A Haven for Vee

Friday, January 22, 2016

Sleigh Ride? I Think Not


I am still in my jammies today for no good reason as I do not have a cold, though I am cold. Perhaps I'm in solidarity with the folks anticipating a blizzard, which, bless God, will miss us. We did prepare with the purchase of food and the plowing of the driveway. Those things don't go to waste.
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I've been watching one episode after the next of Monarch of the Glen on Netflix this week and all thanks to Judy at Cranberry Morning and more for the scenery than the story. Gorgeous! (Judy is a full-blown Anglophile and today she may just be featuring something from her travels in Great Britain.) Now I had tried to watch MotG back when it was new and never could get interested, but seeing Archie dodging buckets in season 1, episode 1 clicked with me. Things had been leaking around here, too. Ahem. Yes, things are also a bit threadbare here. Ever noticed that front hall carpet at Glenbogle? I am already halfway through Season Three. When the big changes come...Season Four or Five, I'm bailing.


This watching of old PBS programming is reminiscent of the winter five years ago when I watched one show after another of Larkrise to Candleford. My mother had passed and I needed diversion of the highest order.  Larkrise to Candleford helped get me through until spring when I could gain some equilibrium.
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I made applesauce bread last night while the wind whipped around and we were comforted to eat it still warm and slathered with butter. (The recipe has been added at the bottom of the post.)
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I bought a pork loin early in the week that lasted us many meals. I kept trying to reinvent the leftovers — pork with potatoes, pork on potatoes, pork on toast. It's gone now, which is probably good. I'm moving on to Cheesy Corn Chowder tonight, thanks to Dotsie at Podso. (My recipe is in the recipe box located in my sidebar.)
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 I keep thinking that I want to go on a sleigh ride. What possesses me? It's way too cold for that. I'm pretty sure that sleigh rides sound more fun than they are. Do they sound like fun to you? Have you ever been on one?








Vee's Applesauce Bread

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2cups flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar (feel free to skimp if applesauce is also sweetened)
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts are optional

Method:

1. preheat oven to 350°
2. grease and flour a standard bread loaf pan
3. mix eggs, sugar, oil, add in applesauce, mix well
4. Into flour, add dry ingredients and, using whisk, stir well
5. Add flour mixture slowly to wet mixture
6. When well incorporated, fold in walnuts, if desired

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 60 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester. It may take up to 20 minutes longer.

Cool on wire rack

Yummy! Better the second day...

58 comments:

  1. I have never been on a sleigh ride but really would love to. I think it is the romance of it that appeals, wrapped up in a blanket should keep the cold at bay.

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  2. A sleigh ride sounds nice, never been on one. I have never seen that show....hope you get to feeling better. Blessings

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  3. Good morning! Hubby and I are Netflix fools, lol. We love nothing more then finding some series and rapid fire watching episode after episode. We just finished re watching Downton Abbey from season 1 to current time. We have one last episode to catch up to current which we are saving until tonight. It's amazing to me how much I missed first time through.[or just plain forgot maybe?] Maybe I dozed here and there? But it really helps me to remember what went on etc. Actually now that I think of it we watched in from Amazon. This season we are taping and watching later as Amazon wants money for the current season which I refuse to pay, lol. Anyway, since we are through we will be looking for something new and now I have yours to try, so thanks for that. Have never taken a sleigh ride but have always wanted too. Looks so romantic and fun. Have a wonderful week-end Vee!



















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  4. The applesauce bread, pork loin, and cheesy corn chowder sounds yummy, and are making me hungry for some myself! My husband and I get on Netflix Marathons binges at times on cold, dreary Saturdays. Great way to spend the day! Hope you fulfill your dream for a sleigh ride. It does sound like fun! Enjoy your weekend! :) ~Rhonda

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  5. I have not heard of that series but I will be checking it out, it sounds wonderful! I will need to find something to replace Downtown Abbey since this is their last season!

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  6. You certainly get your fair share there with snow, so good thing you are missing this one. We of course, never miss out on much, either. I knew it couldn't last, the strange but wonderful winter we were experiencing. No dreaming of sleigh rides here, just joining the insanity the past few days of stocking supplies,and most definitely, praying. (sigh)

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  7. Oh man we have been watching episode after episode of M of the G. We are in the seasons that we should probably abandon for good. A sleigh ride does sound nice but we'd probably freeze our faces off! That cheesy corn chowder sounds real good. Maybe I'll seek out some here in San Francisco today. Have a good weekend Vee...

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  8. I really must get with it where these British shows are concerned. I haven't even heard of most of them.
    I must admit I'm still in my jammies too. We've had snow which has now changed to sleet which is supposed to turn back to snow. Can't think of a better excuse for extending the jammie wearing time :).
    I've never been on a sleigh ride either, although it does look like it would be fun.

