Generosity!

On my way to Plymouth to go and fluff my space at the Red Rooster, I pass this charming little hobby farm. And next to their driveway, they have the most amazingly, gorgeous hydrangea bush with dark russet blooms that make me covet them every time I drive by!!! So I summoned the courage to write them a note asking them if they would mind if I cut some of their blooms to dry for arrangements ~ and told them that I would be more than happy to pay for them! I stuck the note in their door with my phone number, went home and waited and prayed that they wouldn't call me back and scold me for stalking them!!!
Well, just a few hours later, the sweetest woman called me back and told me that I could indeed come and cut as much as I wanted and I didn't need to pay at all!!!

Are these not the most beautiful hydrangeas you have ever seen?????

So I headed on over the next day. Her just as nice husband was out walking their just as friendly dog and told me to cut away- that they were more than happy to share!!

So I brought them home and bundled them up, hung some in the garage on my old grungy ladder and tucked some in white ironstone vessels here and there!

I have been enjoying them immensely!!!

I thought as a gesture of my gratitude, I would bake them a sweet, fall treat and made them our family favorite "Harvest Loaf" bread!!

The man was very pleased, told me it wasn't necessary and I said that "one good turn deserves another"!!

And as another gesture to all my new friends out there I thought I'd share the recipe with you!!
ENJOY!!!
HARVEST LOAF

1 3/4 c. flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp ginger 1/4 tsp cloves 1/2 c. butter, softened 1 c. sugar 2 eggs 1 small can pumpkin 3/4 c. chocolate chips 3/4 c. nuts. Mix all dry ingredients together and set aside. Cream butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and beat well. Add dry ingredients alternately with the pumpkin until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Pour into one large greased bread pan or 2 smaller greased pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 65 - 70 minutes or until center is done.