Cows For Neighbors & Frugal Accomplishments

Hello, friends.  In making a purchase for our small business last week, I went through ebates and also signed up to get the veteran's discount for J, saving 6.5%.  After an annual vet visit for one of the pups, I washed and hung two loads of laundry on the line, powder coated two orders, then weeded one of my large herb beds.  Still not done, but it's better than it was, and the chickens got two buckets of weeds to rummage through.  For a dinner, I baked sweet potatoes and made kale salad with our vegi's, and sauteed some mushrooms to go along.  Another night was pasta with sauce made from our vegi's and herbs.

It was J's birthday last week.  He requested a German chocolate cake.  I've not made enough layer cakes to get good at it, and mine always turn out a bit wonky, so I made a sheet cake instead.  Both of us tend to prefer less sweetness in our desserts, so with icing only on the top instead of also in between layers, it suited us better too.  The recipe used lots of eggs, which was good, as we have plenty.  A dozen eggs were shared with a friend.  I requested two books from the library, and picked them up on Tuesday.  While in town, I ran by Walgreens, and got their 20% senior discount on Easter cards.  I also picked up a print that I got for .23 after using a 40% off code.  I redeemed a $5 reward at checkout.

A basket of carrots, along with two beets, were harvested.  We'll eat most of the carrots with hummus or in salads.  The smallest ones will be grated for the pups dinners, or be added to the broth bag.  We shipped several orders last week, and have new orders to make another two, of which we're very appreciative.

A dear friend and I had a weekend road trip.  As we both turned 60 not long ago, she determined this would be the year of our "60th mystery tour".  We've already been to three concerts, and have tickets for another.  Besides going to see music over the weekend, we shopped at thrift stores, discount groceries and the farmer's market, visited a nursery, and ate very well.  Our bnb had cows.  There were several young calves, and we enjoyed having them for neighbors.  When we arrived back at my friend's home, she dug up several money plant volunteers, which J & I planted when I got home.  Wishing you a wonderful week!

New Raised Beds & Frugal Accomplishments

Hello, friends.  I hope the week has been a good one for you, in whatever ways are important to you.  The sunny days have been delightful.  We even got in a couple of "pond-sits" during the week, which is what we call relaxing by the pond after work is finished.  I made a new recipe, a roasted sweet potato and chickpea dish we both liked, which came from 600 Acres.  From fall to spring, we have sweet potatoes, chickpeas are always in the pantry, as well as homemade yogurt, so I can see this recipe getting lots of use in the future.

In the garden, we worked on raised beds.  J found Trex boards for less than half price on Craigslist, a significant savings.  Though it did take a trip to VA, we enjoyed the day, stopping for lunch in Mt. Airy.   We're trying Trex boards this time, for their resistance to rot and insects.  We pulled out the original raised beds some years back after they began housing asian needle ants, fire ants and termites, but there are some pluses to using them as we age.  We have two beds done, filled with soil, and planted with potatoes.  J put together 4 more beds, and filled one more on Sunday.  After making metal brackets for the raised beds in his shop, he asked if I might want to try listing some in our shop.  The Berkey stands have gone far beyond what I ever thought they'd do, so I agreed to try it.  I took some pics, and listed them.  You never know what people might find useful.

I made pasta sauce with homegrown tomatoes, eggplant, summer squash, basil and rosemary, and cooked a mix of store bought and our rutabagas.  I made yogurt and bird suet.  A couple of days, I worked on another dozen of my friends' antiques/vintage items for ebay.  A cousin of mine passed away last week.  My friends at Whynot Pottery will be providing an urn.  I purchased a beautiful urn from them for my Mom's ashes.  Though they create a multitude of useful objects I love to use on a  regular basis, I appreciate the love and craft they put into their urns.

A few days ago, we noticed the first asparagus up.  On Sunday, J harvested the first two spears.  Hooray for asparagus season!  The bachelor buttons I planted are up.  Though I'm quite late in getting started, I "winter sowed" seeds from a friend, rose campion and columbine.  We are still having some cold nights, with tonight and Tuesday night below freezing, so I hope the seeds get enough cold and will germinate.  I started three types of lettuce, and red chard earlier in the week.  I noticed the first chard up on Sunday.  There was a women's gathering I attended in the neighborhood on Sunday.  Before I left to go, I got the first six of the ebay items listed, and the remaining six when I returned.  For dinner, I made Brandy's Taco soup, which is so quick, easy and yummy.  A salad with some of my newest batch of sprouts went along.  I harvested a big basket of kale, wanting to use it before it bolts.  So many things need to be done, I'll just have to trust that if I keep working on my to do list, anything that is important will get done.  Happy April, friends!

