Summer Daze in November

Last week we had some beautiful 70something days. We took full advantage of the days by walking, riding, and just generally being outside whenever we could. November Indian summer days don't usually last long, and they didn't this time either.  Now that the weather is colder again and we're inside more, I can finally get some cleaning done. Today we tackled the basement. It looks much better. I've also gone through Josh's clothes. He's pretty pleased with the flannel-lined jeans I found for him. Second-hand of course, but in mint condition. They're already his favorite pair. And we have a couple Thanksgivings planned and a few Christmases planned as well. And then it's 2021. Every year flies by faster. Or maybe this year flew by faster because of the ongoing drama of covid, blm, civil unrest, election news, etc.? Whatever the case, each day brings us one day closer to heaven; so.... bring it on. 

Even so, Lord Jesus, come.

Here are a few peeks at life lately.

I've ridden Diamond a few times lately while Jewel is on Skeet. I enjoyed it a lot but my back didn't like when we did a canter. Next time I'll stick to walking. 

Look closely to find Josh.

Orphan kitties are thriving.

Sweetest littles.

Another sweetest little. This picture is from Lucy after Jason had a few sad days with his first cold.

Saturday jobs -

😏

💗💗💗

Josh has been asking for fudge, so I finally let him make it - - - and he did a fantastic job. I helped and supervised, but he did 80% of the work. And it was delicious.

Pretty sure this was Voting Day. Kate's project for school became a project for Kiowa.

Lots of help making stromboli for lunch.

Then some time outside on a beautiful summer day in November.

*No, Flint, you really don't need your winter coat!*

Election night.

Wednesday. Clay helped me make bread.

Beautiful day for a walk with the Sauder/Rockes in their timber.

There are seven kids climbing the hill but I think only six are visible...

The seven again.

Josh used his jigsaw to make this gun. It looks great!

Maybe A. Sarah needs a kitten???

💗💗💗

And the beautiful weather held - - -

Monday Josh mowed for Levi while I watched kids awhile.

💗💗

Last mowing here as well.

And as you can tell, the unseasonably warm weather finally gave way to more normal November temperatures. But we sure enjoyed the warmer days while we had them!

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. 

Genesis 8:22

 

A. Velma's Apple Cake

This is my favorite dessert of all time. I think.

This is one of my favorite desserts ever. For sure.

I have many favorite desserts because, let's face it, desserts are the best food group.

Sadly, though, no one else in my family likes this. This is something I cannot figure out. Because this cake is so. very. good. But - - this is not a recipe I would take somewhere because who wants to take a dessert that few will appreciate? But I do make this dessert often, especially during fall. And how do I make an entire pan just for me? Well, here's how I do it. I make the recipe below, and then freeze individual portions to be taken out and enjoyed for days and days to come. 

And a pan lasts a nice long time. 

And everyone is happy. 

Especially me.

😄

A. Velma's Delicious Apple Cake

4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced

2 eggs

2 cups sugar

Beat eggs, add sugar. Stir in apples. Let set 15 minutes.

Add to mixture:

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix well.

Pour into greased 9x13 cake pan.

Bake 350 degrees 45 minutes.

Topping

Mix:

3 heaping tablespoons flour

1 cup cold water

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

Cook until thick. Add 1/2 stick butter and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Pour on cake while hot.

**I don't pour this on the cake until I'm ready to serve it. It keeps in the frig for a couple weeks, and when I'm hungry for some apple cake, I thaw a piece, add some topping, microwave it for about 20 seconds, and then add ice cream. Or. Heat the apple cake and topping separately. Add a scoop of ice cream to the cake, and then drizzle the ice cream with the topping. Equally delicious and it looks even better.**

**This cake is also good plain, with no topping or ice cream**

 

**I do get serious about my apple cake**

Zzziippp

...that's how time goes lately. Sometimes it makes my head positively spin. Although I can't specifically say what fills the days so full and makes them fly so fast. I guess it's mainly a combination of preparing food for this crowd, keeping things relatively clean and picked up, and keeping the kitchen stocked. We go through a crazy amount of food, and my help is dwindling as the girls are gone working a couple mornings a week and their school load is heavier than ever. Josh does a great job but I prefer to keep him doing outside stuff.

So.... the days go zipping by, and that's just fine. I have no idea how long ago these px were. End of October/beginning of November, obviously.

U. Randy ripped the garden awhile ago. A sure sign that harvest is over.

Some beautiful mornings lately.

Sharing a laugh over...

something.

Actually I think it was an election advertisement - - - or meme - - -

Pasture walk picture.

Not sure what this is but it's very neat.

And maybe a little creepy?

There's a really really cute little kid that hangs out here sometimes - - -

And he is also very very loved 💗

And another one - - -

And another one - - -

I think we were building our house on the Lord Jesus Christ 🎜🎝

A chili supper for the young group a few weeks ago.

And that's about it for the highlights lately.

Except the election and its drama - - - but we don't need to mention any more about that - - -