Long weekend hike

I try to start every day with a hike threw the property with the dogs, but weekend hikes are especially fun because the kids can join us. It's slower going and there is sometimes a bit of complaining, but in general, everyone is in high spirits. Signs of spring are finally in the air. And our small brook was flooded. The water level was way over the bridge, and we had to turn back. We decided to drive to the ocean (5 min away) and finish our hike on the shore. It was spectacular. The ice floes were just stunning. I had never been to the shore in the winter before. I'll be going again. The ocean wind was chilly though and soon, we had to head home for some hot chocolate by the fire



the flooded river

Recipe of the week: Basic crackers

 Basic crackers

2 cups flour of choice
1/4 tsp. Salt
2tsp. Softened butter
1 cup milk
-Preheat oven to 400f
-Put salt and flour in mixing bowl (add spices of your choice at this point)
-Cut in butter until it looks like fine bread crumbs
-Slowly add milk to form a soft but not sticky dough
-Roll out until paper thin and put on baking sheet
-Using a sharp knife, cut dough into squares (you could also use a cookie cutter to get fun shapes)
-Prick each one with a fork 2 or 3 times
-bake 15 - 20 min. Until brown ad crispy
-Allow to cool and store in air tight container.

I made 2 batches of these crackers. 1 was made with 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup white flour. To these I added 1 cup of finely grated cheese before putting in the milk.
The second, I made with 2 cups of spelt flour and some steak spice to add flavor.
I served them with some home made hummus

Spring, Where are you?

Things have been quiet around here lately. Winter is refusing to let go, and cold snowy weather has enveloped us in a soft white blanket. So, we wait. The windows are full of new seedlings waiting to be planted in the garden, the days are getting longer, chickens laying more. Its only a mater of time before spring wins the battle and winter is sent packing.
The kids are enjoying the last snowy days, the dogs too. I get to sit by the wood stove with a cup of tea, carrot coconut loaf in the oven, and plan for the work that spring will be bringing.  I'm excited for the rush of activity in the near future.  But for now, I can't think of a better place to be. So as long as winter chooses to hang on, you'll find me enjoying the quiet, and beauty that encompass the season.