Mid March & Frugal Accomplishments

Hello, friends.  I finished putting everything away from our gathering on Monday.  A load of laundry was done, and hung on the line.  Paperwork was worked on for two of our businesses.  A few soaps were wrapped, enough to take into town to restock one of the galleries. The first hummingbird food of the year was made, and feeder hung.  Some good grocery deals were 5/$4 cans of organic beans, $1 for 28 oz organic fire roasted tomatoes, and .89 avocados.  I also bought a good amount of organic produce at a co-op, including mangoes, minneola tangelos, and red bartlett pears on sale.  They always ask if you want a receipt.  I declined, and don't remember prices.  While heading to the compost bin, I found a sweet little bird's nest.  I've added it to my little nature windowsill, which in theory is for our granddaughter, but I expect I get at least as much pleasure from it.

I pulled a bag of maitake mushrooms and two of shredded zucchini from the freezer.  The zucchini went into fritters.  A friend and I went to a concert by these fine folks.  The concert was free, as they'd just released an album, but an annual $5 membership was paid to the venue, and a donation happily given for a fantastic evening of music.  The food available was barbecued pork, so I brought a salad for my dinner.  I'm still trying to eat lots of salads, though some days I do better than others.  An Eat To Live salad dressing that I'm enjoying is his Walnut Vinaigrette:

1 clove garlic
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 cup water

Blend all in a high speed blender and enjoy.  So far, I've been subbing oregano for the thyme, and it's great.

After J's shop closed up a bit early on Friday, we did some garden clean up, removing all the tomato cages, rebar and wood posts.  We usually have it done before now, but it's been so wet for so long, it's taken longer this year.  On Saturday, I chopped all the remaining pruned kiwi vines, and put them around a nectarine, two peaches and a goji berry.  Between us, we finished pruning the last of the grapes.  I pruned the last apple tree.  J planted onions and shallots, and heeled in the last of the potato sprouts.  He also planted some tomato, eggplant and pepper seeds.  These were put in a repurposed truck toolbox that he recently put sweet potatoes in to sprout.  We're always experimenting in the garden.   We went through our seeds, and don't need any this spring.

Several mornings, I used mixed frozen berries from last year's garden in my oatmeal.  A few weeks ago, I'd mentioned J checking at a local restaurant he frequents for lunch for olive oil for soapmaking.  The owner ordered a case for me, and though it was a bit more than I'd been paying, he was willing to barter for soaps, which makes it work for me.  J brought the first soaps to him, and the next day he was raving about them, saying I had a lifetime customer, which is a lovely thing.  He and his lady friend had tried the shaving soap and one or two others.  I'd been pondering and praying about if soapmaking was something I was to continue to do, as the profit is minimal.  I'm going to take this endorsement as a sign to continue, which makes me happy, as it is something I enjoy doing.

I was happy to see many honeybees on one of our pear trees.  Every year, I try to plant more things for the pollinators.  They're pretty important for the planet and for gardeners.  Lettuce was harvested for salads.  Now that we're not having rain every day, I've started saving warm up water again.  I've used the water in the wood stove humidifier and for the pups water.  Laundry was hung out on the line two days this week.  Eggs are still bountiful, and some were shared.  Some windows were opened most days for fresh air.  I used up mushroom leftovers with eggs for a breakfast.  I zested an organic tangelo and put it in the freezer for future recipes.  Two movies were enjoyed on Netflix.

On Sunday, after house cleaning chores, I hand washed a sweater and all the pine cone dyed items.  J welded up 4 orders, which I then cleaned up and painted.  The new powder coat painting system is such an improvement over spray painting.  For dinner, I tried an Eat to Live vegi burger recipe, which used our parsley, basil, oregano and lambs quarter, along with other pantry items.  We both agreed they weren't wonderful.  I pulled broccoli from the freezer, and we used up a couple of leftovers, so there's that at least.  I planted 3 types of lettuce and swiss chard in containers to plant out later.  I'm enjoying these warmer days.  Have you been able to plant anything recently?

St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans & Frugal Accomplishments

Hello, friends.  There were a few hours reprieve from the rain on Monday, so I did chop and drop around the newly planted NJ Tea and sweet pepperbush plants, covered them with leaves, pruned the apples and pears in the pond garden, then the cherry and hawthorn near the house.  It was warm enough (low 60's) that I opened a few windows to air out the house.  On Tuesday, it was back to working on deep cleaning the house, and getting ready for our family gathering.  The ceiling fan and deep window sills were cleaned, and J and I worked together to create a family photo wall, which has been on my to do list for a long time.  I'll probably tweak it as time goes by, but am happy to have it up.  A few stitched pieces were hung by my sewing area, which make me happy.

