Still Woods Farmhouse

My husband and I were recently discussing memorable events in our childhood.  His was when he broke his arm playing baseball and he continued to play first base through the remainder of the game...ughh!  He is tough like that! Mine was more Norman Rockwellish (I know this is not a word, but I like it).  I remember holding hands with my dad...walking down Main Street in Rockland, Maine...with the snow gently falling around us. We were on a quest to find a Christmas gift for mom from her girls.  My sister was quite young then, so it was just me and Dad.  I liked it that way...I am a Daddy's girl! There was one item that always caught my eye.  Do you remember Evening in Paris ? (Source: Another Perfume Blog) I remember being in awe of the deep blue-purple color and thought the name sounded so exotic.  This ad proclaimed that you were " A thousand times more enchanting with Evening in Paris ".  Who wouldn't want to be enchanting? Each Christmas my poor mothe

I love the Olympics!  The opening ceremonies are tomorrow night.  Why not have your own Olympic event?  We have been having Olympic events at different get togethers for years.  It is easy and fun.  Here are a few ideas to make your Olympic event a night to remember. Begin your event with the official Olympic music.  You can download it from the internet.  Give the adults tiki torches to carry and the youngsters pretend torches made with leftover paper towel rolls.  Line up the torch bearers and start the music! Gather the troops around and give directions so that everything runs smoothly...not saying that it will, but give it a try! Plan several backyard games that everyone can enjoy.  Many of these pictures were taken at what we jokingly call the "Deacon Decathlon", an event which has been hosted at our home for church deacons, church staff, and their families. Archery is always a favorite! What about a shortened version of crouquet? Horsesho

I adore homemade laundry detergent.  The first time I read about homemade detergent was in a book written by Jim and Michelle Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting .  In theory, it sounded good, but I never got around to making any.  Later, I came across a detergent recipe on the blog Sugar Pie Farmhouse .  After reading the many positive comments, I decided it was time to give it a try.  By the way, if you have never read Aunt Ruthie's blog, you must stop by.  WARNING:  Have lots of time on your hands, because you will be enthralled. I was just in the beginning stages of developing this blog when I made my last batch of detergent, so didn't think to take a picture of all the necessary items; therefore, the borrowed picture of.. The Starting Lineup... (Sugar Pie Farmhouse) Best Ever Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe: 1 - 4 pound box of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda 1-  4 pound box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda 1-  4 pound box of Borax 3 bars of K

I woke to a beautiful morning.  The skies were clear and the temperature was slightly cooler than usual.  Breakfast on the porch sounded like a great way to start the day.  My dad made a terrific coffee cake, which he graciously shared with us.  Along with my favorite coffee, my breakfast is complete.  Thanks Dad! It is such a nice day, I think I will go for a walk.  Why don't you join me as we walk the trails?  Put on your comfy walking shoes.  Uhh, hmmm??  What is this?  I would like to say that I had a little spill while skiing at Chamonix in France (reported to have the best vertical lift), but instead must admit that I did it while on a day trip to Oak Alley in LA.  I didn't see a minuscule piece of concrete, tripped on it and fell. That little tumble resulted in nerve and ligament damage, but no breaks!  Woo, hoo!  We call  it my Lego boot.  I must share with you how that name came to be.  I am a psychometrist and counselor for a local school district.  As I w

My husband has the honor of serving as the Deacon Chairman for our church.  This is his 2nd time to serve in this capacity.  During his first year of service, I began making homemade cookies for the monthly deacon meetings.  My boys love Cowboy Cookies, so I pulled out my recipe and hoped that the deacons would like them too!  There are several recipes out there for Cowboy Cookies, but I bet you have never seen a recipe for Deacon Delights!  Here it is... In honor of baseball season...may I present... The Starting Line-Up! In case a certain physician is reading this, please note the LARGE container of oatmeal in the background which I do consume on a somewhat regular basis! Deacon Delights 1 cup of butter 1 cup of brown sugar 1 cup  of white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon of vanilla 2 cups of all purpose flour 1 teaspoon of vanilla 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2 cups of rolled oats (quick cooking or regular, either is fine