Homestead Heart

GM Files: Horrifying New Disease Contains Identical Material to GM “Food”

2012-01-27T10:06:00.000-05:00

GM Files: Horrifying New Disease Contains Identical Material to GM “Food”

wow!

2011-12-15T09:35:00.000-05:00

you can't take the country out of the girl

2011-11-14T09:26:00.001-05:00

i've been living in a small ohio town for a little over two years now. in feb. 2010 m and i finally were able to get a place of our own. not everything we wanted but nice and affordable. but my point in this post is this that i finally feel i've turned our home and primarily my kitchen into what i wanted it to be while still integrating m's whimsical nature as well. you see, he is the one primarily responsible for what has become a chicken theme. i was just going for that homey, country feel. it took me awhile (until recently, actually) to find the perfect and affordable pieces: the primitive writing table, the antique sideboard, etc. in the meantime, over the course of the past two years, we have somehow managed to accumulate a large quantity of chicken decor. but, it works!

welcome to my humble abode.

i love this old writing table. the drawer gives me a handy place to stash my journal, grocery ads and lists.

clem. he's a cocky old bird.

about everything in our home is secondhand/previously loved. nothing new here. even my curtains, the baskets, etc. are thrift store finds. it's just a small kitchen, but i love that it's an eat-in kitchen rather than a galley kitchen with a separate dining area. someday, before we are too old, we hope to be in a more spacious apt. or home with a place for a small garden. but we are here for now and have made it work.

i can't homestead like i used to due to apt. living and the fact that both m and i having physical limitations, but i still do my best to keep my life simple, sacred & sustainable and i can make it feel like country.

apples, apples, apples!

2011-10-18T09:26:00.000-04:00

i miss going to the local orchards in the fall and picking my own apples. these days it's seldom you find a roadside stand selling locally grown apples by the peck or bushel. many of the places you find are selling fruit and produce that have been shipped in from someplace else.

fortunately a week or so ago, mark and i were heading home from a fall drive (just to enjoy the beauty of the season) and on old route 66 just south of new bremen, we found a place. since i had already purchased enough apples for a few pies at the supermarket, i picked up some acorn and butternut squash. can't get enough of those! while there we also got to visit the farm's animals; a miniature horse, leghorn chickens, a very friendly sheep and a variety of goats. i do love the goats!

anyhow...since it is the season i thought i would share this list of apple types and their best uses. enjoy the taste of the season!

NAME	Best Uses	Flavor Characteristic, Appearance
Braeburn	Sauce	Tart, sweet, aromatic, tall shape, bright color
Cortland	Pies, Sauces, Fruit Salad	Tart, crisp, larger than 'McIntosh'
Fuji	Baking	Sweet and juicy, firm, red skin
Gala	Dried, Cider	Mild, sweet, juicy, crisp, yellow-orange skin with red striping (resembles a peach)
Granny Smith	Baking	Moderately sweet, crisp flesh, green skin
Jonagold	Pie, Sauce	Tangy-sweet, Yellow top, red bottom
Jonathan	Sauce	Tart flesh, crisp, juicy, bright red on yellow skin
McIntosh	Sauce	Juicy, sweet, pinkish-white flesh, red skin
Newton Pippin	Pie, Sauce, Cider	Sweet-tart flesh, crisp, greenish-yellow skin
Rhode Island Greening	Pie	Very tart, distinctively flavored, grass-green skin, tending toward yellow/orange
Rome Beauty	Baking, Cider	Mildly tart, crisp, greenish-white flesh, thick skin
Winesap	Sauce, Pie, Cider	Very juicy, sweet-sour flavor, winey, aromatic, sturdy, red skin

hello & crockpot chili-spiced beef

2011-08-17T08:39:00.000-04:00

to those who've been with me from the beginning and those more recent followers, hello, hello, hello. life has been a ride the past couple of years and although no longer on the homestead i am still and always will be a country girl at heart. lots of change since 2009 for sure. some good, in fact wonderful. some not so much, in fact heartbreaking. but all in all i have survived and chosen to carry on despite circumstances or influences.

it's been my desire to start blogging again for some time. i missed it, i missed you and i also knew that i needed to recreate some routine in my life through a form i enjoyed. that would be writing. so, i began recently when i became inspired enough to begin writing poetry again. as they say, one thing leads to another! so i am back and you can expect to hear from me from time to time. now...with what kind of ramblings or information it's hard for me to predict. :) however, for today i wanted to share this tasty recipe that uses a simple chuck roast in (for me what was a) new and wonderful way. if you like spicy, you will love this. i love spicy but not take the hide off my tongue hot. this recipe, when served over rice was very spicy (as in warms the back of your throat quickly) but not unbearably hot. if the heat/spice factor is an issue, then you may want to cut down or eliminate the jalapeno.

i found this recipe in an issue of a womans day mag. of course i can't seem to leave a recipe alone most times, so i made it my own by a tweak here and there. hope ya' all enjoy it. mark and i did and decided it was a keeper because we both love spicy. i love the fact that it's a slow cooker/crockpot recipe that you can put together and ignore for the most part and because it uses ingredients that i usually have on hand or aren't hard to come by or terribly pricey. just remember to buy your beef on sale!

enough talk, here's the recipe. enjoy!

chili-spiced beef (with a hint of sweet)

2 lb. boneless beef chuck trimmed of fat and cut into 1 1/2" chunks.
4-6 cloves garlic minced
1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped (fresh or canned)
1 large onion chopped
2 Tbsp. lime or lemon juice
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 t. salt
1/4 c. brown sugar
optional dried basil (1-2 Tbsp.) according to taste. increase amount if using fresh basil.

in a 5-6 qt. crockpot/slow cooker combine beef, garlic, pepper, onion, lime or lemon juice, chili powder, salt and basil. cover and cook until you have a broth formed. add sugar and cook until beef is very tender, 4-5 hours on high or on low 7-8 hours. serve over rice or noodles or couscous. we like it best over rice, num, num.

Why We Homestead - Modern Homesteading - MOTHER EARTH NEWS

2011-06-21T17:37:00.000-04:00

Why We Homestead - Modern Homesteading - MOTHER EARTH NEWS

Using Essential Oils To Fight Superbugs

2011-05-07T14:01:00.000-04:00

Using Essential Oils To Fight Superbugs

NVIC/Mercola Times Square Vaccine Message

2011-05-06T09:09:00.000-04:00

those poor country folk

2010-12-18T19:23:00.000-05:00

a friend sent this to me and if you're like me you'll appreciate the perspective. i don't live in the country anymore but i sure do miss it. and for all the reasons mentioned.

One day , the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the ranch of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip , the father asked his son , "How was the trip?"
"It was great , Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah , " said the son.
"So , tell me , what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us , but they serve others.
We buy our food , but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added , "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

new decision about blog

2010-12-09T18:16:00.000-05:00

well, i've decided to keep this blog up and running despite starting a new one at
http://fluxability.blogspot.com/

you see, that one is more personal in nature and i decided that eventually as my life becomes more my own and more normal and balanced i may actually decide to return to sharing those things bound by the common thread of simple living. so, i'll stay here. i can after all be present in two places at once. :)

moving my blog

2010-11-28T16:46:00.000-05:00

http://fluxability.blogspot.com/

dear friends,

i am recreating and moving my blog. i hope many of you will continue to follow me as i write on a more personal nature. blessings to you all and thank you for you.

sallie

a conversation between god & st. francis on nature & human nature

2010-09-23T19:40:00.000-04:00

as i watch the suburbanites daily i cannot help but think of this little story about god and st. francis having a conversation on nature and the ridiculous nature of humans. it's an old one that's been passed around plenty but worth another read because of it's truthfulness.

God: Hey St. Francis, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there in the Midwest? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect "no maintenance" garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles.

St. Francis: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers "weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.

God: Grass? But it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?

St. Francis: Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. The begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.

God: The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy.

St. Francis: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it... sometimes twice a week.

God: They cut it? Do they then bail it like hay?

St. Francis: Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.

God: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?

St. Francis: No Sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.

God: Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?

St. Francis: Yes, Sir.

God: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.

St. Francis: You are not going to believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.

God: What nonsense. At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves form compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life.

St. Francis: You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.

God: No. What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and to keep the soil moist and loose?

St. Francis: After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. The haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.

God: And where do they get this mulch?

St. Francis: They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch.

God: Enough. I don't want to think about this anymore. Sister Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?

Sister Catherine: "Dumb and Dumber", Lord. It's a real stupid movie about.....

God: Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story from St. Francis.

speak to us of children

2010-09-11T21:07:00.000-04:00

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you

from The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

morning musings

2010-09-09T07:58:00.002-04:00

i often wake up early and make myself stay up while the rest of the household sleeps. morning is my favorite, actually best time for reflection. past, present, future...all my considerations can present without hindrance, revealing themselves in the stillness and dimness of early morning. it's just me, a cup of coffee and a smoke or two. yeah, i still have the habit.

mornings now find me, weather permitting, on the back porch. mark's mom thinks i'm a bit strange i am sure, as often i'm sitting on the back porch in the near darkness, barefoot and bushy headed when she gets up. but then, she doesn't let me smoke in the house and i am a wee bit strange anyhow. wtf? i am me and for a long time after moving in here i tried to do what all good girls are trained to do; make a good and proper impression. after all, i was living under her roof and with her only son. i better be good! but it's been nearly a year now and even though i have tried hard and been through a lot of inner (and outer) conflict, she is just going to have to accept me for me. actually i think she does, but that doesn't necessarily mean she adores the real me. but you know what? that's ok. i haven't been one to care so much what others think of me for a long, long time. circumstances here just took me back to an earlier, less secure time when i felt i needed to be approved of. now isn't that crazy? as long as i treat her respectfully (and i do) and i respect her home and offer my help (which i do) and contribute financially (which i do) then that is sufficient. she can plainly see i am not a bad person and that i love her son, so there ya have it.

i never dreamed the past eighteen months or so would bring about such change. i miss my country life and likely always will. it's unlikely i'll get back to it and that's ok. i don't know if i have it in me anymore to do everything i did before, but, eventually i will get back to living day to day life according to my priorities rather than my mil's. eventually i will rule my own home and kitchen again. it is a hard thing to do; giving up authority over one's surroundings. oh how i would love to be surrounded by things that express me or to use my own cookware and dishes and design a more user friendly home. my previous life was all about home. how i loved to care for and nurture that spirit. here, i find my greatest comfort outside on the back porch and in the basement where i've been given room to create. someday that will change and this girl will create an atmosphere that accommodates her vision of comfort and warmth. amen to that.

i'm back with a new blog name

2010-08-31T12:04:00.000-04:00

ok, i have had a lot of you wondering if i would ever be back. well, i want to be and in fact will make every effort to return to a routine of pondering and posting. :) and, i offer my apologies for being gone so long. as most of you know, (although i have picked up some new subscribers...welcome and thank you very much!) my husband of 30 years passed away in feb of 09. it wasn't long afterward that i met a wonderful man and we have been together since. in the process of the past year and a half i have grieved, loved, moved 125 miles away from my family and the country home i loved, grieved some more, given up my dog and two cats and had to contend with sharing a home with my new mil. mark and i are not married but i refer to his mom as my mother in law because, to be honest, i cannot think of another way to describe her that might not be offensive. so...it's been a crazy time for me over the past eighteen months. but, i am finally beginning to settle and feel as if i have my bearings...more or less. :)

sad to say (and what an adjustment it has been) i am living in a more suburban area than i would like. but, it's outside the city limits, (just barely) and with mature oaks, lots of little wild things and very good neighbors. ultimately, i can't complain, except about "mother", but that's another story, one which you will be spared because i'm just considerate that way. :D

i thought it only appropriate that the title of my blog be changed. so rather than 'from my homestead' you see it's 'homestead hippie at heart', cuz to be sure, you can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl.

that's about it for now and when i have something to say or share, you can be sure i will. in the meantime a BIG hello to old friends and new. i've missed you!

GM crop escapes into the American wild

2010-08-31T11:29:00.002-04:00

transgenic canola now growing freely in north dakota. full article at nature news.

What in the World are They Spraying

2010-08-27T23:28:00.002-04:00

reflecting back with gratitude

2009-11-21T07:43:00.005-05:00

Life has had it's hard moments, this past year especially. Family dynamics have changed somewhat as one realizes they cannot live their life for anyone but themselves regardless of how that makes others feel. We all survive and go one and adjust. It's what we do and have been doing for centuries.

It's been the most unusual year and the most surreal one of my life, not to mention the hardest. The shock of Coop's death and the loss I felt afterwards are indescribable. The death of my mom, dad, sister or brother cannot even come close to what it felt like to lose Coop. No one can truly understand that unless they have lived with and loved someone for that long and realize who they are as an individual is completely wrapped up in that other person...and then in an instant that person is gone, unexpectedly, forever and forever life is changed. Life becomes alien, unfamiliar and everything you do is now surreal because that other person isn't there...when you drive in the car or shop for groceries or come home or fix dinner or go to bed or get up in the morning. Every action, every though hurts because it is a moment to moment reminder of how life has been altered...premanently.

But then, slowly you begin to adjust and have good days in between when tears don't come as often. And you realize that you have a huge place in your heart, as if the love you have known has expanded your heart, opened it to the possibility of experiencing joy and love again, that feeling love for another does not take anything away from the love you have known nor decrease it in any way. Love knows no limits or boundries and loving one does not take away love or limit love for another. Anyone who has children understands this quite well.

I am just thankful for the love I have been given in my life from my family and friends...most especially from my children, their spouses, my sister and and from Coop and Mark. I wonder at times what I might have done to deserve the love of so many and the two wonderful men I have been priveledged to love and be loved by, but then life is strange that way. I don't think it's a matter of deserving really, but more a matter of allowing.

I am grateful for all the goodness and love in my life despite the dark days of the past year. I recall even then, being so very grateful for all the people and blessings in my life as I went through that period. I continue to feel gratitude for each day that I am given to be here, alive on this earth to experience all those things that make us human.

I appreciate sarcasm...

2009-09-24T13:14:00.001-04:00

...maybe you will, too.

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

ch..ch...ch...changes

2009-09-15T08:35:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I have that David Bowie song in my head as I type this post to all of my good friends in cyber space.