Another natural dyeing experiment took place, this time pine cones.  For the first time, I tried pre-mordanting with soy milk.  I left the items in the dye pot for a day, then hung them to dry.  They were a light brown.  I'd read about using washing soda, which changes the pH and the color, so added around 2 tbs of washing soda to the dye, then put the items back in, and was rewarded with a warm, rosy brown.  The clotheslines were full on Wednesday, with rugs, shower curtains and the usual laundry.  The eggs continue to be bountiful, and several dozen were shared.  Recyclebank points were redeemed for a free magazine subscription.  J & I watched a movie on amazon prime.  I needed milk and buttermilk, and noticed a marked down "manager's special" container for both. I'm not sure why, as they were 9 and 12 days from expiration, but I was happy to find them.

Natural dyeing with pine cones

On Saturday, while the floors were drying, I did a little more pruning, and chop and drop around two figs and some lilacs.  I assisted J in doing a severe pruning on our largest mulberry.  He did this some years back.   I also recently saw one on a permaculture video, which gave us the inspiration.  The tree had gotten so large, I was unable to reach all but a very few lower branches, so the birds and squirrels were getting almost all the berries.  Mulberries generally quickly grow back, so we're hoping to have more manageable fruit again soon.

  We had our St. Patrick's Day gathering on Sunday, and it was a most lovely day.  The weather was beautiful, and there was plenty of yummy food and great company.  Leftovers were shared all around.  We shared several spider plant babies.  Good friends and family are such a blessing.  Whenever my sister and I take a sister trip, our brother always kids us about being up to shenanigans.  He wasn't able to make it to our gathering, but I bought us each a shirt, and sent this pic to him.  

My sweet Sis and I

Now that the ground is drying some, and we're not supposed to have rain for another week, I hope we'll be able to get some things planted soon.  It's definitely time.  It's also time to start making hummingbird food again, as the earliest one's can show up anytime now.  Yogurt was made, and eggs were boiled.  I'm grateful to have much of the deep spring cleaning done.  I do want to go through my closet again, there are still a few cabinets I haven't gotten to, and I never did get the entire fridge cleaned out, or any windows washed.  I'm thinking those things can be done at a more leisurely pace, in between other tasks.  The days are getting noticeably longer, which we're enjoying.   Have you got any gardening or spring cleaning planned for this week?

Nice Movies & Frugal Accomplishments

Hello, friends.  Last week, I went through ebates to purchase a book for a future gift, for 6% cash back.  Ziploc bags were washed to reuse.  Eggs were gathered, and a bouquet of forsythia, peach blossoms and daffodils gathered  before lows in the 20's might have killed the blooms.  I enjoyed watching two movies (The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society & Our Souls at Night) on amazon prime & Netflix.  I had read both books, and was happy that the movies were enjoyable too.  With an abundance of eggs, I decided to make a frittata for dinner.  The leftover asparagus was used, along with artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes, and our oregano and parsley.  These were what hubby requested in the frittata, and it was good.  Though I packed our orders to ship on Sunday, I wasn't going to town to work until Tuesday, so waited until then to drop off the orders at the Fedex site, saving an hour of driving time and gas.  The orders were ready before they were promised, so it seemed the frugal thing to do, both in terms of time and money.  I learned that what I was thinking was scotch broom out by the road is instead winter jasmine.  They're similar looking, but winter jasmine has red buds. before they open into yellow flowers.  I always say gardening is a life long learning adventure.

After work on Tuesday, I went by Aldi's and picked up asparagus for $1.79/lb, as well as organic strawberries and a few other things.  I got 8 bottles of organic cranberry juice for $1 each at the discount grocery.  The day before it was to be in the low 20's, I harvested kale and collards.  I made kale salads, and enjoyed using some mixed in green salads.  I've been eating larger and more varied salads, more fruit, and reading Eat To Live, which was an ebook from the library.  I doubt I'll do the 6 week program, but it makes sense to add more leafy greens and fruit to my diet.  This weekend, I noticed the grape hyacinth and crocus starting to come up, and peony leaves breaking the ground.  It hasn't felt like spring the past week, but the plants know it's coming.  I redeemed Swagbucks points for a $25 amazon GC.  I worked at an occasional job on Saturday.  On Sunday, we picked up our taxes, then worked on orders.  On Saturday, I was able to sew a button on and mend a sweater, and finish hooking a rug.  There's still a bit to do before it's finished, but it's progress.  I enjoyed listening to Pandora and podcasts.  Swiss chard soup was pulled from the freezer and enjoyed.  Crushed egg shells and shredded paper were added to the compost bin.  We're soon to have a family gathering here.  My focus this week has been on getting the house ready, so this will be a short post.  I hope your week will be a lovely one. 

