tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786972726256878462024-03-13T05:11:27.171-05:00The LeFort Urban Homestead...Growing, Building, Cooking, Preserving, Crafting...Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-86650982875217591082014-09-10T09:54:00.002-05:002014-09-10T09:54:47.478-05:00The Mindful Palate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've moved...on the internet anyway. I am putting my cooking and food preservation efforts into my new business <a href="http://mindfulpalatemke.com/">"The Mindful Palate"</a> where you will find information about upcoming classes and service as well as community events. Thanks for visiting!<br />
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Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-37316589031542184192014-06-02T10:19:00.003-05:002014-06-02T10:20:00.973-05:00Transitions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging them up after a crusty 15 years? Not exactly.</td></tr>
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It's a new week, nearly summer break, and the vegetable garden is in. Change and growth are in the air! Aside from the weekly and seasonal shifts, the LeForts are facing much change these days. My husband is moving forward in his marketing career and taking on more responsibility in the workplace. Our daughter will finish another year of public Montessori school and be a K-5 (going to school all day next year!) And I've completed just short of seven years as the pastry chef at a local restaurant and boutique hotel, "retiring" from 15+ years in the restaurant world. All of us are ready for the next great adventure.<br />
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I've been thinking critically about my next chapter for many months and with the aforementioned family changes there seemed like no better time than now to make the leap. Change is never easy and often a bit scary, but in terms of my transition it's also very exciting. I hope to continue shaping--even more than I've been in the last few years--the quality of life I want for myself and my family. The stars are aligned and I'm ready to get started.<br />
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The first question I get is "what are you going to do now?" To be honest, it won't be incredibly different. Many friends and colleagues and former co-workers have no idea that I've been teaching cooking and food preservation classes for the past decade or more (I guess that's why I need to spend more time on marketing!) I'm continuing down that road, but expanding my offerings at different <a href="http://mke-kitchen.com/">venues</a> in metro-Milwaukee. I'm also going to add more private preserving clients to my freelance gigs. I'm hoping that you'll be able to find my preserves for sale in a local restaurant or two soon.<br />
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The second question I get is "how does it feel" or "does it feel weird?" [not to be in my restaurant job anymore]. I really won't know that answer until tomorrow morning when I don't have to wake up at 4 or 5 AM to "go make the donuts" for the first time in seven years. I purposely greatly decreased my hours at this job once I became a mother, but it'll still feel strange not to drive down the lakefront two mornings a week, watch the sunrise, go through my six-step morning opening routine in the kitchen (stove, hood, dishwasher, floor mats, silverware soak bucket, panini machine/toaster), push through afternoon exhaustion, then get to bed early the nights before a shift. At least part of that time will, of course, be shifted into disciplining myself to promote my classes and events and working to prepare for them all. But I'm also hoping to enjoy more personal time, gardening, and time creating new meals and edibles to keep my family healthy.<br />
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The thought of having time to breathe a bit and enjoy summer break with my daughter is very exciting. But the thought of feeling listless brings some anxiety. I've always thrived when busy; I'm kept on task when I have deadlines; I feel purpose in life when I have a job to do. With my new "you get out of it what you put into it" setup I am anticipating some emotional ups and downs.<br />
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But I'm also looking forward to increased flexibility--to spend more time with my extended family, my child, my husband, my friends--and the potential for professional growth via travel and continuing education. And I'm hoping to READ more! I make it sound like I'm retiring. (Ha! If only!) I'm merely shifting gears to work towards quality of life goals. I'm constantly reminded that life's too short. This change will be many trade-offs, but if I don't give this a try now, then when? <br />
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I hope I see many of you this summer, whether at one of my classes, at a concert in the park, at the farmers' market, or around the neighborhood.<br />
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Peace to you all and enjoy the remains of spring and the school year.</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-21238043346479961732014-04-18T14:38:00.001-05:002014-04-18T14:38:31.582-05:00Spring Cleaning and Voluntary Simplicity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All a girl needs is a puddle</td></tr>
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A couple weeks ago my daughter and I were watching my childhood 8 mm films that have been converted to DVD. I was hoping to show her the footage of my sister 30+ years ago playing the very same violin on which my daughter now plays. I cried through those clips as well as many others of our fairly simple life in the 70s and 80s: homemade matching holiday outfits, ice skating on the neighborhood pond, Christmas gifts my parents bought at rummage sales, washing doll clothes in the summer and hanging them on a kid-height line, backyard birthday parties w/ character cakes made by my dad, saving/reusing the wrapping paper from gifts, homemade haircuts, and family bicycle rides. It occurred to me that even though times and kids are very different in 2014 my daughter is also enjoying many of these simple pleasures. <br />
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The last 12 months have been an experiment of sorts. An experiment in how much we can comfortably handle in terms of scheduling, workload, extracurriculars, and personal possessions. Between the busy-ness of last summer--freelance work, travel, other work, day camps, and the constant family activity during this difficult, long, dark winter I've come to a crossroads. <br />
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Not knowing how much time my independent consulting work was going to take in its first six-month season, I had a rude awakening as I watched my overambitious garden lie neglected and overgrown for a good part of last summer and fall. But I enjoyed getting paid well to do something I love (preserve local food) so I renewed my informal contract for this year. Therefore, the garden plans have to be simplified.<br />
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We're also in the process of simplifying our daily and weekly extracurriculars list. Of course, the summer has plenty of camps scheduled here and there; since I work mostly freelance, I have to find creative ways to get work done while my daught's on break. But we're also allowing plenty of blocks of free, unscheduled time. We've tried to pare down to whatever activities and events are most worth our time, energy, and money and leave the rest open for play (especially outdoors!)<br />
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We've also learned just how many material possessions we can live without. Apparently I'd been hanging on to a ton of "stuff" that I hadn't used or cared about in months and years. I've had great motivation to pare down and stop organizing, dusting, caring for, and storing things I really don't need. (Thanks to <a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/">this gentleman</a> for the encouragement!) Every time I get a postcard in the mail for a charity truck in our area I schedule a pickup and move at least 5-7 bags/boxes out the door. Tomorrow is round two of family spring cleaning and I'm hoping to come up w/ at least 3 more boxes to donate (after the 12 boxes that just left a couple weeks ago.) It feels incredible to live with less!<br />
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I'm determined to continue paring down and make my professional life more efficient, streamline my garden plans and (for now) zone in on the homesteading activities that are most important to us instead of trying to "do it all" and either feel overwhelmed or turn into "one hit wonders"-- schedule less, remember that some of the most exciting activities happen during unstructured play time, and move even more possessions out of this small house. <br />
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It's so cleansing! Here are a couple of the quotes that have motivated me lately:<br />
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"A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone."</blockquote>
I found this one particularly relative--<br />
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"Simple living is not about abandoning luxury, but discovering it in new places. [These masters] of simplicity are not just telling us to be more frugal, but suggesting that we expand the spaces in our lives where satisfaction does not depend on money. Imagine drawing a picture of all those things that make your life fulfilling, purposeful, and pleasurable. It might include friendships, family relationships, being in love, the best parts of your job, visiting museums, political activism, crafting, playing sports, volunteering, and people watching." --From <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/happiness/the-movement-to-live-more-simply-is-older-than-you-thought">YES! Magazine</a> Dec. 2013 </blockquote>
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Also occupying my time this winter is a new plan for cooking and food preservation classes--including a new web design. Please stay tuned! And thanks for following.<br />
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Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-62877056095280146182014-02-14T13:01:00.000-06:002014-02-14T13:01:47.927-06:00Happy Valentine's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sharing the love this week with homemade Valentine's for school and a big icy public heART. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0bqHy7pHoGohjS8C7PIzua6O_WInFiQgTj4rsLGn74SeX0vWW0OOCPlw6MyZXsuhi2amiEQfNNT1m5Fwi9nG5e3EPuM-KWtJIxCWdA25qjdDFwShhVG8Wue3sItk7EDY5dvz7tWp96Q/s1600/IMG_7531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0bqHy7pHoGohjS8C7PIzua6O_WInFiQgTj4rsLGn74SeX0vWW0OOCPlw6MyZXsuhi2amiEQfNNT1m5Fwi9nG5e3EPuM-KWtJIxCWdA25qjdDFwShhVG8Wue3sItk7EDY5dvz7tWp96Q/s1600/IMG_7531.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love helping V make Valentine's for her class. They're never perfect, but<br />
so beautiful just the same.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had just enough watercolor paper left for these bookmarks</td></tr>
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I was recently included in a group of Art Moms from V's school. They've been making this brutal winter a little more fun by adding public ice artwork to random places in the neighborhood. For Valentine's Day we all worked hard for a couple of weeks freezing juice, Kool-Aid, what-have-you to make this mosaic-looking heart. Spread the love!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsFrufKqG4tYmSRfvyj4OMCiWygoe3Ljcr6sLyWEnxUWim9idY1AClsSleUoLzZv_4yrCz16JeP3rHJ36qGfF9Tu49DPqI5S028MveGvVun7Ftog3x-3byHXqGGerXttCAGHXVHUr220/s1600/IMG_7539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsFrufKqG4tYmSRfvyj4OMCiWygoe3Ljcr6sLyWEnxUWim9idY1AClsSleUoLzZv_4yrCz16JeP3rHJ36qGfF9Tu49DPqI5S028MveGvVun7Ftog3x-3byHXqGGerXttCAGHXVHUr220/s1600/IMG_7539.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the ice blocks there by whatever means possible--<br />
even sleds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr0CR7fhfMRTV7zkLpB1kPcBH0Ad2aO2DzUonGE6MyOd7VF67LuUDJ4lhJOF5RcrJk3oaNSzXS7SyRs0R6gDGyUseaeZ2XUeMm1RpPHkYm2hgihct2sn_EQAYqS-iXrwrk-FNwCKm8QU/s1600/IMG_7542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr0CR7fhfMRTV7zkLpB1kPcBH0Ad2aO2DzUonGE6MyOd7VF67LuUDJ4lhJOF5RcrJk3oaNSzXS7SyRs0R6gDGyUseaeZ2XUeMm1RpPHkYm2hgihct2sn_EQAYqS-iXrwrk-FNwCKm8QU/s1600/IMG_7542.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After walking off the shape we all got to work walking carefully around the<br />
perimeter only and strategically dropping the colored cubes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice mosaic!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group is called "Popsicle" and here is our tag for this project.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinonKnCbmQGaRzjGgY7iTD-W-qiEPL_U1cFTRMSNWKE_FIvZop3VR8G8HRYQCvzxeMgz6RxJEaGcQvECyhhOmkL6NFNJoPxJYNYejt62r1JRSSB1IiVQKIBNQyhoklscpxsbYeLOuMxvk/s1600/IMG_7547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinonKnCbmQGaRzjGgY7iTD-W-qiEPL_U1cFTRMSNWKE_FIvZop3VR8G8HRYQCvzxeMgz6RxJEaGcQvECyhhOmkL6NFNJoPxJYNYejt62r1JRSSB1IiVQKIBNQyhoklscpxsbYeLOuMxvk/s1600/IMG_7547.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading the love!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZBkcmPukH3he85pjulC0PvXAu64CWwoI13mqTuJ6hoXSFAE0i-3epqDw6jpoYHOTBtaELSfrF5EXYBVlX_77LTEDf-wscENDpJ-tI5FOaiWR-pzfM2KmYIqrd26JGAKHLzLLB6o0FL4/s1600/IMG_7549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZBkcmPukH3he85pjulC0PvXAu64CWwoI13mqTuJ6hoXSFAE0i-3epqDw6jpoYHOTBtaELSfrF5EXYBVlX_77LTEDf-wscENDpJ-tI5FOaiWR-pzfM2KmYIqrd26JGAKHLzLLB6o0FL4/s1600/IMG_7549.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9nVwJzWHFHYaAbiEpQXqADctOWYHXmVdSLDfxS83-FnIepfNBbSGZcfEQEm7AshAqS05cXEIlKjSFWmJUG2pjp7xfgDP-hqLC4SZ4addOnY8eT7aWVn3zHaPdmarELGdYwpoBoOi0ig/s1600/IMG_7550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9nVwJzWHFHYaAbiEpQXqADctOWYHXmVdSLDfxS83-FnIepfNBbSGZcfEQEm7AshAqS05cXEIlKjSFWmJUG2pjp7xfgDP-hqLC4SZ4addOnY8eT7aWVn3zHaPdmarELGdYwpoBoOi0ig/s1600/IMG_7550.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fearless leader (and <a href="http://www.eatonpottery.com/">local artist</a>) at center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBPdTfe4LM5uNtb-g9Td-WNyqE7nKi3ESNatGFndNw4l63tFyXoifKqX4H0JeTGJJknQXW0xkUAXTrRjkvZFctBVF9Aikvu4jzCb0PkQPTT8gl0gvNxCD_8RjC57tPSmLXeP0Ok3I9is/s1600/IMG_7552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBPdTfe4LM5uNtb-g9Td-WNyqE7nKi3ESNatGFndNw4l63tFyXoifKqX4H0JeTGJJknQXW0xkUAXTrRjkvZFctBVF9Aikvu4jzCb0PkQPTT8gl0gvNxCD_8RjC57tPSmLXeP0Ok3I9is/s1600/IMG_7552.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all contributed different shades of red and pink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvTJpE32WSZ_JHRpi7-RhXb6TudtOqLSP6Vwl3m5xThwMiIL57JDkXgCtm4NUDgIdd5b_mu4yFsBwi99NlTe4R2phjoccOg2xlbaf35m2XXPoOUvvzQUrJTI6t3oLbQYufLZSpI89Gvs/s1600/IMG_7554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvTJpE32WSZ_JHRpi7-RhXb6TudtOqLSP6Vwl3m5xThwMiIL57JDkXgCtm4NUDgIdd5b_mu4yFsBwi99NlTe4R2phjoccOg2xlbaf35m2XXPoOUvvzQUrJTI6t3oLbQYufLZSpI89Gvs/s1600/IMG_7554.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brightening everyone's day as they approach the on ramp at Oklahoma and 794.</td></tr>
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</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-25707209837973483592013-12-18T08:08:00.000-06:002013-12-18T08:23:36.074-06:00Baking up Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTWSaAHLE6lXJBhMrvjHtn0HuXnC_sNvqMozVMOtYJ5VioKBmOpsDvpoL_uiYypzOTrbxBdyhz2KULCyzCsXZ1DEm02XTG4djIk9VIzDNk6UBV1L9THYkTtqocw4rPvOT3iVdukfqppE/s1600/IMG_6721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTWSaAHLE6lXJBhMrvjHtn0HuXnC_sNvqMozVMOtYJ5VioKBmOpsDvpoL_uiYypzOTrbxBdyhz2KULCyzCsXZ1DEm02XTG4djIk9VIzDNk6UBV1L9THYkTtqocw4rPvOT3iVdukfqppE/s320/IMG_6721.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucille's Cooky Bible</td></tr>
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There have been some busy bakers in our kitchen over the last two weeks. Somehow it's taken me over 10 Christmases to fully delve into my grandmother's cookie books and dedicate some of our holiday baking to her. She was a cook for a living and a baker in her spare time. And she would make what seemed like pallets full of homemade treats around the holidays to complement the bowls of store-bought fairy food and red, white, and green gumdrops and other candies on display at every end table (it's a wonder how in the world great dental health runs on that side of the family.) As a grade schooler, teen, college student, young adult it was a sugary wonderland. As I've stepped back several years, I now understand why my sister and I felt compelled to perform high-intensity dance routines (including full-on toe touches) in the living room. Yikes! Sugar rush!<br />
<br />
As I've gradually gone through my Gram's boxes of recipes in the last decade since her death I've been delighted to see that she saved recipes, made notes, and added dates just like I do. (Must be the German gene for careful record keeping about which I've heard so much.) She also added housekeeping and moneysaving clippings. This was all clearly from an era when people had more time on their hands--or at least fewer of the distractions we have these days. The moment I cracked the cover of her Betty Crocker Cooky Book (the publishing date is not to be found because the inside cover and other pages with possible indicators are plastered with clipped recipe, but circa 1960 is a good guess) there was a rush of memories. My grandmother's handwriting, the dates she made these cookies, and the washed out vintage photos of things I'd eaten growing up all sent me into nostalgia mode. Wow! The last thing to do is prepare some of these goodies and <i>taste</i> the memories as well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrn3KESS0sKioAFb3alSsNJCOaAeXoAXU_sF89L0Kdn7QL4_RZzFlsYpzKCyQJMOWyIFAVoQSjDB3iHcEF4IfuHZnT86RBII43RBHGPAifjL3YeR7m2gImpWBQ9HGigGx1d9t8N7j7aQ/s1600/IMG_6722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrn3KESS0sKioAFb3alSsNJCOaAeXoAXU_sF89L0Kdn7QL4_RZzFlsYpzKCyQJMOWyIFAVoQSjDB3iHcEF4IfuHZnT86RBII43RBHGPAifjL3YeR7m2gImpWBQ9HGigGx1d9t8N7j7aQ/s400/IMG_6722.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recipe clippings plaster the inside cover. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghi5IEvMPI5wtbYkpQ4rAW5UgK-Dlda8Tg09sUV7YF7lcX82d-7OKoRDTMUeb-a9GU2d3H11Zhw-MAIFYBOgMza7KyIk8m9WGVlaEPrGFB1VjLnQrHjUjL4WGo6Bj2mhKM_su3lZ2C3mk/s1600/IMG_6723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghi5IEvMPI5wtbYkpQ4rAW5UgK-Dlda8Tg09sUV7YF7lcX82d-7OKoRDTMUeb-a9GU2d3H11Zhw-MAIFYBOgMza7KyIk8m9WGVlaEPrGFB1VjLnQrHjUjL4WGo6Bj2mhKM_su3lZ2C3mk/s320/IMG_6723.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">My Gram's handwriting</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQqK7IEw4ASe8SBsbztyd0fzXf1QezygknfidvBEe7v8L8QgEDKbpqVEgADUO16Lym3KKSs3asDY-ufeVMOZ6B4gsHLu1o0qSR-HJgkkvvXENVeh5Rqfx3ukw6cPsM0R_px-t53EiMtw/s1600/IMG_6732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQqK7IEw4ASe8SBsbztyd0fzXf1QezygknfidvBEe7v8L8QgEDKbpqVEgADUO16Lym3KKSs3asDY-ufeVMOZ6B4gsHLu1o0qSR-HJgkkvvXENVeh5Rqfx3ukw6cPsM0R_px-t53EiMtw/s400/IMG_6732.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Handwritten on the inside back cover.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hZGTl12X2qUVFBGVADfSf7kQze6SweOMCawrS_khuZ2mvmClwIWpWsodyfTQVvC7nnJoLvEd4wm4tG9abeG_aDZwJPq5ybu6vHXrZ3nAN460kXLFV3RAhbUwhOZA9MAEN_ZOuSrKUlk/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hZGTl12X2qUVFBGVADfSf7kQze6SweOMCawrS_khuZ2mvmClwIWpWsodyfTQVvC7nnJoLvEd4wm4tG9abeG_aDZwJPq5ybu6vHXrZ3nAN460kXLFV3RAhbUwhOZA9MAEN_ZOuSrKUlk/s400/IMG_6724.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">My Great Grandma's Sugar Cookie Recipe, which I<br />
successfully converted to gluten-free this year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPafbS7wrj_FOpWv2cvPHjEY4i9hqnxnDALZmCmFDDYii5szPSrCqyiY_3WV1QCg40ErGmGbbQNCetNzBc5f-BuXVWd9Km6cHlJgLRbm4nyU-UxqMib-fxbHxbEwUpl1xtQqBuuc3q358/s1600/IMG_6728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPafbS7wrj_FOpWv2cvPHjEY4i9hqnxnDALZmCmFDDYii5szPSrCqyiY_3WV1QCg40ErGmGbbQNCetNzBc5f-BuXVWd9Km6cHlJgLRbm4nyU-UxqMib-fxbHxbEwUpl1xtQqBuuc3q358/s400/IMG_6728.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">My Great Aunt Irene's attempts. She's still around to tell.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvdxj6lmooH7w4eqgop2ftHlAIFkggtJxeOf5i1Wjjl8bLYye2YQGhShVk8d4hfBKs8tjHN0sBLolyORzFh7_UjcNn26HnvSg71KlsSjOg6xIUZOV_QQC4nj3tMJ9TyXvk4VTlI6UXYY/s1600/IMG_6729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvdxj6lmooH7w4eqgop2ftHlAIFkggtJxeOf5i1Wjjl8bLYye2YQGhShVk8d4hfBKs8tjHN0sBLolyORzFh7_UjcNn26HnvSg71KlsSjOg6xIUZOV_QQC4nj3tMJ9TyXvk4VTlI6UXYY/s400/IMG_6729.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Jim Dandies--definitely making this blast from the past.</td></tr>
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V went through these books with me (including the annual Wisconsin Electric holiday cookie book w/ energy-saving tips) and picked out what she thought "looked" good. We came up with a diverse list of cookies, bars, and candies to prepare this season, though we may be entirely too ambitious. But I thought I'd try to uphold the tradition of making way more than we could possibly consume before the next sweet holiday in mid-February. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPwwd-rSqiMVudqWBc-DXJhwyr-E-LosjJSL0CrAOW5x0QfgYRB0APsigtwEBlF66J_racV7El41yEd1W3d_FOxHmMjyKfAcJBycIPc1adMwsi0FssnS9k0JZBixUZ55Ffcq9pSTe6YE/s1600/IMG_6725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPwwd-rSqiMVudqWBc-DXJhwyr-E-LosjJSL0CrAOW5x0QfgYRB0APsigtwEBlF66J_racV7El41yEd1W3d_FOxHmMjyKfAcJBycIPc1adMwsi0FssnS9k0JZBixUZ55Ffcq9pSTe6YE/s400/IMG_6725.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage packaging ideas</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqxL1LEE-2am2qoYOE6UqXk-aM_BxHvT9Izbs-IPAujopTu0zAbVoecIECNlT4atof9EbGENR-TEGUQftRtd7tpN3i8u7WbhHfCVyjDZktxD1krBuN7QgifvHz2z7rZBj1-cE7x4RcTY/s1600/IMG_6727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqxL1LEE-2am2qoYOE6UqXk-aM_BxHvT9Izbs-IPAujopTu0zAbVoecIECNlT4atof9EbGENR-TEGUQftRtd7tpN3i8u7WbhHfCVyjDZktxD1krBuN7QgifvHz2z7rZBj1-cE7x4RcTY/s400/IMG_6727.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Vintage ads from the Milwaukee Sentinel, 1965</td></tr>
