tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91762448367640313702024-03-13T08:03:32.933-07:00Living the Dreamtrinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-58546436011332177842022-03-07T09:23:00.001-08:002022-03-07T10:03:40.959-08:002022 Canning Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPFa874StEJN-6oX3xQFHjXHNO8xrRQaRbYxe37L1ET-tZwTnyphXwQjSXxFHuWFh7-yS7mXzzgBMoZeb1M6S2MP_1s-hqszB-OIpmLCHz9vQqRc9nB523EDgnyM0uyU124ldgYh_m_322M8WievzJBC61wGX7t2Oa4OLHSrOCjsI4LkFYhinCTDDY=s3477" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2607" data-original-width="3477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPFa874StEJN-6oX3xQFHjXHNO8xrRQaRbYxe37L1ET-tZwTnyphXwQjSXxFHuWFh7-yS7mXzzgBMoZeb1M6S2MP_1s-hqszB-OIpmLCHz9vQqRc9nB523EDgnyM0uyU124ldgYh_m_322M8WievzJBC61wGX7t2Oa4OLHSrOCjsI4LkFYhinCTDDY=s320" width="320" /></a>
</div>
Sometimes do you get so caught up in the day to day, that you forget the impact
of small, regular, forward progress? I get caught up like that all the time! <div><br /></div><div>I was
talking to the Hillbilly the other day, about putting up food, and he
(possessing the math brain that he does) pointed out that if I canned just 7
quarts of food a week, could have 364 jars of food put up by the end of the
year... 364 jars!! Of course, my gluttony brain went straight to 14 quarts a
week, because hey, I do have a gorgeous All American canner that will easily
hold 14 quart jars... which would give me a whopping 728 jars of food canned by
the end of the year. That would be quite an accomplishment! </div><div><br /></div><div>So right then
and there I challenged myself to put up <i>something<b></b></i> every week.
Because I can't be limited to just canning, (I also like to dehydrate food in my
Excalibur, or try new (old) methods of food preservation), I decided to keep the
parameters open. But just a warning, I won't be doing this 'Julie and Julia'
style, with a new recipe every day. Also, spring is quickly approaching, so the
garden may take more and more of my time, while also giving me more food to can! </div><div><br /></div><div>So here's to small, regular, forward progress!! I hope you will join me, cheer me
on, and give me suggestions for new things to try!
</div>trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-3797497080992646082017-08-08T05:56:00.000-07:002017-08-08T17:09:00.016-07:00The Journey Begins...or ContinuesIt is official! We have a new home to call our own! Excitement is running high, energy levels are bursting...I give it 48 hours.<br />
<br />
You see, we ARE moving. Out of the campers and into a house. And oh what a beautiful house! Well, it will be beautiful. That is the part that may curb enthusiasm. This house, the house that God provided has not had a dweller for three years, well, except for the mice. In that three years, the power has been on, the heat has been on, so it is a nice dry house, but it could do with a thorough, deep clean. This morning, we are headed over for our first day of work.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9176244836764031370" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9176244836764031370" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9176244836764031370" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9176244836764031370" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
First up, the kitchen. The previous occupant loved to cook everything on high, and used lots of grease, so this corner will likely prove to be the hardest, thus it will be first!<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for the 'after pics'!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOUoTfxjKWc/WYmz2HFn7gI/AAAAAAAAFZI/wjeFAHlr9IoBLOj9kYWoL6reXmRT-qAWwCLcBGAs/s1600/0807171311b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOUoTfxjKWc/WYmz2HFn7gI/AAAAAAAAFZI/wjeFAHlr9IoBLOj9kYWoL6reXmRT-qAWwCLcBGAs/s320/0807171311b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZmd1bWV4dM/WYm0FtQ5LwI/AAAAAAAAFZM/9Qr9es1hcyQWBER0lsIpky_8k6A8zQ8vACLcBGAs/s1600/kitchen%252C%2Blong%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZmd1bWV4dM/WYm0FtQ5LwI/AAAAAAAAFZM/9Qr9es1hcyQWBER0lsIpky_8k6A8zQ8vACLcBGAs/s320/kitchen%252C%2Blong%2Bshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_129663856"></span><span id="goog_129663857"></span>trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-9580180318908479812017-07-25T11:36:00.000-07:002017-07-25T11:36:26.979-07:00When the Road Turns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlrCIrfqJdY/WXeMpIagOII/AAAAAAAAFBo/lASk2twXquk6pFUPmIaBBtj1eRiRd0eOwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DlrCIrfqJdY/WXeMpIagOII/AAAAAAAAFBo/lASk2twXquk6pFUPmIaBBtj1eRiRd0eOwCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_0392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It has been quite a long time since I have written. Months of silence while time rolls forward. I had intended to keep a very thorough journal of our time here, but find that the reality of the homesteading, homeschooling life while caring for elders and living in a camper, does not leave much time or quiet space for writing. Now, as this part of our journey comes to a close, I feel all of the words bubbling up inside of me, pressing and pushing, looking for a way out.<br />
<br />
We found out fourteen days ago that we are done here. Steve's sister is on her way to care for their parents and we are free to move on with our life. There is pain in that statement and joy and like a cord tightly woven, there is no picking these two emotions apart. Pain because we have invested so much into the care of these two beloved. We have sacrificed much to be here, and thinking we were here until the end, we have given our all. It has been hard to come to a full stop and look up to see that the sun is still shining, the creek is flowing and the van can leave the property with all five of us inside, oh, there is a strand of joy!!.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyXEWmBJoxU/WXeL1-awphI/AAAAAAAAFBg/x57TjX2EQLgAARel46FrMGrCFnOo6OZKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyXEWmBJoxU/WXeL1-awphI/AAAAAAAAFBg/x57TjX2EQLgAARel46FrMGrCFnOo6OZKQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0240.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This boy loves his birds!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5eeXjNQlq4/WXeLgav3VLI/AAAAAAAAFBY/EFkQVlUYpA8fxSPtg-4IxR6Lqy-7Kl0dwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5eeXjNQlq4/WXeLgav3VLI/AAAAAAAAFBY/EFkQVlUYpA8fxSPtg-4IxR6Lqy-7Kl0dwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0241.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe a little too much!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We find that we can not pull up roots and leave this area. We want to be here to provide respite for Steve's sister, to sit with his parents, and watch Papa tap the kids on the nose or chin with his fist. We want Sweet Girl to be able to develop the friendships she has made and allow the boys to pursue passions they discovered while living here, blacksmithing and beekeeping. We have found community in these rolling hills and we are loathe to leave it, once again. We are weary of saying goodbye.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZo64gN4rb8/WXeMY57hyRI/AAAAAAAAFBk/zH7ZzonjC3kIjo-0rs6rEQXPNlLIWkrcgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZo64gN4rb8/WXeMY57hyRI/AAAAAAAAFBk/zH7ZzonjC3kIjo-0rs6rEQXPNlLIWkrcgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" width="320" /></a>That said, we are limited in where we can now go and are considering taking a year of rest to let everyone recover from the physical, mental and emotional strain of living the way we have for the last two and a half years. That means no big garden, no farmer's market, and no chickens. As I write this, tears roll down my cheeks because my chickens have been a spot of comfort in the last five years. Yes, I know they are just birds, but several of them have been with us since the beginning.<br />
<br />
<br />
There is Lady Hawk, sweet little Easter Egger gal with the black beard. She and I spent hours together when she was sick and I was nursing her back to health. Her daughter, Sparrow, is a joy to watch, knowing who her momma is. Dixie, our Barred Rock came a couple of years ago, but I love her spunky personality and "don't mess with me" attitude. And don't forget Speedy Three-toes! She lost a toe when she was a chick and is particularly special to the boys. As I sat this am, listing out all the birds and trying to figure out who to sell and who to send to freezer camp, it became very real to me that they will all be gone soon. That I won't be able to look out the window to see them, or see them all rush to the fence when I come up with the popcorn bowl, knowing a treat is imminent.<br />
<br />
We are so very thankful for the family and friends (new and old) who have come along side us in the last two and a half years. We have been richly blessed by their sacrificial giving in both time, prayers and money, which have all worked to meet some of the very real needs we have had here. God has been so very present in our lives as we see the hands of His people. We are well and truly blessed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMoKidAN2Mg/WXeM-Xi4z_I/AAAAAAAAFBs/xm69QKGaQokEavnveYB542rlupyVpnztQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMoKidAN2Mg/WXeM-Xi4z_I/AAAAAAAAFBs/xm69QKGaQokEavnveYB542rlupyVpnztQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely visit from my family last year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, stay tuned for more to come, as we turn down this new path of our long journey. You can be sure that there will be much laughter, food and fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-4933255950293499082014-01-04T06:36:00.000-08:002014-01-04T06:36:09.404-08:00Alive!I don't know about you, but when I get my camera in my hand and the light is right...I don't EVEN know how cold it is outside!<br />
<br />
I went into the chilly air, camera, egg basket and feed bucket in hand. It was 24 degrees. And the light? Well, the light, coming over the hill and through the trees...it was amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-TNI4ftOI4/Usgb6KIKCsI/AAAAAAAABRg/3tjh7pRhg0I/s1600/w+-+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-TNI4ftOI4/Usgb6KIKCsI/AAAAAAAABRg/3tjh7pRhg0I/s320/w+-+winter.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was in search of a self-portrait. 'Just a little bit'...a curious idea, and harder to do with one hand...so I headed into the clearing, to see what I could find.<br />
<br />
And I saw this. My sworn enemy. Poison Ivy. Well, the roots of said enemy, but none the less dangerous than the leaves that will spring forth from this vine, once the weather warms. But oh, how beautiful and intricate, in the morning light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XLwbZ5kTVY/UsgY-Wob_3I/AAAAAAAABQ8/th6lysqjo4I/s1600/w+-+sworn+enemy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XLwbZ5kTVY/UsgY-Wob_3I/AAAAAAAABQ8/th6lysqjo4I/s320/w+-+sworn+enemy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And a little farther on. Look close. Look, very, very close.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-778-GaccrHE/UsgZUAuJc6I/AAAAAAAABRM/DR_3Ryd3tdc/s1600/w+-+lichen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-778-GaccrHE/UsgZUAuJc6I/AAAAAAAABRM/DR_3Ryd3tdc/s320/w+-+lichen.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When we moved here from the glorious Rocky Mountains, I had a hard time seeing the beauty of God's creation in the stands of 'dead' trees all around me. "Why?" I used to ask. "Why did I have to leave the majesty of Your mountains, for all this death?" And then I started looking closer. And saw the majesty of His creation in the tiny details all around me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And then this. As I was coming back from my jaunt, fingers numb, cheeks red, I saw this! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwdi1fkCli4/UsgZlBfrxWI/AAAAAAAABRU/pTtB7fxpULw/s1600/water+dripping+from+a+hose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwdi1fkCli4/UsgZlBfrxWI/AAAAAAAABRU/pTtB7fxpULw/s320/water+dripping+from+a+hose.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And this. What I came outside looking for. I think I found it. A reflection of my self in His beauty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIHbjSxcSZc/UsgY2brGRDI/AAAAAAAABQ0/w4Hyi8hk-s4/s1600/day+4+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIHbjSxcSZc/UsgY2brGRDI/AAAAAAAABQ0/w4Hyi8hk-s4/s320/day+4+selfie.jpg" /></a></div><br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-58919834750376292792013-12-05T13:12:00.000-08:002013-12-05T13:12:19.094-08:00Six Steps from the Soup PotI have been writing somewhat of a journal on facebook, detailing life with guineas. I decided to move it over here, so that I have a more accessible record for when I finally write my book. I will move the earlier posts over sometime soon...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23mT_nH0vsc/UqDqNhOjrXI/AAAAAAAABPg/FnhDtMo2uN0/s1600/guineas+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23mT_nH0vsc/UqDqNhOjrXI/AAAAAAAABPg/FnhDtMo2uN0/s320/guineas+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today, on <i><b>Guineas in the Rain</b></i>, we find the hopeful Homesteader standing by the Big House, watching all the young chicks enjoying their new found freedom outside the run. There are worms to pull out of the damp ground and leaves to chase, big hens to dodge...it is quite an enjoyable way to spend a warm, rainy, winter afternoon.<br />
<br />
I had just turned all the big chickens out of the run, when I heard a squawk on the front porch. I looked up to see our main roo Jasper working his magic with one of the banty hens, when out of nowhere a guinea jumped him from behind and chased Jazz Man away from the hen! Much put out by this unexpected interruption, Jazz turned to engage this rude creature and he was summarily jumped by all THREE of the male guineas (collectively known as Jack)!<br />
<br />
Now, if you are new to guineadom and have not seen guineas fight before, there is a lot of head bobbing and wing flapping while the females bunch around and cry their "buckwheat, buckwheat, buckwheat" call...it is quite annoying, to humans anyway. However, when three guinea males gang up on one roo, the fight looks a little different. One of the males enagaged Jazz from the front, pecking at his head and neck, trying to get a good hold on some of those beautiful neck feathers. The other two were diving in from behind, trying to grab the fluffy white under-feathers right above the base of Jazz's tail. Now, I'm no rooster, but I would have to guess that having your tail feather pulled has gotta hurt!<br />
<br />
Across the yard and through the woods they came, Jazz putting up a good fight, the three males in it for all they've got, the two females with their annoying "buckwheat" call...it is a regular back alley fight! I am watching carefully, and all the while, cheering Jasper on. "Way to go Jazz!! Show those Jacks who's boss!" <br />
<br />
Around the Big house they come, a roiling mess of feathers and noise 'til they end up right at my feet! Jazz is breathing heavily, the Jills are still yellin' at the top of their lungs, baby chicks scatter in every direction...it is pandemonium in the hood! Well, except for Princess, our Gold Lace Black Polish. She is so oblivious to everything going on around her because of those crazy feathers that hang down in her face. She just calmly strolls through the middle of everyone, looking for that next sweet taste of bug.<br />
<br />
Anyway, as Jasper comes back up for air, after shaking the last Jack off his tail, he calmly and smoothly strolls into the run, leaving the guineas in the yard. I close the door to give him a minute to collect himself and go up to talk to the Hillbilly for a minute to tell him all about the drama I have watched unfold. I say "Those darn Guineas are six steps from the soup pot, if they don't back off my rooster!!" We decide to let Jazz out of the run and see if we can even the odds a bit. I mean, Jazz does need to step up and own this yard..there are lives at stake here!<br />
<br />
As soon as I open the run door, the boys are back at it again...they all rush toward each other and meet in the edge of the woods, but this time, Jazz Man is not flying solo. The Hillbilly and I try to stay out of the fight as much as possible, only stepping in when it becomes and uneven fight (read: three to one), by pushing the extra birds out of the melee. Jazz quickly realizes that he is liking this help and the Jack realizes that he is in way over his head, and after a few tussles in the woods, the run is on...and on...and on! Jazz is chasing the Jacks around and around and around the house. You will hear the Jack yellin' as they turn the corner, cryin' for Mama. All the other guineas, by this time, are hiding together under the azalea (also known as Command Central) hoping that Jasper does not see them as he runs by. <br />
<br />
This goes on for quite a while, until Jazz has three of the guineas penned in the run, and they finally show submission to him by cowing down and going under his chest. He seems quite satisfied with himself by this point and when I came in a few minutes ago, the Jacks and Jills were hiding out at Command Central, trying to figure out if the there is a Rooster Consultant they can hook up with, while Jazz Man is perched on the run door (his favorite spot) crowing and looking around the yard with an expression on his proud rooster face that says "I am King of all that I survey!".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjtHJ_MHxSY/UqDqDDmcoRI/AAAAAAAABPY/reIVGo5-AE4/s1600/jazz+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjtHJ_MHxSY/UqDqDDmcoRI/AAAAAAAABPY/reIVGo5-AE4/s320/jazz+man.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-44811767018950693882013-11-29T06:12:00.000-08:002013-11-29T06:12:11.655-08:00A Glimpse Into My MorningIcy frost glittering in the early morning light.<br />
Mist drifting up from the overfull creek.<br />
Bare branches raising their arms to the pale blue sky.<br />
I pull the frozen air into my lungs,<br />
And breathe thanks on misty breath that I am finally home. trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-33515394736948280382013-10-15T07:51:00.000-07:002013-10-15T13:06:18.972-07:00If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic8-5Td_vMU/Ul1TdIYFpyI/AAAAAAAABLg/5L5tMnKrnKE/s1600/1+-+entry+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic8-5Td_vMU/Ul1TdIYFpyI/AAAAAAAABLg/5L5tMnKrnKE/s320/1+-+entry+sign.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVvHeqrkmVA/Ul1TrfztUpI/AAAAAAAABL4/X86tcZGtEtY/s1600/2+-+tulip+poplar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVvHeqrkmVA/Ul1TrfztUpI/AAAAAAAABL4/X86tcZGtEtY/s320/2+-+tulip+poplar.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRG2I3ylmOo/Ul1Ts6HWzSI/AAAAAAAABMA/kOJovkMO18c/s1600/3+-+chapel+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRG2I3ylmOo/Ul1Ts6HWzSI/AAAAAAAABMA/kOJovkMO18c/s320/3+-+chapel+window.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnaneUfYwg/Ul1TgdqX7mI/AAAAAAAABLo/fGU-6U-cr1E/s1600/4+-+sassafrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnaneUfYwg/Ul1TgdqX7mI/AAAAAAAABLo/fGU-6U-cr1E/s320/4+-+sassafrass.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sa8aTaAYsLM/Ul1TnBssALI/AAAAAAAABLw/5HjGqtTQ4us/s1600/5+-+sasparilla+lesson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sa8aTaAYsLM/Ul1TnBssALI/AAAAAAAABLw/5HjGqtTQ4us/s320/5+-+sasparilla+lesson.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2kdVfcU48g/Ul1T4ddCWEI/AAAAAAAABMY/paInaeH9Byg/s1600/6+-+spider+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2kdVfcU48g/Ul1T4ddCWEI/AAAAAAAABMY/paInaeH9Byg/s320/6+-+spider+web.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y07FOfxWh8/Ul1T4aFKSWI/AAAAAAAABMc/nOmnbHP3zQM/s1600/7+-+water+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y07FOfxWh8/Ul1T4aFKSWI/AAAAAAAABMc/nOmnbHP3zQM/s320/7+-+water+cover.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHr6wcRjYZs/Ul1Ty4UHJVI/AAAAAAAABMI/I6GspJ3vzcE/s1600/8+-+ostha.....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHr6wcRjYZs/Ul1Ty4UHJVI/AAAAAAAABMI/I6GspJ3vzcE/s320/8+-+ostha.....jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJgTCum06QM/Ul1T2z7sLfI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Hle1jqocxR0/s1600/9+-+joe+who+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJgTCum06QM/Ul1T2z7sLfI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Hle1jqocxR0/s320/9+-+joe+who+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DNHBFE_10zI/Ul1T8yLuB0I/AAAAAAAABMo/eygN5HZf39I/s1600/10+-+lori.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DNHBFE_10zI/Ul1T8yLuB0I/AAAAAAAABMo/eygN5HZf39I/s320/10+-+lori.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3MrAsUcie4/Ul1T9-1jTtI/AAAAAAAABMw/O71Jjt3yrPM/s1600/11+-+vanna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l3MrAsUcie4/Ul1T9-1jTtI/AAAAAAAABMw/O71Jjt3yrPM/s320/11+-+vanna.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdpihvWjb80/Ul1UBLX2fbI/AAAAAAAABM4/LzuwPZhaHa0/s1600/12+-+an+aster+something.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdpihvWjb80/Ul1UBLX2fbI/AAAAAAAABM4/LzuwPZhaHa0/s320/12+-+an+aster+something.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2sLTG7B2x0/Ul1ULjNi2DI/AAAAAAAABNI/KxQN7CY1UA4/s1600/12+-+nice+to+have+tall+friends!+Beth+and+Kristy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D2sLTG7B2x0/Ul1ULjNi2DI/AAAAAAAABNI/KxQN7CY1UA4/s320/12+-+nice+to+have+tall+friends!+Beth+and+Kristy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1mWuaiG3V8g/Ul1UNVeKYXI/AAAAAAAABNQ/lFYA_12NZ2Q/s1600/13+-+wild+crafting+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1mWuaiG3V8g/Ul1UNVeKYXI/AAAAAAAABNQ/lFYA_12NZ2Q/s320/13+-+wild+crafting+class.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXJG2tAbbwI/Ul1UIMdc5kI/AAAAAAAABNA/JwQzR3MMp5U/s1600/15+-+blood+root.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXJG2tAbbwI/Ul1UIMdc5kI/AAAAAAAABNA/JwQzR3MMp5U/s320/15+-+blood+root.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGAp1TcR4-E/Ul1URAKPEGI/AAAAAAAABNY/VK3KLnsrqW8/s1600/16+-+ginsing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGAp1TcR4-E/Ul1URAKPEGI/AAAAAAAABNY/VK3KLnsrqW8/s320/16+-+ginsing.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K03ViSWS8wE/Ul1UcOrfUbI/AAAAAAAABNo/Y1TmtlG8OpQ/s1600/17+-+teacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K03ViSWS8wE/Ul1UcOrfUbI/AAAAAAAABNo/Y1TmtlG8OpQ/s320/17+-+teacher.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8kRYLyOYQE/Ul1UV-YIN1I/AAAAAAAABNg/CQJh7skhs14/s1600/26+-+indian+toothbrush+the+better+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8kRYLyOYQE/Ul1UV-YIN1I/AAAAAAAABNg/CQJh7skhs14/s320/26+-+indian+toothbrush+the+better+one.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hiRutMxUOI/Ul1Udftj6tI/AAAAAAAABNw/zGxr3ZhCsh0/s1600/31+-+rascal!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hiRutMxUOI/Ul1Udftj6tI/AAAAAAAABNw/zGxr3ZhCsh0/s320/31+-+rascal!.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeUivIlPi2U/Ul1Uj6QbaRI/AAAAAAAABN4/07kUTyScP1A/s1600/32+-+water+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AeUivIlPi2U/Ul1Uj6QbaRI/AAAAAAAABN4/07kUTyScP1A/s320/32+-+water+wheel.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5CiweKUsRQ/Ul1UllxJYsI/AAAAAAAABOA/bgxlSP6lHgE/s1600/33+-+mill+parts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5CiweKUsRQ/Ul1UllxJYsI/AAAAAAAABOA/bgxlSP6lHgE/s320/33+-+mill+parts.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEjiQ2_AGPA/Ul1UtneSVWI/AAAAAAAABOQ/rtPXBDpvOTA/s1600/34+-+water+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEjiQ2_AGPA/Ul1UtneSVWI/AAAAAAAABOQ/rtPXBDpvOTA/s320/34+-+water+wheel.