Gracious Hospitality

The Little Things. . .

2009-07-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Little details make a special occasion, like weddings, even more delightful. I'm finding that the weddings attended in which the guest is treated with grace and thoughtfulness are the most memorable. Yes, a wedding is for the bride and groom, but in a sense they are hosting a special event that brings many from far and wide, and at great expense for some. Showing care for the guest creates an atmosphere of mutual love and respect. In this case, the little details become great tokens of thoughtfulness. It's the little things, like having a photographer take a photo of each guest as they arrive for a wedding album or having cold tea and lemonade for the guests while they are waiting for wedding photos to be taken before the reception starts, that makes guests feel valued and as though they are an important part of a special day. Tokens don't need to be expensive or large. Something homemade or handmade can express great care in a simple way. I'm appreciating raspberry-rhubarb jam and apple-cinnamon toast topper in their beautifully decorated jars right now, and will open them and enjoy them later in a completely different way. Yum! Each bite will take me back to Andrew's and Annalisa's special day. They absolutely made each guest feel special and valued at their wedding celebration.

Berry of a Cake

2009-07-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a beautiful cake? I wanted to share a picture with you, as I think this is a great idea for decorating all kinds of cakes! Raspberries, blueberries, and Marion berries along with a cluster of small, smooth berries on a stem (I don't know what kind they were), arranged strategically on this cake. Placed at corners and in an artful arrangement on the top, this beautiful wedding cake inspires! The same idea can be used to decorate birthday cakes, cupcakes, or cheesecake. Berry sweet!

Making Iced Tea

2009-07-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

Making Iced Tea for a Hot Summer Day

For tea lovers, hot weather creates a dilemma. Is it too hot for a hot cuppa? Learning to make a refreshing glass of iced tea can be a delightful alternative. Here are some suggestions and tips for creating that perfect glass of ice, cold tea!

The rules for tea making apply to both hot and cold tea, but when making iced tea use 50% more tea to allow for melting ice. Normally 4 teaspoons of tea would be used to make 4 cups of hot tea. But, to make 4 glasses of iced tea, you should use 6 teaspoons of tea. Some people even double this amount to 8 teaspoons.

To make 2 quarts of iced tea:

* bring one quart of water to a full boil and remove from heat

* immediately add 1/3 cup of loose tea

* stir and cover, allowing to stand for 5 minutes

* when done steeping, stir again into a 2-quart pitcher

* add an additional quart of very cold water

* serve in tall glasses over ice

* garnish with a lemon wedge or mint leaf if desired

[The same rules apply to herbal tisanes.]

The Hills

2009-07-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

"He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills."

Psalm 147:8

Photo: Mt. Hood, Oregon at Dusk

The Log Cabin

2009-07-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

Although there are many beautiful quilt patterns, nothing pleases me more than a log cabin quilt. There is something that always draws me back to this beautiful design. Recently I was the guest in a home where not one, but two beautiful log cabin quilts were displayed in the guest room. They were stunning in a comfortable and folksy way. Americans have long considered that this pattern is purely American, but research shows that this design goes back to old England and even before to ancient Egypt. In the early 19th Century, many tombs in Egypt were opened and thousands of small animal mummies were found --- wrapped in strips of linen with the Log Cabin design pattern on them. I wonder what the Egyptians called this design? For sure, it wasn't 'log cabin'! The resurgence of this design in Early American history illustrates that red centers are traditional and common as the center of each log cabin square. Each red square represents a glowing, warm hearth. The light values on one side represent the sunny side of the house, the dark values represent the shady side. Many quilts in this design were stitched in the early 19th Century when pioneers were heading west after the Civil War period. It really is a 'little-house-on-the-prairie' design! I've stitched a log cabin quilt for my family, and I have enjoyed observing those of others over the years. The oldest I've enjoyed is one I found on display at an old fort from the Civil War era. And yes, the centers were the traditional red, made in wool, and the light and dark strips were constructed of uniforms of army soldiers. What a historic piece it represents and what a story it tells. Is there a log cabin quilt in your personal history?

Sweet and Wholesome

2009-07-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

How could such sweet and

Wholesome hours
Be reckoned but with
Herbs and flowers?

Andrew Marvell

Wedded Bliss

2009-07-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Annalisa celebrated a beautiful and blissful wedding with family and friends during the holiday week-end. An organic farm with Mt. Hood as the backdrop created an idyllic setting for such a special occasion. Guests were welcomed graciously and their comfort considered during the entire afternoon. It was such a pleasure to share their joy with them.

Wishing them God's blessing upon their marriage with much happiness in the years ahead!

