Snow Drops & Amish Friendship Bread

A former resident of the farm house at some point in time planted some galanthus elwesii bulbs.


These small flower stalks began appearing a few weeks ago peering out of the snow. I discovered them somewhat by accident a couple of years ago after I cleaned out what looked like a small flower bed bordered by old now displaced bricks. Here they are again, and are commonly known as Turkish or Giant Snow Drops. This picture was taken yesterday afternoon. Research shows the flowers bloom in the Winter before the vernal equinox 20-21 of March and are not necessarily an early sign of Spring. They are a cheerful sight and though not the true heralds of Spring, they inspire it's anticipation none the less.

Two years ago I was given some Amish Friendship Bread starter. Since then there have been several batches made and shared. I would typically freeze at least one of the extra starters. One of them was discovered yesterday afternoon. So this is day one of a total of ten before the batter will become bread. It is a sweet treat to have on a chilly night. Until then there will be the aroma of the activity of fermentation.

The Recipe

How about a Little Bull!

Here's the new addition to the farm. He is a little bull calf. (Verified)




He was born during the warm break in the Winter weather in the middle of January just before it turned into single digits.

Nemo, the Snow Storm, missed us and this weekend will be on the sunny warmer side. The snow and ice has been thawing and freezing. Since the ground hog saw his shadow, it is hopeful thinking Spring will show earlier signs of its arrival. Until then it is going to be a muddy mess.




This Red Bellied Woodpecker was out front, picking around on the big old maple tree. It was a delight to see with its brilliant color against the dormant palette of Winter.




Here's the indoor round pen, with the ride-in gate. Until it gets warmer and drier, this is the training round pen. It is a take off of the Amish round pen where Reina was trained. The panels are interlocking and movable which offers flexibility as to where it can be placed.

Summer 2012 was very dry and affected the yield of hay baled required to take care of the horses and cattle during the colder months. Thankfully the alfalfa field did well enough to provide feed for the horses which should last through the remainder of the Winter, leaving all the hay for the cattle.

Thoughts advance to Spring!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad