Wordless Wednesday

Some Are Better Than Others

I like trying new recipes. I get it from my Mom. I definitely have some favorites, but like to mix it up a bit too. We had some leftover sweet potatoes from Saturday's gathering, so I tried a recipe for Sweet Potato-Pinto Bean balls with Lemon-Tahini sauce last night. They weren't great. With or without the sauce, we agreed. Though I see J took them for his lunch today. I love how easy he is to please. I do, however, want to give another thumbs up for the Food & Wine recipe that Elspeth posted, for Butternut Chocolate-Chip Brownies. I made a batch for the gathering. My Mom copied the recipe, and my sister gave it a double thumbs up, and I know she'd agree that, unlike her crunchy vegi sister, she's a typical American eater. The aunts and uncles wouldn't touch it once J shared the squash part. It is so chocolatey, you truly do not taste any hint of squash. Give it a try, and get a dose of beta-carotene with your chocolate. You'll be glad you did. Promise.

Simple Sunday

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Yesterday's family gathering was a joy. It was so nice to have my Mom & her 3 brothers & spouses all together, as well as my siblings and families. The day itself was lovely, and J & I enjoyed showing our garden, trees and plants. Our little chicks are growing. I can't seem to get the zoom on my camera to work, so have got to figure that out. Today we're just doing a bit of this & that. Tonight, we'll sit back and enjoy Julie & Julia.

It's Magic

The spring cleaning is finished. Doesn't a house just feel so much nicer when all the dust bunnies and grime are removed? And fresh air enlivens the space? Some fresh flowers set around. The product I mentioned that helped me in my cleaning efforts is a Magic Eraser. I'm embarrassed to say that Joseph had gifted me with a pack, as a stocking stuffer Christmas of 2008, and I had never tried them. I put them under the kitchen sink, and never thought of them. Shame on me, 'cause they're great. And I remember reading they're nontoxic, though I don't exactly remember how they work. They erased most scuff marks on the walls. I'm so glad I was inspired to try them.

We're ready for the family. With a bit of creative seating, we'll hold 17 in this little house today. Wishing you a wonderful weekend, with fresh air, fresh flowers, and whatever spring lovelies bring you happiness.

Still Cleaning & Happy Birthday

I'm tackling the great room today. Thanks to this blog, I've got a new helper for my spring cleaning. I'll be sharing it once the dust settles. I wanted to take a minute to wish my Mom a Happy Birthday!

Spring Cleaning

Last night, while catching up on my blog reading, I noticed a common element in several. Spring cleaning time is here. That's been my focus here too this week. Monday, I worked on the bedroom, cleaning cobwebs, wiping walls & furniture down with Seventh Generation All-Purpose cleaner. I even got the sweet potatoes that have spent the winter under the bed moved out. Between the ones I'll be cooking on Saturday, and the ones J is using to start this year's slips, that will just about be the end of the 2009 harvest.

Yesterday, I began cleaning the bathroom. When I was building this house, I decided to use cedar in the shower. I do like pretty tile, but not spending my time cleaning grout. So, I opted to use cedar drawer liner on an angle, with tile along the bottom edge. I'm really happy with it, but it does take scrubbing every so often to remove soap and shampoo residue. I did use a natural sealer on it, which helped keep it nice for the first six months or so. Soon, I'll apply another coat of sealer. The products I used are Ecover Limescale remover, & when that ran out, Seventh Gen. Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner, which I recently found at my favorite discount grocery store. That made me happy! The water here is very hard, and challenging. I do have a whole house filter, which is in need of some repair, along with an under counter filter in the kitchen. I also have a Berkey filter on the kitchen counter for filtering rainwater, which is our drinking water. Water has probably been the greatest challenge of living here. I'll delve into that another day.

One of the tips I read yesterday was to put orange peels in the vinegar you use for cleaning. I bet that does smell lovely, & intend to try it. Do you have any cleaning tips you'd like to share today?

Birthdays, Chicks & Brownies

Last night, I made winter squash & chocolate brownies, which Elspeth shared on her blog. They were moist & delicious, and just have to be good for you, with the squash and all. Don't you think? The chicks are chirping away this morning, a pleasant sound to have in the house. Helps to make up for all the chicken dust.

I've been thinking some more about kazoos. When my siblings and I were still at home, my Mom would wake us up on our birthday playing Happy Birthday on a kazoo. I'm having the family out this Saturday to celebrate my Mom's and J's birthdays. I'm thinking we just may have to break out the kazoos again!