We've Come A Long Way Since The First Day Of Spring 2013

The Following Are Photos 

Of Our Home 

When It Was Owned

By The Former Owner:

Notice there are no doors on the shed. We hired a retired Vet to replace them.

They were taken by my neighbor who reported them to our security office for violations of our HOA. The former owner also allowed this home to go into foreclosure. I feel that his irresponsible behavior lead to a blessing for my family and I. We were able to purchase the home for less than half of what he paid for it.  Thankfully the sale price fell into the range where I was able to purchase it without a mortgage.  I thank GOD daily for leading me here to this home that my family and I have been able to treat with tender loving care! This home and community is such a wonderful blessing!

Noticing that the Hydrangea are in bloom I am to assume this photo was taken in early June.

Just look at the size of the weeds in the front yard

Then the owner decided to take care of all the weeds and the grass by spraying a strong weed killer all over it! This home is uphill from an in-ground pool across the street.  After we purchased the home we replaced the electric lamp on the post with a solar one.


 The following are photos after I purchased the home on March 20, 2013:

HOME SWEET HOME 

Still a work in progress!

We have plans to purchase two dogwood, one pink, one white for the center of this front yard, and more flowering bushes for the gardens under the over hang of the house and to the right of the walk. The walk will be done by next weekend should the rain let up! 

New window baskets this year!

 

We replaced scroungy shrubs with these fluted urns last year.

We hired a retired Vet to replace the shed doors in 2013.

"I want to encourage homemakers of all ages to turn their hearts back home and create a warm and cozy nest for their loved ones. We can't control what happens in the world, but we can do a lot of things to make sure our home is safe, secure and filled with comfort, joy and love. It's all about blessing those who are dear to our hearts!" Aunt Ruthie ~ Sugar Pie Farmhouse 

Thank you Lord for all these blessings!

 

Yes, we've come a long way in three years!

Upper Level Living Room

Master Bedroom Upper Level

The view from the master bedroom May2016.

Dining Area Upper Level

Kitchen Upper Level

Guest Room Upper Level

 Upper Level Bathroom

 The Family Room Lower Level

  Guest Room Lower Level

Molasses Crumb Cake

Jardinami's PA Dutch Crullers Like Mother Used To Make...Shrove Tuesday Delight!

Mine were on the larger side, got a baker's dozen

* 3 eggs
* ½ cup cream, sweet or half and half
* ¼ oil 1 tsp vanilla 
* I also add a 1/2 teas. of mace if you have it or prefer it.
* 1 tsp. double acting baking powder
* 1 pinch of salt
* ¼ cup sugar
* 3½ to 4 cups flour

Beat the eggs, add oil, add cream/half/half. Sift dry ingredients(add mace here) and combine with liquid, using just enough flour to make dough that comes away from sides of bowl, but still remain soft. Twist with  
 fingers whatever size you want and Fry in deep fat turning (360-f) until brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper and dust with powdered sugar and or cinnamon and sugar.

Crispy on the outside and a light cake on the inside!

Valentine Linzer Tarts

Beat together 3/4 C Butter, with 1 C sugar, and 2 eggs, add 3 3/4 Cups Flour, 1 teasp. Baking Powder and 1/2 teasp.salt. Beat  until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for 2 hours. Roll out 1/4 inch thick, and cut with heart cookie cutter for ever heart you will need to be making a matching one that you will use a smaller heart cookie cutter to remove the center. Bake 350 degrees 7-8 minutes Cool, spread Polaner All Fruit Seedless Raspberry Jelly on bottom cookie, place cookie with hole on top as in pic. Sprinkle with powder sugar.

I made these Linzer Tarts for our Valentine's Tea Party and Brunch. My nine year old and seven year old granddaughters helped!  That is how easy they are to make!   To read about and check out the photo album and movie click here:   Valentine's Tea Party