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea5HN7gDd70/Ul1Urz3pi1I/AAAAAAAABOI/vj9u9m45QTo/s1600/36+-+wool+dying+the+better+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea5HN7gDd70/Ul1Urz3pi1I/AAAAAAAABOI/vj9u9m45QTo/s320/36+-+wool+dying+the+better+one.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nlbvBkyxMYw/Ul1UvioLoLI/AAAAAAAABOY/4GpDFbpKO84/s1600/37+-+trail+of+tears+wagon+hub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nlbvBkyxMYw/Ul1UvioLoLI/AAAAAAAABOY/4GpDFbpKO84/s320/37+-+trail+of+tears+wagon+hub.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bb8EhnfkTMs/Ul1U4LIF4oI/AAAAAAAABOg/VUGL8HIyNkg/s1600/38+-+kelly+slicing+pepperoni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bb8EhnfkTMs/Ul1U4LIF4oI/AAAAAAAABOg/VUGL8HIyNkg/s320/38+-+kelly+slicing+pepperoni.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-op3u9kNZV0A/Ul1U5mpgbGI/AAAAAAAABOs/GE3zL6eSvkg/s1600/39+-+hand+grinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-op3u9kNZV0A/Ul1U5mpgbGI/AAAAAAAABOs/GE3zL6eSvkg/s320/39+-+hand+grinder.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plOzNbK45Fs/Ul1U5JgWFzI/AAAAAAAABOo/izzZADWU7FE/s1600/40+-+what+happens+at+LHG+stays+at+LHG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-plOzNbK45Fs/Ul1U5JgWFzI/AAAAAAAABOo/izzZADWU7FE/s320/40+-+what+happens+at+LHG+stays+at+LHG.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpo-UEybKfI/Ul1VD8MZDuI/AAAAAAAABO4/TCu4Nstm_7A/s1600/41+-+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpo-UEybKfI/Ul1VD8MZDuI/AAAAAAAABO4/TCu4Nstm_7A/s320/41+-+phone.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0Fj5mRvUb0/Ul1VOv2pjoI/AAAAAAAABPI/APLW6JYgEEk/s1600/46+-+sausage+twisting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0Fj5mRvUb0/Ul1VOv2pjoI/AAAAAAAABPI/APLW6JYgEEk/s320/46+-+sausage+twisting.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7glunCotD_o/Ul1VIm4nwmI/AAAAAAAABPA/cvoE_61HzXE/s1600/47+-+cyndi+taking+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7glunCotD_o/Ul1VIm4nwmI/AAAAAAAABPA/cvoE_61HzXE/s320/47+-+cyndi+taking+pics.jpg" /></a></div>trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-31005358660439206112013-09-27T19:16:00.002-07:002013-09-27T19:16:47.439-07:00Day 7...Whatever.... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9dShSfTIZs/UkY4-D19bQI/AAAAAAAABD4/UCsgeqX1JFg/s1600/pretty+cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9dShSfTIZs/UkY4-D19bQI/AAAAAAAABD4/UCsgeqX1JFg/s320/pretty+cabinet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Are you as tired of this as I am? I mean, don't get me wrong, having beautiful jars filled with dried food is wonderful, but this ad nauseum daily posting is taking all the fun out of it for me! So here you go:<br />
<br />
<b>Dried Napa Cabbage</b>: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o42Wln5my0A/UkYuq0c0gSI/AAAAAAAABC4/wZpGEZJya4s/s1600/1+-+whole+head+of+cabbage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o42Wln5my0A/UkYuq0c0gSI/AAAAAAAABC4/wZpGEZJya4s/s320/1+-+whole+head+of+cabbage.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Slice about 1/4" thick, blanch the thickest parts about 1 minute to soften a bit. Dry at 115 degrees about 8 hours....or was it 10 hours...see the real story is we put this in Desi and there was so much else going on today, that I totally forgot it was in there 'til just a little while ago. Needless to say, it was D.R.Y. Two cabbages filled two quart jars. <br />
<br />
<br />
Quite awhile ago, we did <b>Sweet Potato Chips<i></i></b>...at least, they were supposed to be chips. I think that if someone breaks in the house we could quite literally hurl them at the intruder like those little spinning disks, and they would be either sliced into bits, or they would run screaming from the house, never to return! See...they are too thick, and we left the peels on, so they curled up around the edges, which looks pretty, but makes it very difficult to actually chew them without hurting yourself. You be the judge. But I have a waiver around here somewhere that you need to sign first...now where did I put that darn thing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiOgqG8dXfc/UkY07VrW9NI/AAAAAAAABDY/hly19Vwkvbo/s1600/2+-+sweet+potato+chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiOgqG8dXfc/UkY07VrW9NI/AAAAAAAABDY/hly19Vwkvbo/s320/2+-+sweet+potato+chips.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and did we mention plantains? Not the leaf you chew up and put on a bee sting, should you 'bee' so unfortunate to get stung (we have dried that too, by the way), but plantains...the tropical fruit, that is sliced, salted and dried...well, if you REALLY want to eat it, then FRY those puppies! The dried ones are fine...they are just bland like a seersucker dress at a summer picinc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj-gaFZ0Fno/UkY0S04jH_I/AAAAAAAABDQ/9Ct5m_7yi68/s1600/3+-+plantains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj-gaFZ0Fno/UkY0S04jH_I/AAAAAAAABDQ/9Ct5m_7yi68/s320/3+-+plantains.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Oh, this is good. <br />
<br />
I have these gorgeous <b>purple basil<i></i></b> plants out in my garden. I got them from different places, but they are so very pretty. I have been drying them and filling jars with the gorgeous leaves. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-913dZsG_FiQ/UkY5G2eTzGI/AAAAAAAABEA/DREu5pyWFjo/s1600/5+-+basil+-+false!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-913dZsG_FiQ/UkY5G2eTzGI/AAAAAAAABEA/DREu5pyWFjo/s320/5+-+basil+-+false!.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Then Wednesday, the President of the Ladies Homestead Gathering (the PRESIDENT, mind you) was at my house with two of her board members for a meeting. A meeting where I was going to become the president of a new chapter for LHG...excitement was running high, anticipation was building...and she said:<br />
<br />
"Oh, you have Parilla growing! You better watch that or it will take over!" "Parilla," I asked, stupidly..."you mean this plant?" (pointing to another swap meet plant I had gotten earlier). No, she was talking about my "purple basil"!! Parilla: <i>"The medicinal uses of perilla include treatment of such ailments as indigestion, colds, malaria, coughs, and even cholera."</i> <br />
<br />
Yes, that Parilla. So if you come to my house for Thai food, and there is "purple basil" in the dish...you can be sure that you will go home without your cold, your malaria or your cholera!<br />
<br />
Wait, that reminds me of a post from years ago about my parsley! Remember?!?! My gorgeous green parsley (which I was overly proud of) that turned out to be carrot tops! Oy! I can see I need to stick to chickens and leave the herbal stuff to someone who has a clue!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZgTaHvdS04/UkY7CN6JqEI/AAAAAAAABEM/uRocAEdKbgY/s1600/4+-+basil+-+true.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZgTaHvdS04/UkY7CN6JqEI/AAAAAAAABEM/uRocAEdKbgY/s320/4+-+basil+-+true.jpg" /></a></div>Real Basil...yes I am sure! I bought it at a cool aquaponics place, and the girl who picked it for me has a biology degree, so we can be pretty certain she knows what she is talking about!<br />
<br />
Ok, so I think we can be reasonably certain that we are all caught up on our dehydrating adventures. If you want any more details (if you dare) on anything I mentioned here, just leave me a comment and I will shoot it to you!<br />
<br />
Ciao!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-23033560327291176072013-09-24T20:10:00.000-07:002013-09-24T20:10:11.444-07:00Day 7 - Dried Mushrooms and a Story<br />
<br />
From our guest blogger, Sweet Girl<br />
<br />
Here's an exciting story about how we found mushrooms. My mom and I were at the store and we looked for mushrooms. There wasn't a single mushroom at the store. We went to a dozen stores and there were no mushrooms. So we packed a bag and went to Virginia, but could not find any. So we went to Colorado, but nobody had any there either. We finally just gave up and went to our refrigerator to make dinner. And guess what we found? Mushrooms! All the way in the back!<br />
<br />
The End<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's how you can make your own dried mushrooms:<br />
<br />
Wipe off your mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Break off the stems and clean out the gills with a spoon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loj-r2sSKMs/UkJSU2quDQI/AAAAAAAABCg/1AYladUqz5Y/s1600/1+-+ready+to+be+sliced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loj-r2sSKMs/UkJSU2quDQI/AAAAAAAABCg/1AYladUqz5Y/s320/1+-+ready+to+be+sliced.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Carefully slice to 3/8" thickness, spread out on the dehydrating tray and put in dryer. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSzuO5aVaUU/UkJSY2XEl-I/AAAAAAAABCo/hyXhmJfAQmM/s1600/sliced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSzuO5aVaUU/UkJSY2XEl-I/AAAAAAAABCo/hyXhmJfAQmM/s320/sliced.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Set temp for 115 degrees. They will take 3-7 hours. Ours took six hours.<br />
<br />
We broke them in pieces and put them in a pint jar and air sealed them. Five large portabello mushrooms made about 1 pint.<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-92229646763312313992013-09-24T12:44:00.000-07:002013-09-24T12:44:23.192-07:00Day 6 - Onion Rings, and TimeOK, by this time, you are very certain that we are living in an alternate universe, where days are not 24 hours long, and weeks turn into months (or so it would seem). I am here to say that we do realize there are 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 28-31 days in a month, 52 weeks in a year and 365 1/4 days in a year. There. Now that that is out of the way, we can move forward. <br />
<br />
Here is our problem...we have been so busy in the kitchen making butter and yogurt and drying things every day and canning...that we (I) have not gotten around to posting what we are doing. Neverfear, faithful reader, I have enlisted help! Help in the form of my darling daughter, Sweet Girl, who is taking on the project of writing our blog posts. Now 'all' I have to do is find the time to sit down to post them!<br />
<br />
So without further ado, I present to you my Sweet Girl!<br />
<br />
<b>Dried Onion Rings</b><br />
<br />
A few days ago we dried onions in the dehydrator. First we brought a pot of water to a boil.<br />
<br />
While we were waiting we peeled and sliced the onions on #4 setting on the electric slicer. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QitWhfi5eZI/UkHhsozELFI/AAAAAAAABBc/96H--1hMI4s/s1600/1+-+onion+skins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QitWhfi5eZI/UkHhsozELFI/AAAAAAAABBc/96H--1hMI4s/s320/1+-+onion+skins.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd3nDX6BO8M/UkHguw4b5vI/AAAAAAAABBE/FU1_w-Awaiw/s1600/2+-+peeled+onions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd3nDX6BO8M/UkHguw4b5vI/AAAAAAAABBE/FU1_w-Awaiw/s320/2+-+peeled+onions.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLHTbbdPFFk/UkHhSRvzzgI/AAAAAAAABBM/ZWgs28rNrxs/s1600/4+-+sliced+onions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLHTbbdPFFk/UkHhSRvzzgI/AAAAAAAABBM/ZWgs28rNrxs/s320/4+-+sliced+onions.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then, we broke up the circles. My brothers and I were crying and our eyes were burning so bad! While our eyes were burning, we wanted to know why onions make you cry so we watched a video on Youtube. We found out when you cut into an onion, you break its cells and gas comes out and gets into your eyes. We also found out that if you refrigerate your onions you won't cry when cutting them open. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQtxZU3deHI/UkHoUGUZkvI/AAAAAAAABCQ/wYrlEqDxf5Q/s1600/6+-+glasses+and+separating+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQtxZU3deHI/UkHoUGUZkvI/AAAAAAAABCQ/wYrlEqDxf5Q/s320/6+-+glasses+and+separating+rings.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yA3LriE2mOI/UkHoQxjwChI/AAAAAAAABCI/7VPrytUGzpQ/s1600/5+-+youtube+video.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yA3LriE2mOI/UkHoQxjwChI/AAAAAAAABCI/7VPrytUGzpQ/s320/5+-+youtube+video.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After that we dropped about 3 handfuls of onions in the boiling water for about one minute. Then we took them out and layed them on a dryer tray that was on top of a baking sheet with sides. <br />
