Hello, little blog! I thought, since the laptop is now in working order (something happened with the hard drive and also something else - I don't know details), I'd check in. Boy has the time been passing super fast; I can't believe all the back-to-school posts and activities around.
My goal today is to take my camera outside to snap pictures of the fairy garden the girls and I have been putting together. We had an unwelcome visitor, in the form of a black bear, come around while we were attending a picnic yesterday evening. We need to re-adjust our garden a bit, for that bear dug up some flowers (I think the bear was attracted to the compost/manure blended in the soil mix). I also want a picture of the baby bunnies!
Jacob and Abigail are mainly involved in our rabbitry endeavor. Through the generosity of a teenage friend from church they inherited some rabbit cages, feed, shavings, water bottles, and a rabbit named General. We acquired 2 doe rabbits from a local breeder. So, we have one litter that has arrived a couple of weeks ago; and we hope in a few more weeks to have some more babies! Thankfully the cute little babies become not-so-cute when we use them for our meals. We have been enjoying taming the 2 mama rabbits, and General was already pretty tame when we obtained him. What rabbit can resist a hand offering it clover and lettuce? Oh! I almost forgot the kids' names for the rabbits: Abigail has named her rabbit "Verbena" after a flower we have, and Jacob has named his "Red Eye" for practical purposes :)
Finally in this jumble of a post, I tried a new recipe. Through generosity of another family from church (maybe you should come to our church!) we had some wonderful green beans!!! For a couple of years now I've read canning articles and canning cookbooks with recipes for dilly beans.....thought I'd try a few jars. Those pints were put up yesterday, and they look so nice! The true taste test occurs in 2 weeks.
Well, TTFN! Off to fill the coffee mug!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Monday, May 4, 2015
Two Funny Situations
We are busy as my honeybees around here lately! We hurry to finish the school paperwork, so we can get outside to learn in the outdoor classroom. Spring means new critters and new plants, and boy do we have ever so much to learn! I thought I'd share two things that have made me giggle:
Thing the first......I bought 10 blueberry bushes. The ENTIRE experience was rather in exhausting actually because we didn't just buy most of the bushes at the local nursery. Oh no, we found a plant auction that was nearby. I went with 2 kids while Big Fish took 2 kids to church workday. Did I mention that 1 of my kids is in the midst of potty training, so there's that. Ended up I spent 6 hours at the auction because the blueberries didn't go on the block until the end. Oh well, I did come home with 7 bushes and scavenged 3 more at a nearby nursery.
A few days later we had the time to put the bushes in the ground. Wouldn't you know that after Big Fish dug 4-5 holes, and I planted 2 bushes that we decided that soil was not good in that area. So, we hauled the 10 bushes (heavy in their 2-4 gallon pots) to ANOTHER location; I had to dig up (!) the 2 already-planted ones. I was just thinking in my mind that if a stranger were peaking in on us they would most definitely think we were insane. We felt insane finishing up that job too, but at least the blueberry prospects are in the ground in a place we all feel is suitable!
Thing the second.....the great baby turkey transfer. We've had our 4 young turkeys (named Coconut, Squirrel, Soap, and Chester) in the house until a couple of days ago. They have enough feathers to be out of the living room...yay! We chicken-wired up a stall in our barn, and that is their new home. We are concerned that a racoon or weasel could still get to them though. Our solution (refer to the insane comment earlier) is to shut the turkeys INTO the racoon trap at night. The trap is very secure; and our theory is if the trap can keep a racoon in, well it should be able to keep a racoon (or weasel or fox or whatever) out! So, we are the people who trap our turkeys every night :) We'll do something different as the fowl get bigger. I'll keep you posted.
Hope you're having a great Monday wherever you are - TTFN!
Thing the first......I bought 10 blueberry bushes. The ENTIRE experience was rather in exhausting actually because we didn't just buy most of the bushes at the local nursery. Oh no, we found a plant auction that was nearby. I went with 2 kids while Big Fish took 2 kids to church workday. Did I mention that 1 of my kids is in the midst of potty training, so there's that. Ended up I spent 6 hours at the auction because the blueberries didn't go on the block until the end. Oh well, I did come home with 7 bushes and scavenged 3 more at a nearby nursery.
A few days later we had the time to put the bushes in the ground. Wouldn't you know that after Big Fish dug 4-5 holes, and I planted 2 bushes that we decided that soil was not good in that area. So, we hauled the 10 bushes (heavy in their 2-4 gallon pots) to ANOTHER location; I had to dig up (!) the 2 already-planted ones. I was just thinking in my mind that if a stranger were peaking in on us they would most definitely think we were insane. We felt insane finishing up that job too, but at least the blueberry prospects are in the ground in a place we all feel is suitable!
