It's A Marshmallow World

We've had a rapid-fire snowstorm this afternoon here at Applejack Lane.  Everything is a white-out. We even had snow thunder. Our Winterking Hawthorne looks as though big puffs of marshmallow are hanging all over it...

 

We've had 10 inches of very heavy, wet snow in a very short period of time...

This is not the kind of snow one likes to shovel because of the snow's tremendous weight...

Glad this little fellow is so happy...

I bet he doesn't have to shovel out to get to work tomorrow.

I've Made History!

     Good morning from Applejack Lane.  I haven't posted in a while because I've been making history. Well, that is not exactly true.  It's been more like I have been  recording history-our church history, that is.
     For the last five years, I have been the historian of our church. Hebron, established in 1746, is one of the five oldest Presbyterian churches in Augusta County which at one time encompassed nine states that ran all the way to the Mississippi River.  The history of our county with all the English grants is quite an interesting and colorful one as well. 

      This is the third building erected on the property in 1901.  The second burned on Christmas Eve, 1900 following a wedding.  Someone left a fire unattended.

Our Rose Window...

 Colonial era re-enactors for our Cemetery Tour...

Back to the history...

     I am neither a writer or a historian, but I do the best that I can.  But it's printed and placed in our notebook in the jelly cabinet in our Session Room just waiting to be read or collect dust- whatever histories tend to do.  I have copies ready to be sent to the Columbia Theological Seminary Library in Decatur, Georgia to be added to the Presbyterian archives.  This project takes the better part of my spare time in January, and I am just tickled pink (did you hear that sigh?) that  it is done and reasonably accurate.  Now I can have a good day at Applejack Lane.

 Pink Saturday  

Seasonal Sundays

Seasonal Sundays-A Special Package

Good morning from Applejack Lane.  This week I received a package that was mailed from over 2700 miles away!  It originated from St. Sault Island in British Columbia, Canada and traveled all the way to the Shenandoah Valley of  Virginia.  Let's take a peek!

 

This is a miniature porcelain plate from the Birds of the World series.  Pictured is a Golden Oriole which is the only member of the oriole family native to Europe.  Pictured with the oriole is the marsh marigold found in Europe and the Northern Hemisphere. 

A card comes with the pin that gives information about the bird and the flower painted by artist Joan Campbell. 

The porcelain pin is just dear. I thank my BC friends Jan and Chip for sending it to me.  I wish you a very Happy New Year!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.

Me- Read 100 Books???

For Christmas, Mr. W  gave me a Kindle. And I got the cover accessory in one of my very favorite colors from Dave.

I am so excited!  I have two friends who read voraciously from their Kindles. Therefore, I resolved to read more in 2011 to clean out the cobwebs that are in my brain.
Coincidently, I just read Cousin Kristi's blog Eat your Fruits and Veggies about Book Chick City's 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011.  I may not read all the way to 100 books, but anything is better than what I did in 2010.  If you would like to join the challenge, click here.

Happy reading!

Organizational Sunday 2011

Greetings from Applejack Lane. Today, I used some time for organizing for the year.  I took two new calendars and marked birthdays, appointments, and any social engagements we have so far.  I used yellow to highlight birthdays, blue for appointments, and pink for fun affairs. With that done,  it's time to record some goals for the new year!

It's A Gingerbread World

Good morning from Applejack Lane. It's starting to snow!  So come on inside to my gingerbread world.

 

Um-um good- gingerbread spice herbal tea...    

My extra large gingerbread man and woman stand in an old picnic basket...

 A gingerbread mantel...

 Gingerbread cookies and cutters...

 This Gingerbread  Man has his bells on...

 And speaking of bells...

  A Ginger Head from Brenda at The Rusty Thimble...

 And Gingerbread scones...

Gingerbread Scones from A Taste of Home

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1.2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold butter
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, separated
sugar

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.  In a small bowl, combine the molasses, milk, and egg yolk until smooth; stir into the flour mixture just until moistened.  Turn onto a floured surface; knead gently 6-8 times.   Pat into a 8 inch circle.  Cut into 12 wedges and place 1 inch apart on a greased baking sheet*. Beat egg white until frothy; brush over scones.  Sprinkle with sugar.  Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes our until golden brown.  Serve warm.

*  I like a more petite scone.  I divide the dough into two equal parts and form smaller circles about 5 inches in diameter.  Then I cut the circle into 6 wedges.  I bake these for about 11-12 minutes.


Thanks for stopping by Applejack Lane.

Memories of Momma's Snowflakes

Momma's snowflakes have been boxed for twenty-two years.  This year, I decided to find them  and add them to the Christmas tree.  I should have laundered and starched them, but if I had that to do, I probably would not have pulled them out .  So, impulsively, I just put them on the tree. In her later years, Momma enjoyed an all white tree using white balls, birds, clear lights, and her snowflakes.  They bring back such sweet memories of her.

Even Father Kristmas can enjoy a peak at Momma's snowflakes.

Thanks for stopping by Applejack Lane.