things to love about fall

1. cable-knit socks
2. colorful walking trails
3. wrist warmers
4. boots
5. plaid
6. uncrowded beaches
7. u-pick orchards
8. doggies wearing sweaters
9. end-of-season yard sales
10. campfires and starlight

Carrot-Raisin Bran Muffins

If you have ever eaten "health food" and wondered why, for the sake of well-being, we should exercise the self denial of a Franciscan monk, then I have the perfect recipe for you. Also, if you think that bran and raisins only belong in the geriatric aisle, get ready to change your mind. These muffins not only are healthy & relatively cheap to make, they are also very yummy. (in my humble but oh-so-biased opinion) This makes a batch of 24
1 1/2 c. wheat bran
1 1/2 c. oat bran (you can just use wheat, but I like the variety)
2 c. milk
2/3 c. cooking oil
2 eggs
1 1/3 c. brown sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. whole wheat flour
2 t. baking powder
2 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 c. raisins
3 c. (+/-) shredded carrot

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and grease two muffin tins.
2. Mix together bran and milk. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. Gradually beat in oil, eggs, sugar & vanilla. Add baking powder, soda & salt. Gradually add flour. When thoroughly mixed, add raisins and carrot. Spoon into muffin tins.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let them cool, and the rest is self-explanatory.
These will keep in an airtight container for a few days.

Sherwood Forest Costume Party
October 3rd, 2009
Wayfarers State Park, Bigfork Day Use Area 1:30p.m. - ?
We will be hosting a Robin Hood/Maid Marian costume party. Wear a Robin Hood themed costume, (no tights please!) or your favorite medieval outfit. Be creative, come as Robin Hood, The Sheriff of Nottingham , Little John, or a peasant. (Ladies as maidens)
Please bring a no mess, finger food snack to share. (and bring your own apple maybe?)
We will have some games, and great photo shoots. Families welcome and bring friends!
If you have any questions please call Hannah or Megan. Or leave a comment . (Because this is an open blog our phone numbers will not be listed)If the date conflicts with your family schedule, contact us ASAP

Still Gazing

I have found a new favorite site: the official Hubble Telescope gallery!! After watching Louie Giglio's Indescribable, (thank you, Ridge!) I had to go find some of those pictures. Oh my, how lovely! The gallery of images will not disappoint you, and the screensavers are delightful fun. I am decidedly not a science obsessive, but I found the enormity of these stars absolutely enthralling.

She's Coming

More on this intriguing subject later....

Maid Marion In Progress

I know what I said about not sewing a Maid Marion costume; however, after talking with Megan, I realized that I probably do have time to whip something up. I'm not going to give the whole story yet, but here is one of the three patterns I will be using:I'm making it out of plum-colored shantung, and I'll be posting pictures soon!

Camping

Well, here are some pictures of our camping trip to Big Creek.

Megan....Rachel....
The mercantile playground is a very easy place to forget one's numeral age.Weddings in Polebridge are just an excuse to throw a{nother} party.
Rachel and Nora contact Bob, (no, not my Bob- a different Bob) while Mitch simultaneously cooks dinner and entertains Christian.

I do not have pictures of my Belarusian torture session. (please direct any questions pertaining to the nature of Belarusian torture to either Mom or Mrs. Comstock)

Check out this amazing contest:

Maid Marian Costume Event

I wish it would have been announced earlier, as I don't have anything prepared for it.
How lovely it will be to see the results though!

Cherry Processing (a.k.a. Purgatory)

Whoever said that life was a bowl of cherries accurately assessed the fact that life can be arduous, dull, and messy.
Pitting and drying a mountain of cherries is not for the faint hearted (or the epicures, for that matter).
Fresh cherries are so-o-o-o-o good, and so are the frozen ones, but when they have been depleted of their moisture, (not to mention their attractiveness) they aren't the most appetizing. So why are we hoarding them like paranoid hamsters? Maybe because the idea of free fruit is way too tempting to keep from hauling home any less than 200 pounds. *sigh* I wonder if a cherry diet does anything for one's outlook on life?

What I've been Sewing

First, I found a vintage nightie pattern....... Then, I bought a couple old bedsheets at the thrift store......

Laying out the fabric......Tada! The finished nightie! Unfortunately, it doesn't fit, so I will probably try to sell it.