tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28774889172063011732024-02-19T11:28:51.488-05:00The farmers move to townThe hectic life of 2 off the farm farmers. My husband has returned to college to pursue an ag degree so we're inhabiting an apartment for the duration. For my part I'm counting the days until we can get back out on the land. And in the meantime... exploring farmers markets and helping my daughter with her little homestead.Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-62345881944488127652012-03-26T20:07:00.001-04:002012-03-26T20:07:34.078-04:00Almost back on the farmOk so apartment living has gotten to me. I feel like a caged animal. So on my days off I go down to Brown County and spend time with Lydia, Travis and baby Henry. <br />
<br />
We work in the greenhouse, and gardens. And now there are 2 litters of baby pigs. <br />
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So since I spend so much time there and really only sleep and eat here... I am moving all my blogging over to their website:<br />
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hoodsheritagehogs.com<br />
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See you there!!Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-80137919013761327582012-02-03T11:24:00.002-05:002012-02-03T12:06:47.109-05:00"Impossible Quiche"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uwF2qMQcPVQ2uDkAco3NbkV1lbyL53hk1iTBScQYnrFzSFoxJmcgcaQskAmkvX8X3wCp6Y6mkj2ll0lu3IOjdn9LdMYRcysTNaugxOj4iNB2DrcCvmx-X2ynfUUl1Z2Z6QPytfqtDA/s1600/DSCN6343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uwF2qMQcPVQ2uDkAco3NbkV1lbyL53hk1iTBScQYnrFzSFoxJmcgcaQskAmkvX8X3wCp6Y6mkj2ll0lu3IOjdn9LdMYRcysTNaugxOj4iNB2DrcCvmx-X2ynfUUl1Z2Z6QPytfqtDA/s320/DSCN6343.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fresh and hot out of the oven! Spinach with Colby/jack and Parmesan shreds. </span></em></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is an easy dish I've been making since my kids were little. We like it hot or cold and for any meal or for packing an eat-out-of-hand picnic or lunch. It's simple to adjust the ingredients to suit the season and your tastes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em>THE BASIC RECIPE:</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Grease a pie pan or iron skillet. I like to use butter because it gives such a nice golden crust and because we make our own from cream from pasture raised cows. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whisk together<span style="color: yellow;"> 2 cups milk, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour. (If you would like a creamier texture use 2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks. You can save the whites for an omelet or for making a meringue desert)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;">Now for the fun part:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Veggie Possible Meat Possible Cheese Possible</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spinach Breakfast sausage Cheddar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Broccoli Ham Mozzarella</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Zucchini bacon Feta or other goat cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tomato Smoked or polish Butter cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Salsa sausage Asiago</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Parmesan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Jack</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Colby</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You'll need about a 1 1/2 to 2 cups veg, 1 cup of meat, and 1 1/2 to 3 cups cheese. ( Reserve 3/4 cup for the top).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mix and match according to your preferences. Just remember that cheeses like Feta, Asiago, Goat cheese go a long way. Other cheeses like Parmesan and mozzarella don't make for a very creamy filling. So a blend of cheeses is a good idea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can do an all veg or all meat pie if you like just adjust the amounts a bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now mix your selected veg, meat and cheese into the base mix. Pour it all into the pie pan and top with the cheese you reserved for the top. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bake for 45 minutes or so. It should be browned around the edges and firm to touch in the middle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Set out to cool for 15 minutes before cutting so that it is set. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ONE4MlcO43T9PqzcxXhg18HbVm_vUu7xHKhDTnA_FQHd8wnNwn5CQ5Tenpw7xJsDF7weZlrlaNOIUCKK5bqxpCZn-iABd7ZEP3MQUavPTNNZX9VvYejTCY5Cn1ZQMSQhHRcRfZOO7A/s1600/DSCN6351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ONE4MlcO43T9PqzcxXhg18HbVm_vUu7xHKhDTnA_FQHd8wnNwn5CQ5Tenpw7xJsDF7weZlrlaNOIUCKK5bqxpCZn-iABd7ZEP3MQUavPTNNZX9VvYejTCY5Cn1ZQMSQhHRcRfZOO7A/s320/DSCN6351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With avocado,salsa and lemon </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-69269174332235730292012-01-26T18:14:00.001-05:002012-02-03T11:55:14.346-05:00Meatza Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7fyJ2arJrOLVvQJI94qKKknMw1S-MIQh1RSVzkmp2bPyzIf2hRV7eZWfSi6Iwri_ORLUpnHVA0-Lpmj2jGNPEKGO2IWe6vxpuN98F46RLGOFiHyNm3JZOcgEegDe2fbuHaxlXdIUpg/s1600/DSCN6339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7fyJ2arJrOLVvQJI94qKKknMw1S-MIQh1RSVzkmp2bPyzIf2hRV7eZWfSi6Iwri_ORLUpnHVA0-Lpmj2jGNPEKGO2IWe6vxpuN98F46RLGOFiHyNm3JZOcgEegDe2fbuHaxlXdIUpg/s320/DSCN6339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Meatza Pie ready for the freezer. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Since Brian has developed type II diabetes we have changed some of our eating habits. Most notably there is no bread in the house. Which means no more ordering pizza delivery. This was one of our guilty pleasures since we moved to the apartment. We were like little kids on Christmas morning when the pizza guy knocked.<br />