First of all I wish to say how very much I appreciate all the kind words and support sent my way in response to my last entry and the changes in my life. You all are wonderful and have made my heart very happy.

And now again I am signing off to venture forth into the next phase of my life. On or near the first of October I will no longer be a resident here at the homestead, but will in fact be moving and making my home with Mark. I guess I will have to change my blog title to something other than "from my homestead" as I will no longer be a country dweller. Talk about change! You know me, I would prefer to be in a rural place and perhaps someday that will again be possible. But for now, this geographical change is secondary and it is good and necessary. And it's not like I am moving to the big city so I know things will be just fine.

Life can be funny (not necessarily haha funnny, but funny) and unpredictable and boy don't I know that. I just feel so blessed to feel alive again, to experience such love and light after such sorrow. I wanted to let all of you know that my life is continuing on in a wonderful way and that I appreciate all of your comments, your visits and especially your friendship so very, very much. Be happy and be good to you. I'll be seeing you in the funny pages. :)

love, Sallie

a new chapter in my life

2009-08-17T08:14:00.007-04:00

It's been more than three months since I last posted here. To say a lot has changed is an understatement. My entire life shifted when Coop passed away unexpectedly. And now, life is shifting again, but in a very positive direction. I have met someone special and over the course of the last several months have established a wonderful relationship with said person. And believe me, I have been judged and applauded for allowing love into my life so soon after Coop's demise. But, if you remember my words here, you'll recall I mentioned what I knew to be true, that I had a heart full of love to give and at some point in time I wished to establish a relationship again with someone deserving of that love. Well, to my surprise that has happened and I most definitely wished to share my good news with you.

Mark is a gentle man, well seasoned in the heartache that life often brings and as such is the most caring, compassionate and ego-less man I have ever met. He is a retired college English instructor and poet. It seems as if we were made for one another. We share so many idiosyncrasies and have such similar likes and dislikes that it feels as if we have known one another forever. Our relationship is one of total comfort.

As I mentioned, I have been judged and applauded for entering into a relationship so soon. Those who have judged obviously do not know my heart nor the amount of grief I've worked through and experienced. They do not know the emptiness I have felt, nor can they understand the depth of soul searching I have gone through. On the other hand, those who applaud my new found relationship understand that life can and does go on and living and loving is the essence of it. To those who judge I can only say this, I hope you never have to go through such a loss and such grief, but if you do then perhaps you will come to understand. To those who stand by me with happiness and encouragement I say, thank you for honest and loving support.

In the end all I can do is be grateful. I was so very blessed by the love I had known with Coop which I will carry with me and treasure forever. As both Mark and I know, Coop will always be a part of us and our life together. Now, to know the gift of love again is such a miracle to me. I count myself a most blessed person for knowing and experiencing great love and devotion twice in one lifetime, something so special that some may never know at all. That is a miracle.

The past week was a celebration of my 54th birthday. Mark came to spend the week with me and make it special, which he did and it was.

just two old and very happy hippies

If anyone is still reading this blog, I appreciate it and will continue to share as the latest chapter of my life unfolds. Over the next couple of months my life will be shifting in other ways as well.

to my friends

2009-05-07T01:31:00.003-04:00

The days have kept me busy and away from blogging as is apparent. However I do wish to say how very much I appreciate the comments, thoughts and prayers that have been sent my way. If I don't always acknowledge you, please take no offense. I do acknowledge you in spirit.

I have decided to step away from blogging at least temporarily. I do so want to get back to sharing with you on a more regular basis those things which brought me to this place initially. However, my focus has been elsewhere as of late while I strive to recreate my life and deal with responsibilities on my own that once were shared by two people. With more responsibility comes less time. Right now I am still making preparations for my daughter, grandaughter and son in law to move in sometime in June. I have lined up a part time job as well and need to get busy with other options I have available for bringing in an income. It's funny how everyone assumes once you become widowed that there is some kind of benefits to follow. Not true. There is nothing available until you are 60 which I am not. Thank goodness Coop and I did simplify our lives and I know how to live simply and frugally. Even so, I am challenged.

Some of you commented about the recent Easter holiday and how it might be difficult for me with Coop being absent from my life. It was not because we did not regularly take note of the Christian holidays. However, Mothers Day will be somewhat of a challenge as will Fathers day. The hardest one I think will be my birthday and next year when our anniversary arrives. I don't know how I will get through those days yet. For now I am grateful they aren't immediately looming over me. Each week, in fact often each day brings me new challenges and old memories, yearnings for what was. I know I can't go back and change things, bring them back to how they were. That is the most painful thing of all. My life as I knew it is over and now I must begin again or in the least carry on. There are moments when I know I will make it, I am after all a survivor. There have been other times, moments of utter darkness when I was afraid I wouldn't, didn't even want to, and have had thoughts no one wants to hear about. I even tried grief counseling for awhile and that made me feel worse yet. No one can fully understand the pain of another's grief because that experience is uniquely based on the relationship that was. And despite how much support one has from family and friends, we are still very much alone in life, especially at times like this because it is always our own personal experience.

I did not mean to ramble on so. It is late, I am tired and feeling melancholy. I miss the intimacy of what once was. I stay up late at night until weariness forces me to rest, else I lay in my bed alone, sleepless, missing the comfort of my husband lying next to me, even when I know rest is essential and the morning will bring responsibilities and work that will tire me even more. It is what it is until it ceases to be like this. So my friends, peace be with you, take care and know how much I love and appreciate your presence here with me. I will leave the blog up in hopes that someday soon I will return with greater focus. I do so mean it when I say thank you for everything.

love, Sallie

Time, Life, Love, Change

2009-04-16T05:46:00.006-04:00

Yesterday marked two months since Coop's passing. It has been difficult to say the least. The worst part is feeling so out of balance and without focus or motivation despite the fact that I have much I need to focus on, primarily my own survival. Time, it is my friend and my enemy. It helps to heal the trauma and the pain as it slips by, yet it can never be recaptured and continues to bring us closer to the end of life as we know it.

Slowly I am making changes in my life. My dearest friend has helped me along the past several weeks, encouraging me every step of the way. We have gradually made changes to my bedroom, allowing it to become my own so I can fall sleep a little less painfully at night. I have cleaned closets and sorted things as much as I have been able. I still have reminders of Coop's presence throughout...jackets and hats still hang near the basement door. I took them to the basement to be washed some time ago, but retrieved them only to hang them back in their proper place until it felt right to remove them for good. There are times I need to bury my face in them and cry my tears, to breathe in what little is left of his earthly presence.

I miss Coop so much, his presence, our shared affection. Despite how we much we appreciate the love in our lives, we never fully can understand the entirety of that appreciation until the object of our affection has been taken from the picture. Oh, the love lives on, in fact it is the only thing that isn't transitory. That is what cause such heartache and makes it so hard to accept the absence of a loved one. Love is the only thing that is truly real, of value and worth living for. That is the one prominent thought I have had since life has changed so abruptly for me. Everything else is just stuff that, although it may lend a level of ease or enjoyment to life, it is really of little value in the end.

It is early yet in the days of my sorrow. But having known a good, solid, trusting and meaningful relationship and having my life shift so quickly, I do know this...I would wish to eventually establish a similar relationship with another at some future point in time. My heart is still full of an unlimited amount of love and an even deeper of appreciation of it. And so I want to say this to you...

Appreciate the love in your life to your maximum ability. Don't take for granted all the little things that could one day cease to be a part of your daily experience...that morning cup of coffee poured for you, a shared laugh or kiss or hug. Be more spontaneous, more affectionate, make love more often and more passionately, let things go because the small stuff really doesn't matter in the end. Truly enjoy the presence of your loved ones as much as you humanly can. We always think we have tomorrow but the truth is, we only have today. Sometimes tomorrow changes everything and I would not want you to miss out on the fullness of love and life you are capable of experiencing right here, right now today.

There are only four questions of value in life. What is sacred? Of what is spirit made? What is worth living for and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same: only love.
~Don Juan de Marco

this and that

2009-03-30T07:16:00.002-04:00

I am getting a little better now at getting back in the groove of day to day living. I have been able to keep the house in order and maintain a grip on those daily responsibilities like dishes, laundry and such. I have even begun to cook again. I know, that seems like a given but the loss and the grief have taken me down at times to a point where I did not want to get up.

I still have hopes of putting out a substantial garden this year. Unfortunately I have not started my seedlings and it's likely I will be purchasing my tomato and pepper plants this year instead of growing my own. I would not attempt a large garden for myself this year but my daughter and grandaughter will be here to help. Arrangements have been made and it appears my daughter, SIL and grandaughter will be moving in sometime within the next several months. Hard times for everyone indicate this is the best choice with the most benefits for everyone concerned. It will be an adjustment to say the least but not an impossible one. I have a lot of work to do in preparation for them. It feels a bit overwhelming, but no more so I suppose than the preparations they are making to leave their world behind and join mine. All I can do is my best and take it one day at a time. That and remeber to breathe. :)

time

2009-03-24T12:14:00.002-04:00

Time keeps passing. I keep taking what seems like terribly small steps ahead into my future. My family and friends continue to support me in so many ways and I am filled with humbleness and gratitude for the love they show towards me. My nights are not empty and alone because of them. I am able to talk, cry and share my concerns and voice my confusion in the comfort of their love and presence. My gardens are turned under because of them. My financial needs are not an immediate concern because of them. I am getting through this all because of them.

My mind still roils in confusion much of the time. Scattered thoughts, a feeling of being disconnected, loose ends and lack of focus are commonplace. I eagerly await a time when I am more focused, have more intention than just getting through an hour, a day or a week. Yet time keeps passing and I know that I am making some progress. I still have not picked up my crochet or read a book or created something beautiful for the simple pleasure of the act itself. I will eventually. I have hope, in fact moments of extreme optimism, sometimes for a couple of days at a time. I take one step forward and often two steps back. I hate that the process of grief is long and unpredictable. I have to accept that this experience and this process is simply what it is and is something that I must go through. I can't fix it, make it disappear or rush it. It is frustrating, maddening at times and is something that challenges my very essence.

dear friends

2009-03-12T02:42:00.004-04:00

Has it been almost four weeks now since my dear Coop departed this realm? Seems impossible that such a span of time has passed. I am doing ok, all things considered. Just trying to figure out my new version of life, feeling lost and overwhelmed a lot, wondering how I will support myself as well as how I will live without the love and intimacy of another. I am having good spans of time as well in which I feel a sense of optimism. The company of good friends and family members has been the greatest help to me. Friends allow me to talk my way through an evening, listening to all my attempts to define how this feels. They allow me to cry when the sorrow or fear overwhelms, offer hugs and words of wisdom and encouragement as well as giving me the ability to laugh again. I truly do not know how I would have gotten this far without them...without you. I just wanted to let all of you know how very much I appreciate your support and the comfort of your words. Dear friends, nearby or here in cyberspace, you mean the world to me.

Lend Me Your Hope

2009-03-07T08:35:00.005-05:00

http://www.lendmeyourhope.com

When Canadian singer/songwriter Monica Joy first read the poem "Borrowed Hope", she immediately felt compelled to set the words to music. With a passion for walking alongside those in crisis, she wondered about the author's story, as the poem she received was anonymous.

When Monica chose to include the song on a recording of her original music entitled "If Everything is Lost", she began to seek out the poem's origin.

She discovered the author of the poem was named Eloise Cole, found a way to contact her, learned of her story, and marvelled at her repeated experiences of grief.

Deeply moved by the depth of Eloise's suffering and her ongoing story, the words that inspired the song came to mean even more.

Monica attributes the power of "Lend Me Your Hope" to the honesty and beauty of Eloise's words and experiences, which she continues to share when performing the song.

BORROWED HOPE
By Eloise Cole, Scottsdale, Arizona

Lend me your hope for awhile.
I seem to have mislaid mine.

Lost and hopeless feelings accompany me daily.
Pain and confusion are my companions.
I know not where to turn.
Looking ahead to the future times
does not bring forth images of renewed hope.
I see mirthless times, pain-filled days,
and more tragedy.

Lend me your hope for awhile,
I seem to have mislaid mine.

Hold my hand and hug me;
listen to all my ramblings.
I need to unleash the pain and let it tumble out.
Recovery seems so far distant;
the road to healing a long and lonely one.

Stand by me; offer me your presence.
Your ears and your love
acknowledge my pain. It is so real and ever present.
I am overwhelmed with sad and conflicting thoughts.

Lend me your hope for awhile,
A time will come when I will heal
and I will lend my renewed hope to others.

The Energy of an Embrace

2009-03-07T00:23:00.002-05:00

I feel like I am living for hugs these days, that physical touch that reassures, expresses love and connection. I don't know about you, but I'll take all I can get.

from Daily Om

Hugs

The need to touch and be touched is established early in our lives, as we develop and grow in the omnipresent embrace of our mother’s womb. Once we are born, separated from that sanctuary of connectivity, we begin to crave the physical embrace of our parents. As we age, we become more independent. Yet during times of triumph or trouble and during those moments when we are in need of reassurance, we can’t help but long for a hug.

Because a hug requires two active participants, each individual taking part in the embrace experiences the pleasure of being embraced and the joy that comes from hugging someone. As both individuals wrap their arms around one another, their energy blends together, and they experience a tangible feeling of togetherness that lingers long after physical contact has been broken. A heart hug is when you put your left arm over someone’s shoulder and your right arm around their waist. As they do the same to you, your hearts become aligned with one another other and loving, comforting energy flows between the two of you to flood your souls with feelings of love, caring, and compassion.