<br />
We put the dehydrator tray over the sink, then we rinsed the hot onions with cold water to cool them. Thankfully, nobody got sprayed! It is okay if the onions overlap a little bit. <br />
<br />
The last thing we did was to put the trays in the dryer and set the temp to 115 degrees. We left the onions in the dryer for about 24 hours and we rotated them every few hours so they would dry evenly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_1uDPG_PTo/UkHiem6LJnI/AAAAAAAABBo/rudGUVMoYBU/s1600/7+-+filling+jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_1uDPG_PTo/UkHiem6LJnI/AAAAAAAABBo/rudGUVMoYBU/s320/7+-+filling+jars.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then we put the onions in jars and sealed them with an air sealer. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzO-D65_BPM/UkHieokA0cI/AAAAAAAABBs/sluEjzZYKeI/s1600/8+-+sealing+jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzO-D65_BPM/UkHieokA0cI/AAAAAAAABBs/sluEjzZYKeI/s320/8+-+sealing+jars.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We started with 8 pounds of onions and ended up with 0.67 pound! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvGK97ArKBc/UkHhixKuZJI/AAAAAAAABBU/w4FlsL_fkmo/s1600/3+-+onion+label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvGK97ArKBc/UkHhixKuZJI/AAAAAAAABBU/w4FlsL_fkmo/s320/3+-+onion+label.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(Note: We learned from Grammmie that either these are not really Vidalia oinions, or that they are from last year which makes them VERY strong!)<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you will have as much fun dehydrating as I do. :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And a bonus for everyone who made it to the bottom of this post! Here is a picture of our very first Roasted Rooster Stew! I got tired of the kids asking "is this is Ruffles?! (he was the only one we named) so I said, "Yes, this is Ruffles." Now Ruffles is gone, so we are just eating chicken. So glad to have THAT out of the way!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0o-NCchTWc/UkHiiojIn8I/AAAAAAAABB4/Z5gcnADGHSk/s1600/9+-+bonus+roasted+rooster+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0o-NCchTWc/UkHiiojIn8I/AAAAAAAABB4/Z5gcnADGHSk/s320/9+-+bonus+roasted+rooster+soup.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-25229221705465332432013-09-17T15:17:00.000-07:002013-09-17T15:17:14.173-07:00Day 5 - Granola - Oh, yeah Baby!!!Wow! This turned out so good! I hope you like it!<br />
<br />
I am trying to get this posted before I run out the door to Bible Study...see, I promised Jess of the beautiful face that I would get it posted tonight, and I would hate to dissapoint her! So here is the quick and dirty...well, not <i>dirty</i>, but the quick how to!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYhwIijeJEA/UjjRe2wZStI/AAAAAAAABAE/21hQ0cLyQB8/s1600/1+-+ferment+in+whey+12+hours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYhwIijeJEA/UjjRe2wZStI/AAAAAAAABAE/21hQ0cLyQB8/s320/1+-+ferment+in+whey+12+hours.jpg" /></a></div><br />
First, I rolled 2 cups of oat groats...this would equal about 4 cups of rolled oats from a can with a cheery man's face on it. To this, I added 3C of water and 1/4 cup of whey. You could also use milk kefir...just something with some active culture. What we are doing here is breaking down the bad guys in the grain a bit, so it is more digestible. You will let this sit out on the counter for 12-24 hours. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vo2LFoPdCQk/UjjRnDjJjrI/AAAAAAAABAU/0bURFkVIbJ4/s1600/2a+drain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vo2LFoPdCQk/UjjRnDjJjrI/AAAAAAAABAU/0bURFkVIbJ4/s320/2a+drain.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Next, you will use a slotted spoon to drain some of the liquid out...this will aid drying time in the dehydrator.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqnecPDrp3g/UjjRmmp1TrI/AAAAAAAABAM/MmT6XQoRL9U/s1600/2+-+drain+and+spred+out+on+trays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqnecPDrp3g/UjjRmmp1TrI/AAAAAAAABAM/MmT6XQoRL9U/s320/2+-+drain+and+spred+out+on+trays.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now, spread out the oats on a drying sheet (the same one you use for fruit leather). We used a fork, so it was not smoothed down, just evenly distributed. Dry at 115 degrees. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aWU5B8eUoY/UjjRw0kbkLI/AAAAAAAABAs/6H5SrNrsKls/s1600/4+-+break+up+with+a+spatula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aWU5B8eUoY/UjjRw0kbkLI/AAAAAAAABAs/6H5SrNrsKls/s320/4+-+break+up+with+a+spatula.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After 3 hours, bring out the trays and break up the granola, spreading it evenly over the trays again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4jVnRsb88aU/UjjRwIW-AEI/AAAAAAAABAg/HSP3vmjSRdc/s1600/5+-+back+in+Desi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4jVnRsb88aU/UjjRwIW-AEI/AAAAAAAABAg/HSP3vmjSRdc/s320/5+-+back+in+Desi.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Back in the dryer again for 2 hours, then I mixed up the granola mix: 3/4 of a banana mashed, 1/4 + 1/8 Cup maple syrup, 1/4 + 1/8 C almond butter, 3/4-1 tsp good vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt. (sorry for the wierd measurements...I had more oats than the recipe called for). Mix well, then mix in oats. Spread back out on trays for an hour and a half. This will get it dry enough to eat, but if you are going to store it, keep it in the dehydrator til it is crunchy dry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHaEfVw8EMo/UjjRvguLJLI/AAAAAAAABAc/rfWJ9IrNyds/s1600/6+-+finished+granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHaEfVw8EMo/UjjRvguLJLI/AAAAAAAABAc/rfWJ9IrNyds/s320/6+-+finished+granola.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbOUnCSflNw/UjjR1K6zYPI/AAAAAAAABA0/bN_klDPIPrE/s1600/7+-+granola+in+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbOUnCSflNw/UjjR1K6zYPI/AAAAAAAABA0/bN_klDPIPrE/s320/7+-+granola+in+bowl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Finished granola...we served it with the yogurt we made yesterday...see Day 4! <br />
<br />
Enjoy!trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-11839003242273587532013-09-16T17:04:00.000-07:002013-09-16T17:04:52.234-07:00Day 4 - Yogurt <br />
<br />
OK, y'all....it's time to try something totally different! Time to try yogurt! I found some directions on line about doing raw yogurt (not heating the milk before hand). Since I was going for the biggest punch of live culture, that is what I decided to do. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wrcrPSpoys/UjeUEc6qk3I/AAAAAAAAA-w/hs0Hasg-pyc/s1600/1+-+two+jars+ready+to+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wrcrPSpoys/UjeUEc6qk3I/AAAAAAAAA-w/hs0Hasg-pyc/s320/1+-+two+jars+ready+to+go.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I decided to start small, since yogurt can be tough to get right...two pint jars with raw milk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwl565ku4so/UjeUQbGDB8I/AAAAAAAAA_M/7wZwF_nEW3w/s1600/2+-+yogurt+culture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwl565ku4so/UjeUQbGDB8I/AAAAAAAAA_M/7wZwF_nEW3w/s320/2+-+yogurt+culture.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I used my Greek yogurt for my starter culture...not the best option, but it should work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CvC2GeegdY4/UjeUQCgnUBI/AAAAAAAAA_E/jjzQ7eObW7Y/s1600/2.5+milk+with+yougurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CvC2GeegdY4/UjeUQCgnUBI/AAAAAAAAA_E/jjzQ7eObW7Y/s320/2.5+milk+with+yougurt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I mixed two heaping teaspoons of Greek yogurt in each jar...I used a plastic spoon, because metal it usually not a friend in fermenting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SxY21LizFgs/UjeUKomvykI/AAAAAAAAA-8/zr-aoH57oSU/s1600/3+-+2+jars+in+Desi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SxY21LizFgs/UjeUKomvykI/AAAAAAAAA-8/zr-aoH57oSU/s320/3+-+2+jars+in+Desi.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then I loaded them up in Desi, temp set to 115 degrees. Did I mention I finally decided to call my dehydrator Desdemona...Desi for short? I used to have a cool old black Volvo wagon named Desi...great ride, that car!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRCsKGnGPM8/UjeUTx7MSaI/AAAAAAAAA_U/Nkc9wUhwvJQ/s1600/5+-+temp+guage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRCsKGnGPM8/UjeUTx7MSaI/AAAAAAAAA_U/Nkc9wUhwvJQ/s320/5+-+temp+guage+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5iyUi3K1GY/UjeUXdyA-ZI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Cep-x2aqnL4/s1600/4+-+24+hours+later.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5iyUi3K1GY/UjeUXdyA-ZI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Cep-x2aqnL4/s320/4+-+24+hours+later.jpg" /></a></div><br />
24 hours later....it is looking kinda creepy... I gave it another 6 hours and pulled it out at 30 hours, and popped it in the fridge. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgtVvEOuSEk/UjeUaNZ9tEI/AAAAAAAAA_k/ojpFazFwU5M/s1600/6+-+finished+product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgtVvEOuSEk/UjeUaNZ9tEI/AAAAAAAAA_k/ojpFazFwU5M/s320/6+-+finished+product.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The next night, I stirred in some dried elderberries and honey into one jar, and into the other I put some of the dried cherries I made the first day. I mixed them in and set them back in the fridge for 24 hours....make that 48 hours! I forgot I had a day of church and chicken killing in the middle of all that yogurt making. Not necessarily in that order.<br />
<br />
Tonight I served the yogurt on granola for dinner. It was very runny, but as an add-on to granola, it was good. The kids (and I) preferred the elderberry...the cherries just did not give much of their flavor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQgP0LA1WfM/UjebqyZqseI/AAAAAAAAA_0/djIL_JlL6T4/s1600/8+-+aj+with+granola+and+yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQgP0LA1WfM/UjebqyZqseI/AAAAAAAAA_0/djIL_JlL6T4/s320/8+-+aj+with+granola+and+yogurt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Two thumbs up from our Chicken Wangler...he even asked for it for his birthday! That is high praise!!<br />
<br />
I would like to play with this some more, and see if I can get it to thicken up at all...any ideas?<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-83293967125454888102013-09-16T16:22:00.000-07:002013-09-16T16:22:58.104-07:00Day 3 - Cranberries...or what NOT to do!Cranberries...what could be easier, you ask?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAtI3pQdhtY/UjeOj_nycVI/AAAAAAAAA9w/ThQ3VjHt5hM/s1600/a+-+opening+the+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAtI3pQdhtY/UjeOj_nycVI/AAAAAAAAA9w/ThQ3VjHt5hM/s320/a+-+opening+the+bag.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You cut open the bag...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77a4QZjnWtg/UjeOxHufMUI/AAAAAAAAA-A/5Mmo9FH-T1M/s1600/b+-+dumping+on+tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77a4QZjnWtg/UjeOxHufMUI/AAAAAAAAA-A/5Mmo9FH-T1M/s320/b+-+dumping+on+tray.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And dump them on a tray....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frhHkcTJty4/UjeOxD-2EaI/AAAAAAAAA-E/YNekGcEasNw/s1600/c+-+spreading+out+on+trays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frhHkcTJty4/UjeOxD-2EaI/AAAAAAAAA-E/YNekGcEasNw/s320/c+-+spreading+out+on+trays.jpg" /></a></div><br />