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  9. Staying in and in your pj's, perfect! Oh, the wonderful sleigh ride, magical!

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  10. Oooh...new shows for me to check out. When I look at Netflix it all seems so unappealing. But these....I think I will like them. Thanks!
    Take care!

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  11. I started watching MoTG last year, but put it aside for other things, but have begun watching it again. Speaking of shabby - the chairs in the dining room are a real mess. I like that they show how financially challenging it truly is to keep up with these great estates. The Earl and Countess at Highclere (Downton Abbey) have spoken of what a help it has been to have all the rourism due to the show. They often have fine homes, and furnishings, but no money.

    Kyle is beyond excited about the snow coming. I'm grateful Tim works for himself these days. Otherwise I'm certain he'd have to go into work this weekend - they were never closed.

    Deanna

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  12. I am still in my pjs this morning because...it may rain later! lol And I don't plan to go anywhere today. I always think of Anne of Green Gables in the sleigh with Matthew. It does look romantic with plenty of blankets to cover my cold legs. Enjoy your day! Hugs, Diane

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  13. I'll have to check out the Monarch of the Glen. Sounds interesting.
    I was up at 6:30 this morning. I don't know why.
    It's raining cats and dogs here. Happy to hear y'all aren't getting slammed by snow today.
    The Applesauce Bread makes my mouth water. Two of my favorite things together ... yum!
    I grew up here in the South, so, we did the next best thing: had winter hay rides. They're fun ... when young ... and nothing hurts. *grin* ~:)

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  14. applesauce bread sounds yummy. I'd stay in my p'j's if it weren't for getting up today. we are in a state of emergency in NC with the snow and ice and all. I should look into a new series on netflix and climb back into jammies

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  15. How about posting the recipe for applesauce bread? Pretty Please! I've not heard of it, but it sounds yummy. ~ Your day sounds wonderful. None of us are often able to have such days. Enjoy!

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  16. We watched MoTG too and stayed with it through the changes and adjusted. Do you realize a key character in it is the writer/creator of DA? Sleigh rides are only in movies for me … and I need to check out your chowder recipe!

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  17. We watched MoTG a few years ago, but when the big change came, we lost interest. I see Podso mentioned that Julian Fellowes is a key player in the drama - Lord Kilwillie.
    No snow here, but it's raining buckets and is darkly damp. I also made corn/vegetable chowder for dinner last night and it really hit the spot.
    Have a good weekend, Vee.

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  18. Pj's here too, because I have managed to catch the yucky cold that is going around and because we're expecting a winter storm. Two reasons are aplenty.

    We're always looking for a good quality series. We'll check out Monarch of the Glen.

    Enjoy your NON-snow day!! Why not let sombody else take a turn, huh? :) Oh, but I won't be taking a sleigh ride. I prefer the soup-and-hot-tea-and-baking kind of snow day to an out-in-the-elements kind of snow day.

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  19. Actually, I've been on two sleigh rides in recent years -- one in an actual sleigh and the other in a very large sled. In the sleigh, we went with just our daughter from NV, her hubby and their baby -- their only child at the time. For the other, we went with all of our adult kids and their families. It was a big sled and we all fit in. On the actual sleigh, there were plenty of blankets and robes to tuck in and it was really fairly comfortable. Both times were beautiful sunny winter days and I must say the sleigh rides were fun and made for some wonderful memories and photos.

    This is where we went for the second sleigh ride: http://remickmuseum.org/. I just looked at their site however and it doesn't look as if they are offering the sleigh rides this winter. (Maybe the snow isn't deep enough?) You could check historic sites and other possible venues there in Maine. I mentioned the Remick Museum because it is relatively close to Maine and might be a place your grandsons would enjoy.

    Your applesauce bread sounds so good. Warm with butter on a cold night ... mm-mmm!

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  20. Or you might get on some skis and have the sleigh pull you. My mil and her sisters and brother did this in Hungary when she was growing up....Must be fun - when you fairly young!
    I'm an anglophile too, and have acorn tv to watch a lot of favorite British movies and tv....Blandings is hilarious is you ever enjoy really over the top silly humor.

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  21. Is the wind ever going to stop? I live in Massachusetts and it's been very windy all week long. I don't really mind the cold but the wind just makes it painful to be outside for more than a quick dash to the car.

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    1. Just back from Wal-Mart. Both husband and I are a bit gimpy these days so there's no real hustle in our bustle, which means we are out in the frigid cold even longer. Thank you for stopping by, Elizabeth. Do you blog? I'd love to visit, if you do.

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    2. Thank you for the reply. No I don't blog. Retired and busy with family and grandchildren. But I sure do enjoy reading lots of blogs, including yours. It amazes me how you all find so much to write about...and always keep it interesting, thank you for that.
      Go Pats!

