We are Missing In Action...or should I say Missing But Very Active. Our offer on a house was accepted and we are taking possession on Wednesday! Yes, Wednesday...three days before Christmas and needless to say I am headless fowl from the barnyard with so much to do. Try as we might to create Christmas as usual, this will be anything but a usual Christmas.
I will post soon as to our progress and give a few sneak peaks at our new abode! I am so happy and excited to be on this brave new adventure!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Homemade Holiday
I recently learned to make soap at Everdale. And when I got home I put all I had learned to the test. A few weeks ago I made two double batches of soap, one peppermint, the other Vanilla-Tangerine. Both turned out wonderfully and tonight I bundled them up in preparation to hand them out to some friends over the next week as our paths cross.
I may not be making many gifts this year, or baking as many cookies but it's the few simple things that make me happy.
Friday, December 10, 2010
For What It's Worth
Sometimes a little goal writing is just what the therapist ordered...in this case my Realtor. At least it's what she would order if I told her why I am having such a hard time committing to buying a house. I have been in a period of transition this past summer. A time when everything I thought I knew, cared about and dreamed up started to morph and change and mutate into completely different and highly unexpected things.
A year ago I would have told you very clearly about my dream to homestead, to live completely 100 per cent off the land, with a small herd of sheep, a thousand miles away from everyone and anyone. A year ago I could dream anything I wanted because dreams are just dreams. My reality is completely different.
I have decided to write down my priorities in order of importance so that I may better understand my life path and where I should go from here.
What Matters Most
1. Financial Independence. I want to owe as little money as possible. Neither borrower nor lender be. No credit cards, no loans, only the most minimal borrowing required to secure a solid home investment with the quickest possible payment schedule. This will require some frugal finesse of course but I am up for the challenge.
2. My Passion. I have a passion for creative writing that has taken a backseat for many years. I have dabbled and flirted a bit with the idea of being a writer, a real novelist who actually finishes a book to near perfection and gets it published. There is a fire inside me that truly must be fed. I can not deny this part of me any longer.
3. Natural living. I want to live close the nature. I want to see birds at my windows and flowers in my garden. I want to eat from my backyard, literally and figuratively. I want to eat local when possible and preserve my harvest. I want to learn all I can about cooking with the seasons and extending the growing season.
4. Family and Friends. Realistically family is my absolute number one, without question. However that seems more a of given. I am a woman who is greatly dedicated to my family. Friends however is something I want to encourage more of. I want to have people over. Develop close friendships. I want to create roots in my community and begin to feel like I belong here instead of thinking it's a way station until we get to where we are really headed. This is integral to creating a home.
5. Green Living. I want to lessen my foot print. I want to make environmental choices because it's the right thing to do. I want to consume less, grow more and really examine my needs as opposed to wants.
What Matters Least (...to me anyways)
1. Raising Animals. I no longer desire to keep animals. The benefit of raising animals for meat is greatly outweighed by the cost to house, feed and care for their upkeep. It is far more efficient for me to pay an expert, local farmer for his/her expertise because that is their job, livelihood and most likely their passion.
2. Growing Absolutely Everything. In this day and age, this is not necessary. Technology has made it so that individually we need not toil independently but work collectively. I can trade my skills for money which I can use in turn to pay another person for their skills. This is where self-sufficiency gets taken off my list of goals.
3. Rural Homesteading. I have decided I don't want to homestead in the traditional sense. Urban homesteading, if it really qualifies as that (which I highly doubt) is much more my style whether I live in the country or not, I am not seeking a self sufficient farm.
This process of looking for a house, holding hard and fast to dreams that no longer hold a flame in me, has been very much a learning experience. I have learned that by letting go of certain dreams and moving on towards others is very liberating. Buying a home is a huge step but it's one that I never thought would teach me so much.
Now would someone please tell me which house I should buy so I can get this show on the road? If only it were that easy.
A year ago I would have told you very clearly about my dream to homestead, to live completely 100 per cent off the land, with a small herd of sheep, a thousand miles away from everyone and anyone. A year ago I could dream anything I wanted because dreams are just dreams. My reality is completely different.
I have decided to write down my priorities in order of importance so that I may better understand my life path and where I should go from here.
What Matters Most
1. Financial Independence. I want to owe as little money as possible. Neither borrower nor lender be. No credit cards, no loans, only the most minimal borrowing required to secure a solid home investment with the quickest possible payment schedule. This will require some frugal finesse of course but I am up for the challenge.
2. My Passion. I have a passion for creative writing that has taken a backseat for many years. I have dabbled and flirted a bit with the idea of being a writer, a real novelist who actually finishes a book to near perfection and gets it published. There is a fire inside me that truly must be fed. I can not deny this part of me any longer.
3. Natural living. I want to live close the nature. I want to see birds at my windows and flowers in my garden. I want to eat from my backyard, literally and figuratively. I want to eat local when possible and preserve my harvest. I want to learn all I can about cooking with the seasons and extending the growing season.
4. Family and Friends. Realistically family is my absolute number one, without question. However that seems more a of given. I am a woman who is greatly dedicated to my family. Friends however is something I want to encourage more of. I want to have people over. Develop close friendships. I want to create roots in my community and begin to feel like I belong here instead of thinking it's a way station until we get to where we are really headed. This is integral to creating a home.
5. Green Living. I want to lessen my foot print. I want to make environmental choices because it's the right thing to do. I want to consume less, grow more and really examine my needs as opposed to wants.
What Matters Least (...to me anyways)
1. Raising Animals. I no longer desire to keep animals. The benefit of raising animals for meat is greatly outweighed by the cost to house, feed and care for their upkeep. It is far more efficient for me to pay an expert, local farmer for his/her expertise because that is their job, livelihood and most likely their passion.
2. Growing Absolutely Everything. In this day and age, this is not necessary. Technology has made it so that individually we need not toil independently but work collectively. I can trade my skills for money which I can use in turn to pay another person for their skills. This is where self-sufficiency gets taken off my list of goals.
3. Rural Homesteading. I have decided I don't want to homestead in the traditional sense. Urban homesteading, if it really qualifies as that (which I highly doubt) is much more my style whether I live in the country or not, I am not seeking a self sufficient farm.
This process of looking for a house, holding hard and fast to dreams that no longer hold a flame in me, has been very much a learning experience. I have learned that by letting go of certain dreams and moving on towards others is very liberating. Buying a home is a huge step but it's one that I never thought would teach me so much.
Now would someone please tell me which house I should buy so I can get this show on the road? If only it were that easy.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Under the Microscope
If you follow Rhonda's blog at Down to Earth, you would have read her most recent post about taking her as she is. She talked about criticism that often comes when we write blogs. How opening up our homes and hearts to share this journey with others can end up with our hands wrapped. It's happened to me and it can be very jarring.
I have been loosing my stamina lately with this blog and with simple and green living in general. I feel I am under close scrutiny, that my opinions and actions are under close watch by those eager to point out any inconsistencies.
I started the process toward a simpler way of life a few years ago. Since then my ideas have grown and then tapered off a bit depending on certain outcomes and life circumstances. I think given that the process is a journey and not a fixed destination, there is no finishing line and that my goals in homesteading and green living will be in constant flux. However more than once I have I been on the receiving end of reprimands for my seemingly lack luster efforts. Some purists are more than happy to point out my flaws with the way I define homesteading or living an environmentally conscious life. Because of this, more than once have I thought of closing the blog and walking away from the blogging community.
Because I don't have a farm (nor do I see myself obtaining one in the future) I am seen as a wanna be, a pretender, and psuedo homesteader but one that should not be taken seriously. Sometimes I am able to laugh off these comments but other times not so much. We all approach our homes in different ways. We all do our best for the situations we find ourselves in. No one is perfect, nor should we expect them to be.
I try my best but it is discouraging when my best does not seem good enough. When my efforts bring about negative comments instead of encouraging ones. On one hand I am glad to see, after reading Rhonda's post, that I am not alone in feeling somewhat dejected but on the other I am disappointed that those people expecting perfection are so quick to point out where others fall short. It shouldn't be that way. Shouldn't we be ever encouraging and truly supportive of any efforts? I have never claimed to be an expert. I have never said I have it all figured out.
When I decided to live simply, if I had looked at all the changes needed and expected them to be made at once I would never have started this journey. I would have been too discouraged to even begin and what a shame that would have been. Some parts of the journey move fast and furious while others are slow and calculated. Others still are not moving at all. In the end, I need to move at my own pace, changing the things I can while accepting the things I can't.
I have been loosing my stamina lately with this blog and with simple and green living in general. I feel I am under close scrutiny, that my opinions and actions are under close watch by those eager to point out any inconsistencies.
I started the process toward a simpler way of life a few years ago. Since then my ideas have grown and then tapered off a bit depending on certain outcomes and life circumstances. I think given that the process is a journey and not a fixed destination, there is no finishing line and that my goals in homesteading and green living will be in constant flux. However more than once I have I been on the receiving end of reprimands for my seemingly lack luster efforts. Some purists are more than happy to point out my flaws with the way I define homesteading or living an environmentally conscious life. Because of this, more than once have I thought of closing the blog and walking away from the blogging community.
Because I don't have a farm (nor do I see myself obtaining one in the future) I am seen as a wanna be, a pretender, and psuedo homesteader but one that should not be taken seriously. Sometimes I am able to laugh off these comments but other times not so much. We all approach our homes in different ways. We all do our best for the situations we find ourselves in. No one is perfect, nor should we expect them to be.
I try my best but it is discouraging when my best does not seem good enough. When my efforts bring about negative comments instead of encouraging ones. On one hand I am glad to see, after reading Rhonda's post, that I am not alone in feeling somewhat dejected but on the other I am disappointed that those people expecting perfection are so quick to point out where others fall short. It shouldn't be that way. Shouldn't we be ever encouraging and truly supportive of any efforts? I have never claimed to be an expert. I have never said I have it all figured out.
