tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73904430664863251052024-02-07T19:18:12.848-06:00Life on My Hobby Farm. . .Keeping it real....taking care of a family, gardening, cooking, keeping hens and having fun!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-47146590794681377972012-06-19T09:18:00.001-05:002012-06-19T09:18:29.517-05:00RandomYep - that last post was random. I was trying to add a recipe under the recipe tab and I couldn't make it work. I've been playing around with my current blog template and am trying to get my blog page more organized with tabs, etc. I want to make my site more user friendly for readers (and me). After doing a little research, I think I may need a web-page to accomplish my goals. In the near future I hope to have this project complete.<br />
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Updates on the garden and our summer harvest are coming. Baby goats will be here soon and we may have baby chicks by the end of the month too. Two of my hens have been sitting on a clutch of eggs since about June 1. James has been working hard on the blackberry patch. Alicia is planning a wedding. . . and so much more.<br />
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Stay tuned for changes....and have a nice day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-38451876758812447542012-06-12T20:14:00.002-05:002012-06-12T20:24:32.365-05:00Salsa1-2 chili peppers (Serrano or jalapeno)<br />
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes<br />
1 bunch of cilantro<br />
1 purple onion<br />
1-2 limes juiced (about a tablespoon of juice / or more if desired)<br />
1-2 garlic cloves<br />
1 tsp. kosher salt<br />
1 tsp. black pepper<br />
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**for more flavor roast peppers, garlic and onion.<br />
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Directions:<br />
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Add one roasted or raw chili pepper, onion, garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper and cilantro. Pulse a few times until desired consistency is reached. Add canned tomatoes and pulse one or two times. Taste. If you need more heat - add the second pepper. Serve fresh with tortilla chips.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-10759263537019388262012-06-05T23:09:00.002-05:002012-06-05T23:09:16.336-05:00Another Major Milestone for AliciaOn May 25, Alicia received an offer she couldn't turn down. Jeremy, her boyfriend of just over a year, took her out to eat in the quaint East Texas town of Jefferson. The dinner was followed by a carriage ride and.....a proposal. She said, "Yes!" <br />
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We couldn't be happier for her and Jeremy! James and I are excited about this and feel that he will make a great addition to our expanding family. We had another family get together (feast) Sunday, May 27 (Memorial Day Weekend) to celebrate this special occassion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBhaMVr-mM4UvEGiSe4V7EzERmFGFacYSIBMfOEmRWj2dKhUwe__ZKaiF__jcEuKHfg3X5q1RE-y30cmgxIIQsqZnlJmEmss3ekL2XkjtYK6HsjGon1D9hiTDG7ypBX-sYBbOwbzLVJo/s1600/May+27+2012+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBhaMVr-mM4UvEGiSe4V7EzERmFGFacYSIBMfOEmRWj2dKhUwe__ZKaiF__jcEuKHfg3X5q1RE-y30cmgxIIQsqZnlJmEmss3ekL2XkjtYK6HsjGon1D9hiTDG7ypBX-sYBbOwbzLVJo/s320/May+27+2012+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy couple.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZcruWzZs4_nXE0j796AsQU-6ZUkjnImL5PXGHCNZMRzGxU8_skHVFWupXwyRonNh6R_wZHsZW_lgjtZHESz8QGHum03ve7HJ4ViMpRVrHGazBpRpWRyd4ZxYEa9Gd7GjR0UIppcaM3M/s1600/May+27+2012+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZcruWzZs4_nXE0j796AsQU-6ZUkjnImL5PXGHCNZMRzGxU8_skHVFWupXwyRonNh6R_wZHsZW_lgjtZHESz8QGHum03ve7HJ4ViMpRVrHGazBpRpWRyd4ZxYEa9Gd7GjR0UIppcaM3M/s320/May+27+2012+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few generations of rings...Alicia to the left. I'm in the middle<br />and Grandma to the far right. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-xH4ndU_FEM7HofTVF9Q-0tI9ZZn6brEP5QLrgqIDuEbaOVIhw0yHubGBB5pbcVdFi1aKi9H-iAgNwQl2ViYNVJCnedzJaxjgLlqG-kc0WKPia9IgP1f-eLg1Uzmc59ukgfjdh0Czzg/s1600/May+27+2012+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-xH4ndU_FEM7HofTVF9Q-0tI9ZZn6brEP5QLrgqIDuEbaOVIhw0yHubGBB5pbcVdFi1aKi9H-iAgNwQl2ViYNVJCnedzJaxjgLlqG-kc0WKPia9IgP1f-eLg1Uzmc59ukgfjdh0Czzg/s320/May+27+2012+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our growing family.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-61995381576476007672012-06-05T22:53:00.000-05:002012-06-05T23:12:44.313-05:00April and May Family Updates<br />
I don't know about anyone else, but April and May passed in a blink of an eye at my house. It is a busy time for our family, but this year it was especially busy. In late April we celebrated Heather's 20th birthday. We were thrilled that she could come home just before her semester finals. We celebrated with a family get together -- a big lunch followed by birthday cake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzlgqlnnGVvJFymyPryRzI7WhWU5M52gL5vIblACacTEV3TJTsVKjbrC6CRjVQfgCQcjItqWLUXFUoYPTR5SnMFXcHLy2eBt6yEaoqHuuvX7IZ46IFkmKAyfuX81PWudXREBliO4HcCY/s1600/April2012+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzlgqlnnGVvJFymyPryRzI7WhWU5M52gL5vIblACacTEV3TJTsVKjbrC6CRjVQfgCQcjItqWLUXFUoYPTR5SnMFXcHLy2eBt6yEaoqHuuvX7IZ46IFkmKAyfuX81PWudXREBliO4HcCY/s320/April2012+049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful cake from Say It With Sugar. . . </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQhuKpAQXkowHCS1c8DMvCSlIh3-rg2cktalqHSuI1wdhFQP793pJ9RDZ6Y5ObzV4x8NjwUtLHu6a9rr0R7rikU7C1ajm4D-YOtKQYEP12WcW7MqOTftgNhjdk2hvIQBq8BVUOLWkHc8/s1600/April2012+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQhuKpAQXkowHCS1c8DMvCSlIh3-rg2cktalqHSuI1wdhFQP793pJ9RDZ6Y5ObzV4x8NjwUtLHu6a9rr0R7rikU7C1ajm4D-YOtKQYEP12WcW7MqOTftgNhjdk2hvIQBq8BVUOLWkHc8/s320/April2012+048.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">. . .for a beautiful girl!</td></tr>
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Alicia turned 22 on May 2 and graduated from college on May 2. James and I are so proud of this accomplishment in her life. We know God has great plans for her. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3xFhoR66QNrXYrg09rZqQAv6xrG3mXMjsQukzf_6E9h0bs6r4sYmWO0G7KRj7PaLGsGEYCk0c1AXt2My9UEYVboindMu-VxAwM2xBKQ1CRl0_YjODfXxI0hQs3jFh8U_GCV_qdtEMUU/s1600/May2012+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3xFhoR66QNrXYrg09rZqQAv6xrG3mXMjsQukzf_6E9h0bs6r4sYmWO0G7KRj7PaLGsGEYCk0c1AXt2My9UEYVboindMu-VxAwM2xBKQ1CRl0_YjODfXxI0hQs3jFh8U_GCV_qdtEMUU/s320/May2012+025.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alicia customized her hat. A red apple for teaching <br />
and blue piece for special education.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcspuEhS1Sq2OvxfXXV5Kg0thwA7s5zVn_w7PFeekRhBOVrlX2124Y5VXBM815sWnC7o1qZjpaaRMIUoegWP4St9hs1DG-WiBrwX0T35qpTIKrYRtCFDfIcMlaCcrm9RIm339z5hskDY/s1600/May2012+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcspuEhS1Sq2OvxfXXV5Kg0thwA7s5zVn_w7PFeekRhBOVrlX2124Y5VXBM815sWnC7o1qZjpaaRMIUoegWP4St9hs1DG-WiBrwX0T35qpTIKrYRtCFDfIcMlaCcrm9RIm339z5hskDY/s320/May2012+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A family shot with my dad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQv5VA2Fgxgn05Tg5j33VpzF2fDli_9-gujg8Ge6ZxNhFaO77I3lXdcWXaxeH76AEL4Q4jfyxSPIuElYROBhjz-i_4rDhAZRZnmy2rcjI5WoBQ7MajpzFuR7suxcuvsyam8Jrvcnz97dE/s1600/May2012+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQv5VA2Fgxgn05Tg5j33VpzF2fDli_9-gujg8Ge6ZxNhFaO77I3lXdcWXaxeH76AEL4Q4jfyxSPIuElYROBhjz-i_4rDhAZRZnmy2rcjI5WoBQ7MajpzFuR7suxcuvsyam8Jrvcnz97dE/s320/May2012+040.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alicia and Grandma</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aF0zXXkIq3Qpb8pOtzu9mNSptuByM3uKxNDWAiMd7jVDCozBFSKbpxhJvpG-VnYq7PhBG_l8K8gdNApRszIMxl7godVLjir94uLkcCe06jHUyiD_PxoJoMlk5rJ4OCw-cCheLnAHp2k/s1600/May2012+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aF0zXXkIq3Qpb8pOtzu9mNSptuByM3uKxNDWAiMd7jVDCozBFSKbpxhJvpG-VnYq7PhBG_l8K8gdNApRszIMxl7godVLjir94uLkcCe06jHUyiD_PxoJoMlk5rJ4OCw-cCheLnAHp2k/s320/May2012+050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duckworth Family with Alicia. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-70338298196874944732012-05-21T22:51:00.004-05:002012-06-12T20:01:08.014-05:00Peaches are getting Ripe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">My peaches are getting ripe very quickly this year.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">There are plenty of things coming from the garden this week. I hope I can keep up with it all! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSgYM43UVmzsrhWHS0dA5-X2mx9P2IQeuiHIB8lFHc1bMs-l3mes5DYqtmYIyRNwh3BpN-i3dr5BUsyhR_b5CxyiX69VcMnNTGMGtnzqTkTTIdNtJuNzGlYZnnTx7ZpBkK-TQUJtkx0s/s1600/May+20+and+21+2012+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSgYM43UVmzsrhWHS0dA5-X2mx9P2IQeuiHIB8lFHc1bMs-l3mes5DYqtmYIyRNwh3BpN-i3dr5BUsyhR_b5CxyiX69VcMnNTGMGtnzqTkTTIdNtJuNzGlYZnnTx7ZpBkK-TQUJtkx0s/s400/May+20+and+21+2012+003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Peaches that are almost ready to pick.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-67394751481517554602012-05-21T22:46:00.000-05:002012-06-12T20:22:58.193-05:00Kandy Korn in MayI planted my corn (Kandy Korn variety) in late March from seeds started indoors several weeks earlier in peat pots. Corn does not transplant well according to my resources, but the peat pots worked great. I was worried about another hot and dry summer, so I worked and planned so that I could harvest in May and early June instead of July. By July of last year most crops were lost due to the drought and excessive heat.<br />
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Tonight, I picked about 32 ears of corn. I only found one worm and one cob with slight damage. My crop has produced better than last year -- likely due to more spring rains and supplementing additional drinks with soaker hoses placed between the rows covered in mulch. Last year much of my corn was lost to pesky worms. I was more vigilant this year in protecting my crop. I have been picking as many bugs as possible. I also tried a new trick/tip. I put a drop of mineral oil in the corn silk soon after it appeared. I have read this is a good deterrent because the worm suffocates. It appears to have helped. Batch #1 planting didn't get as tall as the Batch #2 planting. Warm sunny days make a big difference. Lessons learned for another year.....<br />