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I miss pizza. So does Brian. So I started racking my brain for a recipe. Hmmmm.... I remember Pam making something she called Meatza Pie when she lived with us. Maybe I can make a version of that?<br />
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So this is what I came up with: <br />
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2 pounds of grass finished ground beef- keep it lean. You don't want a greasy pie.<br />
6 whole wheat crackers crushed<br />
2 eggs, lightly beaten<br />
1/2 of a large onion diced <br />
1/2 of an orange pepper diced (you could use a green, yellow or red pepper. I just happened to have an orange one)<br />
A splash of Catsup, a dash of hot sauce and a large pinch of oregano (dried or fresh)<br />
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Mix it all up good and let it sit for about 15 minutes. <br />
While you wait, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 9 X 13 cake pan. I have one of those little bottles you pump up to pressurize oil. I put in olive oil or grape seed or safflower oil. I think it works better than a can of non-stick spray and I know for sure what's in it. <br />
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Now press the meat mixture into the bottom of the pan and up the sides. That's right like a meat crust for a deep dish pizza. <br />
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Next: <br />
<br />
Mix 1 egg with 8 ounces of Ricotta until smooth. Spread over the bottom of your meat crust. <br />
Pour in 1 quart of spaghetti sauce. Preferably homemade, but that's not always possible. Just remember the better the sauce the better the pie! In the summer I think I'll try adding zucchini to the sauce. I'd love to add mushrooms but Brian doesn't eat fungus. He studies it, but he won't eat it. <br />
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Next add a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan, then a thin layer of shredded mozzarella. Now add your toppings. Brian is partial to pepperoni so this time I layered it on. Meat on meat = Man Pie!<br />
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Next comes another layer of mozzarella. you could put it in the oven now if you like the cheese to be the top layer. I added another layer of pepperoni.<br />
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Put it in the oven until the cheese bubbles in the middle and is browned a bit around the edges. Check to be sure the meat is done. A meat thermometer should read 170 degrees when placed in the middle of your pie. <br />
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Take the pie out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting. <br />
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This freezes nicely so it's great to have in your freezer pantry. Just make sure to wrap it up tight so no air gets in.<br />
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ENJOY!<br />
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Let me know if you try this recipe and what things you change about it. I'd love to hear from you.<br />
<br />
Dot<br />
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Shopping list: <br />
<ul><li>2 lbs grass finished ground beef - lean low fat content</li>
<li>eggs- cage free, free range, organic, all natural - better yet fresh from your hens!</li>
<li>onion</li>
<li>Sweet pepper- red, yellow, green, orange - go wild and add some color + flavor</li>
<li>Catsup- homemade if you have it. </li>
<li>Hot sauce- we got some really great hot sauce at the farmers market</li>
<li>Whole wheat crackers</li>
<li>Oregano - dried or fresh. Remember it is easy to grow and doesn't take up much room on a sunny windowsill. :^)</li>
<li>8 oz. Ricotta</li>
<li>Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella ( fresh mozzarella is good too. I can't wait 'til we have a cow again so we can make our own.)</li>
<li>Toppings of your choice: zucchini, mushrooms, pepperoni, olives. . . use your imagination. </li>
<li></li>
</ul>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-63271971762851956172012-01-14T17:55:00.000-05:002012-01-14T17:55:17.796-05:00Count downTwo and a half years from now Brian will be a graduate of Purdue University with a BS in Plant pathology. This will be the sentinel event I have been waiting for ever so impatiently. <br />