A hug is a pleasurable way to share your feelings with someone who is important to you. Depending on your relationship with the other person and the kind of message you wish to send to them, a hug can communicate love, friendship, romance, congratulations, support, greeting, and any other sentiment you wish to convey. A hug communicates to others that you are there for them in a positive way. In an instant, a hug can reestablish a bond between long lost friends and comfort those in pain. The next time you hug someone, focus all of your energy into the embrace. You will create a profound connection that infuses your feelings and sentiments into a single beautiful gesture.

everything has changed

2009-03-04T20:40:00.003-05:00

I am no stranger to grief. When I was 24 my mother died. It took years, but I got over it. When I was 39 my father died. I grieved and got over it. When I was 50 my brother died. I miss him but I have gotten over it. On Feb. 15th, just two and half weeks ago my one true love, my husband of nearly 30 years died. Within 24 hours the son of a best friend died. Within 48 hours my sister died. I mourn for my friend, I mourn for my sister's family, but I will get over it. You never "get over" it, this I know. You move on. But the death of my Coop? Grief is not alien to me, but this loss, this pain, this alone-ness is so different, so deep, so filled with emptiness and sorrow. Funny how emptiness and alone-ness can fill you. My grief is all consuming in moments. I do not wish to bring others down by it, yet I feel I must put it down in words as best I can. I write, it is what I do. I ask that you, my readers bear with me if you can. If not, close the window.

Tonight I am alone with my thoughts, alone in this house. I have chosen to be. I needed to be. Friends and family have been with me for two and a half weeks, afraid to leave my side, knowing I needed them. And they needed to be here for me. Where might I be without them? Even more lost I imagine. But I needed to test the waters. To see if I can make it through a night alone. I needed to talk aloud to my Coop instad of whispering in the dark under the sheets in our bed. I have to believe he hears me, is by my side strengthening me, loving me. If not, how do I go on? So tonight, when all is quiet I cry alone, talk to my Coop, wail in an unfamiliar voice and write. It is in these moments of despair I can only feel what is missing.

Everything has changed.
My comfort, my strength, my lover, my most intimate friend is gone.
In one single moment that I will live over and over again, he is gone. Taken from me.
Like a light that shines brightly, then with one single click...turned off...gone.
Lights out forever.

What would I give to feel your arms envelop me just once more?
To hear your voice, the music of your laughter or see your smile,
to touch your face, kiss your mouth just once more?
Everything. I would give everything.

Now I must will myself to go on, to learn to live all over again.
How will I accomplish this without you, my strength and resolve?
How do I go on...alone, learn to live in each day without projecting thoughts into all the tomorrows without you?
And in yestrdays as well, lest I wrap myself in sorrow forever for what has been and will not be again?

They keep telling me I am strong. But in this moment, these long, dark nights of my soul I am weak, brought to my knees, the wind knocked out of me by some invisible blow. Yet I know there are others who have lost their soul mate and a part of themselves and have suffered like this. Small comfort, but I will take what I can. I must not lose sight of myself. I must carry on as if life matters even if I am alone.

I pray to an unseen force, I pray to my beloved that I may be like the phoenix that rises up from the ashes. I pray for the strength to begin again, to remember who I am. I must remember who I alone am because everything has changed.

memories of yesterday

2009-03-03T00:39:00.006-05:00

I have been absent for awhile now. It has been two weeks and two days since my beloved Coop, my life and my rock passed from this earth plane. It was abrupt and a shock to all. I find comfort in the fact that he went quickly and painlessly in his sleep. I have much to say to others as I reflect on the feelings and thoughts that run through my heart and mind. But those things will have to wait. For now I am grieving as I practice facing the future one day, sometimes only one moment or hour at a time. I will return when I'm able to dedicate my thoughts to these pages. In the meantime I simple wanted to let all of you know what has taken place and why I have been absent. I miss my partner and best friend and the children and grandchildren miss their dad and grandpa. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. More importantly, please appreciate those loved ones you hold dear and never, ever take life and love for granted. We always think there is tomorrow but often there is no tomorrow, only the memories of yesterday.

Sallie

love

2009-02-14T13:13:00.003-05:00

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” ~Rumi

If we can (and we can through practice and awareness) remove those barriers of prejudice and judgment, we can lift the veils that shroud our hearts and that limit our capacity and ability to love fully and completely.

Just my thoughts as I practice love on this Valentines Day. Hope yours is a happy and loving one.

For Today...

2009-02-09T15:06:00.004-05:00

For Today...

Outside my window the sun has come and gone and temps are well above freezing. Here in Ohio after the month of cold and snow we’ve had I call that a heat wave.

I am thinking about upgrading to DSL and saying good bye to dial up. I've put it off but Verizon has a deal going on now that is almost too hard to resist.

I am thankful for...the past weekend and the opportunity to see daughter, SIL, sister, BIL and my 4 year old great niece who was by all means the life of the party Friday night as she sang (quite exuberantly) the lyrics to Tom Petty’s “Walls”.

Sometimes you're happy...
Sometimes you cry
Half of me is ocean,
Half of me is sky
But you got a heart so big
It could crush this town

And I can't hold out forever,
Even walls fall down

From the kitchen...not much happening there just yet. I do know I will be making homemade pudding since we have vanilla wafers and ripe bananas.

I am wearing...cream colored jeans, a blue striped top and my multi-colored charka shawl.

I am reading...right now about 6 different titles. Really!

I am hoping...to get to the library this week or next and renew my card. It’s been years.

I am creating...a deep Iris afghan for my living room.

I am hearing...The computer hum and Tom Petty in my head. :)

I am celebrating...my first sale on my homestead hippie store!

Around the house... the focus is on laundry today despite the fact that the house is in need of cleaning. I got a little too lax over the weekend. But today laundry is the priority as I had curtains and rugs to wash as well as the regular loads.

One of my favorite things...having mornings when I awaken without pain…always a good day when it happens.

I am looking forward to...more of this warmer weather this week and getting some organizing done and things caught up around the house.

I am wondering...why I can't simply copy and paste from Microsoft Word to blogger without having the font style and size getting all fubar. This is why sometimes my words are in several different fonts and size. Grrr.

A few plans for the remainder of the week...hoping to get a little sewing done, spend time outdoors and do some walking (if the rain holds off) since the weather forecast is warmer this week.

give a dog a bone...

2009-02-09T14:36:00.002-05:00

...and this is what happens...

just pictures

2009-02-04T13:12:00.005-05:00

That's all, just photos I've taken over the past few days. Life is busy so I haven't spent a lot of time here but do want to say hello and extend a big warm welcome to my newest subscribers and followers. Thanks for being here and finding my ruminations at least slightly entertaining. :)

Blue Jays outside the kitchen window

you are not a potato Oden!

Look who I found on the bakers rack...

and then he noticed me...

After the snow came the shoveling...

and after the drifting came the plowing.

These last two were taken from the car on our way into town the other day.
I'm not giving up...still holding out hope for spring! I know it will come eventually...
I believe, I believe, I believe!

it doesn't take much

2009-01-30T11:36:00.000-05:00

Well, for the most part that is. This is his end of the kitchen counter. After nearly 30 years of togetherness he's gotten pretty good about keeping his "stuff" in one area rather than scattered around the house. It took training mind you. There was a time when he wouldn't pick up his socks and underwear off the bedroom floor. I even went so far as to set the hamper right next to his side of the bed...and still I had to confront him about it.

But over the years things do change. Now he's such a big help I often wonder what I might do without him. He even vacuums the rugs now, often without my even suggesting it. Somewhere down the line he took over cleaning the cat's litter box, too. I think it all started with cobwebs. Yes, cobwebs. You see, I am really bad about noticing cobwebs. I don't generally look up that often I guess and I certainly don't have height on my side. But Coop, he notices details...like cobwebs. Maybe he just got tired of pointing them out to me and finally decided to take matters into his own hands. Or maybe it was me saying something like, "well if they bother you so dang much then maybe you should do something about them." (really, I'm not a sarcastic bitch...all the time)

Whatever the case may be, he began helping around the house more and more as the years went by. He's a good man in so many ways. Those who knew him many, many moons ago may not share that same opinion, unless like me, they have stuck by him and and witnessed the changes and the man he became over the years. I saw beyond his bad boy ways way back when and knew the loving man he was underneath. I loved him then and even more so now. He's proven time and time again who he really is. He's smart, innovative, strong as an ox, gentle as a lamb when the need arises and most of all I know this; there is nothing, nothing he wouldn't do for me (or others as a matter of fact) if asked and it is within his power or ability to do. You can't ask for more than that.

We have shared our lives for nearly thirty years and today we celebrate the promises made exactly 27 years ago when we said "I do". No special celebrations or gifts here, just a "Happy Anniversary" wish spoken to each other this morning. We have each other and that is gift enough.

Friday Funny

2009-01-30T10:33:00.003-05:00

Since you enjoyed my last Friday Funny I've decided to make this an ongoing feature here at the homestead. A laugh, a smile, some good clean fun is always good for the soul. Here's today's funny...

When I was a young minister, a funeral director asked me to hold a grave side service for a homeless man with no family or friends. The funeral was to be at a cemetery way out in the country. This was a new cemetery and this man was the first to be laid to rest there.

I was not familiar with the area and became lost. Being a typical man, of course, I did not ask for directions. I finally found the cemetery about an hour late. The back hoe was there and the crew was eating their lunch. The hearse was nowhere to be seen.

I apologized to the workers for being late. As I looked into the open grave, I saw the vault lid already in place. I told the workers I would not keep them long, but that this was the proper thing to do. The workers, still eating their lunch, gathered around the opening.

I was young and enthusiastic and poured out my heart and soul as I preached. The workers joined in with, "Praise the Lord," "Amen," and "Glory!" I got so into the service that I preached and preached and preached, from Genesis to The Revelation.

When the service was over, I said a prayer and walked to my car. As I opened the door, I heard one of the workers say, "I never saw anything like that before and I've been putting in septic systems for twenty years."

Have a great day friends and if you want some added enjoyment check out kittens, kittens, kittens. This blog is nothing but pure viewing pleasure.

it's not too late...

2009-01-28T12:53:00.003-05:00

...to get on over to Rainbow Tree's blog and enter her giveaway! It ends the first week of Feb. She's got a stash of really nice items to bestow upon the winner and besides, she's my kid. : )

monday meanderings

2009-01-26T14:45:00.005-05:00

The sun shone this morning bringing once again the illusion of warmth. It is warmer though. I think we hit 20 today, a heat wave compared to the single digits and below zero chill we've been experiencing. I can handle 20. The sunshine was enough to melt most of the remaining several inches of ice that has covered our small road for the past week and a half or more. I can see pavement!!

I'm sitting here listening to Cat Stevens on the stereo, one of my all time favorites, although out of respect I should refer to him as Yusaf Islam. I just caught a yahoo news article here about him. Seems he's recorded a George Harrison song on behalf of the children of Gaza. All proceeds will benefit refugees. I always knew he was a good guy despite the rumors that circulated about him from time to time because of his conversion to Islam. Only one with a good and true heart could have written the poetic music he has gifted us with.

Hearts are a good thing to follow. Life is just too short to live according to another's thinking. I think the world would be a much finer place if we stopped wasting our time and effort entrapped by others dogma and opinions. You are the only one who truly knows what matters to you.
And besides, like Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." Ain't it the truth? :)

I've just been thinking about the subject of following your heart lately. Maybe because I see my share of unhappy people in my little world who are caught up in others lives so much that they don't have much of one. They wear fear instead of love, and anger and blame in place of response-ability. It seems they are miserable and determined to not only stay that way but make others feel the same. What a shame. Maybe, just maybe if they would learn to go within and find their heart and follow it rather than feed off chaos and drama... maybe if they would find what they love and what feels right instead of focusing their energy on what is wrong (thereby creating more of the same)...maybe, just maybe they would create something positive and feel the effects of something akin to happiness. Odds are they would. Just my thoughts on what I see at times. But, to each their own. Just don't hate me for living my life or be jealous because my life is what you wish yours were. Everything is a choice and a result of the action you take. Even inaction is a choice. If my life is an example to others of what they strive for, yay! But don't react be becoming jealous, respond by becoming real. Authenticity is a blessing and following your heart is good medicine.

Ok, I''ll get down off my soapbox now. I will go about the remainder of my day now, hang some laundry, love on my fur babies, cook up something warm and hearty for dinner, take a warm shower and throughout the minutes and hours be ever so thankful for all the goodness in my day and in my life.

AquaDent Pet Oral Health Product Contains Deadly Xylitol

2009-01-20T08:29:00.004-05:00

Not too long ago I posted an article about the dangers of our pets consuming the sugar substitute called Xylitol. It can be deadly to your dog. Now, in another article from Natural News comes this revelation; Xylitol is an ingredient in an oral health pet product. Read on....

AquaDent Pet Oral Health Product Contains Deadly Xylitol

by Susan Thixton, citizen journalist
See all articles by this author
Email this author

(NaturalNews) Many pet owners are aware that the sugar substitute Xylitol, found in many sugar free chewing gums, is toxic to dogs. However few pet owners would think to look for Xylitol listed as an ingredient in a pet oral health product; especially one that claims to be developed by "Veterinary Dental Specialists".

As ridiculous as it might be, the pet oral health product C.E.T. AquaDent lists as the third ingredient Xylitol; well known to be toxic to pets. AquaDent is sold by many pet retail outlets including 1800PetMeds.com. The 1800PetMeds website states "C.E.T. AquaDent is a drinking water additive formulated by veterinary dental specialists to help freshen your pet's breath and maintain oral hygiene in conjunction with regular home dental care for your pet." The ingredients in AquaDent are listed as follows: Purified water, Glycerine, Xylitol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium sorbate, Emilgase (enzyme), Zinc gluconate, Sodium benzoate, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 5, Chlorhexidine gluconate.

According to Dr. Eric Dunayer, veterinarian and toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, there appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs. It was previously thought that only large amounts of xylitol could result in problems for dogs, however recently even small amounts of xylitol can result in severe illness in dogs (and believed to effect cats and other animals as well). http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pa...

Snopes.com states that just three grams of Xylitol can kill a 65 pound dog. "Because the amount of sweetener used in sugar free chewing gums varies by manufacturer and product, the number of sticks of gum that would prove fatal to a pooch of that size can't be stated with precision. As a general rule of thumb, between eight and ten pieces of gum might be deadly to a 65 pound canine, but a smaller dog could easily die after ingesting far less (perhaps as few as two sticks of gum)."

The 1800PetMeds website provides the following warning regarding AquaDent Pet Oral Health Product: "Prepare fresh C.E.T. AquaDent solution every day and discard any treated water not consumed within 24 hours." The website provides no warning of Xylitol toxicity to animals.

To make matters a bit worse, not only does this pet oral health product contain the known dangerous ingredient Xylitol, it also contains dyes linked to cancer and numerous other health risks.