[Click on photo for larger view]

Little Girls

2009-07-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

Little Girls

Little girls are made of daisies and butterflies and soft kitty cat purrs, and all the precious memories of times that once were.

Little girls are made of angel's wings and giggles and a firefly's glow, and all the happy feelings, deep inside, that we all know.

Little girls are made of cinnamon and bubbles and fancy white pearls, and snowflakes and rainbows and ballerina twirls.

Little girls are made of sunshine and cupcakes and fresh morning dew, and these are the reasons, little one, why everyone loves you.

By: Karen Barnes

First Fruits

2009-07-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially here! The temperatures are hot and the days long and lazy. On a walk around the block, the first fruits of the season could be observed. Apricots are ripening, apples are starting to grow bigger and turn a rosy red, and the blueberries are ripe and ready to eat. Cars of pickers line up along the road each morning as the blueberries are picked. It's time to enjoy the abundance of nature's harvest! Happy summer!

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

Happy Birthday, America!

2009-07-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

God Bless America!

Happy birthday to our country --- land of spacious skies, golden fields of grain, and purple mountain majesty. Be blessed on this 4th of July!

Celebrating in BLUE

2009-07-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Celebrating America's birthday by observing all things blue! Family, mountains, aprons, dishes, flowers, and vehicles all decorated in one of America's favorite colors were seen in my observations through the camera's eye this past month. True blue friendship, and true love for our country as we CELEBRATE with Marilyn from Delights of the Heart and Nancy from Rosemary's Sampler in finding our country's colors in things about us each day.

Celebrating in WHITE

2009-07-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

Celebrating white today with Marilyn and friends as we discover things around us that are white, just like the stars and stripes of our flag. Home objects, flowers and trees in nature, garments on loved ones, items that bring us memories of those in our past, and tokens that represent celebration can all be seen in my collage of white things from last months photo files. Red, WHITE, and blue --- the colors of our country and it's birthday that we will celebrate in just a couple days.

Celebrating in RED

2009-07-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Marilyn at Delights of the Heart is celebrating America's birthday by hostessing Red, White, & Blue blogging days in Blogland. Today is the day to celebrate by posting photos that are predominately red in color. It sounded like fun, so I decided to look through my photo files from the past month and see what I had in red. I was amazed at how much RED there was to choose from. Flowers, cars, babies and children, strawberries, Sally's graduation, an old shingled cabin wall, new apples, an Americana quilt, and the decor of a quaint mountain cabin --- all in RED --- and each representing a memory from the month past!

Won't you join Marilyn in CELEBRATING with RED today as well?

As always, click on the collage for a larger view. It's so small the way it's posted!

Lavender Walnut Scones

2009-07-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

The lavender is in full bloom, giving the yard a riot of color in purple and lavender. The honey bees are as abundant, enjoying each sweet taste of lavender nectar. Although this is the time to harvest the bud, I have a difficult time cutting my lavender for future use. It's so pretty to enjoy just as it is! But, some will be harvested for future cooking projects like this recipe.

Lavender Walnut Scones

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp. organic lavender bud
2 tbsp. vegan shortening (Spectrum)
1 cup soy milk
1 tbsp. pure vanilla
4 tbsp. chopped walnuts
2 tbsp. lavender sugar

Combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and lavender bud in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add soy milk and vanilla. Blend with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overstir. Drop dough in 2 tablespoon portions onto baking sheet. Sprinkle with walnuts and dust with sugar. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden.

Makes one dozen scones.

The Best You Have

2009-06-30T14:12:00.001-07:00

"Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you."

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Photo: Elm Street Antiques

New Recipes for You!

2009-06-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

New recipes for some tasty vegan foods are being posted on my cooking blog. If you'd like some new recipes, please stop by this week. More will be added daily. Stop by and leave a comment if you'd like. Happy eating!

Love and Kindness

2009-06-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

Love and kindness are never wasted.
They always make a difference.
They bless the one who receives them,
and they bless you, the giver.

Barbara De Angelis

Photo: Elm Street Antiques

We Miss You, Nathan!

2009-06-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today's post takes a altered path away from topics of 'gracious living' as I loan my blog site to other family members. In April, nephew Nathan was in a serious motorcycle accident. He is doing a fantastic job of recovering at a rehab center, but we miss him because he's far away. So Nathan, this is for you! Uncle Brent and Rylan enjoyed our local car show yesterday afternoon. They remembered the other years when you were here to go with them. Although you couldn't attend this year, we hope these pictures bring back lots of memories of other times --- and spur you on to a quick recovery! Get well soon!!!!

