Good Afternoon,

 

I hope this finds everyone well and enjoying the Spring weather. The early flowers, tulips, daffodils, etc. are blooming, and the red bud trees are also beautiful.

 

We have started planting the garden, transplanted lettuce and broccoli plants and put plastic jugs over them to protect them from possible frost. The farmers have gotten some of their crops into the ground.

 

It creates a pretty scene to see the black and white cows grazing on the lush green grass in the fields that are speckled with the yellow blooms of the dandelion.

 

Migrating song birds are also coming back from their winter havens in the south. If plans hold out I will be taking vacation next week to go to Magee Marsh at Lake Erie. We are going especially to see the different birds before they migrated on over the lake to get to their nesting grounds in Canada.

 

Theis week the neighbor ladies are getting together to make 75 dozen donuts for the annual festival and benefit auction at the Holmes County Training Center which is to be held on Sat, may 10th.

 

On June 7th the Annual Kidney Fund Auction will be held at the auction barn in Mt hope.

 

Following is a recipe for Granola I really enjoy and is good for a snack when traveling or hiking.

 

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1 cup pecan pieces

3 cups quick or reg oats

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 stick butter

1 cup maple syrup

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 cup dried cherries or raisins

1 cup dried cranberries

 

Preheat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl combine the first 4 ingredients. Melt the butter in a saucepan over med heat then add the maple syrup and cinnamon, stir well to blend. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour and spread evenly into 2 greased baking sheets. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool then break it apart over a large bowl. Gently stir in the dried fruit. 1/2 tsp salt may be added to the dry ingredients if desired.  Store in an airtight container.

 

If you use gluten free oatmeal you’ll have a gluten free treat!

 

“A smile that lights the face also warms the heart.”

 

Until next month,

Sovilla