REPLETE WITH RIBBONS--WELL, NOT EXACTLY

Here's the picture of the ribbon results from last week's county fair. I had a good year, but not an outstanding one. More blue ribbons than red, no white ones, but no "big" ribbons either. I am always working for the Judge's Choice in the different categories since the ribbon is huge, and represents a major distinction. Plus, it pays a much larger dividend and who can't use that?

Our fair is paying premiums of 70% of the former rates since the state had to pull all the funding for county fairs during the economic crisis. At least that's the way I understand it. Still I got a nice little check when all was said and done and not having a job, every little bit is like gold to me. A friend of mine has a goal of entering 50 items and this year she had over 30. I think I'll set that kind of goal for next year. I have one item in mind that I've thought of making for years. It's a huge tatted tablecloth that has over 2500 individual motifs in its design. I would hope against hope for a Judge's Choice on that one and it would be crushing if it didn't happen! Maybe someday I'll get it completed!

Just by way of description, the large picture in the back is embroidery and cross stitch-a blue ribbon. (That was a surprise to me!) Sophie's dedication dress and overcoat is next to it--a blue ribbon. Two little ovals in front of the big picture are pressed flowers on velvet--I make a set every year and have won Judge's Choice in the past. This year I got a blue ribbon on those. In front of that is the little embroidered oval picture that I posted in a picture of the "farm corner" before. I could only enter one and I chose the covered bridge. It won a blue. Underneath that is a crocheted table runner that got no ribbon. I didn't quite understand that one, but that's the way the ribbon awarding goes. Sophie's little knit hat that I designed is next to that--no ribbon--truthfully I was very disappointed on that one. My long knitted "ribbon" made of scrap yarn and recently pictured on another post of the "European Corner" drew a red ribbon. The large garment is several years old. It's a Civil War costume pattern that I decided to use for everyday wear. Actually only the top is the pattern. I think I just made the skirt from two pieces of straight fabric-no pattern. It received a blue. My knitted fingerless gloves are next to the dress and they got a red. Somewhere in all that is a tiny bobbin lace bookmark, barely visible. It's on another post as well--it received a blue and was the only comparable item in the entire needlework barn. The judge wrote a note on the entry tag, "Beautiful!" I always consider it a privilege to receive a written compliment from a judge because it rarely happens.

It's always nice to receive earthly rewards and recognitions, but let's face it--what we really want is to hear, "well done, good and faithful servant," at the end of our lives, is it not? The crowns we will receive to lay at Jesus' feet are the real important awards. Someday all these items and ribbons will fade away and only the eternal matters. We should be working hard for the kingdom of God while we have breath in us. Blessings, LORI

THE FIELDS ARE WHITE UNTO HARVEST!

Last evening we had a family get-together to plan for a two-week trip to Colorado. Kori brought the girls over and we talked about leaving on Tuesday in the early morning. Kori needs Rhiannon to help her drive and we will follow with a load of household items. Thankfully, this year for the first time we can remember, the harvest went so well that Rhiannon is done as of yesterday! Usually she works almost to the first of November.

This worked out pretty well. God is blessing the faith of JT and Kori to work all this out. We will be back just in time for a leadership conference we had hoped to attend.

The first picture is of Sophie in my English garden sitting in the bent willow chair probably for the last time in a long time. That's because it's about time to haul the garden furniture in for the year and because she will be moving to Colorado! She's wearing Emma's headband.

The next picture is of me and Emma sitting in the wheel of the big combine that harvested the corn on our back 10 acres! The machine is much bigger than you might think. I am just slightly taller than that tire. Until you get up real close, it's hard to imagine how truly huge this piece of equipment is. Emma wanted to look at it--but mostly from a distance.

The next picture is earlier in the day. I took it to show that the harvest is underway--both in my garden (in view) and in the field. I have been digging potatoes and onions, picking the last of the tomatoes, and shelling the last few dry beans.

Jesus said that the harvest is great and the laborers are few. He also said the that fields are white with the harvest. These are thoughts I've certainly been pondering this season. I learned a first-hand lesson in sowing and reaping as I dug my potatoes. I had done a poor job of planting, making the harvest difficult. The rows were uneven and I didn't "hill" them up. Now it's like hunting to get them dug. About every other bunch gets accidentally speared with the pitchfork or sliced with the shovel. Reminded me of the relationship between seedtime and harvest--there's a proper way to plant in order to reap abundantly. This is true in all of life--personal matter, churches, and literal gardens! Think about that as you live this day! Blessings, LORI

I'VE BEEN CALLED ALOT OF THINGS LATELY!

How do you like my new dress? Amazingly I finished this dress during Fair week! Clint's 30th class reunion was Saturday night and I needed something to wear. My wardrobe is in serious trouble right now!