C.E.T. AquaDent is made by Virbac Animal Health (www.virbacvet.com). Virbac Animal Health produces a long line of pet health products; from antibiotics to heartworm preventatives (Iverhart) to pet vitamins (Pet Tabs). Virbac Animal Health was on the FDA warning letter list (December 10, 2008) for violations of current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations; "the documented violations cause drug products manufactured at your facility to be adulterated" http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/...

Virbac Animal Health's Heartworm Preventative, Iverhart Plus, was recalled 2/11/2004. From the FDA website (http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/enforce/2...) "The firm is recalling 4 lots of IVERHART Plus Flavored Chewables due to contamination of Minocycline, a FDA approved human drug which has not been approved in species other than humans."
"VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
1,179,840 tablets."

Why would a pet product, formulated by "veterinary dental specialists", contain an ingredient that is known to be toxic to dogs? It's illogical and reckless. The moral of the story is this, read the ingredients of every single product provided to your pet. Just because a pet product is "formulated by veterinary specialists" doesn't mean its safe.

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton

about the author:
Susan Thixton has an international pet people following providing dog and cat lovers a trusted source for pet food and pet food ingredient information. She's been called courageous, perseverant, even "the Caped Crusader for Pets" for her 16 year study of pet food. Susan Thixton is the author of hundreds of pet industry articles and the 2006 released book Truth About Pet Food (currently being updated for a second edition). She developed and publishes the pet product consumer magazine Petsumer Report and is a frequent speaker and radio guest all over the U.S. and Canada with more than 70 appearances in the last 2 years.
If you are looking for straight forward pet food information that can have an almost immediate impact on your pet's health - subscribe to the free newsletter, and subscribe to Petsumer Report to see reviews of close to 700 dog and cat foods and treats (adding 40+ each month). Susan Thixton's 'truth' will help you find a safer, healthier dog or cat food that could add years to your pet's life. http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com

refrigerator revelation

2009-01-17T09:15:00.006-05:00

Atop my fridge is a wine rack with a variety of mostly Ohio wines. To the left the remains of my homemade raspberry wine in a thrift store "genie" bottle and jars of surplus sugar and flour. To the right a vintage Japanese tea set that was in a $1 auction box lot.

Have you ever seen a kitchen with a naked fridge in an occupied home? I can't say that I have.

On my fridge there resides:

a picture of my great niece
"all states of mind reproduce themselves" magnet
a list of Ohio apples and what they're best suited for
"When your heart is in your dream then no wish is too extreme"-Jiminy Cricket quote magnet
last years garden layout (to remind me how much space and how many rows I can plant)
"all that we are is a result of what we have thought" -Buddah quote magnet
a picture ton from a magazine of some earrings I'd like to duplicate
"when sleeping woman wake, mountains move" magnet
a heart drawing by my grandaughter

John Lennon magnet from the Rock Hall. The only time I visited was when they featured his life and work
instructions for building a simple solar oven
"remember, absent everything else, you are not" magnet
a drawing by my great niece that depicts me and my cat Oden
"What would love do now?" magnet
a list of positive affirmations to aid healing
"If the whole world were to follow you, would you be happy with where you took it?" magnet

"we are all one" magnet
a thank you card from my great niece with a very nice leaf mosaic
a framed flower photo taken by my daughter
kewpie magnets
advertising magnet for septic cleaning that reads, "a flush beats a full house." Cute slogan, eh?
"choose love" magnet.
a picture of great grandson Tyler
a "Happy Thanksgiving" card from grandson Luke

mountain sunrise drawing by grandson Luke
"to the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world" magnet

It appears a lot can be revealed about a person by their refrigerator decor. So dear readers, what's on your fridge?

Today

2009-01-16T13:19:00.002-05:00

The sun is streaming in the south facing windows, offering us some radiant heat on the inside and the illusion of warmth outside. Birds have been feasting on the suet we’ve hung out back. Downy woodpeckers, titmice, junkos, chickadees, nuthatch along with a few species unknown to me as yet. I watch and wonder just how these tiny inhabitants manage to keep from freezing.

I am thinking about and looking forward to my daughter and granddaughter arriving before long. Terrible cold to have to travel the 85 miles today, but this is Destiny’s weekend with her father. Kandice will be staying the night here along with her little dog Cubby Bear before heading home tomorrow. A cozy evening awaits us. Perhaps a good evening to open one of the bottles of honey mead my son and his wife gave us for Christmas. Oh yeah.

From the kitchen sweet red peppers sit on the counter and wait chopping to be added to the egg casserole I’ll be putting together for tonight’s dinner. Sausage is thawing as well to be made into sausage gravy to be eaten over biscuits along side the egg dish. Apples will be peeled, chopped and turned into fritters. It’s a good day for cooking.

I am wearing gray blue sweat pants and a pale blue turtleneck, dark blue socks and warm slippers.

Yesterday I began and finished a crocheted basket with wood bead accents. (The wooden bowl is a recent thrift store find. I just love it.)

Last night I finished a crocheted purse. And right now I’m creating a million other things in my mind. Now if I would just get some of my creations listed on etsy I’d feel a much bigger sense of accomplishment.

I am reading Pickled, Potted, Canned – How the Art and Science of Food Preserving Changed the World by Sue Shepherd. It’s a fascinating history of food preservation, a much appreciated gift from my daughter. She knows me too well. I am also reading Blackwood Farm by Anne Rice, a gift from my twin. I have not read any Anne Rice books for some years simple because I seldom delve into fiction anymore, but I was once an avid fan of her tales of old New Orleans and her legendary vampires and witches.

I am hoping the weather warms up and it will. Right now I am just thankful for the sunshine.

I am hearing the furnace blower pushing wonderful warmth up though the metal grates in the floor. The computer hums along as well. My days are generally quiet unless Coop turns on the tv to catch the local weather or I have the stereo on.

Around the house things are in order. My work is caught up and nothing is demanding my time or attention at the moment. That creates a wonderful sense of peace and well being.

A few plans for the weekend include reading, crocheting and perhaps some blogging. I am sure there is more that will fill my time, but for now doing not doing seems to be the plan. :)

pretty in pink

2009-01-13T19:27:00.002-05:00

Mom says I'm a natural. I'm not sure what that means but it sounds nice.

She also says not to let my charm and good looks fool you.
Maybe you can tell me...what is "a little devil"?

longing for green

2009-01-13T15:37:00.002-05:00

Outside it’s cloudy and cold with no warm up in the days ahead according to our local weather folks. We’re talking sub-zero nights. We're ready to hunker down and stay indoors for the next few days.

I feel as if if I've been neglecting my blog and I hate that. I have lots to talk about but seem to not be focused well on organizing my thoughts and actually sitting down and writing something. I have been feeling run down and lacking in ambition recently. I think it’s the cold and lack of sunlight. January is my worst month. I know this. I start getting cabin fever, can’t seem to get focused and feel discontent. I keep having visions of and the yearning for summer and green. (sigh) So.........

I planned the spring garden the other day. At least what we will plant. The plan is to keep it simpler this year with fewer and the most reliable varieties. Still, it will be a good sized garden, just with more of what I know will thrive. Again, primarily planting tomatoes, beans, peppers and squash. This year we may add corn and definitely potatoes. I’ll be ordering seeds within the next two weeks.

So I think it will go something like this:

* signifies a new variety we’ll be trying this year.

Tomatoes:

Brandywine for fresh eating. The good old fashioned true tomato flavor of these heirloom beefsteak tomatoes cannot be beat.

Amish Paste for canning, sauces, salsas, ketchup. I have had better luck and bigger crops with this paste tomato than any other plum tomato I’ve ever planted.

Cherokee Purple for juice, canning and fresh eating. These do very well with high yields. They are sweet and juicy, especially good for juice making. They’re great for fresh eating as well.

Peppers:

Tam Jalapeño for salsas and fresh eating s well as freezing and preserving. We love homemade poppers with cream cheese and bacon. They are awesome. This type of Jalapeño is milder than others.

*Pepperoncini for pickling.

*Buran, a sweet pepper that is said to be nearly sweet green as it is when it turns red. These will be for summer eating, stuffing, freezing and for in my sweet relish.

Beans & Beets:

Blue Lake bush beans for fresh eating, canning, freezing. These have proven successful for us and to be higher yielding than some varieties we’ve tried. We love ‘em!

*Cylindra beets are my choice this year for easy peeling and slicing. They grow in cylindrical shape rather than round. These come highly recommended by Fanny, our Amish friend. I can them, but have frozen them as well. Beets freeze extremely well and taste like fresh. Just thaw and eat if like me, you enjoy cold beets. Yum, my mouth is watering now. I do love beets!

Squash:

Waltham Butternut, my all time favorite. It’s a great keeper and meatier than Acorn IMO. I like to cook some up for in the freezer, too, just for convenience.

Zucchini is just a summer mainstay. We eat tons of it fresh throughout the summer. I admit I have a weakness for breaded fried zucchini dipped in ranch dressing. OMG, why am I torturing myself this way?! I freeze zucchini plus it’ the main ingredient in my sweet relishes. I also use it for making into pickle chunks and slices. I don’t even bother with cukes anymore.

Summer squash is a definite as well because we just love the flavor. I think it’s just a bit more flavorful than zucchini. It’s Coop’s favorite.

Along with these we’ll plant potatoes as mentioned, probably two varieties. I’m considering planting some corn this year since I’m limiting varieties and may have the room for a few rows. And of course, onions, lettuce and some herbs. I imagine by the time I send the order in something more may be added to the list. :)

a little Friday funny

2009-01-09T09:28:00.005-05:00

A cat died and went to heaven. God met her at the gates and said, "Because you have been such a good cat all these years, you may ask for anything and it's yours."

The cat thought on this for quite awhile and then said, "I have been a farm cat, always sleeping on hard wooden floors. I think I would like a soft, fluffy pillow to sleep on."

"Say no more!" said God and a fluffy pillow appeared instantly.

Just a few days later six little mice were killed in an accident and all arrived in Heaven together. God met them at the gates with the same offer he made the cat.

"Well," said the mice, "we have had to run all our lives from cats, dogs and even humans. If we could just have some little roller skates then we would never have to run again."

"It is done." replied God and immediately the six mice had beautiful little roller skates."

A week or two later God decided to check in on the cat. She was sound asleep on her pillow. God gently nudged her awake and asked. "How are things going, have you been happy?"

The cat replied, "OH my, it is wonderful! I have never been so happy as I am here. The pillow is magnificent and those little meals on wheels you've been sending over are just delicious!"

*Read in the Ohio Dairy Farmer newspaper.

good times with my girls

2009-01-07T13:19:00.003-05:00

whatever it was that we were laughing about...

it just got funnier...

and funnier!

(Thanks sis for taking these and bringing those smiles to my face again.)

that crazy chicken lady!

2009-01-02T17:20:00.002-05:00

JayeDee over at Life in the Lost World is one generous gal. Get on over and check out what she's giving away. Ok ok, enough arm twisting...she's giving away a $25 gift certificate to Heirloom Acre Seeds. Now that's a give away I can appreciate.

It’s Bacon!!

2009-01-01T19:06:00.005-05:00

Recently I posted here about the supply of pork we were fortunate to get when our Amish friends butchered a hog. It came on Christmas Eve, so Christmas day I was weighing, cutting and packaging pork. Since I had a slab of bacon in the lot, I was also scouring the net to find an easy way to cure it. I set it to cure on Christmas day, so it was no surprise that on New Year’s Day I would be finishing up the bacon making process.

There are several ways to make bacon, but regardless it’s with either a brine soak or a dry rub. I finally got the picture and decided to go with a dry rub for ease. I made my own simple rub from kosher salt, brown sugar and freshly ground black pepper.

For a slab of bacon weighing about 3 ½ pounds I used a mixture of;

4-5 T. kosher salt

1 ½ -2 T. ground black pepper

3-4 T. brown sugar

Mix well. The directions that follow were acquired online, although I was in too big of a hurry to save the url or make a note of it so unfortunately I can’t give credit where credit is due, a least not at this time. : (

After rinsing the pork well and patting it dry, I cut it into two pieces to make sure each piece fit into a gallon bag well. Next lay out your pork on a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper. Rub your mixture into the pork on both sides and into creases well. Once you’ve done this, place pork into gallon size Ziploc (or any other sealable) bags. Add any remaining rub and shake to distribute. Place bags onto a flat tray and refrigerate for 7 days, turning over every other day.

This is the bacon after 7 days in the fridge.

After 7 days the bacon should feel fairly firm to the touch. Take bacon from bags and rinse well under cold running water to remove excess spices. Pat dry.

And again after rinsing. Looks good!

Now, heat your oven to 200◦. Transfer the bacon into appropriately sized cake pan(s) and roast until meat is brown and internal temp is 150 – 160◦. This will take 2 – 2 ½ hours.

Remove bacon and place onto cutting board. With a large thin bladed knife you will remove the tough outer layer of skin.

a job for Cooper-man!

Allow bacon to rest until it has reached room temp. Once cooled, pat dry and wrap in wax paper and refrigerate. Or slice off a few pieces first to fry up like we did. : ) Once completely chilled, store in a plastic bag. It will keep up to 10 days refrigerated or up to 3 months in the freezer.

How did our bacon turn out you ask?

We were impressed and gobbled it up.

I was thrilled it wasn’t a failure since I’d never did a home cure before and even more thrilled at how good it was. Yay! Bacon with no harmful nitrites and nitrates! I can detect the taste of pepper and salt in this bacon but it’s not overpowering and definitely nowhere nearly as salty as commercial bacon. I may add a little more freshly ground pepper when I fry up the next skillet full. But even if I don’t, this is pretty darn good bacon. And the best part, besides doing it myself without the poisonous additives? It was easy!

resolutions of joy and wonder

2008-12-31T22:47:00.003-05:00

I’ve never been one given to making New Years resolutions. However the idea came to me today to make a few resolutions based on pleasure. Maybe the snow and cold have me thinking of things I regret not doing more of in the past couple of years, things that I truly enjoy that bring me a sense of beauty and wonder. Whatever the case may be, here are a few of my New Year’s resolutions for 2009.

my joy & wonder resolutions for 2009:

plant more flowers

grow more love

listen to music more often and dance and sing along!

spend more time on a blanket under the stars

smile more, laugh more

So, I bet you can think of a thing or two that brings you joy and wonder or are just plain fun. Things you’d like to do more of just for the sheer pleasure of it. Do tell!