He will be doing his graduate work at University of Kentucky. So as soon as he has that degree in hand we are going to be shopping for a farm somewhere around Lexington, Ky. Not to close in. With some trees and a good deal of pasture, a livable house and water a good deal of water. <br />
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And yes I am counting down the years, months, weeks, days, hours minutes. <br />
2 years<br />
3 months<br />
3 weeks<br />
3 days<br />
<br />
:^)Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-45006695880440473082011-10-22T17:03:00.000-04:002011-10-22T17:03:35.389-04:00Henry T.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3ioVvP_iln7JpvxGMPb1I3Y-HpNOvdc9RsE3jd9yJsGbwuJvpvsJDEmRRYpG1buBiZrrpsLpUDQPKf6cjL-xAZbaxXouD-K3UljdLaDniuhQerU82V446U6fnDkvGlzzGtS1YQtsew/s1600/DSCN5702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3ioVvP_iln7JpvxGMPb1I3Y-HpNOvdc9RsE3jd9yJsGbwuJvpvsJDEmRRYpG1buBiZrrpsLpUDQPKf6cjL-xAZbaxXouD-K3UljdLaDniuhQerU82V446U6fnDkvGlzzGtS1YQtsew/s320/DSCN5702.JPG" width="320" /></a>Brand New!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb6xx2cso1RCqgrUnDvH4Z8RXA7_CI-YoH3XxR1WUFZyuFoa2csQMD-d_Ibm0qqiJ7o0N1N3T-gKGf6C2GyMu6V3yj0Z3pff1al-k4qmBI5aE1jf9XDBLxx93G_XDzus2-XZ8tfnFJA/s1600/DSCN5712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb6xx2cso1RCqgrUnDvH4Z8RXA7_CI-YoH3XxR1WUFZyuFoa2csQMD-d_Ibm0qqiJ7o0N1N3T-gKGf6C2GyMu6V3yj0Z3pff1al-k4qmBI5aE1jf9XDBLxx93G_XDzus2-XZ8tfnFJA/s320/DSCN5712.JPG" width="320" /></a> 24 Hours Old </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Henry T. Hood: 8 lbs 8 oz, 20 inches long, first son of Travis & my Daughter Lydia, much anticipated little brother of big sister Taylor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He had a bit of a difficult entry into the world, but everyone is doing fine now. He is our 5th grandchild. The 3rd boy grandbaby and the third redheaded grandbaby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Watch out world the redheads are winning!!!</div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-33374236874873251632011-08-28T01:41:00.000-04:002011-08-28T01:41:51.093-04:00Sweet Hot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5R1YttIWXyx4UiLjlqgJyZ43jlIg7rwD9tArQiPiyVvrHkKgeoa7Z9ugU4U-4uPcY7WyDKXUgeoRwSo2HOtsT_HVjDEtSe6JRKKqljVh_K3d7u9GXGn9yLNCveuW79oD1WRXz8JLqQ/s1600/DSCN5018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5R1YttIWXyx4UiLjlqgJyZ43jlIg7rwD9tArQiPiyVvrHkKgeoa7Z9ugU4U-4uPcY7WyDKXUgeoRwSo2HOtsT_HVjDEtSe6JRKKqljVh_K3d7u9GXGn9yLNCveuW79oD1WRXz8JLqQ/s320/DSCN5018.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who knew? Jalapenos pickled in a sweet vinegar pickle are so yummy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet then with a kick! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We will definitely make these again... maybe even again this year. Those crazy pepper plants are loaded again. Good thing we only planted two!</div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-67945684784065915582011-08-28T01:32:00.001-04:002011-08-28T01:45:46.029-04:00"I'm glad I'm not a better gardener""Or I'd be drowning in veggies!" That is my daughter's assessment of the success of our little raised bed garden in her side yard. It's beds are bursting with tomatoes, basil, beans, onions, carrots, cilantro, cucumbers, watermelons, canteloupe, peppers, pumpkins, and beets. "Can you imagine what would have happened if I'd been better at remembering to water it?"<br />
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We've put up jars of pickled beets, green beans, zuchini relish and sweet hot jalepenos. We've frozen plump bags of green beans and watermelon juice. And now the tomatoes are finally starting to turn yellow, orange and red. Look out salsa here we come!! <br />
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Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-60392633162983863012011-08-28T01:30:00.002-04:002011-08-28T01:46:55.657-04:00Thinning a necessary evilIn the spring, I sprinkle little packets of hope in my garden and cover them with a cozy blanket of soil. Then with time, water and warmth they sprout. Hundreds of tiny plant babies reaching up with their little leafy arms begging for my attention and love. <br />
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Crowded together in the rows each one cries out for my attention. I know I need to thin them out. Some must be sacrificed so that the ones who remain can grow big and tasty. <br />
I hate thinning if you haven't guessed.<br />
Every spring I vow to do a better job. Keeping the spacing right when I plant instead of just flinging seeds into the row and waiting to see what happens would help. However, each spring I am ceased by doubt. Will all the seeds grow, will any of the seeds grow? Doubt leads to more seed throwing.<br />
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The result: I have hundreds of needy little seedlings vying for my attention.<br />
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This year I did better in the thinning department. I managed to thin the carrots and beets. We ate some of the beet greens and sent all the rest of the thinnings out to the Red Wattles for a snack. Knowing we were "up- cycling" the thinnings into yummy Red Wattle pork made it easier.<br />