Thing the second.....the great baby turkey transfer. We've had our 4 young turkeys (named Coconut, Squirrel, Soap, and Chester) in the house until a couple of days ago. They have enough feathers to be out of the living room...yay! We chicken-wired up a stall in our barn, and that is their new home. We are concerned that a racoon or weasel could still get to them though. Our solution (refer to the insane comment earlier) is to shut the turkeys INTO the racoon trap at night. The trap is very secure; and our theory is if the trap can keep a racoon in, well it should be able to keep a racoon (or weasel or fox or whatever) out! So, we are the people who trap our turkeys every night :) We'll do something different as the fowl get bigger. I'll keep you posted.
Hope you're having a great Monday wherever you are - TTFN!
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Old Recipes
I almost titled this post "Odd Recipes". My mom passed along a stack of newspaper clippings and other papers of mostly the cooking variety. I'm sifting through the pile and collecting several yummy sounding ideas that would mainly fall under the "Christmas Cookie" heading.
But there are a few gems. I tried to include the publications if possible in order to credit these whoppers:
1. For part of your holiday buffet, please include a Flaming Cabbage. "Clean a large cabbage. Curl outer leaves back from top. Cut out center; hollow it out about 6 in. deep. Place a canned heat lamp in the cavity. Place cabbage on serving plate. Surround with frilly parsley. Thrust wooden picks through cocktail sausages, and stick into the cabbage. Stick an olive onto end of each (to protect fingers from flame). Guests broil their own sausages. From Betty Crocker's Party Calendar (January idea).
2. The description of the Nonsweet Almond Hearts just makes me want to rush right out and make them: "A bland cookie that appeals to those not fond of very sweet things". From "The Cllector's Cook Book" #59.
3. Mock Chicken Legs from the February section of Betty Crocker's Party Calender. It involves canned spiced pork, Wheaties, canned pineapple, etc.
4. And my personal favorite: "SPAMwich with Cranberry". "Cover lightly-toasted bread with sliced SPAM and dab of mustard, then a slice of cheese. Broil 'til cheese softens. Top with slice of jellied cranberry; broil again briefly." From "A treasury of ideas for the Holidays" by General Mills. Yes! My life is incomplete. Someone please make me a spamwich with cranberry.
I'm going to stop at this point. Let me know if you need other holiday ideas! TTFN
But there are a few gems. I tried to include the publications if possible in order to credit these whoppers:
1. For part of your holiday buffet, please include a Flaming Cabbage. "Clean a large cabbage. Curl outer leaves back from top. Cut out center; hollow it out about 6 in. deep. Place a canned heat lamp in the cavity. Place cabbage on serving plate. Surround with frilly parsley. Thrust wooden picks through cocktail sausages, and stick into the cabbage. Stick an olive onto end of each (to protect fingers from flame). Guests broil their own sausages. From Betty Crocker's Party Calendar (January idea).
2. The description of the Nonsweet Almond Hearts just makes me want to rush right out and make them: "A bland cookie that appeals to those not fond of very sweet things". From "The Cllector's Cook Book" #59.
3. Mock Chicken Legs from the February section of Betty Crocker's Party Calender. It involves canned spiced pork, Wheaties, canned pineapple, etc.
4. And my personal favorite: "SPAMwich with Cranberry". "Cover lightly-toasted bread with sliced SPAM and dab of mustard, then a slice of cheese. Broil 'til cheese softens. Top with slice of jellied cranberry; broil again briefly." From "A treasury of ideas for the Holidays" by General Mills. Yes! My life is incomplete. Someone please make me a spamwich with cranberry.
I'm going to stop at this point. Let me know if you need other holiday ideas! TTFN
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Knitting Progress
Today's yarn/knitting update is due to motivation! My husband's birthday is next week, and I really really wanted to get this sweater done for him. Let's not think about the fact that I also really really wanted to get it done for his Christmas present....'kay?
My second motivating influence is brand new yarn from Great Britain!! I cannot wait to use it and start a cardigan project (for me), but my self-imposed limitation was to finish Big Fish's sweater first! I'm down to about 10 centimeters on the crewneck collar and then seam up the underarms and weave in the ends. Woohoo!! Here's a little picture update:
This small person appeared when I had my camera out:
Joining in on the yarn along today.....also, no picture, but I'm reading a lovely book: "The Girl of the Limberlost".
<a href="http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along"
My second motivating influence is brand new yarn from Great Britain!! I cannot wait to use it and start a cardigan project (for me), but my self-imposed limitation was to finish Big Fish's sweater first! I'm down to about 10 centimeters on the crewneck collar and then seam up the underarms and weave in the ends. Woohoo!! Here's a little picture update:
This small person appeared when I had my camera out:
Joining in on the yarn along today.....also, no picture, but I'm reading a lovely book: "The Girl of the Limberlost".
