Paradise - Well at Least the View

 I have fallen in love with this view! It's amazing and nothing but fields for miles. How relaxing and calming.                                                                

The house itself I'm not quite as in love with. It has some sort of medieval theme going on and also some slightly shoddy finish working. But it's without a doubt all fixeable and truly is livable as is even if not aesthetically pleasing to my eyes. The layout is honestly perfect for a cabin and it's a decent size and built very solid. The fireplace has me won over.

Once you step outside on the deck and all stress just melts away. I can imagine lazy mornings over tea and leisurely dinners.

 

Seriously considering this as a new cabin and also as a rental for Hunters. Anyone want to come to Niobrara and hunt or unwind?

Sometimes You Just need a Bonfire

When the weather is cooperating and everything is nice and green a bonfire always seems the perfect entertainment for a relaxing evening. A quick set up during the day (to include some strategic mowing to keep everyone out of the high grass).

And voila cheap wholesome evening fun.

Nothing beats being able to spend time with family and friends while relaxing outdoors.

Of course adorable little munchkins make everything more entertaining. Love these four kids (one sadly isn't pictured) and it's fun watching them grow up and become more independet. They of course couldn't stay out of the tall grass.

I'm sure this S'more was nice and burnt - all marshmellows came out black and crispy it seems as kids don't have the patience to let them slowly brown.

I obviously needed my tripod or better camera skills as sadly some of these are blurry.

Thank You

We must never forget it was the soldier, not the reporter, who gave us freedom of the press.

It was the soldier, not the poet, who gave us freedom of speech.

It was the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gave us freedom to demonstrate.

It was the soldier, not the lawyer, who gave us right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped in a flag.

Thank you to all who served or are serving and to the families supporting each of you.

*Thank you Jeremy McComb for the photo and COL Cross for the sentiments.

Pretty Purple Wildflowers

So loving all these pretty purple wildflowers going crazy at our land. It makes everything look bright and cheerful. Actually now its a mix of purple, yellow, and white. I need to snap a few more pictures. Spring is such a great time of year with all the green and vibrant colors.

Have an amazing Memorial Day weekend!

Dandelion Jelly

I always see bloggers making Dandelion jelly or using the greens. We had a large abundance of dandelions in Niobrara and since there were plenty that we knew for certain were chemical free at our farm my mom and I decided to give this experiment a try.

RECIPE FOR DANDELION JELLY

1 quart of lightly packed fresh organic bright dandelion flowers (try to use only yellow petals discarding the green which I just pinched off)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, zest of,  thinly chopped 
5 1/2 cups lavender sugar with lavender
1 vanilla bean split (we didn't have a vanilla bean so just used Mexico vanilla)
1 (1 3/4 ounce) package dry pectin

Directions:

1. Using stainless steel pan, boil the flowers in 2 quarts of spring water for 10 minutes, cool, and strain, pressing the liquid out of the flowers gently, then restrain through a coffee filter.
2. Measure 3 cups of the liquid, add the lemon juice, zest and pectin. Optional: add 1 split vanilla bean.
3. Put into a deep jelly kettle and bring to a rolling boil, then add sugar and stir to mix well.
4. Stir and boil hard for 1 1/2 minutes, or until mixture sheets from a wooden spoon, skim, carefully remove vanilla pod, pour into hot clean half pint jelly jars and seal.

It honestly tastes like a fresh local honey more or less. The lemon does also stand out. It was a lot of work but I think I would do it again as a fun spring activity. Also don't you just love our super fancy stove?? Obviously our cabin needs a kitchen make over at some point!

Spring Blooms

The beauty of the trees with their buds and then colorful blooms always delight me in  the spring. I loved watching the transformation of this gorgeous tree on our property in Niobrara last week while.  We were there while I was recovering from a minor surgery. It was the perfect place for me to recover as it didn't hold the endless list of to-do tasks, meetings, and errands that Council Bluffs holds. Instead days were spent reading a book in the sun, napping, watching countless hours of Duck Dynasty (I am hooked!), cooking, and just letting my body heal. So thankful we have this place.

Inspiration in the form of the Bible

My cousin Sarah sends me a bible verse every day. I love getting these verses and so many are very encouraging and inspirational. I loved this one. Thanks Sarah!

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth" 1 John 3:18

Spring Porch Chilling

I have already added a few more colorful plants to the mix but more or less my front porch is currently filled with sunshine and fun colors. I need to make myself sit down and relax here more often - instead of always being on the go trying to accomplish a million things! It truly is the perfect place to enjoy a book, magazine, and refreshing drink.

Althought looking at these pictures is also a glaring reminder that I need to strip the front door and repaint or restain (sorry it looks awful right now I know) and also fill in the holes where the tacky metal storm door used to be. I have a fun vintage screen door to then install. So much for relaxing!

Churches of Germany and Denmark

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

More Florida Eye Candy

I know enough already - but I have so many photos of this gorgeous place it seems I should share a few more today. 

 The wildlife amazed me. There were birds of all species just hanging out next to my chair. Crazy cool. And of course the alligator I spotted on a morning run was very neat. The views made running a treat instead of a chore.

Sunny blue skies with fluffy clouds and warm weather felt like Heaven after our long cold winter and spring. Amazing what a little sunshine will do to restore your spirits!