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  22. I have never actually gone on a sleigh ride, but would love to. I'm not fond of being bitterly cold though. A couple years ago or more I watched Monarch of the Glen while painting through the winter months and thoroughly enjoyed it. I still have not watched Larkrise to Candleford so that might be my next to watch while working on a painting.

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  23. I enjoy a sleigh ride in late February when the days are longer and warmer. I'm going to look up this "Monarch in the Glen" later and hope that it's on our Netflix and not just in the US. We are looking for a new series to watch and love the BBC ones best. I hope you have a cozy weekend.

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  24. I have never been on a sleigh ride, and unless I was buried in furs I doubt very much that I would enjoy it as much as my imagination tries to convince me I would. I don't like cold. Oh I LOVED Lark Rise to Candleford! I think I watched it because of your recommendation. I hated to get all the way through it. I am currently working my way through Gilmore Girls and then I may watch Monarch of the Glenn. It's already on my queue. Enjoy your day in jammies!

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    1. Alas, the jammies had to go as I am not shopping, even at Wal-Mart, in my nightgear. Ha! Gilmore Girls? Must check on that at Netflix.

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  25. I love sleigh rides they are fun and I love the horses . I have seen Monarch of the Glen and lots of other PBS/WNED TV shows as I have been watching British shows since I was younger and enjoy them very much ! Lovely photos . Hope the snow storm settles down and doesn't dump to much on your area as for us here in Ontario Canada sunshine and rain in our forecast which this time of year is odd we are usually the ones with the snow storms ! Thanks for sharing have a good weekend and be safe in the storm !

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    1. You must have missed the part where I said in the first paragraph that this storm will miss us entirely.☺

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  26. The last I heard, the worst of the storm is staying east of Stephanie. Her hubby arrived home from China last night. He flies into Boston on International flights so we were all relieved he arrived home before bad weather.

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  27. I'm glad to hear the big snow will miss you. I know you won't miss it! :) We have been lucky so far in that our snows have only been an inch or two. I haven't been on a sleigh ride, it does look like fun. Hope you get to go sometime. Oh, and I must say that I'm still in my nightie and it's after 3 pm! I usually pull a sweatshirt over it and get into my recliner on my lazy days. It's so comfy! And today is a lazy day. It's cold and gloomy outside, a good day for reading and blogging. Take care and enjoy your blizzard-less weather!

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  28. Vee, your day sounds cozy there in the jammies. We are in the blizzard as I write. Only 3 or 4 inches so far. The guys just went out to shovel those inches off the driveway. If we get the accumulations they are predicting, the shoveling will continue for a while. It is easier to shovel 3 or 4 inches at a time. We have been on sleigh rides with the grands in New England---one of the coldest, but most beautiful times in my memory. Have a cozy evening! ♥

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  29. I hope too that the giant storm misses you! I've been thinking of you guys. I love nothing more than staying in my PJs all day long (I do it often). Your baking and cooking sounds wonderful and cozy - stay safe and warm my friend. Yes - go for a sleigh ride - it's fabulous, especially with a horse drawn sleigh!!!! Just dress warm and think about the hot apple cider or chocolate after the ride :)

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    1. It will miss us! It's a mid-Atlantic storm. We're too far north.

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  30. Hi Vee- looks like the big snowstorm is going to miss us, too. Frankly I am a little disappointed as I do love a good snowfall! You know how much I adore winter! : - )

    Thanks for all the series recommendations - I watch one hour of tv a week, Downton Abbey - which we actually have to have an alarm for as we never ever turn on a television and would miss it if not for the ringing of alarms on both our phones, haha. I know, weird haha.

    The recipes are appreciated, thank you.

    I have never been on a true sleigh ride but have been on delightful horse-drawn carriages rides that were beyond fun and romantic and exciting and fun! To ride on a sleigh is def on my bucket list - you aren't alone. Hope we both do one day soon, too!

    Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs. ♥

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  31. I have never been on a sleigh ride, but it would be a nice thing to do one day! I like MOTG and I liked LRTC when it was on! They were good programmes weren't they. Hope you make it through to spring alright! xx

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  32. Mmmm the applesauce bread sounds good, Vee. I made some recently and have a couple of mini loaves in the freezer. I've never seen the show you mentioned, but I watched all the seasons of Doc Martin and Call the Midwife last summer. Have you seen any of them? As far as a sleigh ride...no, I've never done that, but have done plenty of sled riding in Ohio!
    Happy weekend!

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  33. I've been on a sleigh ride, as long as it's not windy and you have a nice warm blanket it's fun.
    I've been looking for something to watch since I did the Downton Abby marathon of 5 seasons. I'll give tha show a try. Glad the big storm is going to miss you. This one is going to be bad.

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  34. Never been on a sleigh ride...a hay ride yes. Your apple sauce bread sounds good. I have my mom's recipe for apple sauce cake that I have not made in years. I will have to dig that out.