When I decided to live simply, if I had looked at all the changes needed and expected them to be made at once I would never have started this journey. I would have been too discouraged to even begin and what a shame that would have been. Some parts of the journey move fast and furious while others are slow and calculated. Others still are not moving at all. In the end, I need to move at my own pace, changing the things I can while accepting the things I can't.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Snow, Snow and Yes, Even More Snow
We got dumped on yesterday and it continued through the the night. Reports show more snow going into tonight and all day tomorrow. We've already seen 45 cm of snow in the last 36 hours. Usually we get to ease into winter. A little here, a little more there. Not this year. We had one snowfall a few weeks back but it melted within a day. This stuff falling outside my window will probably not melt until spring. Mind you, we have had some strange winters where ski resorts were closed and we had a very green Christmas. But those years are few and not nearly as much fun.
Sometime I wonder if I should move to British Columbia (or even Australia). I like snow but it makes me anxious. Even if I am inside, cozy, warm and safe, I worry about what's happening on the roads. I worry about my husband who has to drive or friends and family who have not learned to stay off the roads on days like these. I learned 8 years ago not to trust Mother Nature and we are still paying the price.
The first snowfall is always the worst for me but as winter progresses I usually get more relaxed. Every year I receive the same chorus of teasing "What the heck do you think? This IS Canada" or "This is not that bad!" These remarks are down right insulting for someone like me who has been through what I have been through. Some people just don't get it and probably won't until they have been through my worst nightmare but I wouldn't wish that upon anyone.
I grew up south of here where we never got close to the amount of snow we get up here. Sometimes I wish I could move back just so I won't be reminded of that bad winter I had 8 years ago. But I have to move on and be strong for my family. I don't want my kids to see how terrified I am.
The snow is very beautiful though and I try to enjoy it while it's here. It will melt soon enough and I will be back to my regular self.
Sometime I wonder if I should move to British Columbia (or even Australia). I like snow but it makes me anxious. Even if I am inside, cozy, warm and safe, I worry about what's happening on the roads. I worry about my husband who has to drive or friends and family who have not learned to stay off the roads on days like these. I learned 8 years ago not to trust Mother Nature and we are still paying the price.
The first snowfall is always the worst for me but as winter progresses I usually get more relaxed. Every year I receive the same chorus of teasing "What the heck do you think? This IS Canada" or "This is not that bad!" These remarks are down right insulting for someone like me who has been through what I have been through. Some people just don't get it and probably won't until they have been through my worst nightmare but I wouldn't wish that upon anyone.
I grew up south of here where we never got close to the amount of snow we get up here. Sometimes I wish I could move back just so I won't be reminded of that bad winter I had 8 years ago. But I have to move on and be strong for my family. I don't want my kids to see how terrified I am.
The snow is very beautiful though and I try to enjoy it while it's here. It will melt soon enough and I will be back to my regular self.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
imPRESSive Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Do you have a cookie press? Up until a few years ago I had no idea such a thing even existed. I volunteered with the local resource centre to create and promote a fundraising Craft Show which ended up raising about $3,000 a year for the centre's programs. The show featured over 80 local craft vendors but the Centre also ran a table of our own creations. One of the recipes we used that first year was for Whipped Shortbread. Those cookies were divine. They practically melted in our mouths.
While volunteering I met a dear friend, who remains so today, and bless her she was the one with the Whipped Shortbread recipe. That Christmas she gifted me with a cookie press, the same kind we used for the craft show. Many Christmases have passed and each year I try to replicate her recipe but always fall short. I suppose I could just call her up and ask, but really, what's the fun in that?
In my search for the perfect pressed cookie recipe I created this one. They are not as divine as the whipped shortbread but they are pretty dang awesome if I do say so myself.
Pressed Chocolate Cookies
3/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp milk
2 cup flour
6 tbsp cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
Add one ingredient at a time and keep mixing. The just fill your cookie press and go to town. Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes. They freeze well too. Enjoy!
While volunteering I met a dear friend, who remains so today, and bless her she was the one with the Whipped Shortbread recipe. That Christmas she gifted me with a cookie press, the same kind we used for the craft show. Many Christmases have passed and each year I try to replicate her recipe but always fall short. I suppose I could just call her up and ask, but really, what's the fun in that?
In my search for the perfect pressed cookie recipe I created this one. They are not as divine as the whipped shortbread but they are pretty dang awesome if I do say so myself.
Pressed Chocolate Cookies
3/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp milk
2 cup flour
6 tbsp cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
Add one ingredient at a time and keep mixing. The just fill your cookie press and go to town. Bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes. They freeze well too. Enjoy!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Trimming the Tree
We headed to the tree farm today to select our tree. About four years ago we decided to forgo the standard faux tree and opt for a greener solution using real trees. When it came to my attention that faux trees create many chemical toxins both during manufacturing and while they break down over time, I decided a sustainably grown tree is much better option.
I have also found myself gravitating toward other natural means of decorating. I use trimmed boughs and sprigs to decorate table tops and shelves. I spend less and less on Christmas decorations each year and I still manage to pare down my collection.
One commercially found item that I enjoy now is my lighted village. Last year I bought three small houses, and my husband bought me one for Christmas. This year I probably will not buy one, but maybe if I can after Christmas for 50 per cent off, I might consider one new item.
It feels like Christmas now and everyone is very excited. I still have some chopping to do and there are a few hand made items I need to put the finishing touches on.
I have also found myself gravitating toward other natural means of decorating. I use trimmed boughs and sprigs to decorate table tops and shelves. I spend less and less on Christmas decorations each year and I still manage to pare down my collection.
One commercially found item that I enjoy now is my lighted village. Last year I bought three small houses, and my husband bought me one for Christmas. This year I probably will not buy one, but maybe if I can after Christmas for 50 per cent off, I might consider one new item.
It feels like Christmas now and everyone is very excited. I still have some chopping to do and there are a few hand made items I need to put the finishing touches on.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Little Balls of Chaos
From the very moment I found out I was expecting for the first time my head was kept spinning day in and day out. Even then before Sophia was born, I really had no idea just how things would change. Over the years hubby and I look back at our life before kids and see the fascinating changes that have taken place. Life has become more amusing, more joyous and let's face it, a bit more hectic too.
Last week after a comical home inspection my husband referred to the kids as little balls of chaos and made no apologies for what we have come to accept and even love about our two munchkins. As part of the deal for the house, the owners reluctantly agreed to a home inspection, something that was a must have for us and we didn't see as being 'that big of a deal'. Apparently to the current owners it was and they insisted on being home and following around my husband and the inspector.
The kids were with me and were relatively occupied in my charge, save for a few moments when Caleb decided to run circles around the senior home owners. Kids will be kids and had the owners not been there I doubt I would have said anything to him. Because they were there and we were 'guests' I felt I needed to keep them in relative control. These people made a fuss about opening the windows, every window as our inspector insisted must be done. They didn't want the dish washer turned on even after our inspector said, "If it comes with the house we have to check it." They did not want us going in the attic. I don't think they were trying to be devious. They were just control freaks and a tad over bearing.
The best part of the night came when Caleb pressed his body against the sliding glass door to the backyard. Looking out the window, he began rubbing his hands and face all over the glass leaving numerous smudges and marks on the otherwise perfectly clean glass. It took all my strength not the laugh since this little act of chaos was very much Caleb. Wherever he goes, he leaves a trail of destruction only akin to pig pen. The lady homeowner was perturbed. She said "You're going to come back tomorrow and clean that with Windex." I knew we wouldn't have to come back, she was such a neat freak that she'd have all the windows in the house clear of our fingerprints within 20 minutes after we left. She really did make me feel like my presence was a stain on her existence. She kept saying she doesn't need to sell and that she didn't know we'd be ripping her house apart.
My husband and I had to laugh. She had been child-free for so many years perhaps she forgot the delight in having them around. "Kids are little balls of chaos," my husband said, and I have to agree. Here at home my kids are comfortable. The house gets messed up during the day and sometimes it even gets put back to rights before bed.... sometimes. It doesn't matter. I know one day they will be gone and I will miss picking up after them. I will miss their jelly-smudged faces and their dirty finger prints on the walls. Today I don't care about the chaos or the disapproving stares of people who think we should be better put together. I love my little balls of chaos, they are a million times better than perfectly washed windows.
** In other news, husband and I have backed out of that home that we adored. A few things came up in the inspection that gave the house a fail and the home owners were not willing to make the necessary fixes. We were even less inclined to spend the money to have the fixes done ourselves. To make a long and crazy story short, we are back to the drawing board as far as house hunting goes. Sigh. It was a lovely house though.
Last week after a comical home inspection my husband referred to the kids as little balls of chaos and made no apologies for what we have come to accept and even love about our two munchkins. As part of the deal for the house, the owners reluctantly agreed to a home inspection, something that was a must have for us and we didn't see as being 'that big of a deal'. Apparently to the current owners it was and they insisted on being home and following around my husband and the inspector.
The kids were with me and were relatively occupied in my charge, save for a few moments when Caleb decided to run circles around the senior home owners. Kids will be kids and had the owners not been there I doubt I would have said anything to him. Because they were there and we were 'guests' I felt I needed to keep them in relative control. These people made a fuss about opening the windows, every window as our inspector insisted must be done. They didn't want the dish washer turned on even after our inspector said, "If it comes with the house we have to check it." They did not want us going in the attic. I don't think they were trying to be devious. They were just control freaks and a tad over bearing.
The best part of the night came when Caleb pressed his body against the sliding glass door to the backyard. Looking out the window, he began rubbing his hands and face all over the glass leaving numerous smudges and marks on the otherwise perfectly clean glass. It took all my strength not the laugh since this little act of chaos was very much Caleb. Wherever he goes, he leaves a trail of destruction only akin to pig pen. The lady homeowner was perturbed. She said "You're going to come back tomorrow and clean that with Windex." I knew we wouldn't have to come back, she was such a neat freak that she'd have all the windows in the house clear of our fingerprints within 20 minutes after we left. She really did make me feel like my presence was a stain on her existence. She kept saying she doesn't need to sell and that she didn't know we'd be ripping her house apart.
