Amidst the skein . . .

Have you ever watched a flock of wild geese move overhead, as they fly on their remarkable journey to the Far North to nest amidst the lonely tundra of the Arctic circle??? It's an wonderfully amazing sight to behold!!

They form a great V formation that seems to constantly change shape . . . as if some are straggling. The reason the skein is always changing like that is because, as one leader tires . . . another steps forward to take it's place, and the old leader falls back into the slipstream of the new one. So it goes, right on down the line, with stronger birds instinctively stepping forward and helping the weaker.



This is the only way these fascinating skeins of geese can battle their way through the storms that threaten even our most powerful ships, and fly the journey of a thousand miles to their nesting place.

I cannot help but think that here lies a powerful parable for all mankind. The only way we are ever going to be able to return to our own nesting ground . . . and into our Heavenly Father's presence . . . is if the strong constantly step forward to help lead the weak in our battle against the storms of life that would assail us along the way.



Isn't nature wonderful in all that it teaches us . . . about who we are, and the things we need to do? I think so, at any rate!!



I went out yesterday and purchased some wallpapers for my doll's house. I am thinking that the smart thing to do would be to decorate the walls, floors and ceilings before I actually put it together. Any ideas on that? Has anyone else done one that has any advice to give? While at Hobby Craft, there was a huge bin of stuff they are trying to get rid of to make way for new I suppose. I picked up some little packages of red and green wooden beads that will make perfect apples somewhere down the road and my mind is filled with ideas of how I could make miniature this and miniature that! I'm already thinking lilliputian everything! It's wonderful!

Here's some tasty muffins that will help to get any day off to a good start. Chock full of sweet/tart blueberries and crunchy toasted walnut pieces they are incredibly yummy! I like to use fresh berries as they don't bleed into the batter, but you can use frozen as well, if that's all you have.



*Walnut and Blueberry Muffins*
Makes 12
Printable Recipe

Delicious Blueberry muffins made even better with the deliciously added crunch of toasted walnuts!

2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup of milk
1/4 cup of melted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 large free range egg
1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Heat your oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 5. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or place paper liners into cups. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon) and whisk together. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients. Whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla, and butter, then pour it in to the well. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together. This will only take 10 to 15 strokes. Just make sure everything is moistened and there are no dry clumps. Fold in the berries and walnuts. Divide equally amongst the prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Muffins should be well risen and lightly golden brown. A tooth pick inserted in the centre of one should come out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool and serve warm or at room temperature.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Chicken Casserole!