for the small horse! I texted my DIL the great news; but she did not share my enthusiasm. It was OK--I knew the pinto and I could win her over in time; after all we had won my hubby over!

Maybe in a year or two...or three.

After the text, I introduced our new baby to the rest of the family, his canine brothers -- all three of them--the dogs of the long, soft white fur and loud barks!

Aimee seemed to be particularly interested in his (um) rear end but I suppose this was to be expected as she sniffs everybody, and the horse did not seem to mind.

Her brother largely ignored the new arrival, but that was to be expected as he has sadly lost most of his eyesight

And then it was my dog's turn...at first he sniffed around and then left. What was my little canine prince thinking?

One could not be sure.

He returned, and then my perfect, little canine prince...

BIT the poor, sweet, little horsey right on his nose!!!

BAD DOG!!

Poor baby --- it’s hard to be the new horse on the block!

Blessings, Aimee

The Ten Commandments for Seasoning Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Now that the holidays are over, my husband is back at work, our visitor has left and the weather has more or less settled down-----I'm getting ready to reseason some of my cast iron cookware. As you can see from the photo, my griddle/grill is really, really awful...I'll confess right now that this is a result of breaking Cast Iron Care Commandment #4.

Since I had recently bought a new Dutch Oven, I contacted the great people at Lodge Manufacturing Co. for directions on how to reseason properly. They also kindly gave me permission to post their instructions here in case anyone else out there has broken a commandment or two in caring for their cookware! Their website is: www.lodgemfg.com

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR SEASONING LODGE CAST IRON COOKWARE

1) Wash utensil in hot, soapy water. Use soap this time only. Rinse utensil and dry completely. Discoloration on towel is normal.

2) Apply a thin, even coating of melted shortening (Crisco, Wesson, etc.; do not use butter or butter flavored shortening) to the utensil with a soft cloth or paper towel. Apply inside and outside (NOTE: If your utensil has a lid, make sure you season it as well.)

3) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place utensil on top shelf of oven, upside down. Place aluminum foil on a baking sheet and put on bottom shelf of oven to catch any drippings. Bake in oven for one hour, then turn oven off and let utensil remain in the oven until cool.

4) To clean utensil after use, use boiling water and a plastic scrub bun or brush.
Do not wash utensil with soap or dishwashing detergents, unless you are going to repeat the seasoning process. Do not put in dishwasher.

5) Always wash immediately after use, while still hot.

6) After washing utensil, dry thoroughly, then spray lightly with vegetable oil, (Pam, for example), wipe with a paper towel, and store. Never store utensil with lid on. (Cast iron needs air circulation.)

7) Do not use utensil as a food storage vessel.

8) To remove heavy food or grease build-up, scour with steel wool, SOS pad, etc., then re-season.

9) Deep fry in Dutch ovens at least six times prior to cooking beans of any kind.

10) Re-season utensil after cooking acidic foods, such as beans or tomatoes.

Follow these simple steps and your Lodge Cast Iron Cookware can last a lifetime.

Source: Lodge Manufacturing Co, 03-28-01 SECTION V.A. TEN COMMANDMENTS OF SEASONING

Blessings, A

A Walk in His Gardens: Sunnier Times. Maybe Not.

A Walk in His Gardens--Rural NW

This week I took a road trip with one of my kids.

We traveled by wetlands, rivers and..

more wetlands,

beside woodlands and ...

farmlands,.

up hills...

and on mountains.

.
It was a good day! We even got to eat out--twice:)That is if you count 'homemade' coffee cake from a restaurant as one of the times.

I ended up with dozens of beautiful photos to post, but then I got to thinking... I've heard, and from more then one source, that many people are tired of this weather.

I understand. I really do. I'm one of the few people I know who love snow close up! But I know, what is a treat for me (and all the kids in the NW), is a real pain for others.....although the ski areas really like it.

So I thought maybe a 'Walk' in sunnier locales might be just what the doctor ordered for those of us currently at the mercy of nasty weather--and I'll even let you define what 'nasty' weather is! Unfortunately, our sunny desert 'Walk' in Sedona and California will have to wait as I still need to scan the numerous prints I've been sorting (and labeling, and sorting) for the last 2 days now..

Maybe halfway through winter would be a better time to post them anyway. Then we ALL (rain haters, snow haters and winter haters alike) will need them! And for you snow haters -- I was very good and didn't post any more snow close up pictures though I was very, very tempted to.

Blessings, Aimee

Photos: rural NW Oregon