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V's at the perfect age to start grasping baking, the physical work anyway--I'll teach her more about theory later. Last year she helped stir chocolate over a double boiler and pound peppermint sticks for the ever-addictive peppermint bark, but this year's she's really embraced the detail work of batch baking. Her patience and skills in helping mix the dough have improved greatly from last year and--maybe it's a Montessori thing--she loves the repetition required for preparing cookies to go in the oven. She's able to focus fairly well on the intricacies of putting tiny thumbprints and dollops of jam in the center of mounds of sticky dough. Cutting out shapes is her specialty. And eating dough, licking the beaters is her favorite. We still have some decorating to do this week, but I'm confident that no matter what amount of frosting and sprinkles gets caked onto these cookies, they're going to look beautiful. They may not be as precise and consistent as Lucille's, but the taste memory will be present. It seems we're establishing a new tradition so we can work on perfecting recipes and techniques over the next decade plus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6Wc05t7ZEcMmsbnsE-H5YTqR8FwwObkOmvCFyyi2F46ITyHIOAotA0DHOqpqBQs0hHwoLpuaEfprzGbq74RDU-rsFy0KApf4xqPDWcdzh0xQShiTpdTY7CZV3lJh77q8mxleV_DMHIg/s1600/IMG_6733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6Wc05t7ZEcMmsbnsE-H5YTqR8FwwObkOmvCFyyi2F46ITyHIOAotA0DHOqpqBQs0hHwoLpuaEfprzGbq74RDU-rsFy0KApf4xqPDWcdzh0xQShiTpdTY7CZV3lJh77q8mxleV_DMHIg/s400/IMG_6733.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My list 2013, her list 1999--note that she admits to<br />
supplementing w/ some from a church cookie sale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8gxQYHAKhqWhM04N5AWJ6ryn_dyciU5uAoC2moFFEqkldhF_gcX-7WCiDUhJQ61r3kn38sqo0NCyY586oD_Es-pT-SxIf7U6LF6UzK9ljGuKa1fXVk7fyzAAC5dmqZsx_TMlOY-R_vA/s1600/IMG_6748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8gxQYHAKhqWhM04N5AWJ6ryn_dyciU5uAoC2moFFEqkldhF_gcX-7WCiDUhJQ61r3kn38sqo0NCyY586oD_Es-pT-SxIf7U6LF6UzK9ljGuKa1fXVk7fyzAAC5dmqZsx_TMlOY-R_vA/s400/IMG_6748.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next generation of bakers at the helm<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZW9Gz3LsZkrAWHtqbLOaNE6HkjW_cvZBgHOhVeIhZsHWn05fXOq97VtfeeMeMD-tJnC2Xq5DcOl6jMsqTe8ehT8Nh3wZ64EOlUwGKWU-5qgpT2ncMoEnty8SA0OWf0-LIRgoP4KTr0M/s1600/IMG_6749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZW9Gz3LsZkrAWHtqbLOaNE6HkjW_cvZBgHOhVeIhZsHWn05fXOq97VtfeeMeMD-tJnC2Xq5DcOl6jMsqTe8ehT8Nh3wZ64EOlUwGKWU-5qgpT2ncMoEnty8SA0OWf0-LIRgoP4KTr0M/s400/IMG_6749.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail work</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca4GpYcKztN6qLqlsx6l3QI_OequDvuS1_l7UlRLWWdCgowjSgoA_jWmCUtTl1PlEiX6f0ViQ6NqQBrJDfPHIuusqcM_JYW_IQJXRAl9f7z6AR0G5rzVShOdAfOhTFxVlQZUASR59_P8/s1600/IMG_6750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca4GpYcKztN6qLqlsx6l3QI_OequDvuS1_l7UlRLWWdCgowjSgoA_jWmCUtTl1PlEiX6f0ViQ6NqQBrJDfPHIuusqcM_JYW_IQJXRAl9f7z6AR0G5rzVShOdAfOhTFxVlQZUASR59_P8/s400/IMG_6750.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She stuck in her thumb...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l5lzwBRa3YnN45RRRaQ-c8ttNtVxhThKC5HhqkMA07ZY1qWGePiE2_yYBmkWkTj4Wpo1GCebb9K-Rnge4Pt5R0pExqw2nlYvwZtyMxhV5k3kNGW3LoC1W7JQIguC-nYF2WqaQWeZSF4/s1600/IMG_6753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l5lzwBRa3YnN45RRRaQ-c8ttNtVxhThKC5HhqkMA07ZY1qWGePiE2_yYBmkWkTj4Wpo1GCebb9K-Rnge4Pt5R0pExqw2nlYvwZtyMxhV5k3kNGW3LoC1W7JQIguC-nYF2WqaQWeZSF4/s400/IMG_6753.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using our homegrown/homemade gooseberry jam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqd2H44-lMFcI_vAEgF-dUCzuOuvBtTu3RnHPSn3ixWK1kLzqXSpWWL9eBwKhrTdNllxX9H1BHCez0W4uTvBMSeZ4E3KgK9vhWhEe6BpLrlL54nhJ1sArmJ7Nb7f71ao0144jqKghgVI/s1600/IMG_6756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqd2H44-lMFcI_vAEgF-dUCzuOuvBtTu3RnHPSn3ixWK1kLzqXSpWWL9eBwKhrTdNllxX9H1BHCez0W4uTvBMSeZ4E3KgK9vhWhEe6BpLrlL54nhJ1sArmJ7Nb7f71ao0144jqKghgVI/s400/IMG_6756.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little taste for the baker--note the mess around her mouth in every pic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTSG0iRxkQeTpMWyw_7LDOYO71yFvmFBcWplEO8UjoTnpFQqgpvzLVbX_pmv2Rf4u7xoUoo53Ff62dg8ENK4MlTsHLrBt8RQEOmDVYdYo40qco08hL7RCZvJc1eq_ZV_nn01b53nFrw0/s1600/IMG_6758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTSG0iRxkQeTpMWyw_7LDOYO71yFvmFBcWplEO8UjoTnpFQqgpvzLVbX_pmv2Rf4u7xoUoo53Ff62dg8ENK4MlTsHLrBt8RQEOmDVYdYo40qco08hL7RCZvJc1eq_ZV_nn01b53nFrw0/s400/IMG_6758.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluten-Free Chai Spice Cutouts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSreWIs5fEnyrTIHp-T-G-JkKNV9ARozwFs4JmHfete6Wz3FmsK7HQS6zzB4VqO9MIYcWSXc4E-ZwC0Y764E1TMlvYa7wmBJtpGrV8zlM2kJ4T42UOoQ3AMs-WHAArbQ4ZML5ViuyB4DI/s1600/IMG_6759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSreWIs5fEnyrTIHp-T-G-JkKNV9ARozwFs4JmHfete6Wz3FmsK7HQS6zzB4VqO9MIYcWSXc4E-ZwC0Y764E1TMlvYa7wmBJtpGrV8zlM2kJ4T42UOoQ3AMs-WHAArbQ4ZML5ViuyB4DI/s400/IMG_6759.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Great Gram's Sugar Cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAI2TcafD5ddvIJRTSirnDE2ktrsfVRliIr1TeqTXuD3JwcS_j3-_xOoiv6lVYUVpLhQj5we3SM6LvgP7Of4bVmoOH66IU5lokcCD3nnQ4KwXClMwlqugZayQK9jsl14sOYs-BSZHBFA/s1600/IMG_6760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAI2TcafD5ddvIJRTSirnDE2ktrsfVRliIr1TeqTXuD3JwcS_j3-_xOoiv6lVYUVpLhQj5we3SM6LvgP7Of4bVmoOH66IU5lokcCD3nnQ4KwXClMwlqugZayQK9jsl14sOYs-BSZHBFA/s400/IMG_6760.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It would pain her that I made them gluten-free, but I<br />
was happy w/ how they turned out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtYtMZ2EujwJ8AZUnkUo46ynmaAlmMlCrBak8dhjmGicEl5uCUJGbnynvvovztQ45jx5Y9tbQVDZiF_ztr87TdEZiZ0mLgPyO8MNrtlF-yKusdbBd3r-JGT2pxEP8K1e_zR0yqNYiVoM/s1600/IMG_6872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtYtMZ2EujwJ8AZUnkUo46ynmaAlmMlCrBak8dhjmGicEl5uCUJGbnynvvovztQ45jx5Y9tbQVDZiF_ztr87TdEZiZ0mLgPyO8MNrtlF-yKusdbBd3r-JGT2pxEP8K1e_zR0yqNYiVoM/s400/IMG_6872.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">…Lay them straight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
More photos to come as we pound out the last few batches this week. Of course, we're not going to eat all of these ourselves. We'll put some out when company comes this season, but we also intend to contribute some to the pool of cookies for bus drivers and crossing guards to be put together at school today. Next week we're hoping to make our way around the block delivering to certain neighbors. Better to share, especially when it's sweet treats.<br />
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Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-33519738097222336922013-12-04T09:19:00.003-06:002013-12-04T09:20:09.466-06:00Holiday Focus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The holidays are upon us; the season really took us by surprise this year. It's been 5 months since we got rid of our television so without all holiday commercials beginning right after Halloween we almost missed the fact that holidays had arrived. Which is sad because it just shows how much influence advertising has on all of us--even those who are trying not to pay attention to it.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzoGU5b6L7gevTA9XfK5DMkhqksd7p-vmkYGQXoL2-TtYFIwULm0D4TB3dxBj00UQ3DLciTHakzCTD-vMUNomYjpReO069kaJEoKK9CJSfdF1eVW7c2SbGFlqU5my3uU8uuVaJeHnuNE/s1600/IMG_6536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzoGU5b6L7gevTA9XfK5DMkhqksd7p-vmkYGQXoL2-TtYFIwULm0D4TB3dxBj00UQ3DLciTHakzCTD-vMUNomYjpReO069kaJEoKK9CJSfdF1eVW7c2SbGFlqU5my3uU8uuVaJeHnuNE/s400/IMG_6536.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our holiday glow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once again we are offering our daughter a taste of what various cultures and faiths are celebrating this time of year. All the legwork I did last year to dig up information, books, and events paid off and I have the basic curriculum in place. The <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2012/12/enjoying-all-holidays.html">Multi-cultural Interfaith holidays</a> we <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2012/12/seasons-greetings-best-wishes-for-2013.html">celebrated</a> last year were a lot of fun and a great learning experience. <br />
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Between all the activities and events we have on the December calendar this year we are hoping to find peace and calm. Every year I feel more and more disappointed at how commercialized the Christmas holiday has become. Whether you celebrate Christmas as a Christian or enjoy the spirit of the season in other ways, this time of year is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, give, be thankful. It pains me to think about all the time people waste at the malls, all the money that's wasted on cheap stuff that breaks or gets tossed to the donation pile just months later, and all the debt people take on <a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/even-better-than-shopping/">to give "happiness"</a> to their kids. There's got to be more to the season than that. I am certainly planning to give gifts to family and loved ones, but we're focusing even more this year on non-material gifts. I'm not even going to extra mile to make gifts or buy local handmade because I just don't feel like any of us need more "things" in our lives. (Can you tell I'm currently in another mode of paring down, giving away, making the outflow more than the inflow?)<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Nb-nWaoKtFjxZN-InrwMBHyWMVkQB1wRhTa62Y2aWHy8tqlPDKRe9DkxoW5Lq0xZiJd06trF2loCGNEKwECwdd_EGgloI1203jpl0ZhuPRIfb7GCiXIUFTuWb0b7gngjQ1bWVMIkZQ/s1600/IMG_6532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Nb-nWaoKtFjxZN-InrwMBHyWMVkQB1wRhTa62Y2aWHy8tqlPDKRe9DkxoW5Lq0xZiJd06trF2loCGNEKwECwdd_EGgloI1203jpl0ZhuPRIfb7GCiXIUFTuWb0b7gngjQ1bWVMIkZQ/s400/IMG_6532.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little sparkle--vintage paper stars from the thrift store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This holiday will be special because we're not traveling at all. We'll have a couple days to host my parents then a small break before a couple days of hosting my husband's family. It will be my first time preparing a big Christmas dinner. After our first Thanksgiving without either of our extended families we realize how important family is to our holiday celebrations so we'll savor every moment we have with them. <br />
<br />
This season we're also working on our <a href="http://www.sparklestories.com/blog/2013/11/14/sparkle-crafts-gratitude-tree/">"Gratitude Tree."</a> We started it at our Thanksgiving table and decided we'd keep it going throughout the month of December at least. But I wouldn't mind having some sort of gratitude jar throughout the year. I used a bunch of paint swatches I had squirreled away to make tags then rummaged through my box of scrap twine, yarn, and ribbon to find hangers for them. I'm keeping a jar of tags and a pen near the tree so that whenever anyone feels grateful they can write down their name and thanks, and hang it on the tree. Oh how full this tree will be by New Year's Eve! It's been really amazing to hear what thanks our 4-year-old has. She wanted to hang 10 tags on the tree on Thanksgiving alone and whenever she told me she'd thought of something else I expected it to be her favorite toy or clothes, but she came up with "Mommy and Daddy," "turkey," "my house," "my yard," "friends," "lights in our house," and "rainbows." I expect this attitude could change for better or worse as she gets older, but we'll savor what we've got right now. <br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypoQDvskXELxbeRg4dM_VoGmTXVhAA2aWk6gPGlIl0X_l7INfAdN09jt6qJSpXMmjrwzq_8hrc-76EQZ3mk4l79jBkWjm7K76wgIXpNeHVu48judK4rYn9jcmWzbe6T8J7fHNCEYKwEM/s1600/IMG_6526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypoQDvskXELxbeRg4dM_VoGmTXVhAA2aWk6gPGlIl0X_l7INfAdN09jt6qJSpXMmjrwzq_8hrc-76EQZ3mk4l79jBkWjm7K76wgIXpNeHVu48judK4rYn9jcmWzbe6T8J7fHNCEYKwEM/s400/IMG_6526.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Gratitude Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We still have a long way to go in terms of teaching gratitude though. There are plenty of days when this preschooler seems like an ungrateful brat, but I have hope that she's on the right track. I've also been trying to find some volunteer opportunities for us during the holidays--which are hard to come by for the littlest ones because of liability. But I've found that even the smallest ways we can find for her to help out are having a big impact. We've "adopted" a couple kids and an elderly person via our neighborhood community center and are buying them gifts, which they may not receive from any other source. We also attended a <a href="http://www.seussville.com/growyourheart/">25 Days of Grinchmas</a> launch party last week at a local bookstore and are eagerly filling in our chart of good deeds (now to maintain that throughout the year…) Of course, Random House may be ultimately trying to sell copies of their book (one of my favorite holiday stories, by the way), but it's creating awareness for young people so I'm okay with it. <br />
<br />
I wish you all the happiest, healthiest, and most peaceful holiday seasons. May you find joy and satisfaction in what you already have and enjoy spending time with the people you love most. Peace!<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgRbIBfQFSd_WVTq9h7S1NGPUU8Buu05lh-bVYVQFDh5dAUNCEGE_znBYa1WgWJdh5ZuzmlrHVyTFa_1SKA5TNe-FL3fft10q9iTJTjoPuhPZYpE1QK934P_msvaUj57qM0dGaVwIUrw/s1600/IMG_6545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgRbIBfQFSd_WVTq9h7S1NGPUU8Buu05lh-bVYVQFDh5dAUNCEGE_znBYa1WgWJdh5ZuzmlrHVyTFa_1SKA5TNe-FL3fft10q9iTJTjoPuhPZYpE1QK934P_msvaUj57qM0dGaVwIUrw/s400/IMG_6545.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My great-grandma's glass ornaments. One of my<br />
favorite holiday traditions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-73719135246048274412013-11-13T08:06:00.003-06:002013-11-13T08:06:27.593-06:00Give Me Your Feedback!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm planning my cooking and preservation classes for 2014. If you're in the metro-Milwaukee area, please take 10 minutes to fill out this survey so I can tailor my classes to better fit your needs. Stay updated on the schedule via this blog or by signing up for my e-newsletter (see side bar to sign up.) Thank you for your feedback.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e8iaw97zhnvti0jw/start">Cooking and Preservation Classes for 2014</a></div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-5339430525119257992013-10-30T08:57:00.000-05:002013-10-30T16:34:50.029-05:00The Calm Before the Storm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ2Fsh6arN5g-_tk-IrZ1_veTDbiXEb1G76hyphenhyphenB4eRFTxWUxG4l2KD130V5V6q6JixOdsJlAhe0q3mbKxnZOuYYcnTMZaMvNYzIFeyubBqx3WnTLN2BVmFg0TzIJRTDZc7IOyPAL8ARJA/s1600/IMG_5875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQ2Fsh6arN5g-_tk-IrZ1_veTDbiXEb1G76hyphenhyphenB4eRFTxWUxG4l2KD130V5V6q6JixOdsJlAhe0q3mbKxnZOuYYcnTMZaMvNYzIFeyubBqx3WnTLN2BVmFg0TzIJRTDZc7IOyPAL8ARJA/s400/IMG_5875.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early Fall calm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Was walking home from school drop-off this morning with a neighbor/friend and we established that these next few weeks could be the "calm before the storm." Even though our little family has pared way back on the holiday craziness of shopping, gifts, decorations, hosting parties throughout the month there is still much unavoidable busy-ness. Even if we choose to take the upcoming season more slowly, it doesn't mean everyone else will. There are still plenty of obligations to attend events, concerts, parties, and other celebrations. And we look forward to doing so, but will have to do our best to rest and breathe deeply in these weeks leading up to it all.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was a wonderful slow, quiet, and somewhat spontaneous day with my daughter. It is rare that I can put all those words together when describing how she and I spend our time with each other Since I've started working before the crack of dawn on the two days I work outside of the home I've found that I hit a wall early in the afternoon. Therefore I try not to schedule much on those afternoons. Yesterday after an appointment following mid-day school pickup we ran an errand then found ourselves lingering in a used book store in our neighborhood, hanging out at a local coffee shop reading books and sipping "warm chocolate," running into friends/ neighbors and spending time catching up with them. The only thing pressing was my parking meter outside. <br />
<br />
Although my daughter rarely takes naps anymore we try our best to have "rest time" in the afternoon. When quiet time in her room didn't work out I pulled a new trick out of my bag. I'd been referred to them a few times before, but finally tried yesterday after a push from a friend last week--<a href="http://www.sparklestories.com/">Sparkle Stories</a>! (There are currently a whole bunch of free Halloween stories one can download.) V has long loved being read to, paging through books by herself, following a short audio book at home, and listening to some longer audio chapter books on long cars ride lately. But Sparkle Stories are a little different in that she's encouraged to sit still--not going anywhere like in the car when one can look out the window, not futz with anything, and just picture the story in her head. She sat for more than 45 minutes yesterday curled up on the couch just listening to a story. I took the opportunity to curl up next to her and read a library book I'd just picked up. It was beautiful. So quiet, so still except for the steady rhythm of her breath from across the couch. When she finished I asked her some questions about her story. I can only hope this will continue to improve both her listening skills and imagination. And it will most certainly give me a chance to regularly read and be still--I find that if I'm home alone with an opportunity to read I get easily distracted and am up and down a lot. Yesterday I felt more compelled to be still myself.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwNfKps3tABFR3287DoDrjBH91oMttMnSTQw5gv6ReHSe1Mcjn4n-JjmTcw3dLQFz-D_nPS2aA9rc7L7wJQAbFh9oL2rmZ_S1DBGjfp0TF8U1jPOTBlvgCFh7e5Dstx3fo4LrryGZgys/s1600/IMG_5867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwNfKps3tABFR3287DoDrjBH91oMttMnSTQw5gv6ReHSe1Mcjn4n-JjmTcw3dLQFz-D_nPS2aA9rc7L7wJQAbFh9oL2rmZ_S1DBGjfp0TF8U1jPOTBlvgCFh7e5Dstx3fo4LrryGZgys/s320/IMG_5867.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time together in nature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our mom-daught story-time we both felt an amazing calm. It lead right into making dinner together, which she's been asking me about more recently. Actually, I believe the question was "how come you always have to make dinner every night all by yourself?" I explained that A) I don't HAVE TO make dinner--I do it because I love my family and B) I would love to have some company. We worked together on a recipe I'd come across last week and had in my queue after hearing many rave reviews about the "cauliflower pizza crust." <a href="http://www.southbeachprimal.com/bacon-cauliflower-cheese-sticks/">Bacon Cauliflower Cheese Sticks-</a>-they were fantastic! Not only a great way get more crucifers into my little one's belly, but the closest to a "healthy" version of the <a href="http://www.madmushroom.com/purdue/">"original cheesestix"</a> we so frequently gorged on in college. To make this cheese-laden meal a bit healthier we added a salad, which V made entirely by herself: cutting/tearing, washing, spinning the lettuce, cutting the carrots, green peppers, and black olives to garnish is. I was full of joy the whole time she was helping me. Perhaps it was the great day we'd had already together which added to her willingness to help or maybe we've hit a certain point in her four-ness where she's much more interested and competent. I'm willing to deal with the extra mess if it means she can start learning to cook at a young age. I told her maybe in a couple of years she can make a whole meal herself (a la <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/">Free-Range Kids</a>). One of the best parts of our joint efforts in making dinner last night is that I was able to work on cleaning as we went while she prepped. We had the dishes cleaned up more quickly afterwards and had time to all snuggle up and watch <a href="http://vimeo.com/52484438">It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown</a> on this Halloween week.<br />
<br />
Hoping for many more of these kinds of slow days very soon. And hoping we can make them last well into the busy holiday season that will soon be upon us.</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-78478500791589124752013-10-02T11:56:00.001-05:002013-10-02T12:01:51.443-05:00Returning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm back! (Let's see if I remember how to do this.)<br />
<br />
I've had just over a 2-month lapse in posting. Where have I been? Did I fall off the face of the Earth? Not quite. What have I been doing? Lots. <br />
<br />
As I alluded to in my previous post I've been juggling various aspects of life: parenting, gardening, preparing healthy food, travel, freelance work, friend time, and me time. The summer was loaded with fun and also a lot of work. I just didn't find time to keep all the balls in the air AND journal about it.<br />
<br />
The biggest (as in, most time consuming) thing that happened this summer was that I spent (and continue to spend...as the growing season goes on) hours and hours at a private preserving gig for a client who has a 17th century hobby farm in Ozaukee County. I was fortunate to spend time every couple of weeks at this Monticello-like homestead harvesting vegetables, checking in with the livestock (doves, hens, bees, geese), and enjoying the beauty of the place then bringing all the produce home to preserve for him. (Getting to work out of my own kitchen is fantastic.) So I've been doing a TON of preserving this year, but just not for myself. I'm still managing to put up the bare essentials: jams, tomato puree, dilly beans, applesauce but come winter I'm sure we'll be missing the plethora of home-canned options in our pantry.<br />
<br />
We also spent loads of time this summer doing fun things like concerts in the park, the zoo, playgrounds, bike rides, and other outdoor activities. My daughter took up violin lessons and ballet so that's been on our regular schedule. <br />