My husband and I had to laugh. She had been child-free for so many years perhaps she forgot the delight in having them around. "Kids are little balls of chaos," my husband said, and I have to agree. Here at home my kids are comfortable. The house gets messed up during the day and sometimes it even gets put back to rights before bed.... sometimes. It doesn't matter. I know one day they will be gone and I will miss picking up after them. I will miss their jelly-smudged faces and their dirty finger prints on the walls. Today I don't care about the chaos or the disapproving stares of people who think we should be better put together. I love my little balls of chaos, they are a million times better than perfectly washed windows.
** In other news, husband and I have backed out of that home that we adored. A few things came up in the inspection that gave the house a fail and the home owners were not willing to make the necessary fixes. We were even less inclined to spend the money to have the fixes done ourselves. To make a long and crazy story short, we are back to the drawing board as far as house hunting goes. Sigh. It was a lovely house though.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Pizza Purses
Pizza is quick, easy and usually a family favourite. About a year ago I wanted to find a way to make those frozen pizza foods found in the grocer's freezer. I wanted to make them ahead of time and freeze them so my husband could take them to work for lunches or the kids and I could have a quick but home cooked midday meal.
Pizza Dough
1 cup of warm water
3 tsp of yeast
2 tbsp of olive or vegetable oil
Set aside.
In a bowl add 1 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 tsp of salt and 1 tbsp of sugar.
Add water/yeast to flour and mix until it forms a dough like bread dough. It will be slightly more wet than bread dough. Place in a warm draft free place (off oven with light on works wonders) and let rise for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Assemble ingredients, tomato sauce, cheese, meats (if using) and lots of veggies. Cut dough into fist sized portions and roll out into circles. Fill one side of dough with toppings and then fold over the other side. Pinch the edges together to form a purse or pocket shape.
Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown, about 20 minutes. If you plan to freeze them, bake until just turning brown (10 to 15 mins), remove from oven, let cool and freeze. When you want to cook the frozen pizza purses, place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or use a microwave.
For a large batch, you may want to double the above recipe. When I make these I usually plan to have them for dinner and make sure there are about 6 or more left over for freezing.
Pizza Dough
1 cup of warm water
3 tsp of yeast
2 tbsp of olive or vegetable oil
Set aside.
In a bowl add 1 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 tsp of salt and 1 tbsp of sugar.
Add water/yeast to flour and mix until it forms a dough like bread dough. It will be slightly more wet than bread dough. Place in a warm draft free place (off oven with light on works wonders) and let rise for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Assemble ingredients, tomato sauce, cheese, meats (if using) and lots of veggies. Cut dough into fist sized portions and roll out into circles. Fill one side of dough with toppings and then fold over the other side. Pinch the edges together to form a purse or pocket shape.
Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown, about 20 minutes. If you plan to freeze them, bake until just turning brown (10 to 15 mins), remove from oven, let cool and freeze. When you want to cook the frozen pizza purses, place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or use a microwave.
For a large batch, you may want to double the above recipe. When I make these I usually plan to have them for dinner and make sure there are about 6 or more left over for freezing.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Kirstie's Handmade Home
I love all things Britian including the laid back yet professional approach they take to television shows. Kirstie Allsop is one of my favourite hosts and I enjoy her and Phil's funny banter on Location, Location, Location. It's a property hunter show which airs here in Canada and I often watch at HGTV.ca. I have also recently discovered another show featuring Kirstie, called Kirstie's Homemade Home.
In it she travels from Antique shop to artisan studio to road side dump looking for things she can create or reclaim. She is trying to restore an old cottage that hasn't been lived in for 40 years. I must say, her vision astounds me. She is not one of those classic, chic designers who goes ga-ga for everything new and coordinated. She truly is unique in her approach to home decor, at least to me here in Canada. Her sense of eclectic style and home grown design is a complete departure from the very rigid and formal expectations that are rampant here. I like her style and I really like this program.
Now that I am getting ready for my first 'real' home I find myself drawn to different decorating shows and this one has simply stolen my heart. Kirstie makes the task of decorating and making a house into a home so much easier than I anticipated. She really does preach that if you like it, it works. And decorating shouldn't be much more than that. It's the personal stamp on a house that makes it a home.
Friday, November 5, 2010
We're Packing!
We signed papers Friday for our dream house. The agreement was reached only after some nail biting negotiations. I almost thought it would never happen. The house of my dreams seemed so close yet just out of reach. The home was hugely overpriced and I felt it would be a struggle to get the sellers realize that the market just isn't what it use to be. With winter fast approaching and the real estate market near a deep freeze in this area, our offer may just have been the only one they got for a long while.
It's a beautiful home and I understand why they didn't want to sell it. We found out they HAD to...it's what my realtor calls a 'marriage realignment' aka divorce. No one wins in that scenario except family lawyers and listing agents. For this reason I can understand their trepidation to accept a cheeky offer, even if it was the only offer they had seen since listing their home.
Now, the fact that we had walked away from the negotiating table once only to be called back again with a very tempting counter offer, means this whole journey has not been smooth. And it's not over yet. We still have inspections to pass and there is a 7 day window when either party can rip the contract to shreds. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Putting all that aside, it's safe to say now that we have bought ourselves our very first home! There is 1.5 acres with trees and hopefully enough area to plant a sizable organic veggie garden. I may need to resign myself to chopping down some trees to do this. I hate to do it so for the first summer I will plant sparingly and see where the sunlight is in the yard to find the best place for vegetables. I will only chop trees in the most advantageous of spots.
We did have an opportunity to purchase a large 33 acre hobby farm. The house needed tonnes of work and to be honest the land intimidated me. This is our first home and we have little to no experience with renovations and maintenance. Given all the work we could see, I could only image the work needed once we ripped everything up. We decided the smaller piece of land would be better for us in the long run.
This house spoke to me and I was grinning from ear to ear after viewing it. This house reminds me of the colonial homes we saw in Salem, Massachusetts and other parts of New England and Maritime Canada. One of my daydreams during these last few years of recovery has been to move to Prince Edward Island. However, my husband wanted to stay here in this area to pursue his career. In some ways this house represents my dreams of going out east. I will bloom where I am planted, which won't be hard at all now that I have found my dream home.
The day after hearing that our offer was accepted, my daughter and I went to a local Christmas Craft Show for the day and I found this lovely mini "portrait" of our new home. There are sheep in the foreground and the saying, It's Good to be Home. And I couldn't agree more. This will be my mantra for the foreseeable future. It IS good to be home and I wouldn't have it any other way.
It's a beautiful home and I understand why they didn't want to sell it. We found out they HAD to...it's what my realtor calls a 'marriage realignment' aka divorce. No one wins in that scenario except family lawyers and listing agents. For this reason I can understand their trepidation to accept a cheeky offer, even if it was the only offer they had seen since listing their home.
Now, the fact that we had walked away from the negotiating table once only to be called back again with a very tempting counter offer, means this whole journey has not been smooth. And it's not over yet. We still have inspections to pass and there is a 7 day window when either party can rip the contract to shreds. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Putting all that aside, it's safe to say now that we have bought ourselves our very first home! There is 1.5 acres with trees and hopefully enough area to plant a sizable organic veggie garden. I may need to resign myself to chopping down some trees to do this. I hate to do it so for the first summer I will plant sparingly and see where the sunlight is in the yard to find the best place for vegetables. I will only chop trees in the most advantageous of spots.
We did have an opportunity to purchase a large 33 acre hobby farm. The house needed tonnes of work and to be honest the land intimidated me. This is our first home and we have little to no experience with renovations and maintenance. Given all the work we could see, I could only image the work needed once we ripped everything up. We decided the smaller piece of land would be better for us in the long run.
Less really is more
This house spoke to me and I was grinning from ear to ear after viewing it. This house reminds me of the colonial homes we saw in Salem, Massachusetts and other parts of New England and Maritime Canada. One of my daydreams during these last few years of recovery has been to move to Prince Edward Island. However, my husband wanted to stay here in this area to pursue his career. In some ways this house represents my dreams of going out east. I will bloom where I am planted, which won't be hard at all now that I have found my dream home.
The day after hearing that our offer was accepted, my daughter and I went to a local Christmas Craft Show for the day and I found this lovely mini "portrait" of our new home. There are sheep in the foreground and the saying, It's Good to be Home. And I couldn't agree more. This will be my mantra for the foreseeable future. It IS good to be home and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Halloween!
Treat or Treat countdown is on! The kids are all ready and had a chance to try out the costumes for the homeschoolers Halloween Party.
Sophia wanted to be a 50s Girl and I found a pattern in the Fabricland discount bin for $1. I pulled the fabric from my stash and only had to buy rick-rack for the dog leash and a $1 zipper. It's probably one of the most inexpensive costumes I have made.
Caleb wanted to be a Zombie from his favourite computer game, Plants Vs Zombies. We took some nearly outgrown pants with holes in the knees and cuts them to shreds. And found a stained white shirt as well. We added a little face paint, hair gel and spray on colour. And voila! Instant Zombie!
After they were all dressed and I was taking pictures in the front yard, I realized I have my own Thriller video.
My husband went to work today as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. We sewed plastic rats to his dress shirt and bought a cheap cowboy-type hat and stuck some rats on. We also put a little piece of paper beside on of the rats that said, HAMELIN OR BUST. It's cute and he can still move around and do his work.
I love Halloween!
Sophia wanted to be a 50s Girl and I found a pattern in the Fabricland discount bin for $1. I pulled the fabric from my stash and only had to buy rick-rack for the dog leash and a $1 zipper. It's probably one of the most inexpensive costumes I have made.
Caleb wanted to be a Zombie from his favourite computer game, Plants Vs Zombies. We took some nearly outgrown pants with holes in the knees and cuts them to shreds. And found a stained white shirt as well. We added a little face paint, hair gel and spray on colour. And voila! Instant Zombie!
After they were all dressed and I was taking pictures in the front yard, I realized I have my own Thriller video.
My husband went to work today as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. We sewed plastic rats to his dress shirt and bought a cheap cowboy-type hat and stuck some rats on. We also put a little piece of paper beside on of the rats that said, HAMELIN OR BUST. It's cute and he can still move around and do his work.
