The Monarch butterflies are beginning to emerge. This is the first one I have seen this summer but I look forward to more butterflies stopping by in August.
Tag: photos
Tobacco Growing
The Amish farmers use tobacco as a cash crop and most dairy farms have several rows of tobacco growing in front of the corn.The corn, which is plentiful in this area, is used to feed the dairy cows. While it has been a very dry summer, the corn is still green and our conditions do…
Spice Bush Swallowtail
Spice Bush Swallowtail stopping by the butterfly bush.
Getting Around Town
Some of the various type of Amish and Old Order Mennonite buggies in this area of Pennsylvania.
Hummingbird Moth
The hummingbird moth, so named because of its resemblance to a hummingbird, is a moth that is constantly on the move with wings that beat very fast. It is hard to get a clear picture because of the moving wings and constant motion of the moth but it is fun to watch as it moves…
Eight Spots
Eight spotted forester moth (Species Alypia octomaculata) stopping by a Shasta daisy
Taking a Sip
Butterfly stopping by on a cone flower in the garden. I have not learned to identify butterflies, yet, other than the most common. Anyone know what this one is? Or is it a moth? Thanks for any help.
Danish Raspberry Bars
For the lovers of raspberries, butter and almonds… a rich and flavorful dessert bar. Danish Raspberry Bars 1 1/2 cups sifted flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 3/4 cup red raspberry preserves 1/4 cup chopped or slivered almonds Powdered sugar 1. Heat…
In the Adjoining Field…
In the field next to where the Amish farmer was baling hay in the previous post, his son was raking the hay in preparation for baling.
Hay Baling-Amish Style
Here are some photos of a local Amish farmer baling hay. The hay is scooped up with the yellow roller and goes back into the baler. Here the farmer is clearing the baler. Time to turn and go the other way… Now we will go the other direction. Now watch…. Open wide… Now it is time to…
Stopping By
Early morning visitor to our backyard. “Uh oh, I just heard a shutter click from that pesky lady looking out the window at me. Time to head back into the woods.”
Sweet Cherries
The sweet cherries are ready at the local orchard. Soon it will be cherry pie time as the sour cherries become available, then the blueberries, peaches, plums, nectarines, pears and apples. The fresh local fruit is always good fresh or baked between two crusts. Yum!
Hay Raking
Local Amish youth using the draft horses to rake hay.
Shades of Hydrangea
I came to a new appreciation of hydrangeas when my daughter-in-law used them for her wedding. When we did some landscaping several years ago, we planted several hydrangeas and now we enjoy the beautiful shades of the blooms throughout the summer season. Until I looked at the photos on the computer, I did not realize…
Channa Masala
This is an vegetarian dish which uses chickpeas and a lot of spices to make very filling dinner. Serve with rice, naan bread and enjoy. Channa Masala or Chickpea Stew 2 tablespoons butter 1 whole onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 piece fresh ginger (about 1 inch), peeled and chopped 1 whole Jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped 3 tablespoons tomato…
The Green Tunnel
One enjoyable aspect of the daily drive to work and back is the section of the road where the overhanging trees meet. This time of the year it is like driving through a green tunnel and it provides welcome relief when the hot summer weather arrives. In the fall, the “tunnel” turns into a yellow and…
Mountain Laurel Time
The state flower for Pennsylvania is in bloom now. More information on the selection of the mountain laurel for the state flower, which is a blooming shrub rather than a typical flower, can be found here. I just enjoy the brief season with the pale pink blooms showing up along the country roads.
4-H Club Biscuit Bake-Off
Each summer when I was growing up, we would have the 4-H Club County Biscuit and Cookie Bake-Off . The winners of the local clubs’ bake-off comptetitions would meet at the demonstration kitchen in the REA (Rural Electrical Association) office and proceed to make plain sugar cookies and biscuits. We all followed the same recipe and a panel…
Finding Treasures
This area of Pennsylvania is a mecca for antique and flea market lovers. Adamstown is home to Renninger’s, Black Angus, Shupps Grove and many other shops, both large and small. A personal favorite of mine is Fiesta Ware and other kitchen objects. At one time I collected Depression glass. I also collect Pennsylvania redware pottery…
Nature and Life Notes 