<br />
Where do I stand right now? At this point in time my urban homestead is looking sorely neglected. It was an amazing year for fruit and we picked and put up lots of cherries and blackberries, but I was never able to stake my tomatoes, keep up with picking beans, manage the deadheading of flowers, or eat all the greens in our garden before they bolted. When I planned/planted my garden last spring I had no idea how much time this incredible freelance opportunity would require so I powered ahead and ordered seeds, started seeds, planted seedlings, planted, planted, planted. It's been more than I could handle and at this point I welcome colder weather when I can put it to rest. As far as I can tell I'll be doing this freelance work again next year (it's proven be be very flexible and sustainable) so I will have to scale back on things at the homestead. But at least it offers me a starting point. I've been reigned in and I'm okay with that.<br />
<br />
I'm continually asking myself "where do I go from here?" Along with the aforementioned activities I've been having fun giving our daughter all sorts of experiences. We love to go to musical events and theatre together and that plan continues well into next spring. I've also been trying my best to keep up with world events and politics and industry trends and parenting ideas and since we got rid of our TV in June I've had to find other avenues for doing so (never so thankful for PBS live streaming online and other remarkable news sources/blogs.) I've settled into a good groove and am now devouring information as fast as I can. I feel more in tune to the world than I have in 10 years. But that also takes time. <br />
<br />
I've given myself plenty of guilt the past couple of months for not living up to the standards and goals I originally outlined for myself (and it's taken a lot of admit that.) But I like where I am right now in terms of family time, experiences, my opportunities to cook/preserve, the time I have with friends, and me time so I'll go with it. <br />
<br />
This summer was incredibly pivotal in that regard. I began to identify the shape I want my life to take. I continue to consider how and where my blog will go, but in time I know I'll figure that out too. <br />
<br />
I certainly haven't abandoned any ideas and values I hold about sustainability, but that's just it. I have to make this all sustainable for it to grow and thrive. We're at a stage in our daughter's life, as parents, in our "careers," where the universe is telling us that this shift (even temporarily) is okay. <br />
<br />
Some day soon I may get back to posting recipes and photos and gardening/homesteading ideas, but for now I am taking a small step back and breathing and shifting gears a bit. If nothing else, just to see what it feels like. I figure as long as I can still do that while cooking healthy food for my family and satisfying my needs for growing things and crafting a little every now and then, I'm okay.<br />
<br />
It's a process.<br />
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Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-12926660614868931272013-07-31T10:28:00.000-05:002013-07-31T10:28:25.577-05:00Reflections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving life (and the birthday pinata my husband bought per my wish.)</td></tr>
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It's been an interesting summer so far. Not exactly what I thought it would be, but full of fun and adventure nonetheless. I was gone for nearly half of the days in July, right when my garden decided to take off. The string beans and cherries and gooseberries waited for no one so it's felt a bit stressful to keep everything picked and pruned. Only a few days have been slow-paced like we expected, but we'll take any that we can get. I've hardly done any preserving for myself since I've had a private preserving gig with a client a couple of counties north. And I've only been to a handful of local farmers' markets let alone our own neighborhood market just 1 1/2 blocks away. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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BUT I've been perfectly happy this summer despite our days going a little more wildly or quickly than planned. I've spent a good amount of time with close friends, I got to see my parents and spend time with Ben's extended family, V and I have shared so many adventures and learned new things (violin, ballet), and I have had a decent amount of personal time.<br />
<br />
Today is my 35th birthday. It's somewhat significant to me because it's the youngest age I remember my parents being. According to my doctor "now you're finally an adult!" I've been celebrating "birthday month" since mid-July instead of just consolidating the fun to one day. And I'm already thinking of all the adventures I want in my next year. <br />
<br />
I've been reflecting lately on the last decade or so, at least--the time I've been in Milwaukee. And thinking about all my self-discoveries. Most recently--like within the last week when my husband and I got some "us time" and since I read <a href="http://elibishop.com/2011/07/27/10-myths-about-introverts/">this</a> little tidbit--I have finally realized and am beginning to understand/accept that I am truly an introvert. This revelation is probably something my closest friends and family have known for years, but it's taken me longer to recognize it. And now that I have, so much makes sense in my life. It's like someone handed me a shining platter and said "THIS!" as if the meaning of life was written all over it. I could take this new information and do one of two things:<br />
<br />
1) Use it as an excuse to crawl further into the little hole that I sometimes retreat to<br />
2) Keep doing what I'm doing, but stop feeling guilty when I can't cultivate every new friendship, follow through on every "yeah, let's get together sometime" that is uttered, and attend every social event to which I'm invited. <br />
<br />
I think I'll choose option 2. It'll continue to be just as challenging for me to get out into the community--especially to participate in all the community-building and urban homesteading activities to which I subscribe. But I have to do it at my pace and without creating a lot of extra anxiety for myself.<br />
<br />
On that note, I'm considering how I want this blog to continue. As I've previously noted, it's been a challenge this summer to balance living life and writing about living life. Perhaps I need to narrow my focus here so I don't feel pressure to choose between the two. I hope to keep all of my loyal followers, but perhaps you will allow me a grace period so I can regroup.<br />
<br />
Thanks and Happy Birthday to me.</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-87263814227149082742013-07-12T15:50:00.001-05:002013-07-12T15:50:34.981-05:00Batteries Recharged<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Back from the longest vacation we've taken in years, feeling fully recharged. And, with the help of many, we're up and running at about 90% by now while still enjoying the effects of our break.<br />
<br />
We went to Boston and Cape Cod as we try to do every couple of years to visit Ben's extended family. It was V's first time exploring one of my favorite cities and we found a great balance of adult/kid-friendly activities, touristy/off-the-beaten path tours and sites. Here's the very tip of the iceberg in photo summary:<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtduQy2sl3yBiKybNg_cvfVogUGD2b3LBovoI7ffeG_sHVtZpSBU3-cOXJRZTZNVPxnq7z_zyrIauhtvmlbNBvEWD0QAV_BH1jrouvbPSJpI8Ka6EeYQ1a1uwWTRz0ts8pKPbomUsLgaw/s1600/IMG_4358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtduQy2sl3yBiKybNg_cvfVogUGD2b3LBovoI7ffeG_sHVtZpSBU3-cOXJRZTZNVPxnq7z_zyrIauhtvmlbNBvEWD0QAV_BH1jrouvbPSJpI8Ka6EeYQ1a1uwWTRz0ts8pKPbomUsLgaw/s400/IMG_4358.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guest house on the border of Boston's Back<br />Bay and South End</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEDj62mGXoHFP_L1sY8U0SOfGNZchkNZj0zYWqf46DQF0kRITOP_X3qjifDeL4SyLv_T4QPJ9rMNbpD-Zex6keNbCNMKkObhH1D62ZW1d3wsskfVhf8bB8dD9ONjBfyhX4swfKWl8msY/s1600/IMG_4370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEDj62mGXoHFP_L1sY8U0SOfGNZchkNZj0zYWqf46DQF0kRITOP_X3qjifDeL4SyLv_T4QPJ9rMNbpD-Zex6keNbCNMKkObhH1D62ZW1d3wsskfVhf8bB8dD9ONjBfyhX4swfKWl8msY/s400/IMG_4370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V at the "Make Way For Ducklings" bronze</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nZYfs3J2dzlYmKA4wT1L5yQKKI-9TNs9lki74UhH5BK3W0Kbiir-ZEAaDp4GT_IBHIX7Zqm98qMc8zXiFthBuiOGGlGiJwHcsVm3clQH5Z_PrWza0iMAkV7BPpBv7MAslWT8gQuH9dg/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nZYfs3J2dzlYmKA4wT1L5yQKKI-9TNs9lki74UhH5BK3W0Kbiir-ZEAaDp4GT_IBHIX7Zqm98qMc8zXiFthBuiOGGlGiJwHcsVm3clQH5Z_PrWza0iMAkV7BPpBv7MAslWT8gQuH9dg/s400/IMG_4225.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swan Boats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CfjU2C9S7T0pWbd4mw4ZjKl3JQcopDucg7ck6gKGkWVxU5RRLxwfzr878Jfsi35DJYImKywoOkAP4PT7wQHM9FBuOmJNHwbr15_Gg8_hYWoz98CYXhIeWwb_g46Kv2fl7-6LUKogVAs/s1600/IMG_4376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CfjU2C9S7T0pWbd4mw4ZjKl3JQcopDucg7ck6gKGkWVxU5RRLxwfzr878Jfsi35DJYImKywoOkAP4PT7wQHM9FBuOmJNHwbr15_Gg8_hYWoz98CYXhIeWwb_g46Kv2fl7-6LUKogVAs/s400/IMG_4376.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous windowboxes on Beacon St.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVvaTRmnWm52ylgppr05B5C_2d5ItnkFexLsQPkleIcJ1dJM0ww-GV_tbluUO-8dZhD8btB_eMlI4fpTtLGgqODsau1x8oy4mRs-vJkUL0c4vA2CdULyHOL95MM06AAtpGYBixdCQlWE/s1600/IMG_4371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVvaTRmnWm52ylgppr05B5C_2d5ItnkFexLsQPkleIcJ1dJM0ww-GV_tbluUO-8dZhD8btB_eMlI4fpTtLGgqODsau1x8oy4mRs-vJkUL0c4vA2CdULyHOL95MM06AAtpGYBixdCQlWE/s400/IMG_4371.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Beacon Hill brownstones</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0AA9Jcx3AIuFoybZDYzrX8vEbehTSd99ACgCyMrw-tPF90VFSJFHfHgKMGeXho6APq2MasPIDhdh-3k_xSG42dbybJ8jSKeKGmcz8MA2umgFzMwFj7x75_LMnIU4HDP7lDc5aWKYGjU/s1600/IMG_4383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0AA9Jcx3AIuFoybZDYzrX8vEbehTSd99ACgCyMrw-tPF90VFSJFHfHgKMGeXho6APq2MasPIDhdh-3k_xSG42dbybJ8jSKeKGmcz8MA2umgFzMwFj7x75_LMnIU4HDP7lDc5aWKYGjU/s400/IMG_4383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Carousel at the Frog Pond in Boston Common. V caught the last ride<br />and was filled with pure joy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GlPwrkIKdBiCeprOsinf6GBiCjW_GVVYKfNMf9gDhCKbJvKB_3CgICez_s_mRFb4NdRnMxHU_ARAirYnk6X2SYJot6qRUfvu2MAtnWslHUUURnVhHJtLuUW7UVBXw9p8Ps1RBUwIg_0/s1600/IMG_4430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GlPwrkIKdBiCeprOsinf6GBiCjW_GVVYKfNMf9gDhCKbJvKB_3CgICez_s_mRFb4NdRnMxHU_ARAirYnk6X2SYJot6qRUfvu2MAtnWslHUUURnVhHJtLuUW7UVBXw9p8Ps1RBUwIg_0/s400/IMG_4430.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dipping our toes at Copley Square</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mtqoQuwhpL6E2QHtewxrKM3M9PUBerhEjuT9Nc2D01iPnnQ7QnXPdep97IyQ8DhY7hok-GP4hHbYHipQLT2VOb5fC913_mZBUD-vT03jSzZwyIDiB1RvFvohmf_gRFMHbdn2416NPmg/s1600/IMG_4454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mtqoQuwhpL6E2QHtewxrKM3M9PUBerhEjuT9Nc2D01iPnnQ7QnXPdep97IyQ8DhY7hok-GP4hHbYHipQLT2VOb5fC913_mZBUD-vT03jSzZwyIDiB1RvFvohmf_gRFMHbdn2416NPmg/s400/IMG_4454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic brownstones in our neighborhood</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNsqM-lqQcGWBQOm7BSeu1-IBZ6GdMMdEo4olHBjP8H-k2hvrXD76AmajEjMvfFp7GoV380d-XjvDc0POhDe1bLhI7DHVvg5eWssfTXytptUpDrXeG1VMNCn6JANq2dfCIogRgW6wNjg/s1600/IMG_4461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNsqM-lqQcGWBQOm7BSeu1-IBZ6GdMMdEo4olHBjP8H-k2hvrXD76AmajEjMvfFp7GoV380d-XjvDc0POhDe1bLhI7DHVvg5eWssfTXytptUpDrXeG1VMNCn6JANq2dfCIogRgW6wNjg/s400/IMG_4461.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community garden plots everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9MF_X-bL2znxIahDJF80Ko7diqjfIF5Y_Fsiq01nX6J1KY9-KsiXQ5RlgUE977PuGc7UKZEgp8ym4wQurnjGXo1Ag0_FdikJGltl79S_3hc9CTQ9fTlgzP0bQ4uHlBm6p5uLFeLaupA/s1600/IMG_4264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9MF_X-bL2znxIahDJF80Ko7diqjfIF5Y_Fsiq01nX6J1KY9-KsiXQ5RlgUE977PuGc7UKZEgp8ym4wQurnjGXo1Ag0_FdikJGltl79S_3hc9CTQ9fTlgzP0bQ4uHlBm6p5uLFeLaupA/s400/IMG_4264.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super cool idea for a cuke trellis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEpiLHBKJGOgVfbBeznVGTi5fz6ddNFRj8gaVBfPaeGcKiMEbrNWtdry9galCAjL2cma1vKLOgOzT-B35zby6wKvrSO0aGpoRgBtvTcqmo2_yVsgLy7T0zgWxCeRSmJdnQKLsunJrsnY/s1600/IMG_4267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEpiLHBKJGOgVfbBeznVGTi5fz6ddNFRj8gaVBfPaeGcKiMEbrNWtdry9galCAjL2cma1vKLOgOzT-B35zby6wKvrSO0aGpoRgBtvTcqmo2_yVsgLy7T0zgWxCeRSmJdnQKLsunJrsnY/s400/IMG_4267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite community garden (Part 1)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtr0VKBphJJQVFm6z1PpnhRxEnTkbpucrcVBdms_ZWtXcP-Dicktw4R-YXN_47hpKbLXPqrRLqrM8nUjzmPikErmT-IElSwx40f72gqTQy96DUM7IakLYIx3CnkpqUWqfjBf4hEiD7SI4/s1600/IMG_4268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtr0VKBphJJQVFm6z1PpnhRxEnTkbpucrcVBdms_ZWtXcP-Dicktw4R-YXN_47hpKbLXPqrRLqrM8nUjzmPikErmT-IElSwx40f72gqTQy96DUM7IakLYIx3CnkpqUWqfjBf4hEiD7SI4/s400/IMG_4268.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community Garden (Part 2)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptlU12rVTmFW3yqyPmnB6hxZPVeVuhybO0tpWYIrZqvLEoTbuwdrIXM9kWiP4CuWSSEZglei-w7mbu7H2VYvhZ5yHCehbvQR75uPByxO5_rdGgQv34AdvCGASLquJLsrhIZ2Me900OXI/s1600/IMG_4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptlU12rVTmFW3yqyPmnB6hxZPVeVuhybO0tpWYIrZqvLEoTbuwdrIXM9kWiP4CuWSSEZglei-w7mbu7H2VYvhZ5yHCehbvQR75uPByxO5_rdGgQv34AdvCGASLquJLsrhIZ2Me900OXI/s400/IMG_4285.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cambridge bookstore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLa0_vQsC-JQxkflqO09kIEc8ifrmR7FwxfuqFgkDVICXZUEPMASxocGjDSF15Osg5jr6pVt4AcfppsmqWdDYhlKFfb2A_oP3JG_K6PDYzfW-vgTNnZmcQ8XDLsVymj0rmIOQQ1DmtaCY/s1600/IMG_4483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLa0_vQsC-JQxkflqO09kIEc8ifrmR7FwxfuqFgkDVICXZUEPMASxocGjDSF15Osg5jr6pVt4AcfppsmqWdDYhlKFfb2A_oP3JG_K6PDYzfW-vgTNnZmcQ8XDLsVymj0rmIOQQ1DmtaCY/s400/IMG_4483.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taza Chocolate factory tour in Somerville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzlrlFzardwuD9kst3vGFvNF9ktn_Ch6vOfRqizGqVU3PVDhUZk7yZedFbRsHbAZ1mro-xiKik94VD0mzzEVrU72Yz2DSfICpKO-bHpfPWwC8-a9-dj3VIIVXlHziPgbQpPYSDhz50hY/s1600/IMG_4292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzlrlFzardwuD9kst3vGFvNF9ktn_Ch6vOfRqizGqVU3PVDhUZk7yZedFbRsHbAZ1mro-xiKik94VD0mzzEVrU72Yz2DSfICpKO-bHpfPWwC8-a9-dj3VIIVXlHziPgbQpPYSDhz50hY/s400/IMG_4292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I highly recommend this $5 tour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_qjPGuZrXFMXYMAGUYI9G6fNabNd1rhRvGkTCWFkHgmgL-49r1TopPGHqA-K-vlifSk1vSrcYxVdbAvdOBT9nvA_yYcpDwEUb5PSWIXMdyXUyGJCPNXcMYPNDfYTdcWxCJGkXOCmXmQ/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_qjPGuZrXFMXYMAGUYI9G6fNabNd1rhRvGkTCWFkHgmgL-49r1TopPGHqA-K-vlifSk1vSrcYxVdbAvdOBT9nvA_yYcpDwEUb5PSWIXMdyXUyGJCPNXcMYPNDfYTdcWxCJGkXOCmXmQ/s400/IMG_4491.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making organic stone-ground chocolate in the traditional Mexican way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_UidQURmSppyL6PXfhkt86CcOifr3ihhRo7zWDeD5zVmO2d7JO_uBo81nfaoGz4CeHI2TAKN-pRiljqVIOksaAI5znQrWl_4SauK5vJrnguCIalhNfVUDwZRyT01YqSgnZApiDtQ1Bc/s1600/IMG_4495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_UidQURmSppyL6PXfhkt86CcOifr3ihhRo7zWDeD5zVmO2d7JO_uBo81nfaoGz4CeHI2TAKN-pRiljqVIOksaAI5znQrWl_4SauK5vJrnguCIalhNfVUDwZRyT01YqSgnZApiDtQ1Bc/s400/IMG_4495.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dosa Factory for lunch and shopping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtYLCqwHxq-PwXCoZ_CwJqLOn6Dasxdwi8aYMTgL3qsl5I4vGI0I2g8WO514gbWEDmf-k8XBt-RwLK4OFJ9A3SyrwFIOrQOp9riLeLeGaLjefT_ELZWR2d-2YvPvjI9kVBZ_kXUd9ebA/s1600/IMG_4320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtYLCqwHxq-PwXCoZ_CwJqLOn6Dasxdwi8aYMTgL3qsl5I4vGI0I2g8WO514gbWEDmf-k8XBt-RwLK4OFJ9A3SyrwFIOrQOp9riLeLeGaLjefT_ELZWR2d-2YvPvjI9kVBZ_kXUd9ebA/s400/IMG_4320.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Crossing old and new architecture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSansrulOWTaUizRxs7qXsXgN2AcSwjQwOX4GUkP3w1SJ3Qq4SS8eKaSWHnWYyoPPCPaXRXOngv4hKLVLqdn3ZWOEL6rp2wavWROa4jeTMHycZT1mmZHiH5myHy7LV3YCi7ppmC5ooKyY/s1600/IMG_4333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSansrulOWTaUizRxs7qXsXgN2AcSwjQwOX4GUkP3w1SJ3Qq4SS8eKaSWHnWYyoPPCPaXRXOngv4hKLVLqdn3ZWOEL6rp2wavWROa4jeTMHycZT1mmZHiH5myHy7LV3YCi7ppmC5ooKyY/s400/IMG_4333.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jellies at the New England Aquarium<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzTASsEK8QQ6mgRqvnBwNwC94LBstzg4rsbY12-6MUFM_wIuzlEpCjmY8GGZC6V07EzD0AshYscWNeBQX_kPO0QNgNu2FGFCtRBDIIvmyLH6wxnSM7TtB6mSxP__uWBjzYo9J7NS0-M0/s1600/IMG_4421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzTASsEK8QQ6mgRqvnBwNwC94LBstzg4rsbY12-6MUFM_wIuzlEpCjmY8GGZC6V07EzD0AshYscWNeBQX_kPO0QNgNu2FGFCtRBDIIvmyLH6wxnSM7TtB6mSxP__uWBjzYo9J7NS0-M0/s400/IMG_4421.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Already planning our next trip<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2icnf04F6WEqq-cy2SjayHXNOTycL4N-z2hOnmOic-_rwS1UZ6RwXw4Dyw1OXxysub7T9uXMOj59Iu1UHjsIrPCobSXbusEe69ss_HHttn8LPRK0vq38q5qRXUtWlOD32rAkwbSKw51s/s1600/IMG_4435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2icnf04F6WEqq-cy2SjayHXNOTycL4N-z2hOnmOic-_rwS1UZ6RwXw4Dyw1OXxysub7T9uXMOj59Iu1UHjsIrPCobSXbusEe69ss_HHttn8LPRK0vq38q5qRXUtWlOD32rAkwbSKw51s/s400/IMG_4435.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A North End classic, now with gluten-free options</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrieR7qAOBvzYaG2NETDfb4QQGQKt5TWNnHv0INVerLmC9EbQ0Sqx9CuMaIvQHHQxAbJbvoFshdzvJXvlLHIln08EcPdqsqAw6oiGmzKLB0lUh89qiAs4UA9zK6sRuhcROVyz8nIssoQ/s1600/IMG_4508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrieR7qAOBvzYaG2NETDfb4QQGQKt5TWNnHv0INVerLmC9EbQ0Sqx9CuMaIvQHHQxAbJbvoFshdzvJXvlLHIln08EcPdqsqAw6oiGmzKLB0lUh89qiAs4UA9zK6sRuhcROVyz8nIssoQ/s400/IMG_4508.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Revere and the North Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwszEi-dqiTFlV42yIYRfPPq_vW_WXC9m4-0VFUk7DpOryHGGKtpw249DFwcnVTt-9-hr81DHwY5nv0jFRHfP_2COgyk6jYthWoh1_oqeaEgWQO3TQbmIeCV3ANrfhN8VcjXE-iMo6p_A/s1600/IMG_4452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwszEi-dqiTFlV42yIYRfPPq_vW_WXC9m4-0VFUk7DpOryHGGKtpw249DFwcnVTt-9-hr81DHwY5nv0jFRHfP_2COgyk6jYthWoh1_oqeaEgWQO3TQbmIeCV3ANrfhN8VcjXE-iMo6p_A/s400/IMG_4452.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public Transit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27juzUCy88l9KvGn4nhoPGqR8iefyCGzf92WN77ulGvDis-i-qvbIJI3UwTGSPi87P0LRMN-CB_r2IN9E81X0ouor61wn0zhhvfE2W2mMr8KVGJVpPW2U2Si0tBuC_SPWaFdHXlVLBxw/s1600/IMG_4439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27juzUCy88l9KvGn4nhoPGqR8iefyCGzf92WN77ulGvDis-i-qvbIJI3UwTGSPi87P0LRMN-CB_r2IN9E81X0ouor61wn0zhhvfE2W2mMr8KVGJVpPW2U2Si0tBuC_SPWaFdHXlVLBxw/s400/IMG_4439.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenway over the Big Dig, our first time enjoying it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnf0lElmA_nXStNOY9FMeveT_NLZHcVG-3ScAfxWFtkfMDvzgfCjCEnLUnTd558sxeIZLms9dg0nPSkXrmdF6A4AQesGC9H1pZj6ChLlay__Yd8ObMrZWueHlEi41v4shrrzB9PTDeRo/s1600/IMG_4467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnf0lElmA_nXStNOY9FMeveT_NLZHcVG-3ScAfxWFtkfMDvzgfCjCEnLUnTd558sxeIZLms9dg0nPSkXrmdF6A4AQesGC9H1pZj6ChLlay__Yd8ObMrZWueHlEi41v4shrrzB9PTDeRo/s400/IMG_4467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender and Sedum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZv7r9s9H5TCGNJ223XD8fj461Bub6e-2MqWYtwODTbb8841omfEs6RPAWqiSOqtmX1Ji3QnakEB2hBDROM5REsNrpcaAQkCLfZOCf80p6B_35kSKXTT_8gGpHA9QuiC4-WNUAyEhNDsw/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZv7r9s9H5TCGNJ223XD8fj461Bub6e-2MqWYtwODTbb8841omfEs6RPAWqiSOqtmX1Ji3QnakEB2hBDROM5REsNrpcaAQkCLfZOCf80p6B_35kSKXTT_8gGpHA9QuiC4-WNUAyEhNDsw/s400/IMG_4472.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing Church of Christ Scientist<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQiervS-owYs6w2Yxw4H2y087M05qbth5JNLXRwur__Ns-ryCLRbZp73GUzICsHn16AbKwVoeIA0Nr5E9D6QMwD2JdGIw__xYHedwO4o2x9xmEOUlh4gCw1CYTyeIR95myvQI6-tDEwU/s1600/IMG_4503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQiervS-owYs6w2Yxw4H2y087M05qbth5JNLXRwur__Ns-ryCLRbZp73GUzICsHn16AbKwVoeIA0Nr5E9D6QMwD2JdGIw__xYHedwO4o2x9xmEOUlh4gCw1CYTyeIR95myvQI6-tDEwU/s400/IMG_4503.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With just two days to show V the city, this was the way to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ucqF6x96QnKzeO3UjeXbS6mYq-KCLWSVIHTXviM51V0FV4PMhyvas-be-UnrI5InD1buJc6-YiC1fYrrh8y0FhJ9TF0nq3UAMpvM13hEUn7fUnVPyEl8EziaBvLwmINk4n-EPH_nwfE/s1600/IMG_4612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ucqF6x96QnKzeO3UjeXbS6mYq-KCLWSVIHTXviM51V0FV4PMhyvas-be-UnrI5InD1buJc6-YiC1fYrrh8y0FhJ9TF0nq3UAMpvM13hEUn7fUnVPyEl8EziaBvLwmINk4n-EPH_nwfE/s400/IMG_4612.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And something for Ben to enjoy as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobJui3kWwDqbXKeTkt-s16xvCiAS6isZdjMNh9om7rVIqzV1u6nQjNTHCaAT2Dg68xI_5jDkh_4RK5_GMMPdN4PcZ08yp9s6nfnsxOJ6mfAmmmnloc6KeSQJNABQlM1ywZglalpjB4a0/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobJui3kWwDqbXKeTkt-s16xvCiAS6isZdjMNh9om7rVIqzV1u6nQjNTHCaAT2Dg68xI_5jDkh_4RK5_GMMPdN4PcZ08yp9s6nfnsxOJ6mfAmmmnloc6KeSQJNABQlM1ywZglalpjB4a0/s400/IMG_4657.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On to the Cape and the Wellfleet Mass Audubon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Uv4gcA2L7Ldl0NOeoeDZg4CD14JenStQq8joT40g9cPRCkbEv1lARXYnOt1ffjsvYm0zZVC8qTcyZxWGhYQGDCFlJmXPHihnBG7_Nwf8exFexPNq_yN4TsFSLdYHicSCKtdB8puhSHU/s1600/IMG_4673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Uv4gcA2L7Ldl0NOeoeDZg4CD14JenStQq8joT40g9cPRCkbEv1lARXYnOt1ffjsvYm0zZVC8qTcyZxWGhYQGDCFlJmXPHihnBG7_Nwf8exFexPNq_yN4TsFSLdYHicSCKtdB8puhSHU/s400/IMG_4673.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt Marsh Exploration at Wellfleet Mass <br />Audubon, V found a horseshoe crab on her<br />first try</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcENMbyuVgVzmYcfOG0c011L7tIKMQv71wxp_VN0u6Fjq9VkK7Y81Bgg02dCghr-dNse3tZ6qnwNHspe8ZGwwq5EmQLr8-KikYNsgmdmBuXRorJqZfSCcA1ahBuKO4icGK6SLNgrVyIJg/s1600/IMG_4719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcENMbyuVgVzmYcfOG0c011L7tIKMQv71wxp_VN0u6Fjq9VkK7Y81Bgg02dCghr-dNse3tZ6qnwNHspe8ZGwwq5EmQLr8-KikYNsgmdmBuXRorJqZfSCcA1ahBuKO4icGK6SLNgrVyIJg/s400/IMG_4719.