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There was no denying that thinning resulted in bigger beets this year and we actually got a few gourmet baby carrots for the dinner table. A feat never managed by me in the past.<br />
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So next spring look out! I am going to fearlessly thin, selecting only the strongest and healthiest seedlings. Unless it looks like the seed might not all grow...<br />
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Oh what to do, what to do?Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-35880231385234549362011-08-10T11:55:00.003-04:002011-08-28T01:52:44.478-04:00Kitchen Krashers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp933cTIu1lPUGsWu8AslF-IBD1Cehbv39-HGzML6RtRjkJZVfeHvANI0KLcUp5VkZs1N6MAG1kcXAPQS3qNjGy68ROn69XyC0oIa0vWBOQzUmWyFAtNVn8BP2TJDjJChEIeoDjIjefw/s1600/DSCN4977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp933cTIu1lPUGsWu8AslF-IBD1Cehbv39-HGzML6RtRjkJZVfeHvANI0KLcUp5VkZs1N6MAG1kcXAPQS3qNjGy68ROn69XyC0oIa0vWBOQzUmWyFAtNVn8BP2TJDjJChEIeoDjIjefw/s320/DSCN4977.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was Emily and Anders kitchen. With their permission - somewhat reluctantly given I think- Lydia and I crashed their kitchen. Let's face it there is nothing so intimidating as living in a house while you are fixing it up. Especially if the kitchen isn't right and it gets out of control. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So after days of scrubbing, an immeasurable about of elbow grease and cleaners and a good bit of cussing, and some help from Emily's Uncle Glen and his tools, Emily's dad and his paint roller and Joel's comedy relief we got it all put back together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqi4DEAkJEqNjs1FQbX8ovzf44GI6T9vyvUVt-6rSQ21zKRnNLpKWe-gv23h80FbgEI8K9GwNIf9uAOZnPZf93QtVhO1wg8Rx2ZtIQEmqMc9x9YRRkg_78_xxb-5WNSnGlCDuMR_M0Hw/s1600/DSCN5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqi4DEAkJEqNjs1FQbX8ovzf44GI6T9vyvUVt-6rSQ21zKRnNLpKWe-gv23h80FbgEI8K9GwNIf9uAOZnPZf93QtVhO1wg8Rx2ZtIQEmqMc9x9YRRkg_78_xxb-5WNSnGlCDuMR_M0Hw/s320/DSCN5118.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_HZ0hhTTr9IX1YuO3Txnwz6pmKjjemHefnblXg7q1VCsRKe5q5pw1KMWZM6kCY9eg6QYH06i5lKeasYWj2WKnTmn9ADvXjuTKoFS3wXqX-8UtPgKN_76POvToHsEiAN297f8wZsy4g/s1600/DSCN5120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_HZ0hhTTr9IX1YuO3Txnwz6pmKjjemHefnblXg7q1VCsRKe5q5pw1KMWZM6kCY9eg6QYH06i5lKeasYWj2WKnTmn9ADvXjuTKoFS3wXqX-8UtPgKN_76POvToHsEiAN297f8wZsy4g/s320/DSCN5120.JPG" width="320px" /></a>I love the happy yellow paint that Emily picked out!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Em's mom is working on the cutest curtains for the windows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-64714206286408604452011-08-06T01:56:00.000-04:002011-08-06T01:56:53.969-04:00Home sweet future home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoppvp0yEcoG76ZeKbaURhC_DRXww3toV_khxX8Qpw-LylpZjK_OLclzOzRgR4Z4a_r_kjY00HJ_BPvHcHH7H5k82fQZzjR7eFiK-wBVX5GqvDAjHbTgoHlsQpFilt2ffT-QQxLQ_QA/s1600/Lot_10_Web_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoppvp0yEcoG76ZeKbaURhC_DRXww3toV_khxX8Qpw-LylpZjK_OLclzOzRgR4Z4a_r_kjY00HJ_BPvHcHH7H5k82fQZzjR7eFiK-wBVX5GqvDAjHbTgoHlsQpFilt2ffT-QQxLQ_QA/s320/Lot_10_Web_Image.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div>This is a green home recently built in Kentucky. It is 75% less energry use than a standard new home. It features solar panels for electical production, energy star appliances and super insulation and sealing. All this coupled with proper orientation in order maximize solar gain in the winter and minimize it in the summer.<br />
I found it online by doing a search for "Green" builders in Kentucky. We really liked the look of the house so we contacted the builder: Peoples Self Help Housing Inc., a group that works to create efficient housing for low income households.<br />
Greg Miller sent us the floor plan and drawings of how the house was constructed. We love it. It's just the right size for the two of us, super energy efficient and cute as a bug to boot. <br />
I've already got the rockers picked out to go on the porch!!<br />
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Now all we need is the property. Sigh.... can't come soon enough.Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-28958194597737650812011-07-09T01:19:00.000-04:002011-07-09T01:19:49.830-04:00Spuds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDSeIPyHmuryEl8IqBncmGd_EsWZ8emYqiDMObv6He0H2LX72Zy_UrEftXtYmePdLoQdtGfx-Ag1BfruD0CySsV3ivaeCu_H6qSumETUMMFl144aWfOlcXauV1X_isD5rpQfSmU3chQ/s1600/DSCN4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDSeIPyHmuryEl8IqBncmGd_EsWZ8emYqiDMObv6He0H2LX72Zy_UrEftXtYmePdLoQdtGfx-Ag1BfruD0CySsV3ivaeCu_H6qSumETUMMFl144aWfOlcXauV1X_isD5rpQfSmU3chQ/s320/DSCN4951.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All these spuds from just 3 feet of row in the greenhouse.. I am amazed!</div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-55479345046493847992011-07-09T01:17:00.001-04:002011-07-09T01:18:26.391-04:00Presto Pesto!