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Brody and I shucked the corn, and I blanched most of it and put 2 - 1 quart bags stuffed full in the freezer. I saved about 8 ears for supper tomorrow night. I sampled a few stray kernels and was very pleased with the fresh sweet flavor. It was perfect after a quick blanch. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYFBYkajmOTVw8QhYl8pcxb9Vm3Rlzyof68zlu78c1hgsWDkXLSbkyIksY2S1UziPbiQksRFSfVNppTfO6btLmBlnTJVDMKIZhZXbkwHblYPDABuUHvWGVXqRk63sKfzYoaMuwS5je-8/s1600/May+20+and+21+2012+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYFBYkajmOTVw8QhYl8pcxb9Vm3Rlzyof68zlu78c1hgsWDkXLSbkyIksY2S1UziPbiQksRFSfVNppTfO6btLmBlnTJVDMKIZhZXbkwHblYPDABuUHvWGVXqRk63sKfzYoaMuwS5je-8/s320/May+20+and+21+2012+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before I picked tonight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwckESKPOIC558_CF2T8LDGE6SpknWIGVk3jhwjavP4vHwUXhbJEYk6pYxtduIin0pUoeANkdQu5KCA1HkLA71dUnA6FQAq-5mrI5BQk1RuptBYe0d2d4NRyIxrn6gz8qWzqqdIb39uvY/s1600/May+20+and+21+2012+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwckESKPOIC558_CF2T8LDGE6SpknWIGVk3jhwjavP4vHwUXhbJEYk6pYxtduIin0pUoeANkdQu5KCA1HkLA71dUnA6FQAq-5mrI5BQk1RuptBYe0d2d4NRyIxrn6gz8qWzqqdIb39uvY/s320/May+20+and+21+2012+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The harvest!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-76824691011287071132012-05-04T23:39:00.001-05:002012-06-12T20:04:29.862-05:00Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">This year I decided to try a new way to plant potatoes. Since my garden plot was part of my back yard 2 short years ago, my soil is still mostly a heavy clay mix. I'm adding compost as I can. With that said, after doing some research on-line, I decided that instead of digging a deep trench for potatoes this year I would plant mine at ground level and keep covering them with soil/compost. It's not time to harvest yet, but I'm looking forward to peeking inside soon. The pictures below will explain the process. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNBPIbQIOMCdATdvsVxdgy1wmj0ifpB8eoOkqkDt2DDyqSCdhAAEcyZ9qAuhqiXV8ZRdIoUcZ1tFDSUvU8zBpByDVeXRt_DA_2H2gOpuPF9VcB9MGyoIzLmnuubM4Z-h07CE4Jy-PNSs/s1600/March2012+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNBPIbQIOMCdATdvsVxdgy1wmj0ifpB8eoOkqkDt2DDyqSCdhAAEcyZ9qAuhqiXV8ZRdIoUcZ1tFDSUvU8zBpByDVeXRt_DA_2H2gOpuPF9VcB9MGyoIzLmnuubM4Z-h07CE4Jy-PNSs/s320/March2012+002.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February - Potato seeds prepared to plant. Eyes have developed and I dusted<br /> in sulphur to protect from disease. Seeds were purchased at Calloway's <br />Nursery in Plano.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7D9r_DuHQ4KJWpHBtAheO3cFTr2a4XRGtVu_XZGNTeeDbSAqkcqd6-Cir6JFShj7pKAbHYTzVnyCRgrD1OnPiP6ESYC-bjmI0njZNPlKGCSPgE-VbVwCYPdYfu1Cn4j7NN4NRQ8s9MA/s1600/March2012+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7D9r_DuHQ4KJWpHBtAheO3cFTr2a4XRGtVu_XZGNTeeDbSAqkcqd6-Cir6JFShj7pKAbHYTzVnyCRgrD1OnPiP6ESYC-bjmI0njZNPlKGCSPgE-VbVwCYPdYfu1Cn4j7NN4NRQ8s9MA/s320/March2012+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Potato "seeds" placed in a shallow hole. tomato cage put in place.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWvndh2OUtfO7DYJXz6LoTeKxIMs4XwtjXCgTbctdybGdQyXtXcs9R-BkjfEj7OLIys6F9UUYjiJFpC92uUPVQALqfAngTb_ZPbZSyXdCvkC-uccyYlLW1hS8SPw22FvBFVSoi4YtUD0/s1600/March2012+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWvndh2OUtfO7DYJXz6LoTeKxIMs4XwtjXCgTbctdybGdQyXtXcs9R-BkjfEj7OLIys6F9UUYjiJFpC92uUPVQALqfAngTb_ZPbZSyXdCvkC-uccyYlLW1hS8SPw22FvBFVSoi4YtUD0/s320/March2012+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Row of Potatoes being prepared</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3STOcfF-9jcM0qZeCLKhw9MeE5G8wK5QufVK3GziS4AuknED_J2-WM2RyGvPjz7ZKyDlPPCgeZC751Vj1WkuOy8RS6Kyl25SEdDY9YI6GwLyCzmvPpyJOHrsRqz2ygvzsT4gtsGZei60/s1600/April2012+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3STOcfF-9jcM0qZeCLKhw9MeE5G8wK5QufVK3GziS4AuknED_J2-WM2RyGvPjz7ZKyDlPPCgeZC751Vj1WkuOy8RS6Kyl25SEdDY9YI6GwLyCzmvPpyJOHrsRqz2ygvzsT4gtsGZei60/s320/April2012+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I lined the tomato cages with a weed prevention material (allows<br />
sunlight and air to enter , while also keeping dirt in place). Chicken wire added<br />
to help support weight of soil and hold in place. As potato plants develop green tops,<br />
I add more compost on top until we reach the top. Picture taken in mid April.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga71WFbqNlSzuB3Vzy84H6IdkG3BwMe25V2nbzk78CyeJTAHXbUJcK0Fb-dLWQoPcVsW9MXX0ihgq8b8Q_yjUSfbith4siY7OzqPw_16jt268N3jWwGFdF_qxlJV7HLZu_Ib5c-eNjarU/s1600/May2012+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga71WFbqNlSzuB3Vzy84H6IdkG3BwMe25V2nbzk78CyeJTAHXbUJcK0Fb-dLWQoPcVsW9MXX0ihgq8b8Q_yjUSfbith4siY7OzqPw_16jt268N3jWwGFdF_qxlJV7HLZu_Ib5c-eNjarU/s320/May2012+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato row as of May 1. Healthy green leaves peeking out the tops and sides<br />
of most of my cages. Hopefully the plants will develop nice potatoes in the<br />
soft compost /soil I added. I'm not sure what to do with the side shoots.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">To harvest my potatoes I will loosen the chicken wire and reach inside the soft soil to retrieve my potatoes. I should be able to do this easily without risking damage caused when you use a shovel or spade to dig in traditional trenches. I'm also working on companion planting in my garden, so that is why you see horseradish - that tall green plant -- on the same row as my potatoes. Horseradish helps deter bugs that like to attack potatoes. I was pleasantly surprised to see the horseradish sprouts this spring after our drought and relentless heat last summer. I'll update on progress of spuds in coming weeks.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-67343874471048841942012-05-03T22:52:00.002-05:002012-06-12T20:23:07.785-05:00Garden Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April was a busy month at my house. It turned out to be a warm month as well. Everything seems to be about 2-3 weeks ahead of last year. Since we had such a warm winter, apparently the bugs just rested and are now out in full force! I have declared war on squash bugs and hope to keep them at bay long enough to get a good harvest this summer! I have been planting, weeding, fertilizing, putting soaker hoses between rows, looking for squash bugs and/or their eggs, and mulching, mulching, mulching, etc. Of course I have had some help along the way - Thank you James, Brody, Alicia, Brody, Hadley,Jackson and Taylor for any and all assistance you have provided!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April - Corn Rows</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCFLjWgir7bYQ_7Nhwm3M8PnC3GjE2AhR2Ym4pZCrgxm92tB30WnhY6qPI8K1bNIUOSBPvqiUdQ0eCKnq9C1XguWznwpvcCYCUu4bL9J7g20X5hFghGOKi59mAfB5Wg-Hh6tBlLcowxQ/s1600/April2012+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCFLjWgir7bYQ_7Nhwm3M8PnC3GjE2AhR2Ym4pZCrgxm92tB30WnhY6qPI8K1bNIUOSBPvqiUdQ0eCKnq9C1XguWznwpvcCYCUu4bL9J7g20X5hFghGOKi59mAfB5Wg-Hh6tBlLcowxQ/s320/April2012+127.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn Rows May 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1S_o9rCAdEa5GaFtAq2050hZgxXyYzYJXjOY1Wx51HUKoAdhuEstMgWwL1pgZEQfd1IQagJpikgnB3nAg4ytzUdO91g6lYGVZZgQFAdQIp5ZwTiNyJ1jvFwE2vV0FXPYQDphfNs5888/s1600/April2012+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1S_o9rCAdEa5GaFtAq2050hZgxXyYzYJXjOY1Wx51HUKoAdhuEstMgWwL1pgZEQfd1IQagJpikgnB3nAg4ytzUdO91g6lYGVZZgQFAdQIp5ZwTiNyJ1jvFwE2vV0FXPYQDphfNs5888/s320/April2012+030.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Squash Early April / Pinto Bean Seeds planted. The cattle<br />
panel behind the squash has two grape plants (red and green) and<br />
more pole beans growing on it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfwbRs9N28uljqk3Q08jQfRlzQjOZ0em71V_qHObAw_cCtsyfAUINYUVOWPwpjinhH5hETh4BZgauy9_4mgYfpfMboED09PticE99kN0RA3gTVYtUPRNIr5CB4xGzNjUfjw4dC2Ar2IA/s1600/May2012+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfwbRs9N28uljqk3Q08jQfRlzQjOZ0em71V_qHObAw_cCtsyfAUINYUVOWPwpjinhH5hETh4BZgauy9_4mgYfpfMboED09PticE99kN0RA3gTVYtUPRNIr5CB4xGzNjUfjw4dC2Ar2IA/s320/May2012+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 1 - Summer Squash and Pinto Beans Sprouted</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu-IqgQE1VXxMq3tmp0GGwuzHxa9S9Urjir6gvS7fStiUjHfcSPNcpNeUZ3NX7ulJtsmw387PosJr0e5J9KWqyQsrY63CGpVMBsXS8c5oE3A9Z0x9hD6gaIg8DrUzeYjhO3Ms8gr_pXA/s1600/May2012+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu-IqgQE1VXxMq3tmp0GGwuzHxa9S9Urjir6gvS7fStiUjHfcSPNcpNeUZ3NX7ulJtsmw387PosJr0e5J9KWqyQsrY63CGpVMBsXS8c5oE3A9Z0x9hD6gaIg8DrUzeYjhO3Ms8gr_pXA/s320/May2012+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 1 Summer Squash harvest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZFcFLTs5MjLAzygYnpZr0KqnKYw_P6rxGziKDaEWMbC4DuTfCXNu-hlvKtbU_6JSg62lh_XmCFmxFrNajv0YAvJzXcIWtuF8iVmp671r0J4FHjrQKL1Y_F9_SDtzN8AF1w3yJUTUE98/s1600/April2012+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZFcFLTs5MjLAzygYnpZr0KqnKYw_P6rxGziKDaEWMbC4DuTfCXNu-hlvKtbU_6JSg62lh_XmCFmxFrNajv0YAvJzXcIWtuF8iVmp671r0J4FHjrQKL1Y_F9_SDtzN8AF1w3yJUTUE98/s320/April2012+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabbage in the background last month</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYkHiCmEj0uzAENDCv40YdivaGOeFYMp9FQqKCbjfIP_Z5-eUVkQK1Tn78-P2IEtvGKYRYbeP-Q8S-cB2cmruPK1HtKtsOuFc3N_pFAlGhl_LtokMze4ihwNiE-klroDe6qEEbdglR9Q/s1600/May2012+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYkHiCmEj0uzAENDCv40YdivaGOeFYMp9FQqKCbjfIP_Z5-eUVkQK1Tn78-P2IEtvGKYRYbeP-Q8S-cB2cmruPK1HtKtsOuFc3N_pFAlGhl_LtokMze4ihwNiE-klroDe6qEEbdglR9Q/s320/May2012+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 1 - Cabbage Heads<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyrRmiO9s6ipLsktfAnqcEAhyphenhyphenXpXpHSL_svxTzogQEt9fdUpo3jnGp2Ip5YXfmJTn1fsaU_Jp6v_ShA28B7Tt6tA0yisEUS4uEWphtPWZrmm7gTw2oVoqfhWO_ixt4vKwsX4CSSr4sh4/s1600/April2012+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyrRmiO9s6ipLsktfAnqcEAhyphenhyphenXpXpHSL_svxTzogQEt9fdUpo3jnGp2Ip5YXfmJTn1fsaU_Jp6v_ShA28B7Tt6tA0yisEUS4uEWphtPWZrmm7gTw2oVoqfhWO_ixt4vKwsX4CSSr4sh4/s320/April2012+033.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April - Bush Beans and Eggplant Row</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH3-6KkPauJVG3-N6h3xVA2NzhEtzBa3leCd6lj0kKdyQDtOKAXLKvLIxDCYug21ahzCkuPAsKrsLR_6TYkcJL_CcKkYX9JmNw7pOM2q92MhLODtoVHdITTn7yPOKZKBXVzNz4HV02dQ/s1600/April2012+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH3-6KkPauJVG3-N6h3xVA2NzhEtzBa3leCd6lj0kKdyQDtOKAXLKvLIxDCYug21ahzCkuPAsKrsLR_6TYkcJL_CcKkYX9JmNw7pOM2q92MhLODtoVHdITTn7yPOKZKBXVzNz4HV02dQ/s320/April2012+125.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 1 - Bush Beans and Eggplant Row</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wiol6FWD8m6WOS2YJ4flYlu2VDLoLy3gOzlwztii9JMZw_ZKfH_cADCkwUNeSdlheJOOXoxG7k7vpf6nT1v6civS1oohyphenhyphenXYX7UQXo0n5ulkDDbFnS_nT0ZpprgIudueVSALJ7rWvCSA/s1600/April2012+093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wiol6FWD8m6WOS2YJ4flYlu2VDLoLy3gOzlwztii9JMZw_ZKfH_cADCkwUNeSdlheJOOXoxG7k7vpf6nT1v6civS1oohyphenhyphenXYX7UQXo0n5ulkDDbFnS_nT0ZpprgIudueVSALJ7rWvCSA/s320/April2012+093.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pole Beans planted in March are coming along nicely and will <br />
