Little Log Cabin has moved! To Western Massachusetts, to be exact. A bit of a life change and bit closer to an actual cabin. It's meant having to get a car, stacking wood, and planning my shopping trips. It's also meant lovely scenery, quiet nights, and bear sightings. Last Thursday was all about cidering. From inspecting and cutting out the rotten bits, to grinding, to setting up the press. It was my first time being involved, and it was a long day. I've also tried my hand at apple and raspberry picking, getting a wood stove going properly, and a bit of composting. Really just trying to settle in and figure it all out before winter sets in. Special thanks to all of you who helped make this possible.

Off to the Wooden Boat Show in Mystic. Hope to post more soon. Have a great weekend.

Happy Father's Day

Bookend of sorts. Dad in Tennessee (?), ca. 1930's

Happy Mother's Day

Wigwam Village No. 2, Cave City, Kentucky ca. 1940's

Maryland Sheep & Wool

May 1. Maryland Sheep & Wool was this past weekend. Loads of people and exceptionally warm. No rain here. This year I knew what was wanted (a cone of Bartlett's), so instead of searching the stalls for something I spent a bit more time with the sheep. Spoke with a few owners, watched the sheep dog demonstration and sat in on some judging. Enjoyed an amazing picnic (roasted veggies with olives and tofu, couscous, fruit salad, homemade bread, dips and chips) with the ladies. What you might call a perfect day. Many thanks to Wendy & Jennifer for driving.

Clogs

Balmoral clogs

Derby clogs

Brogue clogs

Boots

I've been looking at these lately and wondering how practical they would be for everyday wear.
Anyone? They certainly look sturdy enough.

Clemency Anne Rose Gray, restaurateur, chef and author, born 28 January 1939; died 28 February 2010.


Potato and anchovy gratin from, The Cafe Cook Book.

More here and here.

happy valentines's day!

List of colors

Top to bottom: Mountbatten pink, caput mortuum, khaki, wenge, rufous, gamboge, forest green, canary yellow, and bole.


My new favorite Wikipedia page: List of colors

Love the names and its interesting to read about the history of some these. Take a look.

Winter walk

Johnson Woolens doing what they do they best.

My street


You can just see the the top of the dome of the cathedral across the street.

Herringbone gloves.


Snowbound Land Rover.

Not sure about this.

Jeep? The telephone pole in the background is charred black.

Valentine's Day decorations.

What's this?

Peregrine falcon? with an afternoon snack.

All that remained.

Another dumping. 15.8". After this past weekend's storm I'd hope to be able to ride the bike again, but no such luck. Wednesday wasn't much good for anything but staying inside, cooking, movie watching ("Holiday Affair"), and knitting a pair of gloves. Stepped out a few times to get a sense of things and then back in. Today was bright and sunny, so I thought it might be good to take a little look see. I spoke to my friend Lynn who said she might walk down to see the river. Thought I might try to do the same, but never quite made it. But I did see a few interesting things. The Peregrine just topped things off rather nicely. Couldn't get close enough to get a good photo, and it didn't take a chance on me getting it's kill. Off it flew with dinner in tow.

28.5"

photo courtesy the Maine Historical Society

Digging out!

Ramen

all photos by Basil Childers for The New York Times

"With a week’s stubble on his chin, his eyeglasses fogged with steam and a towel wrapped around his neck, he certainly looks ganko, or stubborn, and he speaks hardly a word as he methodically fills bowls with careful dollops of flavorings and fats, ladles of rich broth, noodles cooked just al dente and shaken free of excess water, a slab of roast pork, a supple sheet of seaweed, a tangle of pickled bamboo shoots. All is silent until the final moment, when the chef drizzles hot oil on top and the shreds of pale-green scallion squeal and sizzle."

rest of article here.