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl in a puddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MXA8vFdx_G51vhDvlVSkhGLAfRC8hjyng-tKh-RghwcdgyEvA58Ogkl79Dvo2e30_GK0ItQTUfqmZ9H1Hq26qJYRxB4QP69Ho85iqCbCKiBNAC4lE-dXhG1bIuibewL1TdP_nTIpggc/s1600/IMG_4756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MXA8vFdx_G51vhDvlVSkhGLAfRC8hjyng-tKh-RghwcdgyEvA58Ogkl79Dvo2e30_GK0ItQTUfqmZ9H1Hq26qJYRxB4QP69Ho85iqCbCKiBNAC4lE-dXhG1bIuibewL1TdP_nTIpggc/s400/IMG_4756.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Razor clam shell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HnEIjkEwdnhb-Wy3poUScXyt8Isvb4glkhJ5BSLFaJShX-cwC0s9uBxLp52IFQIZLMLOoxjodGovwmcJ9ck33yiEJU7SXRK-pjTg8Z3dvOx8wgHbmDeLz5r6clDbnTazDIbs_Zhtsm8/s1600/IMG_4778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HnEIjkEwdnhb-Wy3poUScXyt8Isvb4glkhJ5BSLFaJShX-cwC0s9uBxLp52IFQIZLMLOoxjodGovwmcJ9ck33yiEJU7SXRK-pjTg8Z3dvOx8wgHbmDeLz5r6clDbnTazDIbs_Zhtsm8/s320/IMG_4778.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural art on the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRwTyivq3_aUOu3F7dqT7qbJUA4v591qCOcTbJHeb3uAYO_-DFdMdOFzViKA6aQibOkjyXKhBwTC6bsBuqNuORcoCEifj-rbTuRAxHq9lYCmfOvglaxvQ_Z0WvVl0bo9EMpFIjylIgPw/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRwTyivq3_aUOu3F7dqT7qbJUA4v591qCOcTbJHeb3uAYO_-DFdMdOFzViKA6aQibOkjyXKhBwTC6bsBuqNuORcoCEifj-rbTuRAxHq9lYCmfOvglaxvQ_Z0WvVl0bo9EMpFIjylIgPw/s400/IMG_4823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skate egg case</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0oQYHtPmLJMPfZxc3ggPjdW1wlRZdVaVpl3GMlQEDWnCjQXFhsV8evkWbJr_leYesbcJHbVWVTJZEskcN1aWz4IWXonss6hhGkhozGqxPu2gs9UANZvbwQCxi9VTbdigMjlM6GoYYHY/s1600/IMG_4824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0oQYHtPmLJMPfZxc3ggPjdW1wlRZdVaVpl3GMlQEDWnCjQXFhsV8evkWbJr_leYesbcJHbVWVTJZEskcN1aWz4IWXonss6hhGkhozGqxPu2gs9UANZvbwQCxi9VTbdigMjlM6GoYYHY/s400/IMG_4824.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful shells</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyY7uys5uAXC53scyldrnJJW1KAUaPcbKHDeOUqZjrxv8RuWJ0bZ_NLKINZBDrMjQtzv0rfBtT8l8F5MGw0WRsPsUGgaKZHyRiZOE9yafrLmusfUA_3rQXLmfwQUJkAVJevHwKPQS74g/s1600/IMG_4797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyY7uys5uAXC53scyldrnJJW1KAUaPcbKHDeOUqZjrxv8RuWJ0bZ_NLKINZBDrMjQtzv0rfBtT8l8F5MGw0WRsPsUGgaKZHyRiZOE9yafrLmusfUA_3rQXLmfwQUJkAVJevHwKPQS74g/s400/IMG_4797.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXRHtoSOMZ6HuybvjtR21BOi3OpX666TxlnmA856tleVbiPKaf943Uq8qdlZCbe4irvBZ8uUmT3qVf3avATi9E2IHbAKjze5p9RpSbTcfI615G3h7-DO2al2LhXX3BfM2rGOTv5AYyoU/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXRHtoSOMZ6HuybvjtR21BOi3OpX666TxlnmA856tleVbiPKaf943Uq8qdlZCbe4irvBZ8uUmT3qVf3avATi9E2IHbAKjze5p9RpSbTcfI615G3h7-DO2al2LhXX3BfM2rGOTv5AYyoU/s400/IMG_4840.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juniper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuwD7OtjxX4gbvdFiR0OgU7U1vXfSfygt6q2Pzf9qhcRkv6aQfTuc0HZzwdfIydjCxpo-PyR_CzCZZYpVU8Bdk0MM9TVOgehWFgRxSLf3QYFaMKYnLs8JtsS48nNRt31mgXySzmxp9y0/s1600/IMG_4888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuwD7OtjxX4gbvdFiR0OgU7U1vXfSfygt6q2Pzf9qhcRkv6aQfTuc0HZzwdfIydjCxpo-PyR_CzCZZYpVU8Bdk0MM9TVOgehWFgRxSLf3QYFaMKYnLs8JtsS48nNRt31mgXySzmxp9y0/s400/IMG_4888.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful beach day at Corn Hill (bay side), Truro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF-qJMLUeuIfzW8k1nNPGloIqF-iYFuY04S3Fzz_aF6an51eGZnxMcYeIxej-8aSfJ6yRpE4VN6BSfq3hHsqq88qNrIdOQDcV39ZVB4K13U1-ukM5tE4_CCvUodEoxUVI6QSa40xfP-E/s1600/IMG_4899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF-qJMLUeuIfzW8k1nNPGloIqF-iYFuY04S3Fzz_aF6an51eGZnxMcYeIxej-8aSfJ6yRpE4VN6BSfq3hHsqq88qNrIdOQDcV39ZVB4K13U1-ukM5tE4_CCvUodEoxUVI6QSa40xfP-E/s400/IMG_4899.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting in the surf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOsut4WXA1F8w91WJyakeqC10VxyPHXiNdpajO0pher-7usm6FaRXgrc_Wx2Ee5H9yRgHJcakbxfZUDkcyIS3dKqLFqVeP8ph8QJTfEoeHWpdXUgwqLMH8WWOjs3trm38j5ZyO0Xy7vw/s1600/IMG_4918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOsut4WXA1F8w91WJyakeqC10VxyPHXiNdpajO0pher-7usm6FaRXgrc_Wx2Ee5H9yRgHJcakbxfZUDkcyIS3dKqLFqVeP8ph8QJTfEoeHWpdXUgwqLMH8WWOjs3trm38j5ZyO0Xy7vw/s400/IMG_4918.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine Tasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8slsfK1L4R7UEAy-RkNI6ghLHN1oVlFh5Tuq406fiKZ-qQOsRGQ2QwT_VA6TG80u6cTUYOD0DBUjqmJ9raeSLme-SraFmbitGZGJ1XSsGma0Tnhf9nFlF-WINc9KlsZDPkhQzuVa3UpE/s1600/IMG_4962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8slsfK1L4R7UEAy-RkNI6ghLHN1oVlFh5Tuq406fiKZ-qQOsRGQ2QwT_VA6TG80u6cTUYOD0DBUjqmJ9raeSLme-SraFmbitGZGJ1XSsGma0Tnhf9nFlF-WINc9KlsZDPkhQzuVa3UpE/s400/IMG_4962.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous beach at dusk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yDezCWmqdIEHZIouiRmIulkFZ3Lpu0ZggWYNfQsRLcGng9W1uih3myyz_uWiFupfVOjtpPNZKRHX_GDmxGqb3Nfrioyppu4qgS-ka2SqZW6kVthnB4rKwC0YmLqbrFzCz_jDQ-rlrYQ/s1600/IMG_5004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yDezCWmqdIEHZIouiRmIulkFZ3Lpu0ZggWYNfQsRLcGng9W1uih3myyz_uWiFupfVOjtpPNZKRHX_GDmxGqb3Nfrioyppu4qgS-ka2SqZW6kVthnB4rKwC0YmLqbrFzCz_jDQ-rlrYQ/s400/IMG_5004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunsets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuXlUlSSmg04fdUxfo3YmYjan7FGVpGOuBY5thWsvgwOe3b1XJSSvMUB8goFUUFdwWnDxZ0QhRNWs_wEMBFmny6T1kSPMIOvolmqrhITu2CwVtPGssdhhXavyDmjA7N7cQX_oClhwQ-c/s1600/IMG_5098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuXlUlSSmg04fdUxfo3YmYjan7FGVpGOuBY5thWsvgwOe3b1XJSSvMUB8goFUUFdwWnDxZ0QhRNWs_wEMBFmny6T1kSPMIOvolmqrhITu2CwVtPGssdhhXavyDmjA7N7cQX_oClhwQ-c/s320/IMG_5098.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our oyster shucker in the 4th of July<br />parade handing out fresh Wellfleets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4QRHNtiUe8wMs0L8ad0loAyqKwzDYUiSucJK9XzgFnKMiOXFAEeZ7GvUDtE8QN41woWGr2mtqQm7ezy7TCbuw2tpdj6H3QN8QOdA6vHM_TzUQnPxQAhd1mECJHgZu4I8VlyUmhR7p1Y/s1600/IMG_4633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4QRHNtiUe8wMs0L8ad0loAyqKwzDYUiSucJK9XzgFnKMiOXFAEeZ7GvUDtE8QN41woWGr2mtqQm7ezy7TCbuw2tpdj6H3QN8QOdA6vHM_TzUQnPxQAhd1mECJHgZu4I8VlyUmhR7p1Y/s400/IMG_4633.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free-for-all fireworks on the 4th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SEvXDnuLgXyhddgU0n0jTNy6PLFh61gKOFjaTSD9UGPTvNZ2ew05FE7n5Bi6fR0d7T8AUSk5GmI6DKbGMCLTjwZpgZ-2YordX5BmQ8yrcQx0DxfEecgclPvO-Uuqcn-pMfjvLvPC6uI/s1600/IMG_5141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SEvXDnuLgXyhddgU0n0jTNy6PLFh61gKOFjaTSD9UGPTvNZ2ew05FE7n5Bi6fR0d7T8AUSk5GmI6DKbGMCLTjwZpgZ-2YordX5BmQ8yrcQx0DxfEecgclPvO-Uuqcn-pMfjvLvPC6uI/s400/IMG_5141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Provincelands Dune Tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfuRr6_Yp69nWJd8sXKbVTUvMyMhOqvmL4bYgZ-O2ZVHKzhAhERMPmckhuehbbxdUWTwmb1XmmPtwxZgAYyUxDKDptVKsRLmZN3zU2EfDK7yivEKA5fcdryPPTYz29ismTRSNeyJhgZk/s1600/IMG_5187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfuRr6_Yp69nWJd8sXKbVTUvMyMhOqvmL4bYgZ-O2ZVHKzhAhERMPmckhuehbbxdUWTwmb1XmmPtwxZgAYyUxDKDptVKsRLmZN3zU2EfDK7yivEKA5fcdryPPTYz29ismTRSNeyJhgZk/s400/IMG_5187.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Stripah (the guys caught about 12 lbs. of Striped Bass to fill<br />the freezer for a while)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4K6N7eO-aL_PyCZ6_Dw5YJfYJXD3wAxHiKxX56aix__AzRbNcdTvVvcL_tQ8vfN1ZTsYLlOnE2tSPjxu9ZZgBmHIVJQ2BFwsZ5i4lUU09_jww5uyfxvw6Qvk-ps2stPbCCIWe0HgS_A/s1600/IMG_5211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4K6N7eO-aL_PyCZ6_Dw5YJfYJXD3wAxHiKxX56aix__AzRbNcdTvVvcL_tQ8vfN1ZTsYLlOnE2tSPjxu9ZZgBmHIVJQ2BFwsZ5i4lUU09_jww5uyfxvw6Qvk-ps2stPbCCIWe0HgS_A/s400/IMG_5211.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horesehead and Harbor Seals at Monomoy Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXan-vQ1rIUs_2WtkyvUbUl8cmDunF5lg9HuvCGOK0HSFxprQ1D0EVMSHNyIFf6LHSJCikzxMZefLSb9AkapC7UjOZIr0g2fw-Ujb75zRtMXfcTju2xEsA9xQtw0mHmtxaykqdHp7K2qU/s1600/IMG_5233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXan-vQ1rIUs_2WtkyvUbUl8cmDunF5lg9HuvCGOK0HSFxprQ1D0EVMSHNyIFf6LHSJCikzxMZefLSb9AkapC7UjOZIr0g2fw-Ujb75zRtMXfcTju2xEsA9xQtw0mHmtxaykqdHp7K2qU/s400/IMG_5233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cockle shells on the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhaiFVbuzmHx1C1iab2oY6nlK9X_ODgoPW1_VswFOMjRelg3A6QYpKeT_LLyool1zgC1AakKqj8VPrkACy4txUbOZvv1UrsxNVr270-lDsydahgMxOnzAOWw2Np-LXRGSk8L7mbYptss/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhaiFVbuzmHx1C1iab2oY6nlK9X_ODgoPW1_VswFOMjRelg3A6QYpKeT_LLyool1zgC1AakKqj8VPrkACy4txUbOZvv1UrsxNVr270-lDsydahgMxOnzAOWw2Np-LXRGSk8L7mbYptss/s400/IMG_4763.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawbstah, Steamahs, and fried clam strips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3U9Jdc0panm6cr_esZfRFmM22GCpL1GwYDAZ6-rc5sQt8tc01rwgzB_sqm5FIOLVbsJa20WiS3AtVNmcwTViFyGkOziVTYiPkJoEgmNHR1fqrlwTB_hzho0lR1EH412uDyt3mi6DQrc/s1600/IMG_5251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3U9Jdc0panm6cr_esZfRFmM22GCpL1GwYDAZ6-rc5sQt8tc01rwgzB_sqm5FIOLVbsJa20WiS3AtVNmcwTViFyGkOziVTYiPkJoEgmNHR1fqrlwTB_hzho0lR1EH412uDyt3mi6DQrc/s400/IMG_5251.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Longnook Beach (oceanside), Ben's favorite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeuVC2EBVuSrETdDrJHrgIVmKp2CaEibjROIJRCrHQl49u-kEyEGIP0psH44T9h-QmexGxjjlg4wevucLCkc4YQNi6aJ074Hm2TgmSjTZhCIrkR03eI0CID4lT4RP5cNQhIZ1OhE_nEo/s1600/IMG_4784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeuVC2EBVuSrETdDrJHrgIVmKp2CaEibjROIJRCrHQl49u-kEyEGIP0psH44T9h-QmexGxjjlg4wevucLCkc4YQNi6aJ074Hm2TgmSjTZhCIrkR03eI0CID4lT4RP5cNQhIZ1OhE_nEo/s400/IMG_4784.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last beautiful sunset with Provincetown and Pilgrim Monument in<br />the distance.</td></tr>
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<br /><div>
I've found some time to reflect lately and am thinking about where my blog is going. It's been a challenge finding time to enjoy life while documenting it here. Stay tuned, but I may be posting slightly less this summer (I know, just when peak local food time begins.)</div>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-16940363190215934912013-06-21T16:40:00.002-05:002013-06-21T16:41:05.972-05:00Kale Krazy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHUGe9QCUiCGGORRg1ragEq5BtVFE14NS_Pnr-6IZzjsVPgTSZTksNR7QzRdS2u9HgvuAWy6PPmIe7dg3w0-RYXFZNvP_ZHTCJao9ocs-2aw5jGDiv3l4wBe76Nqzld0NaQgRYA6YYkc/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHUGe9QCUiCGGORRg1ragEq5BtVFE14NS_Pnr-6IZzjsVPgTSZTksNR7QzRdS2u9HgvuAWy6PPmIe7dg3w0-RYXFZNvP_ZHTCJao9ocs-2aw5jGDiv3l4wBe76Nqzld0NaQgRYA6YYkc/s400/IMG_3911.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Red Russian Kale in our garden</td></tr>
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You may have noticed that some people are krazy for kale these days. I couldn't be more pleased that this long under-appreciated, nutrient-packed vegetable is finally getting the love and attention it deserves. Some folks are simply obsessed and are trying to get as much kale as possible into their diets-- there are plenty of recipes floating around out there these days for everything from kale chips to kale smoothies. There is, of course, some <a href="http://www.nwedible.com/2012/08/tragedy-healthy-eater.html">comic relief</a> as well. I knew kale had finally made it big this past year when I visited a neighborhood restaurant and there were three kale dishes on the seasonal menu. Shortly thereafter I popped into the natural foods co-op to buy more kale seeds (because I didn't feel I had planted nearly enough kale in my garden) only to find that all varieties of kale were the only seeds completely sold out. Now it's farmers' market time and everyone's clamoring for clean, local kale; if you don't get to the market within an hour of it opening each week, there's a good chance the mounds of kale will already be sold out (or at least picked over.) Kale has a boatload of <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Top-10-Health-Benefits-of-Eating-Kale.html">health benefits</a>, but I truly like it for the flavor. Here are the most common ways we use kale around the homestead:<br />
<br />
(In no particular order)<br />
1. Juicing<br />
2. Sauteed on a pizza<br />
3. In a smoothie<br />
4. <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/03/baked-kale-chips/">Kale chips</a><br />
5. Boiled with pasta<br />
6. In veggie lasagna<br />
7. Sauteed in a quesadilla<br />
8. Shredded in a <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/raw-kale-salad-massage-it-172902">massaged kale salad</a><br />
9. As a substitute for spinach in a savory <a href="http://umaskitchenexperiments.blogspot.com/2011/10/spinach-and-cheese-muffins.html">spinach and cheese quick bread</a><br />
10. Shredded and added to Salad Mix along with red cabbage.<br />
<br />
Recently I made some kale chips with several bunches of organic kale I got for next to nothing. But they were too many chips for us to eat before they got a little "stale" so I ground some of them up to make "kale salt." Of course, I knew I couldn't possibly be the first one to think of this idea...and #4 above proves that. Now I use the kale salt to season popcorn, add to <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2012/01/staying-active-in-winter.html">homemade ranch dressing</a>, or to sprinkle in soup or on pizza. Wherever you want a little more kale (if you're not already getting enough) and would be adding seasoning anyway. It's so versatile and definitely another way to get kale into little ones' bellies if they're not otherwise willing.<br />
<br />
This is another kale recipe I tried this past week and was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors went together.<br />
<br />
<u>Kale Salad with Toasted Coconut and Sesame Oil</u> (Gluten Free)<br />
Serves 4<br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781580082778-0">Super Natural Every Day</a>. The original recipe calls for farro, but I used gluten-free steel cut oats.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil<br />
1 t. toasted sesame oil<br />
2 T. shoyu, tamari, or soy sauce (I make sure mine is gluten-free and organic)<br />
3 1/2 lightly packed cups chopped kale, stems trimmed, large ribs removed (and reserved for juicing)<br />
1 1/2 c. unsweetened flaked coconut<br />
2 c. cooked steel cut oats or other whole grain<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350F with two racks in top third of oven. In small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together olive oil, sesame oil, and shoyu. Put kale and coconut in large bowl and toss well with about two-thirds of oil mixture. Spread kale evenly across two baking sheets. Bake for 12-18 min., until coconut is deeply golden brown, tossing once or twice along the way. If kale mixture on top baking sheet begins to get too browned, move to lower rack. Remove from oven and transfer kale mixture to medium bowl. Taste. If you feel it needs more dressing, add and toss. Add steel cut oats and combine. Serve warm, room temp., or straight from the fridge (this makes great leftovers.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTyXjdvYfjCJ9_jKBScjvSvNBnaL02MAzq9ifiycaP1yGHzU2omX4Onw3fUlE01iR7fNyvS93Kas-y15-QSh5XjYifxinWSUySxNsSA5sImMgqD2Rc5bltiqeXUjLhXRUM4NfZvMCZ1w/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTyXjdvYfjCJ9_jKBScjvSvNBnaL02MAzq9ifiycaP1yGHzU2omX4Onw3fUlE01iR7fNyvS93Kas-y15-QSh5XjYifxinWSUySxNsSA5sImMgqD2Rc5bltiqeXUjLhXRUM4NfZvMCZ1w/s400/IMG_4101.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale Salad</td></tr>
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</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-22097016795718795672013-06-11T13:49:00.000-05:002013-06-11T13:50:10.667-05:00The Eve of Summer Break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are bursting with excitement to officially being our summer break from school after tomorrow. We're hoping to start our days gradually then explore the city, enjoy <a href="http://county.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cntyParks/specialevents/SummersBest2013_Web.pdf">concerts in the parks</a>, <a href="http://county.milwaukee.gov/WadingPools9148.htm">wading pools</a>, <a href="http://www.marcuscenter.org/kidsdays.html">free kids activities</a>, the <a href="http://www.mpl.org/">public libraries</a>. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I've been blogging less and doing more outside. We had a short weekend stint caring for V's classroom chickens one last time (though they're now settling at her teacher's home instead of school), we've camped along the Might Mississippi, and have spent time hanging out with friends by the lakefront.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikcFEotdjWNI046H8jM4L4IYnJ0Fn5u_audxumN4FXxvvMBE6_YPfYdH7eHp2RPUgHf1kzk2xdJY4vylithcH97dQ5aScDJvMrZA2v70UKe33_r6DV6e9cSE8pZ7H2olrBqGbvS5iQhk/s1600/IMG_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikcFEotdjWNI046H8jM4L4IYnJ0Fn5u_audxumN4FXxvvMBE6_YPfYdH7eHp2RPUgHf1kzk2xdJY4vylithcH97dQ5aScDJvMrZA2v70UKe33_r6DV6e9cSE8pZ7H2olrBqGbvS5iQhk/s400/IMG_3960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey and Maggie pecking around the backyard. The LUH looks pretty<br />
good with a couple of hens.</td></tr>
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<br />
One other item I've added to my summer routine is walking by the lake early in the morning in lieu of the gym. Beautiful sunrises! I've always dreamed of having this early morning time in the summer all to myself. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKqR7uTDSsa0mhvN3YW_3J4qqzrj9U-dnM8cdCKs9jQeis1IswSaGNd29JGIkKilatjWHsoJB9r2aG2S-r_JvzJgG-B4s0kX1xHalCcRhalgIrggbsWQCzQKiIh0j8XIBrmfwlIY7Lh0/s1600/IMG_3869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKqR7uTDSsa0mhvN3YW_3J4qqzrj9U-dnM8cdCKs9jQeis1IswSaGNd29JGIkKilatjWHsoJB9r2aG2S-r_JvzJgG-B4s0kX1xHalCcRhalgIrggbsWQCzQKiIh0j8XIBrmfwlIY7Lh0/s400/IMG_3869.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never get tired of this view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9mgHlvXqouniMdkJ9ThMemNrgYYnTU4i1XWUc8BGqtGE5ccFE_SVp_cOpX5uCbcj0QJibZ6INokU4fHkNwB0viebfIrM6bVCnlbYTcKj4zXp_YmhOhPd2Klc9Kh3PKPhaV1TsLA6nHs/s1600/IMG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9mgHlvXqouniMdkJ9ThMemNrgYYnTU4i1XWUc8BGqtGE5ccFE_SVp_cOpX5uCbcj0QJibZ6INokU4fHkNwB0viebfIrM6bVCnlbYTcKj4zXp_YmhOhPd2Klc9Kh3PKPhaV1TsLA6nHs/s400/IMG_3870.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFfrUNtSh-NCW9xrdRKGNiYME7D9jzIU8kyzA1TUP2L6CNxPlRN9FDqzEBBYM8sTWmKIJn0jnW_AJzxgW7o0hRZtkOVEAZkDKlzMB-vDm2CWMeXCICDpIF1W2-6s-V-5H_GBIwDrx__0/s1600/IMG_3873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFfrUNtSh-NCW9xrdRKGNiYME7D9jzIU8kyzA1TUP2L6CNxPlRN9FDqzEBBYM8sTWmKIJn0jnW_AJzxgW7o0hRZtkOVEAZkDKlzMB-vDm2CWMeXCICDpIF1W2-6s-V-5H_GBIwDrx__0/s400/IMG_3873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVrrp6eyba3HizLZaop_TZ_mubMfRiVCtC85MqV1YYkcTCdXQ9wjOVPNxsC8BEYDBrjm4W7fNe23XvNbpOxU6uSt0Bppgl3cWs80m92PpHQFN3ciMwTMwQevDG0SvJdIZiUUr5k3rA5E/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVrrp6eyba3HizLZaop_TZ_mubMfRiVCtC85MqV1YYkcTCdXQ9wjOVPNxsC8BEYDBrjm4W7fNe23XvNbpOxU6uSt0Bppgl3cWs80m92PpHQFN3ciMwTMwQevDG0SvJdIZiUUr5k3rA5E/s400/IMG_3956.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And beautiful sunsets too</td></tr>
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My most recent project: turning an olive oil can into a pot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5YZiUdeGSdncJefXadCrkK-wpt8gdXIDeniKvUkO3MvsPEgbxWpULmfn6jUa9cNMXsitBY7fP18CviMEYzXH4krfUcYqNTzbBe4dL057gh3QLB9XFjU7Eu6aGrCe2JvJA1EoRY9NSP4/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5YZiUdeGSdncJefXadCrkK-wpt8gdXIDeniKvUkO3MvsPEgbxWpULmfn6jUa9cNMXsitBY7fP18CviMEYzXH4krfUcYqNTzbBe4dL057gh3QLB9XFjU7Eu6aGrCe2JvJA1EoRY9NSP4/s400/IMG_3823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poked some drainage holes in the bottom with a can/bottle opener</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMUY3_GMfipZyI1MnmcUMeWBm6Yt2hju31E02-IJXvIv87gTKrbC9T3kxSTv8Y94qxhD4sJmLsT-2TOAFRqeN-eKSlxHGkfdTW7jQqFexll468uskUN7cZ3bfGo_id9qc-edAmy2-phY/s1600/IMG_3824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMUY3_GMfipZyI1MnmcUMeWBm6Yt2hju31E02-IJXvIv87gTKrbC9T3kxSTv8Y94qxhD4sJmLsT-2TOAFRqeN-eKSlxHGkfdTW7jQqFexll468uskUN7cZ3bfGo_id9qc-edAmy2-phY/s400/IMG_3824.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made sure there were no sharp edges around the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOFp6vc6_S3ERovyCYQLcCVlhC7DhhGujwByRvFX2NKnG-I9S99ZMLaVx2Z6ctYItJLc9NE7UeGIYoLmbAadP4ruc5QSrUhDRaaXgtBAR9BYfVrotcnaUrFQJLyufv7sgpSw9zizcdqo/s1600/IMG_3842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOFp6vc6_S3ERovyCYQLcCVlhC7DhhGujwByRvFX2NKnG-I9S99ZMLaVx2Z6ctYItJLc9NE7UeGIYoLmbAadP4ruc5QSrUhDRaaXgtBAR9BYfVrotcnaUrFQJLyufv7sgpSw9zizcdqo/s400/IMG_3842.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planted some flowers. We'll see how weathered the<br />