New Music & Frugal Accomplishments

Hello, friends.  On Monday, I worked at one of my occasional jobs.  Between customers, I was able to wrap soap, catch up on newspapers, and do a little rug hooking.  It's been years since I made sprouts, as the last several batches just rotted, even with trying new seeds.  J suggested that I sterilize the jar and lid with boiling water.  I did that, and got a lovely batch of alfalfa sprouts.  I'm happy to be able to add them to salads again.  The pups were not impressed when I added some to their dinner, which was interesting, as they regularly eat grass. Go figure.

Our sweet potatoes were baked for a dinner, and tomato rice loaf made with our tomatoes and celery, and homemade yogurt.  I made lentil soup with the last of the home canned lentils, our celery and leeks.  I took advantage of a non-rainy day, and did more chop and drop.   I was able to hang two loads of laundry on the line one day.  It was breezy, so I was able to bring them in that evening.  I harvested kale for salad, and enjoyed it for dinner and several lunches.  Eggs were gathered daily, some boiled for the pups, and I made yogurt.  I ordered bereavement flowers for my husband's business through ebates, and will get $6 cash back.  When a friend gave me hollyhock seeds, she said the plants themselves were pretty.  I have to agree. 

On the way home from an appointment, I stopped at Trader Joes, and bought various breads, produce, mayo, nuts, seeds, and wine.  I then stopped at Harris Teeter, and bought two 4 packs of organic beans for $3.29.  I also bought 2 cans @ .89 ea., which is also an excellent price, as they did not have any more of the 4 packs I wanted.  On Thursday, I headed outside, thinking rain was imminent in the afternoon, but it didn't start until after dark.  I was able to prune an elderberry patch and our largest fig, cut and added the prunings to several fruit trees, and covered all of these with hay.  The blueberries, figs, service berry and loropetalum that had prunings added to them recently were all covered with leaves.  Bring on the rain. 

I pulled 3 gallons of vegi scraps out of the freezer, and put them on the woodstove to warm and simmer overnight.  I canned them the next day, adding 11 pints of broth to the pantry.  There was a little broth left, which was frozen in an ice cube tray for times I need a smaller amount.  I cleaned another cabinet, while keeping an eye on the canner.  For a dinner, our basil and red pepper flakes were added to a broccoli dish.  I roasted our potatoes, rosemary and oregano.  I dehydrated another round of sweet potato treats for the pups, and some more green onions.  J picked more oregano than I needed for the potatoes, so the extra was dried.  Saturday was another no rain day, so I washed and hung two loads of laundry on the line.  They required a little time in the dryer to finish, then the sheets went back on the bed. 

I was introduced to this talented group of young musicians.  They'll be having a concert near here in a couple of weeks.  I hope to go, but it's on a weeknight, which may be a challenge.  I'm still trying to use what's in the freezer, and pulled out roasted root vegetables and lima beans for a dinner.  Orders were painted on Saturday, and packed on Sunday.  I made an ebay sale, which got packed up, and listed four more items on ebay, as well as a compost crock in my online shop.    Pears, a cherry, and the peaches have begun blooming.  We're expecting lows in the 20-22 degree range this week, which will take care of the blooms.  We've got our fingers crossed that the trees themselves will be OK, as once the sap starts rising, the limbs will often split at such low temperatures.  The adventures of gardening!  Be well, friends. 

Blooms & Shrooms, Two Recipes & Frugal Accomplishments

Hello, friends.  Today, I'm going to share two recipes.  I had a request to share the vegetarian meatball recipe, and I also wanted to share the best "sweet" treat I've found so far.  I printed out the meatball recipe, and I'm sorry to say it has no identifying info.  I've not been able to find it again in a search, but will be happy to give credit to it's creator if someone knows.

Italian Vegetarian Meatballs

2 onions finely chopped (a food processor is helpful; I only use 1 onion)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 - 1 1/2 cups grated tasty cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 clove garlic, crushed in garlic press (or chopped)

Combine all the ingredients, mixing well.  With wet hands, form into small, even sized balls.  Fry in hot oil until browned all over.

Serve as spaghetti and meatballs by topping with tomato sauce.  The recipe can also be made into patties and served with mushroom gravy and vegetables.  Also in pita bread with salad and aioli.

