2012 Badger Steam and Gas Engine Show Baraboo, WI

Time is flying by so fast.  Where has the summer gone?  My family has enjoyed another year on the 127 Yard Sale and its 500 miles of fun (Promise to post my finds soon!), and we spent this Saturday enjoying the sights at the Steam and Gas Engine Show in Baraboo, WI.  As always, it offered a HUGE flea market, an antique chainsaw exhibition, loads of vintage engines, a tractor show, great food, and several buildings housing wares and occupations from days gone by.  A person could spend the whole weekend enjoying the sites! :)

Here is a view into the large building that houses the Blacksmith Shop.  It is open from each side, so that spectators can watch the Smithies at work. (If you enter from the front of the building, there are chairs set up for the visitors.)  They have a table next to their work space with newly crafted items for sale.  It was amazing to see these skilled Artisans at their trade.  :)

Onward to another building housing the Print Shop.  There was beautiful old printing presses and loads of gorgeous type on display.  Here is one of the machines in progress.  The gentlemen were busy working and full of information about the beginnings of the printing press.  I was told that there are some of these machines still in use today in specialty shops that deal with ornate printing.  This press in motion makes such a rhythmic sound.  The printer can print a copy every 1 1/2 seconds, when he gets his timing down.  And remember... he is placing the paper by hand!   I thoroughly enjoyed this machine and would love to have one of my own... *sigh*  Could you just imagine the gorgeous cards one could create?? ;)

A little memento from the guys in the print shop.  :) 

The women's center is another one of my favorite haunts. (That is where I learned the process of doing beeswax candles last year.)  This wool spinner caught my attention.  Here he is applying his trade.  The table displays all the various tools involved in processing various forms of wool.  Isn't the yarn lovely?  Like the rhythmic hum that draws me to the printing press, the pedals moving to the spinning wheel gives me the same sense of peace to my soul.  And unlike the expense that will never see me owning a press, this little wooden dandy is more likely to be in my budget! ;)

Here is a close up of some of the tools of the trade.  I have not decided how to process our sheep's wool yet.  Farmerboy has decided to do his shearing in early Spring, so I have a while longer to decide.  I had thought of getting a set of carders like the one in the upper left corner of the picture. 

**NOTE** While walking the flea market, I was able to watch Larraine Bertrang from Long Lane Farm carding some of her Alpaca wool.  She was using the hand carders (resting one on her leg and brushing with the other hand).   The results from her work were for sale in bags on her table, along with some raw wool in need of carding.  It was a fascinating process to witness, and I am so glad that she shared her wares and talent at the show.

Here is a closeup of wool yarn that was available for purchase.  Behind the yarn, you can see a drum carder.  I cannot remember if this one was electric.  An electric drum carder would be ideal to own.  It would be a lot pricier but would save a lot of wear on my arms!

Have you ever felt roving that was a mix of baby Camel hair and sheep wool.  It is BABY SOFT!  What an amazing combo... :)

It is hard to believe that this event has passed for another year.  There are so many other buildings that did not make it into this post... *sigh*  It will be something to look forward to sharing next year!  :)

Chore Time

Farmerboy and I did chores together.  With a little help from my camera, we decided to introduce you to a few members of our family...

Below is one of the first pigs that Farmerboy purchased on his own.  He is enormous and LOVES to be scratched on his head and back.  The sweltering temps have been wearing on all of us, but this guy has his own way of relief.   He quickly turned over his water trough and laid in the cool wet spot on the floor.  What can I say??  Such a small thing to make him happy! :)

My son has been raising cast off runt pigs for the last year.  These are the last two that he has remaining.  They are a lively twosome.  When the sheep's hay falls through into their stall, these guys scramble over and gobble it up.  How funny is that?  Especially since their whole stall is bedded with hay! ;)

Farmerboy purchased 5 turkeys as babies.  Only these two made it to maturity.  Big plans were made for Thanksgiving.  Of course, that was three years ago. ;)  It can safely be said that these guys will be looking at death from 'old age'.  LOL



Now for the newest addition to our small farm family... The Sheep.  This shy girl is named Ariel.  She is a might skiddish and ever aware of the activities surrounding her in the farmyard.  I like to think that she is an interested observer and overall 'deep' thinker! ;)

This handsome dude is Brick.  He is by far the smallest of the sheep and is absolutely adorable!  Brick is full of energy and rushes inside the building when chore time begins to ensure being the first in line for feed. LOL  

Lego is the most gentlest ewe of the small herd.   Truth be told, I think that she is Farmerboy's favorite.   As you can see by the photo, this matriarch thrives on attention.  