can looks by summer's end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been hanging on to <a href="http://honest-food.net/veggie-recipes/pickle-recipes/pickled-ramps-with-saffron/">this recipe</a> for too long and now the ramps in the woods are probably all gone. But if you're interested, bookmark this for next year. <br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-_AdUlVD7kNcxeTKsl2JeHmR259l_030eW-p3aSAscJDsOwRKnPOMM3h86QV8xiTXktt0SJE2V3skbLkJNw5UlFCQfQan0tm7-44MomIg7Bdz9nkkeWp_CN590aGD4g0iWL_vIGSaPo/s1600/IMG_3828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-_AdUlVD7kNcxeTKsl2JeHmR259l_030eW-p3aSAscJDsOwRKnPOMM3h86QV8xiTXktt0SJE2V3skbLkJNw5UlFCQfQan0tm7-44MomIg7Bdz9nkkeWp_CN590aGD4g0iWL_vIGSaPo/s400/IMG_3828.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramps in Saffron Brine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZul2_hnl2inj5nfi-ClqGKMTbtBIjEd-AYHvKHXFqQy8H5dhvqpxBclHyQu0op97J8ekfyzrSbU3r0X0JQFEJlG1zg2aC-3rqu7UV5dnvwsjRBfJ6DLt0le7PoWu5zxsBq8zST0p1WME/s1600/IMG_3835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZul2_hnl2inj5nfi-ClqGKMTbtBIjEd-AYHvKHXFqQy8H5dhvqpxBclHyQu0op97J8ekfyzrSbU3r0X0JQFEJlG1zg2aC-3rqu7UV5dnvwsjRBfJ6DLt0le7PoWu5zxsBq8zST0p1WME/s400/IMG_3835.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickled Saffron Ramps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And how does our garden grow?<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPY7IyxC2UIauQnvA_-HnwTSlmMEUZSNyW97sEzREMVguaKgA8EvPFgV5OyWesJCr86-YtoVaeTSNi865-i4L4VuL0gff6_uyOskajcMgomA08_dTwWXKVmvaxM8oYRM_0mDPwSZAos4/s1600/IMG_3901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPY7IyxC2UIauQnvA_-HnwTSlmMEUZSNyW97sEzREMVguaKgA8EvPFgV5OyWesJCr86-YtoVaeTSNi865-i4L4VuL0gff6_uyOskajcMgomA08_dTwWXKVmvaxM8oYRM_0mDPwSZAos4/s400/IMG_3901.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Mizuna and Scarlet Frills Mustard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIzYZI8yuAiamwY3aVDQ440shb-SIvdRmud06Qw9g0RPsics0R4Y6E32ICWpimXjhxXOniPSGgqqHBGmVj_PXCo7X5VYImJ87qGmaUkeeRdtxSzvFpWUsVCB58tf87sVlrEzPwKEpmLo/s1600/IMG_3904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIzYZI8yuAiamwY3aVDQ440shb-SIvdRmud06Qw9g0RPsics0R4Y6E32ICWpimXjhxXOniPSGgqqHBGmVj_PXCo7X5VYImJ87qGmaUkeeRdtxSzvFpWUsVCB58tf87sVlrEzPwKEpmLo/s400/IMG_3904.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad Mix<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfRs_2ndm-pDWcXn-y-1YzbyzGytAJ4aR-41Z7VGQT3DGjBoayf6taIGtalKZ0TJXuAxN1AbTpjieUkxPWqrnasxn4xl4RzUMRSNOBDe4r5eM7fC78O_h1h-ldE13-oRahm7u3kJsIxQ/s1600/IMG_3905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfRs_2ndm-pDWcXn-y-1YzbyzGytAJ4aR-41Z7VGQT3DGjBoayf6taIGtalKZ0TJXuAxN1AbTpjieUkxPWqrnasxn4xl4RzUMRSNOBDe4r5eM7fC78O_h1h-ldE13-oRahm7u3kJsIxQ/s400/IMG_3905.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shungiku (Chrysanthemum Leaf)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqIGdmKo4C8R5Mb6mR8yr8C4uYK7mQWW5JSRypwog-dpLebXnffX3o6w39QyvFebr_qr4i47aVdk-MRD9BHn0mIYXSw0tdGwDmp9yuu407DAuINqDDJRo6lFcQu8fzWdccHLYpDiZ_8A/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqIGdmKo4C8R5Mb6mR8yr8C4uYK7mQWW5JSRypwog-dpLebXnffX3o6w39QyvFebr_qr4i47aVdk-MRD9BHn0mIYXSw0tdGwDmp9yuu407DAuINqDDJRo6lFcQu8fzWdccHLYpDiZ_8A/s400/IMG_3911.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Russian Kale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sr_nShziIhfoAZv7UTqXANTTo3Ert4Xs4dFtbvKLSa5wp5LyeJmOdZpcEx8coTzXnsFZ-AhOmGhyPayxn7gv2bY15Tx2caQJ6TYuZ7BhYZogTxUbfB5ncYiizr_aUCV0NfIHC4KOfEY/s1600/IMG_3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sr_nShziIhfoAZv7UTqXANTTo3Ert4Xs4dFtbvKLSa5wp5LyeJmOdZpcEx8coTzXnsFZ-AhOmGhyPayxn7gv2bY15Tx2caQJ6TYuZ7BhYZogTxUbfB5ncYiizr_aUCV0NfIHC4KOfEY/s400/IMG_3912.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad Turnips in need of thinning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA_BNBsfMsgbztmUAgK810ERXHSrMu6PnAte7__3XmGBRLBif9JUOoydDd3UnFxYSKABHrfue72MtFhBNoun9uRG_GevQmtbGr_iIUIV7NIGTCkHZM8lOVk3aHVbnTLmHPESYAzdUZOs/s1600/IMG_3915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA_BNBsfMsgbztmUAgK810ERXHSrMu6PnAte7__3XmGBRLBif9JUOoydDd3UnFxYSKABHrfue72MtFhBNoun9uRG_GevQmtbGr_iIUIV7NIGTCkHZM8lOVk3aHVbnTLmHPESYAzdUZOs/s400/IMG_3915.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part edible, part annual</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvuykQHYgEPo0uurHCLxZqocaFCngaCEQfxATEgxNlTh6h9WPDepw4hvu6OzoF3cpomROVoRs2Ps3IGxwfq63khfd7OkkF0xDq6CRLoAnn3pp9nI0laIhsabRTcobM3M9ecc2BwOt5U0/s1600/IMG_3916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvuykQHYgEPo0uurHCLxZqocaFCngaCEQfxATEgxNlTh6h9WPDepw4hvu6OzoF3cpomROVoRs2Ps3IGxwfq63khfd7OkkF0xDq6CRLoAnn3pp9nI0laIhsabRTcobM3M9ecc2BwOt5U0/s400/IMG_3916.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Snap Peas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5rrbm4k_6V0D1S_zBhKF3UrsG7qJ5UN-e96xcGOUpnNo4rSdpgmBExvAV5XMKgDE57Lh72J_7gHNH_4gdJZldmdvXqBjG2CUUUowcxPhOlQ10A4wVl0EacVzV4SHc2FNt5UOPeH9i9w/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5rrbm4k_6V0D1S_zBhKF3UrsG7qJ5UN-e96xcGOUpnNo4rSdpgmBExvAV5XMKgDE57Lh72J_7gHNH_4gdJZldmdvXqBjG2CUUUowcxPhOlQ10A4wVl0EacVzV4SHc2FNt5UOPeH9i9w/s400/IMG_3923.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little evening hangout at the homestead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-6394655992091801092013-05-23T13:11:00.000-05:002013-05-23T13:11:41.963-05:00In a Rush to Relax<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet5LjLLGyb6_seZRypXGCZPEgLZ6s15XamA2OQwvhV14Nc6X1TMhtrX80kfYiWv_xnEGbwJkD8_bcw_h9zdxI_rPjJqAmQDNJ2WKT9v9SgdkO_eJGI2DbYBECJq6QKpnTnWPe6_ZaR_8/s1600/IMG_3455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet5LjLLGyb6_seZRypXGCZPEgLZ6s15XamA2OQwvhV14Nc6X1TMhtrX80kfYiWv_xnEGbwJkD8_bcw_h9zdxI_rPjJqAmQDNJ2WKT9v9SgdkO_eJGI2DbYBECJq6QKpnTnWPe6_ZaR_8/s400/IMG_3455.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The homestead thus far. With all this rain, it's a jungle<br />
out there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we've scrambled around this week to prepare for a Memorial Day weekend outing in nature a recurring thought has crossed my mind. It seems that before every escape, no matter how near or far, we rush through the week making lists, running errands, getting supplies, and working ahead till we come to a screeching halt at our temporary relaxation site where we need an entire 24 hours (at least!) to unwind before we can really settle into the quiet, calm, unscheduled beauty of it all. This is a topic covered a bit in <a href="http://zerowastehome.blogspot.com/p/book.html">Zero Waste Home</a>, a book I mentioned in my <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2013/05/still-life.html">last post</a>. If we all didn't have so many possessions to manage, organize, maintain, and store then wouldn't we have more time to just enjoy life? I'm hoping to find some time in the great outdoors this weekend to really ponder that question. And I'm hoping the feeling of taking it slowly and enjoying the journey will last once we start our routine next week.<br />
<br />
The last week and a half have found me outside quite a bit more. We've had some gorgeous weather which allowed me to get V and a friend out in the woods as well as really zone in on my garden.<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYOXtn-aaNC4qFXir31n5C4VgP4iGdsIuJr-Nhxznbi4TAn5CLnW90ABeX6YO9K83tJDvZYDdzp67CGAx-RhcZneVbyVnJlspyXcNS3kTjj4LfY6VkrDOtAvOtZMvRKVaxBaKJQmuhXM/s1600/IMG_4091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYOXtn-aaNC4qFXir31n5C4VgP4iGdsIuJr-Nhxznbi4TAn5CLnW90ABeX6YO9K83tJDvZYDdzp67CGAx-RhcZneVbyVnJlspyXcNS3kTjj4LfY6VkrDOtAvOtZMvRKVaxBaKJQmuhXM/s400/IMG_4091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls being girls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My early seeds have sprouted and are well on their way. I can nearly taste the salad greens and have already used many herbs. Last year we didn't do much with the garden because we'd just come off of our kitchen remodel and were drained in many ways. I guess now I'm making up for that lack of garden expansion. We've incorporated a lot more perennial foods this year. We replanted asparagus (for the third time, which will be a charm, right?), planted a <a href="http://www.jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=20085&c=453&p=Nero+Aronia" style="font-style: italic;">Nero Aronia</a> bush (which I THOUGHT I read was a.k.a. chokeberry, but now I'm not finding that information) which should fruit this first year, planted a variety of <a href="http://www.jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=30428">hops</a> (the gateway crop for my husband to join me in urban homesteading)--our trellis/hops crop a few years ago was ripped down in a wind storm so here's to a second try, started some hardy kiwi (also planted for the third time--another charm), added more rhubarb, and put in more strawberries to join the golden raspberries, elderberries, gooseberries, thornless blackberries, red currants, grapes, sunchokes, tart and sweet cherries, and heirloom apples already in place. <br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aYRQOXea0Ty7-HQeXw2puyXoTbhOg3KdSGL3KcQg15yrkXjWs7SXYd36YcUpq7gBfv5now06-rS4rwmZfL9P8eQGCRafILHbi925kgh8H4MxDMRPXmMVo4T9pDO146NhA-Xi9D0STHw/s1600/IMG_4129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aYRQOXea0Ty7-HQeXw2puyXoTbhOg3KdSGL3KcQg15yrkXjWs7SXYd36YcUpq7gBfv5now06-rS4rwmZfL9P8eQGCRafILHbi925kgh8H4MxDMRPXmMVo4T9pDO146NhA-Xi9D0STHw/s400/IMG_4129.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink full of muddy, soaking sunchokes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOdih4CMLdXGcOAH09RghDVemAwUI5-5F21gV9TklAnQe0KGNcRwhNbWT6XSmedp1rlqX58SElY4gVXNygEPoXkHEYxb4ubF8H8d9bitVvB1CRGhixx8bqMciKF91QbMvcf32NoO0ZPE/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOdih4CMLdXGcOAH09RghDVemAwUI5-5F21gV9TklAnQe0KGNcRwhNbWT6XSmedp1rlqX58SElY4gVXNygEPoXkHEYxb4ubF8H8d9bitVvB1CRGhixx8bqMciKF91QbMvcf32NoO0ZPE/s400/IMG_3456.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Hood hops beginning to vine towards the trellis.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukh4x5vOQrNTLhK2UiaGYhZ1pKIjq_FQaaqbrvMNLab6jgd3iW3aYcMajSWMW0OIb88OSd0sXk46R16G-yX7y1VcWRRvH7C2CxNbpDLnUk5jFSPPLeABfqWTdEB9SCyk4Eg10GSqD4dM/s1600/IMG_4131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukh4x5vOQrNTLhK2UiaGYhZ1pKIjq_FQaaqbrvMNLab6jgd3iW3aYcMajSWMW0OIb88OSd0sXk46R16G-yX7y1VcWRRvH7C2CxNbpDLnUk5jFSPPLeABfqWTdEB9SCyk4Eg10GSqD4dM/s400/IMG_4131.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three-year-old blackberry bushes join our<br />
already prolific 6-year-old bushes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3s1LdBDZhflbjSgiaJ2eJ0JstBSm0w7liB_ZrIVt-2a1iwncVDK-WpRB-Pb0g5lZkbwpSRgSKw4gGfT33Zss2OjDunEkH-QqdUTJVYw0C_xWGFDe3CnLCZEou0s6gmQmXFUmlDFwkRw/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3s1LdBDZhflbjSgiaJ2eJ0JstBSm0w7liB_ZrIVt-2a1iwncVDK-WpRB-Pb0g5lZkbwpSRgSKw4gGfT33Zss2OjDunEkH-QqdUTJVYw0C_xWGFDe3CnLCZEou0s6gmQmXFUmlDFwkRw/s400/IMG_4134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Grapevines really starting to leaf out this week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzm-9pDD2y0eej4Hem4_y6jh3kpM14rRDZOrrdINcxgKUJcle7G-bOjjBqe6zcybS_VR5bQ_rSSgg2due15fbkr0swCE4qOOBXFWfygFwGOavviHkzXXgRXzur4tQ61Z1Uiyi6bGi82U/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzm-9pDD2y0eej4Hem4_y6jh3kpM14rRDZOrrdINcxgKUJcle7G-bOjjBqe6zcybS_VR5bQ_rSSgg2due15fbkr0swCE4qOOBXFWfygFwGOavviHkzXXgRXzur4tQ61Z1Uiyi6bGi82U/s400/IMG_4138.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Enterprise apple blossoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9h1B-n_Np4FMxYLHjAD69kVa_Bxh9qx05ddbI8fHIlUket8SM5SQ4Kn5Jvy5GP-vNnKCc0daqxPx3fbB0f0e6PDNMpQebXj3qxkLncSWgo5XqOKRf2cpR-odWSPw9aRcLpwbeOYg-tQ/s1600/IMG_4140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9h1B-n_Np4FMxYLHjAD69kVa_Bxh9qx05ddbI8fHIlUket8SM5SQ4Kn5Jvy5GP-vNnKCc0daqxPx3fbB0f0e6PDNMpQebXj3qxkLncSWgo5XqOKRf2cpR-odWSPw9aRcLpwbeOYg-tQ/s400/IMG_4140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Sunchokes already proliferating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4qspbN9D9Cpz39dW2pOWmS9X4RTwQcaZKth66KlIJztf0LIayaRVpnSM0xwcALVuZsg-Uq8FZOjx1FOm0Q1SREmBzE3DsllQ88EYY2YfOFobKHC0N-ijRC812mG87sYBkRoG2gYxfGg/s1600/IMG_4142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4qspbN9D9Cpz39dW2pOWmS9X4RTwQcaZKth66KlIJztf0LIayaRVpnSM0xwcALVuZsg-Uq8FZOjx1FOm0Q1SREmBzE3DsllQ88EYY2YfOFobKHC0N-ijRC812mG87sYBkRoG2gYxfGg/s400/IMG_4142.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Red Lake Currants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_zwN2ApiYsZraq5Jc14XmyPT2-CApSKiFsaBdvXPC0n1Y4r2RpsZTIqJAF_jAI_4ntCOgUPMe_8NJ0DYk1r_tjG_rR77ZByigNWFPXW7RKJU85VW0n4MxP5iCv1c9I-vlagE8EMyXSs/s1600/IMG_4145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_zwN2ApiYsZraq5Jc14XmyPT2-CApSKiFsaBdvXPC0n1Y4r2RpsZTIqJAF_jAI_4ntCOgUPMe_8NJ0DYk1r_tjG_rR77ZByigNWFPXW7RKJU85VW0n4MxP5iCv1c9I-vlagE8EMyXSs/s400/IMG_4145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Original rhubarb patch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZdq5rK1Aij3Y6yWch_gNmZf3xuJ6Acjkt0juLBUi7sk-OR0IF8611Zpp6-RiKq3Zuz_siVH7krPYXYyDmdF9NLpsLPpFX1wlkM5BXEr-_HhXD-LjylByDN8bQNFWY1MkdKVL3ld3vjs/s1600/IMG_4147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZdq5rK1Aij3Y6yWch_gNmZf3xuJ6Acjkt0juLBUi7sk-OR0IF8611Zpp6-RiKq3Zuz_siVH7krPYXYyDmdF9NLpsLPpFX1wlkM5BXEr-_HhXD-LjylByDN8bQNFWY1MkdKVL3ld3vjs/s400/IMG_4147.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Strawberries and Golden Raspberries on the ground <br />
and new strawberries in the raised bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The big project this week was to finally--after 3-4 seasons of procrastination--dig up our parkway (or as some call it "hell strip") and plant edibles. I chose some sturdy rhubarb, red and green cabbages, broccoli, flowering kale, and perennial lovage. I currently have it blocked off with a little garden edging (in white, which I'm not crazy about), but am hoping to keep dogs off of it at least until it's more established. I knew I was taking a risk when I did this--the city can also tromp on it without notice or compensation if they need access. It's a risk I'm willing to take in the name of food production. At least I won't have to drag my rotary mower to the front now. There's a tiny strip of grass on the north side of our front steps that I also hope to turn into edible space someday. For now I can trim that with a manual hedge trimmer.<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUupRT5WR8jT5CKNFcDaqiSQ1Od6WrUakmq6lZT1NtQCyrgL_TJla7qq4tgqI8VBFoXV45uvpwTuqjbZBNxTCNHoh1L6t8B9n8CtMixpLRotPsJI8xaru1mGRiA91Hq0sWaAsr3_pcxRs/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUupRT5WR8jT5CKNFcDaqiSQ1Od6WrUakmq6lZT1NtQCyrgL_TJla7qq4tgqI8VBFoXV45uvpwTuqjbZBNxTCNHoh1L6t8B9n8CtMixpLRotPsJI8xaru1mGRiA91Hq0sWaAsr3_pcxRs/s400/IMG_3444.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhpgdjm4siFZWbr8rAOw0GOKJVg5a_S-I9qHT17cn4hLIwyG59wULBsT2Vle1Sddj0vRS56ojpy7hX3W4ne_vNDxuziAndlsTglxw6EGMyZofQLELYPCGLFUMY9EWGN9ex2UndbQT22U/s1600/IMG_3453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhpgdjm4siFZWbr8rAOw0GOKJVg5a_S-I9qHT17cn4hLIwyG59wULBsT2Vle1Sddj0vRS56ojpy7hX3W4ne_vNDxuziAndlsTglxw6EGMyZofQLELYPCGLFUMY9EWGN9ex2UndbQT22U/s400/IMG_3453.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After--I'm not crazy about the white edging, but it works<br />
until I find something better. At least it's a temporary visual <br />
for dogs and people.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc3twIwldZ8vTZYM1cVpCQSxbFRwKP2a2mA3456F1QAQsKqTkeMESmtT1G6zpEL31FD8l1EYZrQvyWCVhGoTH4LH2YsyHBVV1UNZj7yIjuLfMSa82rDAwIG7CFCgR2YRZzLS8uyaldX4/s1600/IMG_3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmc3twIwldZ8vTZYM1cVpCQSxbFRwKP2a2mA3456F1QAQsKqTkeMESmtT1G6zpEL31FD8l1EYZrQvyWCVhGoTH4LH2YsyHBVV1UNZj7yIjuLfMSa82rDAwIG7CFCgR2YRZzLS8uyaldX4/s400/IMG_3454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path I created from some pieces of busted concrete we had from a <br />
pathway project in the backyard a few years ago. Creeping thyme will<br />
hopefully fill in the cracks in a couple of seasons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I'm also having fun with more container veggies this year: determinate tomatoes, peppers, and mixed brassicas.</span></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yAYqJtYjZlYE3qlkvNIY2EV-DJ2CSYl_57qOe5gqD88I7VBVHllmh9ze0TwIcTB2S1Gj3AyMgY3liQJF79DJjD9rJJrJAhCgx_KoMRzROXNjYM8pyXYuB4kRh14kqJASxHJioE9VN9k/s1600/IMG_3451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yAYqJtYjZlYE3qlkvNIY2EV-DJ2CSYl_57qOe5gqD88I7VBVHllmh9ze0TwIcTB2S1Gj3AyMgY3liQJF79DJjD9rJJrJAhCgx_KoMRzROXNjYM8pyXYuB4kRh14kqJASxHJioE9VN9k/s320/IMG_3451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lacinato and Red Russian Kale, Red Orach, Treviso<br />
Radicchio, and Baby Mustard greens add color and<br />
texture to the front stoop.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV-WiN8AnVTj3HcU3KTd74L6xAWq0YX33SdE68D1E7dP0KcJsrNg-w8pZuZ-t51Tnkphz94MkSovHY3anBD9UqwDyqyCXUulk0jX9oF5Uzy_nYHwAEUB71gT7D3LHVI3CHQ2-bzsouWE/s1600/IMG_3452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV-WiN8AnVTj3HcU3KTd74L6xAWq0YX33SdE68D1E7dP0KcJsrNg-w8pZuZ-t51Tnkphz94MkSovHY3anBD9UqwDyqyCXUulk0jX9oF5Uzy_nYHwAEUB71gT7D3LHVI3CHQ2-bzsouWE/s400/IMG_3452.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V's upcycled clementine boxes with chamomile, nasturtiums, <br />
radishes, bachelor buttons amid some little ceramic<br />
friends we found at a church rummage. We'll see what <br />
actually has enough depth to grow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And just some other unique odds and ends this year:<br />
<div>
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmbs1k1UObbx7mYQi4Sk-ChG4C78FS79CbYJrVmzFIztLo4uhU66PdEGn-pTvCfurDiHB7_4dVSBh5u7PWYLGGQXkgaXAarpGNBR6xAPBMOh9nF0VUGFmsMDCGMyGjwsE8iXZ1p95dDg/s1600/IMG_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmbs1k1UObbx7mYQi4Sk-ChG4C78FS79CbYJrVmzFIztLo4uhU66PdEGn-pTvCfurDiHB7_4dVSBh5u7PWYLGGQXkgaXAarpGNBR6xAPBMOh9nF0VUGFmsMDCGMyGjwsE8iXZ1p95dDg/s400/IMG_4135.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potted Curry plant, French tarragon, and Italian parsley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnz1GvOxZ5lXsRPd0OR1wHBVMeXgEByD5BcSLG-OwiuEJwLa9J2DX9D-Byl2W15GicpEmSYC0v3b-D9268tdrVLx7ngJpsebfMoUqa-un_jmRas93ZzBMHNVRLJSSubJOr6wfMFrue0gM/s1600/IMG_4137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnz1GvOxZ5lXsRPd0OR1wHBVMeXgEByD5BcSLG-OwiuEJwLa9J2DX9D-Byl2W15GicpEmSYC0v3b-D9268tdrVLx7ngJpsebfMoUqa-un_jmRas93ZzBMHNVRLJSSubJOr6wfMFrue0gM/s400/IMG_4137.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arugula, radishes, and peas on a trellis<br />
upcycled from my neighbors' broken and <br />
discarded drying rack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqUefHjTXAryvDKfb56kO_8DvPErouWhxtIhX5HRsr5PmXN9_5RozT8nXyBcn9MlCBKq3VcxBhFTQEulv2QzNUsXwAdgDYD8cu4c99AvDSuewytsnRHdLxSIGoVhdU2JKUh2UV-kwhjs/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqUefHjTXAryvDKfb56kO_8DvPErouWhxtIhX5HRsr5PmXN9_5RozT8nXyBcn9MlCBKq3VcxBhFTQEulv2QzNUsXwAdgDYD8cu4c99AvDSuewytsnRHdLxSIGoVhdU2JKUh2UV-kwhjs/s400/IMG_4144.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V wanted to grow some popcorn near her<br />
garden. We'll give it a shot, but only under<br />
protection from the birds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRnRYpbdMg0GP4WJwlFYxYaBz-j40v7XHZWmWI_DbcyQkGgBWQs3BcKwb5tQLV6UqO5RB9HCYI6i0jgQQd9e_I_99iBvYaVlf77dvnO53EQEHz939UKTgzEs3_pgyb2Y0bneQ1nEg1WY/s1600/IMG_4152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRnRYpbdMg0GP4WJwlFYxYaBz-j40v7XHZWmWI_DbcyQkGgBWQs3BcKwb5tQLV6UqO5RB9HCYI6i0jgQQd9e_I_99iBvYaVlf77dvnO53EQEHz939UKTgzEs3_pgyb2Y0bneQ1nEg1WY/s400/IMG_4152.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the greenhouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
We're looking forward to the beginning of summer and relaxing a lot in our backyard sanctuary. Everyone have a safe and happy holiday season.</div>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-28084398696578115162013-05-11T16:36:00.002-05:002013-05-11T16:37:12.132-05:00Still Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEc3flG0RgNFwcC3q0ymuMr9t5jAHVhJL1jgpGlgiXbAHvXzqythn9f_WhaM4wfKgAk-kSzSrZs7os1tbyWAFt6mBKkfSqdAmJ_KO8ds7CuEEf_uVdNaoFq-zBh0JtbcXFvXBUiJXBM4/s1600/IMG_3284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEc3flG0RgNFwcC3q0ymuMr9t5jAHVhJL1jgpGlgiXbAHvXzqythn9f_WhaM4wfKgAk-kSzSrZs7os1tbyWAFt6mBKkfSqdAmJ_KO8ds7CuEEf_uVdNaoFq-zBh0JtbcXFvXBUiJXBM4/s400/IMG_3284.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite seasonal still life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Life is good. I really have nothing serious to complain about. But again today my husband and I were discussing how much of a time suck the "life maintenance" items on our lists can be. Of course there's laundry to do, groceries to buy, gardens to tend, housecleaning to do, dinners to cook. I'm not talking about that life maintenance (because I truly enjoy doing ALL of those things), but it's the scheduling and bill paying and organizing and trying to keep up with world events and social media, etc. etc. etc. I'm reading <a href="http://zerowastehome.blogspot.com/p/book.html">Zero Waste Home</a> right now which I referenced in a <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2011/02/uprising-and-upcycling.html">post</a> a couple of years ago. It's good to have a refresher course. We have a long way to go to achieve "zero waste" at home despite how other school moms tease me on the playground at pick-up about my lack of garbage. But what I find interesting in Bea Johnson's story is how once her family began pairing down their belongings and waste, they eventually found more time for enjoying the beauty of life and each other. We're striving for that. <br />
<br />
In the meantime I have kiddos to thank for helping me slow down now and then. V is good at reminding me that sometimes I need to take time out to dance or watch the grass grow. This past week she had a friend over after school. I always welcome playmates not only because it's good for her as an only child to practice sharing her space and toys, but also because it usually means they can keep each other occupied while I get some things done around the house. Well, on Tuesday they just couldn't seem to get along on our home turf so I had no choice but to take them off premises to the playground at the lakefront. Just walking a couple of blocks on a beautiful day seemed to calm them a bit. After playing on the jungle gym they decided they wanted to throw rocks into the water at the beach. While they were doing so I had no choice but to sit quietly, observe, and help them find some cool rocks to take home. Part of me felt antsy and anxious because I knew I had a big to-do list at home, but part of me realized that THAT was all I really needed to be doing right then. It was all that mattered. My husband would forgive me if I didn't get dinner started on time, my garden would forgive me if I didn't get a seed in the ground that moment, and my fridge would forgive me if I didn't replenish its supply of homemade condiments. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejTm2GwybJgxTVFuQ_xObcgbljeJX2Mrq_CO2rjZttV21holvRPfi4lJt585_wLoV3l_xKyJBsTv_46VA4MKDw_vRLNPVH1kmEhLrb0xmNltIlvx7d5FXjQg0yjujk-D3z5Tu-hckcRk/s1600/IMG_3301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejTm2GwybJgxTVFuQ_xObcgbljeJX2Mrq_CO2rjZttV21holvRPfi4lJt585_wLoV3l_xKyJBsTv_46VA4MKDw_vRLNPVH1kmEhLrb0xmNltIlvx7d5FXjQg0yjujk-D3z5Tu-hckcRk/s400/IMG_3301.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Finding skipping stones, fossilized rocks, sedimentary,<br />
"volcanic," writing rocks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4V7Kkue9xNRfd3hgY9dTwXuuM_ldAyBJNJxFFIilfQCCXitaIbF7M1_MmOZDnr5op_pzjJOI_OkUtD2PzSJfl3N7-hg_NTZkgdSbEloBC5OWkOi3A8Mnpy4xgYNcq1nl3aOA9A46yUFg/s1600/IMG_3303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4V7Kkue9xNRfd3hgY9dTwXuuM_ldAyBJNJxFFIilfQCCXitaIbF7M1_MmOZDnr5op_pzjJOI_OkUtD2PzSJfl3N7-hg_NTZkgdSbEloBC5OWkOi3A8Mnpy4xgYNcq1nl3aOA9A46yUFg/s400/IMG_3303.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even found a fresh water crab claw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oAdqEER53cPUFu1PTAlT-Db9S8Zlfg4EYOfgaceUNbwb88ZPymtvVEfd2qnLaTkdeEa59M0xKe6pUnl9NG85lZKJhqqdpmobmfP_A-1hNAncWqh5eIc8nqNl73ypUPIqQ2R-ZUTQJTg/s1600/IMG_3310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oAdqEER53cPUFu1PTAlT-Db9S8Zlfg4EYOfgaceUNbwb88ZPymtvVEfd2qnLaTkdeEa59M0xKe6pUnl9NG85lZKJhqqdpmobmfP_A-1hNAncWqh5eIc8nqNl73ypUPIqQ2R-ZUTQJTg/s400/IMG_3310.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much work to do writing in the sand, washing/painting<br />