hopefully cover the trellis. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxzMIGWIeLWm-gN0bGZ9mSaj1VpOaGCocBXsNcypEDV_kuWSc36pPYuZW4zx6iuEZdel2kimIPL9AZ6Eox0MmgPtiwQJQT8ZSgBRt12kASmVFgDqBSbJrFzhgQQKeXokHU34rFpOV0h0/s1600/May2012+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxzMIGWIeLWm-gN0bGZ9mSaj1VpOaGCocBXsNcypEDV_kuWSc36pPYuZW4zx6iuEZdel2kimIPL9AZ6Eox0MmgPtiwQJQT8ZSgBRt12kASmVFgDqBSbJrFzhgQQKeXokHU34rFpOV0h0/s320/May2012+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattle Panels and T-Posts should work fine for my cucumbers.<br />
These are pickling cucumbers and they were planted in April.</td></tr>
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<span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqqUsLpzBYbikY-dx68L2uvSpE9dHMkFdT8TK1m0B8UsF4BfGZT4K_LReEXtJqkPyhyphenhyphenwZOS3GMqWTOoGQnpACvUlT4-40MhYBS5zemyl7DC3WwfKhdj62ZzLG1X1SSCpRua9UDVHzzOI/s1600/April2012+018.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqqUsLpzBYbikY-dx68L2uvSpE9dHMkFdT8TK1m0B8UsF4BfGZT4K_LReEXtJqkPyhyphenhyphenwZOS3GMqWTOoGQnpACvUlT4-40MhYBS5zemyl7DC3WwfKhdj62ZzLG1X1SSCpRua9UDVHzzOI/s320/April2012+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The compost bin is always a popular place for my hens! The get to roam<br />
the pasture for a few hours each night and love to peck and scratch through<br />
compost, grass, pastures, etc., but especially love bugs and worms!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxknH0somIHKQhMhC-MdWOipS-nMxCfMuNf5c59spCSi2wa3gSvnzhM3XwC6eE5lgAGpgXIh26oG6sO2QO1P_xq-TMa2mpRFtCD3qZpOtxnPIf3Ag1K6I2wB7HfuoimxIVrNkhIA2Ops/s1600/May2012+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxknH0somIHKQhMhC-MdWOipS-nMxCfMuNf5c59spCSi2wa3gSvnzhM3XwC6eE5lgAGpgXIh26oG6sO2QO1P_xq-TMa2mpRFtCD3qZpOtxnPIf3Ag1K6I2wB7HfuoimxIVrNkhIA2Ops/s320/May2012+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I snuck in on them with my camera after they were settled for the night.<br />
They were trying to rest/roost after roaming about that evening!<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-31862449825208155432012-05-03T21:25:00.000-05:002012-05-03T21:26:48.532-05:00Our New Steer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
James bought a steer from a friend a few weeks ago. He was a little shy when I was taking pictures, but you can see that he is quite handsome. Brody named this one and keeping with his food theme - the steer's name is "Steak." We hope to get a few more cows, but with prices sky high - that plan may have to wait a few months. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdlv8_bf_20gjmTRo9ifitmJ6dyGwOzHIdQUAsa4Ki6zvVUItukWTSQ1B2ujgZBt_E8bkRV6uDIcw1AK-ysJOR7BUJ7yEGH2knH1BZF61Q9-8j6m8rWENnErSLMlnzr-19UAbwaFp-wc/s1600/April2012+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdlv8_bf_20gjmTRo9ifitmJ6dyGwOzHIdQUAsa4Ki6zvVUItukWTSQ1B2ujgZBt_E8bkRV6uDIcw1AK-ysJOR7BUJ7yEGH2knH1BZF61Q9-8j6m8rWENnErSLMlnzr-19UAbwaFp-wc/s320/April2012+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0H_PlS82G0AtBOJMuGh1EqqpAaupvfegVEceVoJdarDqONCySC_UR2JJeU-KRWtv-DJDF-Mj5GKlApTNpYZy7hqY0DFGL9NcYoTU8PlhBg-8u4dJRbCUmiDHpPCS_w8YMF5RgICc4Fc/s1600/April2012+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0H_PlS82G0AtBOJMuGh1EqqpAaupvfegVEceVoJdarDqONCySC_UR2JJeU-KRWtv-DJDF-Mj5GKlApTNpYZy7hqY0DFGL9NcYoTU8PlhBg-8u4dJRbCUmiDHpPCS_w8YMF5RgICc4Fc/s320/April2012+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-34879942389503162432012-04-01T23:14:00.004-05:002012-06-12T20:23:28.946-05:00Blackberries<div style="text-align: justify;">
My family loves blackberries, and we definitely consider them one of the great early treats of summer. A few years ago we converted my daughter's pitching/batting cage into a blackberry patch. We just tilled the field sand into our lovely clay soil, and then added lots of manure to further amend the soil. We then started planting various seedless blackberry plants (i.e. Navaho, Arapaho, and Ouachita). I have about 12 nice plants now. Our love for blackberries is also shared by birds. They can spot ripe berries with ease and will eat them with reckless abandon. I understand why they do this, but last weekend we started a project to protect the berries so we can enjoy more of our harvest.</div>
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We still need to add protective netting, but you can see pics of the framework below and get an idea of what we've been up to -- mostly a lot of manual labor...... </div>
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I'm looking forward to picking berries with my grandkids like I did with my great grandmother, Granny Alma, as a child. We would pick berries (that had thorns) out of her patch. We would eat a few while picking and then bring the others in to be rinsed off. Then she would drizzle really cold cream over them and add a little raw sugar over the top. It was a great treat on a hot day. When the summer temperatures faded into fall and winter, she would take a bag of frozen berries out of her freezer and make wonderful cobblers for us to enjoy! </div>
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My husband, sons, and Jeremy were very helpful with this project. I hope we have a great harvest, so I can reward them with fresh berries in cream, a yummy cobbler, or whatever sounds good to us! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljKktATHnvWTl23B4DindSA7dyoyxYHJrj5G4DEEnMo00_Q8XmT33mBojudDcyDX18O9A1_tBCxV3HfGW-3I3c7JbSUnqMvExCYEM-HAWH7ebi8nHp88uVThv4GVlbGBUSV5UZe9uW0g/s1600/March2012+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljKktATHnvWTl23B4DindSA7dyoyxYHJrj5G4DEEnMo00_Q8XmT33mBojudDcyDX18O9A1_tBCxV3HfGW-3I3c7JbSUnqMvExCYEM-HAWH7ebi8nHp88uVThv4GVlbGBUSV5UZe9uW0g/s320/March2012+059.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poles set just before the sun went down last Sunday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuKDGq-_kYmQqN91WD97WuvqQPBWtCrKsaFw-kVGgbGZrL_i3Km7OiHvsy_g55eFeXPPFpRa9xw_nEAldbRm77X-lZ7pshTdhiUr9PD7peVQuoG9_Nao8muUxIuT93lpzYPhNLzIW0TM/s1600/April2012+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuKDGq-_kYmQqN91WD97WuvqQPBWtCrKsaFw-kVGgbGZrL_i3Km7OiHvsy_g55eFeXPPFpRa9xw_nEAldbRm77X-lZ7pshTdhiUr9PD7peVQuoG9_Nao8muUxIuT93lpzYPhNLzIW0TM/s320/April2012+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framework in place as the sun set on another Sunday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4Pcl61lvy535NyzJSyVJdojjVWAIB-jutmzgncKt_JttDCuODQhVs2HWsfGT9cXiy7zF96v_BUzk5CqCi53Y-EfEecZSPIMg9p_9q_GX7JlkZ_xU_wKNPhzkQiq0GvEO0rM-aYHsd70/s1600/April2012+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4Pcl61lvy535NyzJSyVJdojjVWAIB-jutmzgncKt_JttDCuODQhVs2HWsfGT9cXiy7zF96v_BUzk5CqCi53Y-EfEecZSPIMg9p_9q_GX7JlkZ_xU_wKNPhzkQiq0GvEO0rM-aYHsd70/s320/April2012+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view - the netting will be added soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-83835701497974269702012-03-29T21:42:00.000-05:002012-06-12T20:23:44.848-05:00Homemade Lemon CheeseLast weekend I decided to try a homemade cheese recipe because:<br />
<ol>
<li>I love cheese and the recipe sounded tasty. </li>
<li>I recently read the book "The Urban Farm Handbook" and the authors have a blog site that I frequent for tips on "eating growing, raising and preparing your own food." They have a monthly challenge and March's challenge was dairy.</li>
<li>I'm a foodie and love learning more about foods and processes!</li>
</ol>
Now back to the cheese.<br />
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The recipe for this challenge can be found at: <a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/2012/03/cheesemaking-challenge/" target="_blank">Eating Rules Cheesemaking Challenge</a> and is pasted below.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>**********************************************************************</strong></span><br />
Lemon Cheese <br />
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This is a soft, ricotta-like cheese, reminiscent of the “Farmer Cheese” my grandmother used to bring us when she visited from the Bronx. This recipe is from Ricki Carroll’s Home Cheese Making.<br />
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Ingredients<br />
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◦1/2 gallon Whole Milk (2% will work, but produce a drier cheese) <span style="color: red;">(</span><span style="color: red;">I used raw milk purchased from Lavon Farms in Plano, Texas)</span><br />
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◦Juice of 2-3 Lemons, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup<br />
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◦Approx. 1/2 tsp. Cheese Salt (any salt will do)<br />
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◦Finely chopped Herbs, such as chives, oregano, or lavender (optional)<br />
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Instructions<br />
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1.In a large pot over medium-low heat, gently bring the milk to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to stir frequently to keep from scalding the milk.<br />