I love Halloween!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Age before Beauty
Today is my birthday and I turn 30. It's always interesting when my birthday rolls around. I don't feel 30, at least not in the typical sense. My life is established far beyond that of a typical 30 year old. I have two kids ages 10 and 7. My husband and I have been together for 14 years, that's nearly half my life. As a young family, we've had a crazy life changing crisis and many more mini life altering circumstances since. It's been a wild ride and I'm still looked at as a young 'un, still wet behind the ears.
Many people still treat me like I am a new mom or new wife. Last year when I told a group of moms my age they laughed. "Oh yeah, I'm 29 too," one said as if she didn't believe me. She acted as if I was pretending to be 29, like women do when they don't want to admit their real age. I have never lied about my age. I don't worry about getting older. I embrace it. I find grey hairs, have for a long time. No big deal.
I recently watched a movie called The Countess, a German film about the infamous Elizabeth Bathory who reportedly killed young virgin girls and bathed in their blood. It was in an effort to sustain her youthful beauty. Traumatized by the apparent desertion of her lover for a younger woman, Elizabeth became obsessed with looking young and would do anything to achieve the life long appearance of youth. She was said to have killed up to 600 girls but was only called up on charges for 80 of them. She is an extreme example of the female obsession with youth and beauty, a phenomenon that still continues in this modern age.
Today women go to great lengths to preserve their youthful look. Plastic surgery, Botox and lypo-suction are some of the greater extremes women of the modern age will go to to achieve long lasting youth. As a western culture we are obsessed with the numbers of our age, the laugh lines on our face and the number of grey hairs we have. We obsess over the numbers on the scale, the numbers that indicate the size of our pants and the number of friends on our Facebook account. These obsessions only serve to distract us from our lives, never allowing us to truly live it. We are so obsessed with growing old, we fail to see how truly youthful we are.
I hope I never become so preoccupied with growing old that I forget to live. I hope that the youthful acceptance I have today will remain with me for the rest of my days. As each year passes, may I always see the blessing that new age presents. May I always see the real beauty in being young at heart.
Many people still treat me like I am a new mom or new wife. Last year when I told a group of moms my age they laughed. "Oh yeah, I'm 29 too," one said as if she didn't believe me. She acted as if I was pretending to be 29, like women do when they don't want to admit their real age. I have never lied about my age. I don't worry about getting older. I embrace it. I find grey hairs, have for a long time. No big deal.
I recently watched a movie called The Countess, a German film about the infamous Elizabeth Bathory who reportedly killed young virgin girls and bathed in their blood. It was in an effort to sustain her youthful beauty. Traumatized by the apparent desertion of her lover for a younger woman, Elizabeth became obsessed with looking young and would do anything to achieve the life long appearance of youth. She was said to have killed up to 600 girls but was only called up on charges for 80 of them. She is an extreme example of the female obsession with youth and beauty, a phenomenon that still continues in this modern age.
Today women go to great lengths to preserve their youthful look. Plastic surgery, Botox and lypo-suction are some of the greater extremes women of the modern age will go to to achieve long lasting youth. As a western culture we are obsessed with the numbers of our age, the laugh lines on our face and the number of grey hairs we have. We obsess over the numbers on the scale, the numbers that indicate the size of our pants and the number of friends on our Facebook account. These obsessions only serve to distract us from our lives, never allowing us to truly live it. We are so obsessed with growing old, we fail to see how truly youthful we are.
I hope I never become so preoccupied with growing old that I forget to live. I hope that the youthful acceptance I have today will remain with me for the rest of my days. As each year passes, may I always see the blessing that new age presents. May I always see the real beauty in being young at heart.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Chocolate Skeleton Cookies
These were a hit last week at our homeschool Halloween Party, although I think a few people shied away from them because they look like gingerbread. Let's face it, most kids don't like gingerbread when there's chocolate to be had. That just means more for me! These cookies, that I found at Taste of Home, are easy-peasy and oh-so-good!
Chocolate Skeleton Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup of cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
Cream Butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, cocoa and baking soda. Add to butter mixture.
Refrigerate for about an hour (or more) to make it easier to work with.
Roll out and use a gingerbread boy cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Once completely cooled, use icing sugar and a piping bag to pipe on skeleton bones.
If you can draw a stick person, you can make these cookies!
This recipe was found at the Taste Of Home website.
Chocolate Skeleton Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup of cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
Cream Butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, cocoa and baking soda. Add to butter mixture.
Refrigerate for about an hour (or more) to make it easier to work with.
Roll out and use a gingerbread boy cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Once completely cooled, use icing sugar and a piping bag to pipe on skeleton bones.
If you can draw a stick person, you can make these cookies!
This recipe was found at the Taste Of Home website.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Raspberry Muffins
So just what do I do with all the fruit I freeze in summer? Well, aside from making smoothies and frozen popsicle treats, I make muffins. This morning I whipped up a batch of raspberry muffins and they are Mmmm-Mmmm good!
Raspberry Muffins
1 cup of butter or margarine
1 1/4 cup of sugar
Cream together in large bowl.
2 eggs
Add one at a time and mix well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, mix:
2 cups of flour
2 tsp of baking powder
1/2 tsp of salt
Add flour mix to large bowl of butter, sugar and egg mixture. Add:
1/4 cup of milk
2 1/2 cups of raspberries
Fold
Spoon into greased or paper-lined muffin tins. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 18 muffins or 24 small muffins.
Raspberry Muffins
1 cup of butter or margarine
1 1/4 cup of sugar
Cream together in large bowl.
2 eggs
Add one at a time and mix well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, mix:
2 cups of flour
2 tsp of baking powder
1/2 tsp of salt
Add flour mix to large bowl of butter, sugar and egg mixture. Add:
1/4 cup of milk
2 1/2 cups of raspberries
Fold
Spoon into greased or paper-lined muffin tins. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 18 muffins or 24 small muffins.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Chicks in the City
I decided to contact the local townships to see what was permissable on certain land with specific zoning. We have been looking at properties in four different townships, all with various sizes from 3/4 of an acre to 33 acres. Obviously the size of our plot with determine the operations we can undertake. Laws seem to vary from township to township without much rhyme or reason.
In one township I was told chickens, even just three or four, are only permissable on land zoned agricultural. Agricultural land around here is hard to find for under $1 million, and that's just slightly out of our price range... okay fine, that's TOTALLY out of our price range! I asked about clothes lines as well, just double checking what I already thought to be law, that townships in Ontario could not regulate whether certain neighbourhoods have clotheslines, apparently I was wrong.
After laughing at me (literally) over my chicken request, the lady on the phone said "clotheslines are a concern for health and safety."
What?!
"The township has valid fears about decapitations."
Excuse me? What did she just say?
"It can happen. That's where the term 'clothes lined' comes from."
You have got to be kidding me!
On to the next, hopefully more sane, township. This township will allow chickens and other agricultural uses on rurally zoned properties over 5 acres or more. Good. Now I am getting some where. How hard can it be to find 5 acres with a house that isn't falling down and/or needing $1 million in renovations?...hard, apparently, really, really hard.
Methinks I shall be getting acquainted with local authorities, and short of begging on hands and knees, I shall have to make them see things my way. Chickens are a wonderful addition to organic gardens by keeping down pests and raising the nutrients in the soil. Not to mention the added bonus of eggs from happy chickens. Lordy, lordy, I really hope I don't have a big fight on my hands because man if I get ticked, feathers are gonna fly!
In one township I was told chickens, even just three or four, are only permissable on land zoned agricultural. Agricultural land around here is hard to find for under $1 million, and that's just slightly out of our price range... okay fine, that's TOTALLY out of our price range! I asked about clothes lines as well, just double checking what I already thought to be law, that townships in Ontario could not regulate whether certain neighbourhoods have clotheslines, apparently I was wrong.
After laughing at me (literally) over my chicken request, the lady on the phone said "clotheslines are a concern for health and safety."
What?!
"The township has valid fears about decapitations."
Excuse me? What did she just say?
"It can happen. That's where the term 'clothes lined' comes from."
You have got to be kidding me!
On to the next, hopefully more sane, township. This township will allow chickens and other agricultural uses on rurally zoned properties over 5 acres or more. Good. Now I am getting some where. How hard can it be to find 5 acres with a house that isn't falling down and/or needing $1 million in renovations?...hard, apparently, really, really hard.
Methinks I shall be getting acquainted with local authorities, and short of begging on hands and knees, I shall have to make them see things my way. Chickens are a wonderful addition to organic gardens by keeping down pests and raising the nutrients in the soil. Not to mention the added bonus of eggs from happy chickens. Lordy, lordy, I really hope I don't have a big fight on my hands because man if I get ticked, feathers are gonna fly!
Thanksgiving
It was Thanksgiving this passed weekend. If anything I am so thankful for a couple days of rest. We have been going full tilt lately looking for a house and spent Saturday viewing seven more. All in all we have seen 20 houses so far. I am trying not to think about it but the process seems all in compassing. It's a very stressful time and this process has consumed me.
My house seems almost void of celebration. I have done minimal decorations and despite my best efforts, botched a pair of pumpkin pies. We did enjoy a good, relaxed meal with the standard fare. We went for a rather lovely walk in the woods, in which Daniel and I spoke nearly nonstop about possible homesteads. I am grateful that this time is here. It has been a long time coming. We are in the final stages of moving into our very own home but at the same time I will be even more grateful when it is all over. This process is maddening, necessary but maddening.
I apologize for not being more 'present' with this blog for the time being. Once this is all done, I will have tonnes of lovely things to blog about but for now, finding the right homestead is all I can think about.
Photo from a Harvest Festival at St. Marie Among The Hurons, Midland
My house seems almost void of celebration. I have done minimal decorations and despite my best efforts, botched a pair of pumpkin pies. We did enjoy a good, relaxed meal with the standard fare. We went for a rather lovely walk in the woods, in which Daniel and I spoke nearly nonstop about possible homesteads. I am grateful that this time is here. It has been a long time coming. We are in the final stages of moving into our very own home but at the same time I will be even more grateful when it is all over. This process is maddening, necessary but maddening.