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T11:36:00.004-05:00

Wishing you and yours a blessed & fulfilling New Year.

May your light shine brightly.
May peace abound.
May your dreams be realized.
May you embrace the challenges that come your way and in all things
May you be grateful & blessed.

what nourishes your spirit?

2008-12-29T00:54:00.007-05:00

For a lot of years my life was hustle bustle. I was either busy raising my children or working outside the home or both. I seldom did anything for myself; my life was so busy doing for others. Besides, I thought putting myself first was selfish…my family, job and home came first. There was seldom time or energy for me. A friend told me that she had to put her own needs first. I admitted to her that this (at that time) seemed selfish to me and I felt that one should be selfless in what they did. She proceeded to tell me her reasoning. She said that if she didn’t take care of herself first, how could she be effective in taking care of her family or anything else? It took me a long time to get that. I mean really get it. The only thing I did for myself was to drop into bed at night, exhausted from the day’s challenges. I began to resent all the demands on my time and energy.

It took awhile, but finally I got it. I realized that it was necessary to allow myself some personal time outs to be better; calmer, more patient, healthier, and more effective as a parent, a wife and an employee. You could say I finally recognized the value of my own well being and how that affected everything else. I decided (yes, it was a choice) to start being a little kinder and gentler with myself. I started taking time off from my job. Eventually I developed a meditation practice. I began journaling to find out who I was and what really mattered to me. I guess you can say that is when things began to change. I began seriously realizing my own value as a person and the value of time alone.

I’ve learned not to feel guilty when I take time for myself. Often in the middle a days worth of chores I will rest because that is what my body is telling me to do. I have learned to listen. Some days it’s a 20 minute catnap or a half hour on the sofa with my crocheting or a cup of coffee and a book. Some days just a little time in the fresh air connecting with nature or time spent here, connecting with all of you is just what I need. We all need to nurture and renew our spirit. When we neglect to do so, we can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and/or resentful, stressed out, anxious, angry, tired, depressed and/or physically ill.

Managing your time is important if not crucial to establishing guilt free time for yourself as well as staying on top of responsibilities. For me, this is where list making is important. Either before I go to bed or when I get up in the morning and am having my first cup of coffee, I sit down at the table with pen and paper and make a “to do” list for that day or the next.

Knowing how I am about making extended lists, I will either make two columns; one for the “must do” priorities and another for the other things I hope to accomplish that day but aren’t as important. Or I will make one long list and put a little star beside the priorities. I do the best I can and most days accomplish more than I expected to. Other days I may not do as much, but I don’t lose any sleep over that fact. I just add those things to the next day or another. Sometimes I get caught up enough that I can take an unplanned day just for doing what I like; sewing, puttering, writing or spending time with friends. But again, managing your time is what gets you there.

Later in the week I hope to talk about why simple living is smarter living and how it frees up more of your time and energy. In the meantime, think about what nourishes and renews your spirit. If you’re not sure then be direct and ask yourself. Try to discover those things that bring you joy, relaxation and other positive feelings. It could be a craft or hobby, journaling, reading, walking, relaxing to music or any number of things. Add one or two of them to your daily list as a reminder that they are just as important as anything else you do and then do them. Practice doing not doing…you’ll thank yourself. : )

and now we return to your normally scheduled broadcast

2008-12-25T18:25:00.004-05:00

No matter how you celebrated, I hope your holiday was/is filled with love.

Our Solstice Eve was shared with my niece and her husband as well as our daughter, son in law and grandaughter. Later in the evening after coming home from my niece's, my twin sis, her husband and our friend Bill came out and spent the evening with us, rounding out the day.

On Tuesday following Solstice we met our daughter in law half way between our homes and brought the two older (5 and 7 years) grandsons home with us, after a nice lunch with all three and their mom. Tuesday consisted of playing games, making chocolate dipped pretzels and having pizza for supper, followed by ice cream!

On Christmas Eve, with boys in tow, we drove to our daughters to house to spend the afternoon and evening with our family and to return the boys to their parents as well as bring our grandaughter home with us in order to get her to her biological dad's this morning for his holiday visitation. It was late when we got back home last night, about 10:30. When I let the dog out I found a note stuck in our front door. It read, "Don't Delay" on the front. I thought, what the heck? It was from our Amish friend Sam letting us know they had butchered a hog and no matter how late, we should get over there and get what we wanted because tomorrow may be too late, it was first come, first serve. We had told them we'd take some of the pork when they butchered, but thought we might get more notice than that!

So, with the car still warm and the money in his pocket, Coop headed the mile or two to Sam's to see what he could get. He came home with a bag containing over 20 pounds of casing sausage, a couple of pounds of bulk sausage, plus loins and a bone-in slab. Oh yeah and a slab of pork belly to make into bacon. We stored it all in the garage overnight to stay cool and this morning I got to work. First cutting appropriate sized links of sausage for freezing...

then taking these loin pieces and slicing some thick chops as well as a roast. The bony piece was cut in half for roasts...I'm thinking pork and kraut here. I made a dry cure of salt, brown sugar and freshly ground black pepper for the bacon. I've never cured bacon before, so hopefully this will turn out well. Once cured we'll smoke it on the grill or dry it in the oven.

I had planned a more productive day, but after lunch a nap was just too irresistible. After the busyness of the past week, I guess there's nothing wrong with that and finding myself happy to be here at home where it is just the two of us with our dog and cats and the peace and quiet and nothing needing my immediate attention. I admit, no matter how I miss them and how happy I am to spend time with my family, I am always happy to return home as well. Tonight there are dishes to be done and a floor to be swept among other things, but these things will still be here tomorrow. For tonight, I think I hear the sofa calling me back, along with a good read and a cup of tea. A peaceful night awaits. I wish you the same as well.

welcome winter!

2008-12-21T20:32:00.000-05:00

For the first time in many days we awakened to sunshine streaming in the windows. There was the illusion of warmth outside all morning and afternoon, despite increasing wind and cold. The last time we checked the temperature (about 7:30 PM) it was 0, so far the coldest night we've seen. Welcome Winter and the longest night!

Happy Solstice to all and to all a goodnight!

the shortest day

2008-12-19T22:40:00.006-05:00

Around the homestead this week I have been preparing for the Solstice weekend and Christmas Eve. The last of the cookies have been baked and frosted and all goodies divvied up to take to this house and that. Gifts have been wrapped as well. Today I made my standard cheese spread (recipe below), as well as spinach dip and baked a big round loaf of pumpernickel bread to serve with the spinach dip. These will be my contribution to the Solstice Eve gathering we will attend Saturday, as well as an assortment of cookies and candy.

The week has been busy, despite my overall preparedness. Last minute details require attention even with the best laid plans. :) I'll likely be away from my computer for the most part of the next week to spend time with family and friends. In the meantime I leave you with this recipe...

Easy Cheese Spread

8 oz. cram cheese softened
1 small jar green olives (4-6 ounces) chopped fine
6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp. minced onion
1 1/2 - 2 Tbsp. Hot Sauce such as Frank's or Tobasco. More to taste if preferred.

Mix all together and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with a variety of crackers.

...and some poetic thoughts on this festive occasion and the season of winter.

"So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us - Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!"
- Susan Cooper, The Shortest Day

***

"Before going to bed
After a fall of snow
I look out on the field
Shining there in the moonlight
So calm, untouched and white
Snow silence fills my head
After I leave the window.

Hours later near dawn
When I look down again
The whole landscape has changed
The perfect surface gone
Criss-crossed and written on
where the wild creatures ranged
while the moon rose and shone.

why did my dog not bark?
Why did I hear no sound
There on the snow-locked ground
In the tumultuous dark?

How much can come, how much can go
When the December moon is bright,
What worlds of play we'll never know
Sleeping away the cold white night
After a fall of snow."
- May Sarton, December Moon

***

"It is the middle of December.
The nights are longer, the weather is colder, winter comes.

Celebration is at hand.
Renewing bonds of friendship.
Visiting with family and friends.
Exchanging gifts with loved ones.
Candles, Dolls, Cookies, Sweets, Holly, Wreaths of Green.
Surprises.

Courts close. Battles stop.
Time off from school and work.
Holiday Break.

Singing, Dancing, Games, Merry-Making.
Food ... Lots of Food and Drink.
Great Feasts and Parties.

To celebrate the Sun, the Land, the Ancient Ones, the great Circle of Nature.
To welcome in the Winter and the New Year.
To bring forth renewal, peace, and joy.

Solstice Present .... Solstice Past.
This is the legacy of Saturnalia,
weeklong Pagan Winter Solstice Festival of Ancient Rome.

Saturnalia, your spirit and these traditions live on
in the world today
in Christmas feasts and New Year's parties,
in our Winter Solstice celebration tonight.

Bless our connection with the ancients.
Bless our connection with each other.
Bless our connection with future generations.

We rejoice.
Io, Saturnalia!
Io, Saturnalia!
Io, Saturnalia!"
- Selena Fox, Saturnalia

and so this is Christmas

2008-12-14T12:02:00.002-05:00

The full Solstice Moon has been shining its magic on us the past few nights, reflecting off the snow covered ground and lighting the woods behind our home. How magnificent it has been to see deer grazing and sauntering though the woods at midnight or to see them nibbling berries from the fire bush and frolicking outside our front door. This is one of the gifts of the season and the full moon.

We celebrate the season in various ways and for various reasons. No matter how or why, we can agree that this is a most sacred time of the year. As we make celebratory preparations I thought it would be interesting to share the history of how this special holiday season came to be and how it has evolved over the years.

From The History Channel...

An Ancient Holiday

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

Saturnalia

In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra's birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today's Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the "lord of misrule" and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined "debt" to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.

An Outlaw Christmas

In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America's new constitution. Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

Irving Reinvents Christmas

It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city's first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving's mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving's fictitious celebrants enjoyed "ancient customs," including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving's book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended – in fact, many historians say that Irving's account actually "invented" tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

A Christmas Carol

Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story's message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to "spoil" them.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving.

Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.

sweet things

2008-12-11T14:01:00.006-05:00

It used to be that every year beginning in October I would begin baking and candy making for the holidays. By the time the festive days arrived I would have a freezer full of sweet delights to fill baskets for family, friends and neighbors. Over the years life got so busy that I no longer was devoted to this yearly tradition. This year I decided to rekindle that creative spark. Not to the point of starting in October, but I have done more baking and candy making this year than for many a year. I guess it's taken me this long to settle into the fact that I now have the time, therefor the inclination to do this.

Aside from the double batch of mints I shared with you the other day, yesterday morning I was busy working on these....

white chocolate wafers made with crushed peppermint candy canes.

and a few peppermint turtles for the little ones.

Plain milk chocolate wafers

and some peanut raisin clusters.

Can't forget the dark chocolate and coconut haystacks.

And today I made chewy oatmeal cookies. Actually I used spelt flakes in place of the oatmeal and cranberries in place of raisins. Oooh, they are so good!

My recipe is almost identical to the one Juli posted over at Barefoot Gypsy blog if you'd like to check it out. Here's mine:

Chewy Spelt (or Oatmeal) Cookies

Cream together:
1 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar (packed)

Mix in:
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

In a separate bowl mix:
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt

Add the dry mixture a bit at a time to the wet mix.

When well blended add:
3 cups oats or spelt flakes
1 1/2 - 2 cups raisins or dried cranberries. (I use one 6 ounce package of dried cranberries.)

Drop by well rounded teaspoonful onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes at 375.

These cookies were just what I needed to satisfy my craving for soft oatmeal cookies, oh yeah.

I want candy!

2008-12-08T19:17:00.005-05:00

This is what I was making earlier today...

mints.

and then, more mints.

So, I'm making candy and singing tunes to all these old songs that reference candy (in one way or another). I thought of (bear with me, I'm older than some of you):

Candy Man by Roy Orbison
The Candy Man by Sammy Davies Jr.
Candy Girl by The Four Seasons- heh heh, I had the DJ play this at my daughter Kandice's wedding, lol!
I Want Candy by Aaron Carter

I got stumped, ok? :) So, in good faith I will exchange my mint candy recipe for any "candy" songs you might think of. And well, if you can't think of any, shucks, you can still have the recipe, ok?

*************

My dear MIL taught me a lot about candy making. Mostly that much of it is pretty simple. I have been thinking of her a lot and missing her as well. The winter holidays were what she lived for I think. She was seldom if ever idle, always cooking, baking or making candy. She was quite the lady who taught me a lot and continues to inspire me. This is one of her most used recipes and one we have kept somewhat traditional. The woman was always making candy and made tens of thousands of these mints over the years for weddings and showers and the holidays.

Cream Cheese Mints
very, very tasty.

Blend 3 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Add 8 drops mint oil of your choosing. We love wintergreen. Add food coloring if desired. Mix it all up. I use my hands. Really mix it up and if it's too sticky add more powdered sugar. You want it like playdough consistency. Pinch off pieces and roll granulated sugar and mold in rubber molds. If you don't have or can't find rubber molds, you can just roll into balls, roll in granulated sugar and flatten or pat out and cut with mini cookie cutters. I would dip the cutter in powdered sugar before cutting to prevent any sticking.

Once shaped let air dry until a bit crusty on top, about 2 hours. These can be frozen up to 6 months. Just layer between sheets of wax paper. Don't use foil or saran wrap. When thawing, open box and remove layers of mints and let air dry for about an hour.

a little catching up

2008-12-05T10:39:00.005-05:00

Thank goodness I didn’t make plans for having a big family dinner on Thanksgiving because I started to come down with a flu bug precisely on Thanksgiving. I am much improved now, with the exception of some lingering congestion that’s keeping the Kleenex makers in business.

I am so far behind on blog reading that I may never catch up. But I have been catching up around the house and finishing hand made gifts. This week I’ve been cooking quite a lot, also, trying to make up for the past week when I did very little. Since we went out for Thanksgiving I didn’t have leftovers to feed DH while I was sick. This week the guy has been well fed. Today pork ribs and kraut in the crock pot.