I threw this together quickly. It was a lingerie pattern for the underdress and the "Afternoon Tea Dress," tunic pattern by Folkwear for the black overdress. I had just enough black lace for the tunic and couldn't even put the pattern pieces on correctly with the grain. It turned out exceptionally well despite the "issues" and the stripes in the lace pattern look great running on a diagonal. I put black lace down the center of the dress as well. The main dress fabric is a polyester sort of dark mallard green, shimmery with raised roses in the weave.

It worked out really well that I was able to get my hair done earlier in the afternoon. I am a terrible hair fixer and cannot do anything creative with my very long hair. I was happy with the updo that I had done.

Someone at the class party commented that I looked a "cameo." I took that as a compliment since I love old-fashioned jewelry. I told them I'd been described as a hippie only a few weeks ago! Earlier in the week a new acquaintance saw my husband at the Fair and told him I was a "sweetie." Someone at the reunion also said that my style is like a "gypsy." What I really want to be known as is a "fine Christian." I want to be so like Christ that it is obvious to all that I serve Jesus. My identity needs to be "in Him." Wouldn't you want that as well?

Clint does alot of funerals and one thing he notices is how people are remembered. I want to be remembered most of all as a follower of Christ. I have literally known people who seem to have the radiance of Christ all over their countenance. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Blessings, LORI

FAIR UPDATE

I'm pleased to share a little more of our exciting week with you! As Clint and I spend time at the St. Joseph County Fair in our old hometown, Centreville, Michigan, I hope to share the fun of the fair with you!

On Tuesday we spent the day volunteering in the Miracle of Birth tent as we do every year. We worked from 9am-3pm helping do whatever was needed for the animals. Clint helped alot with the cow, doing chores and as you can see, (in the very unflatering picture of me!) I took care of the incubator where the chicks were hatching. It was very hot at the fair yesterday and we were trying to claim any breeze we could. As you see, the sides of the tent had been rolled up. Several chicks hatched on my shift and I turned all the eggs at least once. The incubator stays at a steady 100 degrees and when a hatched chick is completely dry they go over to the other glassed in pen where they can eat and drink and walk around under a very warm light. Having been a sort of "chicken farmer" for a while, I really enjoy talking to all the people who are interested in knowing more about the chicks.

When we were done, Clint went to work at the chaplaincy's booth and I went to spin with the spinning and weaving guild in the needlework building. One of the other spinners and I got our pictures taken by a man from the local newspaper. I guess it appeared today. I haven't seen it yet.

Today I went and spun some more while Clint manned the chaplaincy booth again. It is great fun seeing lots of old friends and talking to people interested in what you are doing. I got all my alpaca/wool blend spun and plied. I really liked working with it and was sorry to see the product finished in one way. I immediately started some 100% alpaca--a little more challenging! I'll post pictures of the finished yarns later.

This evening Rhiannon came over to the fair and we did what we do nearly every year--attended the Demolition Derby! Hooray for wrecking cars on purpose under safe conditions! We got kind of hooked on this while my dad was still alive. He always took our kids when we lived in Centreville just a block from the fairgrounds. They enjoyed it so much that we all started going. Most of the time now, it's me and Rhiannon that enjoy the derby and tonight we had a friend driving in it for the first time. She did really well, but wasn't the final top prize winner. Yes, I know, this is out of character for me! But I really do enjoy the derby! The one picture of the upside down ride with the flags was taken by Rhi from the top of the grandstand while we waited for the derby to start. While we still were living in Centreville we awoke early one morning to fire whistles and a glow in the sky. The very, very old grandstand, a sort of icon in the county, was on fire. It burned beyond saving and a new grandstand was built to replace it. It is very nice and tonight was great mild weather for sitting outside to watch the show.

More pictures later in the week! Blessings, LORI

SOME PRETTY FAIR SPINNING!

"She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands."

Here's a picture of how I spent my day today! Our county fair is underway and I was demonstrating spinning in the women's arts building along with others from the spinning and weaving guild that I attend.

I had a great day. One of the gals helped me adjust and oil my wheel and then the spinning was easy and fun. I replaced the drive band a few days ago and hadn't spun all summer. It was suddenly very easy again and I got some great yarn (for me!). The yarn you see me spinning here is 50% Alpaca, 50% Wool--my favorite blend so far! I really like the natural heathered color. I am striving to spin yarn fine enough to use for sock knitting since I have a goal of becoming a knitter of lace socks. I think the handspun, naturally colored yarns will look great done up in lace patterns, sort of an unusual combination!

I hope to be spinning at the fair every day this week. Tomorrow my husband and I will serve as helpers in the Miracle of Birth Tent for the third or fourth year in a row. Several animals are there waiting to give birth. Lambs have already been born this week. I will probably keep an eye on the chick incubator while Clint acts as a general host, answering questions and helping wherever needed.

I've been enjoying the county fair since I can't remember how long! I was in 4H and began exhibiting projects years ago. This year I entered 11 items in open class categories. Report on that at the end of the week!

Hopefully more pictures later this week! Blessings, LORI

A HIPPY DECORATING SCHEME?