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2.Turn off the heat. Add about 1/4 cup of lemon juice and stir well. Let sit for 15 minutes.<br />
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3.After waiting, the milk should be curdled, and the whey (the liquid) should be clear. If it’s still milky/cloudy, add more lemon juice, stir gently, and give it a few more minutes. Depending on the acidity of the lemon juice, it may take quite a bit more. It won’t hurt to use more, but if you use more than necessary, the final result will have a stronger lemon flavor.<br />
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4.Line a colander with butter muslin and gently pour the curds into it. Allow it to drain for a few minutes, and then tie the corners of the muslin together to form a bag.<br />
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5.Hang the curds to drain. I use a twist-tie and rubber-band combination to hook the bag over the kitchen faucet.<br />
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6.Allow to drain for 1-2 hours, until it stops dripping and has firmed up a bit. (If you’re in a hurry you can speed the process somewhat by squeezing the bag gently from the top down).<br />
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7.Remove the cheese and mix in the salt and herbs to taste.<br />
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8.Ricki says to store the cheese in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, but I guarantee it’ll be gone long before then.<br />
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Notes<br />
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This recipe can be easily doubled.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>****************************************************************************</strong></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j4XyRfKrCGQoBFeADM9wrxzLtp_-uRvJJwAex1Ssb9m_hwiw8LfgwpG8w_9IS0HHs0-T_Zv8JPU_a9i4Ty3lhPqbcF9IhnjzawsTKaMWMZbpUX5a-fwbui_r5DfhNWEr3gmVWLet350/s1600/March2012+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j4XyRfKrCGQoBFeADM9wrxzLtp_-uRvJJwAex1Ssb9m_hwiw8LfgwpG8w_9IS0HHs0-T_Zv8JPU_a9i4Ty3lhPqbcF9IhnjzawsTKaMWMZbpUX5a-fwbui_r5DfhNWEr3gmVWLet350/s320/March2012+051.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heating the milk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSgs0ktYGe1FtvHpxK8MKpSFfZoDlPYblc09Kl4CPRZTeOVpONbp94i04OUAjfzbgexAC3Y5ep7nXFghMPcR70yLgwc_mMBFGyKThb2cPliqER84A9nR02MH-ReYjalvoB9OYorIgY2g/s1600/March2012+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSgs0ktYGe1FtvHpxK8MKpSFfZoDlPYblc09Kl4CPRZTeOVpONbp94i04OUAjfzbgexAC3Y5ep7nXFghMPcR70yLgwc_mMBFGyKThb2cPliqER84A9nR02MH-ReYjalvoB9OYorIgY2g/s320/March2012+052.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrapping cheese in cheese cloth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu7Ll-6ymaUrW1eiJW5agc-iyuQJ7f_umC_K01wMhESK0ahT-PZJ72ShGH3bZ-7mSdZSNVAX_i1iwDGQyPg1SkI_-eruS50q5Om6Evj8kyPavbhfwgiFHv2bszXbfoa3wWpTM4Es4b1k/s1600/March2012+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu7Ll-6ymaUrW1eiJW5agc-iyuQJ7f_umC_K01wMhESK0ahT-PZJ72ShGH3bZ-7mSdZSNVAX_i1iwDGQyPg1SkI_-eruS50q5Om6Evj8kyPavbhfwgiFHv2bszXbfoa3wWpTM4Es4b1k/s320/March2012+053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letting the cheese drain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Lemon Cheese with Chives!<br />
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Husband, son, and college daughter liked the cheese. I did too. The chives complimented the cheese nicely and the taste of lemon was not over powering even though I had to had additional lemon juice. I enjoyed this challenge and after making this recipe, I clearly understand what curds and whey are. I think I may try some homemade <a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/2012/03/how-to-make-mozzarella/" target="_blank">Mozzarella Cheese</a> soon, and possibly <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/easy-homemade-yogurt-matsoni/" target="_blank">Easy Homemade Yogurt</a>.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-88451057372063729662012-03-25T23:05:00.001-05:002012-03-27T16:35:45.378-05:00Spring is Here!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Well Spring officially arrived last week, but due to warm temperatures we have been quite busy around around our place. Here's an update on what's been going on.</div>
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The new knock-out rose transplants are all doing well and all the peony roots have shoots that have emerged into small plants. The daffodils are about through with their show. The Spanish blue bells and allium have emerged, but not blooming. The garlic I planted last fall is up and doing great. The purple coneflower rootings have sprouted. The daisy transplants are doing well. Returning herbs are parsley and thyme. I'm amazed that they survived the drought and came back.</div>
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Spring Garden - Asparagus (up and looks great / some are bigger around than a fat finger), Peas (climbing and bush - both blooming now and have small pods), Carrots (small but sprouted), radishes (small), leeks (sprouted), beets (sprouted), lettuces (seeds - mixed gourmet blend, romaine, Bib), cabbage transplants are doing well, cauliflower transplants (puny - not looking as good as cabbage), turnips (spouted - lots of green tops), spinach (sprouted), kale (dwarf and red; both have sprouted); potatoes (greens tops are coming through), yellow and red onion slips, and chives (seeds and tranplants). **Will share new idea for growing potatoes in tomato cages soon. I am hoping this will be a nice alternative -since Texas clay soil is more challenging for this vegetable. </div>
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Early Summer Garden - 10 tomato transplants, Corn transplants (Kandy Korn), Corn (Kandy Korn seeds in /not sprouted), green beans (bush and pole / some seeds have sprouted as of today), lima bush beans (not sprouted) crowder peas (not sprouted yet), pickling cucumbers (transplants), salad cucumbers (transplants), dill transplant, oregano transplant, parsley transplant, Korean scallions (from a friend and some from Vietnamese ccommunity garden in downtown Dallas), grapes (new transplants), summer squash transplants (zucchini, pity pan, yellow), summer squash by seed (pity pan, zucchini and pity pan), sweet bell pepper transplants, and chili peppers transplants (Serrano and jalapeno).</div>
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I might have forgotten something, but the list gives you and idea of the variety we have to date. When it is in the 80's pretty consistently, I will plant melons, okra, and zinnias -- maybe more. </div>
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A few pics of the progress. Some of these were taken earlier in March. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjE7l-mbTnwapq22RsmSE1HToVUHpKhOSQJe8z8OxEJ0IFbBc7DAglFlSBe2QLGr12PANw1JahEYHIiSgy1ZPxCaKNoRPq6k9h8tCSsSoFH0mTx28kPELezQPuaf2hxw4qo9wc9PUMW8/s1600/March2012+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjE7l-mbTnwapq22RsmSE1HToVUHpKhOSQJe8z8OxEJ0IFbBc7DAglFlSBe2QLGr12PANw1JahEYHIiSgy1ZPxCaKNoRPq6k9h8tCSsSoFH0mTx28kPELezQPuaf2hxw4qo9wc9PUMW8/s320/March2012+046.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peas climbing up a trellis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxwOYBOjUn5pEEK5w6_r-9cJHYdXV_nMpOv3iAoCuVzGt1Idonh18bMmVrbedoysobGu4s63de3GNEUAnwBvj0KjYY4TnPOTCurn-jWXksNEpV9uJTuzMCDZnMq9ofToQJYxWwdFpdy8/s1600/March2012+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxwOYBOjUn5pEEK5w6_r-9cJHYdXV_nMpOv3iAoCuVzGt1Idonh18bMmVrbedoysobGu4s63de3GNEUAnwBvj0KjYY4TnPOTCurn-jWXksNEpV9uJTuzMCDZnMq9ofToQJYxWwdFpdy8/s320/March2012+044.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bush Peas, Chard, Lettuces, Kale, Cabbage, Arugula, etc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn3vi2qtDrXI2imZ3IWzlQAyS3NSIpdyxGcVmOj_ZAYna9HxX8hUAOXAbYciRpfT9IMMFP1vm4WgLYtKB3sOpeIM-uih-v87rlUlEEVC6srHxPL4aFp00KN22BU4aHmNmk7utks1w1vo/s1600/March2012+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn3vi2qtDrXI2imZ3IWzlQAyS3NSIpdyxGcVmOj_ZAYna9HxX8hUAOXAbYciRpfT9IMMFP1vm4WgLYtKB3sOpeIM-uih-v87rlUlEEVC6srHxPL4aFp00KN22BU4aHmNmk7utks1w1vo/s320/March2012+047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pole Beans transplants.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcg3UtxhCMMNvFM0x3PIcR0k9374ssHIAwOlBj8gx9xYhzgIAjPlm6sdgBJFz2VQI6byFH2vfHQiByLCte76L7T-mwaABPE4nuI9Aktjp1_VNFS47m7RJIpNvpcD8wWeyIsmklHhzAkc/s1600/March2012+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcg3UtxhCMMNvFM0x3PIcR0k9374ssHIAwOlBj8gx9xYhzgIAjPlm6sdgBJFz2VQI6byFH2vfHQiByLCte76L7T-mwaABPE4nuI9Aktjp1_VNFS47m7RJIpNvpcD8wWeyIsmklHhzAkc/s320/March2012+033.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new variety of daffodils for my garden this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2Xx2wUfggDKw_OtAv6mexgBn-mdolmUUH8nUFZAYsDr318_bspKA_A6zkjEshU9KX7AH60C3DC2WZXVYbZ5YthdDpTVEWW-ZbuuZRu48JyqswZxfAY5TfFzw16-GLElne86tFMD-yf4/s1600/March2012+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2Xx2wUfggDKw_OtAv6mexgBn-mdolmUUH8nUFZAYsDr318_bspKA_A6zkjEshU9KX7AH60C3DC2WZXVYbZ5YthdDpTVEWW-ZbuuZRu48JyqswZxfAY5TfFzw16-GLElne86tFMD-yf4/s320/March2012+016.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new peach tree (Belle of Georgia)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSKnp1EOmAOoQF0WE7sCV52vYUS2gdClTu183BGLQ_cLOOahLBuZAH79AXXzQqlL9lrh0RdPvaW89AkusPrQgqJ6a3UY-CjPLj1nDwM4XgEQijAe6d3c4gPYbUcUu-5Uwm6RBjGpfLLo/s1600/March2012+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSKnp1EOmAOoQF0WE7sCV52vYUS2gdClTu183BGLQ_cLOOahLBuZAH79AXXzQqlL9lrh0RdPvaW89AkusPrQgqJ6a3UY-CjPLj1nDwM4XgEQijAe6d3c4gPYbUcUu-5Uwm6RBjGpfLLo/s320/March2012+042.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My asparagus looks great!! I'll enjoy this next year when it's 3 years old!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 4-6 inch rain headed out way last week.