Beating the Heat

Robin's nest atop our front awning

It's darn hot out there.  Curious things are happening with this drought.  My daughter seems to be coming down with a cold (what!?! in summer?!?) maybe because of all the time we've spent cooped up inside in the forced air.  And the insect pressure on my garden is more intense than ever.  Knock on wood, I've had very few pest issues in the six seasons we've grown vegetables.  I thought maybe it was that they just needed a few years to find the place, but have since learned that with this lack of normal rainfall the plants are severely stressed and therefore more susceptible to pests.  My cole crops (broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi) are being defoliated by flea beetles and I just realized this morning that even though my zucchini and pattypan squash are going gangbusters right now, the honeybees are sharing the flowers with a ton of cucumber beetles.  (It makes me itch just to think about them while I type.)  So far I have only tried the organic method called "squishing."

On a more positive note, the protective tulle I've put around my gooseberry plant has mostly helped keep the critters out though I discovered a small hole in this netting the other day when I saw a chipmunk fleeing with full cheeks.  I picked as many gooseberries as I could and found that they were very close to being ripe.  I'll be sure I prepare them to somehow balance the sourness via a natural sweetener.  Today I picked the first blackberry from our front yard bushes, which are loaded with fruit and backed by my complete confidence that the critters won't have any interest in them.  The golden raspberries are also coming along nicely.  As I predicted in late spring, it will be a good fruit year (minus the cherry thievery) at the homestead.

Pixwell Gooseberries!

We've been keeping ourselves cool lately by hanging out at a couple county parks wading pools, splashing in our own tiny inflatable backyard pool, eating lots of fruits with high water contents (most not locally grown yet, but worth seeking out), and spending time in the cool basement working on crafts and sewing projects.  On our nation's birthday yesterday, a day typically spent lounging or playing outdoors, we took cover from the extreme heat immediately after the neighborhood parade.  Between naps and family movie night (I recommend the movie "Toast" about food writer/chef Nigel Slater's interesting childhood relationship with food) V and I managed to squeeze a simple craft into the day.  I've been trying to engage her in at least one craft per week; this idea came from the Cool Crafts for Creative Kids.

Glitter Galaxy


In my opinion, this is one of the few good uses for corn syrup besides making homemade bubbles.  I found the jar/lid for 45-cents at American Science and Surplus where they have them in all shapes and sizes.  The glitter and metallic confetti I picked up nearly for free at a rummage.  This project cost close to nothing, but provides "hours" of fun--even my husband was enthralled by the final product. 

Jar with lid (we used a plastic jar since V's just 3, but you could use a glass jar for older kids)
Light corn syrup
Glitter, metallic confetti, aluminum foil
Water
Optional: plastic space alien or other far out objects (we used a button that looked similar to a UFO)
Markers and stickers to decorate the outside of the jar, is you wish
Super glue (especially for little ones who may be handling the jar and curious to open it)

Using warm water and soap, clean and remove any labels from your jar then dry it.  Fill jar 2/3 with corn syrup.  Add a few tablespoons of glitter and metallic confetti.  If you do not have glitter and confetti, cut the aluminum foil into tiny bits.  Roll the bits into balls to create planets.  If you have a plastic alien or any other spacey objects, add it to the jar.  Fill the jar to the top with water.  Put some super glue around the lid then screw it on tight!  Shake up the jar for a magical meteor shower!

Yesterday also allowed me some time to work on a sewing project or two.  I'm trying to make both Vera and myself a couple of summer outfits before our family vacation to SC at the end of this month.  I had this thrifted scarf in my fabric stash for the longest time and finally decided to turn it into a very cool (for HOT weather) top for her.  I worked with the fabric's striped border to make the straps and the "band" around the shirt's top.

I fell in love with the bold colors of this thrifted scarf

How fun are these hot air balloons!

Sun top, formally a scarf

I've also been entertaining myself by taking a couple of classes through the Milwaukee Rec. Department (versus teaching others all the time.)  I hadn't tried my hand at basket weaving since the annual spring Pioneer Days festival at my grade school 25+ years ago.  We used packing strips to weave a small basket, which I may use as a garden harvesting basket.  At first I was all thumbs then found my rhythm and realized I quite enjoyed the project.  I have a friend who's taken a similar class in the area and we've planned a craft day soon where we hope to use some recycled materials to make more baskets.  Look out now, I'm going to weave every long rigid piece of scrap I find into a useful vessel!  Just what I need is another hobby.

My first basket.  Very therapeutic!

Wild berry season is early this year as are most seasonal foods around these parts.  I more or less missed mulberry season--especially because I found that the usual tree from which I harvest in the park was whacked down recently.  But I've been out a couple of times to pick wild black raspberries and was able to gather enough to supplement my salvaged cherry crop to make a dessert for our Independence Day celebration.  You could probably use any kind of berry in this dish, but cherries and raspberries seem to go especially well with chocolate.