There is nothing more relaxing then spending time with the animals.  I will be adding some shepherding blogs to my blog roll as my research into raising and processing wool expands.  My son and I spent quite a bit of time at the county fairs admiring the breeds in the show pens.  Who knows... Maybe there is a shepherd in my pioneer's soul!  :) 

Elizabeth Town Fair and Tractor Pull

Is it time again for the Elizabeth Town Fair?  I am beginning to wonder if summer is getting shorter.  Hmmmm.   Maybe shorter in days, but definitely not short on heat! ;)

My morning was spent at work in the bliss of air conditioning with a church bake sale taking place in our lobby... Yay!   By noon, I arrived home with a newly purchased apple pie and a tray full of Reese Peanut Butter Cup cookies.  Lunch was eaten in a hurry, clothes were changed to summer attire, and we loaded up the Mini Z and U and made our way to the Elizabeth. 

If you are ever in Illinois at the time of Elizabeth's Fair, I highly recommend it.  There is a wonderful midway, a hometown parade, EXCELLENT food,  live band at night, and a great turn out for the annual truck and tractor pull on Saturday evening. 

Farmerboy pulled with his Minni Z in the 4500 and 5000 pound classes.  His front end rose up on the first pull but was nothing compared to the lift he got out of the U later... but that is another story!  End result... He placed 1st in both classes. :) 

Due to the time of night and the enormous need for me to invest in a better camera,  I failed to capture the night time pull of the Minneapolis Lp U.  Just let me say... The first pull ended with the front of the U rising up from the ground as it crept along.  Although this is not an unusual phenomenon, the fact that Farmerboy kept pulling made it rise to heights that these eyes have never seen!!  It happened so fast that my fear instincts didn't even have a chance to kick in.  I suppose that is a good thing in the 90 degree heat. ;)   Even if my camera had been cooperating,  I'm doubtful that a photo would have taken place!  The second pull went a lot smoother as he made his way steadily down the track.  (Much to the relief of  mom and maybe even to Farmerboy too!)   His last pull finished at 11:30 pm with Farmerboy taking home 1st in the 6500 and 7500 pound classes.  :)  Jubilation for the driver and pit crew!

I do not think that I have mentioned this in earlier posts, but a HUGE thanks goes out to Dave and the Crew at Iron Anchor for putting on a wonderful show.  They were still putting on a great pull when we left at Midnight.  How is that for entertainment??  They provide a great sled to pull and have the most friendliest bunch of workers that we have ever met.  Plus,  they do the best work in the hottest time of the year and can always be seen smiling.  Now that is dedication!

No Fuss Rhubarb Dessert

With the Fourth of July right around the corner, this Rhubarb Dump Dessert is super easy and quick to make and refrigerates well for preparing the day before your celebration.  ;)   Each ingredient is layered and mixes itself in the cooking process... Yay!  (It is always a plus for me to find a recipe that uses a main ingredient from our garden.) 

There are many variations of this dessert on the Net, and I know some are more concientious about sugar usage.  My personal preference is to use enough sugar to turn out a rhubarb gel similar to a sweet pie filling.   If wish your dessert to be a little more on the tart side, add an extra cup of rhubarb.  Once it is cool, it may not gel up as firm but will be just as tasty! :) 

The recipe is written with each step being followed by the picture.   The dish is 13 x 9 inches, and your oven should be preheated to 350 degrees.

5 Cups   Rhubarb (cut into chunks)

Spread out evenly on the bottom of a 13 x 9 pan.

3/4 Cup    White Sugar

Sprinkle over all of the rhubarb chunks.