I apologize for not being more 'present' with this blog for the time being. Once this is all done, I will have tonnes of lovely things to blog about but for now, finding the right homestead is all I can think about.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
At Home
I have been enjoying my home the last few days. When not going to see houses for sale, the kids and I have been enjoying lots of down time at home. Aside from school work, we bake, I clean, we read (sometimes together), we walk and talk and enjoying just being here on earth and in each others lives.
It's a great feeling. Fall is such a great time of year with crisp autumn leaves, invigoratingly cool breezes and lush cleansing rains. Apple pie is a fall treat I adore. I'd still like to learn how to make pumpkin pie one day. Maybe this weekend I will give it ago, since it is Thanksgiving.
It's a great feeling. Fall is such a great time of year with crisp autumn leaves, invigoratingly cool breezes and lush cleansing rains. Apple pie is a fall treat I adore. I'd still like to learn how to make pumpkin pie one day. Maybe this weekend I will give it ago, since it is Thanksgiving.
Monday, October 4, 2010
K.I.S.S. Me!
What a weekend! We viewed 7 houses and I was nearly in love a few times. But now I am back to square one. Each house has it's own pros and cons. Everything must be considered from the age of the furnace, to the type of flooring to the neighbours. Oh this is so daunting! And we've barely begun.
I think the process has helped solidify my needs and wants, dreams vs. reality. We looked at one hobby farm yesterday. It had 33 acres, with 6 acres cleared for house and pasture. There's a barn and fencing. I left after walking through the house twice and felt for sure we would put in an offer. Then at home reality set in. The house is huge but it needs work. It needs a new furnace, new windows and half a roof. The upstairs bathroom needs to be redone and the light fixtures need to be replaced in all rooms. Add this to the fact that the house was already stretching our limited budget.
Those cons aside, the 27 acres of bush is another bone of contention. The forest is protected from development (yea!) and we can remove as much as we would like for firewood (bonus!) but that means extra equipment, sweat equity on weekends and hard work for my husband who does not function well on his leg for three seasons out of the year. I fear if we bought the place the pasture and barn would sit empty for years and I would be in over my head as far as everything else goes.
The other houses we viewed were a mix and match of needs. One house had okay land and a decent house but the kids bedrooms were small with no closets. We could put in closets but that would reduce the bedroom sizes even more.
Another house had a unique layout with tonnes of potential inside, but almost no sun or clearing for a garden of any kind. I need a moderately sized garden, that is a deal breaker.
The house on the top of my list is the same floor plan as the farm house but on two acres in an estate subdivision...er...not my idea of country freedom. We have to check rule book at the Township Office. Hey, maybe they will allow chicken, who knows?
And it seemed all the houses were over priced for the market, according to our Real Estate Agent. She and I seem to be in agreement over that. I have seen numerous houses sit on the market all summer with nary a price reduction. Some people just refuse to admit that the money they could have made two years ago is not the case right now.
After viewing all the homes and going through slight heart break over the hobby farm, I have adopted a new motto when viewing houses.
Keep.It.Simple.Sweetie.
There is no point biting off more than I can chew. Feeling overwhelmed by my property and house is not my idea of simplicity. I can live simply without living on a hundred or even ten acres. This is my firm conclusion after looking at a few houses and trying to envision my life there. The search continues...
I think the process has helped solidify my needs and wants, dreams vs. reality. We looked at one hobby farm yesterday. It had 33 acres, with 6 acres cleared for house and pasture. There's a barn and fencing. I left after walking through the house twice and felt for sure we would put in an offer. Then at home reality set in. The house is huge but it needs work. It needs a new furnace, new windows and half a roof. The upstairs bathroom needs to be redone and the light fixtures need to be replaced in all rooms. Add this to the fact that the house was already stretching our limited budget.
Those cons aside, the 27 acres of bush is another bone of contention. The forest is protected from development (yea!) and we can remove as much as we would like for firewood (bonus!) but that means extra equipment, sweat equity on weekends and hard work for my husband who does not function well on his leg for three seasons out of the year. I fear if we bought the place the pasture and barn would sit empty for years and I would be in over my head as far as everything else goes.
The other houses we viewed were a mix and match of needs. One house had okay land and a decent house but the kids bedrooms were small with no closets. We could put in closets but that would reduce the bedroom sizes even more.
Another house had a unique layout with tonnes of potential inside, but almost no sun or clearing for a garden of any kind. I need a moderately sized garden, that is a deal breaker.
The house on the top of my list is the same floor plan as the farm house but on two acres in an estate subdivision...er...not my idea of country freedom. We have to check rule book at the Township Office. Hey, maybe they will allow chicken, who knows?
And it seemed all the houses were over priced for the market, according to our Real Estate Agent. She and I seem to be in agreement over that. I have seen numerous houses sit on the market all summer with nary a price reduction. Some people just refuse to admit that the money they could have made two years ago is not the case right now.
After viewing all the homes and going through slight heart break over the hobby farm, I have adopted a new motto when viewing houses.
Keep.It.Simple.Sweetie.
There is no point biting off more than I can chew. Feeling overwhelmed by my property and house is not my idea of simplicity. I can live simply without living on a hundred or even ten acres. This is my firm conclusion after looking at a few houses and trying to envision my life there. The search continues...
Friday, October 1, 2010
House Hunting!
It's time! The family and I are heading out tomorrow to look at some possible homesteads. It's both exciting and nerve racking. There are so many things to consider and so many possibilities for our future. After years of renting I am so chomping at the bit to get in to a home of our own.
In our area, property prices are fairly high. We need to find the right balance between house and land without breaking the budget. We want to be fiscally responsible and that may mean opting for less land in the end. I am not sure how I feel about that. I definitely see chickens in our future and bees as well. I want fruit trees and a large, large, large vegetable garden. These are all things that I think can be squeezed on to an acre but of course it depends how the house and environs are laid out.
The internet search engine, MLS, can be deceiving. What looks like tonnes of land is actually...er...not so much. However I don't want to get too much land that we can't keep up. My husband has physical limitations and I am often busy with the kids and my own school work.
In the end, I know we will find the right house for us. Something in the country, surrounded by nature and the very best part, it will be ours!
In our area, property prices are fairly high. We need to find the right balance between house and land without breaking the budget. We want to be fiscally responsible and that may mean opting for less land in the end. I am not sure how I feel about that. I definitely see chickens in our future and bees as well. I want fruit trees and a large, large, large vegetable garden. These are all things that I think can be squeezed on to an acre but of course it depends how the house and environs are laid out.
The internet search engine, MLS, can be deceiving. What looks like tonnes of land is actually...er...not so much. However I don't want to get too much land that we can't keep up. My husband has physical limitations and I am often busy with the kids and my own school work.
In the end, I know we will find the right house for us. Something in the country, surrounded by nature and the very best part, it will be ours!
Everdale Organic Farm
Recently I arranged a field trip for our local homeschool group to visit Everdale Organic Farm. It was a Farmer For A Day program where kids harvested vegetables (some they have probably never tried before) for their own soup and salad.
We were a bit soggy but it was nothing a good warm wood stove couldn't cure.
They learned about sheep and wool, eggs and chickens and then had a chance to romp around the fields for a while. The most popular sport was chasing down a chicken to hold, without running or causing chaos of course.
It took some practice but in the end every child got a chicken.
I loved seeing the sheep. Sheep are one of my most favourite farm animals. I wish we could have sheep at our farm but at this point I am not sure. It was just nice to hang out, talk with some experienced farmers and get my feet wet!
This is also the farm where I took my bee keeping and soap making courses this summer. This place is all about sustainability with strawbale homes, solar power and biodiesel. I feel at home when I visit there and wish that one day I could have an Everdale of my own.
We were a bit soggy but it was nothing a good warm wood stove couldn't cure.
They learned about sheep and wool, eggs and chickens and then had a chance to romp around the fields for a while. The most popular sport was chasing down a chicken to hold, without running or causing chaos of course.
It took some practice but in the end every child got a chicken.
I loved seeing the sheep. Sheep are one of my most favourite farm animals. I wish we could have sheep at our farm but at this point I am not sure. It was just nice to hang out, talk with some experienced farmers and get my feet wet!
This is also the farm where I took my bee keeping and soap making courses this summer. This place is all about sustainability with strawbale homes, solar power and biodiesel. I feel at home when I visit there and wish that one day I could have an Everdale of my own.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Little House at My House
This is purely a 'Look what I made' post. I came up with an idea to make a peg people playset for kids and my niece and nephew for Christmas. This is the first one, a Little House on the Prairie set for my daughter who loves the books and anything pioneer.
I really enjoyed making this and have even been thinking of selling a few at my Etsy Store.
I think I will make another for my niece for Christmas and include a copy of the book. It's sweet to think of her playing away with her little house while her mom reads the book to her.
I have some other ideas brewing in my head. Eventually I want to make little tables and maybe a bed. I plan to take a woodworking course in November and I am really looking forward to it.
I really enjoyed making this and have even been thinking of selling a few at my Etsy Store.
I think I will make another for my niece for Christmas and include a copy of the book. It's sweet to think of her playing away with her little house while her mom reads the book to her.
I have some other ideas brewing in my head. Eventually I want to make little tables and maybe a bed. I plan to take a woodworking course in November and I am really looking forward to it.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tally Ho!
Each year I try to do a bit more than last year. Although this year I must say my efforts were a bit lack luster. I did a bit but not as much as I would have liked. I have a lot on my mind lately when it comes to simplicity, my life style and how I feel about this whole thing. I tend to be pretty philosophical about things. I make myself crazy thinking too much and I guess that's what happened this year. Philosophically I am in a rut but none the less I did manage to put some things up this summer.
Here's the current tally.
Canning
9 jars of Homemade Strawberry Juice
16 jars of Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
10 jars of dill pickles
8 jars of raspberry jam (we have a few jars left over from last year)
Freezing
30L of strawberries
20L of blueberries
20L of raspberries
10 lbs of corn
10 lbs carrots
6 lbs of broccoli
2lbs of tomatoes
Storage
10lbs of onions
To do:
More broccoli, lots of cauliflower, carrots and tomatoes. I would also like to try salsa again before October. I need to buy potatoes for storage, apples as well. We do not have a cold storage or basement or anything at this point so we really are limited in that regard.