spread them all out nicely...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Je0YHURvj6U/UjeOqayFvNI/AAAAAAAAA94/PDAh0yw5fR4/s1600/sytrofoam+cranberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Je0YHURvj6U/UjeOqayFvNI/AAAAAAAAA94/PDAh0yw5fR4/s320/sytrofoam+cranberries.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And end up with STYROFOAM?! What happened?!?<br />
<br />
Oy! After 24 hours, we had these puffed up, shiny berries, no dried berries in sight. So we stuck them with a fork (the warm air phfizzed out) and put them back in for 12 more hours.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXZ2VDsB90M/UjeO3Q5GMBI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/EgMS8sW3nvo/s1600/styrofoam+berries+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXZ2VDsB90M/UjeO3Q5GMBI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/EgMS8sW3nvo/s320/styrofoam+berries+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-502yHirZX4g/UjeO7Z2e8oI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/pQyAUCnz7HY/s1600/finally+drying+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-502yHirZX4g/UjeO7Z2e8oI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/pQyAUCnz7HY/s320/finally+drying+out.jpg" /></a></div><br />
At which time, they were finally looking like they should, but OY! The flavor was HORRIBLE!! There is a reason they sweeten those buggars at the store!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkaZuw3sVoU/UjeO-_piehI/AAAAAAAAA-g/C7KdzN7wLHs/s1600/trash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkaZuw3sVoU/UjeO-_piehI/AAAAAAAAA-g/C7KdzN7wLHs/s320/trash.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So, ours went into the sink, and then into the trash. I did find a video with directions on how to do this right. Guess I will try again, once the fresh berries come into the store around Thanksgiving.trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-58622910157077528272013-09-11T12:03:00.000-07:002013-09-11T12:03:26.060-07:00Day 2 - Dried Cherries!Day 2: Cherries...turned out to be more than a day! Who knew it would take so long! I am guessing that the more I do this, the more I am going to learn. I started a Drying Journal to keep notes of my projects so that I remember all that I am learning...all those darn scraps of paper wafting around the room like fruit flies just make me a bit batty!<br />
<br />
This cherry project came about earlier this summer, when I happened into Wally World one Sunday after church to grab a quick something and discovered these luscious cherries on sale for...wait for it.... <b>.75 cents a pound<i></i></b>!! WHAT?!?!? I bought a bunch (as in 7-8 bags full), and spent the afternoon pitting them and freezing them. They have been hiding out in the freezer since then, well, most of them have been hiding out...I do LOVE to nibble on frozen cherries :-).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDsi8prKJEI/UjC6vJSFT_I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/cftF-xTh7AA/s1600/a+-+liyah+slicing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDsi8prKJEI/UjC6vJSFT_I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/cftF-xTh7AA/s320/a+-+liyah+slicing.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have enlisted some help in my drying endeavors. Thankfully for me, she wakes up in a good mood most mornings and does not mind diving in and getting her hands dirty...or frozen! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs3_7MO4pXM/UjC5vPa-3lI/AAAAAAAAA8o/-6ARBpDNxiM/s1600/c+-+loaded+dryer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs3_7MO4pXM/UjC5vPa-3lI/AAAAAAAAA8o/-6ARBpDNxiM/s320/c+-+loaded+dryer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
OK, all the cherries quartered and spread out nicely, ready to go in the dehydrator. I put them in on high for 2 hours, then turned the heat down to 115 degrees (still trying out the raw food idea), then at bedtime, when they still seemed too sticky, I turned it down to 105 and prayed they would not get too dried out over night.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwntinQts4s/UjC6MJdb1bI/AAAAAAAAA84/8w6NJvuJ144/s1600/d+-+cherries+on+tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwntinQts4s/UjC6MJdb1bI/AAAAAAAAA84/8w6NJvuJ144/s320/d+-+cherries+on+tray.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When I got up this am, the cherries were still sticky...so I decided on a plan B. See how much sticky juice is in the spots where the cherries got moved?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VN9OqsjLUo/UjC6cWWq5wI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/gAXlQeHi7X8/s1600/d+-+Liyah+day+2+cherries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--VN9OqsjLUo/UjC6cWWq5wI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/gAXlQeHi7X8/s320/d+-+Liyah+day+2+cherries.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I had the kids peel up the sticky cherries and move them to clean trays.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MeOS2o-NDPM/UjC6yEDrGaI/AAAAAAAAA9g/Fr4FllfC65w/s1600/a+-+reinforcements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MeOS2o-NDPM/UjC6yEDrGaI/AAAAAAAAA9g/Fr4FllfC65w/s320/a+-+reinforcements.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I reset the heat for 120 degrees and prayed it would work!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzOZNPZw6Ks/UjC6Nmpwx3I/AAAAAAAAA9A/d2NyYBw9jwc/s1600/d+-+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzOZNPZw6Ks/UjC6Nmpwx3I/AAAAAAAAA9A/d2NyYBw9jwc/s320/d+-+finished.jpg" /></a></div><br />
By 1:00 pm, they were FINALLY done!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1T9eY2gloys/UjC6UM3M5DI/AAAAAAAAA9I/yuhPrqtJVgw/s1600/d+-+cherries+in+jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1T9eY2gloys/UjC6UM3M5DI/AAAAAAAAA9I/yuhPrqtJVgw/s320/d+-+cherries+in+jars.jpg" /></a></div><br />
At which point, I jarred them and used my handy-dandy Foodsaver and sucked the air out of the jars and then tucked them into a nice dark cabinet. Now they are ready to be used for baked goods, porridge or to be tossed into trail mix.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow....cranberries! Afterall, cranberry season is almost upon us, and we can buy bags and bags of fresh cranberries after Thanksgiving at a GREAT price!<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-11036716620137651422013-09-09T13:20:00.000-07:002013-09-09T13:20:24.828-07:00Game ON!Life on this little homestead is busy. So much to learn, so much to do. So much to learn. You get the idea.<br />
<br />
A few months ago, I was so very blessed to score an Excalibur dehydrator from a fellow homesteader who is in the process of moving. In case you don't know, Excalibur makes the Holy Grail of dehydrators. The raw food people love it because it does not destroy the food enzymes. The Preppers love it because it holds a TON of food at once. Everyone else loves it because it cycles the temperature and so it dries food more evenly and thoroughly. I love it because, well, I am a gadget girl, and anything that makes food prep easier or more fun, well, I am all in!<br />
<br />
Since I picked up said dehydrator (I think I am going to have to name it...hmmmm...) it has been ensconced on a shelf in the studio, waiting to fulfill its purpose in life. What is that purpose, you might ask? Well, it's made to dry things out, kinda like a bit of Colorado in a box! To get my feet wet, I tried drying some herbs, but got busy before they were done, then turned it off, and still busy, just let them sit there for a few weeks. As you can guess, this is NOT proper dehydrating protocol. I am quite surprised that the Excalibur people did not come and take the dehydrator away from me. I mean, there have to be protocols for things like that, right?!<br />
<br />
Anyway, as I have been researching how to use this machine, and trying to figure out how to make it work for our family, I surfed across a blog from a woman who uses her dehydrator five days a week! "Wow", I thought "...FIVE days a week?!?" I kind of felt challenged. And being the competitive girl that I am, I decided to challenge myself to a "<b>30 Day Dehydrator Challenge</b>". Here are the rules. Dry something in the dehydrator six days a week for 30 days. That's it. Follow along, if you like. Or jump in and play along! It does not even have to be dehydrating...if you have a kitchen tool at your house you are not putting to good purpose...get it out and let's get going...it's GAME ON!<br />
<br />
Day ONE - Leeks<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHA6qfIVh3c/Ui4lZ-bkXiI/AAAAAAAAA64/r_49AheimKs/s1600/1+-whole+leek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHA6qfIVh3c/Ui4lZ-bkXiI/AAAAAAAAA64/r_49AheimKs/s320/1+-whole+leek.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For day one, I chose something simple, with a short time frame. Leeks. I found them on sale last night and we love leeks in our soup all winter long, but can't always find them when we need them. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZbGk_GMVEI/Ui4llmuC9HI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/shfe_IPPqhU/s1600/2+-leek,+cut+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZbGk_GMVEI/Ui4llmuC9HI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/shfe_IPPqhU/s320/2+-leek,+cut+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
First, I rinse the leeks, and then I start at the first place the leaves split. I cut a very shallow groove all around the leek, and peel the upper leaf off and discard it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tn1lqxtJbdc/Ui4lpWD8AII/AAAAAAAAA7g/4kmaSuy_SmM/s1600/3+-+leek,+cut+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tn1lqxtJbdc/Ui4lpWD8AII/AAAAAAAAA7g/4kmaSuy_SmM/s320/3+-+leek,+cut+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I just keep working my way up the leek, until all the dark green leafage is off.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj7k60d7vKA/Ui4lsuQykOI/AAAAAAAAA7o/pB3au1SOR-U/s1600/4+-+leeks,+all+cuts+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj7k60d7vKA/Ui4lsuQykOI/AAAAAAAAA7o/pB3au1SOR-U/s320/4+-+leeks,+all+cuts+done.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am-UJpfB3VI/Ui4ltQ7Id9I/AAAAAAAAA7w/daIj_-puvjA/s1600/5+-+leek,+checking+for+dirt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am-UJpfB3VI/Ui4ltQ7Id9I/AAAAAAAAA7w/daIj_-puvjA/s320/5+-+leek,+checking+for+dirt+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I then make a slit along the length of the leek to check for dirt. They grow leeks in sandy soil, and sometimes it gets down in the leaves. If I find dirt, I just rinse it out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqJOgOpR0OE/Ui4lvsckB-I/AAAAAAAAA74/fh7PZ9BdT9k/s1600/6+-leeks,+cut+base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqJOgOpR0OE/Ui4lvsckB-I/AAAAAAAAA74/fh7PZ9BdT9k/s320/6+-leeks,+cut+base.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Next, I slice off the root end. Not too close (it won't separate during drying).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmgpSpLzq40/Ui4l1NKgdEI/AAAAAAAAA8A/VH56KB5G63Y/s1600/7+-trimmed+and+ready+to+chop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmgpSpLzq40/Ui4l1NKgdEI/AAAAAAAAA8A/VH56KB5G63Y/s320/7+-trimmed+and+ready+to+chop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