Aside from baking cookies and making popcorn balls and some candy, the holiday gifts are just about ready to be wrapped up. I’ll be heading over to the nearby bulk food store this morning to get a few supplies for candy making. Next week I’ll begin baking and candy making. The popcorn balls will be made just before Solstice.

My son called the other night and they will be postponing their visit until next weekend, which actually works better for us as well. Our landlord/neighbors have left to spend the remainder of winter in their Florida home so now we have the farm completely to ourselves until about March. Hunters have been around more now that gun season is open. I always wonder what it is about “NO HUNTING or TRESPASSING” that they don’t understand. There doesn’t seem to be as many deer this year as the past two since we’ve been back here.

There’s really not much going on here in our neck of the woods. I just wanted to let you all know I was alive and well and hoping soon to get back into the swing of things here in blogland. : )

Have a great weekend dear friends! And now, for your viewing pleasure…

a gift for a day

2008-12-04T21:58:00.003-05:00

Brighter Planet has allocated 25 One Day gifts for me to divvy out, allowing you to be carbon neutral for a day. Just click on the link below. First come, first serve!

simple woman’s daybook

2008-12-02T13:29:00.002-05:00

Outside my window a mix of clouds and sun and still some white remains from last night’s snowfall. Gray-blue titmice with their buff colored chubby bellies flutter in and out of my front porch, snatching bits of food from the cat’s bowl.

I am thinking of the rest of the week ahead and hoping my energy and ambition increases.

I am thankful that the holiday weekend is now over and routines can be re-established..

From the kitchen sausage stuffed peppers and tomatoes are thawing for some crockpot cooking.

I am wearing a red knit Henley and gray sweatpants.

I am reading the latest Mother Earth News as well as several books I have been jumping between for the past month or more. I think I will dedicate myself to finishing at least one before the end of the month.

I am hoping I start feeling even better now that the worst of the flu has past.

I am creating a mini pillow pal stuffed toy for my great niece.

I am hearing Oden (aka Detroit…will elaborate on that a little later) making tribble like sounds as he scampers through the house looking for trouble. Or rather, stirring up trouble.

Around the house... catching up on routine chores and puttering. Organized the freezer shelves, packaged soaps for gift giving and various small jobs.

One of my favorite things is being caught up on household tasks and as the sun goes down lighting some candles and having nothing better to do than snuggle down on the couch with a book or a crochet project, content with my world.

I am looking forward to a visit from my son, daughter in law and grandsons this weekend.

A few plans for the weekend…see above. :)

let us be grateful

2008-11-26T09:46:00.002-05:00

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
~ Marcel Proust ~

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
~ Melody Beattie ~

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."
~ Epictetus ~

"Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build their philosophy of life."
~ A. J. Cronin ~

Our Favorite Molasses Cookies

2008-11-25T10:48:00.003-05:00

photo by dovetailbakery

My mother was a most excellent baker. I remember my very favorite cookie as a kid was her molasses cut outs. I was never able to duplicate her recipe to make them quite as perfect as hers. Finally, I tried a recipe from an old church recipe book I purchased in the late 70's. It has now become a favorite with my family. The recipe is easy and one you can mix ahead and refrigerate. I hope you'll enjoy these cookies as much as we do! Psst...the original recipe didn't call for black strap and you can use whatever you have, but I think the secret to their true molasses goodness is in using dark, rich black strap molasses.

Molasses Cookies

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup molasses - preferably black strap
1 egg
2 tsp. baking soda
2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt

Melt shortening in a 3 or 4 quart saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and let cool. Add sugar, molasses and egg; beat well. Sift together flour, soda, salt and spices. Add to first mixture. Mix well, then chill. Form into 1" balls, roll in granulated sugar and place on greased cookie sheet two inches apart. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. (Check at 8 minutes as that is how long I usually bake these.)

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.

Xylitol dangerous for dogs

2008-11-25T10:14:00.004-05:00

The following article is from March of 07 but, it's something I was not aware of.

By Sharon L. Peters, Special for USA TODAY

A sugar substitute found in a variety of sugar-free and dietetic cookies, mints and chewing gum is proving highly toxic, even fatal, to snack-snatching dogs.

Xylitol, popular in Europe for decades but a relative newcomer to the U.S. alternative-sweeteners market, can be "very, very serious" to dogs when ingested, says Dana Farbman, spokeswoman for the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"It doesn't take a whole lot (of xylitol), and the effects are so rapid that the window of opportunity to treat the dog is extremely small," Farbman says.

The ASPCA sent an advisory to veterinarians last August warning them about the potential for serious harm or death. Veterinarians have used a variety of means to get the word out, including posting signs in their offices and making copies of the bulletin for clients to augment the caution the ASPCA has posted on its website.

Concerned that millions of people are still unaware of the risk, veterinarians with forums for widespread public announcements are spreading the word that way as well. Among them: Miami veterinarian Patty Khuly wrote about the problem on her doolittler.com blog, and Colorado Springs veterinarian Anne Pierce devoted her entire weekly newspaper column a week ago to xylitol.

Within 30 minutes of consuming a small amount of a xylitol-sweetened product, the ASPCA says, dogs can experience a dramatic drop in blood sugar, and they usually begin vomiting, become lethargic and can have difficulty standing or walking. Some have seizures, develop internal hemorrhaging and lesions and suffer liver failure. As few as two or three sticks of xylitol gum could be toxic to a 20-pound dog, the ASPCA says.

Immediate and aggressive veterinary treatment, which includes glucose drips and IV fluids, has proved effective in many cases.

The ASPCA's poison control unit is aware of 10 dog deaths from xylitol since 2002, and it has received scores of reports of dogs becoming gravely ill. But only a fraction of veterinarians and consumers alert the ASPCA when a dog becomes ill or dies from toxins, and there is no national clearinghouse tracking xylitol-suspected toxic reactions.

Moreover, it's not always entirely clear what caused the problem when a dog arrives at a veterinarian's office with seizures or liver failure. "I suspect that there are more cases than we know about because they come in with liver failure, and the owner is not aware of what has been ingested," Pierce says.

She believes that xylitol ingestion is "an emerging problem" and that the number of cases probably will increase with time, "depending on how widespread xylitol as a sweetener becomes."

Xylitol is an all-natural sugar substitute derived from beets, birch tree bark, corncobs and other natural sources. It's as sweet as sugar but has 40% fewer calories. Unlike sugar, xylitol does not require insulin to be metabolized.

Right now, xylitol is used mostly in cookies, candies, cupcakes and other sweets developed for people who have diabetes. It's also sold in bags of crystals for baking. Because of its bacteria-killing properties, it is put into some oral care products, including Tom's All Natural and Biotene toothpastes.

It also is beginning to be used in a broad assortment of products intended for the general public. Among them: Jello sugar-free puddings and a wide variety of sugar-free gums, including Trident, Orbit, Stride, Icebreakers and Altoids.

Makers of products with xylitol say their products are designed for people, including diabetes patients, who are seeking an alternative to sugar; they were never recommended for dogs and were never intended to be ingested by dogs. Owners should be careful because some dogs, Khuly says, "get into just about everything and eat everything they find."

There is no indication that any of the other sweeteners on the market adversely affect dogs. And there is no evidence so far that xylitol is toxic to pets other than dogs. But cats, for example, don't scavenge for sweets as dogs do, so it's possible there are risks that have not yet been discovered. For now, veterinarians advise pet owners to keep xylitol away from all animals.

this place has gone to the dogs!

2008-11-22T19:03:00.008-05:00

Timmy (my dog), Kandice with Cubby Bear on her lap and Stetson.

Well the place had gone to the dogs, but now the grandogs have headed home with their people and the house is quiet again. The dishes are caught up, the house straightened up, Coop is watching tv and the animals are all napping. Kandice is improved as for the pluerisy, but on medication to ease the symptoms. I'm hoping she shows much more improvement over the coming week.

This is Stetson, the rescue dog the kids adopted at the same time they found Timmy for us. He's half German shepherd, half Shar-Pei and one big baby. But when he barks it rattles the nerves because he's loud and sounds so fierce. Helluva watch dog. Then there's little Cubby Bear (below), a rescue dog as well. He's small but with a ton of personality. He's a chair thief, too, at least when it comes to my chair.

I got to spend all day yesterday with my daughter and grandaughter (and grandogs) while Tom went in to the hospital to spend the day with his mom. Good news, his mom is ok and did not have a stroke. My understanding is that it was an erratic heart rhythm and blood pressure drop (not sure about what brought it on). She is on medication now that seems to be working.

More good news! My sister got her results this morning and there were no signs of cancer or abnormal cell change. Reason to celebrate! I'm so thankful for the good news and also want to thank those of you who sent good thoughts and prayers regarding the family's well being. You know who you are. :)

Tomorrow we'll be attending the memorial for Coop's dear brother in law. I imagine it will be a time of catching up with family as well as a time of mourning. It's a shame that so often it takes a death to gather the family together. That is something Coop and I have talked about recently ...taking the time to stop in and visit sisters and brothers more often, an early New Year's resolution I guess.

This white tail was just outside the kitchen window this afternoon. A site we're seeing more regularly now that the view through the woods is clear. We saw three beautiful buck just beyond the creek the other day. Just one of the gifts winter brings. I love this country life.

brought to you by the Letter "H"

2008-11-22T11:04:00.004-05:00

I know, I know, what the blogging community needs is another meme. : ) This one is voluntary. I picked it up over at A Cowboy’s Wife. She gave me the letter “H”.

The rules if you want to play along: Leave me a comment so I can assign you a letter. Then list on your blog ten things you love that begin with that letter.
It’s just for fun and no one is obligated.

“H”

1. Husband – he is probably the one and only man that could have put up with me through the past 29 years. (and vice versa, lol) We have been through it all and then some.

2. Hugs – everybody wants them and needs them, too. When I was younger I was never much of a hugger, growing up in a home where affections were not outwardly shown. It took a lot of years for me to become a hugger and now I try to make up for it.

3. Home – it’s where my heart is and always has been. Throughout the years I worked outside the home, all I ever wanted was to be home. Now home is where I am and that makes me very happy. I have been accused of being reclusive. What’s wrong with that I ask?

4. Harvest – growing and gathering and experiencing the result of all our homesteading efforts.

5. Herbs – I love all aspects of herbs, from growing, gathering and drying to using them to enhance cooking, to aid healing, …I just love herbs!

6. Homosapiens – some better than others, but for the most part I love us!

7. Heartland of Ohio – truly, I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be. Yes, we get the cold in the winter and have occasional tornados, but we get to experience all four seasons in dramatic ways plus, we don’t get killer earthquakes, hurricanes, (well, not until recently), mudslides, large forest fires, tsunamis, monsoons, etc. We don’t have too many poisonous snakes or bugs, either. Plus we have fireflies and glow worms!

8. Hearing – knowing what I would miss, I would not want to never hear music, the sound of a baby laugh, the song of a bird or the rustle of leaves.

9. Honesty – I place a higher value on this than most morals. You can hurt me in a lot of ways and I can forgive, but I find dishonesty a hard one to let go of.

10. Heroes – not the glorified super star kind but the everyday kind; firefighters, stewards of the land, moms who struggle against the odds, REAL heroes.

I really liked this meme. It certainly gave me a moment to reflect and consider some of the things that truly matter. Thanks Barb!

simple woman’s daybook

2008-11-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

For Today...

Outside my window the sun is shining and a heavy blanket of snow has softened the landscape. It’s beautiful.

I am thinking of family and hoping all are holding up; my husband’s brother in law passed away this week, my daughter was in the ER the other night suffering from a bad case of pleurisy, her mother in law is in ICU this morning with a presumed stroke and my twin sister is awaiting results to confirm she doesn’t have cancer.

I am thankful for everything that makes life what it is, because without darkness, we would not know or appreciate the light.

From the kitchen I smell the spiciness of apple pie filling just made.

I am wearing my blue thermal nightgown and an apron, lol!

I am reading my “to do” list

I am hoping the weather warms up a bit and the roads stay clear.

I am creating pies; Dutch apple and apple cranberry.

I am hearing the refrigerator humming and the dog snoring.

Around the house... I am waiting for my daughter, her DH and my grandaughter to arrive with dogs in tow for the weekend.

One of my favorite things is not thinking too hard.

I am looking forward to a nice warm shower and a piece of pie and seeing my family.

A few plans for the weekend…attending BIL’s memorial service, feeding and housing the kids.

Hope your weekend is filled with love and light.

a little craftiness

2008-11-20T22:35:00.006-05:00

I've opened new etsy shop by the name of Homestead Hippie. Well, to be honest there's nothing there just yet, but these are some of the things I've been working on.

This bag is completely lined with off white canvas and amply sized. The handle and side gussets are one piece and made from macrame' cord so it's sturdy, strong and won't stretch out.

The poncho is a one size fits most. The colors are not true in the photo. It's actually turquoise, coral and sand and much prettier in person. Very southwestern.

This is my favorite bag, made from bits and pieces of yarn in a classic granny style. The handle is 4 crocheted chains woven together to make two, then the two are bound into one with hemp cord for strength and a rustic look. I added a flap pocket to the inside. I love the big, vintage button closure.

The tie died look of this cotton bag is quite hippie dippy and the cool things is...

you can use it as a shoulder bag or a hand held bag with dual straps.
Again, the colors aren't quite true, it's not as bright as picture shows.
The bag is actually bigger than it appears.
I love the way it forms a natural gusset affect when closed.

That's all. Just wanted to share. :) Thanks for looking.

Odin finds a home

2008-11-18T22:09:00.005-05:00

When the man saw me curled up on the road in the snow, I got scared and ran from the big sound. But he stopped and got out of the car and he knew the secret words, "kitty kitty." That's when I knew he was my savior, so I ran right to him. He took me to his house and this nice lady fed me and bathed me and now I am happy to be safe, full and warm and have a lap to curl up on. Heck, they even gave me my own potty because I couldn't get into the big one. But even with all the good, I sure do miss the familiarity of other cats like myself.

These people are real nice but their other animals don't seem too sure about me. I feel happy but still kind of alone so I cry a lot. All I want is to be friends and play and curl up together. See what I mean? Arther (that's what these folks call this big guy) won't even look at me.