<a href="http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along"
Monday, February 9, 2015
Snippet
So many things to post that I just get overwhelmed and don't post at all. Well, maybe I can make a dent in putting my thoughts here by just doing some little snippets.
Looks like another blogger has been experimenting with sourdough like us....go check it out!
I did some internet research and started (ha!) my own sourdough starter! I went the easiest route and started with a flour and water mixture in a quart jar. The jar was covered with a coffee filter in order to allow wild yeast to enter. Well, I feel like I'm raising a little pet now that needs to be fed and kept warm. So far our kitchen has been warm enough, and I'm happy to report that it works!
In my research, I shared with the kids how some families have maintained a starter for decades. Well, Abigail has requested I maintain this starter for her family! No pressure or anything....
We have made some waffles, pancakes, and two batches of bread. My favorite so far has been the honey wheat sourdough bread - um, yum!! The waffles were a close second. The pancakes, well, not so much. I really think that tasty pancakes can be made with sourdough starter; I just happened to choose a recipe that was just completely sourdough starter with some eggs. It was too sour! I'd blend in some milk and flour with maybe a cup of the starter to balance the tanginess.
As I feed the starter, I'm only using rye and whole wheat flours; so I really feel the health benefits in our efforts to improve our eating habits. I'll leave you with a picture of the wonderful bread we made last week:
Looks like another blogger has been experimenting with sourdough like us....go check it out!
I did some internet research and started (ha!) my own sourdough starter! I went the easiest route and started with a flour and water mixture in a quart jar. The jar was covered with a coffee filter in order to allow wild yeast to enter. Well, I feel like I'm raising a little pet now that needs to be fed and kept warm. So far our kitchen has been warm enough, and I'm happy to report that it works!
In my research, I shared with the kids how some families have maintained a starter for decades. Well, Abigail has requested I maintain this starter for her family! No pressure or anything....
We have made some waffles, pancakes, and two batches of bread. My favorite so far has been the honey wheat sourdough bread - um, yum!! The waffles were a close second. The pancakes, well, not so much. I really think that tasty pancakes can be made with sourdough starter; I just happened to choose a recipe that was just completely sourdough starter with some eggs. It was too sour! I'd blend in some milk and flour with maybe a cup of the starter to balance the tanginess.
As I feed the starter, I'm only using rye and whole wheat flours; so I really feel the health benefits in our efforts to improve our eating habits. I'll leave you with a picture of the wonderful bread we made last week:
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
A Wee Bit of an Obsession
So, this is basically a knitting post. You have been warned.
The New Year combined with cold snow and temperatures combined with Christmas money means I'm basically thinking of knitting and yarn and patterns all the time!! I am so thankful God created sheep and silk worms.
So, I have discovered (I know, I know, where have I been) Alice Starmore. I've heard her name several times in knitting circles, but I did not know what all the fuss is about. Gracious sakes, part of me wishes I hadn't started to dig. Her patterns....wow.
Thanks to a trip to the library, I started with "Aran Knitting". Now my very own copy is on its way to my house along with a handful of her other books AND yarn from across the pond. Look at this site! I used up my Christmas money to buy some delicious yarn from there - Alice Starmore's site. I cannot wait to share this journey with you. Bear along with me? I'm awaiting yarn for a sweater and a hat, so I'll start posting some pictures when there are actual things to show.
Other knitting adventures include starting the sleeves for my husband's sweater. Hang on, I'll find my camera and join the yarn along today.....one sec:
<a href="http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along"
Picture of the start on the sleeve on a background of a knitted throw I started using thrift store yarn from my mom. This thrift store yarn is vintage wool - what a find!
I would certainly be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to my friend who reminded of one of my long-neglected websites for buying books. I bought my Starmore stash from it. Also? I love hearing the beep of my mailman's little pickup truck because that means we have a package. My mailman's name is Denny, and I might have scared him a bit when I ran out to give him a bar of my homemade peppermint soap - I told him maybe just give it to his wife :)
Talk soon, folks; the crockpot needs to be loaded with white wine and garlic chicken thighs for dinner. TTFN
The New Year combined with cold snow and temperatures combined with Christmas money means I'm basically thinking of knitting and yarn and patterns all the time!! I am so thankful God created sheep and silk worms.
So, I have discovered (I know, I know, where have I been) Alice Starmore. I've heard her name several times in knitting circles, but I did not know what all the fuss is about. Gracious sakes, part of me wishes I hadn't started to dig. Her patterns....wow.
Thanks to a trip to the library, I started with "Aran Knitting". Now my very own copy is on its way to my house along with a handful of her other books AND yarn from across the pond. Look at this site! I used up my Christmas money to buy some delicious yarn from there - Alice Starmore's site. I cannot wait to share this journey with you. Bear along with me? I'm awaiting yarn for a sweater and a hat, so I'll start posting some pictures when there are actual things to show.