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-25143221015415460252012-03-22T22:32:00.001-05:002012-06-12T20:26:33.103-05:00AsparagusWhen I started planning my potager/kitchen garden, I knew that asparagus would be included in my selection of plants to include. Last year I planted a row of New Jersey Giant roots/crowns. Through the horrible drought last year, I watered them with a soaker hose and they seemed to do fine. I was actually impressed at how well they did in the extreme Texas heat. Earlier this month I was excited to see the first shoots coming up through the layer of compost I had piled on top late last fall. All the books say to harvest after the asparagus has been in the ground two years. I sure am tempted to harvest this year, but to ensure my plants make the strongest root system possible, I will wait. Hopefully, my patience will be rewarded with many years of fresh asparagus. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-4149792388164660272012-03-22T22:19:00.004-05:002012-03-22T22:19:48.460-05:00Pork Chop and Bacon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We purchased two Yorkshire pigs last weekend - now known as Pork Chop and Bacon. They weigh about 40 pounds each now. My sons, Taylor (25) and Brody (14), named them and plan to care for them and then "harvest" them once they reach about 250 pounds later this summer/early fall. In the past few years, we have become more aware and concerned about what the government approves at commercial pig slaughter houses. Therefore, we have decided to raise our own pork so we know what we are consuming. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCKuhxd-5QUnMCWS6eHdhuCT1UxE7sHTlMtwy1lEufae3HMliaZZLMgLMqpjz2ObFbPWZMqBudakJ3fWZAcSprdzb9gLfvtBD0OPDisV_yJkBTTvPlJtf1o6Hdrlse_XSYdKtmw5Qtug/s1600/March2012+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCKuhxd-5QUnMCWS6eHdhuCT1UxE7sHTlMtwy1lEufae3HMliaZZLMgLMqpjz2ObFbPWZMqBudakJ3fWZAcSprdzb9gLfvtBD0OPDisV_yJkBTTvPlJtf1o6Hdrlse_XSYdKtmw5Qtug/s320/March2012+036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They seem to like their new home under cedar and elm trees in our back pasture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqb2YNUu47ENAcFMpaWZB4ohqIL6bYt6iMhDjYqgB31VIlfs_xOXjifWfWOe-tC-6NGaBpKB-o1VuUqNCZ8hFmiKO9pE-pOTF1SUxEDDlyNdaHi0Ouz1wBsoHXnmqLfZ9enHxZPJ5SbI/s1600/March2012+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqb2YNUu47ENAcFMpaWZB4ohqIL6bYt6iMhDjYqgB31VIlfs_xOXjifWfWOe-tC-6NGaBpKB-o1VuUqNCZ8hFmiKO9pE-pOTF1SUxEDDlyNdaHi0Ouz1wBsoHXnmqLfZ9enHxZPJ5SbI/s320/March2012+038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The trees will provide shade in the summer heat and also provide a nice place for them to rub/scratch themselves. They have lots of green rye grass in their pen that this shot doesn't show.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-47039324901898108602012-02-19T21:41:00.001-06:002012-02-19T21:41:21.415-06:00Garden Update<div style="text-align: justify;">
I took off work early Friday afternoon so I could get some rose bushes and a flat of daisies planted before the expected rains. We did get a very nice slow soaking rain Friday and Saturday. Late Saturday night the weatherman predicted a beautiful week ahead with very mild temperatures - no freezing nights and highs near 70 every day through Friday!!! As promised, Sunday morning arrived with a sunny sky. I was feeling a tremendous urge to plant some seeds......so I missed church and got a lot done in my garden. Farmers have to work when conditions are good and today was nearly perfect.</div>
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Since I had tilled a month or so back, I was able to work with a rake and hoe carefully to get some seeds in the very soggy ground today. Brody and I also installed 2 - 50 feet rolls of chicken wire around the bottom perimeter of part of the garden. I have caught a baby rabbit in my garden and he and possibly his siblings have been munching on my chard and cauliflower. Momma rabbit can't fit through the holes of my fence. I plan to do a few more rows of chicken wire next weekend to protect the entire perimeter from these furry little pests!</div>
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<strong>Things planted this weekend:</strong><br />
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Friday afternoon - 10 Red Knock-Out Rose bushes (double-bloom ), 2 white peonies, and a flat of Shasta daisies. The peonies I purchased at Wal-Mart and planted in January are up and doing well. The peonies transplants from my own bed have not sprouted yet, so as a back up I am crowding a few more store bought roots in the row. I'm cautiously optimistic about the beginning steps of this layered design. The rose bushes are at the front of the garden on the right side. The peonies are planted behind the roses. You have to walk in the garden to see the peonies. I hope as the roses mature they will provide shade from the oh so hot Texas afternoon sun.</div>
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Sunday - (From seed) kale, romaine lettuce, muscaline lettuce (mixed gourmet blend), sugar snap peas, peas (bush variety), beets and onion chives. I also planted two onion chive transplants.</div>
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My legs are already sore from a few hours of squatting (installating chicken wire) and hoeing. I shutter to think what this will mean tomorow and Tuesday...I have a few doctors appointments Tuesday, but hope to get home in time to get a few potatoes in the ground. I'm actually a little late on them!! More exercise will help ease my soreness, right?</div>
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Have a great week and enjoy the beautiful weather!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-18629054962099377752012-02-12T22:35:00.002-06:002012-02-12T22:35:25.700-06:00To Lubbock and Back (real fast)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last weekend James and I flew to Lubbock to see our youngest daughter, Heather, join her new church. She's having a blast in Lubbock and has made some really good friends. Our trip was fast because Heather was in the midst of assisting with interviews for summer camp counselors (Tech Students) and didn't have a lot of free time to spare. She and her friends were definitely working hard planning and making decisions to ensure this year's camp will be special for the incoming freshmen students at Texas Tech. <br />
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We thoroughly enjoyed the short time we had with Heather. It was nice to get a glimpse of what her life is like as a college student/young adult. Since her roommates were all out of town, we stayed at her place. It was nicer and cheaper than the Holiday Inn I've stayed at before. In spite of her busy schedule, she was a very gracious hostess. We are truly blessed to have such a sweet daughter!!</div>
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Here are a few pictures from our weekend:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gzr8Z4UfemCQUPCNrudFHpb4-RxP882bbCKC82vU8LNXIRqjQ6R6-JZxe1uN3Cm4sXMYsDJ3TQ5Cd8zfysOHEQu73SWf8u2SSdoabA45d1seQUokZJLWptcjayUg4bxiSmycTQlj9O8/s1600/Feb2012+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gzr8Z4UfemCQUPCNrudFHpb4-RxP882bbCKC82vU8LNXIRqjQ6R6-JZxe1uN3Cm4sXMYsDJ3TQ5Cd8zfysOHEQu73SWf8u2SSdoabA45d1seQUokZJLWptcjayUg4bxiSmycTQlj9O8/s320/Feb2012+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather's home. It was so darn cold there that day!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAU0X5bDibV7TqYDduXuISQiLL8zCbe97UxKcBGWxb0kqHgAyeVKdecGiRpiqLxYOnR65PYM9xIl2IsSVPZygwhNCVmp-Vrdg2x8gqV9-U3_UR9v6VgYfWp2JbU78OmqaGiT2SaRKGGQ/s1600/Feb2012+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAU0X5bDibV7TqYDduXuISQiLL8zCbe97UxKcBGWxb0kqHgAyeVKdecGiRpiqLxYOnR65PYM9xIl2IsSVPZygwhNCVmp-Vrdg2x8gqV9-U3_UR9v6VgYfWp2JbU78OmqaGiT2SaRKGGQ/s320/Feb2012+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice and clean living room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4iB2uYOXo6NsrSru4P_2ukjzh6m63O2D1iQgCjnJ1mFbWebMtL4XQlodJKQ6aqWckZt51VKvPBUh9OfrbgIvWYuAiFQ13mTbSjDbkCxahtQ2GXoKKGDjRA1Fn8uICeKv1z4FWsRTZdw/s1600/Feb2012+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4iB2uYOXo6NsrSru4P_2ukjzh6m63O2D1iQgCjnJ1mFbWebMtL4XQlodJKQ6aqWckZt51VKvPBUh9OfrbgIvWYuAiFQ13mTbSjDbkCxahtQ2GXoKKGDjRA1Fn8uICeKv1z4FWsRTZdw/s320/Feb2012+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very modern and spacious kitchen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlkjvAeXTur1VwPikEt5_kBQKWJsLKmSEf7EJQ0ey0GaVaB5uxwvpbrwdS6xBlI6xW0shsrdmuOGKkZMJ6VpOBimJL_c9yl8hrhWH9aHejwOYal5PrhBSwjWXV6C55tlE5xCVfTV06Es/s1600/Feb2012+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlkjvAeXTur1VwPikEt5_kBQKWJsLKmSEf7EJQ0ey0GaVaB5uxwvpbrwdS6xBlI6xW0shsrdmuOGKkZMJ6VpOBimJL_c9yl8hrhWH9aHejwOYal5PrhBSwjWXV6C55tlE5xCVfTV06Es/s320/Feb2012+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather in her room. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIh3MHII_ddm4wGNukEmJNAox9k5Fv75c476noS6-OHpY-O6FWpKKD_BMfxttDE1zTjtgpspClhrIMVSyoEklnIh-4shjjZG1N7Az1tMiZg4pSJOEBKF-uyxk1n4xB4kY43-eU1VnjgU/s1600/Feb2012+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIh3MHII_ddm4wGNukEmJNAox9k5Fv75c476noS6-OHpY-O6FWpKKD_BMfxttDE1zTjtgpspClhrIMVSyoEklnIh-4shjjZG1N7Az1tMiZg4pSJOEBKF-uyxk1n4xB4kY43-eU1VnjgU/s320/Feb2012+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather has lots of friends at her church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPZ9vjBZ07FSUgy3Ih3m3y-xdWrUXl6qVlzlvkWIsbhJLxriS88meImerrxkhnFloqwjVLWJmhyMu92VOePnBZLQuCzGcPuuNcSPjWYfNB6U-gY7Fc0-X9-dCNp9ZDnJzZCKFRFUVYQc/s1600/Feb2012+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPZ9vjBZ07FSUgy3Ih3m3y-xdWrUXl6qVlzlvkWIsbhJLxriS88meImerrxkhnFloqwjVLWJmhyMu92VOePnBZLQuCzGcPuuNcSPjWYfNB6U-gY7Fc0-X9-dCNp9ZDnJzZCKFRFUVYQc/s320/Feb2012+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather and Caroline (a very special friend)!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA_JjPv1K-xRlrlp8ckHJ1hSsJyFJgHFFthfGOhpwGvVTFwotc4-H4jjoDzqtkKJLSp8iUshqFvsXFrVGPUBBTfxCMY9agkscOn0eUiiKMovSduz7Ie1Ne7OWnKhoKJCWY47z58ykqgY/s1600/Feb2012+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA_JjPv1K-xRlrlp8ckHJ1hSsJyFJgHFFthfGOhpwGvVTFwotc4-H4jjoDzqtkKJLSp8iUshqFvsXFrVGPUBBTfxCMY9agkscOn0eUiiKMovSduz7Ie1Ne7OWnKhoKJCWY47z58ykqgY/s320/Feb2012+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud parents with Heather</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8is-G92fjGOrK10shlSINooCYzec4ER1DutcNQB88sfVC6fcw_S_dsipcZlMJYd1_MkyrF_HDLnH6gE9FKIUjex8SQ6aun8OmIdnRftcLq45AtO1Z2vAiR5ePugTFekOUp7hc6oXa_a8/s1600/Feb2012+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8is-G92fjGOrK10shlSINooCYzec4ER1DutcNQB88sfVC6fcw_S_dsipcZlMJYd1_MkyrF_HDLnH6gE9FKIUjex8SQ6aun8OmIdnRftcLq45AtO1Z2vAiR5ePugTFekOUp7hc6oXa_a8/s320/Feb2012+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather in the baptistry.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYreKZpfjlMRhRwBrV_ItWSuZltUhbOnaJa_8UTh_8G43ow_q8W2Ouc9LZHCOybSImjrk_nSVafcr44ZMqtXDequXzll7IXW3cETTlZG4gZHJgqeZQcTQzPXdQBjyEiPBtsCAwy2oUN8/s1600/Feb2012+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYreKZpfjlMRhRwBrV_ItWSuZltUhbOnaJa_8UTh_8G43ow_q8W2Ouc9LZHCOybSImjrk_nSVafcr44ZMqtXDequXzll7IXW3cETTlZG4gZHJgqeZQcTQzPXdQBjyEiPBtsCAwy2oUN8/s320/Feb2012+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A renewed commitment and new church member. Amen!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-81727339621084513102012-02-06T11:29:00.001-06:002012-02-06T11:29:24.549-06:00Cheap and Easy Goulash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is recipe has served me well through the years. When I'm in a bind and need to get supper on the table fast, I often make this recipe. You could substitute white rice for pasta if you like.<br />