[Be sure to turn on the 'sound' and select 'full screen']

Summer's Song

2009-06-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

"There is something that

transcends the everyday
in the mystery of a growing seed,
in the opening of a flower,
in the rich smell of the
good brown earth after rain."

Marjolein Bastin

* * *

The rains of earlier this week were warm and pleasant. This verse so adequately describes how it felt to stand outside in the drizzle. Gentle rain, warm and soft with the fragrance of the earth, grasses, and trees so fresh and renewed created a moment to savor. It's true that such simple gifts of nature transcend the everyday. Although the rains have now passed and sunshine graces our days, it's sweet to remember the misty days past.

*A note: I was so delighted that I actually found a bird that would sit still long enough for me to take it's picture! Maybe it was hypnotized by the rain as well!

Conversation's Art

2009-06-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."

Dorothy Nevill

Photo: Elm Street Antiques

Aunt Mabel's Potato Pancakes

2009-06-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it takes some thought to come up with interesting and new ideas for family meals. My husband loves potatoes and could eat them three times a day! Although I like them too, I will admit to getting bored with them sometimes. Recently I remembered a recipe that my Aunt Mabel has always been famous for ~ Potato Pancakes! They are delicious served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We prepared them as 'cabin fare' and served ours with catsup and a dairy-free ranch dressing, but Aunt Mabel always served hers with creamy cucumber dressing (also very tasty). Here's an adapted recipe of her famous pancakes.

Aunt Mabel's Potato Pancakes

8 medium potatoes, raw and grated

1 1/2 medium onions

1 package silken tofu, firm*see note below

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

oil

Heat oil in a large skillet to fry the pancakes.

Shred raw, peeled potatoes using a carrot grater. Put in a large bowl. Mince the onions. Add to the potatoes. Next add the tofu, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.

Use a large spoon and spatula to add the potato mixture to the oil. Brown on one side, flip over, brown the other side. Repeat if necessary (so the potatoes are cooked through) then remove to a plate covered with paper towels to drain. Serve with your favorite dressing or maple syrup.

*Instead of tofu (or with the tofu), use a flour for binder such as soy flour, fava bean flour, a gluten-free flour blend, or all-purpose flour. It works nicely. For a non-vegan version, add eggs and omit tofu.

Porch and Tea Garden

2009-06-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your kind comments regarding my lilies of the tea garden. Some asked for a picture of the tea garden, and I found these in my files. They don't show the stone pathway though --- I'll try to get a picture of that soon, but first I have a few weeds to pull! The back porch railing allows me to lean against it in three directions, giving me many views of the garden. My porch decor changes from season to season, and what you see in the picture is actually from last summer. It's been cool and rainy enough this spring that I haven't unpacked most of the furnishings from the garden barn yet. There is always something to do! If you click on the picture, you will get a larger view. Enjoy a blessed day!

Lucy, I'm home. . .

2009-06-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

When you feel dog tired at night,
it may be because you've growled all day long.

Author Unknown

Please meet Lucy, a dog whom I've never heard growl. She belongs to Karleen's family and is a real sweetheart. She was named Lucy because Karleen's husband, Richard, wanted to be able to use his best Ricky Ricardo voice and announce "Lucy, I'm home". Isn't that sweet?

PS: To Karleen --- I know you are missing Lucy right now, so I posted a picture for you. :D

Dried-Cherry Scones

2009-06-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dried-Cherry Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup soymilk plus 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice, blended
1 1/4 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup dried cherries
1 tsp. cinnamon

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Form a hole in the center and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together soymilk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a fork until dry ingredients are just blended. Fold in cherries. Form into 8 - 10 scones and place on a prepared baking sheet.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 12 - 15 minutes.

Variations: 1 cup whole-wheat flour can be substituted for half the all-purpose flour.

Lilies of the Tea Garden

2009-06-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."

Luke 12:27

The tea garden grows beside our back porch. A tiny rock path winds past a birch tree and granite boulders add decor and make a throne-like perch for the cat to view his domain. Perennials like bleeding hearts, Japanese iris, hosta, lady's mantle, lily-of-the-valley, forget-me-nots, and wild ginger grace this garden bed. Several years ago my mother-in-law gave me a start of some brilliant orange lilies from her garden. Each year they thrive and remind me of her. A few years later, when my own mother passed away, I brought some yellow lilies from her garden and planted them here as well. Together they bloom, reminding me of them and the love they shared for others around them. In June they bloom with brilliance! A few tea herbs grow in my garden as well, but the real reason I call it my "tea garden" is because I enjoy taking a cup of tea out onto the covered porch and sipping it as I lean on the rail and enjoy the flowers in the garden. Click on the photo for a close-up view.