Lobelia at the Farm this summer
This past summer I had several beautiful hanging baskets of Lobelia. It is a gorgeous periwinkle blue flowering plant that chases the sun and you have to keep it turned regulary so that it grows uniformly in the baskets. It kept going right up until Thanksgiving in the indoor sunporch. It was beautiful against the old weathered back sun porch of the farmhouse. Enjoy!
Native Americans used lobelia to treat respiratory and muscle disorders, and as a purgative. Today it is used to treat asthma and food poisoning, and is often used as part of smoking cessation programs. It is a physical relaxant, and can serve as a nerve depressant, easing tension and panic. The species used most commonly in modern herbalism is Lobelia inflata (Indian Tobacco).[8]
Extracts of Lobelia inflata contain lobeline, which showed positive effects in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tumor cells.[9] Furthermore, lobeline can be modified to lobelane which decreased methamphetamine self-administration in rats.[10] It therefore opens a perspective in methamphetamine dependency treatment.[11] Thanks to Word a Day for the definition and information.
As used in North America, lobelia’s medicinal properties include the following: emetic (induces vomiting), stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, diaphoretic, relaxant, nauseant, sedative, diuretic, and nervine. It has been used as “asthmador” in Appalachian folk medicine [12]
Because of its similarity to nicotine, the internal use of lobelia may be dangerous to susceptible populations, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with cardiac disease. Excessive use will cause nausea and vomiting. It is not recommended for use by pregnant women and is best administered by a practitioner qualified in its use.
T.I.C.K.I.N.G!
tick⋅ing /ˈtɪkɪŋ/ Pronunciation [tik-ing]
–noun 1. a strong cotton cloth covering for mattresses or pillows
1649, from tyke (modern tick) with the same meaning (1342), probably from M.Du. tike, a W.Gmc. borrowing of L. theca “case,” from Gk. theke “a case, box, cover, sheath”n fabric, usually twilled, used esp. in making cloth ticks.
2. a similar cloth in satin weave or Jacquard, used esp. for mattress covers.
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No longer for farms or those old straw mattresses ticking is resurging into farmhouse style and urbane interiors alike! Repurpose it into pillow covers, daybed covers, chair cushions and even pet beds, the best we have found lately for crafts of all kinds comes from the American Farmhouse and from France!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330366484661&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
Crazy for Bolsters
With 5 large bedrooms at the Farm, I am constantly searching for new ways to dress the beds. Bolsters, often seen in European countries at the top of the bed were used for a long period of time only by the wealthy. I’ve long thought these are beautiful bed “dressings” and have just come across a very unique one recently which is needlepoint and long and thin. Repurposed, I suppose, but nevertheless pretty and charming for a boudoir type Farmhouse bedroom!
A bolster (etymology: Middle English, derived from Old English, and before that the Germanic word *ƀulstraz) is a long narrow pillow or cushion filled with cotton, down, or fibre. In western countries, it is usually placed at the head of bed and functions as head or back support. In southeast Asian countries, in particular Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, the bolster is designed to be hugged when sleeping. Thanks to Word A Day for the definition!
Homemade Banana Cake on a Wintry Day
Straight from the Farmhouse Kitchen! 
Nothing like old fashioned banana cake with cream cheese frosting on a wintry day! We even made it in our old 1930’s casserole dish from Pennsylvania Dutch county. Enjoy the recipe below!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional for greasing pan
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting pan
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup well-mashed very ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
For frosting
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup confectioners sugar
- 3 tablespoons well-stirred canned cream of coconut such as Coco López (not coconut milk)
- 1 teaspoon dark rum (optional)
- 1/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut
PowderMill Farm’s Faded Threads Mercantile Compagnie launches Farmhouse Chic line!
Our blog at PowderMill Farm in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania will take you to life on an 1820 farm, a place where many of us are not in touch with in today’s world. Through our newly launched Faded Threads Mercantile Compagnie we will share with you products that reflect fine living and good taste from a more simple era, including handworked needlecrafts, embroidery, quilts, decorative items and American, European and English homespun linens and textiles. Follow us as we launch the new Mercantile shop at PowderMill Farm!
http://stores.ebay.com/Faded-Threads-Mercantile-Compagnie?_rdc=1
Welcome to PowderMill Farm Blog
We here at PowderMill Farm in Northeastern Pennsylvania – tucked in the beautiful Endless Mountain Range of Pennsylvania – welcome you to our Blog. PowderMill Farm was built c. 1826 and has a long and interesting history which we hope to share with you as well as an up close and personal look at what it is like to own and work on an historic farm. We also have a new business coming up which we will share with you as well in the weeks to come. Join us for a glimpse at this remarkable farm!
More Farm photos
The dirt road leading into the farm is wonderful. Although it is dusty when dry, the road crews grade it often and wet it to keep the dust down. An idllyic country road!
Greenery everywhere!
The garage with loft – better seen in the top photo – was built to historically match the architectural details of the house. The loft door is modelled after an old hay loft door and just pushed out so the loft can get air. The PowderMill Farm “Cow” cupola lights up at night!