Other knitting adventures include starting the sleeves for my husband's sweater. Hang on, I'll find my camera and join the yarn along today.....one sec:
<a href="http://www.gsheller.com/tag/yarn-along"
Picture of the start on the sleeve on a background of a knitted throw I started using thrift store yarn from my mom. This thrift store yarn is vintage wool - what a find!
I would certainly be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to my friend who reminded of one of my long-neglected websites for buying books. I bought my Starmore stash from it. Also? I love hearing the beep of my mailman's little pickup truck because that means we have a package. My mailman's name is Denny, and I might have scared him a bit when I ran out to give him a bar of my homemade peppermint soap - I told him maybe just give it to his wife :)
Talk soon, folks; the crockpot needs to be loaded with white wine and garlic chicken thighs for dinner. TTFN
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
A Few Things
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! I hope you have had quiet time and exciting time these past weeks.
We have had some forced quiet time, as we all went through a round of upper respiratory issues. I think I'm the last one with a little sinus pain, but I'm on the mend. It's been a blessing, now that the kids are a tiny bit older, to have them (for the most part!) be able to blow their own noses :) Our little Lydia is now a 4 year old; so we have the children evenly spaced in ages for a few months: 8, 6, 4, and 2.
Lots of Christmas cookies were baked this year, and a fabulous cookie exchange was held. One of the attendees asked about doing some kind of exchange in the summer months; there are lots of ideas around for handmade swaps. Maybe we'll try something new in 2015! One of the new recipes tried was pretzel shortbread cookies. Oh boy! With only 3 ingredients, I think you should give them a try (well, 4 ingredients if you sprinkle some chocolate chips on top).
One of my favorite days from last week was Dec. 23. We took the kids for a jaunt to Pittsburgh. We toured Phipps Conservatory, walked around downtown seeing the ice skaters and the gingerbread houses displayed at PPG Place, and had dinner at the Oyster House (I believe the 2nd oldest Oyster House in the country). The weather was mild, and we enjoyed the time together.
Christmas presents have yet to be put away.....favorites include a jar of army men, a nerf and a marshmallow gun, a crystal growing science kit, and dress up gowns for 2 princesses! I knitted a toy for each of my kids: a stuffed snake, a reversible dolly that changes to a different dolly, a reversible bluebird in a nest that changes to an egg, and a market bag to carry ballet slippers.
Now the challenge is to get the house back in order! Our dog is shedding right now too (why would she do that now?), so the vacuum is getting a workout. Maybe we'll wait a few more days to feel "normal", as we have New Year's Eve and Day to play. Jon and I were discussing if we (well me actually) are even able to stay awake until midnight!! Party animals - not sure is that is an apt description for us. My kids, on the other hand, claim they stay awake all night every night! Wink!
A blessed 2015 to you.....a few days early, but obviously my posts are "generously" spaced. TTFN!
We have had some forced quiet time, as we all went through a round of upper respiratory issues. I think I'm the last one with a little sinus pain, but I'm on the mend. It's been a blessing, now that the kids are a tiny bit older, to have them (for the most part!) be able to blow their own noses :) Our little Lydia is now a 4 year old; so we have the children evenly spaced in ages for a few months: 8, 6, 4, and 2.
Lots of Christmas cookies were baked this year, and a fabulous cookie exchange was held. One of the attendees asked about doing some kind of exchange in the summer months; there are lots of ideas around for handmade swaps. Maybe we'll try something new in 2015! One of the new recipes tried was pretzel shortbread cookies. Oh boy! With only 3 ingredients, I think you should give them a try (well, 4 ingredients if you sprinkle some chocolate chips on top).
One of my favorite days from last week was Dec. 23. We took the kids for a jaunt to Pittsburgh. We toured Phipps Conservatory, walked around downtown seeing the ice skaters and the gingerbread houses displayed at PPG Place, and had dinner at the Oyster House (I believe the 2nd oldest Oyster House in the country). The weather was mild, and we enjoyed the time together.
Christmas presents have yet to be put away.....favorites include a jar of army men, a nerf and a marshmallow gun, a crystal growing science kit, and dress up gowns for 2 princesses! I knitted a toy for each of my kids: a stuffed snake, a reversible dolly that changes to a different dolly, a reversible bluebird in a nest that changes to an egg, and a market bag to carry ballet slippers.
Now the challenge is to get the house back in order! Our dog is shedding right now too (why would she do that now?), so the vacuum is getting a workout. Maybe we'll wait a few more days to feel "normal", as we have New Year's Eve and Day to play. Jon and I were discussing if we (well me actually) are even able to stay awake until midnight!! Party animals - not sure is that is an apt description for us. My kids, on the other hand, claim they stay awake all night every night! Wink!
A blessed 2015 to you.....a few days early, but obviously my posts are "generously" spaced. TTFN!
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