All ready for slicing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5d-MBvWdSE/Ui4l4gMlEII/AAAAAAAAA8I/jPrUJrf4xr0/s1600/8+-all+sliced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5d-MBvWdSE/Ui4l4gMlEII/AAAAAAAAA8I/jPrUJrf4xr0/s320/8+-all+sliced.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Next, I chop the leeks into rings.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RNb5x0uFL8/Ui4l8XvSUiI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/jC82azTbt_4/s1600/9+-chopped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RNb5x0uFL8/Ui4l8XvSUiI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/jC82azTbt_4/s320/9+-chopped.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And then split the rings in half. Sometimes I will split the leek in half lengthwise first, and then cut half moons...it just depends upon how fast I need to move. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTkzKewGEkA/Ui4lfr00mRI/AAAAAAAAA7A/_npQyOKSoIo/s1600/10+-on+drying+tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTkzKewGEkA/Ui4lfr00mRI/AAAAAAAAA7A/_npQyOKSoIo/s320/10+-on+drying+tray.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Next I took the split leek rings and spread them out on the drying trays. I tried as much as possible to separate the layers, so that they would dry more evenly. <i>Lesson #1</i>: Dry fewer trays at a time, and take an extra drying sheet and put it over the leeks in the tray, so that they don't blow out of the dryer all over the floor!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJV5PM6EStk/Ui4l58V3y4I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/hMau_AR0oe8/s1600/11+-loaded+dehyd..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJV5PM6EStk/Ui4l58V3y4I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/hMau_AR0oe8/s320/11+-loaded+dehyd..jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now, put the trays in the dehydrator. All loaded up and ready to go. I was following the raw food directions, so I put the fan on high (145 degrees) for 2-3 hours. I was then supposed to come back and turn the fan down to 120 degrees. When I went back, (prepare for <i>Lesson #2</i>) there were not only bits of leek all over the floor, but 85% of the leeks were dry!! "But wait! What about my 120 degrees! I'm not done yet!" So lesson number two is leeks dry fast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ly1bFVgVGm4/Ui4lhWsSdoI/AAAAAAAAA7I/GZ97c3GrTW0/s1600/12+-God's+gift+to+homesteaders,+the+one+to+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ly1bFVgVGm4/Ui4lhWsSdoI/AAAAAAAAA7I/GZ97c3GrTW0/s320/12+-God's+gift+to+homesteaders,+the+one+to+use.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now this, THIS is God's gift to homesteaders and to anyone who loves to store food!! I picked this up for nearly nothing (I would have to truthfully say, she charged me so little for it, I should call it a GIFT!), from the same sweet homesteading lady who sold me the dehydrator. It works thusly: I took the dried leeks, and put them into the jar. I did not pack them in, but I did tap the jar to get as much in as possible. Then you put a lid on, put the gadget on the lid, and push a button. All the air is sucked OUT of the jar, and the lid is sealed on tight. How cool, I ask you, is THAT?!?! Especially in the moisture laden air that I now live in...to be able to keep thins crisp and dry is a real bonus. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zanKrQ6QYW8/Ui4lonSVF2I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/08EAzJSYvlM/s1600/13+-+the+finished+product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zanKrQ6QYW8/Ui4lonSVF2I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/08EAzJSYvlM/s320/13+-+the+finished+product.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And this is the finished product. Two quart jars filled to the brim with beautiful, dried leeks! I see being able to use these for on the fly soup days, or maybe I will dry some celery and carrots and make some dried soup mixes...hmmmm...I do have 29 more days of drying to go!<br />
<br />
So what are YOU doing?<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-73855627409014328132013-07-20T17:49:00.002-07:002013-07-20T17:49:48.764-07:00Life on the HomesteadThings are changing. I am changing...and it has more to do with what is on the inside, than what you see on the outside, though somehow, I think there might be a connection. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSTjxI5uHeQ/Uesvt9q260I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/GEWG8Pas-SE/s1600/a+-+pretty+front+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSTjxI5uHeQ/Uesvt9q260I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/GEWG8Pas-SE/s320/a+-+pretty+front+door.jpg" /></a></div><br />
On the outside, if you came by my house on any given day (just be careful, the to-do list is looong!), you will probably find me in tube socks, tall black boots with polka-dots and a baggy T-shirt. See, I have found that when you are messing with chickens, it is almost ALWAYS a good idea to have on boots. There is the poo, the mud by the run, the curious little boogers who like to peck at your shiny toe nails if you go down in flip flops, and did I mention the poo? There is lots of poo. <br />
<br />
I have also discovered that when you live on a homestead in the woods, you can expect two things. 1) there will be ticks dropping out of the trees, just about all the time. 2) There is poison ivy. LOTS of poison ivy. So to combat both of those inevitable occurrences, I add to my ensemble a much washed green slouch hat and a pair of long, cotton workout pants....not exactly my usual summer attire...but it suits my new life.<br />
<br />
I am changing in other areas too...the other day, I found myself sitting on the ground in the chicken run with AJ, and we each had a pile of chickens napping in our laps. It was soooo cool to do that with him! I don't imagine if you had asked me a few months ago to sit on a chicken run floor in 90 degree heat with mosquitoes buzzing around that I would have thought it was cool...I think I would have checked you for heat stroke and gotten the heck outta there!<br />
<br />
And today, after getting up at six to drive to Marietta to help "process" 60+ hens for a CSA, I came home and went right outside to join my husband who was putting in a shooting range. He also got the chipper out and made mulch to cover the mud all around the run. You know that I would have rather come in the A/C, poured myself a nice cold drink and read a book...but we had a great time out there with the kids, covered in sweat and sawdust and mosquito bites...nothing like working on a project all together!<br />
<br />
So those are some outward changes...what you don't see on the inside is how happy it makes me that my not-so-little Jalapeno LOVES to come with me to the hen house to help me wrangle the chickens...and he is really good at it! We have such a tough relationship, and are so often at odds, that I am loving the time with him, working together on something that we both enjoy and that is building some great channels of communication. I love that every time we go out, he looks for his chicken "Fuzzy" and says to her in a sing song voice (as he chases her around to catch her and put her on his head)..."Fuzzy! I wuv you Fuzzy! You are my biggest fan!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drQSslDBZdg/Uesv37SIIdI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/M5qS3ES-OJE/s1600/a+-+roo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drQSslDBZdg/Uesv37SIIdI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/M5qS3ES-OJE/s320/a+-+roo2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I am also really enjoying all the new things I have to learn to make this homestead thing work. I don't even know what I don't know so I can ask questions, at this point! But I have plenty of ideas and dreams that I would like for us to be able to achieve. The big thing is I am thankful that all of this outside work has really helped my adrenals to start working better, so my memory actually works!! It has been really hard to live in such a fog for so very long.<br />
<br />
So these are a few random thoughts from our little homestead in the woods...stay tuned...there is more bumping around in this noggin' of mine! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-41880790915592579972013-04-28T14:41:00.000-07:002013-04-28T14:41:13.095-07:00We Have a DreamWe have a dream. A dream of living on our own farm, of feeding ourselves from our land, of working it with our children. We have a dream of sharing our love of family, food and learning with the people God puts in our path. Of receiving from Him with open hands so that all the excess flows out to those in need. We have a dream.<br />
<br />
In three weeks, we take a step toward our dream. In three weeks, we are moving to ten acres in the woods. Not the ideal location to start a farm, but a step in the direction of our dream. The Virginia Hillbilly found a great place out in the country, with a house that will work, and a landlady who is willing to let us play. Garden beds? Yes! Chickens? OK! Goats? Sure! She even shared that the neighbor across the road had gotten goats last year who were reproducing at an alarming rate. She offered that he might even be willing to loan us some goats to help clear out under the trees. So that will be one of the first things we do after we move in...bake some cookies and take a walk across the road to meet some new friends.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLcXgSWYlvo/UX2S_hyZQSI/AAAAAAAAA5g/IovgXmSoioU/s1600/fuzzy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLcXgSWYlvo/UX2S_hyZQSI/AAAAAAAAA5g/IovgXmSoioU/s320/fuzzy+2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Right now, we are spending our time packing and learning. Because really, there is so very much we don't know. That said, we are up for the adventure and the kids are super psyched, and hey, if all we do is live there for a few years, it will still be amazing to be able to see the stars in the velvet black sky, and hear the birds and other wildlife that are sure to visit. And flower beds! Did I mention that there is a wonderful sunroom with tiered flowerbeds out back, just ready to be freed from the poison ivy and brought back to beauty? Oh, and a wonderful laundry room where I can make soap and play to my hearts content? <br />
<br />
Yes, we are taking a step toward our dreams. <br />
<br />
I can't wait to see them unfold before us.<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-42155311100695680612012-10-26T17:43:00.000-07:002012-10-26T18:05:44.766-07:00Fall Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiJ8hoiJtRQ/UIsroUb8dQI/AAAAAAAAA4E/TBEQYjAr7F0/s1600/a%2B-%2Bleaf%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiJ8hoiJtRQ/UIsroUb8dQI/AAAAAAAAA4E/TBEQYjAr7F0/s400/a%2B-%2Bleaf%2B1.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJI0wr8wUTI/UIssBvG0AzI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/DiK_yn0pLUg/s1600/a%2B-%2Bleaf%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJI0wr8wUTI/UIssBvG0AzI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/DiK_yn0pLUg/s400/a%2B-%2Bleaf%2B3.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6bOqE-7k58/UIssW8yOJFI/AAAAAAAAA4c/RIPg1aY5Gzg/s1600/a%2B-%2Bliyah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6bOqE-7k58/UIssW8yOJFI/AAAAAAAAA4c/RIPg1aY5Gzg/s400/a%2B-%2Bliyah.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNnlEA0SncU/UIsssU8_2AI/AAAAAAAAA4o/IYd-JoPRe0k/s1600/a%2B-%2Btree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNnlEA0SncU/UIsssU8_2AI/AAAAAAAAA4o/IYd-JoPRe0k/s400/a%2B-%2Btree.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qMB8PAMM70/UIstgd99cLI/AAAAAAAAA40/x1wqYcy0Cyg/s1600/a%2B-%2Beric%2Bbetter%2Bshot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qMB8PAMM70/UIstgd99cLI/AAAAAAAAA40/x1wqYcy0Cyg/s400/a%2B-%2Beric%2Bbetter%2Bshot.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niwhEhZjPCc/UIst5Q2qpUI/AAAAAAAAA5A/JPm09gf6sGI/s1600/a%2B-%2Baj%2Bwith%2Bfield.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niwhEhZjPCc/UIst5Q2qpUI/AAAAAAAAA5A/JPm09gf6sGI/s400/a%2B-%2Baj%2Bwith%2Bfield.