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTVMYkv3t4zPJNc7W7t2xfUDbbAdSWbH9tlsSoaFVHQWHqmiFIvx0_3AJHKf-UfPQBELx9PpLl8-S90maoAfPpA7wdKVUtEWClEZQe9yb30sYzkrWoAPDa2cxAVtFLLhqt6zoh6ksNQ/s1600/DSCN4946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTVMYkv3t4zPJNc7W7t2xfUDbbAdSWbH9tlsSoaFVHQWHqmiFIvx0_3AJHKf-UfPQBELx9PpLl8-S90maoAfPpA7wdKVUtEWClEZQe9yb30sYzkrWoAPDa2cxAVtFLLhqt6zoh6ksNQ/s320/DSCN4946.JPG" width="320px" /></a>What do you do with 12 cups of basil leaves? Make pesto of course. At least that's what Lydia and I did this week when it was just too blazingly hot to work outside in the afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugEoYT87iaegSqBEDhf_dM1asGbak9HW2O0hq9d48IKGa0iO6ZQm2LdPZrhs-UVFj-_4245QJ0e-OHdRjtH4BKf_3uRvkNqxRHOpcZpDLFfxXHfdZx_ucpKCF9YBVaXcL9wf-Bbk4WA/s1600/DSCN4945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugEoYT87iaegSqBEDhf_dM1asGbak9HW2O0hq9d48IKGa0iO6ZQm2LdPZrhs-UVFj-_4245QJ0e-OHdRjtH4BKf_3uRvkNqxRHOpcZpDLFfxXHfdZx_ucpKCF9YBVaXcL9wf-Bbk4WA/s320/DSCN4945.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>First we toasted nuts on the stove to enhance the flavor. Walnuts for Lyd's and pecans for me. Walnuts don't like me much. Then we peeled lots of garlic cloves. <br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">Then garlic, nuts, Romano and Parm cheese in the food processor. <img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGdBqGaPiEr-W5V4OBR4nkpSEjj3W3LDaeSHMJueSRf5rwUKBOpFQETssHVdEKCTC0iRso-S6wevY5j2oERDG1Wa6VDHqx0JtM2um_BnlDZ2__-Smtaiau2sz5WJzi8L4jzmixGHgQQ/s320/DSCN4947.JPG" width="240px" /></div>Add the basil and some EVOO. Pulse pulse pulse until it's all nice and mooshy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIWXkj-cxRA_NcspaIotIyHMOI_4OqClS_5rTZWSxnDlWEGuL1KC3cByG6QmzWqCnv7Pd2ZeN9IvEysQwPpcYLHUFIj3W4Y4h34K8785BqOsPkc9EnN7_BBN2wPCeGi0cVYAF9Twwgw/s1600/DSCN4950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIWXkj-cxRA_NcspaIotIyHMOI_4OqClS_5rTZWSxnDlWEGuL1KC3cByG6QmzWqCnv7Pd2ZeN9IvEysQwPpcYLHUFIj3W4Y4h34K8785BqOsPkc9EnN7_BBN2wPCeGi0cVYAF9Twwgw/s320/DSCN4950.JPG" width="320px" /></a>Then plop spoonfuls into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, pop out the pesto cubes into freezer bags or containers. Now whenever we want to dress up some pasta or liven up a salad - just pop out a pesto cube and thaw!! I love making our own "fast" food. :^)</div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-63868156025332873642011-07-06T14:24:00.000-04:002011-07-06T14:24:11.184-04:00The balcony gardenOk so I can't keep my fingers out of the dirt. I admit it. <br />
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I just got done repotting my succulent collection into one big pot. It looks like a mini-prehistoric forest now. <br />
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<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPHYEaP5Ij7A_dQ7cE57m4BTem9MmLVlrrA8DLIo52qBhWG7yzIL4SLHmP3KhGu_O9l-xn4mCYkD5iyUEG5DiB7g12WdjmukiWBnzp3A-i9Q6GLldaHY0XpQo6-vpzfRJJCSZC4mmrw/s1600/DSCN4938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPHYEaP5Ij7A_dQ7cE57m4BTem9MmLVlrrA8DLIo52qBhWG7yzIL4SLHmP3KhGu_O9l-xn4mCYkD5iyUEG5DiB7g12WdjmukiWBnzp3A-i9Q6GLldaHY0XpQo6-vpzfRJJCSZC4mmrw/s320/DSCN4938.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWD9NqPeIzYFloX1-9xCLlMeVfOx36onWgSgcDDNuoOx81wl_gTe75ecG-5ssfWAVZ41dtTtkO8Q2Lw5nSYBuNCDPPAsZkMXkR56tz7v63W41q27_wvy1NfmtFWFWDAxPuWvgO7nFTA/s1600/DSCN4939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWD9NqPeIzYFloX1-9xCLlMeVfOx36onWgSgcDDNuoOx81wl_gTe75ecG-5ssfWAVZ41dtTtkO8Q2Lw5nSYBuNCDPPAsZkMXkR56tz7v63W41q27_wvy1NfmtFWFWDAxPuWvgO7nFTA/s320/DSCN4939.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>And we couldn't be without at least one tomato plant. We are trying to see if it will grow all they way around the railing, up the side and over the top then back down the post before the frost kills it in the fall. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJB0QD7NtQcmlL4Am-y4huRNxJWuqzOPLevZhzD7r_QVa0m5km7SeO61XlzSW4RpR8cdjhDbwmnEhDY6L7KO0LfFIFDHqUr2CsqHN8iOxXFsNEAkty6hudfe7HFpx17Q-7bhwY0fW1A/s1600/DSCN4940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJB0QD7NtQcmlL4Am-y4huRNxJWuqzOPLevZhzD7r_QVa0m5km7SeO61XlzSW4RpR8cdjhDbwmnEhDY6L7KO0LfFIFDHqUr2CsqHN8iOxXFsNEAkty6hudfe7HFpx17Q-7bhwY0fW1A/s320/DSCN4940.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Of course we are also looking forward to yummy "Sweet 100" tomatoes too. </div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-27163454895957155032011-07-06T14:18:00.000-04:002011-07-06T14:18:00.275-04:00My favorite Poppaw Brian PicThis was taken on Kacie's graduation day at the Borden Park. I don't know who was having more fun Poppaw Brian or Emma!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1o2wMAEjXr14hBJQ2k8UxygTEz8YzK2XTrT1TTj7qs5fPd4yi2C77p3oQP8_IICKOhKAvv98pbqqtw4yy_hu79Ks9o2zn5uXnTYAxRIfS6Q1dpIeVGiH4PBlCr5X95BDY1cZeguPhQ/s1600/Brian+Emma+swinging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1o2wMAEjXr14hBJQ2k8UxygTEz8YzK2XTrT1TTj7qs5fPd4yi2C77p3oQP8_IICKOhKAvv98pbqqtw4yy_hu79Ks9o2zn5uXnTYAxRIfS6Q1dpIeVGiH4PBlCr5X95BDY1cZeguPhQ/s640/Brian+Emma+swinging.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-11147584399242000982011-07-06T14:11:00.000-04:002011-07-06T14:11:03.941-04:00It's a dog's life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQP2osS9JY6ybHDUYsyOco6ANqkQ-LkiERK4AUJQ5S6K5etxUn1OfX7pC1RApTEqEapUrAPjwRSonjxVvjgTayACbnTBda3sGaGGggiH7n-frwkiJnx0ZEpEZP6xD7Ys0bFIXdzmYkw/s1600/DSCN4944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQP2osS9JY6ybHDUYsyOco6ANqkQ-LkiERK4AUJQ5S6K5etxUn1OfX7pC1RApTEqEapUrAPjwRSonjxVvjgTayACbnTBda3sGaGGggiH7n-frwkiJnx0ZEpEZP6xD7Ys0bFIXdzmYkw/s320/DSCN4944.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Honey got tired of waiting for me to play ball and decided to take a nap instead. </div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-53163871700875296552011-07-06T11:09:00.000-04:002011-07-06T11:09:34.005-04:00Office dayYesterday was cleaning day. Today is office day. I've tidied up the piles on my desk and now I'm going to tackle the email, Red Wattle Hog Association paper work. Then the newsletter will go out and if there is enough time I might actually get my annual membership drive mailing done before November!!<br />
