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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

November

I had a burst of house cleaning fever yesterday, rare for me anymore. I used to clean "top to bottom" several days a week, but these days I put off the big chores. I stay ahead of the wash and the clutter, but deep cleaning where I wash windows, polish silver or move furniture is set aside for seasonal cleaning.... that means Spring and Fall. So yesterday I started out with cleaning the windows, got my Don Aslett microfiber cloths and my spray bottle of Windex and went after all the streaks and fly specks and spider webs. We live in the woods... so do bugs and we have a lot of them.
I had to displace a garden spider that had decided to take up residence outside a bedroom window. I leave them as they build in late summer, their sole purpose to lay eggs and reproduce. They in turn eat lots of bugs for me and I appreciate that. They totally creep out my daughters, but I have a fondness for them... as long as they are out of my path, tucked up under an eave or  high on a tree limb. Probably from seeing them in my Grandma's garden and she left them be, so I do too.

One thing led to another yesterday and I eventually got the whole kitchen cleaned. Wiped and swiped as Mom used to say! I had a pot of ham and beans on the stove so dinner was cooking and smelled so good as the sun began to dip low in the west. I'm looking forward to the time change this weekend. When November rolls around I'm ready for winter and being inside. I love the way the house feels, all cozy and warm. We are on the holiday countdown now, it's just 3 weeks until Thanksgiving, lots to do before then!
Something to make the house smell good...

Apple Bread
1/3 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
2 c. sifted flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/3 c. orange juice
1 c. finely chopped or grated apples
3/4 c. raisins
1/4 c. chopped nuts
1 Tblsp. grated orange rind
1. Cream the shortening and sugar together thoroughly.
2. Add egg and beat well.
3. Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
4. Add sifted dry ingredients and orange juice alternately to creamed mixture. Blend only until all the flour is moistened.
5. Stir in the grated apples, raisins, nuts, and orange rind.
6. Pour into well greased, 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 50 to 60 minutes.

PRINT RECIPE

13 comments:

  1. Joycee
    That view of the lake is breathtaking!
    I'd love to pop in and share your apple bread and visit your spotless kitchen!

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  2. Come quick...it won't stay clean for long!!

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  3. Trying to clean here today so need to get off the computer. LOL will try the apple bread recipe later, thanks!

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  4. Beautiful fall photos! I wish I could get inspired to give our house a good cleaning. Thanks for reminding me it needs to happen!

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  5. Joycee,
    Love the photos. I love fall, too. My son is coming in from North Carolina with girlfriend in tow for Thanksgiving so I have a lot to do, too!
    I love the cozy, too. xo, Cheryl

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  6. You are an inspiration and that photo is fantastic! Love that you leave the spider..When they are in the house, I take a glass, scoop them up and put them outside.

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  7. I need to clean this old house! But, too many other things to do!

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  8. I need to catch that fever, desperately! Something besides sitting on my ever-expanding butt!

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  9. really beautiful photos. and i love garden spiders. :)

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  10. I can almost taste the apple bread. The lake view is breathtaking. Oh yes, these homes in the woods and what to do with all the cobwebs! It is a nonstop job, isn't it!! I looked at all my windows and thought, "maybe not". It is time to be pulling out all the Thanksgiving recipes and maybe try some new things this year.

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  11. I love fall. I have been nesting and cleaning too. We always take a trip at Thanksgiving since my husband is done harvesting and the cattle don't start calving until Spring. It is a good get-away time for us. I will miss the feast. That is probably a good thing for my pants!

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  12. Beautiful picture of the lake with the fall colors!

    Yes, I need a house cleaner to come, just to find another one.....

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  13. Love your pretty autumn lake view. Be sure to share a winter one with us too.

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