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<strong><u>Ingredients:</u></strong><br />
<br />
1 pound elbow macaroni<br />
2 pounds ground beef<br />
1 diced onion<br />
1-2 cloves of minced garlic<br />
3 - 15 oz. cans of salt-free tomatoes (I use diced tomoatoes)<br />
1 tbsp. chili powder (to taste)<br />
1 tsp. ground cumin (to taste)<br />
Kosher salt (to taste)<br />
Pepper to taste<br />
*Optional - cooked pinto or red beans could be added if you like, or 1-2 cups of cooked white rice instead of pasta.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Directions:</u></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Heat EVOO in a pan then add diced onion and saute. When onions are translucent, add minced garlic and cook about a minute more. Add ground beef, sprinkle with some salt and cook until completely brown. Now, add the canned tomatoes (with juice) to the meat mixture. Then add the chili powder and cumin. Simmer this mixture for 8-10 minutes or enought to let the flavors fuse together. Taste and adjust seasonings.<br />
<br />
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add Kosher salt to water and then add pasta and cook about 10 minutes (al dente). <br />
<br />
<br />
When the noodles are done, carefully dip out 1-2 cups of the pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta - enjoy the pasta steam (free facial). Add the pasta back to the pot you cooked it in. Pour the meat mixture over the pasta and stir. I add a little of the pasta water to the mixture and stir until I get the consistency I like. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DnJ_4cU1zlRwFPQ1fM2hn2zw4F4G6afzsxCjUlU-Uti5K9gMoZycN60i5gxu6h2moZr376kCfZvV-5ezxTDnBmCL03ZV0gSOxDaarWX6WSwy3whQOZG1jWoOFgvfwWmDCfA0AN1vE9g/s1600/Jan+2012+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DnJ_4cU1zlRwFPQ1fM2hn2zw4F4G6afzsxCjUlU-Uti5K9gMoZycN60i5gxu6h2moZr376kCfZvV-5ezxTDnBmCL03ZV0gSOxDaarWX6WSwy3whQOZG1jWoOFgvfwWmDCfA0AN1vE9g/s320/Jan+2012+066.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I tend to cook things on the weekend then put in the freezer for future meals. The picture above shows a bag of already cooked ground beef. I pull out the meat when I need it and just reheat --- a big time saver. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2Tg4-YeoskW6XYKltOUyfvfe1L2fbNhIbOgEyS4Qx6nEH4j2CWWTJPq8bwfvJ30-qctsFHUVwCiGbkBcvinPNqSFuZVJpD8-n9O3Q_VmUQzlT0b0dEYgsU4g_dz39klyM6ir0-UYejI/s1600/Jan+2012+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2Tg4-YeoskW6XYKltOUyfvfe1L2fbNhIbOgEyS4Qx6nEH4j2CWWTJPq8bwfvJ30-qctsFHUVwCiGbkBcvinPNqSFuZVJpD8-n9O3Q_VmUQzlT0b0dEYgsU4g_dz39klyM6ir0-UYejI/s320/Jan+2012+068.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product. Yum-o!</td></tr>
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Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-9150648200428032112012-02-03T08:18:00.001-06:002012-02-03T08:23:03.962-06:00Meet Primo!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
James and Brody drove to Decatur last Sunday and purchased a solid black boer goat named Primo Rider. He is rather handsome and he definitely stands out in our herd. He is almost 11 months old and already able to breed successfully with our female goats. James wanted a black "billy" so we can produce white goats with black heads.<br />
<br />
Mr. Primo made friends with the ladies quickly, so it's likely that we will have baby goats later this summer. Their gestation period is about five months.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHU4VDxm9IyyunTnFspM6PHalnMD_QPN8Slp8L7LLsPIOB4D6Xb8gfOvPET9PQdRhMSWHYM4DXQwHbSbaUy8WtMFRIACXQ3ORAomSj8olNFMGqGD2mTm9ZEjAzh-zUUmCfvIkpZnVn8w/s1600/Jan+2012+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHU4VDxm9IyyunTnFspM6PHalnMD_QPN8Slp8L7LLsPIOB4D6Xb8gfOvPET9PQdRhMSWHYM4DXQwHbSbaUy8WtMFRIACXQ3ORAomSj8olNFMGqGD2mTm9ZEjAzh-zUUmCfvIkpZnVn8w/s400/Jan+2012+054.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting the herd and acting like a "Billy"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorF2Xdd92UkOpXUHlB-DxgC9S9sPVSFBoaHNi7yat0_cvEeYBE3H_W4Dxbh_71OMbuyPjvw9BK76QH8xDMwh4gXYQtuf3G9GJF3yNgjS_T8HYSqWRltACcqRGubVUGrIImfIk048MM3Y/s1600/Jan+2012+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorF2Xdd92UkOpXUHlB-DxgC9S9sPVSFBoaHNi7yat0_cvEeYBE3H_W4Dxbh_71OMbuyPjvw9BK76QH8xDMwh4gXYQtuf3G9GJF3yNgjS_T8HYSqWRltACcqRGubVUGrIImfIk048MM3Y/s400/Jan+2012+051.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed for the water trough.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-19793568339309603772012-02-02T20:29:00.001-06:002012-02-02T20:35:09.488-06:00Roasted CauliflowerAbout three years ago, I tried roasted cauliflower and developed a love (maybe an obsession) for this fabulous vegetable. If you haven't ever tried roasted cauliflower, I encourage to give it a try soon. It's low in calories, high in vitamin C (an antioxidant), contains anti-cancer photo-chemicals, a good amount of Vitamin B, and is a good source of several minerals (i.e. copper, magnesium, iron, calcium, etc.) Boring stuff, but good to know.<br />
<br />
**This is a kid and adult approved recipe at my house, and I <u>never</u> have leftovers. You can use cauliflower as a potato replacement without feeling deprived, and without overloading on carbs.<br />
<br />
About a week ago, I found a great deal on cauliflower ($1 a pound) and made a batch. Here's the recipe and pictures.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Ingredients:</u></strong><br />
<br />
Fresh Cauliflower head(s)<br />
EVOO<br />
Kosher Salt to taste (1 tsp or so)<br />
Pepper to taste<br />
*Shredded Parmesan Cheese (optional)<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Directions:</u></strong><br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. While oven is heating, cut cauliflower into florets (pictures below show steps). Once cauliflower is cut into florets, you can proceed in one of two ways (maybe more).<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Place some florets on a sheet pan, drizzle with EVOO (2 tbsp or so). Sprinkle with Kosher Salt to taste, and toss with a spatula so that cauliflower is just lightly coated (not drenched) in the oil. </li>
<li>Or, place florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with EVOO (2 tbsp or so). Sprinkle with Kosher salt to taste, and gently toss so all pieces get lightly coated with oil (not drenched). </li>
</ol>
*** Make sure florets have a little space between each piece so they will roast and not steam. Place sheet pan in hot oven for about 20 minutes. Check at 10 minutes and toss/turn pieces with spatula. Cook until pieces are brown around the edges (to your liking) and tender when you bite.<br />
<br />
If you want to impress guests or feel indulgent, you can sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese over the top. Cheese is a divine addition, but the cauliflower is really wonderful without it.<br />
<br />
Enjoy this wonderful vegetable. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_KrkVJD7XxmoPx6K0-Rwb5jU3Iv4ZKtOmR6cBoHrbrmfue9we-tMPcQ_RX5nmE4JKGflvK4t6tmumDKH1pYrCaigCOz-SrmUvj3bmOR7OPdqZkaxys1QTYAKdU61h4EGwriV7lmtggA/s1600/Jan+2012+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_KrkVJD7XxmoPx6K0-Rwb5jU3Iv4ZKtOmR6cBoHrbrmfue9we-tMPcQ_RX5nmE4JKGflvK4t6tmumDKH1pYrCaigCOz-SrmUvj3bmOR7OPdqZkaxys1QTYAKdU61h4EGwriV7lmtggA/s320/Jan+2012+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a huge and inexpensive cauliflower - 3 pounds for $3.00!!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyzx0K0pqLaIraf6yaEKUjGsEjXuBZ-3S1G3SpOGy-rXw8mwBMEO_4GP0oocLbV2byvCHIAiSlwZsvsPVrjIp_1UcRZ7BNzdgwZPT-eO7Tm2-3broy_THVFmrfilLdFAFjdm-sTxXnsk/s1600/Jan+2012+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyzx0K0pqLaIraf6yaEKUjGsEjXuBZ-3S1G3SpOGy-rXw8mwBMEO_4GP0oocLbV2byvCHIAiSlwZsvsPVrjIp_1UcRZ7BNzdgwZPT-eO7Tm2-3broy_THVFmrfilLdFAFjdm-sTxXnsk/s320/Jan+2012+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut the cauliflower in half and then remove the core out and green leaves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMs8sewhlGZV7Q40CVjuyi1zc7RYcXgYuWVBHDfmOw839jXGCmbpDYFn4CAViLR8XQrKzHxpl3d52B6Pe_tPxvXuQrTXkRnq9rF-n7Rh1Nkapucf_SkYAN2R_fy-3J6x-Vh5WPeAcosY/s1600/Jan+2012+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMs8sewhlGZV7Q40CVjuyi1zc7RYcXgYuWVBHDfmOw839jXGCmbpDYFn4CAViLR8XQrKzHxpl3d52B6Pe_tPxvXuQrTXkRnq9rF-n7Rh1Nkapucf_SkYAN2R_fy-3J6x-Vh5WPeAcosY/s320/Jan+2012+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once you cut out the core, it will be easier to cut into florets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A_pjt1oNOhVo-I5tZ1UCu62rTusCSgkGKUP4SmZLUXEYrKQ-3NGCqCvwLYZvkU_5DCcwRfrqEh29v3_p8cxZ6LYxMZqTy5KpPqOhgtVWyFA9MI1_7-u0ohRHBQOmYOZ7UDZdK49k1hY/s1600/Jan+2012+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A_pjt1oNOhVo-I5tZ1UCu62rTusCSgkGKUP4SmZLUXEYrKQ-3NGCqCvwLYZvkU_5DCcwRfrqEh29v3_p8cxZ6LYxMZqTy5KpPqOhgtVWyFA9MI1_7-u0ohRHBQOmYOZ7UDZdK49k1hY/s320/Jan+2012+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep cutting and trimming. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPAfXbeeiAVUlNhB1UmcQ2_fIG_RGRK1jXlZsRkfrZuFVTbwPK56mSwv4zYEsEpMZDh5jCxd8eT0kkyliJy8q4FtBvcdAHgfZhOHQQlesweIJsOjKWYGcSCSfdCsP056X8EL3iqQn7wc/s1600/Jan+2012+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPAfXbeeiAVUlNhB1UmcQ2_fIG_RGRK1jXlZsRkfrZuFVTbwPK56mSwv4zYEsEpMZDh5jCxd8eT0kkyliJy8q4FtBvcdAHgfZhOHQQlesweIJsOjKWYGcSCSfdCsP056X8EL3iqQn7wc/s320/Jan+2012+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 pounds cut into florets. What a pile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1ya3Zrogo-9wQZh6VuIAu0lkQ-9MuNB8y2_8oDmvagh4-8NQ8msaxNJg9UG4G5JWzz03m1nI-S_oBWnM1fvHF0ApU7KfSAROuLeCMZh6fAto9nwdJMcitOOmeomHgBdrV6aIkeNj9O0/s1600/Jan+2012+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1ya3Zrogo-9wQZh6VuIAu0lkQ-9MuNB8y2_8oDmvagh4-8NQ8msaxNJg9UG4G5JWzz03m1nI-S_oBWnM1fvHF0ApU7KfSAROuLeCMZh6fAto9nwdJMcitOOmeomHgBdrV6aIkeNj9O0/s320/Jan+2012+030.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look for browning around the edges to your tastes. I like lots of brown!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted cauliflower with a ribeye and pepper poppers --- Delicious!!!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-48865062937158433632012-01-31T10:48:00.000-06:002012-01-31T10:48:06.958-06:00Signs of Spring<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week we received 4-6 inches of rain. Hallelujah and Amen!! With very pleasant temperatures in the 50's and 60's mixed with rain, it is starting to look more like spring around my house. Many of my daffodils are up. One has a swollen tip, which means it is getting ready to bloom soon. A few of my peonies are poking through the ground, and my peach and plum trees are showing signs of life with swollen buds appearing on their tips. If temperatures remain like this, I may have daffodil blooms in a week or two. Last fall, I planted more daffodils and added Spanish blue bells in my flower beds, so I am looking forward to their upcoming appearance!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodils, Shasta Daisies, Blue Muscari and Blue Dutch Iris</td></tr>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-44146579365508893962012-01-29T21:41:00.000-06:002012-01-29T21:45:01.954-06:00Chicken Coop Care<br />
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Caring for hens is fairly easy compared to other pets. Like other animals, chickens are healthier and happier if they live in a clean house (coop). My coop used to be a three-sided barn used for cows. To convert the barn into a coop, we added laying boxes, a roosting area, and put up siding on the open side to help keep them warm in the winter, and to protect them from the south wind. The coop has a dirt floor . I keep a layer of hay over the dirt. Brody and I clean the coop out about once a month and add the used/dirty hay to our compost pile. We add fresh hay or straw and let the girls scratch and peck through fresh hay to find bugs, seeds, or whatever else they might see that appears appetizing. They love fresh hay!!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Coop 2010<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-kyYOKNupJPHc1QNEG03CQ7xTYQBwpULem3xMhfYaro9gcgzaJfCDg8upfZ2YKwNn4jDHBgUY-3i-GOhdem2F1J-WBzYMleDcSBskYbBQpCPc19ept9HrLeMt2RUEQH7PbhHiwXUDmo/s1600/Jan+2012+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-kyYOKNupJPHc1QNEG03CQ7xTYQBwpULem3xMhfYaro9gcgzaJfCDg8upfZ2YKwNn4jDHBgUY-3i-GOhdem2F1J-WBzYMleDcSBskYbBQpCPc19ept9HrLeMt2RUEQH7PbhHiwXUDmo/s320/Jan+2012+044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Enhanced Chicken Coop & Yard 2012 </td></tr>
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Recently, I figured out that I had a mite infestation problem. I had to "dust" all of my girls and Mr. Rooster with DE Powder. Our local feed store carries food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE). This is an organic alternative to other products often seen in stores -- such as Sevin Dust, etc. To help prevent another infestation, I sprinkled DE powder under the hay directly on the dirt floor, all over their roosting areas, in their laying boxes, and in their dusting box. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roost (where they sleep/rest)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa6UiWTbyVQ0jDwRqeQTpZqV22EBpXYS1ktEf5mqPVwEjJStKHxVncRyi_hv-x0dZkZgy6Ifx2FIlYvAqnMXJKB-vEre-St1fCmB4B-M68UDbFMDvq9nEYIPmuQ1q1zzioYPTnumF63M/s1600/Jan+2012+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa6UiWTbyVQ0jDwRqeQTpZqV22EBpXYS1ktEf5mqPVwEjJStKHxVncRyi_hv-x0dZkZgy6Ifx2FIlYvAqnMXJKB-vEre-St1fCmB4B-M68UDbFMDvq9nEYIPmuQ1q1zzioYPTnumF63M/s320/Jan+2012+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The white powder is in the picture above is DE, which is completely safe if ingested. It kills mites, ticks and other harmful insects. Mites are especially nasty little bugs that get on hens and suck blood from them. If left untreated, mites can be fatal. Through a tip from another blogger friend, I found an interesting blog-site about hens (<a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/" target="_blank">Tilly's Nest</a>) and picked up a tip about using a gadget called a pest pistol (pic below). This handy little gadget allows me to dust in cracks and crevices to get all of those nasty critters - especially the ones that like to hide. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pest Pistol </td></tr>
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Where I purchased my Pest Pistol - <a href="http://www.treatsforchickens.com/categories/Cleaning-Up-The-Coop/" target="_blank">Treats for Chickens Website</a></div>
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More information about DE - <a href="http://keep-hens-raise-chickens.com/start-keeping-chickens/food-grade-diatomaceous-earth-for-poultry" target="_blank">Keep Hens / Raise Chickens website</a></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-11817123564419953322012-01-23T19:34:00.000-06:002012-01-23T19:34:08.471-06:00Eat your veggies. . .Balsamic Honey Glazed CarrotsI get excited when I find good recipes for fresh vegetables. I made this recipe tonight and had to share because it is a keeper. <br />
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This recipe didn't come from a cookbook, but from Pinterest (<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">www.pinterest.com</a>). This recipe was originally posted on <a href="http://www.sowonderfulsomarvelous.com/2010/01/cooking-challenged.html">http://www.sowonderfulsomarvelous.com/2010/01/cooking-challenged.html</a> --- a really cute blog site. <br />
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<u>Here's the recipe:</u><br />
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2 pounds baby carrots or 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into size of baby carrots<br />
EVOO<br />
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<u>Glaze for carrots:</u><br />
kosher salt<br />
2 tbsp. EVOO<br />
3 tbsp. honey (local if possible)<br />
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar<br />
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<u>Directions:</u><br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put dry carrots on a roasting pan and drizzle with EVOO (just enough to coat). Sprinkle with kosher salt and cook in a hot oven for about 20 minutes. The carrots should be slightly brown on the edges and tender, but not mushy. While the carrots are roasting mix glaze. Remove carrots from oven and pour glaze over the carrots. Stir carrots and coat thoroughly with the glaze. Put carrots back in oven for another five to eight minutes. Serve warm and enjoy! <br />
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These are delicious and a great way to get a fresh vegetable on your plate very cheaply and easily!!! I'm sure these would be good as leftovers too. The glaze would only soak into the carrots and make them oh so much more delicious. If you make them - let me know what you think. Don't be afraid - Brody (my 14 yr. old son) loved them and we didn't have any leftovers. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-58080133274454607662012-01-22T22:17:00.001-06:002012-01-22T22:17:50.740-06:00Learning to Sew<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alicia came home this weekend and we spent a little quality mom/daughter time making a pillow case. While out shopping Saturday, we picked up some cute material for this project. Her interest in sewing is quite an amazing thing. She was pretty busy with softball as a child/teenager, and never expressed any interest in this skill. In order to keep her interest and to have a finished project in hand (quickly), I decided that a pillowcase would be a great beginner project for her. </div>
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After dusting off my equipment, and getting things set up, I was able to help Alicia complete the project in about an hour. As she makes plans to move to her own place as soon as this summer, I foresee more sewing projects in the near future. </div>
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My daughter-in-law, Jhnea, wants to learn to sew as well. I think we definitely need to get an assembly line going (2 machines??) and make some stuff together to beautify a room in need of improvement, or something cute for my favorite granddaughter. Maybe I'll get to make some napkins and table runner for me too!</div>
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<strong><u>Alicia's project:</u></strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great job Alicia!</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-25659277838981987882012-01-16T22:30:00.000-06:002012-01-16T22:30:16.555-06:00Garden Update<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I work on planning and creating my garden for the upcoming year, I have been checking my seed inventory. I don't plan to start plants from seed this year due to mediocre results experienced last year. One needs to have a green house or at least a growing light. I'm not there yet. . . I will direct seed most things, but will definitely buy my pepper and tomato plants. Two seed companies I have ordered from in the past are <a href="http://www.seedsavers.org/" target="_blank">Seed Savers Exchange</a> and <a href="http://www.southernstates.com/catalog/c-1043-vegetable-seed.aspx" target="_blank">Southern States Corporation</a>.<br />