"A few curtains and some furniture here and there would make a great difference," Carrie observed silently as she eyed the yellowed pull shades on the windows. "Maybe a picture or two and some throw rugs," she thought. Excerpt from "The Fields of May"

I wanted to share a few of my latest decorating additions with you. I hurried to finish the blue candlewicking pillow that you see on my great grandmother's rocking chair. I got this kit at a thrift store for 99cents!

Kori generously allowed me to use the beautiful hatbox you see atop my armoire in my bedroom. She is storing furniture and household items in our basement since they are moving to Colorado. I gave her this lovely hat box for a wedding shower gift. I used it instead of a gift bag. Now I get to enjoy it again for awhile!

The long, strange-looking thing hanging above my spinning wheel is the newest addition to the "European Corner" upstairs. It is a knitted "ribbon." I got the inspiration from my favorite knitting shop, no longer in business except online. They had these displayed all over the shop. They left an assortment of needles and yarns for the customers to knit with. Each customer added interesting stitch patterns in their choice. When the ribbon was long enough they hung them in the shop. I thought this was a creative use of excess bits of yarn--after all I'm the queen of thread! Sadly, it barely made a dent in my stash. But I think it looks great on the wall. It picks up the colors in the rest of the area. Poor Rhiannon just about freaked at this item. She thinks it is downright weird. I used old colorful needles to stretch the stitches apart. I wish the picture were better so you could get a close up view of the various patterns.

The other picture is of an old desk that belonged to my grandma. I adorned it with this shawl I was crocheting for a local shawl ministry. I was using a combination of scraps they had stashed away. I never finished it and I think the ministry is no longer meeting. It was perfect to stretch over the knobs of the desk drawer to add a bit more pink to this area!

A couple of these items were a hurry finish last weekend since we had company coming. I always try to make a point of getting a little more house decor done before company comes. It's a goal I have. Rhi's friend from Bible college hadn't been to visit for years. Since then she has married and her husband was coming along to visit for the first time. She told me he asked what we were like and she described me as kind of like a "hippy." I thought that was really interesting. I probably might describe myself that way too. Though not a hippy in ideals or philosophy, I probably kind of have that look! As a youngster, I so well remember the old Victorian houses in the city where we shopped. Many had been rented out to college students in the 1960's and the style of the occupants was obvious! I'm sure as a little girl I was influenced by the clothes of the era. I still love peasant skirts and lacy, intricately patterned items. I guess we are all influenced by our culture more than we know. As Christians we need to be the influencers--make a difference in your sphere of influence today! I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my low-cost, unusual decor! Blessings, LORI

FILIGREE ON FENCES

A THING FOR VINES THAT CLING.....

Here are some pictures of the various vines in my gardens! I love them. First are the vines on the back garden fence. Next is the morning glory and bean pole in the vegetable garden.

The biggest vine is my honeysuckle that grows at the entrance to the English Garden. I started it from a cutting.

A scarlet runner bean grows out in the English Garden on an old set of springs from a baby bed. I picked them up at the edge of the road. The picutre would not post for some reason.We painted the side rails and made trellises out of rest of the baby bed too! They sit in other parts of the garden.

"Between the house and the barns was a small stone building, an old milk house with rambling vines creeping slyly up its corners." From "The Fields of May"

Here is the Amish Frosting Recipe I promised. I do not vouch for it's health properties--it's not something you want to make a steady diet of!!!

1 cup milk

4 heaping Tbl. flour

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup granulated sugar

Cook milk and flour until thick. Let cool completely to room temperature or cooler. Beat butter and shortening together for four minutes. (The beating time is important-do a full four minutes)

Add sugar to this mixture and beat 4 more minutes.

Add milk and flour mixture and beat 4 more minutes.

You can beat in a bit of vanilla if you desire, but I usually do not.

I usually double this recipe. I bake a nice fudgy chocolate cake in two round pans, cool, and then slice the layers to create 4 layers. Use a nice long bread knife and be careful not to break the cakes. Divide frosting evenly between layers, top and sides. I like this best when chilled. If it gets too warm, sometimes it tends to separate.

We are enjoying incredibly beautiful fall weather here this week. I hope you are too. Please add a comment with your vote (previous post discussions) for your favorite method of breadmaking--by hand or by bread machine! Blessings, LORI

A BUSY FALL DAY

We are having beautiful fall weather here in southern Michigan! These are a few of the last flowers abloom in my garden.

Today's To-Do List:

1. Read Bible and Pray
2. Finish and hang out one load of wash
3. Iron three of Clint's dress shirts
4. Make homemade beef barley soup
5. Bake bread
6. Do minor cleaning chores

Do church-related phone work

Attend funeral luncheon with Clint

Clean at the church for a short while

Thankfully, I finished it all!

I will be posting the recipe for the Amish Frosting that I used on the chocolate cake on the next post. Stay tuned! Blessings, LORI