I am not going to be freezing apple crisps or pies this year. We did not go through them all last year. I may just make a few as the winter goes by with the bushel of apples in storage.
Maybe next year I will have found my 'umph' again, because this year I have been completely lacking in motivation, definitely down in the dumps and not feeling myself lately.
Here's the current tally.
Canning
9 jars of Homemade Strawberry Juice
16 jars of Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
10 jars of dill pickles
8 jars of raspberry jam (we have a few jars left over from last year)
Freezing
30L of strawberries
20L of blueberries
20L of raspberries
10 lbs of corn
10 lbs carrots
6 lbs of broccoli
2lbs of tomatoes
Storage
10lbs of onions
To do:
More broccoli, lots of cauliflower, carrots and tomatoes. I would also like to try salsa again before October. I need to buy potatoes for storage, apples as well. We do not have a cold storage or basement or anything at this point so we really are limited in that regard.
I am not going to be freezing apple crisps or pies this year. We did not go through them all last year. I may just make a few as the winter goes by with the bushel of apples in storage.
Maybe next year I will have found my 'umph' again, because this year I have been completely lacking in motivation, definitely down in the dumps and not feeling myself lately.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Yogurt Pops
At the beginning of summer I ordered two sets of BPA free popsicle molds from Amazon.com, made by Tovolo. I love, love, love these molds. I bought the star molds and the space ship molds. When they arrived, the kids and I never looked at summer treats the same way.
Aside from juice, we experimented all summer seeing what concoction we could dream up. I had a batch of ice cream that wouldn't set and we needed to leave. I couldn't just keep the ice cream maker going so I poured the semi-ice cream into the molds and shoved them in the freezer. It was great! The handles did slide off and we needed to eat them with a spoon but I figured out they just needed more time to de-thaw and pull away from the sides of the mold.
I also developed this recipe, a simple but very healthy popsicle. Yogurt pops.
You will need:
1 cup of frozen or fresh strawberries,
1 to 1 1/2 cups of yogurt (any flavour)
Popsicle mold
Place your strawberries in a food processor or blender and puree. Add your yogurt and mix. You can sweeten with honey but we don't bother. Pour your yogurt fruit into the molds and place in freezer to set. Remember to leave a bit of head space because they will expand when frozen.
Easy, healthy and oh-so-good!
Since buying my popsicle molds I have not bought popsicles, freezes or any treat this summer. We simply just make our own. I am so glad I found an alternative to all those freezie wrappers, or plastic wrap on store bought treats. These molds are easy to clean, easy to make and better for the environment. Love it!
Aside from juice, we experimented all summer seeing what concoction we could dream up. I had a batch of ice cream that wouldn't set and we needed to leave. I couldn't just keep the ice cream maker going so I poured the semi-ice cream into the molds and shoved them in the freezer. It was great! The handles did slide off and we needed to eat them with a spoon but I figured out they just needed more time to de-thaw and pull away from the sides of the mold.
I also developed this recipe, a simple but very healthy popsicle. Yogurt pops.
You will need:
1 cup of frozen or fresh strawberries,
1 to 1 1/2 cups of yogurt (any flavour)
Popsicle mold
Place your strawberries in a food processor or blender and puree. Add your yogurt and mix. You can sweeten with honey but we don't bother. Pour your yogurt fruit into the molds and place in freezer to set. Remember to leave a bit of head space because they will expand when frozen.
Easy, healthy and oh-so-good!
Since buying my popsicle molds I have not bought popsicles, freezes or any treat this summer. We simply just make our own. I am so glad I found an alternative to all those freezie wrappers, or plastic wrap on store bought treats. These molds are easy to clean, easy to make and better for the environment. Love it!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Blanching and Freezing
I have been busy getting our school year going while trying to put as much up for winter as I can. One of my favourite methods of preservation is freezing. Unlike canning, freezing fruits and veggies does not detract from the foods original form. You don't need copious amounts of sugar, lemon juice or vinegar to keep the foods safe for winter. Canning is very time consuming and can be expensive when buying additional ingredients. Freezing keeps the food in it's natural state until you are ready to eat it.
Here's an archived post from a previous year describing the process of blanching, a must-do step in order to make the best of your vegetables.
Blanching & Freezing Vegetables and Fruits
Summer's bounty is all well and good but what do you do with all that sustenance once it's brought in from the elements. Scientists say that food enzymes begin to break down the minute items are detached from their mother plant. Food can decline quickly if not stored properly.
Certain foods can hold their own if conditions are right. Potatoes, rutabaga, and apples** can all 'over winter' well enough in cold storage but what to do with the rest.
I like freezing a certain amount. I preserve by canning when I can. Storing canned items takes no extra electricity to sit on a shelf, not like frozen food that needs a near constant supply of energy to stay frozen. But you can not can everything. And so freezing becomes a great advantage in our day and age.
Almost all food can be frozen but most need to be put through a process called BLANCHING, a quick boil process that stops the enzymes from progressing and subsequently spoiling food. Without blanching a certain food's texture will become... well let's just say undesirable and leave it at that.
Blanching and freezing the harvest seems to be this long hidden secret. A secret that forces everyone who is not 'in the know' to buy commercially frozen produce at astronomically high prices, never knowing how much they are being ripped off. It doesn't take much time either, and when you think about it, it saves oodles of time in mid-winter when making a soup and all you have to do is pull these frozen garden delights from the freezer all washed, sliced and ready to go.
Blanching works well for lots of foods. My favourites are carrots, corn, brocoli, cauliflower, and sometimes tomatoes.
Here's how to blanch: wash and cut your vegetables while having a pot of water coming to a boil on the stove. Once the pot reaches a rolling boil, fill it with your vegetables and start the timer. It usually takes 2 to 4 minutes depending on what you are blanching. Time varies depending on the variety of produce so make sure you check below. At the end of the allotted time, drain veggies in a strainer and then submerge in ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Once the veggies are cool to the touch, you can pull them out of the water, let them dry for a few minutes and then pack in freezer bags or storage containers. Freeze right away.
Blanched veggies are good for soups, stews, casseroles, and as steamed side dishes. And researches say that frozen veggies are so similar to their fresh state that they contain the same amount of nutrients as those found in fresh veggies. And compared to how much food needs to be altered to can it, that's a pretty good deal. They should be consumed in 1 year.
Here's a list of various food that can be frozen and their blanching times.
Asparagus: small 2 minutes/ medium 3 minutes/ large 4 minutes
Beans (Green and Wax): cut 2 to 3 minutes/ whole 3 to 4 minutes
Beans (Lima): small 2 minutes/ Large 4 minutes
Brocoli: small to medium 3 minutes/ large 4 minutes
Carrots: 2 to 3 minutes
Cauliflower: 4 minutes
Corn (Cut, whole kernel or cream style): 4 minutes
Corn on the Cob: small 7 minutes/ large 11 minutes
Parsnips: 2 minutes
Peas: 2 minutes
Rutabaga (turnip): Blanching not required
Summer Squash (Zucchini): 3 minutes best for soups
Winter Squash (Pumpkin): Bake at 350F for 40 to 60 minutes. Boil 15 to 20 minutes. Steam 30 to 60 minutes. Cool in refrigerator.
Tomato (Whole or diced): cut an X on the bottom, scald for 1 to 2 minutes because it helps to remove the peel.
** Apples and Potatoes should never be stored over winter in the same room as each other... apparently apples don't like their earthly cousin (the pomme de terre, literally translated as apple of the earth). Actually apples omit a gas as they continue to ripen which causes potatoes to spoil.
Here's an archived post from a previous year describing the process of blanching, a must-do step in order to make the best of your vegetables.
Blanching & Freezing Vegetables and Fruits
Summer's bounty is all well and good but what do you do with all that sustenance once it's brought in from the elements. Scientists say that food enzymes begin to break down the minute items are detached from their mother plant. Food can decline quickly if not stored properly.
Certain foods can hold their own if conditions are right. Potatoes, rutabaga, and apples** can all 'over winter' well enough in cold storage but what to do with the rest.
I like freezing a certain amount. I preserve by canning when I can. Storing canned items takes no extra electricity to sit on a shelf, not like frozen food that needs a near constant supply of energy to stay frozen. But you can not can everything. And so freezing becomes a great advantage in our day and age.
Almost all food can be frozen but most need to be put through a process called BLANCHING, a quick boil process that stops the enzymes from progressing and subsequently spoiling food. Without blanching a certain food's texture will become... well let's just say undesirable and leave it at that.
Blanching and freezing the harvest seems to be this long hidden secret. A secret that forces everyone who is not 'in the know' to buy commercially frozen produce at astronomically high prices, never knowing how much they are being ripped off. It doesn't take much time either, and when you think about it, it saves oodles of time in mid-winter when making a soup and all you have to do is pull these frozen garden delights from the freezer all washed, sliced and ready to go.
Blanching works well for lots of foods. My favourites are carrots, corn, brocoli, cauliflower, and sometimes tomatoes.
Here's how to blanch: wash and cut your vegetables while having a pot of water coming to a boil on the stove. Once the pot reaches a rolling boil, fill it with your vegetables and start the timer. It usually takes 2 to 4 minutes depending on what you are blanching. Time varies depending on the variety of produce so make sure you check below. At the end of the allotted time, drain veggies in a strainer and then submerge in ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Once the veggies are cool to the touch, you can pull them out of the water, let them dry for a few minutes and then pack in freezer bags or storage containers. Freeze right away.
Blanched veggies are good for soups, stews, casseroles, and as steamed side dishes. And researches say that frozen veggies are so similar to their fresh state that they contain the same amount of nutrients as those found in fresh veggies. And compared to how much food needs to be altered to can it, that's a pretty good deal. They should be consumed in 1 year.
Here's a list of various food that can be frozen and their blanching times.