Cherry and Wild Black Raspberry Revel Bars--Gluten-Free
Makes at least 1 dozen

These could certainly be eaten by themselves, but I went a bit overboard in providing the dessert at a potluck on July 3rd.  Served them with home-canned Brandied Peaches and Sassy Cow Creamery's Pear Ginger and Salted Caramel ice cream flavors available at our local natural foods co-op.

1 c. butter, softened, divided (I used half butter, half coconut oil)
2 1/2 c. packed brown sugar, divided
1/2 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. xanthan gum
1/4 t. salt
4 eggs, divided
1 1/2 t. vanilla, divided
2 1/2 c. all-purpose gluten-free flour, divided
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
6 oz. semi-sweet mini gluten-free chocolate chips (I prefer Enjoy Life brand)
2 c. combination of fresh sweet cherries, pitted and raspberries

Adding chocolate almost isn't necessary, but certainly welcome!

1/2 c. slivered toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds, optional

Preheat oven to 350F.  Line 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil or parchment; set aside.  In mixing bowl, beat 1/2 c. butter on medium to high 30 seconds.  Add 1 c. brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt.  Beat until combined, occasionally scraping bowl.  Beat in 1 egg and 1/2 t. vanilla.  Beat or stir in 1 1/4 c. flour.  Stir in oats; set aside.

For filling, in saucepan stir remaining 1 1/2 c. brown sugar and 1/2 c. butter over medium heat until combined; cool slightly.  Stir in remaining 3 eggs and 1 t. vanilla; lightly beat with wooden spoon.  Stir in remaining 1 1/4 c. flour and the chocolate chips.

Set aside 3/4 c. oat mixture; press remaining into pan.  Spread filling, top with cherries and raspberries, dot with reserved oat mixture, and sprinkle nuts.  Bake 25 min., until top is light brown and filling is moist.  Cool on rack 1 hour.  Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.  Lift from pan; cut with serrated knife.  Store, covered at room temp.

Last Minute Ideas

Today I finished wrapping gifts, made my grocery list for Christmas dinner, and even had some time to sit down and read for leisure and write in my journal.  It's been a slow, relaxing month--the first time I remember December being so pleasant since I was a kid.

If you're still in a frenzy wrapping presents, I have a last minute idea for a special accent.  This one goes out to my dad the "Bow Man."  Tough guy that he is, he can grow a mean flower garden, antique shop till he drops, and put together fun handmade bows for the holidays.  My mom wraps, my dad adds the bows.  This idea arose as I realized I was out of the bows I was reusing from previous holidays.  Looking into my box of wrapping paper, colorful tissue, and other accoutrements I realized I could made a funky bow out of some kraft paper.  I basically cut thin strips of it, bunched them together, then used a flat thumbtack to press the whole bow into the package (a la the type of bows that have a little plastic "pokey thing" you stick into the gift...do they still make those?)  You can also curl the ends with an open pair of scissors like you would regular curling ribbon.  Try it with it heavier paper.  Et Voila!  Instant decoration (and cheap!)

Last night I finished Vera's handmade gift, a "knitted helmet" as the pattern calls it, which I think sounds too much like my child is some sort of crash tester who needs extra protection.  I call it a balaclava.  If you've knit socks before, this is even easier.  I'm hoping it will solve the problem of keeping both her head and neck covered...and it's even harder to remove than a hat that ties under the chin.  I used some scrap yarn in gray, which should go well with her pink/black winter coat.

The broccoli sprouts have also popped out this week and now I have a lovely carpet of greens.  I should be able to harvest them in a day or two.