I will say I only fry food once or twice a year, and this was really oily for me, though they do taste nice.  The next recipe came from The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen.  I've not been given a cancer diagnosis, but many family members have (3 out of 4 grandparents, my Mom, an uncle, aunt,  & cousin), so it seems wise to eat health-promoting foods, and it fits my Dr's diet recommendations.

Anytime Bars

1 cup raw pecan halves
1 cup whole raw almonds
4 tbs brown rice flour, GF flour, or coconut flour
2 tbs finely ground flaxseeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 cup pitted dates (preferably medjool), quartered
1 cup unsulphured dried apricots, cut in half
1 organic egg
5 tbs maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  (I regularly toast nuts and seeds for recipes, and find it easier to keep an eye on them in a pan on the stove top.  I do both nuts at the same time.  Your choice).  Lightly oil a 9" square pan.

Spread the pecans in a single layer (if choosing this method) on the prepared baking sheet and toast for 7 to 10 minutes, until aromatic and slightly browned.  Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily.  Repeat this process for the almonds.  Turn down the oven to 325.

Combine the flour, flax seeds, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a food processor and process for 5 seconds to combine.  Add the pecans and almonds and pulse 5 times to coarsely chop the nuts.  Add the oats, dates, and apricots and pulse 10 to 15 times, until the mixture is well chopped but still coarse.

In a large bowl, whisk the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla together until thoroughly combined. Add the fruit and nut mixture and use your hands to mix thoroughly, being sure to separate any clumps of fruit.  Spread the mixture in the oiled baking pan in an even layer and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until set and golden brown; don't overbake, or the bars will be too dry.  Let pan cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then cut into 25 squares.  Leave the bars in the pan until completely cool so they'll hold together when you remove them.

Variations:
-use walnuts instead of pecans
-Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries, cherries, blueberries, raisins or currants when mixing together at the end.
-Add 1 tbs grated orange zest when mixing together at the end.
-Add 2 tbs sesame seeds when mixing together at the end.
-Add 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut when mixing together at the end.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for 2 months.

So, I use coconut flour for this recipe.  I sub honey for the maple syrup due to Dr's orders, but I bet maple syrup would be wonderful.  I use whatever dried fruit I have in place of apricots; the first batch was a berry cherry mix, the second batch tart cherries. I use my coffee grinder for the flax seeds.  These have a light sweetness, but satisfy that craving for me.  I plan to try some of the variations next time. 

Running errands after work, I saw an Aronia Berry at Tractor Supply, and purchased it.  If it's not a taste we love, apparently the birds love them.  I purchased 3 flower seed packets at Big Lots for $1 ea.  Last week, I ordered several bare root shrubs at one of the feed & seeds, which we'll pick up this weekend.  J & I discussed where to plant them, and marked the spots.  I prepared a dish of homegrown spaghetti squash and lambs quarter, and another of potatoes and rutabaga.  Bread ends were added to a pan, to dry for bread crumbs.  Eggs were boiled for the pups.  I made homemade thousand island dressing, yogurt and suet.  Our sweet potatoes were baked on a raw day, adding warmth to the house.  I used the wood stove to help melt oils for soapmaking.

future dye stuffs- sweet gum balls & magnolia pods

A pot of pine cones was simmered on the wood stove, then set outside to cool for future dyeing.  I've read about using soy milk as a mordant prior to dyeing, and pre-treated several items with this method.  It's recommended they sit a week before dyeing, so they are currently resting.  Another two cabinets were cleaned while waiting for eggs to boil... well, a bit after, but I was on a roll.  I watched one of the best picture nominees on amazon.  Honestly, I found none of the characters terribly compelling, and was disappointed in the movie as a whole.  Ah, well.  It rained all day Friday, so I caught up on all manner of small tasks.  Our laundry hampers were overflowing, so I did a load of J's work clothes, and dried them in the dryer.  I'm hoping to catch laundry up on Tuesday, when I'll be home and the weather may cooperate.

early peach blossoms

I made pasta sauce with homegrown tomatoes, summer squash, eggplant, basil and rosemary.  J & I picked up the bare root shrubs on Saturday, after dropping our taxes off.  Only 2 of the 4 requested were available, but we got them planted into our soup of a ground, with homemade compost and bone meal I picked up at the Feed & Seed.  The two shrubs I received were New Jersey Tea and Sweet Pepperbush.  I hope they'll be happy here.  We're supposed to have a couple of days reprieve from the rain, before it begins again.  The ground is a mucky mess, but our cisterns are full, so I'm thankful for that.  Wishing you a lovely week, friends.