rocks, skipping stones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm hoping this summer V and I strike a balance between scheduled and unscheduled time. I'm excited about sitting in the yard reading a book while she has fun styling my hair with a million clips, watching her jump through the sprinkler while I enjoy a glass of water, taking our artist kits to the park and painting under a shady tree, and sitting outside in the evenings on weekends with my husband just talking and listening to music. Let us do more of those simple things this summer (and NOW) and just be.<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-yYf0RdyH8InmmamsaeUuO7Thiuh36wDWsj1wN_dwwkrG6UVyhfgkiY18IHpFcS7QXLN4qUsZiTVDAHHHSYWbjkaLOIZgm9Mjb3u5KZAFxa0cNKNZKfAURSRxVSU8KdGyRVNBzGgFyE/s1600/IMG_3277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-yYf0RdyH8InmmamsaeUuO7Thiuh36wDWsj1wN_dwwkrG6UVyhfgkiY18IHpFcS7QXLN4qUsZiTVDAHHHSYWbjkaLOIZgm9Mjb3u5KZAFxa0cNKNZKfAURSRxVSU8KdGyRVNBzGgFyE/s400/IMG_3277.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop and smell the cherry blossoms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-70359568310180927942013-05-02T14:47:00.000-05:002013-05-02T14:48:10.114-05:00Clearing the Larder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After one long winter, we're finally getting some spring weather though it's been in small doses. I suppose it's best to eeeease back into it. Although we do have some rows of visible veggies popping up in the garden--salad mix, arugula, radishes--the delayed onset of warm weather has given me one last chance to empty my larder from the past season. The last jar of dilly beans was consumed on Monday, canned tomatoes are long gone (though I still have one gallon freezer bag of our garden toms), onions and potatoes are sprouting on the cellar rack, and dried tomatoes and herbs are dwindling. Had it not been for the batch of freezer jam I made a few weeks ago from some frozen local berries, we would have been way out of sweet preserves as well. <br />
<br />
This time of the year is always challenging for eating locally and I certainly can't say that the majority of our diet is from nearby right now, but we are still managing to find our fair share of local veggies--either properly stored winter crops like onions and squash from our CSA farmer or hoop house grown greens like lettuce and spinach that they've grown this spring. It's been a slower week around here so I've had more time to cook beyond my handful of go-to recipes.<br />
<br />
Sunday night found us with a couple pounds of regional <a href="http://www.organicprairie.com/prod_detail_list/meet_the_farmer">grass-fed organic ground beef</a> so along with some stuffed Greek Burgers I prepared Greek Potato Salad with a rainbow of potatoes I had in the larder from our <a href="http://www.pineholdgardens.com/">CSA farmers</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>Rainbow Greek Potato Salad</u><br />
Serves 6-8<br />
<br />
<i>I added sweet potatoes for color and bulk, but one could use just regular potatoes.</i><br />
<br />
2 c. scrubbed and cubed salad potatoes in a variety of color--purple, pink, yellow, white--1-inch pieces<br />
1 c. peeled, cubed sweet potatoes, 1-inch pieces<br />
Kosher salt<br />
1/2 c. lightly packed fresh parsley leaves<br />
2 T. extra virgin olive oil<br />
1 T. red wine vinegar<br />
1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese, divided<br />
1/2 c. chopped kalamata olives<br />
1 c. diced celery<br />
1/2 c. sliced scallions (white and green parts)<br />
1/2 t. salt, or to taste<br />
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste<br />
<br />
Cook cubed potatoes in highly salted water 15-20 min. or until tender; drain and spread on sheet tray; cool to room temp. Place parsley, oil, vinegar, and half the feta into food processor. Cover and process until finely chopped. In large bowl, combine potatoes, olives, celery, scallions, salt and parsley-feta mixture. Grind pepper on top, toss until combined. Chill or eat immediately.<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E1IUkMD2mZDzyYmTcehc8RPaSVnSfrcLfhPyYAK25z6NMkVhbKUz5UFS360eswyhOpF8_mI2vmCNbjnE22W-hMBbQnbSYCq7QXmuCUA0mp2CUW9LChurwxje-_z9pRRL1IKtslA3Li0/s1600/IMG_3111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5E1IUkMD2mZDzyYmTcehc8RPaSVnSfrcLfhPyYAK25z6NMkVhbKUz5UFS360eswyhOpF8_mI2vmCNbjnE22W-hMBbQnbSYCq7QXmuCUA0mp2CUW9LChurwxje-_z9pRRL1IKtslA3Li0/s640/IMG_3111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful, steamy potatoes alongside an onion, dill pesto, spinach, and feta mixture I stuffed into the burgers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And last night I finely had the time and patience to try a slightly more tedious recipe I'd had in my "Recipes To Try [Soon]" folder for quite a while. The beautiful winter spinach was from <a href="http://www.springdalefarmcsa.org/">Springdale Farm</a> and the roasted red peppers were the last of our non-sharp batch from last season.<br />
<br />
<u>Spinach Roulade with Red Peppers and Ricotta</u><br />
Serves 4<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Suc5gRRzJ-sNrDVFTP3s9-PGIdwO5PgUDFIm4IoLuE4apHdYozYCj6fnZN3gdlqxy81D0xhDBekLr3b6aug-n4pZv0nwLLhUjn6L3j5eAeQfMcPhShfqMn259Ux1OAwOUHBb1rHqDjI/s1600/IMG_3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Suc5gRRzJ-sNrDVFTP3s9-PGIdwO5PgUDFIm4IoLuE4apHdYozYCj6fnZN3gdlqxy81D0xhDBekLr3b6aug-n4pZv0nwLLhUjn6L3j5eAeQfMcPhShfqMn259Ux1OAwOUHBb1rHqDjI/s400/IMG_3233.JPG" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last of our sweet roasted red peppers from 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/2-9781570615832-5">The Adaptable Feast</a>. Despite how this roulade looks as you're rolling and baking it, once you slice into it, there's a great chance it will look beautiful. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and drain before using. Fresh basil is an unseasonal indulgence here. One could substitute 1/2 the amount of dried, but the flavor of fresh basil really brightens the dish.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1 T. grapeseed oil<br />
2 t. minced garlic<br />
10 oz. chopped spinach (or Swiss Chard), fresh or frozen<br />
4 eggs, separated<br />
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese<br />
1/2 t. salt, plus additional<br />
1/2 t. ground nutmeg<br />
1 heaping cup (about 10 oz.) full-fat ricotta cheese<br />
2 T. minced fresh basil<br />
2 T. minced Italian parsley<br />
1/2 t. lemon zest<br />
Freshly ground black pepper<br />
1/2 c. roasted red peppers, or jarred, cut into thin strips<br />
4 c. warm marinara sauce (optional)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 425F. Line 9-by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat, spray with nonstick cooking spray.<br />
<br />
Heat oil over medium heat in large saute pan. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook until wilted (if fresh) or all liquid has evaporated (if frozen), about 3 min. Drain spinach in fine-mesh sieve and squeeze to remove excess moisture. Combine spinach, egg yolks, 1/2 c. Parmesan, 1/2 t. salt, and nutmeg in food processor and pulse until combined. Put back in sieve and place over large mixing bowl to drain additionally while working with egg whites. <br />
<br />
In medium bowl, whip egg whites with pinch of salt until soft peaks form (this can also be done with electric beaters or mixer.) Pour off any additional liquid from spinach mixture and place mixture in bowl. Gently fold a quarter of egg whites into spinach mixture, then fold in remaining egg whites. Spoon mixture gently onto prepared baking sheet and smooth with rubber spatula. Bake until roulade base feels firm when touched, 12-15 min. Invert onto a parchment lined cutting board, remove pan and allow the roulade to cool for 30 min. <br />
<br />
Pour off any excess liquid from ricotta and discard or save for another use. Combine ricotta, basil, parsley, lemon zest, and remaining 1/4 c. Parmesan in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8aBw5QitmLT2XEhC-TOPmwavPoISDcwmWZ5okXNiDd0tRmSrJhE4cmJnXnnPZTwT4HSiAR2nTvYhKUWeJcfmLBr5s21G8EgXm-6v_K8qZYGTyyyIagrHcDT0zhTbAR6rdseSzgqEWvo/s1600/IMG_3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8aBw5QitmLT2XEhC-TOPmwavPoISDcwmWZ5okXNiDd0tRmSrJhE4cmJnXnnPZTwT4HSiAR2nTvYhKUWeJcfmLBr5s21G8EgXm-6v_K8qZYGTyyyIagrHcDT0zhTbAR6rdseSzgqEWvo/s400/IMG_3236.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading the filling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Reduce oven temp. to 350F. Carefully peel top layer of parchment paper/silicone baking mat from roulade. Spread cheese mixture evenly over roulade, leaving 1/2-inch border on sides. Blot peppers dry with paper towels and distribute evenly over cheese mixture. With long end facing you, use bottom piece of parchment as guide to tightly roll up roulade as you would a jelly roll. Carefully place roulade seam side down on baking sheet. (Unbaked roulade can be stored in fridge, wrapped tightly in parchment paper, for up to 1 day. Unwrap and allow to sit at room temp. for 40 min. before baking.<br />
<br />
<br />
Bake roulade until heated through, about 25 min. Slice into 1/2-inch-thick slices with sharp serrated knife, and serve with warm marinara, if desired.<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_TJ5Jg8xlBlPL7d-mixyBOLWYVTvmi0Cn-_EWtCcZQzKMsR_zE_7aj3PfSieUAAjYERqxwckIJ0jpQFQsAgxH4XLbFyoOEtTcoe9sqsCq5Mt3ILTWdnENisWNWwjBHKjS9gUnVkgQIY/s1600/IMG_3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_TJ5Jg8xlBlPL7d-mixyBOLWYVTvmi0Cn-_EWtCcZQzKMsR_zE_7aj3PfSieUAAjYERqxwckIJ0jpQFQsAgxH4XLbFyoOEtTcoe9sqsCq5Mt3ILTWdnENisWNWwjBHKjS9gUnVkgQIY/s400/IMG_3237.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't turn out too bad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other homestead news this week, Ben found time to complete and install the passive solar awning for our upstairs. Our hemp awning finally disintegrated so he wanted to match the lower awning our contractor installed a few years ago. I'm not sure we'll plant anything to reach the top awning this year, but the bottom awning will hopefully finally serve it's purpose with our choice of prolific, vining morning glories in the window boxes.<br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gsZzg52yDfOS_P3RcZi-7nNPeMGJedJvb5e7lvpKcTlC3UOtRPJJZsUb0ZB4SdGgkfbgBTp_rpLIo0ZRer4DPy-T8XyZ9WwWVUydy0aFaX-qBv8FP-HHo14N7SX7djCrknkeKjrsIqI/s1600/IMG_3106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gsZzg52yDfOS_P3RcZi-7nNPeMGJedJvb5e7lvpKcTlC3UOtRPJJZsUb0ZB4SdGgkfbgBTp_rpLIo0ZRer4DPy-T8XyZ9WwWVUydy0aFaX-qBv8FP-HHo14N7SX7djCrknkeKjrsIqI/s400/IMG_3106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B hard at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Backyard hens are still on the horizon for us, but we got some practice this week as we brought V's classroom chicks home for a day. It was a slight circus trying to wheel them home via the bike trailer, especially across a busy street, but we made it and they fared well. They are pretty darn cute even though they poop A LOT! <br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72fiQE-N5dI-eNVJiFASaQsALHY-c4lrv-7zLej3FXVgPT6GxLCXAAqQ_S0ViRGKCFby-k-2FW6t6VyNIMYVhjpLdpc6IrV30hzcKsXu4eaLQcF6p_vLbGm9tOGGjzKTKMuEyk_NGvDE/s1600/IMG_3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72fiQE-N5dI-eNVJiFASaQsALHY-c4lrv-7zLej3FXVgPT6GxLCXAAqQ_S0ViRGKCFby-k-2FW6t6VyNIMYVhjpLdpc6IrV30hzcKsXu4eaLQcF6p_vLbGm9tOGGjzKTKMuEyk_NGvDE/s400/IMG_3230.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmel, Carmel, Blackie, and Sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The yard is really starting to pop this week with buds on the cherry trees, sorrel, chives, leafed out berry bushes, rhubarb. I do believe spring is finally here!</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-49357809263660798062013-04-17T14:13:00.000-05:002013-04-17T14:13:38.688-05:00On Top of It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LJAXeXbNO2owkreEvYd26nDHoKB2k807s4JNSsuFQ_3PNakBsshrbCl5Uvw3rsKjL3nMLL81YtNh6Qey4vUvhRTdPfrqeZgNxgxALIpUpwO35rzED73koZKF4KaoHtRagCRJSa2wsWU/s1600/IMG_2980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LJAXeXbNO2owkreEvYd26nDHoKB2k807s4JNSsuFQ_3PNakBsshrbCl5Uvw3rsKjL3nMLL81YtNh6Qey4vUvhRTdPfrqeZgNxgxALIpUpwO35rzED73koZKF4KaoHtRagCRJSa2wsWU/s400/IMG_2980.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 cubic yds. of mulch is always more than I think when<br />
I order it. But we were able to put a nice 2-3 inch layer<br />
down to help retain moisture during another <br />
potentially hot, dry summer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By now I'm doing my best to look at the bright side of all this rain and gloominess over the last two weeks (with more to come next week, apparently.) The upside is that I've been forced to wait to plant vegetable seeds. The ground's been too wet and I don't particularly want to crawl around in the rain to do so. We've taken this opportunity to work on the careful choreography that is preparing the garden for the season. Normally, when we have the first rush of warmth in March and the ground thaws, I'm in a tizzy to get radishes, peas, arugula, and other leafy greens seeded. That burst of excitement is always temporarily tabled as I realize I must first spread last year's compost onto the garden then scrub out the tumbler before filling it with the winter basement compost. Then I must procure any additional organic topsoil I need to either top off the raised beds or cover up any spread compost that's not completely broken down. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94GD-eQ7H35c-jDnYeBQujY5qI6TmJ2aTnRX5vPMiBQyUJrii-joZGZMitOM7DG1Lg2EgxxDrBsSUBZuS7VRktw8lMc6pBqsepVPL1CTqqhHMdSzofx9jqoL8uHW9rlQ83uCCllKSRy4/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94GD-eQ7H35c-jDnYeBQujY5qI6TmJ2aTnRX5vPMiBQyUJrii-joZGZMitOM7DG1Lg2EgxxDrBsSUBZuS7VRktw8lMc6pBqsepVPL1CTqqhHMdSzofx9jqoL8uHW9rlQ83uCCllKSRy4/s400/IMG_2990.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The work is done for today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We also took advantage of the one potentially sunny day last weekend to have our biennial 3 cubic yards of bulk mulch delivered (it wasn't as sunny as originally predicted and on April 12 I was pitching mulch in 3 layers of clothing with little snowflakes falling.) But now s eeds are started indoors and Ben even rigged up the grow lights in the garage inside of the odd bay window with a blind that's there. We still aren't quite sure why the original owner installed this window, but the bay between the awning and the window makes a perfect spot for seedlings. With the light on a timer, it's a pretty low-maintenance set-up thus far. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZrBQq0Kw89KmSJ32ohs8DceiXOIpkX1D99Fa20C2loaBUup_-_Fbn53JNGoMb7ge6NR38zRnvNm_ZSUKWRkXCPHOrpks8NboV97yrv9CX3ph1e8CStfcdE8jTGxKIwbswXSUrtBKmXo/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZrBQq0Kw89KmSJ32ohs8DceiXOIpkX1D99Fa20C2loaBUup_-_Fbn53JNGoMb7ge6NR38zRnvNm_ZSUKWRkXCPHOrpks8NboV97yrv9CX3ph1e8CStfcdE8jTGxKIwbswXSUrtBKmXo/s400/IMG_3005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glow from the garage reminds me of early parts from the movie "E.T."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ben's building a new passive solar upper awning for the front of our house and our replacement recycled soda bottle outdoor rug arrived this week (the last one had a good 7-year run although with the way it was disintegrating, B would have rather gotten rid of it at least 2-3 seasons ago.) So we're pretty much ready to roll. <br />
<br />
It feels good to have all of that base work under our belts. I did plant some greens yesterday in the partially shaded end of our original raised bed. As I defined the nine rows for green stuff I tried to strike a balance between the excitement I feel at this point in the season--really craving lots of greens--and the anticipated overwhelmed sensation we'll feel in a couple of months as we deal with a bottleneck of baby lettuce, frisee, mesclun mix, and Asian greens. I would rather err on the side of bottleneck and just plan to do a helluva lot of green juicing this spring and summer and give the surplus to friends and neighbors.<br />
<br />
Indoor projects include sewing, a new knitting project, spring cleaning, and making homemade gummy vitamins. V has been religiously taking her "Yummi Bears" every morning, but I recently learned that I could make my own. I found this goofy Jell-O bean mold at a thrift store last year and after making one batch of Jell-O beans for Easter I realized why someone had discarded it (Oh yearh, P.S. I, admittedly, forgot to lightly spray the mold as indicated.) It makes the perfect portion size for <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/6357/chewable-vitamins/">gummy vitamins</a>. I added Vitamin C powder--which I buy in bulk at the natural foods co-op and sometimes use as an anti-browning agent (if not plain lemon juice) when preparing canned peaches in the summer and for keeping <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2010/12/have-thrifty-eco-friendly-holiday.html">avocado mayo</a> and herbal oils (like basil oil) from turning drab green. I also added <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/garden-of-life-raw-probiotics-kids-3-4-oz-1">probiotics</a> and local honey. With an unsweetened, basic juice (or homemade juice if you can) these gummy vitamins might now only be just as tasty as the store-bought kind, but probably much cheaper. I have yet to do the math. V likes them so that's all that matters.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCbzsNpMyvs6HWo-bpIXjVUjFft5Egp2oHWsUuNGRLU8e9AQefIg9mpQFzpA6NGcbdEWCLJ9sbPqnPbfKW3RZNFHFBdmZsL94f9bdcEeK9oJ3Uv2LebxoE9SDv06D3DaM1lilaDM6z2I/s1600/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCbzsNpMyvs6HWo-bpIXjVUjFft5Egp2oHWsUuNGRLU8e9AQefIg9mpQFzpA6NGcbdEWCLJ9sbPqnPbfKW3RZNFHFBdmZsL94f9bdcEeK9oJ3Uv2LebxoE9SDv06D3DaM1lilaDM6z2I/s400/IMG_2979.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">At least this goofy mold is good for something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1lgrQbXhs6l5w-j5MMxa4-mK0XwF9HxLYs0qNJvrZArTg_oRm69zOcgbb9R9eggcabJDDMWFirxOsgGf-Om-3boi-JbUX4OiKIxgVOq3NRLYPQAB2Jfvqt9P9qtYJVixVPpDRtWGXgw/s1600/IMG_3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1lgrQbXhs6l5w-j5MMxa4-mK0XwF9HxLYs0qNJvrZArTg_oRm69zOcgbb9R9eggcabJDDMWFirxOsgGf-Om-3boi-JbUX4OiKIxgVOq3NRLYPQAB2Jfvqt9P9qtYJVixVPpDRtWGXgw/s400/IMG_3000.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Gummy Vitamins--no packaging waste either</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3gAdbsjwORi3Wax7-l4evXvCjXurLvVZ4Mubr0Eht20ULOfmN1LD6VJqbPtiXRU0kpTo4c0HE0BnH_MM3FfvWSaoQIRhjY83BSxBRXA6BTH4lSgk60c6cHnRflBh5QrkWhcDVBZjFXQ/s1600/IMG_3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3gAdbsjwORi3Wax7-l4evXvCjXurLvVZ4Mubr0Eht20ULOfmN1LD6VJqbPtiXRU0kpTo4c0HE0BnH_MM3FfvWSaoQIRhjY83BSxBRXA6BTH4lSgk60c6cHnRflBh5QrkWhcDVBZjFXQ/s400/IMG_3001.JPG" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Kid-tested, Mother-approved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-40110702967911010002013-04-12T17:13:00.000-05:002013-04-14T20:15:23.231-05:00Rain Rain Go Away<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been thinking this week how I wish we had a cistern on our property to collect all of this rainwater to use during what will likely be a drier than average summer once again. Fortunately my husband got our rain barrels up last Sunday when we found a few hours to start getting the yard cleaned up for spring. But the barrels quickly filled up and are already in overflow mode. <br />
<br />
On a positive note, some of my brassicas have germinated and I hope to start more seeds this weekend. I planted peas, arugula, and radishes on Monday just before the rain. Don't know if they'll rot before they germinate, but we'll see. We were hoping for that one sunny day this weekend to spread compost and shovel mulch, but I am feeling slightly pessimistic that the weather will cooperate. <br />
<br />
On another positive note, the <a href="http://youtu.be/hhMRUhcbLp8">video</a> from a recent student project at Milwaukee Area Technical College has finally been posted. I was thrilled to be featured in "Home Sweet Homesteading" along with my colleague Gretchen from Milwaukee's <a href="http://victorygardeninitiative.org/">Victory Garden Initiative</a>. Enjoy...and keep smiling if you can. The rain can't last forever (I don't think.)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hhMRUhcbLp8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-55935505326225323812013-04-04T06:34:00.000-05:002013-04-04T06:34:28.556-05:00Introducing Spring...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_PzW7KfQLbhQrlaSkHgjtrmBP8uB7lMxHyM60T_yrc5WeqkHBW5ikPnI2N1eaHFhmeeqKnkD2JE7I94cqIbeN10gRtQbmwZCKrKEAWMYRiqGSV6gPShYCt57it-ucHu8xFmQTlZh_LM/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_PzW7KfQLbhQrlaSkHgjtrmBP8uB7lMxHyM60T_yrc5WeqkHBW5ikPnI2N1eaHFhmeeqKnkD2JE7I94cqIbeN10gRtQbmwZCKrKEAWMYRiqGSV6gPShYCt57it-ucHu8xFmQTlZh_LM/s400/IMG_2860.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louise Erdrich's beautiful bookstore where I found a book that's rocking<br />
my local food world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's supposed to be 55 degrees F here today and I'm just giddy. There's laundry in the machine right now that I'm planning to hang completely outside today. We hang a lot of laundry in our basement all winter so it's really the thrill of the peaceful calm of hanging wash on the line in the morning that excites me today. It's my therapy. <br />
<br />
My daughter's on spring break this week and yesterday we finally started some seeds--mostly brassicas. She played in the composted potting soil, planted a crayon garden, and helped me make labels for my seed starting containers while I prepped the egg cartons I use to start seeds. I realized I'm not as far behind as I thought I would be. Whew!<br />
<br />
Upon returning from an awesome 4-day getaway to Minneapolis with my husband, where we ate and walked until we dropped, I was really looking forward to a home-cooked meal so I've jumped right back into cooking this week. If you've been following this blog for any length of time you know that this time of year that I get a little squirmy because I'm trying to use what local food we have left in the pantry and cellar rack. I've certainly bought plenty of food at the grocery store this winter, but when it comes to what we can buy locally my farmers are still providing winter squash, onions, carrots, beets, rutabaga and the like since ours have run out. Last night I pulled a butternut squash out of the cellar and came up with this recipe. I'm trying to run with my urges lately--I knew I wanted to make something with the squash, but I also wanted to incorporate some oats and other supplementals for a nutrient-packed crust.<br />