Asparagus: small 2 minutes/ medium 3 minutes/ large 4 minutes
Beans (Green and Wax): cut 2 to 3 minutes/ whole 3 to 4 minutes
Beans (Lima): small 2 minutes/ Large 4 minutes
Brocoli: small to medium 3 minutes/ large 4 minutes
Carrots: 2 to 3 minutes
Cauliflower: 4 minutes
Corn (Cut, whole kernel or cream style): 4 minutes
Corn on the Cob: small 7 minutes/ large 11 minutes
Parsnips: 2 minutes
Peas: 2 minutes
Rutabaga (turnip): Blanching not required
Summer Squash (Zucchini): 3 minutes best for soups
Winter Squash (Pumpkin): Bake at 350F for 40 to 60 minutes. Boil 15 to 20 minutes. Steam 30 to 60 minutes. Cool in refrigerator.
Tomato (Whole or diced): cut an X on the bottom, scald for 1 to 2 minutes because it helps to remove the peel.
** Apples and Potatoes should never be stored over winter in the same room as each other... apparently apples don't like their earthly cousin (the pomme de terre, literally translated as apple of the earth). Actually apples omit a gas as they continue to ripen which causes potatoes to spoil.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Any Anne Fans Out There?
I adore Anne of Green Gables, Road to Avonlea and anything related to Lucy Maud Montgomery. For years I have been collecting books, visiting sites and stumbling upon historic places related to one of my heroines. I was fortunate enough to be born in Southern Ontario, a place where L.M. Montgomery herself lived for the majority of her life. Ontario is just rife with places related to her, her books and all movies produced by Kevin Sullivan.
In 2007 my family and I visit Prince Edward Island, our 'Anne Trip' where we took in everything authentically Anne. I felt no guilt while dragging my family around visiting Maud's old haunts and places that inspired her beloved stories.
Much of the movies were not filmed in PEI but were actually filmed in Ontario at various historic sites. The White Sands in a historic restaurant in PEI but usually the shots in the Road to Avonlea series were body doubles, much cheaper than flying actors from Toronto to the site.
This past summer the kids and I have been visiting historic pioneer villages, not only to haunt some sites related to Everything Anne, but also to learn more about our ancestors in the hopes it will inspire me to continue my journey to simplicity.
We live 30 minutes from the Museum which houses the blue school house used in the second Anne movie. This is also the museum I volunteer at while demonstrating spinning. I have no digital pictures of this site so I will have to snag one the next time I am there.
In Toronto there is Black Creek Pioneer Village where a lot of filming for the Avonlea television show took place. We first visited last year but enjoyed it so much we wanted an encore this summer. My daughter is also convinced that part of the American Girl Felicity movie was filmed here. This fact I can not substantiate so I am not sure.
The actual Road to Avonlea main street were just building facades built in a field in Uxbridge, Ontario which were dismantled after taping ceased. L.M. Montgomery lived in Uxbridge before moving to Toronto when her husband retired. Citizens in Uxbridge are still working on a museum commemorating one of their most famous residents.
Maud also lived in Norval, Ontario. I stumbled upon a garden and plaque erected there in her honor while driving through one day. There's a big sign that says Lucy Maud Montgomery Garden, so of course I had to stop and take a stroll through it.
This past week we went to Doon Heritage Crossroads, in Kitchener. Two major scenes were filmed here including one with Rachel Lynd sitting on her porch watching Matthew Cuthbert driving by in a buggy, wear a suit! "He's not going fast enough for a doctor." This is the porch. The house was yellow and white back then.
There is also a scene filmed here for the Anne Sequel movie, where Anne comes out of the Post Office, Gilbert Blythe and her walk through the main part of town and then ride bikes through this covered bridge. It's a lovely scene.
L.M. Montgomery wrote one book, The Blue Castle, set outside Prince Edward Island. It was set in her second most beloved locale, Muskoka only a short drive from here. In the next week or so we plan to visit the Bala Museum with Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
There is another Museum near Hamilton, Ontario that hosted the movie crew. The Westfield Heritage Village has the train station, the Hammond Sawmill and the Hammond's home and stairwell where Anne heard she would be sent back to the orphanage.
There is so much here at my fingertips, I feel blessed to be 'a part of it'. I can visit as often as I like and get a real feel for the places from our not so distant past. I find these historical sites just dripping with history and inspiration. I could go back again and again.
In 2007 my family and I visit Prince Edward Island, our 'Anne Trip' where we took in everything authentically Anne. I felt no guilt while dragging my family around visiting Maud's old haunts and places that inspired her beloved stories.
Much of the movies were not filmed in PEI but were actually filmed in Ontario at various historic sites. The White Sands in a historic restaurant in PEI but usually the shots in the Road to Avonlea series were body doubles, much cheaper than flying actors from Toronto to the site.
This past summer the kids and I have been visiting historic pioneer villages, not only to haunt some sites related to Everything Anne, but also to learn more about our ancestors in the hopes it will inspire me to continue my journey to simplicity.
We live 30 minutes from the Museum which houses the blue school house used in the second Anne movie. This is also the museum I volunteer at while demonstrating spinning. I have no digital pictures of this site so I will have to snag one the next time I am there.
In Toronto there is Black Creek Pioneer Village where a lot of filming for the Avonlea television show took place. We first visited last year but enjoyed it so much we wanted an encore this summer. My daughter is also convinced that part of the American Girl Felicity movie was filmed here. This fact I can not substantiate so I am not sure.
The actual Road to Avonlea main street were just building facades built in a field in Uxbridge, Ontario which were dismantled after taping ceased. L.M. Montgomery lived in Uxbridge before moving to Toronto when her husband retired. Citizens in Uxbridge are still working on a museum commemorating one of their most famous residents.
Maud also lived in Norval, Ontario. I stumbled upon a garden and plaque erected there in her honor while driving through one day. There's a big sign that says Lucy Maud Montgomery Garden, so of course I had to stop and take a stroll through it.
This past week we went to Doon Heritage Crossroads, in Kitchener. Two major scenes were filmed here including one with Rachel Lynd sitting on her porch watching Matthew Cuthbert driving by in a buggy, wear a suit! "He's not going fast enough for a doctor." This is the porch. The house was yellow and white back then.
There is also a scene filmed here for the Anne Sequel movie, where Anne comes out of the Post Office, Gilbert Blythe and her walk through the main part of town and then ride bikes through this covered bridge. It's a lovely scene.
L.M. Montgomery wrote one book, The Blue Castle, set outside Prince Edward Island. It was set in her second most beloved locale, Muskoka only a short drive from here. In the next week or so we plan to visit the Bala Museum with Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
There is another Museum near Hamilton, Ontario that hosted the movie crew. The Westfield Heritage Village has the train station, the Hammond Sawmill and the Hammond's home and stairwell where Anne heard she would be sent back to the orphanage.
There is so much here at my fingertips, I feel blessed to be 'a part of it'. I can visit as often as I like and get a real feel for the places from our not so distant past. I find these historical sites just dripping with history and inspiration. I could go back again and again.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Is that a Show Garden?
Discovered two cantaloupe shells this morning, with no melon left. Something with small hands, most likely a raccoon, made a small hole in the shell and scraped out all the insides. This is getting to the point of ludicrousness. Since the corn scandal I have been thinking very pensively about crop protection. I had thought a fence would work for the deer, when I believed they were my only real threat but now I see the problem is so much deeper. So now I have begun to contemplate a solar-powered electric fence.
When taking my bee keeping course, the bee keeper had solar electric fences around both his chicken runs which were movable around the yard. At the time I had thought that would be a good solution for chicken predators, but now I see its use as a crop protector as well.
Three years ago I started my little garden. I was tired of putting it off while saying 'we're not going to be here that long anyway'. We live in rental housing at the moment while we search out our homestead. I had (and still have) all these lofty ideas of the size and yields of my 'real' garden all the while trying to be satisfied with what I have here. I have come to realize how satisfying this mini garden is for me, even if I don't get to enjoy all the bounty. My little garden has taught me so much like:
Don't let your broccoli go to flower.
Don't over crowd.
Don't let the weeds get too bad because there IS a point of no return.
Don't trust the garden center tags, especially if they say you can grow red peppers in Zone 5.
Don't let your four year old help you 'pull weeds' unless they understand what a weed is.
And last but not least, when something is ripe pick it because it's not a show garden for goodness sake.
Life lessons learned and now I am so much better prepared for my 'real' garden... and perhaps the real house that goes along with it.
When taking my bee keeping course, the bee keeper had solar electric fences around both his chicken runs which were movable around the yard. At the time I had thought that would be a good solution for chicken predators, but now I see its use as a crop protector as well.
Three years ago I started my little garden. I was tired of putting it off while saying 'we're not going to be here that long anyway'. We live in rental housing at the moment while we search out our homestead. I had (and still have) all these lofty ideas of the size and yields of my 'real' garden all the while trying to be satisfied with what I have here. I have come to realize how satisfying this mini garden is for me, even if I don't get to enjoy all the bounty. My little garden has taught me so much like:
Don't let your broccoli go to flower.
Don't over crowd.
Don't let the weeds get too bad because there IS a point of no return.
Don't trust the garden center tags, especially if they say you can grow red peppers in Zone 5.
Don't let your four year old help you 'pull weeds' unless they understand what a weed is.
And last but not least, when something is ripe pick it because it's not a show garden for goodness sake.
Life lessons learned and now I am so much better prepared for my 'real' garden... and perhaps the real house that goes along with it.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Kaiser Buns
These buns are great for burgers, sandwiches or just warm with butter.
In a small bowl or glass measuring cup stir together;
1 cup of warm water
2 1/2 tsp of yeast
Set aside.
In a large bowl mix;
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 tsp salt
2 cups of flour
2 tbsp of sugar
Add the yeast mixture to flour and beat until smooth. Stir in 2 more cups of flour to form a soft dough. Let rise in oven with the light on, or in a warm place for 1 hour.
Punch down. Form buns (8 to 12) and make cuts in the top like an X, and let rise again for 20 to 30 minutes.
Bake at 400F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
In a small bowl or glass measuring cup stir together;
1 cup of warm water
2 1/2 tsp of yeast
Set aside.
In a large bowl mix;
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 tsp salt
2 cups of flour
2 tbsp of sugar
Add the yeast mixture to flour and beat until smooth. Stir in 2 more cups of flour to form a soft dough. Let rise in oven with the light on, or in a warm place for 1 hour.