I just couldn't take it anymore, I had to try and in doing so face the possibility of complete rejection. Arther wasn't too sure about it when I nuzzled up next to him...I thought he might take a hike...

and he was kind of taken aback, but I didn't give up...nope, not me...

and pretty soon the big guy gave in and said it was ok if I slept there with him.
I guess he just couldn't resist me. I notice I have that affect on others.
Now I am feeling real comfortable here, real comfotable.

p.s. They named me Odin.

it's all about meme

2008-11-18T15:52:00.001-05:00

First Tracy over at Is It A Full Moon or What? presented me with the Kreativ Blogger award and tagged me to reveal 6 things about myself. Thank you Tracy! I am honored. And I must apologize for being so lax in responding.

Then both Granny Sue from Granny Sue's News & Reviews and Country Wife over at Country Life with Country Wife tagged me to post 6 things. So does that mean I have to think of 18 things about myself??? :) I'll do my best to comply.

If you're reading this, consider yourself awarded and tagged if you haven't been already. I just can't pick a handful of ya when you're all so creative, talented and interesting. Just post a comment and let me know so I can read your 6 things. Go ahead, pick up that award for yourself, ok?

Here are the rules that I'm bending:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

And here are my revelations. By golly I actually thought of 18!

1. I've never owned a dishwasher in my life.
2. I only wear a bra when the occasion demands and that's not often.
3. I lust in my heart for Johnny Depp.
4. I have a thing about pink...just in case you didn't know.
5. I kicked the Pepsi habit twice, the second time for good.
6. I'm a compulsive list maker.
7. I absolutely love fresh pineapple.
8. I love words, books and writing for the sheer pleasure of expressing myself.
9. My first job was as an apple picker at the age of 14.
10. I don't do seafood except for the occasional fish sandwich.
11. I loathed being a teenager.
12. Before my children were born (and prior to the days of ultrasound) I knew (without a doubt) whether they were a boy or girl. In fact I dreamed about my son before his birth and knew exactly what he would look like and he was identical in every way.
13. Both times I gave birth it was in the spring and on a Thursday.
14. I have always had a desire to sky dive, but...
15. I'm also afraid of heights, go figure!
16. I had my picture in an automotive industry magazine back in the early 90's. Yeah, all suited up like a Hazmat official and painting a door panel.
17. I suck at the drums when playing Rock Band.
18. I have a guitar but have never learned to play it.

Hand Made Soap the easy way

2008-11-17T13:47:00.004-05:00

This is a small batch "blender recipe" that will give you 5-6 bars of castile soap. I have made this several times and it has never failed me. Credit for this recipe must be given to Phill at city mouse country house. The directions are copied and pasted from the original from Phill who says this is a recipe he developed by learning from friends like Peggy at Hidden Haven Homestead.

Lye is the active ingredient in home made soap making unless you are using the melt and pour recipes or kits. Lye is a caustic chemical so it must be properly handled. Don't be afraid, but be safe and take precautions such as wearing latex gloves and avoiding the fumes.

Castile soap is Olive Oil soap. Some say the blender and the containers that you use to make the soap should not ever be used for anything else. I tend to disagree here as it’s just soap. Safety goggles are a good idea too. Do not allow lye to come into contact with anything because it corrodes. DO NOT use metal measurers or containers for the very same reason.

Soap always contains three things - a fat (olive oil, in this case), a liquid (water, milk, tea), and lye (sodium hydroxide). Lye is available from online suppliers. It is usually very difficult to find locally. Believe me I have tried. Where it once used to be a common hardware or grocery store item, it has been removed from the local markets because of its use in illegal drug making. This is the same reason crystal drain opener is not made with lye anymore. I was fortunate enough to have an Amish neighbor provide me with lye for my soap making.

my latest batch...lavender with oatmeal

Basic All-Natural Castile Oatmeal Soap, Blender Batch

3/4 Cup Water (put it in the freezer until almost frozen)
4 1/2 tablespoons Lye Crystals (I measure ahead and place into a small glass ramekin until ready to use)
2 Cups Olive Oil (not evoo, just cheap olive oil. Again, measure and have at hand)
1/2 Cup Ground Oatmeal (I use closer to a cup)
1/2 Ounce of Essential Oil Scent (optional)
Some sort of mold

1. Grind your oatmeal in the blender beforehand. You can decide how chunky or powdery you would like it.

2. Put your 3/4 cup water in a heat-safe container (I use pyrex so it's an automatic measure). Place this in the freezer until the water just begins to freeze around the edges. Add in your 4 1/2 tablespoons lye crystals slowly and carefully. No splashing. Best to do this in a well ventilated area or perhaps outside - there are fumes. Stir well, very gently for a few minutes. The liquid will seriously heat up. Let is sit, well ventilated until it cools down a little. I insert a glass thermometer but a good indicator is waiting until the liquid is clear and the cloudiness disappears. You want to let the lye mixture cool down to around 100 to 120 degrees. Again, wear gloves, and do not touch it.

3. While the lye/water mixture is cooling, pour your 2 cups of Olive Oil into the blender. When cool enough, carefully pour the cooled lye/water mixture into the blender and put the top on. I cover the top with a towel for extra safety. On low, start blending the mixture together. It will reach "trace" in a minute or two. "Trace" is when it starts to thicken, the consistency of thick cream. Wait ten seconds before you take the top off - you know how a blender sometimes "burps" after it stops. Take the top off and add your ground oatmeal and essential oil "at trace." Put the top (and towel) back on, and blend for a few seconds to mix in the scent and oats. Don't go nuts and don't blend it too much - Once you reach trace, this stuff will thicken quickly, and you need to be able to pour it. Ideally, it's thin enough to pour, but not too thin. The consistency of a cake batter would be good.

4. Have your mold(s) ready beforehand. You can use anything flexible. They sell soap molds in craft stores; you can line a cardboard box with piece of a tough trash bag, or use old yogurt or sour cream containers. Could be anything as long as it is plastic and you could pour roughly the size of a bar of soap into it. If you used small plastic yogurt cups, pouring about an inch of liquid in each would make about six or seven. Or you could pour it all into one larger plastic thing (like one of those glad containers) and cut it into bars later.

5. Again, wait a few seconds before taking the towel and top off in case the liquid "burps." Carefully take the top off of the blender and pour about an inch into each mold.

6. Soap has to cure. Put it up out of the way and let it sit for three weeks. Most folks say the longer it sits the better it gets. Do not use the soap before it has properly aged. If you used one big mold and need to cut it into pieces, pop it out after a few days and cut it up, then put it away to cure. If you used smaller molds, pop it out after a few days and put it away to cure. Place the bars on something that will allow them to breathe, or at least stand them on end with a little space in between - they need air.

7. Keep the gloves on and carefully wash everything up.

This whole process takes about ten/fifteen minutes per batch. I've found the natural soap is wonderful and has been a miracle for dry skin. I find that rose essential oil goes well with thus oatmeal recipe, although most often I make it without scent.

Additional notes from city mouse- I've found really inexpensive olive oil/soy mixes in the dollar store. They work fine. Don't go for expensive olive oil - It doesn't matter. Also, you can mix oils. I've melted cocoa butter and subbed that for part of the olive oil (cocoa butter makes an extremely hard bar). You can melt down shortening and use that. Old timers used lard. Each oil has a different property, and you can combine the properties by combining oils. I've tried different combinations, but I honestly prefer the plain old olive oil. It seems to be the best for moisturizing. If you use a different oil, use an online lye calculator to check the amount of lye - different oils require different amounts of lye.
Here's a description of what each oil does - http://www.colebrothers.com/soap/oils.html
Here's an online lye calculator- http://www.the-sage.com/calcs/lyecalc2.php

sunday

2008-11-16T09:55:00.006-05:00

On Friday homemade pie fillings (apple, cherry and raspberry as well as pumpkin) were made and nine pies baked. (I forgot to take pics of the pies but then you have seen my pies before.) Yesterday eight pies were delivered and one was eaten. Last night the customer called me personally to thank me and tell me (after sampling the cherry) that it was the best pie and flakiest pie crust he had ever eaten. That was so thoughtful and nice and sure did make my day.

Outside the kitchen window evidence shows that old man winter arrived last night and left a sampling of greater things to come.

Today I will take a break and not overtax myself. The cold along with a lot of dough making and rolling has my hands suffering a bit from arthritis. My main objective for today is to stay warm and count my blessings. Wherever you are I hope you are safe and warm and counting your blessings as well.

Ohio Amish Country part 3 - the final episode

2008-11-16T08:59:00.007-05:00

After leaving Kidron and heading further into Holmes county to Mt. Hope and beyond, we stopped by a bulk food store where I was able to purchase a couple beeswax tarts I will grate and use to make salves or balms. Although I didn't take a photo of the store, I couldn't help but photograph these beauties who were in the pasture at the edge of the parking lot out front of the store.

All our stops were in strictly rural areas as that's about all there is in Amish country. And on every road you saw the corn shocks gathered the Amish way. I love seeing these every fall. I had to snap these from the car, but you get the picture.

Our next stop was further south at Heini's Cheese. We got to sample every kind of cheese they make and let me tell you, that is near impossible as there are dozens and dozens. They also make fudge, so we sampled some of that as well.

We came out of Heini's with a log of smoked cheddar and a pound of Lebanon bologna...so good.
Then across the road to this Amish bakery...

where we had coffee and some cookies. As I think I've mentioned, the Amish are more liberal in these parts than they are in my home area. Proof is in this gal driving the mower to haul her wagon of supplies. I even saw an Amish girl on a cell phone at one stop. But being in business, they are more worldly and these modern conveniences go hand in hand with that.

Here's just one side of the bread aisle. There were samples here as well. :)))

I wasn't about to buy this shirt, but sure had to take a picture of it. Not only is it funny in and of itself, but I find just as much humor in the fact that the Amish are the ones selling it. But, they are pretty savvy business folks around the area and a dollar is a dollar.

Our journey through the heartland was about over with the exception of a stop at a health food store that sold bulk goods and cheeses as well. A pound of colby and a half pound of pepper jack later, along with some herbal capsules we were back in the van and heading home.

Ohio Amish Country part 2 inside Lehmans

2008-11-14T23:06:00.007-05:00

Lehman's storefront. Even on a Thursday the place was pretty busy. I'm thinking it's busy jut about every day. I spent a whole $6 that day, but oh how tempting it was to purchase more.

Here we have your choice of dutch ovens.

And here is just about any type of cookie cutter one might want.

Then there were vintage style signs.

And Amish baskets. Check out that pot bellied stove...fancy!

High above this display was this display of old wash tubs.

And then there was enamel ware...

and more enamel ware. Oooh I just love this stuff, probably because I grew up with it.

On to the pottery...

and some from Germany that was just too beautiful.

We ate lunch inside the hardware at the Cast Iron Cafe. J got bread and water since she was locked up. :)

Who wouldn't love a good warm soak in this copper tub? Ahhh, but a girl can dream.

Wood cook stoves...this is maybe half of those on display at Lehmans.

and of course I had to include a picture of my dream stove.

On the way out this Smart car caught my eye. Smart!

Part 3 with more of Holmes county to come!

Ohio Amish Country part 1 of 3

2008-11-14T21:40:00.007-05:00

Yep, about a week ago we were invited on another trip to Kidron, Ohio to visit the world famous Lehman Brothers Hardware and venture further into Holmes county. As mentioned this time I took my camera with me, so pour yourself a cup of coffee, or maybe some hot tea or cocoa because I have pictures. Actually I'm not going to get them all uploaded tonight, so look for parts 2 and 3 in a day or so.

One thing, I'm warning you now before you get to the last picture, if you are squeamish about seeing dead critters turn back now. If you want to see the strangest thing I came across at the flea market, then by all means look. Don't worry, there's no blood and guts, just a critter.

Heading down Kidron Road we saw this...a rare sight in these parts.

After parking the van we decided to head over to the flea market before browsing the hardware. It was Thursday, auction day at the Kidron livestock auction. Here we have an Amish buggy pulling a cow wagon.

Buggies with wagons lined up for the auction.

and more buggies

a plethora of pumpkins

and other Fall lovelies

There's the guys taste testing apples

Sorry buddy, you're going on the auction block.

I just liked this picture...

and this one of these fellows waiting for the auction to begin. I also found humor in the guy lighting one up. Notice the no smoking sign to the right?

I walked by this coyote once and just thought it was just a sleeping dog. The second time around I realized it hadn't moved so I had to check it out. It just seemed weird to see a dead stuffed coyote laying there. Makes me go, "Huh!?"

That's it for now folks. I'll be back soon with a look inside Lehman's Hardware. You don't want to miss it!

seasonal thoughts

2008-11-13T14:44:00.001-05:00

As we enter each season, we enter a time of change. Such is nature. Where once we heard the steady rhythm of life; the chirping and squawking of birds and the hum of insects, now we are given silence. Green growth has given way to brown and tree tops once lush now stand naked, skeletal remains of what was.

Here in the Northern hemisphere daylight has been steadily decreasing since the summer solstice. We are on the verge of winter and the most welcome rebirth of the sun. We have worked hard planting, tending and harvesting since spring, in preparation for this time. Like the squirrel we have gathered and stored. Nature in her wisdom has always shown us the way. As we enter the season we are prepared for the coming months and time of stillness, a time of withdrawing into the warmth of hearth and home.

Despite what the world of commercialism would have us believe, Nature teaches us that this is a time for slowing down, for stillness and for taking inventory of our lives. If we allow Nature to guide us on the path we come to understand that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is unnatural and manmade. We humans have been misled to the point of turning the holy days of winter into holidays of excess and overindulgence. I believe Nature, in her eternal wisdom shows us quite the opposite and that now is a time for conserving our energy and our resources.

As we enter the coming days it is wise to consider how Nature behaves. In the season of stillness, let us allow ourselves stillness. In the season of quiet reflection, let us allow ourselves time to reflect on the past and consider the future. Our thought, plans, ideas are as seeds, let them germinate so in the future they may take root and grow.

Just my thoughts on this gray November day.

Simple Woman’s daybook

2008-11-13T09:10:00.001-05:00

For Today...