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Due to our on-going drought conditions, I have conservative plans this year. I'm working now to have the rows ready to go (measured, raked, weeded, etc.) and at the first hint of rain, I will plant seeds (i.e. turnips carrots, lettuces, radishes, kale, arugula, chard, peas, cabbage, etc.) in succession for an early spring crop. If we remain dry, obviously my seeds won't germinate and any transplants will perish. If that happens, I will consider plans for summer seeds/plants. In the meantime I <u>will</u> keep hoping and praying for rain. <br />
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This was a three day weekend for me, and we were blessed with mild temperatures and sunny skies. I took advantage of the weather and got some tasks completed. My son and I went to Home Depot and bought <em>some</em> manure/humus mix to put over my row of asparagus. While at the Depot, I had saw some new plants in the herb section of the garden center. . . I bought several sugar pea plants and cabbage plants. I thought I bought some cauliflower, but once I got home, I only had cabbage -- oops. Oh well.... maybe next weekend the cauliflower will be there. My son is working on getting stronger for football, so he unloaded 20 / 40 pound bags of manure and hauled them to the garden for me. Thank you Brody! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0GT2OIPUUBmk_UaJWX1WJXZ6ctRNIIZoYEIbLnNPs-3Pubh5LIHV_PF9VSUTSggpsAk-DTP7iy8JoO2yX-ix2zEKt5DFnTmuA8W1nj6yy6wMm-m_VoQ3q1kiIPKQrVMgz63Th8oTjo8/s1600/Jan+2012+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0GT2OIPUUBmk_UaJWX1WJXZ6ctRNIIZoYEIbLnNPs-3Pubh5LIHV_PF9VSUTSggpsAk-DTP7iy8JoO2yX-ix2zEKt5DFnTmuA8W1nj6yy6wMm-m_VoQ3q1kiIPKQrVMgz63Th8oTjo8/s320/Jan+2012+035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Row of asparagus half completed. I removed the weeds, secured<br />
the soaker hose and added a thick layer of compost.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt-vD14sEQNzw4985wNFe1JIlc8gHO3QQsEezRjv06iSZG36kypIBudyPmaC_zM-Xfuwn_-WpDehcAhPj8pxxVh2S8eStU21fEo5xHPU_uz-zOhpcAJtjaWlmTDueD_EMjhtxoC0SRbs/s1600/Jan+2012+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt-vD14sEQNzw4985wNFe1JIlc8gHO3QQsEezRjv06iSZG36kypIBudyPmaC_zM-Xfuwn_-WpDehcAhPj8pxxVh2S8eStU21fEo5xHPU_uz-zOhpcAJtjaWlmTDueD_EMjhtxoC0SRbs/s320/Jan+2012+036.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabbage transplants. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzofe5CsC3QTBx-CpRkeL4hep0wth00lr5vJ-RsHfwtnk63e3gD4bbDoIwe-xZd1uTO7291YtiMMb6RhMBBrkyYO2YUhNQrKEKQFDOOsJbij3Bj__KnuNLeSoutnEkS8DLvwx5hjT9Ajs/s1600/Jan+2012+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzofe5CsC3QTBx-CpRkeL4hep0wth00lr5vJ-RsHfwtnk63e3gD4bbDoIwe-xZd1uTO7291YtiMMb6RhMBBrkyYO2YUhNQrKEKQFDOOsJbij3Bj__KnuNLeSoutnEkS8DLvwx5hjT9Ajs/s320/Jan+2012+037.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Pea transplants</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340649236516117410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7390443066486325105.post-87167050897060361342012-01-16T07:47:00.000-06:002012-01-16T07:47:13.931-06:00Pepper PoppersPeople from Texas love jalepenos (chile peppers) and this recipe is one of my family's favorites. We tend to eat this more in the warmer months, but if the grill is on - put some of these on the grill. If you have any leftovers, I'll be shocked!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mVW-XlAzKLqoQnN4iIIETnlAAjsiN1hGUxHgSc5se0pjqzRIvDmyVisBn7Sa1SI8XIJO6WyW8F-fFSmHftYtg0-zfFWd8E7giBjP_Lae-xOhKLEgyCTidUE1P1Pip-0kLjglkDH9Z6g/s1600/Jan+2012+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mVW-XlAzKLqoQnN4iIIETnlAAjsiN1hGUxHgSc5se0pjqzRIvDmyVisBn7Sa1SI8XIJO6WyW8F-fFSmHftYtg0-zfFWd8E7giBjP_Lae-xOhKLEgyCTidUE1P1Pip-0kLjglkDH9Z6g/s320/Jan+2012+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Ingredients:</u></div>
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24 big jalepenos or so (stems removed and cut in half - make a little boat)</div>
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1-2 tbsp. EVOO</div>
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1 onion chopped finely</div>
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1 large clove garlic chopped finely</div>
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1 pounds sausage (we like Italian Sausage best, but pork breakfast sausage is good too)</div>
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1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (low-fat if you like)</div>
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1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese </div>
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1/4 cup shredded monterrey/cheddar mix cheese (optional)</div>
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<u>Other things you will need:</u></div>
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Latex gloves</div>
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Pepper corer (<a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/jalapeno-pepper-corer/?pkey=e%7Cjalepeno%2Bcorer%7C3%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C3&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Where to buy Pepper Corer</a>) or small utility knife </div>
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Foil</div>
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Sheet Pan / Cookie Sheet </div>
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Non-stick Spray</div>
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Tongs with long handles</div>
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<u>Directions:</u></div>
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Heat pan, and then add EVOO. When you smell the aroma from the olive oil, add the onion and saute until translucent. Add garlic and cook a minute or so longer. Put onion/garlic mixture in a medium bowl to cool. Add a little more EVOO to the pan for the sausage (if needed), once oil is warm, add the sausage and cook on medium to medium low heat until done (no pink). Break into small pieces as you cook. Big chunks of meat don't fit in the jalepeno boats very well. </div>
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Once meat is cooked remove from pan and add to bowl of onions. Let onion/sausage mixture cool to room temperature. </div>
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While waiting for the meat too cool, prepare the peppers. I suggest wearing latex gloves to protect your hands. Cut the stems off and cut the pepper in half lengthwise. If you remove the seeds and white membrane lining, you will drastically reduce the natural heat from the peppers. If you like more heat - add some seeds to the meat mixture.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM22IzKse5miIFaJzrU0LYeeSJEe1lkY3nmz0uMpGWzqAVBpCcdeQuAyFEay3DIYx-hAs4UvaU2oaYW8qImFoFC4DmKLp4Dw6gdX2y1QT0GytLqi_9ntjoIVjgPNF0NP1q6nHMDEJ9tQ/s1600/Jan+2012+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM22IzKse5miIFaJzrU0LYeeSJEe1lkY3nmz0uMpGWzqAVBpCcdeQuAyFEay3DIYx-hAs4UvaU2oaYW8qImFoFC4DmKLp4Dw6gdX2y1QT0GytLqi_9ntjoIVjgPNF0NP1q6nHMDEJ9tQ/s320/Jan+2012+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget your latex gloves.....Then remove white membrane and seeds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCwleEuPLNBmOXj54LUTfxfFDJT7TooY5Nje_ApAjkiaEeLAW-dqiXNQG7i3E7zfjUyYG3ie693ldT0OCaWyb4rwhmWJHrg6Y-P8OcOsaI4LKMrRzJ1Mmd5D5RMImVWBHF35iwlkGhV8/s1600/Jan+2012+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCwleEuPLNBmOXj54LUTfxfFDJT7TooY5Nje_ApAjkiaEeLAW-dqiXNQG7i3E7zfjUyYG3ie693ldT0OCaWyb4rwhmWJHrg6Y-P8OcOsaI4LKMrRzJ1Mmd5D5RMImVWBHF35iwlkGhV8/s320/Jan+2012+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use tool or small knife to make this job easier.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaGE_JyS683I8HjMbrsjw6GnvxBfwHsDARub_YN1NSnpOPEAAGsXeS_sm6sfPDZAqp_CXUkyZ1eaJ7I8uHDILCaDtOGbeuSwEgV8BPLCzebsIzOiBXugdsp0Gz1SgA1PfmgvEh45I1D8/s1600/Jan+2012+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaGE_JyS683I8HjMbrsjw6GnvxBfwHsDARub_YN1NSnpOPEAAGsXeS_sm6sfPDZAqp_CXUkyZ1eaJ7I8uHDILCaDtOGbeuSwEgV8BPLCzebsIzOiBXugdsp0Gz1SgA1PfmgvEh45I1D8/s320/Jan+2012+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clean pepper boat has been created and is ready to be stuffed.</td></tr>
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** My compost bowl is shown in the pictures above. All of my vegetable scraps and eggs shells are placed in this bowl and added to my compost bin or fed to my chickens. Just a side note in case you wondering what is in my bowl and why.<br />
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Back to the recipe now....<br />
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Once meat mixture is cooled add the cream cheese and other cheeses and stir until all are incorporated well. If you add too soon - the shredded cheese will melt. You don't want it to melt yet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meat, onion, garlic, cheese mixture<br />
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Place a piece of foil on your sheet pan. Get a small spoon and fill each pepper boat with a generous amount of the meat /cheese mixture and place each pepper on the sheet pan or cookie sheet. This will be an easy way to carry to the grill. </div>
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If the grill isn't already hot, heat now to at least 400 degrees.</div>
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Tear another piece of foil the same size as the sheet pan. Spray with non-stick spray before you get to the grill. Place that piece of foil on the grill rack. Now use long handled tongs to place each pepper on the foil. If you don't put foil on the grill rack, your cheese may fall out of the pepper and fall into the flame. I use foil so I can save any cheese that comes out and to keep the flames from flaring up. Close the lid of the grill and cook for 5 minutes. Raise lid and check progress. When cheese is melted and peppers are black on the bottom (roasted), the pepper poppers are ready. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Hopefully you can get your pepper poppers placed on a serving tray before everyone starts eating them. </div>
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Notice in the picture above the black pepper turned over. It has been roasted and will not be as hot as a raw chile pepper. Roasting peppers makes them sweeter! </div>
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Serve as soon as possible after you take them off the grill.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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