Sunday, September 28, 2008

Stairs in


Last week they put in the staircases so I finally got photos of the upstairs.  Click here to view those on Picasa.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

September 17-23


The construction crews have a beautiful week of weather to work at Villa Mir Farm.  The leaves are just starting to turn, the days are warm and the nights are cool.  And the lake has been visible every day.  Then there have been the fringe benefits of apples, plums, peaches, grapes and blueberries for snacking on.  

Earlier this month when it was hot, Paul told the Amish workers they could take a dip in the pool after work.  They were very surprised to find out how cold it is and said to Paul in their Amish accent "You feel kinda different when you get out!"

Here's a link to recent photos.  The progress isn't as dramatic now that the outside frame is up, but it's fun to see the dormers take shape, the roof going on and the fireplace going back up!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Making Progress


The second story of the addition takes shape!  More pics here.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Yummm! Plum Dumplings!


One of my favorite recipes that Mrs. K used to make is Plum Dumplings, and this year we have a banner crop of plums to work with.  So that was what was on the menu for today's Sunday dinner.

My sister, Gail, was interested in getting the recipe, so here it is, complete with a link to photos.

Plum Dumplings

Cook about 2 lbs. of Idaho potatoes.  Mash while still hot, with a ricer if you have one.  Add 9 oz. of flour, a generous piece of butter about size of a walnut, 1-1/2 teaspoon of salt and one egg.  Make a well in the flour and put the egg in the well to prevent it from being cooked.

Knead well until smooth and cut in half.  Roll out and cut into 8 equal pieces by cutting in 1/2 and 1/2 again.  Into each of the sections, wrap one plum from which the stone has been removed and a sugar cube has been placed (slit plums to pit).  Sprinkle with cinnamon and close the dumpling.  When finished you'll have 16 dumplings.

Cook in boiling salted water 10 minutes (bring to a boil, then cut back to a simmer).  Boil 8 dumplings at a time.  They will float to the top of the water when they are done.

Take each dumpling out with a slotted spoon and place it in a baking dish.  Pour melted butter or browned bread crumbs over them.  You can also make a plum sauce by plainc 2 dozen pitted plums, along wiht sugar, water, butter and cinnamon in a sauce pan and cooking until syrupy.

Put baking dish in over to brown for 15-20 minutes at 350 or so.

From the American Slovene Clubs' "Our Favorite Receipes"





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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

From Deconstruction to Construction


The Amish framing crew has moved quickly from deconstruction to new framing.  You can see photos from 9-8-08 and 9-10-08 here.





Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Rehab Progress Report

Well, things are moving pretty fast on the house renovation, but with Chad The Builder at the helm, that's no surprise.  (He's the same builder that built our new house up the hill.)

Here's a link to pics.  It's interesting to see the layers peeled back and to discover wood shakes on part of the old house.  Next week the roof is coming off!