Home...

     

 The autumn sun has just begun to set as Siobhan and I hasten from barn to house. Cheerfully we trudge through piles of fallen leaves as we make our way home...

A lot has been said--and written-- about home. "You can't go back home."   "Home sweet home."  "Home is where the heart is."  "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."    Aloud I wonder...Why is there no place like home ?  What draws us there?  What awaits us there that makes our steps a little faster, our hearts a little lighter, as we draw near home?

                
Safety and shelter... A haven from wind and rain; a stronghold against those that would do us harm...
                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                           

 Welcoming warmth.  An inviting fire burning in the fireplace; the faint smell of wood smoke lingering in the air; the comforting popping and crackling of the wood as it burns...

                                                       

                            

A calming peacefulness... Scents of lavender and rosemary, soft hues of yellow and white.  A steaming salt bath to soothe aches and pains; a soothing herbal bath to wash away a day's cares ...



      
                                                                                         
  Content companions... Two dogs sleeping amiably on the sofa (leaving just enough room beside them for Siobhan.), softly snoring,occasionally twitching, chasing rabbits in the fields of their dreams...
 
                                                

Satisfying sustenance...Mouth-watering smells wafting from the kitchen.  The merry rattling of pot lids, windows fogged with steam; the intoxicating aromas of Italian herb bread, still warm from the oven, and homemade chicken soup simmering on the stove.  The tantalizing smell of fresh brewed coffee; a bright pumpkin pie cooling on a nearby shelf...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Comfort...A cozy spot to curl up and savor a cup of tea... Groaning bookcases, a well-worn book waiting by a chair.  The soft glow of a lamp in a dark corner; warm throws, soft pillows.  Overstuffed chairs by the telly, the sound of muted laughter from an old sitcom...

                      
Rest...When the day is done, a comfortable place to lay your weary head; a place of sound sleep and pleasant dreams....

Home.
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 Recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

48 oz. chicken broth

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts

(2) 15 oz. cans of diced tomatoes

(2) 15 oz. cans of sliced potatoes

(1) 15 oz. can of black beans

    (1) 15 oz. can of yellow corn

    (1) 15 oz. can of sweet peas

    (1) 15 oz. can of sliced carrots

     4 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 

Add chicken broth and all vegetables(plus liquid in cans) to slow cooker; cut on "high".
Boil chicken breasts in large pot on stove top until done (meat thermometer reads 165 or more).
Shred chicken breasts with fork; add meat to slow cooker.
Reduce heat to "low" setting; simmer for 4-6 hours.
Serve with Italian herb bread for a hearty, satisfying meal!


                                               



Recipe for Italian Herb Bread


10-12 oz. warm water

1 1/4 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

2 Tbsp. honey

$ c. bread flour

1/3 c. grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 Tbsp. dried parsley

1 Tbsp. fresh  or dried rosemary

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. dried onion flakes

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. active dry yeast

Set bread maker at 2 lb. French/Italian bread setting.  Add ingredients in order given, leaving yeast til last.  Using a spoon, scoop a small "well" in the surface / center; place yeast in well.  Close bread maker door and press START.  When unit signals and display reads END, press Stop and remove bread to a cooling rack.  Allow to cool enough to handle; slice and serve.  Enjoy!