Our Fabled Nest

I live by the motto “It’s the little things that make life so beautiful”. While I don’t know who said it originally, I say it quite often. The little moments. The little things. The simple pleasures. Life doesn’t have to complicated, hurried or always “on”. Where we now live, we are rather disconnected – in the best way. I wouldn’t trade our humble cottage or life for anything.

This weekend, my momma packed both grams and the car and took off for a much-needed weekend away. Even though, they arrived safely, I worried about the long five-hour drive here. Neither of the grams are in the best of health but they wanted to make the trip to our little homestead for the weekend with us. Now, I was tickled pink when they mentioned their plans a few weeks ago. Excited to spoil them with delicious meals and the tranquility we are blessed to experience daily here… our little place is tucked a few miles off a main road, off a dirt road and a good thirty minutes to the nearest store. Honestly? It’s wonderful and we knew they would enjoy it just as much!

We met them near the highway so they could follow us back… even though it is relatively easy, we do live in the mountains and there is no cell service. I loved hearing them ooh and ahh over the drive here and then walking around here – they kept saying how beautiful and magical it is. I’ve been saying that since day one! While they settled in, I started dinner. I’ve said it before, but we love good Asian inspired dishes. These same dishes, I have been promising for a hot minute, I would create for them too. Momma loves Sesame Chicken. That fried crunchy chicken coated in a delightful sticky sweet sauce. Mhmm, I agree – so good! I created ours a little healthier, with baked chicken dredged in egg wash then breaded simply with arrowroot starch and gluten free all-purpose flour. After it baked up all nice and crunchy, tossed in a sticky sweet sesame sauce. I also tossed chicken and broccoli in a sesame ginger sauce. It was a fun take on gram’s favorite Teriyaki chicken. Add some steamed rice and sauteed sesame carrots – so easy and scrumptious! My little family is autumn lovers so what better way to end the meal than a pumpkin bundt cake with maple glaze. Find those recipes here and here!

Sunday mornings are my favorite thing on earth. I love waking ridiculously early, grabbing a cup of tea and sitting on the porch. Greeting the day. Sitting in the stillness of night while waiting on the moment of daybreak. The hum of crickets, birds chirping, and the sunlight slowly filtering through the trees. Magical. While I was enjoying my stillness, fresh cinnamon rolls were rising on the stove. Made them ahead and popped in the refrigerated then let them rise and come to room temperature before baking for another easy meal!

Both of my grams being older with health issues, we knew we wanted to show them our lovely little world in a gentler way. We started our adventures driving through a few small little towns. Lots of quaint little shops, and things to check out! Apple picking seemed like an absolutely delightful idea. Hartland Orchards in Markham has three apple picking areas open plus their little farm stand. Last of the summer peaches were also available… lucky for me, momma brought a huge box of fresh ones from NC! Fresh cider slushie for me and a half dozen of apple cider donuts for hubs! These are his favorite thing on earth. Every autumn he consumes no less than three dozen…. homemade doesn’t compare to these beauties! After our storms a few weeks ago, the apple trees took quite a hit – several were broken and in disarray. We picked what we could and ended up with two huge bags, stuffed to the gills (southern sayin’).

Next up was the Giving Tree. Another beautiful little farm stand. We’re fortunate to have so many local options! Then we headed to the Apple House. Hubs has been wanting to visit for a while, but we wanted to bring them along. Did not disappoint! It is a restaurant, food truck, ice cream stand, gift shop, gas station – catch all kinda pit stop! Eclectic and a little something for everyone! Hubs found their signature apple butter donuts (wasn’t kidding when I said he takes these things seriously!) and I purchased treats for the fur babes. Then we just took the scenic ride home. Every back road we could think of that had spectacular views of the river, rock formations, rolling hills and wide-open pastures. Appalachia is breathtaking and I never tire of seeing it.

Dinner, I surprised them by trying my hand at fresh homemade pasta. And you know what?? It was successful! A quick pasta sauce, I tossed together for the crockpot (easy meals!) and let it simmer all day. Garlic knots topped with buttery garlic and parmesan. Then a simple spice cake with cream cheese frosting. So simple but so so wonderful. I love spoiling them and love I had this opportunity to create something magical and nourishing.

While it was a rather short trip for such a long ride, I am grateful for the time we had together. I’m grateful we are a close-knit bunch and have each other’s backs. These ladies are one of a kind. I know I am fortunate to have my little tribe of beautiful strong women as these three.

Cheers to our next adventure!