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Here goooooos!!Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-32196826191773218822011-07-04T19:00:00.000-04:002011-07-04T19:00:31.414-04:00Pretty flowers all in a row<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTg818yL5BYUa6Z59iSUXLrFYfgH4EWBdCuTh-pinKIzj32HPZOL9bX0QaeISNoIh1JnDY8HDxw2yacM9pi0ODnOq3lwwtzyiT0jYV6x8hwHzeEiojCMUeXidSZrvIzq_VElJMk0aYw/s1600/DSCN4909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTg818yL5BYUa6Z59iSUXLrFYfgH4EWBdCuTh-pinKIzj32HPZOL9bX0QaeISNoIh1JnDY8HDxw2yacM9pi0ODnOq3lwwtzyiT0jYV6x8hwHzeEiojCMUeXidSZrvIzq_VElJMk0aYw/s320/DSCN4909.JPG" width="320px" /></a>I love day lillies. They come in so many colors and supply a fresh bloom each day for your viewing enjoyment. These are all in bloom at Lydia and Travis's farm. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59YE_tQqKQzGSc_sfCQRJZAkJrvWOnGC0WoJMteyKJi0Z58Rwvs_X8_jU_ziaqXQRqJsKRYrHfAFqpunT4AY82f_MKGbpkfAhBeIn4Y7-V7k5nIYnRbgi41_QmXpcSmipXodtBNeTbQ/s1600/DSCN4910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59YE_tQqKQzGSc_sfCQRJZAkJrvWOnGC0WoJMteyKJi0Z58Rwvs_X8_jU_ziaqXQRqJsKRYrHfAFqpunT4AY82f_MKGbpkfAhBeIn4Y7-V7k5nIYnRbgi41_QmXpcSmipXodtBNeTbQ/s320/DSCN4910.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXvAHUSrVpPYoHeso8uaErr0U1QuOmb6djcYss0l807CBQ-qmcf4Nh4AMAlhnLQSoYssslBv-clNk2eKzArDXHr_w4PRUXJ6QlE2_B1cpYcz1cjtAjjPEEARd0csW85N2NY_lmrUX2g/s1600/DSCN4921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXvAHUSrVpPYoHeso8uaErr0U1QuOmb6djcYss0l807CBQ-qmcf4Nh4AMAlhnLQSoYssslBv-clNk2eKzArDXHr_w4PRUXJ6QlE2_B1cpYcz1cjtAjjPEEARd0csW85N2NY_lmrUX2g/s320/DSCN4921.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aL9Bh0hOmX0JqHt-diFEVd9Q1XZwTQ3EUD4GTUw0sXEJYiV4Bi4tFySmKsv_IbxIgkVAr7plvSRSRTaVMGYyv-WZbKsoAd63pnU7PTSgpO-pdYnVyiPEmT2Bx0ZGOEiI6mK6VGVgYA/s1600/DSCN4929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aL9Bh0hOmX0JqHt-diFEVd9Q1XZwTQ3EUD4GTUw0sXEJYiV4Bi4tFySmKsv_IbxIgkVAr7plvSRSRTaVMGYyv-WZbKsoAd63pnU7PTSgpO-pdYnVyiPEmT2Bx0ZGOEiI6mK6VGVgYA/s320/DSCN4929.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-59572888744779493712011-07-04T18:56:00.000-04:002011-07-04T18:56:51.379-04:00Taters!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWQwUmkzOQNSx9-iaYB57f8ktiLoVT4H6r-WoKe_hDRy-oEmh2fLRNgBlN1QzwuiybnFzFOr0C25KSy9ubK9hvVb3JeqN43x4oIexC2-nGDWvOODps5ZySiEbJNuZmv_PnsGrnY-eWQ/s1600/DSCN4934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWQwUmkzOQNSx9-iaYB57f8ktiLoVT4H6r-WoKe_hDRy-oEmh2fLRNgBlN1QzwuiybnFzFOr0C25KSy9ubK9hvVb3JeqN43x4oIexC2-nGDWvOODps5ZySiEbJNuZmv_PnsGrnY-eWQ/s320/DSCN4934.JPG" width="320px" /></a>These are the first potatoes. We stole them from under the giant potato plants growing rampant in the greenhouse. It's amazing what can happen when you tuck in some schriveled up old taters leftover in a bucket from last years harvest! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were yummy with raw cream butter and a bit of sea salt. :^)</div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-32537180989405120632011-07-04T18:54:00.000-04:002011-07-04T18:54:39.782-04:00Greenhouse update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HeuYNlJVYQ59_Qo_Ra7J4i7tdASnxtDEnMVtZd9IoC23bPe8s3XcQ77xyn5LZeWBS8QlTcm-ShEcKWAQiSVfFFXS4skEX9MlTMk0SVdQEYbvbIsYb9yU2uSdNp8vG7PfOuZ2PdX5Ow/s1600/DSCN4919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HeuYNlJVYQ59_Qo_Ra7J4i7tdASnxtDEnMVtZd9IoC23bPe8s3XcQ77xyn5LZeWBS8QlTcm-ShEcKWAQiSVfFFXS4skEX9MlTMk0SVdQEYbvbIsYb9yU2uSdNp8vG7PfOuZ2PdX5Ow/s320/DSCN4919.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Help I've fallen and I can't find my way out the jungle!!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what happens when you neglect the greenhouse for 2 weeks and the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">tomatoes, weeds and potatoes go wild. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've got to hack our way in there this week and make some sort of order out of this tangled jungle. </div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-24418230335323752412011-07-04T18:51:00.000-04:002011-07-04T18:51:35.312-04:00I know they're weeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know it's a thistle, a weed, a nuisance, but weeds can be pretty too. I took these pics on Anders and Emily's farm in Kentucky early in the morning when I went out for a walk up the hillside. I wonder if you could dry these. A whole bunch of them attached to a wire and bent into a heart would make a lovely wall decoration. Hmmmm.