Punch down. Form buns (8 to 12) and make cuts in the top like an X, and let rise again for 20 to 30 minutes.
Bake at 400F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Friday, August 27, 2010
We Three
My daughter took this picture of us with her camera. We were actually just looking at houses for sale on the internet, me kneeling on the floor, my husband on the computer chair and my son peeking in from behind.
The picture turned out really well. And I am glad I have it as keepsake for this moment in time.
Varmits!
Last year it was the deer. This year I am battling the raccoons. In my farthest raised bed I have been growing corn and cantaloupe, with a few extra onion bulbs just to see what would happen.
Yesterday I went out to check on my nearly ripe cantaloupe and found my 'mini' corn field decimated. The stalks were knocked over, the ears ripped off and the the little nibbled on cobs were left lying in the dirt. My heart fell. They were almost ready. They had been doing so well.
It is hard when I have spent a number of hours preparing, and planting, weeding and watering only to have an uninvited guest come and help themselves.
On Monday we stopped by a local farm, one of our favourite farm stands and bought two dozen corn cobs that we blanched and froze for winter. We will probably have to do that at least one more time before September. Last year, I froze just one dozen and it barely lasted until Christmas. The ones I was growing in the back were an experiment, something we could eat and offer to neighbours at a barbecue. Not anymore I guess.
Perhaps a scarecrow would have worked. I may try that next year.
Today I did end up harvesting one cantaloupe and hope it is ripe and ready since I really have no idea what I am doing. There are four others that are not quite ripe.
The pumpkins are growing still, the strawberries as well. Tomatoes are ripening as I type but other than that the garden is coming to a slow close. Next year I will try harder at extending the harvest but while we are still living here, there is very little I can do. For now we make do visiting farms, buying local produce and freezing, or storing for winter.
Yesterday I went out to check on my nearly ripe cantaloupe and found my 'mini' corn field decimated. The stalks were knocked over, the ears ripped off and the the little nibbled on cobs were left lying in the dirt. My heart fell. They were almost ready. They had been doing so well.
It is hard when I have spent a number of hours preparing, and planting, weeding and watering only to have an uninvited guest come and help themselves.
On Monday we stopped by a local farm, one of our favourite farm stands and bought two dozen corn cobs that we blanched and froze for winter. We will probably have to do that at least one more time before September. Last year, I froze just one dozen and it barely lasted until Christmas. The ones I was growing in the back were an experiment, something we could eat and offer to neighbours at a barbecue. Not anymore I guess.
Perhaps a scarecrow would have worked. I may try that next year.
Today I did end up harvesting one cantaloupe and hope it is ripe and ready since I really have no idea what I am doing. There are four others that are not quite ripe.
The pumpkins are growing still, the strawberries as well. Tomatoes are ripening as I type but other than that the garden is coming to a slow close. Next year I will try harder at extending the harvest but while we are still living here, there is very little I can do. For now we make do visiting farms, buying local produce and freezing, or storing for winter.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Etsy Store Additions
I just added 3 new skeins of handspun wool to my Etsy Shop, Bless Ewe Farm.
It can take up to 6 hours to complete a skein, so I mean it when I saw they were lovingly created. Spinning is not a speedy craft. It takes time and patience, something that fits well with simplicity and they way I live my life. I also derive a lot of enjoyment from knowing my products are naturally made, comprising of natural resources that are renewable and not harmful to the environment. Please help me spread the word about using naturally derived resources.
I plan to do a lot more spinning this fall to keep the supply lines running. I am also going to start knitting a few items as well.
It can take up to 6 hours to complete a skein, so I mean it when I saw they were lovingly created. Spinning is not a speedy craft. It takes time and patience, something that fits well with simplicity and they way I live my life. I also derive a lot of enjoyment from knowing my products are naturally made, comprising of natural resources that are renewable and not harmful to the environment. Please help me spread the word about using naturally derived resources.
I plan to do a lot more spinning this fall to keep the supply lines running. I am also going to start knitting a few items as well.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Inner Mean Girl Cleanse
Well, this is exciting! Has there ever been a time your life when the thing you needed most just seemed to drop right into your lap? There was a time when I was freshly living on my own, nearly penniless and desperately needing a pair of pants since all two pairs at home were threadbare. I remember needing pants yet also needing as much of my hard earned money for food. It was a tough decision to make but figured if I spent $8 on a pair of pants at the thrift store I could figure out a cheaper menu for those two weeks until pay day. I found a pair in my size, nearly new, for $8 no less, and took them home. I put them on the next day and put my hands in the pockets to see how they felt and pulled out a folded $20 bill. I was speechless. Like pennies from heaven, this overlooked donation was my blessing. What I needed at that moment fell right into my lap.
Flash forward 12 years later and enter the Inner Mean Girl Cleanse, something I desperately need at this very moment. As a woman, I am terribly hard on myself. I feel like I am fumbling through life, multitasking every minute and yet never accomplishing everything I would like. I berate myself for my faults. I chide my inability to do more. I get down on myself because Jane can do this and Jacklyn can do that. I am constantly comparing myself and putting myself down in the process without even realizing it. I am in open combat with my inner mean girl and never knew the chick existed.
This summer, I have been in a process of reclaiming my life, my health and my center and yet I still struggle daily with all the things that I am 'suppose' to be doing. I tell myself I shouldn't be on the treadmill when the dishes need to be done. I get anxious after buying non-local foods, or realize how much packaging a product had once I get it home. My garden stands weed-filled and neglected while I toil away inside getting ready for another school year. In the end, all the pressures amount to one big giant mass of guilt, aka my mean girl masquerading around reminding me of how much I fall short of my goals.
I need respite but rather than give up gardening, simplicity, homesteading and homeschooling I need to find a way to deal with the guilt, the pressure and the expectations. I need permission to do my best and be happy with that. The only way I am going to accomplish that is by banishing my inner mean girl.
Flash forward 12 years later and enter the Inner Mean Girl Cleanse, something I desperately need at this very moment. As a woman, I am terribly hard on myself. I feel like I am fumbling through life, multitasking every minute and yet never accomplishing everything I would like. I berate myself for my faults. I chide my inability to do more. I get down on myself because Jane can do this and Jacklyn can do that. I am constantly comparing myself and putting myself down in the process without even realizing it. I am in open combat with my inner mean girl and never knew the chick existed.
This summer, I have been in a process of reclaiming my life, my health and my center and yet I still struggle daily with all the things that I am 'suppose' to be doing. I tell myself I shouldn't be on the treadmill when the dishes need to be done. I get anxious after buying non-local foods, or realize how much packaging a product had once I get it home. My garden stands weed-filled and neglected while I toil away inside getting ready for another school year. In the end, all the pressures amount to one big giant mass of guilt, aka my mean girl masquerading around reminding me of how much I fall short of my goals.
I need respite but rather than give up gardening, simplicity, homesteading and homeschooling I need to find a way to deal with the guilt, the pressure and the expectations. I need permission to do my best and be happy with that. The only way I am going to accomplish that is by banishing my inner mean girl.
Homemade Yogurt
This summer, I have been trying to concoct my own yogurt without a lot of success. Apparently, the process is tricky and takes some practice. My first batch was laughable, and resembled only slightly thick milk. After some online digging, I found out I was heating my milk too hot and then killing my starter. The next batch, which I only heated to 120 degrees F (instead of 180F like I previously was told), had all the yogurt on the bottom and a thin layer of whey and milk on top. But at least I was seeing progress.
Third times the charm in this case. After two botched batches I finally got it right, even if it is a bit runnier than store bought. Now I feel confident posting it here.
Plain Homemade Yogurt
Wash out two 500 ml glass canning jars. Set aside. Place a full kettle of water on the boil. Doesn't need to be boiling, but near boiling.
You will need:
1 liter (4 cups) of milk
1/4 to 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
Yogurt makes more yogurt, who knew? Make sure you buy yogurt with *live bacterial cultures*. Any milk will do, from skim milk to whole milk or even raw milk.
In a saucepan warm up milk to 120 degrees F. Use a cooking thermometer and keep any eye on the temperature. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Take about 1/2 cup of warm milk from pan and mix with your yogurt starter. Then add it back to the sauce pan.
Pour the milk/yogurt into the two jars. Place on the lids and put them both into a insulated cooler.
Take your kettle of near-boiling water and pour the water into the cooler, all around the jars. Close lid. This will need to stay for about 8 to 10 hours. You can do more. I was pushing 12 hours incubating before I found success. When time is up place both jars in the fridge. The mixture will thicken as it cools so you won't know if it worked until a few hours later.
Depending how my next few batches go, I may cave and buy a yogurt maker. Yogurt makers regulate the incubating temperature and provides more consistent batches. I wanted to try this version with the mason jars and cooler, using materials I had on hand before I dole out money on yet another kitchen appliance.
Third times the charm in this case. After two botched batches I finally got it right, even if it is a bit runnier than store bought. Now I feel confident posting it here.
Plain Homemade Yogurt
Wash out two 500 ml glass canning jars. Set aside. Place a full kettle of water on the boil. Doesn't need to be boiling, but near boiling.
You will need:
1 liter (4 cups) of milk
1/4 to 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
Yogurt makes more yogurt, who knew? Make sure you buy yogurt with *live bacterial cultures*. Any milk will do, from skim milk to whole milk or even raw milk.
In a saucepan warm up milk to 120 degrees F. Use a cooking thermometer and keep any eye on the temperature. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Take about 1/2 cup of warm milk from pan and mix with your yogurt starter. Then add it back to the sauce pan.
Pour the milk/yogurt into the two jars. Place on the lids and put them both into a insulated cooler.
Take your kettle of near-boiling water and pour the water into the cooler, all around the jars. Close lid. This will need to stay for about 8 to 10 hours. You can do more. I was pushing 12 hours incubating before I found success. When time is up place both jars in the fridge. The mixture will thicken as it cools so you won't know if it worked until a few hours later.
Depending how my next few batches go, I may cave and buy a yogurt maker. Yogurt makers regulate the incubating temperature and provides more consistent batches. I wanted to try this version with the mason jars and cooler, using materials I had on hand before I dole out money on yet another kitchen appliance.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)