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ItLxVlvIiM/UIsuNEQqleI/AAAAAAAAA5M/KRFBhrr04Sw/s1600/a%2B-%2Baj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ItLxVlvIiM/UIsuNEQqleI/AAAAAAAAA5M/KRFBhrr04Sw/s400/a%2B-%2Baj.JPG" /></a></div><br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-294911682325005802012-10-24T13:27:00.001-07:002012-10-24T13:27:58.242-07:00Wow.If a picture speaks a thousand words, then get ready to read a book. The story of my Creator's Creation.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4zIZJ1IYEk/UIhMGb_jDdI/AAAAAAAAA10/2BiW6EGF7Yg/s1600/n%2B-%2Bspider%2Bweb%2Bin%2Bleaf%2Bbetter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4zIZJ1IYEk/UIhMGb_jDdI/AAAAAAAAA10/2BiW6EGF7Yg/s400/n%2B-%2Bspider%2Bweb%2Bin%2Bleaf%2Bbetter.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59QeDCpXlxk/UIhMFbU2Q1I/AAAAAAAAA1o/08rBlrV-zC8/s1600/l%2B-%2Bpetunia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59QeDCpXlxk/UIhMFbU2Q1I/AAAAAAAAA1o/08rBlrV-zC8/s400/l%2B-%2Bpetunia.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSKN8TNw7T8/UIhMEAUcb_I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/TJ09lAt_Alo/s1600/i%2B-%2Bspider%2Bweb%2Bgutter%2Bthe%2Bbetter%2Bone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSKN8TNw7T8/UIhMEAUcb_I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/TJ09lAt_Alo/s400/i%2B-%2Bspider%2Bweb%2Bgutter%2Bthe%2Bbetter%2Bone.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7zGen2gplk/UIhMDwGVROI/AAAAAAAAA1E/uUAiEl4SgfM/s1600/g%2B-%2Bspider%2Bweb%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7zGen2gplk/UIhMDwGVROI/AAAAAAAAA1E/uUAiEl4SgfM/s400/g%2B-%2Bspider%2Bweb%2B2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxu2D9s2Fxc/UIhME_cCWXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/hwPjMSOMj0o/s1600/k%2B%2Bcrepe%2Bmyrtle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxu2D9s2Fxc/UIhME_cCWXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/hwPjMSOMj0o/s400/k%2B%2Bcrepe%2Bmyrtle.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T3nun3MkrtA/UIhNypR1LsI/AAAAAAAAA2k/l72lcMoq3Tc/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T3nun3MkrtA/UIhNypR1LsI/AAAAAAAAA2k/l72lcMoq3Tc/s400/DSC_0202.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEgm2-LS__Q/UIhNzKKSQQI/AAAAAAAAA2w/Sr4RiDbLxl0/s1600/t%2B-%2Bcool%2Bbutterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEgm2-LS__Q/UIhNzKKSQQI/AAAAAAAAA2w/Sr4RiDbLxl0/s400/t%2B-%2Bcool%2Bbutterfly.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z03Id8FDgMI/UIhNw3KMNcI/AAAAAAAAA2A/bf8OgC4_Q7g/s1600/t%2B-%2Bbee%2Bexcellent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z03Id8FDgMI/UIhNw3KMNcI/AAAAAAAAA2A/bf8OgC4_Q7g/s400/t%2B-%2Bbee%2Bexcellent.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pI2rP49TauY/UIhNxTE6p7I/AAAAAAAAA2M/FQ359aVDbYg/s1600/t%2B-%2Bflowers%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pI2rP49TauY/UIhNxTE6p7I/AAAAAAAAA2M/FQ359aVDbYg/s400/t%2B-%2Bflowers%2B3.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uklIaWlxZC4/UIhNyALrr3I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/s9oixBfrdK8/s1600/t%2B-%2Bmoth%2Bexcellent.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="265" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uklIaWlxZC4/UIhNyALrr3I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/s9oixBfrdK8/s400/t%2B-%2Bmoth%2Bexcellent.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVCTtORFEI0/UIhPARD2iRI/AAAAAAAAA3U/tMQAvKmSFvU/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVCTtORFEI0/UIhPARD2iRI/AAAAAAAAA3U/tMQAvKmSFvU/s400/DSC_0168.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yk72EnV-ldY/UIhO_OigNrI/AAAAAAAAA28/FkMCbWiBQHI/s1600/s%2B-%2Baj%2Bnice%2Bshot%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yk72EnV-ldY/UIhO_OigNrI/AAAAAAAAA28/FkMCbWiBQHI/s400/s%2B-%2Baj%2Bnice%2Bshot%2B2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XlVy4rY_hbI/UIhO_rCCIdI/AAAAAAAAA3I/OfoEGY9qgdE/s1600/t%2B-%2Be%2Bnice%2Bshot%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XlVy4rY_hbI/UIhO_rCCIdI/AAAAAAAAA3I/OfoEGY9qgdE/s400/t%2B-%2Be%2Bnice%2Bshot%2B2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-26133192627660655852012-10-23T13:13:00.000-07:002012-10-23T13:13:05.574-07:00Cross post.......thoughts from my kitchen table: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://flavorsomefood.blogspot.com/2012/10/eureeka.html">http://flavorsomefood.blogspot.com/2012/10/eureeka.html</a>trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-34521352810653337032012-06-23T21:46:00.000-07:002012-06-23T21:46:21.077-07:00Full CircleMany, many years ago, in a galaxy far, far away....oh, wait!! Wrong story.<br />
<br />
Many years ago, when I was <i>eleven</i>, a "Surprise!!" baby was born into the Anzalone house. He was a darling thing all pinchable cheeks and chubby legs, brown sparkling eyes and wispy hair. And did I mention that he was a light sleeper? At the time, my 'older,younger brother', Joey was sharing a room with said cherub, Mikey. But every time Joey rolled over or made any noise, it would wake up the baby. Anyone want to guess what my Mom thought about these nocturnal interruptions? You guessed it. Something had to go. And in this case, it was Joey.<br />
<br />
My mother's solution was to move Joey into the room I shared with our 5 year old sister, Marianna. After all, the basement was not finished, and Mom <i>must</i> have sleep, to keep her household running. So into our tiny room came this nine year old boy, and we hardly had room to walk between our bunk bed and Joey's bed to get to the closet. Needless to say, it was tight! <br />
<br />
After several months, I was so desperate to get out of that tiny, crowded room, that I moved to the basement. My room was windowless, had no door, and cool concrete floors...and it was HEAVEN! I painted it "Road Stripe Yellow" to off-set the lack of windows (as if!), and filled it with white furniture and all things pre-teen. I still go straight back to late nights reading in my haven, every time I hear Lionel Richie croon "You are once, twice, three times a lady..." - egads!! YOU know those lyrics too?!? Wow, we are sooo old!<br />
<br />
Anyway, that bedroom was always the BEST room to sleep in because in the hot Georgia summers, in an un-airconditioned house, it was always so cool! It was also always so very DARK, being windowless and all, and to this day, if you need to really get some zzzz's at my Mom and Dad's, that is the room to sleep in. By the way, it has a door now. And carpet. Oh, and it's not scary yellow either.<br />
<br />
Fast forward, oh, 40 years or so and you will find me living in Georgia once again, after a long stint in Colorado. I now have an almost eleven year old of my own, along with soon to be seven and eight year olds and guess what?! I also have a basement room with NO windows! <br />
<br />
This morning I went looking for said children. It was after 9 am and we needed to get a move on! I went down to the play room (aka the Tornado room, because the lack of windows makes it a GREAT place to hang out during storms) to waken the slumbering ones, and found them in the complete darkness of the play room, door closed, snoring away after their weekly "slumber party".<br />
<br />
Like I said. Full circle. Only this time, there is no Lionel Richie.trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-16836191712779118602012-02-26T15:36:00.000-08:002012-02-26T15:36:21.395-08:00Holland is Beautiful!Have you read this before?<br />
<br />
"When you’re going to have a baby <adopt a child>, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum, the Sistine Chapel, Gondolas. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting. After several months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland!” “Holland?” you say. “What do you mean, Holland? I signed up for Italy. I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.” But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place full of pestilence, famine, and disease. It’s just a different place. So, you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It’s just a different place. It’s slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around. You begin to notice that Holland has windmills. Holland has tulips. And Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.” And the pain of that experience will never, ever, ever, go away. The loss of that dream is a very significant loss. But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland."<br />
<br />
This was written in 1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley...let's see, in 1987 I was engaged to my husband, planning to marry the following New Years and start a family right away. In <b>my<i></i></b> plans, we would quickly have a house full of children, whom I would stay home with and homeschool. Each of them would be perfectly well mannered, talented at something and always say "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Ma'am". They would never disobey, never lie or do anything to embarrass me in public and <gasp!> <i>never</i> yell at me and call me an idiot!!<br />
<br />
You see, <i>I</i> had made <i>my</i> plans. I was going to Italy, and no mistake about it!<br />
<br />
So, what happened? How is it that I find myself in Holland with a special needs child who does not speak the language I know? What do I do with this child God has given me, who yells at me and calls me names. Who hits me and lashes out in anger. Who does not save his theatrics for home, but will explode just about anywhere, for who knows how long. This child. This child does NOT speak Italian!<br />
<br />
This child. This child with the amazing green eyes. This child with a sense of humor that has me laughing every day. This child who knows things beyond his years. Who has endured things I don't even want to contemplate. Who has an inner strength and fortitude that is formidable. This child who loves his Mommy. Whose favorite place after a big explosion is curled up in Mommy's lap. This child speaks Dutch.<br />
<br />
Guess what? I am starting to learn Dutch. I have thrown out my Italian language books, my Fromer's guides, my links to good Italian restaurants. I am developing a taste for bread and herring, for cheese and sausage. I am learning to love living in a place I never wanted to go. I am beginning to accept that Holland is exactly the place for us.trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-40766614708535834632011-12-08T21:00:00.000-08:002011-12-08T21:00:49.549-08:00A Boy and His Horse - Spielberg style!Have you heard of the new movie coming out on Christmas Day? It's called <b>War Horse<i></i></b>, and is the newest offering from Steven Spielberg. The movie is based on a children's novel of the same name by Michael Morpurgo, and centers on a young Englishman named Albert and a horse he names Joey. The two have a special bond and when Joey is sold to the army at the beginning of World War I, Albert sets out to find his friend.<br />
<br />
I will the leave the professional reviews to <a href="http://www.pluggedin.com/movies.aspx">pluggedin.com</a>, and give you the 'Mom Review' instead. I know that before I take my children to a movie, I am always interested in knowing some details that will help me decide if it is an appropriate movie for them to see. This movie is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of war violence, and I think that it is a well earned rating. <br />
<br />
On the good side, we see example of heroism, bravery and courage. Friends who stand beside each other and enemies who learn that sometimes you need to lay down old feuds and work together. We see that even in the midst of the carnage and brutality of war, there is a place for compassion, for keeping promises and stepping out even when common sense would tell you to keep your head down. But I think that the underlying theme which stands out the most is the idea of self-sacrifice. In this day and time, where everything is so "Me" centered, it is very refreshing to see a movie that promotes doing for others, even if it costs you dearly.<br />
<br />