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO_TzDgS_sEFvq9v4F3DVpTqgncUmVGtJYgjObdzp1B0pUPpgOjQJtn7uUX5_zTci02hRGJ05q1WeFJXz2DeRt2LU36CocUR-tHbFOU3YZlZgFTtJl8AhHLP_TR1FoupfgtkoU5Wkaw/s1600/DSCN4782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO_TzDgS_sEFvq9v4F3DVpTqgncUmVGtJYgjObdzp1B0pUPpgOjQJtn7uUX5_zTci02hRGJ05q1WeFJXz2DeRt2LU36CocUR-tHbFOU3YZlZgFTtJl8AhHLP_TR1FoupfgtkoU5Wkaw/s320/DSCN4782.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxvOCbVfVDS8Y6S2sy3sbN9DRXmuGgghxccQQjt7R5vyDqk0BxvtzjyUX8OBpSOcmzD0GGfKuZtAlwuLMCVPZhlngGOSTEHupS4HwQ3ZHqTF0gQjvM8F_nwa_UUxMegdhedspmdLN3Q/s1600/DSCN4784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxvOCbVfVDS8Y6S2sy3sbN9DRXmuGgghxccQQjt7R5vyDqk0BxvtzjyUX8OBpSOcmzD0GGfKuZtAlwuLMCVPZhlngGOSTEHupS4HwQ3ZHqTF0gQjvM8F_nwa_UUxMegdhedspmdLN3Q/s320/DSCN4784.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-62710166770077419542011-07-04T18:45:00.000-04:002011-07-04T18:45:38.549-04:00Beets!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q3ty1LlGJ9oNZyIwEpzV7zXwLWxkkYnY9720zaBqOdfypdDQj4aZSBqJeyiZvaLaRVQ3nPVvGLPr8lz7RTHBX188WmQjVriWgGNoYhMiGkeyLvZAwuWQn2qReLht2V1pZmWqVQGiYw/s1600/DSCN4731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q3ty1LlGJ9oNZyIwEpzV7zXwLWxkkYnY9720zaBqOdfypdDQj4aZSBqJeyiZvaLaRVQ3nPVvGLPr8lz7RTHBX188WmQjVriWgGNoYhMiGkeyLvZAwuWQn2qReLht2V1pZmWqVQGiYw/s320/DSCN4731.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfG9jdjrh1CW_5_M2i1P9cbhb63xFqkTJzO0xI53HLCSf1YoGA01oe214mwWCaFOWMIb4Ps4L9bqMe6K0q_S7leNriIffqRLD83wlOCcx2QBMVxFATDeZgQm9nwwBvYh5uLILHLK94A/s1600/DSCN4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfG9jdjrh1CW_5_M2i1P9cbhb63xFqkTJzO0xI53HLCSf1YoGA01oe214mwWCaFOWMIb4Ps4L9bqMe6K0q_S7leNriIffqRLD83wlOCcx2QBMVxFATDeZgQm9nwwBvYh5uLILHLK94A/s320/DSCN4757.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week Lydia and I picked the last of the beets from the greenhouse. Burpees golden, Chioggia and Bulls blood were cleaned, cooked and peeled. Then we sliced and pickled them with the "Spicy Pickled Beets" recipe from the Ball canning book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The results: 19 pint jars </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We kept the different kinds of beets separate to see how they would do with the canning process. The Chioggia looked a little pale and I was disappointed that the characteristic rings didn't show up well after canning. The golden beets didn't hold their lovely golden color and though they taste wonderful they are not very visually appealing. The Bulls Blood are lovely <em>and</em> delicious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have more beets planted in the garden now and plan a fall planting for the greenhouse for fresh eating and greens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-29271042336567516442011-07-03T00:01:00.001-04:002011-07-04T17:53:31.080-04:00Old hen really old hen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRzzmTnuGw7VVqHc5wmvCEBIrFW2jxZHkOYEcMkkz_GbLqu3RsCHDJ3HFy41is7EnS4kaVO3_iLXgrLLKi8YvF-1_hrPsN9oKO_6LttPpSn_gt2L_FUCEjRYeMMA4EKlPxZmIQ0Sp8A/s1600/DSCN4891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRzzmTnuGw7VVqHc5wmvCEBIrFW2jxZHkOYEcMkkz_GbLqu3RsCHDJ3HFy41is7EnS4kaVO3_iLXgrLLKi8YvF-1_hrPsN9oKO_6LttPpSn_gt2L_FUCEjRYeMMA4EKlPxZmIQ0Sp8A/s320/DSCN4891.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>When we left the farm we left one old hen who had taken up residence in our barn. She is pretty ancient for a chicken being about five years old. Since we've been gone she's become my son in law, Travis's, barn buddy. She let's him pet and pick her up. Follows him around in the barn. And still lays more than a couple of eggs in the warmer months. He even named her "Momma Hen". She's the barn elder and must be the wisest and wiliest chicken alive - after all if she wasn't someone would have eaten her long ago.Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-84451713612193987312011-06-28T13:26:00.015-04:002011-07-04T19:07:20.130-04:00Some PIG!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIv69oWx3APJ6sXYWVC_cnBKf5KIlePTMc14brZNmdQ2k6k87JgUdPc2e4l6Pvm37pAAK-YSQenyp3HesEP0ksq5sl2J-nNA_rqbCpg8XJABDE9yabmkthK2gHLa-Ri7aH0zTSt048w/s1600/DSCN4907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIv69oWx3APJ6sXYWVC_cnBKf5KIlePTMc14brZNmdQ2k6k87JgUdPc2e4l6Pvm37pAAK-YSQenyp3HesEP0ksq5sl2J-nNA_rqbCpg8XJABDE9yabmkthK2gHLa-Ri7aH0zTSt048w/s320/DSCN4907.JPG" width="320px" /></a>Hello, did you bring treats? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8o1IO58BAl0qsSveCZecvzsj6zEk29sn1sJaL2LE1rkepv4VaPHELIpjn0jBWB2sQFiTEBCXPTHbVISKKAz_UrE2di-gv1NOZwzJO4qyPeTq9gXUxX-I296S99NtYjJjexxx-aCGRQ/s1600/DSCN4900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8o1IO58BAl0qsSveCZecvzsj6zEk29sn1sJaL2LE1rkepv4VaPHELIpjn0jBWB2sQFiTEBCXPTHbVISKKAz_UrE2di-gv1NOZwzJO4qyPeTq9gXUxX-I296S99NtYjJjexxx-aCGRQ/s320/DSCN4900.JPG" width="320px" /></a><em>Oh you did bring treats!</em></div>This is Moose. We gave him to my son in law as a Christmas present last year. Now he is huge and the sire of a good looking litter of piglets with his "wife" - Lucy. <br />
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True to his Red Wattle lineage, he is laid back, calm and friendly and never aggressive. He has almost reached his adult size now. He has great shoulder & back width. Hams are well rounded. His legs are sturdy and well placed. <br />