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  35. Vee...is that 1/2 CUP of canola oil in your recipe?

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    1. Yes! Thank you for proofreading for me. I've fixed it.

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  36. If you decided to go on that sleigh ride I hope you put on something warmer than those jammies! Lol My daughter and I were discussing the fact that some days it's so cold in the mornings that we just add another layer over our jammies, rather than changing out of them. I'm glad you're enjoying Monarch. It brings to mind the scene where Archie sees the truck coming to haul away the phone box. :-(((((( He's so helpless and endearing and I'm sure glad God spared me from being married to a man like him. :-) Have a peaceful weekend.

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  37. After reading your comment about Monarch of the Glen on Pam's post I checked it out on Netfix but not available in Canada. :-( We have noticed when in Floria so much more is available on the US Netflix.
    I love a good jammie day of reading and goofing off, they don't happen often enough.
    A sleigh ride sounds like fun, I'd like to do it.

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  38. Applesauce bread...my, what a delicious treat! And to have it warm slathered with butter - ahhh, you are making my mouth water! I shall have to try out your recipe soon :)

    A sleigh ride sounds delightful, Vee! And I agree with Judy, I hope you put on something warmer than your jammies {{smiles}} My 7-year-old son just read what I typed and got the giggles :) Have a lovely weekend! Hugs!

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  39. We've got about a foot of snow so far. I'd love to go on a sleigh ride but I've never been on one.
    Watched both those series.

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  40. I love staying in my pj's all day and all night!Today, I dressed and left the house, though!
    I need to look for these programs. The programs on the Discovery channel are the only ones I can find that aren't blood and gore. And on A&E. I don't have Netflix or anything like that. Will look up PBS programming and see what's there!
    Stay warm and I'm glad you are missing the storm!

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  41. The applesauce bread sounds delicious. I've never been on a sleigh ride. I have been on a stagecoach ride They would not be similar, because the later is dusty and noisy. xoxo Su

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  42. Thanks for the update on your weather. I wondered if the Jonas storm was affecting you. It never hurts to be prepared in case the direction of the wind changes. We are thankful for an expected high of 61 degrees today and mostly sunny. Planning to get our chores done early and then take a drive in the foothills. We tend to get wet, heavy snowstorms in the springtime when everybody else is getting April rain showers. ... so our turn is coming! Hugs to you!

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  43. Some days are just made for staying in pyjamas - no apologies!
    Larkrise to Candleford - I loved that series and watched it over a couple of days a few years ago. Have you watched all of the Cranford series? Very good!

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  44. Just popping in here Vee to see if you are under the blanket of snow too. I watched Al Roker's forecast today and still wasn't 100 % if the dire warnings included your neck of the woods too.

    Your applesauce bread sounds nummy!

    PS.. a sleighride sounds so beautiful.

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  45. haha, yes sleigh rides probably sound more fun. Unless I could have a little heater at my feet. I have to admit, I hate being cold.
    I loved Larkrise to Candleford ("it's my one weakness") but haven't watched the other. Sounds like one I'd like.
    Yes, I'm sitting here thinking we can't make it to church tomorrow because of all the snow, and then I remember that it's out east, and not here!

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  46. And why is it that I feel like having a slice of applesauce bread right now? I must try your recipe!

    My only horse drawn sleigh ride was in Leavenworth (a Bavarian-type village in a mountain pass of Washington state)...many years ago when we were there with our young family. It was actually quite magical!

    Stay warm and cozy!

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  47. Your applesauce bread sounds delicious, Vee! I think sleigh rides are highly overrated and way too cold. I think I'd need a full-body fur snowsuit ;) One day we've got to try Netflix!

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  48. A sleigh ride would be fun but a cold ride. I love our horses though and I am sure that I would enjoy a ride. The bread sounds delicious and I may try it soon.

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  49. just the thought of going on a sleigh ride makes me freezing cold...and I don't like being cold..I'm olden, my skin is thin, my blood is thin...and I NEED WARM...:)
    Your Applesauce Bread sounds delicious...thanks for the recipe.

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  50. When we moved to Colorado I was intrigued with going on a sleigh ride. We did do one in the ski town of Breckenridge in the Rockies, and I blogged about it. I loved the experience! The sleigh went around what is the gold course in summer, so it was a gentle ride, and not many trees, but we took the ride near dusk so the sky was beautiful and the surrounding mountain peaks so majestic. I loved hearing the horse's bells and their clip clop feet on the snow. We were bundled up and had wool blankets on--it wasn't cold at all. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Itmight not be for everyone but I loved the experience!

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  51. Nope, never been on a sleigh ride but do believe I would like it very much. Just the thought of it brings such a great picture in my mind of years gone by. Glad you were able to escape the blizzard!

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