My world in Pins, Vol. Four

{All pictures linked to Pinterest for sources}

Fig Newton & Daisies

Homemade Fig Newtons

1/2 C. Butter

1 C. Sugar } cream

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 C. flour

1/4 tsp soda

1/2 tsp salt

Chill dough 1 hour

Roll out 1/2 of dough in a 1/8 inch thick long rectangle

cut in 4inch wide strips

spread filling on each strip covering only 1/2 of strip

fold dough 1/4" of dough over filling on each side and pinch closed.

cut bars square, bake on lightly greased cookie sheet for 8-10 min @ 400

Filling 

1/2 C. raisins

1/2 C. dates

1/2 C. figs

1/2 C. water

2 tbs lemon juice

Cook until thickened and let cool.

These are a million times better than any fig newton you've ever had before.
I suggest you make up your own mind about that, however - you won't be disappointed!

My world in Pins, Vol. Three

{All pictures linked to Pinterest for sources}

It's Myself.

Hello, Everyone!  It's so good to be back online temporarily to peek into my little corner of cyberspace.  I'm missing home and the sweet little things in my regular routine of life (Morning tea, sisters, Etsy plans... Pinterest, anyone?) :smile: most dreadfully, but the grand adventure of living goes on.  I trust you've all been enjoying the scheduled posts I've whipped up for you! :)

I'm sitting here on a borrowed laptop in the little flat we're staying in, the sun just setting on a perfect golden, cloud-strewn California spring sky.

It's been just shy of two weeks since my father, sister and I arrived here in Lake County, CA, armed with shining new vine pruners and ready to work.  

Our main job was finished yesterday, as we snipped the last vine on a 13 acre block of one of the beautiful vineyards here in California wine country.  The job was hard, as evidenced by our sore, bruised, and blistered hands, but working together and seeing the good work we accomplished is so rewarding!  Some dear friends of ours also came down from Idaho to help, and the five of us had a really wonderful time.

I'm not sure what's next on the programme, but I'm hoping to be home within a week or so - we'll see what the Lord has in store=)  In the meantime, here's a little glimpse into the trip thus far - warm sunshine, new adventures, and smiles abound.

I want to thank you all so much for the wonderful comments you've left for me while I'm away  -  I just love reading them all!  I can't wait to be back home and get all caught up on everything.  It's going to be a great spring.

Love to you all!

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Oh, and if you haven't yet, be sure to enter the current giveaway for the Spring Retreat Basket!

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Mt. Shasta

Road trips are always fun...

The Ranch - this block that we pruned is about 13.7 acres.

The first week was wet, cold, and sodden, with a piercing wind - but the sun won out at last and I'm just loving this bit of California sunshine:)

Ellen and my Dad

The whole crew - and a job accomplished!

Resting boots

Tools of the trade

Two tired girls about to sample a divine bread pudding at Angelina's Bakery<3

If you're ever on Main St. in Lakeport, Ca, be sure to drop by=)  The rich walnut-topped brownies are most excellent, also.  As is the quiche.

Today, we took a break and drove down to the family lake house, one of my favorite places on earth.

It's been around four years since I'd been there last, and it was lovely to stop by and walk around the yard, step onto the pier, and take a peek into the old house, built my my ancestors, where I and generations of my family have memories and stories kept.

It's there, sweet memories hanging thick in the dusky shadows of curtained rooms, waiting to come alive once more with the footsteps of family and friends.

It was a beautiful day.

I'll be back just as soon as I can!  Have a fabulous weekend, friends!