Throughout the movie, we see little vignettes of Joey's life from his birth through the end of the war. I want to tell you about them all, but I also don't want to spoil the movie for you, so you are going to have to go see it yourself! <br />
<br />
In the "<i>Heads-Up</i>" category, you should know there is a little language. God's name is never taken in vain, and my almost-ten-year-old missed the language altogether (it went right over her head)...she also missed <b>all</b> the war scenes, because I had her close her eyes! I really have to give it to Spielberg though...he was somehow able to portray the intensity of the battles, the horror and brutality of war without us having to see blood spurting or heads flying. For example, (spoiler warning) when two young men are shot for deserting the war, we see the scene in the moonlight, from the top of a windmill which has spinning blades. At the moment that the shots are fired, the blades cross the screen, so we hear the shot, but don't see the young men until after their bodies are on the ground, and again, it is from a distance. <br />
<br />
In general, I think that the way the battle scenes in this movie are filmed makes this movie excellent for those studying WWI or WWII, for children who can handle viewing the intensity of battle. You get a good sense of what the trenches were like, what it was like to come up over the wall to charge the enemy positions, what No Man's Land was like, and what is was like behind the lines, where weapons were being moved into position and the dead and wounded were taken. There is a pretty intense scene (again, spoiler warning) where we see that the horses who are captured are forced to move the large artillery into position. It is mentioned that the animals usually only live for one month, and you see a pit where they are "buried", but it is an open pit and there are dead horses lying all around it.<br />
<br />
This review feels a little disjointed to me, which I would like to apologize for now...I think that I am having a difficult time meshing the feel-good parts of the movie with the intensity of the war scenes...but I have to tell you that the overall feeling I had on leaving the theater was a happy glow. I know that my kids are not ready for this movie yet, but we will get the book and read it and we will buy the movie when it comes out. It is so good to see a movie like this which handles tough material and is made so well. <br />
<br />
Thank you to Homeschool Movie Club, who put out the word on the screening tickets!! You guys rock!trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-43385226560674988652011-09-29T22:19:00.000-07:002011-09-29T22:21:17.506-07:00Out of EgyptI have said this before, so please forgive me for saying it again...but one of the things that I love the most about homeschooling is how my kids take what they learn and go DO something with it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7JaEEH4pZI/ToVIhZ1quaI/AAAAAAAAAtw/9y47bZjbq4A/s1600/P1140654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7JaEEH4pZI/ToVIhZ1quaI/AAAAAAAAAtw/9y47bZjbq4A/s320/P1140654.JPG" /></a></div><i>The Students - this will have to be the beginning of year pic, since I forgot to take one!</i><br />
<br />
Take the last three weeks. We just finished studying Egypt. Pyramids and pharaohs and sphinxes, oh my! They became totally immersed in studying this long dead culture. They have built pyramids out of Legos, ziggurats out of left over cinder blocks and even included a sarcophagus with a 'mummified' pharaoh in the Lego pyramid. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAeM1kBqhMA/ToVP0hqSsHI/AAAAAAAAAuo/F7opaJid79A/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAeM1kBqhMA/ToVP0hqSsHI/AAAAAAAAAuo/F7opaJid79A/s320/photo-1.JPG" /></a></div> <i>The Lego Pyramid complete with sarcophagus and mummy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WF1jT-7TmEc/ToVK3TuMDNI/AAAAAAAAAt4/f6bbJW4_Cwc/s1600/P1140631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WF1jT-7TmEc/ToVK3TuMDNI/AAAAAAAAAt4/f6bbJW4_Cwc/s320/P1140631.JPG" /></a></div><i>Working on his ziggurat - pen and paper in hand</i><br />
<br />
<br />
They were especially fascinated with the "fact" that the slaves used dolerite stone balls to hammer out tunnels in the pyramids, and to help smooth the sides. Now don't go slamming the kids! There are about as many theories for how the pyramids were built as there are archaeologists! But several of the movies we watched and books that we read had pics of these dolerite and so the kids have taken it to heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP8zUBmAPHo/ToVLVCjxDYI/AAAAAAAAAuA/QKsZEjmh3N0/s1600/P1140655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP8zUBmAPHo/ToVLVCjxDYI/AAAAAAAAAuA/QKsZEjmh3N0/s320/P1140655.JPG" /></a></div><i> Dolerite in action</i><br />
<br />
Today finds them out in the yard, meshing many of the things that we have learned over the last few weeks: sand, dolerites, working hard...enjoy the pics!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbjodpg8zhk/ToVMexi6PmI/AAAAAAAAAuI/hFN4-v3i-70/s1600/P1140661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbjodpg8zhk/ToVMexi6PmI/AAAAAAAAAuI/hFN4-v3i-70/s320/P1140661.JPG" /></a></div> <i>The Yard Boss - At least he THINKS he is in charge!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7Swef8eKX8/ToVOUkFG_KI/AAAAAAAAAuY/biqJhlxET9A/s1600/P1140669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7Swef8eKX8/ToVOUkFG_KI/AAAAAAAAAuY/biqJhlxET9A/s320/P1140669.JPG" /></a></div> <i>The REAL Yard Boss - oh so subtle she is!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0R1-cxLN85w/ToVOwEf_1YI/AAAAAAAAAug/VNZoxYgT5gw/s1600/P1140671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0R1-cxLN85w/ToVOwEf_1YI/AAAAAAAAAug/VNZoxYgT5gw/s320/P1140671.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLMXTAKTCKs/ToVQYqDE-zI/AAAAAAAAAuw/hEpffMod87E/s1600/P1140666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLMXTAKTCKs/ToVQYqDE-zI/AAAAAAAAAuw/hEpffMod87E/s320/P1140666.JPG" /></a></div> <i>Does not care who is in charge, as long as he can build!</i>trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9176244836764031370.post-87092215272038172052011-09-26T14:14:00.000-07:002011-09-26T14:14:36.962-07:00Change His Life - Change Her Life - Change YOUR Life!This is a loooong post! Might want to grab a cup of tea!<br />
<br />
For the last year, as some of you know, my life has been kind of "ups-by-down", as my son used to say. Before that time, I was involved in MOPS, had started a homeschool co-op and had taken over leadership of a homeschool support group. I also watched different friends kids every week, giving them a chance for a breath of quiet air, or the ability to go to a doctors appointment without raising their blood pressure. Life was busy, but good, as I fed into my passions by ministering to moms and their kids.<br />
<br />
Then it all started to change. I graduated from MOPS, had a year long bout of back pain and then back surgery, then we decided to move and along came all the chaos of getting the house showing ready. Because we were leaving, I passed on the homeschool group into capable hands, and our co-op decided to disband, as the kids were all getting older and getting school done with everyone was getting tougher.<br />
<br />
This left me in a weird place. I was still doing the core thing that I believe God made me to do. Be the mom to these three delight(-fully crazy) kiddos, and the wife to my amazing hubby. I am still right where I want to be, schooling them at home, cooking, <strike>ironing</strike>...all the things that make up the life of a stay-at-home mom. <br />
<br />
And yet, I still have this passion for children 'not my own' that will not go away. I found it again, or maybe just uncovered it from the midst of all the day-to-day junk that gets piled on it, when we were in Guatemala this summer on our sponsor tour with Compassion International.<br />
<br />
I had known for years that Compassion had an advocacy program, but at the time it was not a good fit for me. However I learned on the trip to Guatemala that the parameters of the program had changed. Now the program is more fluid and an advocate is asked to use their time, talents and influence to make a greater impact for needy children.<br />
<br />
<b>From an online dictionary</b>:<br />
ad·vo·cate/ˈadvəkit/<br />
Noun: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.<br />
<b><br />
From our 1950 Webster's Dictionary</b>:<br />
ad'vo-cate, n. from the latin <i>advocatus</i>, one called to another.<br />
one who defends, vindicates, or espouses a cause by argument; one who is friendly to; an upholder; a defender.<br />
<br />
I can do that!! I can talk to people about the children I met on our trip, how their lives have been changed by the child development programs that Compassion offers. I can tell them about the smiling faces, the singing voices and the happy hearts that I personally experienced. I can tell people about the homes I visited and the abject poverty that the children live in - but also about the overwhelming love of Christ that I experienced in these homes. <br />
<br />
And so, I became an Advocate. I love this "job" because I can do it anywhere! At the grocery store standing in line. At a park on a play date. At a 5K race where we are raising money to help girls leave the sex trade...to loosely quote the great Dr Seuss..."I can do it here. I can do it there. I can do it anywhere!"<br />
<br />
So today I want to tell you about two children who need sponsors. They need a one-on-one connection with someone who will believe in them and encourage them to be all that God created them to be. They need a listening ear and a heart that will lift them up in prayer for their safety in the tough places where they live. They need you.<br />
<br />
First, meet Britney. This kid has spunk - just look at her picture!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dw1LMjpi6wk/ToDpJ-vwSBI/AAAAAAAAAtg/yyla0HmwsnQ/s1600/P1140643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dw1LMjpi6wk/ToDpJ-vwSBI/AAAAAAAAAtg/yyla0HmwsnQ/s320/P1140643.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Britney lives in the Dominican Republic with her Mom and Dad. She makes beds and runs errands for her Mom. She has two siblings and her Dad is sometimes employed as a laborer. Most of the adults in her neighborhood are unemployed, but some work as domestics and earn about $88 per month. Britney loves to play dolls and play house - sound like any little girls you might know?<br />
<br />
Britney needs a sponsor. Would you be that blessing in her life?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now meet Julio.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-texJPygP98U/ToDpKKSlfVI/AAAAAAAAAto/GsmY4Lv9KLE/s1600/P1140644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-texJPygP98U/ToDpKKSlfVI/AAAAAAAAAto/GsmY4Lv9KLE/s320/P1140644.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Julio lives in Peru where the typical houses in his area are constructed of dirt floors, cement walls and tin roofs. He lives with his Mom and Dad and and helps out around the house by running errands. He has two siblings and his Dad is sometimes employed. He is in Kindergarten and loves to play cars, play ball and create art. Julio needs a sponsor. He is praying that he will get the letter that tells him "Julio! You have SPONSOR!" How do I know that? Because our new sponsor child was praying the same prayers as Julio, over her breakfast, the very same morning we met her! <br />
<br />
Thanks for taking the time to read this lengthy post. These kids pictures are on my kitchen table, so I see them all day long, and I have been praying that God will bring forward a sponsor for each of them. Let me tell you, once you have sponsored a child, YOUR life will never be the same!trinabambinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05923184499951176073noreply@blogger.com0