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I'm really pleased with him... but then I again I picked him out to keep and I named him.. So call me prejudiced.Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-80246593838253320292011-06-23T21:41:00.001-04:002011-07-04T18:35:16.622-04:00Almost automatic milking machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoKgr5KlTJb79TPd3XyH6iUfPhBm-auA38HswXf2edy49FEmmqD90Vw06Toty1Edo-HII5DoWflpSIgJ7llU8t29S-FSfDjs3e6A3_H8-d3WFPp_LSxFO-LZomZXSs63713Zq211dpw/s1600/DSCN4774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoKgr5KlTJb79TPd3XyH6iUfPhBm-auA38HswXf2edy49FEmmqD90Vw06Toty1Edo-HII5DoWflpSIgJ7llU8t29S-FSfDjs3e6A3_H8-d3WFPp_LSxFO-LZomZXSs63713Zq211dpw/s320/DSCN4774.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAJy83OVSfkMNODFJUgMrhE89zy61Pc7qnXHlCEL1nONqahHYt_0EczIIKeER7hONSuq6uMDcdskQ01VsB3n36FwNuD0f_GfauvrFIVsqvQRoDQdoe0AHE0oqr7hjCcTCTSspyNNaSA/s1600/DSCN4798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAJy83OVSfkMNODFJUgMrhE89zy61Pc7qnXHlCEL1nONqahHYt_0EczIIKeER7hONSuq6uMDcdskQ01VsB3n36FwNuD0f_GfauvrFIVsqvQRoDQdoe0AHE0oqr7hjCcTCTSspyNNaSA/s320/DSCN4798.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfM29vhNG_xpmXlWr4qOMpkW-fDUfZDNDkFWlEO7ZbrRrJ7NSczcfYHjaXF0nhmmzfShpDx6FOa37zcwHK_Wys2-z0oIcYEWRvCWz8FpOQcPaK0cSfvLosDIKPgn0I7awe96RL58N-A/s1600/DSCN4801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfM29vhNG_xpmXlWr4qOMpkW-fDUfZDNDkFWlEO7ZbrRrJ7NSczcfYHjaXF0nhmmzfShpDx6FOa37zcwHK_Wys2-z0oIcYEWRvCWz8FpOQcPaK0cSfvLosDIKPgn0I7awe96RL58N-A/s320/DSCN4801.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
When Hazel the Jersey milk cow moved to Kentucky with the kids she was bred and due to calf in the spring. She calved and Anders started hand milking her, but he soon realized his hands weren't going to hold up to the job and Hazel's patience for the slow process was wearing thin. So with no electricity in their barn and not really wanting to spend what it would take to get an electrical surge milker setup, they started looking for alternatives. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anders spent some time online researching non-electric milkers and settled on the Henry milker. This little gizmo developed by Mr. Henry in Alaska arrived less than a week after the order was placed. Great service!! Gotta love cottage industry's attention to what is important. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amazing! It was put together out of plastic tubing, the vacuum pump from a brake bleeding kit, and a 60cc syringe with the plunger discarded and a standard mason jar. One plastic hose line carries the milk into the jar and another creates a vacuum to pull it in and the syringe serves as the teat cup. It was originally developed for goat milking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Anders made a couple of modifications to make it work better for Hazel. He added a couple of shut off valves in the lines and another teat cup to the set up so he can milk 2 teats at a time. He also changed from quart to 1/2 gallon mason jars so he didn't have to change bottles so often. He carries the whole set up to the barn in 2 milk crates. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now twice a day, he brings Hazel into the barn and gets her settled with her feed in the stanchion. Then he washes down her udder. Next the valves are closed and the line pressurized by squeezing the vacuum pump. When the pressure is right, the teat cup is placed over the teat and the valve opened. The milk starts to flow almost immediately. I couldn't believe how simple it was. Anders sits on an upturned milk crate for a stool and watches the pressure gauge, occasionally giving it a few squeezes to keep the pressure up. As the milk bottles fill he shuts the valve and moves to another bottle. When a quarter is empty he shuts the valve moves the teat cup and opens the valve again. He sings quietly to Hazel as he works. It is all very calm, quiet and laid back. Not at all like milking was when we had Hazel and used a surge milker. No vacuum pump noise, no hurrying to be sure we got the teat cups off at the right time. No frenetic pulsing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now he is done milking in about 10 minutes with minimal effort, minimal noise and no electricity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hazel seems to like this arrangement too. </div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877488917206301173.post-1704196451363338462011-06-23T13:42:00.000-04:002011-07-04T17:57:45.732-04:00Nah nah you can't see me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPl72GcobZNz8z_gHBqWALnSgladQWv0kceOOeLozKkpKgB9HyOtFozOgQ-zWzXG-7wWF_HnuCmciMT4zVebcWGBKYlx9BZgotuIHrfdcXuBUOxRORECLwAWM8xKyvD5jb1npD_qNZA/s1600/DSCN4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPl72GcobZNz8z_gHBqWALnSgladQWv0kceOOeLozKkpKgB9HyOtFozOgQ-zWzXG-7wWF_HnuCmciMT4zVebcWGBKYlx9BZgotuIHrfdcXuBUOxRORECLwAWM8xKyvD5jb1npD_qNZA/s320/DSCN4758.JPG" width="320px" /></a><br />
Short stuff the bull calf is temporarily living in the back yard at Anders and Emily's. Every time I tried to get a clear shot of him he would hide in the weeds. </div>Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09841500661349030418noreply@blogger.com0