ANOTHER COLD WEEK SO LET'S BAKE BREAD!

Monday, March 2, 2015- It was another damp and cold day so we happily stayed in. Ralph kept busy making knife sheaths for Dr. Medina's "Flint Knives". One of his patients made these flint knives for him years ago and he has them on display in his office.

When we were at Dr. Medina's office a couple of weeks ago, he saw Ralph's knife pouch on his belt. He admired it and asked Ralph if he would make him some for his flint knives.

So Ralph has 4 sheaths to make and they all are going to be different sizes and shapes.

Wed. March 4, 2015- Today was the only day this week that was fit for bike riding. Ralph was not going to go because he had a few things he wanted to get done. He wanted to make another knife sheath for Dr. Medina. Well unfortunately he soon had to add another chore on his list!

When he went to get the bicycle tire pump from the RV storage compartment he saw a little puddle of water. Turns out a nipple on the water heater was leaking. So off he went to the little neighborhood hardware store in Somerset.

Before going, he aired up my tires and off I went for a 16 mile loop that  I had marked out for today's ride. I always let Ralph know of my route. This would be my longest ride to date since we started back bike riding several weeks ago. To think years ago when I was fit and 30 lbs lighter, I was doing 25 to 30 mile rides, but I know I will get there again.

Several miles of my route I pass several ranches. Here I  made time to stop and chat with these cute burro.

These sheep were huddled up along the fence. As I stopped to take a picture, they got a little frightened and jumped up and started walking off. I tried but couldn't get the twin baby lambs to look my way.

Towards the end of this particular route is a long and gradual uphill grade. In years past it has always been a chore for me. I would huff and puff and I could feel my legs tire before reaching the top.

Well today a just peddled right up this grade and before I knew it, I was on top of this hill. I could not believe it. I was "not" huffing and puffing and my legs were not burning either. The only thing that I can surmise is the step aerobics that I have been doing with Loy has really built up strength in my legs. I had noticed this in my previous bike rides that I have been doing over these last several weeks.

The mailman was delivering mail to a cluster of mailboxes on top of this hill and he said to me, "Wow, you made it to the top of this hill". Now I really felt good!

Thurs. March 5, 2015- The high today was only to get in the low 40's and it was very windy. So I decided today would be a good day to bake bread. I had wanted to try a recipe we saw on a TV show called Americas Test Kitchen. It is one of our favorite cooking shows and this episode we watched them make an English Muffin Bread Loaf.

The recipe was for two loafs. In order that we don't eat both loafs, I planned on bringing a loaf to Debbie and Richard who have a small ranch next to Hoppy's and of course a loaf of bread for Loy and Hoppy.

I made a large loaf and 2 mini loafs. I should have had enough dough for one more mini loaf but I did a little boo-boo. I was to fill the pans to 2/3rds full, instead I filled the pans to about 3/4ths full.

This caused the dough to slightly spill over the top. So rather than a nice round top, it kind of got a little flat. But over all I was happy with my bread. My little boo-boo certainly did not change the taste!

Ralph fixed coffee and we soon sliced a piece and dabbed it with real butter. Just like Thomas English Muffins, the butter melted into all the nooks and crannies! Oh was it ever delicious! Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside!

They need to make air fresheners that smell like bread! Our RV smelled just like the bread Grandma use to make.














I stopped at Loy's and dropped her loaf off and then walked across the pasture to Debbie and Richard's. Debbie has a real nice garden and loaded me up with all kinds of goodies of spinach, kale, herbs, spring onions and califlower.

 The cabbage wasn't quite ready to pick but I would love to try my hand at making fresh cole slaw.

Debbie picked me a nice head of cauliflower and used it to hide behind.

What do you think of this porcelain herb garden of lavender and mint? I thought it was great. Debbie is very creative. She is also a wonderful and talented quilter.

Until next time, Happy Trails..............