Christmas Is Coming!

Christmas is coming! I know it's only July, but how quickly the months go by; it will be here before we know it. This is one of my hand-made ornaments from my "Lil Kids" collection. Each one is different and customers have often asked me to make ones that looks like their own children. When she first saw these years ago, my mother commented, "Rina, this does not look like your usual work." Although different than my angels, these have been very popular with my customers and I've loved creating them. I will be making a select number for Christmas. They can be customized to your liking. If you are interested, please contact me.

More Lil Kids

Here are more Lil Kids for you to see...

A Gift From The Sea

My daughter Robin loves the sea. I made this seashell wreath for her wedding, which was by the ocean in Half Moon Bay. It's now hanging over her fireplace at home. Have you ever read "A Gift From The Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh? If not, do yourself a favor and add it to your summer reading list. It's a wonderful book!

Granddaughter Victoria

Over the years, granddaughter Toria has spent so much time with us on the farm. I captured a photograph of her in a rare quiet moment and then painted this picture with watercolor paint and chalks for highlighting. This was done long ago. We see her less now that she's 16 and a busy teenager. Oh how fleeting this stage of a child's life is...to be savored and enjoyed while it lasts!

The Apricot Season Arrives--Hurrah!

My hubby Walt uses a food dehydrator to dry apricots. It is easy to make these. All you need to do is wash the apricots, cut them in half and remove the pits. Place the pitted apricot halves in a bowl and pour 1 large can of unsweetened pineapple juice over them. Remove each apricot and lay them on the trays. You can re-use the pineapple juice many times. These take 12 to 24 hours to dry depending on the thickness and ripeness of the fruit. We don't worry about using sulphur; the taste is the same and the only difference is that they are a darker color.

Another great idea is to freeze apricots for a healthy and delicious snack. Use a thin skewer to insert in a fresh apricot half (which allows you to hold the apricot like a Popsicle once frozen), place apricots on a tray and then freeze. These are especially wonderful on a hot summer day!

Apricot Liqueur

I first started making Apricot Liqueur many years ago. I have a wonderful recipe originating from France. We give these aways as gifts at Christmas, and it's funny how many requests we get for them every year.

Apricot Pie

I just finished 10 pies to freeze. We grow the Blenheim variety which is the best ever but does not travel well. Sadly, many orchards have been sold to "grow" houses. The apricot season is short-lived in our orchard, but there is always another bounty in store for us on the farm. Next will come the harvest of apples and walnuts.