<br />
<u>Winter Squash Crumble (Gluten-Free)</u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTkcAODea8GbcSCgnwyWo02d2yB4c7NIYl2eUthZ6_0tnHhQMeca2FRPd-E0WtlcWHPO4VKQR3iHm9Vkp8PAe2i8HpfPJNEIjE-NETkz5vqncPag98lLhIBkItZKBkXpA2rYOl96KYF0/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTkcAODea8GbcSCgnwyWo02d2yB4c7NIYl2eUthZ6_0tnHhQMeca2FRPd-E0WtlcWHPO4VKQR3iHm9Vkp8PAe2i8HpfPJNEIjE-NETkz5vqncPag98lLhIBkItZKBkXpA2rYOl96KYF0/s400/IMG_2958.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see I made some jam yesterday too. We finally ran out so I<br />
grabbed some frozen berries and made a batch of freezer jam to get us into<br />
strawberry/rhubarb season soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Serves 6-8<br />
<br />
<i>I served this as a side dish. It's not too sweet, but something about it tells me that I could also throw a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top and have it for dessert. It's one of those dishes that will get kiddos to eat squash--in case that's ever been a problem for you.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
2 lbs. winter squash like butternut, acorn, kabocha, peeled and seeds removed<br />
Salt and black pepper to taste, just a little<br />
1/4 t. ground cinnamon<br />
4 T. unsalted butter<br />
1 T. olive oil<br />
1/4 c. pure maple syrup<br />
<br />
Crumble Topping:<br />
<br />
2 T. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaggery">jaggery powder</a> (a little more <a href="http://jaggery-gur.blogspot.com/">info</a> here and see <b>note</b> below), brown sugar could be substituted<br />
1/2 t. ground cinnamon<br />
1 t. salt<br />
4 T. all-purpose gluten free flour<br />
4 T. gluten-free rolled oats<br />
2 T. chia seeds,<br />
2 T. hemp seeds<br />
2 T. flax seeds<br />
6 T. cold butter, cubed<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375F. Grease a 9x9 glass baking pan. To cut the squash, either slice thinly (1/4" thick) or cube evenly (1/2" cubes). I sliced mine quickly via the food processor. The slices were more irregular, but it doesn't matter when it's all put together. Toss the squash with salt, pepper, and cinnamon and set aside. In a small saucepan, heat the butter, oil, and syrup. When it's melted, toss with the squash and pour into the prepared baking dish. <br />
<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVxQFbesAgqgURegiZn9GMsZMqYyyRRU2SYZBHYZ6LpTGuLfM4TLTZnEAvwgsCmNTAjGlonshOjp8-3VIL2lBXC0CedgqN7Oiygb5QHBr94x3pATWR89K296on8hH0DaDB9CKWYexyXU/s1600/IMG_2959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVxQFbesAgqgURegiZn9GMsZMqYyyRRU2SYZBHYZ6LpTGuLfM4TLTZnEAvwgsCmNTAjGlonshOjp8-3VIL2lBXC0CedgqN7Oiygb5QHBr94x3pATWR89K296on8hH0DaDB9CKWYexyXU/s400/IMG_2959.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't bother with layering the slices like a gratin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Combine all topping ingredients except the butter. Mix well. Cut in the butter either by hand or with a pastry blender. Sprinkle on top of squash and place in oven. Bake about 35-40 min. Test with a knife for doneness. If you can pull the knife out easily, the squash is cooked.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVwa2mGlnFhN8u0QLMtgmuDeoZ5734wal3v4Dz-xXGUx4go6e5ON-miTPBJcwDAEJxPhjgQ5ZYjlNRygibOkab3hTHYOgUO3Rb7DRIPijm3CxSsCOIWxmbIAgPsm1Wk_Yafpf90eZUeA/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVwa2mGlnFhN8u0QLMtgmuDeoZ5734wal3v4Dz-xXGUx4go6e5ON-miTPBJcwDAEJxPhjgQ5ZYjlNRygibOkab3hTHYOgUO3Rb7DRIPijm3CxSsCOIWxmbIAgPsm1Wk_Yafpf90eZUeA/s400/IMG_2961.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Generous topping packed with nutrients.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBne5Nc4C_66kdWzKp9pKlooyfJnl43ov1WiuAKsLop-reZOiMxNNnzO5PiwkLMuFQEuLvEGhdNAmMmbY0TOw17JfpEgwl-2O_kzzn6IGt75fhFMlvhB-3YrLKdpyhj3qSx1w4Ya9c2bQ/s1600/IMG_2965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBne5Nc4C_66kdWzKp9pKlooyfJnl43ov1WiuAKsLop-reZOiMxNNnzO5PiwkLMuFQEuLvEGhdNAmMmbY0TOw17JfpEgwl-2O_kzzn6IGt75fhFMlvhB-3YrLKdpyhj3qSx1w4Ya9c2bQ/s400/IMG_2965.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Note:</b> <i>jaggery can be found in solid or loose form. I purchase it at an Indian market, but it can also be found in solid form as </i>piloncillo <i>at Hispanic markets.)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Speaking of cooking by urges, I found this lovely book, <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9781608198740-0">The Flavor Thesaurus</a> at Louise Erdrich's <a href="http://birchbarkbooks.com/">Birchbark Books</a> on our trip. It<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
's going to change my world this summer as I cook from the garden and farmers' market. I often stand there with a couple of random veggies/flavors in hand wondering what I can make. This book offers a lot of leads to being more creative with flavor combinations.</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-38959003678468514882013-03-26T18:22:00.003-05:002013-03-26T18:22:40.269-05:00Late Arrivals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Around here we're all wondering if spring will ever come. We certainly don't have the 5-8 inches of snow that was just dropped near my hometown in east central Illinois so I shouldn't complain. We're used to wearing layers and overcoats and--in my case--scarves and hats indoors--well into April, but everyone just seems to want spring so much more badly this year. Give us one winter like last year and we quickly forget how it should really be in these parts during the colder months. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUJZy-b64rAgfY1iUIvhoJ2IYX_T23z_o_aHVhNn5lW2BPKJ9AnfQP3h-UEhNlh94ts1v8OZ2uUYXuZ5dp8ixHDJZEWhkeLBxoSW4lKkZgJ6BmkwaSUw81DI09qHMoWdFQq28AQhnGlg/s1600/IMG_2736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUJZy-b64rAgfY1iUIvhoJ2IYX_T23z_o_aHVhNn5lW2BPKJ9AnfQP3h-UEhNlh94ts1v8OZ2uUYXuZ5dp8ixHDJZEWhkeLBxoSW4lKkZgJ6BmkwaSUw81DI09qHMoWdFQq28AQhnGlg/s400/IMG_2736.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tart Cherry Tree, pre-haircut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm remaining optimistic, trying to look at the bright side. When I pruned our cherry trees last week I was able to use the remaining huge piles of snow to reach higher branches without a ladder. Snow during tree trimming doesn't usually occur. While manicuring the tree this year for maximum fruit production--an annual task for which I was finally released by our neighborhood tree-pruning expert/bonsai enthusiast/my dentist/all-around meticulous man; he feels I have the hang of it now and I can go about offering my advice and services to others--I made a few observations:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1) Being a cheerleader for six years helped me to have the balance and courage to confidently get up high. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2) I used to list mountain biking in the woods of the glaciated areas of southeastern Wisconsin as my extreme sport, but now I would have to say that it's tree-pruning. </blockquote>
<br />
I genuinely enjoy carefully choosing each branch and limb that I'll remove then very delicately and deliberately clipping each all while balancing near the top of a tall step ladder. (Pure danger!) The final product is rewarding and the tree always looks much happier afterwards.<br />
<br />
We're running away <i>sans</i> child this weekend for the first extended getaway since her birth. With Grammy at the helm we have no worries. I'm already behind in starting vegetable seeds, but because of this jaunt I decided to wait even longer to get them going indoors--I don't want to add any more tasks to my mom's already full plate while she's here. (And really, it's probably a little bit about procrastinating too.) This short vacation seems like the perfect way to cap off "winter" and/or kick off spring. When we return I'm sure I'll be rarin' to go with sunshine, warm weather, and gardening. Now I just need the Earth to cooperate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a long winter. My latest project to stay entertained was to FINALLY--I mean, some of these prints were sitting framed in our basement for months, even years--hang some artwork. Remodeling our kitchen created an actual hallway/gallery space and Grammy's upcoming visit gave us the motivation to finally get these pieces hung. We're not pros and could have possibly put more thought into it, but you know me--I don't like to overthink things. Going with my gut is often the best.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUHtV68YrIhdb8pe6rdWBlPT-5P5jvZ2Bv_d0qusCBEksshenCgGTi_11c_-xSwv5yM_xoi6oy0-7saR4vjoPD9j_3cb5N3yMG36Ir-pGZZBUYIRVZIh7G4YueE67zc4wipLFH-a4Iu8/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUHtV68YrIhdb8pe6rdWBlPT-5P5jvZ2Bv_d0qusCBEksshenCgGTi_11c_-xSwv5yM_xoi6oy0-7saR4vjoPD9j_3cb5N3yMG36Ir-pGZZBUYIRVZIh7G4YueE67zc4wipLFH-a4Iu8/s640/IMG_2750.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newest "gallery space" L to R: Two local artists' bird prints and a<br />random big circle I thrifted. A revolving art frame for V, a quad of<br />seasonal prints I clipped from Taproot magazine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKu9CmIXKKWYXPGGam_kKy4zT9Xn4KvLovuXHeYD1wp5mVqLDTXqcEf9Mwgi9F9VN_hUDM5qIm3Fcae06GULIfrFsKbob9aI5r1c4j7YJ8VPc1N02ZMK9XIvZp-Rd_41yXv8APiEkhIoA/s1600/IMG_2751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKu9CmIXKKWYXPGGam_kKy4zT9Xn4KvLovuXHeYD1wp5mVqLDTXqcEf9Mwgi9F9VN_hUDM5qIm3Fcae06GULIfrFsKbob9aI5r1c4j7YJ8VPc1N02ZMK9XIvZp-Rd_41yXv8APiEkhIoA/s400/IMG_2751.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Local art--the lower piece was actually done by a "girl"<br />I went to parochial school with back in the day.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-27362503846805985662013-03-14T14:21:00.003-05:002013-03-14T14:21:42.184-05:00Know Your Farmer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last Saturday I went to a reunion. Not for the class of '96 or '00, but a reunion of farmers and friends in our region. It was the <a href="http://urbanecologycenter.org/what-we-do/local-farmer-open-house.html">Local Farmer Open House</a>, a chance for community members to meet farmers and learn about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community-supported_agriculture">Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)</a> and local food. I lead two sessions of a workshop called "Cooking From Your CSA Box" in an attempt to sway those thinking about joining a CSA and encourage current subscribers that they'll, indeed, be able to successfully cook with everything in their weekly boxes and get their money's worth, not to mention make important connections with growers and producers. I also did an impromptu interview for this clip:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WOsiDo1fK_s" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
At this event I reunited with farmer friends I hadn't seen since last spring, fellow food enthusiasts with whom I haven't spent enough time, the farmers who raise the certified organic Thanksgiving turkeys we purchase year after year, and my own CSA farmers (who I'm having dinner with next week.) I saw my close friend who manages that branch of <a href="http://urbanecologycenter.org/">Urban Ecology Center</a> and whom I would spend time with later that evening, worker share friends I've joined in the summers getting our hands dirty in the field, alumni from my food preservation classes who were eager to tell me how the preservation season ended for them last year and share a new recipe or idea. And I met so many new people--potential CSA subscribers and class attendees, new farmers--both urban and rural, community organizers, and others who are simply curious about local food. It was such a heartwarming day; I feel incredibly lucky to be connected to such an honest, wholesome, energetic, healthy, diverse group of people. It got me excited for all that this season holds--warmth, bounty, community, and more. Knowing your farmer and the heart and soul they've put into the food you eat is my wish for all. It was an amazing reunion, but I hope it isn't the only time this season that I see so many of these talented folks.<br />
<br /></div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-54860613660317988612013-03-07T21:13:00.002-06:002013-03-07T21:13:59.810-06:00Room for a Big Girl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is our daughter's 4th birthday. It was a foggy, near-spring Saturday with spring beauties trying to pop out of the ground when I labored peacefully in our bedroom surrounded by strong, beautiful women like our doula and midwife and my strong, supportive husband who massaged my lower back for several hours to ease my labor pain. At 10 AM on the dot, little V entered our world and we were changed forever. <br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOe9nNDJZBXkm20HZlW_GkhZN1oIE94h58GybH0HbXvRe0pjDnCMuszABAdyEt5N8aMs0FryZwKzTXqH4wzmAWmOx97CmL2uhlKtne3UY1Jo8x8qvLCqHS-f98dp79IpC7Wt7kNS2-wLc/s1600/IMG_2617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOe9nNDJZBXkm20HZlW_GkhZN1oIE94h58GybH0HbXvRe0pjDnCMuszABAdyEt5N8aMs0FryZwKzTXqH4wzmAWmOx97CmL2uhlKtne3UY1Jo8x8qvLCqHS-f98dp79IpC7Wt7kNS2-wLc/s400/IMG_2617.JPG" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to our little goofball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I joined her class this morning to celebrate her "four trips around the sun," which is the ritual in her classroom along with the birthday child giving a gift to the group. We chose a metal tray to hold some of the Montessori work as well as small vase for the children's flower arranging work. She was delighted to show her classmates what she'd brought and I was overjoyed to share small bits of each year of her life thus far as she circled "the sun," a bright candle on a small rug in the middle of the circle of children.<br />
<br />
We've spent the day doing fun things, letting V choose. We went out to lunch, to the museum and library and tonight we'll see a class play at school then settle in for a spaghetti and meatball dinner, dessert, some gift opening, and read birth stories and look at photos. It's been a very special day.<br />
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXCIhj7tcms7ZC8Ox5EImmFOnp8QMjydCiV7Yf2FNz5ze876vhsWuBCN-Vm6wxpDG3aj3FEVvL2FUK8Gs6EfdwYRs-VFd-_si8eHk9e-PWUDzw7h6jbdCeVI3x_ZK3-U2aL9RKHAg1x8/s1600/IMG_2614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXCIhj7tcms7ZC8Ox5EImmFOnp8QMjydCiV7Yf2FNz5ze876vhsWuBCN-Vm6wxpDG3aj3FEVvL2FUK8Gs6EfdwYRs-VFd-_si8eHk9e-PWUDzw7h6jbdCeVI3x_ZK3-U2aL9RKHAg1x8/s400/IMG_2614.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vintage I tasted last week at a wine tasting.<br />
Perfect for the adults to enjoy for her big day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've considered V a "big girl" ever since she hit the big milestones like a toddler bed, no diapers, dry at night, getting herself dressed, etc. etc. But we recently made it even more official by redecorating her room. We now also have a guest room again as we put a trundle under our bed. When friends come they can take over her room and she will still have a comfortable place to sleep. And one of the best things is how many special pieces, heirlooms, and memories make up this room.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpAE1N-wOjVoCJO9A06S2ohbdeB9cbcx9twQCZNK2ND3b0_J1maL7GgLbMBm2ti6KiSinLpCeRmfwLz-vwxhLsc11hLbsqkoCjuJ_kTjpUdzozx1mGMeRVY1aGkZDCFHJz7BJTpjDRgg/s1600/IMG_3737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpAE1N-wOjVoCJO9A06S2ohbdeB9cbcx9twQCZNK2ND3b0_J1maL7GgLbMBm2ti6KiSinLpCeRmfwLz-vwxhLsc11hLbsqkoCjuJ_kTjpUdzozx1mGMeRVY1aGkZDCFHJz7BJTpjDRgg/s400/IMG_3737.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage lamp I've had since my downtown apt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlHeD6OH0iUmSdFQ6r0X5drWNyveol-dGRVZxLwCpYaRQWGwYi80TxkccIN8MVUlbph2rmx0r4r_-BVqZpcZW6cL0OfTkwmINUBeSx_qtoFh9_Ykwzqp39q_B9J4GbKxzghz8pra2EcI/s1600/IMG_3740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlHeD6OH0iUmSdFQ6r0X5drWNyveol-dGRVZxLwCpYaRQWGwYi80TxkccIN8MVUlbph2rmx0r4r_-BVqZpcZW6cL0OfTkwmINUBeSx_qtoFh9_Ykwzqp39q_B9J4GbKxzghz8pra2EcI/s400/IMG_3740.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eBay score hanging lamp for this little cozy corner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-xFgBW47o7Hd5ygZKYkPukMxduTg9iQLjv6dRTrU4nSTMeyxTxFjNwLTpKG4-ly3-qT8enCRPZIr8Do1qqNvLYW7fDlmGY1kOPfM1R2MA7qGV1MXyEgigtqLzk3KhDXDxFJHQytso2M/s1600/IMG_3741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-xFgBW47o7Hd5ygZKYkPukMxduTg9iQLjv6dRTrU4nSTMeyxTxFjNwLTpKG4-ly3-qT8enCRPZIr8Do1qqNvLYW7fDlmGY1kOPfM1R2MA7qGV1MXyEgigtqLzk3KhDXDxFJHQytso2M/s400/IMG_3741.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Lawnware lamp. Yes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0mUbGny-MwWE6lUdqvROm8Dlhg0vlbzy4wVV7aruShMgjInURc7snA-buF8GjxXufVOf57HPOISgCreY47LrppNlmyzlH_qt3DnLvqwF4dKQNuVMAo37gl2q9uxmObP_1DTuRbEIbmg/s1600/IMG_3425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0mUbGny-MwWE6lUdqvROm8Dlhg0vlbzy4wVV7aruShMgjInURc7snA-buF8GjxXufVOf57HPOISgCreY47LrppNlmyzlH_qt3DnLvqwF4dKQNuVMAo37gl2q9uxmObP_1DTuRbEIbmg/s400/IMG_3425.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giraffe sand painting from Gram-E and Gramps'<br />
trip to Africa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFJcpRK7guJcAOO3KlZfsMGSHRE2lK0DJwA8PE4dnirVmAe_A8S25iTXwKtGuwwCoMBCtKr-6qfhmatCBjVBCUD2oCAjljXR0qsHr1y1zCT6HfE9m5uzF29Lr0rKPz9T9A3oUEAV10Xk/s1600/IMG_3429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFJcpRK7guJcAOO3KlZfsMGSHRE2lK0DJwA8PE4dnirVmAe_A8S25iTXwKtGuwwCoMBCtKr-6qfhmatCBjVBCUD2oCAjljXR0qsHr1y1zCT6HfE9m5uzF29Lr0rKPz9T9A3oUEAV10Xk/s400/IMG_3429.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall hung shelf makes the perfect bedside table<br />
with a cozy place for books and storage <br />
room underneath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_BrDIX_C7M1uTKTeyt95a2nF7v9QGV_5T2Zu83sHvcX3szD7k5c0M9GyiKVFZmwG94lc8QYtUTZIrf9ZcoGLEaPshSmJK4jkvDFIXqLeQy059hVCYqssdoo6PjnnjWr7It_5LtYLTOI/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_BrDIX_C7M1uTKTeyt95a2nF7v9QGV_5T2Zu83sHvcX3szD7k5c0M9GyiKVFZmwG94lc8QYtUTZIrf9ZcoGLEaPshSmJK4jkvDFIXqLeQy059hVCYqssdoo6PjnnjWr7It_5LtYLTOI/s400/IMG_3426.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the classics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKL55DaxRhzVg8E04g8g4msrAePby7wsj3XNdxkkj5bcoqSz1qFgRbBgaSRmiljNOQKjMOt7IYbswC3taDOw-QygWQ2yHEn8JnIJ_uwp4FvsrSuW2AL18ad0n_RXmYJ5A-8NLzVd4ikk/s1600/IMG_3431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKL55DaxRhzVg8E04g8g4msrAePby7wsj3XNdxkkj5bcoqSz1qFgRbBgaSRmiljNOQKjMOt7IYbswC3taDOw-QygWQ2yHEn8JnIJ_uwp4FvsrSuW2AL18ad0n_RXmYJ5A-8NLzVd4ikk/s400/IMG_3431.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Always thought this crazy quilt was my<br />
great-grandmother's, but recently found out my <br />
Gramma lifted it from a neighbor's estate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW44JVp3EO3jnEPJgZH-5MRUOu-amx451nsLtgmsFDIvT_2rUl_-Ox5XG4XYQDMoS9gXIkexni2ZVPb0455eQZSr7hu5uGk3S0ZdEy-PvTRZcgAlKN1lARdkUkh2zSUjLYDb-gbCspsR0/s1600/IMG_3434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW44JVp3EO3jnEPJgZH-5MRUOu-amx451nsLtgmsFDIvT_2rUl_-Ox5XG4XYQDMoS9gXIkexni2ZVPb0455eQZSr7hu5uGk3S0ZdEy-PvTRZcgAlKN1lARdkUkh2zSUjLYDb-gbCspsR0/s400/IMG_3434.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had this crazy quilt on my bed at my<br />
downtown apt. Glad to bring it back to life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EHDId-p4mlmX478gxTMroiK7Bjjf_DeMvlbv63_T1r8DtPGsFD278gNiJBSDjUjax5Tbo7RlrAIwln0DPyEkp9a1iJZXorDDrUWDFuWGHohuaSBkhyphenhyphenMQqfJLRtIwGqR1YnTinwQJQjg/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EHDId-p4mlmX478gxTMroiK7Bjjf_DeMvlbv63_T1r8DtPGsFD278gNiJBSDjUjax5Tbo7RlrAIwln0DPyEkp9a1iJZXorDDrUWDFuWGHohuaSBkhyphenhyphenMQqfJLRtIwGqR1YnTinwQJQjg/s400/IMG_3435.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a bit fragile after over 100 years of life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIK_ZG8zDmFrqpoI4-xRjtDEv_aXW8cXIVxDRrWhaoNUSnB1ZPUA_i1fvtU23qJXh8viHGjh7EEC8ULh3kMo_JdQ5Nz6c2qyNRtjmXM1WEYmzO7sh24U2f2CuND6sEXT6j0sJb39ENOE/s1600/IMG_3442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIK_ZG8zDmFrqpoI4-xRjtDEv_aXW8cXIVxDRrWhaoNUSnB1ZPUA_i1fvtU23qJXh8viHGjh7EEC8ULh3kMo_JdQ5Nz6c2qyNRtjmXM1WEYmzO7sh24U2f2CuND6sEXT6j0sJb39ENOE/s400/IMG_3442.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh supplies for V's new art desk, which was a<br />
repurposed table from her room's last<br />
configuration.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bYNIikFf7T76lJS4g05gwyJOHKvO8-Y-q0sfNqxpsym0-ZLpQFSKxKmDXoWxi8R4I8hhZBKOpjHxjpBBsTi7rJTNFoPu6TzeNn2AcCH8E1wJcQag3WduVxS46nheZ8TlR41-GoMXLP8/s1600/IMG_3444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bYNIikFf7T76lJS4g05gwyJOHKvO8-Y-q0sfNqxpsym0-ZLpQFSKxKmDXoWxi8R4I8hhZBKOpjHxjpBBsTi7rJTNFoPu6TzeNn2AcCH8E1wJcQag3WduVxS46nheZ8TlR41-GoMXLP8/s400/IMG_3444.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art desk--plenty of drawing supplies and a drawer<br />
full of paper galore!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro6U3401fnWw2jxr__EtmtklaKsf6gj1V-pJCYSta56noLTslWfTJMnIBYNLuIKVipn_RFfValHM4AsRiGxH9mYTeAkFv4nXu9OgxI0DOtHEzfgfm2C6D40-YZwNeQPYw4d53WR3dARQ/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro6U3401fnWw2jxr__EtmtklaKsf6gj1V-pJCYSta56noLTslWfTJMnIBYNLuIKVipn_RFfValHM4AsRiGxH9mYTeAkFv4nXu9OgxI0DOtHEzfgfm2C6D40-YZwNeQPYw4d53WR3dARQ/s400/IMG_3441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love fresh art supplies? Found this chicken feeder at the<br />
ReStore and thought it would make the perfect caddy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGp3_KH-wY92JKIXhZoCFi-Z462l6oQVARgxv78jf4Ng_4z9E6izZ-79zCEsBRTR5es_cS-1RiTkj2clzma9CLUL5RtUlay14n578LZKo06HwIMUwLHRlO-UYzjLlKwS2ROM6mb9tRKc/s1600/IMG_3446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGp3_KH-wY92JKIXhZoCFi-Z462l6oQVARgxv78jf4Ng_4z9E6izZ-79zCEsBRTR5es_cS-1RiTkj2clzma9CLUL5RtUlay14n578LZKo06HwIMUwLHRlO-UYzjLlKwS2ROM6mb9tRKc/s400/IMG_3446.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old double bed, which belonged to my dad before that. There's a<br />
