Making Lakes and Happy Bakes

 

Nothing more relaxing than to sit by a lake and watch the ducks and geese swim. It's a serene setting. I smile as they drop their beaks to the bottom of the lake to grab a bite or two for lunch, while their cute little butt feathers wiggle in the air. Adorable. 

The scene is peaceful and brings joy to my heart. That is unless it's not a lake at all, but rather a field out in front of somebody's home. Geese and ducks flocked to the new lake crafted by heavy rains in the Roseburg area over the past few days. Fowl came from everywhere, landing in a spot they could call their own. 

I'm sure the owners of the property don't mind the birds swimming peacefully in the water, but I'm almost certain they wish their land was back to normal. I believe it will be soon enough but it will take time. Although it looks as though the chance of precipitation next week is very low. Maybe some of the grounds around town will dry out a bit, giving home owners a reprieve from goose and duck squawking. 

Meanwhile, in our household:

Our furniture lies beneath the sheets and blankets. Although the couch and ottoman are new, you can't tell. We have not seen the surface of our household furnishings since we purchased them. They were instantly covered to protect the material from Kit, as he loves to claw. Then came the Togo. Huskies are known for their immense amounts of fur shed not only twice a year, but on a daily basis. Everything we own, including the cars have hair in them. This is especially interesting since we haven't had the dog in either car. He loves to share his magical fibers of love among everyone, everywhere. I swear he stands on his hind legs and blows fur into all spaces outside and inside the home. 

We don't own anything in the house, really. It's all taken by our babies. They laid claim on everything the day we moved into this home and got the Togo pup. Now all we see are sheets, blankets, animal butts, and undercarriages of said animals. Ah, life is good. 

***

On the sane side of life, I do believe it's time I create another sourdough starter. My other one from last year died out (yes, due to neglect). This year I would like to try a whole wheat flour mixed with a bread flour. I have read this or the rye flour is a good choice. It speeds along the fermentation process and it can add good stuff to the bread, including that lovely sourdough taste that comes through more pronounced when using rye. 

Although this is amazing and sounds like the perfect solution, it is also known to make the dough stickier and less elastic which means it's more difficult to work with. It will also make a denser dough and I like mine to be light and fluffy or floofy as we call it in this house. You know, sort of how we describe ourselves and our dog, Togo. 

So that is going to be the project for the day, along with work and possible cleaning here and there. The banjo lessons are a top priority as well. Now that I have one, I don't wish to be the person who puts it in the corner and never looks at the expensive little instrument again. Besides, nobody puts Baby in the corner. 

Dueling Banjos will be happening soon.

***

Saturday, January 12, 2025

I went into the store to pick up some items to make dinner. When I walked out, there was a strange sighting. A large yellow orb was in the sky. I have yet to figure out what it is ...

I watched it closely for some time. There seemed to be a warmth coming from this orb and it felt good. Odd to be sure but a welcome feeling so far. 

***

Returning home from work and the store on Saturday evening, I was admiring the skies. Several days of pouring down rain was too much, but now the skies opened up to a lovely sight of dramatic colors. 

I love the orange and reddish colors of the sun setting reflecting against the dark gray clouds. 

***

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Here we are at the end of another weekend. The time goes so quickly. I worked a bit but not much because the orders were not coming in like they usually do on weekends. 

Bored, I closed down the apps a bit earlier than usual and headed into the kitchen. Why not bake something? But what?

One of our favorite types of cookie is the ginger snap. I got the ingredients at the store and began a new adventure. I've never made the ginger snap before so this will be a treat in a couple of ways. 

Mm. The aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses filled the house. We had baked ziti for dinner and then came the ginger snaps. 

I loved the flavor of the cookies but the snap just wasn't there. As the cookies cooled, the snap became apparent or at least a little. But those are not ginger snaps as I know them and love them. 

I researched the reason the ginger snaps didn't come out as snappy as they should have. Too much moisture, which I know isn't the reason as I followed the recipe carefully. However, the instructions called for refrigeration. The research I did stated that the refrigeration can make the cookies softer. I will bake these again but next time no refrigeration. The recipe I used called for about 15 to 20 minutes of sitting in the refrigerator and if it tends to make the cookies too soft, then I'm removing that step. 

On top of baking some cookies, I created a new sourdough starter. I can't wait for the fermentation process to finish so I can bake some more boules or my new goal is to try out English muffins and possibly rolls, pretzels, and maybe cinnamon rolls. Yes, my husband will have to roll me out of the kitchen unless he can't because of his weight gain. We will be calling people and using the line, "We've fallen and we can't get up." 

***

Wow. Third day of the starter and already it's fermenting. This is going to be a good one. Lots of sourdough products are going to be coming from this one! I just fed it for the first time and then tucked it back into bed. 

***

Our outdoor stray kitty has been getting friendlier. This is my goal. I want her to become adjusted to humans and know that they can be good and kind. She needs a home and I'm working hard on the goal of getting her calm. So far, so good. 

I can't wait to find her a forever home. She is adorable and so cuddly now!

She has made herself right at home here. Terry goes outside to smoke a cigar and read a book. Sasha has made herself comfortable on his lap now while he reads. He has had to adjust his tablet position and how he holds the cigar, but they are best of friends now. 

Even when I walk the dogs in the morning, I have to watch my step due to this pretty girl weaving in and out between my legs. 

Her meow is loud and her love for humans is becoming quite strong. She will make someone an amazing companion. Know of anyone looking for a beautiful baby? 

Terry named her Sasha because it is of Russian origin and she looks like a Russian blue to us. Her fur is such a sleek, soft, blue-gray color. Her eyes are healthy looking and very yellow. She's a gorgeous kitty!

Meanwhile, back in the homestead:

Yesterday Mallory came by for a visit. She spent time playing with Togo's tail while he was sleeping. In this video, he was caught trying to plan his attack one more time ...

***

 Well, we are at the finale of the weekend again. We hope you are all living the dream in love, light, and pure happiness. Take care. Count your blessings and be sure to shine your light! The world is in need of light now. 

Love to all and we will catch you on the next blog post! Thanks for joining us and reading our blog. Terry and I appreciate you.