3 oz. package of Strawberry Jello

Clip a corner of the package and sprinkle evenly over the other ingredients.

1 box    Yellow Cake Mix

Clip the corner of the bag and sprinkle evenly over contents of pan.  You can use your fingers to push unwanted piles or break up chunks! ;)

1 Cup    Water

Let the water drizzle from the measuring cup.   You can go back and forth and change from side to side.  This will dispense it fairly evenly over dry ingredients.

1/2 Cup    Butter (melted)

Melt butter in microwave safe dish.  Drizzle the butter as evenly as possible over the other ingredients.  As you can see from the photo, I have a few chunks in mine still.  It is a very forgiving recipe! ;)

The only thing left is to bake your dessert.  Your oven should be preheated to 350 degrees.  Which at The Hollow translates to "Turn the oven on about 2 minutes (or less) before sticking the pan in!"  LOL  Set your timer for 45 minutes and pull out a colorful yummy dessert! 

The longer the dish cools -  the firmer the filling will get.  My family can be found scooping it onto plates with a spoon while it is still in a semi warm and liquid state. ;)   For a chilly twist on a hot day, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.   

After the dish gets to room temp,  put a wrap over the top and pop it into the fridge.  It tastes even better after being chilled!  

Enjoy! :) 

Sister's Choice Quilt in Progress

I am playing a mad game of catch up lately!  It is good to be working on the projects that I love.  My nine patch blocks are now all completed for my Sister's Choice quilt (Directions can be found on Bonnie Hunter's blog "Quiltville").  They will make up the center for the larger block.  Preparations of the green 2 1/2 inch blocks for the corner are underway, and a decision will be made soon on the colors of the border.

I haven't given up on the Skill Builder Challenge either! ;)  Although most of the girls are finishing up the challenge, the next few months will find me picking up where I left off.  It is important to finish this challenge and learn the necessary skills for future quilts.  With the time pressure off, my hopes are to get the remaining blocks completed before the first snow fall.  It sounds odd to post about snow, but time is flying by at The Hollow and projects for Fall Etsy sales must come first! :)

Pictures of the New Grandchicks! ;)

I should have known that there would be more than one!  Here are the latest picks of the new Grandchicks. ;) 

The first to arrive was this little butterscotch colored fuzz ball.  It always amazes me how they can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, when you pick them up! :)

The next day this little guy was waiting for Farmerboy in the hen coup.  He (or she) reminds me more of  Davey in looks but has a pumpkin colored spot on the left side of his face.  The color of his down makes him look like a little penguin! :)

Introductions were made...   Lil' Butterscotch didn't seem to thrilled with sharing digs, since she (or he) was a whole day older than the mini Penguin! LOL  But later in the night, they settled together fine.  I had to put Davey into another cage, since he is way larger than these two.  Although I must say, he didn't act like they bothered him much.  But... Davey tends to believe that he is descended from ducks and is much to wild with the  water dish for these little peeps! ;) 

After getting home from work yesterday, this tiny little lump named Coal was waiting for me.  She (or he) is half the size of the other two.  It made me a little nervous to place her in with the other chicks, but I am happy to report that all three are getting along famously!

 

I was  informed last night by Farmerboy that one more egg had a little hole started in it yesterday.  So... there might be one more to add to the group tonight.  Even though I enjoy this little distraction to everyday life,  my hopes are that this will be the last addition to our little flock! ;) 

New Addition to the Household

Here is the latest addition to the Pumpkin Hollow household.  His name is Davey.  He is a brave little guy, who is the sole survivor from an attack on our baby chicks.  My son decided to bring Davey into the house, until he gets some size to him.  I have found out that he is quite the escape artist and spent some time chasing him around my son's room yesterday.   It has been awhile since we have had chicks in our home.  Davey is a nice little reminder of how wonderful new life can be... :)  

Farmerboy has just recently purchased some lambs to raise, also.  I will have to get some photos of them to share.  They  have light and dark colored coats.  This will be a new adventure for us.   It will be exciting to have some natural wool to play with!  ;)