handwritten indication on the frame that it was from the late 60s.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0jo3jWEKkMKQeiJDnM6u7F11L0pJ1SOJDIi0RKXk5VQ709uwFFHGxTpF8wnfBV6JT4f39AjFV-YbRrZ7tARaBxHFRsnfJ4WnKBV3JGZhaMU8oCLxWJaYZNE2cxcnkWklzNIfBi-RKuI/s1600/IMG_3447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0jo3jWEKkMKQeiJDnM6u7F11L0pJ1SOJDIi0RKXk5VQ709uwFFHGxTpF8wnfBV6JT4f39AjFV-YbRrZ7tARaBxHFRsnfJ4WnKBV3JGZhaMU8oCLxWJaYZNE2cxcnkWklzNIfBi-RKuI/s400/IMG_3447.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new loft fits well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqpvG0G4h83KQyrXZsHVj0iDjhmC7oyvED5-Y7gJuycAzz_YC-4LCZTo_VgwzRkPh-1gic_y2xFwKgHN3f9K9ROec6zIgJ8a4Ae_fA3UL1LIjx-cpjgzN_-zdM6XnQYcAO_3QbNvST5A/s1600/IMG_3449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqpvG0G4h83KQyrXZsHVj0iDjhmC7oyvED5-Y7gJuycAzz_YC-4LCZTo_VgwzRkPh-1gic_y2xFwKgHN3f9K9ROec6zIgJ8a4Ae_fA3UL1LIjx-cpjgzN_-zdM6XnQYcAO_3QbNvST5A/s400/IMG_3449.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Origami mobile from this year's Chinese New Year<br />
celebration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZCZvKJXPwxE65Z5M3macFzTzgJv_BHm71gXt8ny1HKqa2xEoJgDSvRJ1zpdnr6gc1H6x8679j7TMQBGpuZJ844rugvOpCd1ISEZWqTaLXedSWGantpnU2qbE-g6Mn-0KIMkyzkDmXYI/s1600/IMG_3448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZCZvKJXPwxE65Z5M3macFzTzgJv_BHm71gXt8ny1HKqa2xEoJgDSvRJ1zpdnr6gc1H6x8679j7TMQBGpuZJ844rugvOpCd1ISEZWqTaLXedSWGantpnU2qbE-g6Mn-0KIMkyzkDmXYI/s400/IMG_3448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stain glass window a neighbor designed and created. We had it<br />
installed where an old window unit A/C was.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDlgZmwMNPfRGal7g4vUf13Qb7EP7_IwWnbQfC2GfddA-4IGgu_QGhQJdltvp7BXSehAIiLeyTNZJxHT29Gfgqb06rGtAQTUmhwozvCMFSGym2QJv0yPElE7T0xv9i7aLXUH9-WLR14A/s1600/IMG_3452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDlgZmwMNPfRGal7g4vUf13Qb7EP7_IwWnbQfC2GfddA-4IGgu_QGhQJdltvp7BXSehAIiLeyTNZJxHT29Gfgqb06rGtAQTUmhwozvCMFSGym2QJv0yPElE7T0xv9i7aLXUH9-WLR14A/s400/IMG_3452.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not currently using the ladder, top bunk's off<br />
limits unless guests are here, but the ladder fits<br />
perfectly when it's down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaQuArEfUKbzbuLbzro-Q3NHTTmq_LAYni4duBISEGvZiHAOXYQKpDw_SzkuJ1jv-cBHfBofiPW5VoZ89-dkkIesCtvycdvHk5AP3w_THIM7LBzHbWEmt8dTuXnYl0I08D9UIGXzRFco/s1600/IMG_3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaQuArEfUKbzbuLbzro-Q3NHTTmq_LAYni4duBISEGvZiHAOXYQKpDw_SzkuJ1jv-cBHfBofiPW5VoZ89-dkkIesCtvycdvHk5AP3w_THIM7LBzHbWEmt8dTuXnYl0I08D9UIGXzRFco/s400/IMG_3456.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinkets and souvenirs from family journeys<br />
including the music box from my first trip to<br />
Switzerland in 1992.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ET3zdOy-SewN3EB04t6I7hRH86FxaR8ZnEAygmIBuSw1B7egNw28i7Nlau9JQyTc8LCCzP3_6yi52LcgeKOU1tRc6GJFR6CkTRh6Az8TvyOzSJPzFjaGXAkky5Hp4zoTQswnyaXiuT0/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ET3zdOy-SewN3EB04t6I7hRH86FxaR8ZnEAygmIBuSw1B7egNw28i7Nlau9JQyTc8LCCzP3_6yi52LcgeKOU1tRc6GJFR6CkTRh6Az8TvyOzSJPzFjaGXAkky5Hp4zoTQswnyaXiuT0/s400/IMG_3450.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage satin quilt and duvet from the antique store.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKUOyeSdYpF1sXg5vHWdFciVi5lsX_EajnvilbjsE5D5OzLO1tiNwj20JQbHmQxmKMK8m6zbaxT_1hPnoy5ruloxvuRhRx0Cqb7gxECXiVH1vU_EvtRCu_JJDmvYNDjFMDmFUycq98CI/s1600/IMG_3463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKUOyeSdYpF1sXg5vHWdFciVi5lsX_EajnvilbjsE5D5OzLO1tiNwj20JQbHmQxmKMK8m6zbaxT_1hPnoy5ruloxvuRhRx0Cqb7gxECXiVH1vU_EvtRCu_JJDmvYNDjFMDmFUycq98CI/s400/IMG_3463.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old vanity from downtown--my mom<br />
refinished it after finding it at the rummage of<br />
one of my former teachers. V's Chinese New Year<br />
<span style="text-align: left;">animal (the ox) framed above. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjQhfZuh4Xvf81QUPYvddQFdMY42Rbn2RBY5yUBRPd0IQCkS2tQTlIHMfUQLeen-GjmjjOIKhwIUHN9KJ2jVfppPwuBFaWzcV5kLkYpWD6zBKRxNdiUFbfwFu5C3_VJvVyRJsXMWBKo0/s1600/IMG_3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjQhfZuh4Xvf81QUPYvddQFdMY42Rbn2RBY5yUBRPd0IQCkS2tQTlIHMfUQLeen-GjmjjOIKhwIUHN9KJ2jVfppPwuBFaWzcV5kLkYpWD6zBKRxNdiUFbfwFu5C3_VJvVyRJsXMWBKo0/s400/IMG_3457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A special place for her comb and brush.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cm6bvFc_23MfGLe15QDEvTezTgpLa_AALfPdXt3zbI6xsXYPIeHnfKTXO3Hf2OBAOkbNCmxnjN2fqUk2Ap3LXxgxIYYJu5K0DHLj_MPNhlpToZZecwouLEya-AeZPclTOx_VxxGCp5c/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cm6bvFc_23MfGLe15QDEvTezTgpLa_AALfPdXt3zbI6xsXYPIeHnfKTXO3Hf2OBAOkbNCmxnjN2fqUk2Ap3LXxgxIYYJu5K0DHLj_MPNhlpToZZecwouLEya-AeZPclTOx_VxxGCp5c/s400/IMG_3464.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinket from a friend's birthday party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDsVpzQsjQ6NLvP0QEwoMd-tq9yUT1Ut55ttuNmwD_CU5teuzqNpMup7q7KVpBIr_Ek2oVpunlj3kjnCSPiPloGXDOrYfvi8DJRg9I6oj84_NzhgzviTo85RfZLbHmGDnnY20vAiK-Ng/s1600/IMG_3471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDsVpzQsjQ6NLvP0QEwoMd-tq9yUT1Ut55ttuNmwD_CU5teuzqNpMup7q7KVpBIr_Ek2oVpunlj3kjnCSPiPloGXDOrYfvi8DJRg9I6oj84_NzhgzviTo85RfZLbHmGDnnY20vAiK-Ng/s400/IMG_3471.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear my mom made out of my old baby blanket<br />
and a stuffed puppet I used to love at a kid.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03fr_u6CfV4mWvjTL0iTxlgzxNep-CLmCzzQkI2hStTqYoP1R7qA2CI-UXXJIMQ1hSmWQ02yd2tWYMI1AzQ7RQBuTGofmEyyjA8_gRQrnvsq-MTDMIQ6SHunpPAzfDXifdiYBZ976kvM/s1600/IMG_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03fr_u6CfV4mWvjTL0iTxlgzxNep-CLmCzzQkI2hStTqYoP1R7qA2CI-UXXJIMQ1hSmWQ02yd2tWYMI1AzQ7RQBuTGofmEyyjA8_gRQrnvsq-MTDMIQ6SHunpPAzfDXifdiYBZ976kvM/s400/IMG_3468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad's old bed frame.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKew9pZLtySOqiH3GDWEtqGvq8U04hb_aB82Zxyo5ZQypEclNjwGk4kO8C7-pAdEwQHROMECn-096j7ji3DbNKYkfyzdI4EEQPP1xn8pZcHU0f-8rkZP_vq6E2fItJwQ3mHTVV8NxfkE/s1600/IMG_3474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKew9pZLtySOqiH3GDWEtqGvq8U04hb_aB82Zxyo5ZQypEclNjwGk4kO8C7-pAdEwQHROMECn-096j7ji3DbNKYkfyzdI4EEQPP1xn8pZcHU0f-8rkZP_vq6E2fItJwQ3mHTVV8NxfkE/s400/IMG_3474.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her play kitchen hides away nicely in the knee wall closets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOQJos4p5h0nqWnjd5HnXuX1QClCPyzjm_S7saViAy_5bMv1DqTdikXVAtkmG-4JBOm7kCL9xA1Ezg3c7-LB_lGpag59a29KmNJvuIKn91ihf6PwD3xvSeIHo9l30kmCFkZiHQiUhE9A/s1600/IMG_3476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOQJos4p5h0nqWnjd5HnXuX1QClCPyzjm_S7saViAy_5bMv1DqTdikXVAtkmG-4JBOm7kCL9xA1Ezg3c7-LB_lGpag59a29KmNJvuIKn91ihf6PwD3xvSeIHo9l30kmCFkZiHQiUhE9A/s400/IMG_3476.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Hiding some of the toys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61BCmyJIeb-1hislpatQi-d_ncd6axezyAk1Fzuf5QO6L3S72MrIOWeQ54IWKPjPjb5gjyhNuQXAwBY0pdmZohjoYoJcX1aoSO9tFs4KETSSXwhFiNtAAZjukIdFH4ZTVD1wsvrBbffk/s1600/IMG_3480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61BCmyJIeb-1hislpatQi-d_ncd6axezyAk1Fzuf5QO6L3S72MrIOWeQ54IWKPjPjb5gjyhNuQXAwBY0pdmZohjoYoJcX1aoSO9tFs4KETSSXwhFiNtAAZjukIdFH4ZTVD1wsvrBbffk/s400/IMG_3480.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A batik hides the back of the mirror from the bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkq990mdaNGmkXFnLvw2t4e_sScrThxaCwiMEmGGSr9QBQ904lVxh7BvT5kzLIFoIBgXi9ZcXozG2bgZ_mFw0ely26Ks6rWuXkDPFpjLUsB-9eaTqCTM40kLbLUOtymHEOd060pI2_rE/s1600/IMG_3490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkq990mdaNGmkXFnLvw2t4e_sScrThxaCwiMEmGGSr9QBQ904lVxh7BvT5kzLIFoIBgXi9ZcXozG2bgZ_mFw0ely26Ks6rWuXkDPFpjLUsB-9eaTqCTM40kLbLUOtymHEOd060pI2_rE/s400/IMG_3490.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these painted green floors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEORpcQb7CWPZj1JawFUgM3US6_VIKBmDFXLX4u9bU2FhHTg62nUTqMPijwNTpWCg6TyPHXTM3_ddaOj3KCndFULXvqAb-7hyyW0jRaGCW9KmeAoJUA-jldF_Prw1bNr4ODPxbL8PTDU/s1600/IMG_3484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEORpcQb7CWPZj1JawFUgM3US6_VIKBmDFXLX4u9bU2FhHTg62nUTqMPijwNTpWCg6TyPHXTM3_ddaOj3KCndFULXvqAb-7hyyW0jRaGCW9KmeAoJUA-jldF_Prw1bNr4ODPxbL8PTDU/s400/IMG_3484.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corduroy Kitty from Great Aunt Jini.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9ojJzeffHzF2rROPQiX4Wq4BAtO_d5ZzB6Qr9rNahLn5430viNQFpjShooFG4tWh4SdzvFR59eL51-pc6djSFD0j4mTmHWY7vDd6r_MohUvvJ5r6RmKzWqE4Gy7OxxmheQNJ2VFMAq4/s1600/IMG_3492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9ojJzeffHzF2rROPQiX4Wq4BAtO_d5ZzB6Qr9rNahLn5430viNQFpjShooFG4tWh4SdzvFR59eL51-pc6djSFD0j4mTmHWY7vDd6r_MohUvvJ5r6RmKzWqE4Gy7OxxmheQNJ2VFMAq4/s400/IMG_3492.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The art desk fits snuggly behind the bi-fold door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0CAx6a1FRlPkgSQ6BQouxmdfFGMFzVp1nLh1oWmwu0psP19Qq5PEKk42hiLSylIyeZiVuR6U04AfFA70sRI1d7y92qePVwMVfym3yU6ae7XwqTVqoU_Zf5xW3RMiJhy5lCMZtCTjFQM/s1600/IMG_3495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0CAx6a1FRlPkgSQ6BQouxmdfFGMFzVp1nLh1oWmwu0psP19Qq5PEKk42hiLSylIyeZiVuR6U04AfFA70sRI1d7y92qePVwMVfym3yU6ae7XwqTVqoU_Zf5xW3RMiJhy5lCMZtCTjFQM/s400/IMG_3495.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage suitcases make great dress-up trunks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmopGlI0WytdmlMrgE31WTkQunqzi7kVXNUbx4Hl_l364Hub3Rnfc08Brk4zJT0lJ3_EaAY6fXoIjYgMu66G8dRX9mTPX2pYxZoneaaBw0YbWB631jdCmunFi-WvELSAjjA8LAirkrj_g/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmopGlI0WytdmlMrgE31WTkQunqzi7kVXNUbx4Hl_l364Hub3Rnfc08Brk4zJT0lJ3_EaAY6fXoIjYgMu66G8dRX9mTPX2pYxZoneaaBw0YbWB631jdCmunFi-WvELSAjjA8LAirkrj_g/s400/IMG_3504.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her fave activity at the art desk thus far is sharpening all the colored pencils.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-16002365123150166302013-02-19T13:38:00.000-06:002013-03-07T21:13:33.203-06:00Enjoying Winter, Planning for Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqLIA1liicAXMlvudWf5EPhE7ivou8Kdt4m0Ela-eyXgUAvpAdi9coOLBpwOPiJIQ0QdDMfLFGDHhpGcvMOrYLTucgDs0GOCMi6XLitn_FU_DtwH5yn1Oo6j0d2LOXJ1Iw9mm56v6H_g/s1600/IMG_2475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqLIA1liicAXMlvudWf5EPhE7ivou8Kdt4m0Ela-eyXgUAvpAdi9coOLBpwOPiJIQ0QdDMfLFGDHhpGcvMOrYLTucgDs0GOCMi6XLitn_FU_DtwH5yn1Oo6j0d2LOXJ1Iw9mm56v6H_g/s400/IMG_2475.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packets of energy waiting to be cared for and turned into vegetables.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It sure has been a weird winter here again. Last year we adapted to having very little snow and cold, but this year we've had a little bit of everything: rain, snow, warmth, sunshine, deep cold, deep snow. I guess that's what they call a "wintry mix." We've managed to get outside a good bit (though it's never enough for me) this season, which keeps the cabin fever at bay and by my theory is what's kept us so healthy (Ah! that fresh air does wonders!) But I am getting excited for spring and our 2013 vegetable garden. My attitude towards gardening has improved greatly from last year when we had just finished our kitchen (so were thoroughly exhausted from both mentally and financially) so I really kept the garden spending to a minimum. It was also a test for myself to see if I'd miss the extra work and subsequent poundage of veggies. I did and I didn't, but regardless I'm ready to jump back in full force this year. <br />
<br />
I don't know if it's just the cold, dark days or the fact that I'm still enjoying the benefits of green juicing, but when I went through the seed catalogs this year all I wanted was greens, greens, and more green stuff. I hope my attitude is the same in May and June when we're buried in salad mix, collards, and Asian greens. (I see a bartering opportunity or two or three!) As I mentioned in a previous post I'm also trying to capitalize on V's current obsession with pink and purple; she's excited to grow a pink and purple garden: pink radishes, beets, tomatoes, and pole beans; purple string beans, broccoli, tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and tomatoes. Let's hope she enjoys eating those colors as much as she enjoys wearing and coloring with them. <br />
<br />
Not a ton to report on the recipe front as I feel like I'm just beginning to crawl out of a winter rut--a cycle of [homemade] quesadillas, soup, pizzas, pasta on a loop for too long. Lately I've been pumping up our homemade regular pizza dough (not gluten-gree for my husband/daughter) with lots of supplemental goodies. I knew these extra ingredients wouldn't so much affect the outcome of the dough so I added ground arame (seaweed), ground flaxseed, chia seed, <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2011/07/back-to-work-on-homestead.html">daylily powder</a>, hemp seed. You could also throw in some <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-week-and-half-in-photos.html">beet green powder</a>, ground shiitake mushrooms, nutritional yeast. Go nuts! <br />
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXqckWUaRrGq5wYgeDdVi1kdC3zGdWlzcP6AqXumSvpFkt_-FVJXPdobsuzbG3nX-9p_FXLq7XkjpL1gZI9mKEZ8gz8p73ZRG8gOqQYp9Q7Tuf8BQMYT5y3tANtuY1rL14XywxuQHH-w/s1600/IMG_2163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXqckWUaRrGq5wYgeDdVi1kdC3zGdWlzcP6AqXumSvpFkt_-FVJXPdobsuzbG3nX-9p_FXLq7XkjpL1gZI9mKEZ8gz8p73ZRG8gOqQYp9Q7Tuf8BQMYT5y3tANtuY1rL14XywxuQHH-w/s400/IMG_2163.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Super Pizza Dough!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fFxQsYUMcyRxrldr133Ho6CkJT1y7-Y289LAcoByQF41GHnY6Q3B5YdPV8lqpd5J0zltsGYU88AMPZjsIw_CXCKpu2YwGywZIIIDdtmcdTj0xy3zVNKhZrRVwSGQiUt2oAIjQAfQFmE/s1600/IMG_2169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fFxQsYUMcyRxrldr133Ho6CkJT1y7-Y289LAcoByQF41GHnY6Q3B5YdPV8lqpd5J0zltsGYU88AMPZjsIw_CXCKpu2YwGywZIIIDdtmcdTj0xy3zVNKhZrRVwSGQiUt2oAIjQAfQFmE/s400/IMG_2169.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">They will seriously never know it's good for them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFnZ1m96I6bkuA5EkygR8WyeFEnBepthRRlp0p1iBbJn239fNkD9a2jFDF_ZaIF55QH1fIWbGTK9UbF-ICJeoNz7XuCVazLdequaTtyEOZMDKCyBXoCYzZCHiSmoctsyR3epEUnYYmo0/s1600/IMG_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFnZ1m96I6bkuA5EkygR8WyeFEnBepthRRlp0p1iBbJn239fNkD9a2jFDF_ZaIF55QH1fIWbGTK9UbF-ICJeoNz7XuCVazLdequaTtyEOZMDKCyBXoCYzZCHiSmoctsyR3epEUnYYmo0/s400/IMG_2170.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Rolled out and ready to pre-bake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I finally had an opportunity to get back to a project I began last February--making <a href="http://leforthomestead.blogspot.com/2012/02/importance-of-rest-and-rejuvenation.html">gluten-free flatbread</a>. My attempt back then turned out a rigid though tasty bread. More recent attempts gave me a pliable bread for which there are endless possibilities.<br />
<br />
<u style="font-size: 11pt;">Grain-Free
Flatbread (for Gluten-Free Wraps)</u><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><i>Many homemade gluten-free, grain-free flatbreads I've found use psyllium husk for pliability. This recipe contains very few ingredients compared to some of the complex formulas out there. That makes it easy enough to produce weekly (and freeze after baking if you'd like.) </i></span><i>(Note: If you haven't been eating a lot of fiber lately, don't eat the whole pan at once. Psyllium is very high in fiber, which should be added to the diet gradually with lots of additional water daily.)</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
½
c. coconut flour</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2
T. psyllium fiber powder</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
¼
c. coconut oil</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1
c. boiling water</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Optional:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1/8
t. sea salt</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1/8
t. granulated garlic</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
½
t. Italian seasoning herb blend (or Herbamare seasoning)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whisk
coconut flour and psyllium together in bowl along with salt and
herbs, if using. Add coconut oil. Add hot water a little at a time,
stirring as you add (will melt coconut oil). Mid well making sure
all dry bits are incorporated.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Roll
(w/ rolling pin) or pat (w/ moistened spatula) bread out on silicone
baking mat or parchment paper-lined jelly roll pan until thin and
even. The dough is forgiving, so feel free to move pieces around and
repair patches as you go. Bake at 375F for 15-20 min. depending on
your oven and how thinly you've rolled the bread. Transfer to
cooling rack and allow to cool to room temp. before slicing/eating. (Note: It's better to err on the side of baking <i>less</i> as overdoing it will make a crispy, fall apart wrap.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15px;">Before you know it I'll be starting all my garden seeds so stay tuned for those adventures.</span></div>
</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-88810202392913270182013-02-14T10:14:00.001-06:002013-02-14T10:14:55.483-06:00Happy Valentine's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrxrz3Hv0FPsENN1gVAmS0l4faBK0hJQlnKwsXJtvSMGNOLkVhyphenhyphenCq9XDQSrLseOLeXGTaAjoZa939GSJ9d93_JYVSvI_9jeKe7LVyYBzjoBFjUttwyuiA57-1iCld6KA3Ydi0_WMHCbA/s1600/IMG_2434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrxrz3Hv0FPsENN1gVAmS0l4faBK0hJQlnKwsXJtvSMGNOLkVhyphenhyphenCq9XDQSrLseOLeXGTaAjoZa939GSJ9d93_JYVSvI_9jeKe7LVyYBzjoBFjUttwyuiA57-1iCld6KA3Ydi0_WMHCbA/s400/IMG_2434.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweets for you or your Sweets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Taking a moment to wish you all a day filled with love and friendship. Here's a yummy (and healthy!) gluten-free, grain-free <a href="http://civilizedcavemancooking.com/grain-free-goodies/sweet-potato-ginger-brownies/">brownie recipe</a> for your sweeties. Enjoy the day and I'll be back next week.</div>
Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2478697272625687846.post-71184900195833641962013-02-04T10:35:00.000-06:002013-02-04T10:35:03.250-06:00Quieting Down<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm finally getting a chance to settle into the winter quiet. Our remodeling project wrapped up a couple of weeks ago and we're just about finished with some other rearranging and remodeling from the weekend. (Will share more space-saving ideas in a later post.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPIc78p3y4YqovoAHuvFzaUqzUDAaCnalB_hp8YHRryhmRpRhyztDV3x8xvX-k356q0uF5Y9V000WuhfN9g8xvjh9br_olaXCe5gExsft_rljjshEEDlFuVWPItXUFmmawnmIGdZA18w/s1600/IMG_3282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPIc78p3y4YqovoAHuvFzaUqzUDAaCnalB_hp8YHRryhmRpRhyztDV3x8xvX-k356q0uF5Y9V000WuhfN9g8xvjh9br_olaXCe5gExsft_rljjshEEDlFuVWPItXUFmmawnmIGdZA18w/s400/IMG_3282.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new wall paint in V's room, which<br />I did NOT intend to be pink, but it goes<br />well with the woodwork and these<br />"wabi-sabi" floors I love.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4BmZACW9ht1RhXeBGHkq-SPIam-mUNV1NxhGcsTV0UVoa5mRPhlqmROD5p41pQiPOWMZN1qNZPRO56Xmf2C0yiVoWznb5fpemWcizA8___gqlE_IP5N2HYcFdKXVfADhoPTP5KRg8lo/s1600/IMG_2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4BmZACW9ht1RhXeBGHkq-SPIam-mUNV1NxhGcsTV0UVoa5mRPhlqmROD5p41pQiPOWMZN1qNZPRO56Xmf2C0yiVoWznb5fpemWcizA8___gqlE_IP5N2HYcFdKXVfADhoPTP5KRg8lo/s400/IMG_2333.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We donated our old couch, which had an amazing 10-year<br />run. So many stories this old couch has heard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Managed to get my garden seeds ordered today--my focus for the season is color, texture, unique varieties not found at the farmers' market, and LOTS of greens while Vera's going to grow an all purple and pink vegetable garden (I thought we might as well capitalize on her current obsession with these two colors.)<br />
<br />
I've also tied up some loose ends on a few mending projects that were sitting around for a while. It's a slow time, but I'm relishing the quiet and hoping to dig into a good book soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_JCP0sqBw81E1AhuxWnNND-_S5qU5o0d3QtWBiywq-wo57gcVEchHRG22AhjPQmlUDDczX6lhC23W-E0b2Y_uHi-LFvG85T0q6SM4wIF1yP1OMMxxURVdYARm6UEjIYukV8z1XWF6-w/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_JCP0sqBw81E1AhuxWnNND-_S5qU5o0d3QtWBiywq-wo57gcVEchHRG22AhjPQmlUDDczX6lhC23W-E0b2Y_uHi-LFvG85T0q6SM4wIF1yP1OMMxxURVdYARm6UEjIYukV8z1XWF6-w/s400/IMG_2196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this basic denim vest at a rummage sale last year and removed the<br />train patch on the upper L.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B-5wIyoH4mQMv_k3rUMca9mADyF1CbYKO_D5XQzOyAdc_OL50earIjDOeXfVKy1Hsss5PA3fC39FjcPH90h1AyAt4jP4knD1f3Aei7RDkXM4lkCuDsp_jxIpMnzz1EFP-l5ylUlHLiM/s1600/IMG_2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B-5wIyoH4mQMv_k3rUMca9mADyF1CbYKO_D5XQzOyAdc_OL50earIjDOeXfVKy1Hsss5PA3fC39FjcPH90h1AyAt4jP4knD1f3Aei7RDkXM4lkCuDsp_jxIpMnzz1EFP-l5ylUlHLiM/s400/IMG_2199.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I new I wanted to make my own patch so I started freestyling with some<br />of the knit T-shirt scraps I have stashed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YO4h8Sh63Eq10_47hg1AHrSMnRocCqwoWuyrJzDoaFZu6KtBDYioYJ00kri84stzInwoSIqVJTtg9emhNQP-vdAd1NEtVpNVjktBZmJ9Jq4Di6H3zg4hWgnRTOAIc7apdrTmMfVF6Rk/s1600/IMG_2200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YO4h8Sh63Eq10_47hg1AHrSMnRocCqwoWuyrJzDoaFZu6KtBDYioYJ00kri84stzInwoSIqVJTtg9emhNQP-vdAd1NEtVpNVjktBZmJ9Jq4Di6H3zg4hWgnRTOAIc7apdrTmMfVF6Rk/s400/IMG_2200.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It turned into a sort of "sun" with a vintage bird button I found at the<br />antique flea market a couple seasons ago.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmgnzfsDPaES5fnpDFxBhcPnce25EoaKQ0V9KPVcbexTMxAtlwYBQfvbfuZ24rXunQUl50_Sv7w_zxEKh1zxzrv4hZ99lNj2gEOdKjD3jdjCak2iwFcW4Nvfz-CcIgoov7DlU1j_779I/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmgnzfsDPaES5fnpDFxBhcPnce25EoaKQ0V9KPVcbexTMxAtlwYBQfvbfuZ24rXunQUl50_Sv7w_zxEKh1zxzrv4hZ99lNj2gEOdKjD3jdjCak2iwFcW4Nvfz-CcIgoov7DlU1j_779I/s400/IMG_2201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As they say in Portlandia, "put a bird on it."</td></tr>
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Ann Wegner LeForthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16510201800762365515noreply@blogger.com0