Homestead at Bridle Creek

Life is Good

Late Night Pickling

Leave a Comment

It is almost midnight and I am just finishing up the last batch of Quick Dill Pickles for the day.

Two months ago tonight, I wrote about my Late Night Gardening adventure, as I planted cucumber seeds later in the season (and later in the day) than I ever had before.  Being unsure how successful this would be, and knowing that I had a very short window for being able to harvest – (due to daylight hours, weather, etc.) –  I planted very heavily – so that I could get a large harvest – all at once, instead of throughout the normal growing season.

cucumber plants in a rowcucumber row planted 8-12-15cuke blossoms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cuke on the vine3 editedcuke on the vineThe venture was a success.

As of tonight, there are two 5-gallon crocks of dills brining away, 2 dozen pints of sweet pickles and more than a dozen jars of Quick Dills, bottled, sealed and curing in the storage room.  The harvest is not over.  It is actually just coming into full swing.  I not only have had enough to use for myself, but am able to share with friends who’s  gardens have not fared so well in the drought this summer.

My little garden helpers have returned to their home up north.  The gardening adventure that could have been catastrophic in August ended up providing a bountiful harvest – both of cucumbers and great memories in the garden with my precious littlDSC_0095e helpers.

Feeling very grateful tonight – and a little bit tired.

Quick Dill Pickles

Kathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s what’s Happening on the Homestead

Spring.  Just the word congers up images of blossoms and bunnies, eggs and chicks. . . . and catalogs filled with tableware, linens and all the fresh spring color imaginable. . . . so when my spring edition of the Pier1 catalog arrived – I was immediately drawn to devour every page.  The dinnerware, table settings, linens were, in typical Pier1 form, a wonderful feast for the eyes. pier1-catalog-page

But, there was one thing that especially drew my attention. . .their adorable folded napkins – especially the little bunnies in the upper right corner of the page. The catalog directed readers to log on to their website for instructions  – which I immediately did.

Upon arriving at the page, I  searched for the Bunny Fold pier-one-bunny-ears-directionsand found this.   I grabbed some cloth napkins (which happened to be from Pier1) and, following their directions, began folding.  It only took me to the 4th step to figure out that there was a real problem with the directions – they were rolling from the wrong side of the napkin. . . and by the final step – it was unmistakable.

wrong-way-bunny-napkinI had created this.  I took an unfolded napkin and the directions to my husband – who, as a builder, reads instructions for a living  . . . and his response was immediate – these are not right.  They have rolled from the long side and not the point – and used directions for a granny knot.  It needs to be an ‘overhand’ knot.  (50 plus years of scouting – he should know his knots!)

After making a few simple changes – rolling from the point and using an overhand knot – the finished product looked like the one in the Pier1 picture.  Success!    folded-bunny-napkin-perfection

 And so, as much as I LOVE Pier1, no one is infallible.  I have done my own set of instructions, including pictorials, for your use should you be wanting to try these little treasures.  Such a simple way to dress up a spring  or Easter table.

Just Click Here to go to the instructions.  Happy Spring!

Enjoy,

Kathy

About Us

Established in 1989, the Homestead at Bridle Creek has risen from acres of oaks and scrub brush to a  [Continue Reading …]

Connect with Us

Recent Posts