Outside my window a gray November day. The leaves have now fallen from the maple tree outside our south window in the living room, the final tree to lose its leaves.

I am thinking of the holidays and going over my “to make” list.

I am thankful for...living in this old farmhouse where we have gravity forced heat which means I can stand atop these old iron registers and get really warm really quick.

From the kitchen...the scent of lavender as soap sets curing.

I am wearing...purple sweat pants and a dark green top…last nights jammies..

I am reading... still slowly working on The Old Herb Doctor and When All Hell Breaks Loose.

I am hoping...my kids and grandkids all feel better soon.

I am creating...still working on an afghan daily.

I am hearing...the sound of the furnace running and the hum of my computer.

Around the house... the floors will be swept today, bread and soup will be made, berries thawed for pies and Coop will be reminded to put the new license plate stickers on his car!

One of my favorite things...is knowing my family is well.

I am looking forward to…a simple day around the house, a little music on the stereo and a nice warm shower.

A few plans for the remainder of the week…making a couple more pairs of fingerless gloves and baking pies. I’m sure there is more, but I need more coffee to clear the head fog before they come to mind. : )

this, that and a happy birthday

2008-11-12T16:24:00.002-05:00

The past week has been filled with various activities ranging from practical to fun. Coop covered the west windows with plastic to help keep the cold out, the big witch hazel bush, a gift from my lovely niece, was planted in the perfect spot to allow it to grow wild and I made another small batch of homemade soap, this one with lavender oil and oatmeal. A decision was finally made to give up the muscovies since feeding them throughout the winter is costly and our hen stopped laying quite some time ago. Coop picked up a load of nice lumber that a nearby neighbor was going to burn. This will give us a good amount to begin building a shelter or pen for a pig (or two) come spring.

In the midst of life as it comes, we were invited along on a trip to Kidron last Thursday to visit Lehman’s Hardware with our neighbors. We were game to go again! I took my camera along this time folks, so I have pictures to share yet. Will do so asap.

Friday, our daughter, son in law and their dogs came up for the night. During the course of the evening, my sister, her husband, their friend Bill, two of my nieces and my great nephew all came by for a visit. I had a houseful! It was a late evening, but an enjoyable one. The next morning our son in law made pancakes for breakfast while I baked a tray full of thick bacon slices. Tom is the official pancake maker in this family because he does them so well. When it comes to pancakes Tom’s our man!

Yesterday was Coop’s 66^th birthday. We take birthdays, anniversaries and the like all in stride as pretty much just another day with a little something special thrown in when possible. I fixed a nice dinner and invited our niece and her hubby over to share in it. It was rather like a mini Thanksgiving. I roasted an organic chicken, made a big dish of “to die for” sausage stuffing and gravy along with sweet potatoes and peas. It was all so delicious if I do say so myself and we enjoyed the food and company immensely.

Today the chicken has been cleaned from the bones and the carcass is now simmering on the stove for broth. While puttering about straightening the house, I decided to put the fall decorations away. Since I was making the trip to the upstairs closet I figured I may as well bring down the Yule decorations along with the winter coats. I don’t do a lot of seasonal decorating but have one small box of fall décor and one of Yule décor along with a 3’ fiber optic tree. I don’t always put the tree up and didn’t last year because I had several huge poinsettias given to me by my nephew. One year we just put a bunch of pine boughs in a big crockery pot and hung a pine wreath on the door. I prefer decorating with nature, but this year I decided to put the tree up for a little seasonal twinkle.

I have a basket full of pine cones I always set out and add a little greenery to it. The pine cones were gathered by Coop and I a few years ago while visiting a park…just exactly where I don’t recall now.

Of course every now and then the kewpies have to come out and play as well. : ) I realize it’s a bit early for holiday decorating, but hey, you do what you can when you can.

Later this week I’ll be baking. I’ve been in the mood to make cookies and that my friends, will make my husband very, very happy. I will be baking pies on Friday as well since I got an order for two raspberry and two cherry pies from our son in law’s coworker and friend. He also wants to purchase some of my jams as well, so I’m tickled about that as it will put an extra chunk of change in our pockets this month. That along with the goodness of everything else in life and I am feeling quite blessed by the universe.

anything is possible

2008-11-05T16:15:00.002-05:00

It is a great day in the history of the United States. Voters across the country came out and spoke loudly and clearly that it is time for change. I believe we needed a president who inspires hope.

The following story is from a woman who was in Chicago at Grant Park last night. I found it quite touching.

a black man will be president

in my country yard

2008-11-04T09:08:00.004-05:00

Last week Levi, a young fellow from the Amish neighborhood, came by to help work on the garage roof. Back in '85 when Coop built the garage he installed skylights as C requested. They were nice because they lit up the garage attic and eliminated the need to run electric for lighting. When we moved and A took over the place a lot of things were neglected, including the skylights. Since our move back, Coop has sealed around them a couple of times to stop leaking but it was never a sure fix. So last week they were removed and those areas of the roof were sealed up and shingled. I couldn't resist taking a photo of the buggy gracing our front yard and the horse reined at the north edge of the yard. Out of respect for the Amish views on photographing them, I didn't take a picture of Levi atop the roof.

***

I have a habit of keeping an eye on our dog Timmy when I let him out. Yesterday as I stood looking out the door I noticed he just stood still, staring eastward. Something must have caught his eye so I stepped out to see what he was looking at. When I saw what had caught Timmy's attention I hurried my big nightie clad butt back into the house and grabbed my camera in the nick of time. I was able to catch a quick shot of these wild turkeys as they were making a quick exit from the yard.

Look closely just a bit to the left of the big tree and you'll notice one white turkey. I've noticed him traveling with the flock just about every time I've seen them. I'm not sure if it's a domesticated turkey gone wild or maybe a kickback to another subspecies not native to this area. I've read that there is a gene called the Narragansett gene that prohibits the expression of normal coloring pigments and which occurs about 12% of the time in some wild turkey populations.

Off they go!

it's all about meme

2008-11-03T21:44:00.007-05:00

simple womans daybook

2008-11-03T18:04:00.002-05:00

For Today...

Outside my window the sun was shining for the better part of the day. Now the light is fading as the sun sets.

I am thinking of my grandsons and missing them.

I am thankful for...a phone call from my sister today and that she has a new kitten and that the elections will soon be over and when it is that I will no longer be getting all those prerecorded messages trying to sway my vote …especially the ones from one particular campaign badmouthing the opponent.

From the kitchen...home grown green beans and taters with lean, uncured bacon simmering on the stove and boiled eggs waiting to be deviled.

I am wearing...denim capris, a lavender print cotton thermal top and an off white sweater, socks and moccasins.

I am reading...The Old Herb Doctor and still on When All Hell Breaks Loose as well..

I am hoping...Coop gets home safe and sound and not too tired out. He’s been working with C, our neighbor/landlord at re-roofing C’s house in Columbus.

I am creating...fingerless gloves for my grandchildren because they think they are way cool.

I am hearing...the occasional car drive by as neighbors head home from their jobs as well as the heavy breathing of my dog Timmy as he naps on the loveseat.

Around the house... progress was made in clearing out the upstairs and organizing the sewing room, swept the downstairs, cooked pinto beans for tomorrow’s meal, sorted through and inventoried my candle box, did some bead sorting as well.

One of my favorite things...is quiet

I am looking forward to…a possible visit this week from my twin sister.

A few plans for the remainder of the week…baking bread, hauling boxes of unnecessary items out to the barn for a spring sale, washing up a bunch of old blue canning jars Coop recently got for me at an auction. I will use those not suitable for canning to store herbs.

a generous give away

2008-11-01T18:41:00.003-04:00

Being a bit under the weather with some tummy issues, I have been taking it easy today. That of course includes some crocheting and some internet browsing. I stumbled upon one of those blogs that, when you stumble upon them you know they're a keeper. Speaking of which, there are many of those out there which I have sooo postponed adding to my blogroll. It's going to happen, it will happen I swear.

In the meantime though I wanted to bring your attention to A Vision Splendid. The reason is two fold...one, I really like what I've read so far and two, (this is purely selfish) she is having a very nice give away. In order to be counted in, she requests the participant to post a little note on their blog as to why they like A Vision Splendid. Which leads me to my answer...she had me the minute I read her profile..."A 35 year old Australian mother of two throws in her job as a lawyer and comes home to raise her children thoughtfully, grow her own vegies, bake bread and live a more family oriented sustainable life." I know a kindred spirit when I come across one.

2008-10-31T13:42:00.005-04:00

No matter how you celebrate and even if you don't,
I hope yours is a blessed day and a spooktacular night!

ABC's

2008-10-30T19:01:00.003-04:00

I saw this on Granny Sue’s blog and thought I'd give it a try as well.

A ~Aprons--y/n If y, what does your favorite look like? Yes, love them. My most used one is an old blue print bib apron stained from years of cooking, canning and baking. My favorite one is my pretty pink bib style that I made over the summer.

B ~ Baking--Favorite thing to bake? I like making casseroles and pies, but there’s not much better than the smell of bread baking.

C ~ Clothes line? Oh yes, one inside used from Spring right though Fall. Another one going up inside for winter.

D ~ Donuts—yes, once many years ago. Something I’d like to try again.

E ~ Everyday--One homemaking thing you do everyday? Only one? I have a morning ritual that includes wiping down the bathroom sink and commode, dusting off my desk and the coffee table and removing pet hair from the sofa and loveseat before I do anything else.

F ~ Freezer--Do you have a separate deep freeze? Yes, and it’s packed with good things from the summer harvest.

G ~ Garbage Disposer? No, but when you have a dog, two cats, two ducks and a compost bin who needs a garbage disposer?

H ~ Handbook--What is your favorite homemaking resource? Recipes; those for food as well as soap making, household cleaning, etc.

I ~ Ironing--Love it or Hate it? Or hate it but love the results? I don’t mind it at all, in fact can enjoy it but it’s something I seldom do these days. Ironing, like many things, can be a zen experience.

J ~ Junk Drawer--y/n? Where is it? Of course, tell me anyone who doesn’t have one! Mine is in the kitchen.

K ~ Kitchen--color and decorating scheme. Walls are light pink, wood trim is a light mocha. I think I would like to integrate some green. The atmosphere is my own, "eclectic farmhouse".

L ~ Love--what is your favorite part of homemaking? I love those days when I can just putter about the kitchen or spend a whole day cooking and creating. I also love the sense of accomplishment and appreciation I feel when I step back and take note of the comfortable and positive environment I’ve created.

M ~ Mop--y/n? Yes, two, one sponge mop for light work, one rag mop for serious mopping.

N ~ Nylons, machine or hand wash? Nylons!? No thank you. I can’t even remember the last time I wore them.

O ~ Oven--do you use the window or open the oven to check? I don’t use the oven light and window, I open the door.

P ~ Pizza--What do you put on yours? Not something we consume very often. When we do, prefer loaded with lots of onions and peppers, sausage or pepperoni or both, good sauce and provolone or a blend of cheeses.

Q ~ Quiet--What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? I go into the living room and crochet or meditate, or go outside to the garden or take a walk around the property.

R ~ Recipe Card Box--y/n? What does it look like? Ha ha! I have my most used books on a shelf, but in the cupboard is a box full of my MIL’s old recipe books I haven’t been able to part with, plus a folder of loose recipes from the internet and friends, plus a berry basket full of my most beloved recipes.

S ~ Style of house--What style is your house? 108 year old basic two story farm house.

T ~Tablecloths or Place mats? Neither most of the time, but I do like using vintage tablecloths for special occasions.

U ~ Under the kitchen sink--organized or toxic wasteland? Uhmmm..somewhat organized but not a lot of toxins.

V ~ Vacuum--How many times per week? 1-2 times per week I vacuum the living room area rug. The rest of our floors I sweep with a broom or dust mop as they are not carpeted.

W ~ Wash--How many loads of laundry do you do per week? Two, unless I have bedding to wash. Then I have three.

X's--Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off? Almost always…it’s what keeps me focused and moving.

Y ~ Yard--y/n? yes, substantially sized despite two gardens.

ZZZ's ~ what is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? Letting the dog out for the last time, turning off all the power strips, lowering the thermostat, locking the doors and making my list for the next day.

I hope to read your ABC's on your blog! Let me know if you decide to play.

yay, we did it!

2008-10-30T12:04:00.003-04:00

When I thought we had done everything possible to reduce the amount of our electric bill, we did it again! We’ve actually managed to bring our bill down this month to the pre rate increase amount, actually even a little less.

On average usage has been about 525 KWH per month. Electricity is not our heat source, but we have a freezer plus a side by side fridge, electric stove, electric water heater, water pump, washer, electric dryer, security light, the occasional use of garage lights, barn lights and air compressor and more. These things normally resulted in a bill of about $67 – $69 before the rate hike. When the rates went up our bill jumped up to $88 for the same KWH usage.

We already do the following things to lower our usage, cost and carbon footprint:

CFL’s throughout the house and garage

Minimizing light usage

Being conscientious when using the oven, making full use of it when on

Using dish pans at the sink instead of running a steady water stream, to prevent excess water usage and limit pump running

Minimizing the number of toilet flushes for the same reason

Insulated water heater

Keeping most if not all electricity vampires on power strips which are turned off at night, when not in use or when we go away. Microwave, TV, stereo, computer, etc.

Opening and closing the garage door manually rather than using the automatic garage door opener

Not using the dryer whenever possible (I think I used it 3 times between spring and now)

Washing clothes in cold water for the most part and doing only full loads

You get the picture. So what made our electric bill go down so dramatically? Well...we have been shutting off the water heater, having it on for maybe four or five hours a day for the past several weeks. And you know what? It hasn’t made a difference in our lives except to reduce the electric usage and money spent on the bill.

We usually turn it off in the evening after dinner and showers and then back on the following afternoon. If by chance I don’t have hot enough water in between for dishes, which is seldom, I simply heat a tea kettle full on the stove. I have never been without at least warm water since we began this practice. I was astonished that this simple practice reduced our bill by over 100 KWH and $20. Last months billing was $87. Our current billing is $66. Woo hoo!

before it's gone

2008-10-29T20:13:00.004-04:00

a drive through the neighborhood today...

had me taking in the season before it's gone.