Recycled Knits

Recycled Short-Sleeved Sweater with Vintage Buttons

Flea Market Vintage Buttons

Recycled Hat for Vera

It's a great afternoon to post as I sit by the window watching the rain come down on this "warm" November day.  I guess it's good for my garden that never ends.  It's also a great day to curl up with some knitting needles.  I finished a project last night that I'd been working on since last spring (or was it winter?)  As I've mentioned, I don't knit much in the summer because I'm hiding in the cool basement sewing during that season.  So I had a long pause with what I believe is the first garment I've made for myself that's worthy of wearing.  I'm not counting the very first knitting project I ever started/completed--a striped poncho--which had a lot to be desired in terms of shape and quality.  I've made plenty of accessories--hats, scarves, socks--and plenty of baby knits, but not many full size pieces for myself.  I've been very excited about short-sleeved sweaters lately because I love layering clothes in the winter.  Some might find the color obnoxious, but I happen to love green--especially chartreuse (ironic b/c it's the color my mom detests most since her mother dyed her First Communion dress that shade.) This sweater is actually an afghan reincarnated (sorry, I don't have a "BEFORE" photo.)  On a thrifting trip a couple of years ago I was looking at yarn and an older women stocking the shelves  struck up a conversation and gave me the idea to purchase a sweater or other garment for its yarn (even if I didn't care for the piece itself), disassemble it and reknit it into something I enjoyed.  I first tried this with a hat I made for Vera; originally it was an adult size "tam," but I unraveled it and whipped it into a cute flap hat for winter.  My next endeavor was much more grand and I'll be honest--half of this afghan is still in tact in my knitting hutch.  I made the mistake of washing the blanket before unraveling, which made it much harder to untangle, especially because it had an intricate leaf pattern.  On that note, if you choose to try recycling yarn, 1) don't wash the garment first--unravel, knit new, then clean the final piece (depending on the type of yarn and washing instructions...SAVE THE CARE LABEL), 2) choose a garment with a simple stockinette or garter stitch; it's much more difficult to unravel a cable knit or other intricate pattern, 3) look for items that are machine seamed--it's much easier to rip apart the seams, though hand seamed isn't extremely difficult, 4) if you have a small child, ask them to help you unravel--this is one time that this temptation for a child comes in handy.  At any rate, recycling knits is a great way to get many skeins of yarn without the hefty price tag (this blue, long-sleeved cropped sweater was just a couple bucks and I rendered five skeins from it.)  As a homesteader, I'm always trying to be economical.  I found that disassembling these garments also gave me a greater appreciation for the quality of handknit items as well as another lesson in how garments are constructed.  I have a couple more sweaters to tear out--I have more time than money for ripping/knitting these days--then I plan to knit some cute dresses for Vera (there are many great free patterns online!)

Sweater to Disassemble

5 Skeins to Recycle

More Sweaters to Unravel

While I'm mentioning crafts, I have to tell you about one of my favorite annual events that's coming up next weekend.  Art vs. Craft is happening Saturday, Nov. 27.  On Friday after Thanksgiving I'll be observing national "Buy Nothing Day" as usual, but on Sat. I'll be checking out the highly talented and artsy/crafty folks at this event.  Please check it out! And if you give gifts for the holidays, consider buying local or handmade with intention.

This week begins the big preparation for Turkey Day.  We picked up our tom at the West Allis Farmers' Market on Saturday.  Vera got to ride with it in the wagon, but seemed let down by all the build up to "picking up the turkey" only to have this plastic-wrapped mass plopped next to her and a 1/2 bushel of winter squash in the old Radio Flyer.  I'm sure she'll change her mind at mealtime when she's licking juice off her little fingers.  I have to make a trip to the store on Wednesday for just a few last items, but otherwise I'm armed with roasting pan, mixer, butcher twine, and apron to put a feast on the table Thursday afternoon.  And about that store visit--I usually don't shop at mainstream supermarkets, but there's something that draws me to them before a big holiday meal.  I love to sense the hustle and bustle as everyone seeks out their ingredients, chooses their turkeys, considers their gravy options, and loads up on booze to make the big day a success.  Maybe it's some odd memory from childhood or later of going to the store with my mom before the holidays.  I don't know, but I'm looking forward to this foray.

Thanksgiving will truly be a celebration of the harvest for us this year.  Aside from the few greens, herbs, and roots still bearing the cold, the garden is officially closed for the season.  We placed the coldframe on Sunday and I'll plant my spinach and lettuce mix in it this week for early spring harvest.  Then we can sit down on Thursday and give thanks for all our homestead has provided this past year.

"Oh Gnome You Di-in't!"

Accessories to Vera's Gnome Costume

I've officially entered the stage of creating homemade Halloween costumes.  And let me tell you, I could hardly wait.  I grew up with my mom making many costumes from an angel and bumble bee to Lady Liberty and a clown (which my brother and I actually shared, attending alternating Halloween parties.)  Last year we didn't Trick or Treat, but Vera wore the standard infant pumpkin costume that was given to us by a friend.  We stopped at a couple friends' houses then took her out to dinner.  This year we may try to pull her in the wagon and see how much fun she has climbing the stairs to each front door, granted she doesn't get trampled by the herds of kids that swarm our square block in Bay View, which is known as the Gold Coast for candy.  Vera's L.A. cousins, Ryan and Quinn, eyed this costume idea many months ago and Ben and I thought we'd go for it because it's really quite appropriate for our setting.  We'll attempt to dress her as a Garden Gnome.  I use the word "attempt" because so far she wants nothing to do with the beard, though she's giddy about the cone-shaped hat.  This is one reason I'm not spending a boatload on the costume, she may only wear it for a photo-op.  I found a pair of brown pants and a blue turtleneck at the thrift store.  I'm shortening a thrifted patent leather belt with a big buckle that matches her black patent leather shoes.  And I made the beard and hat out of supplies I had readily available in my fabric cabinet and craft stash.  Now if can just get her to sit long enough in the garden, it might actually work.  Ha!


Last night was the last of my cooking classes for 2010.  In a way, it felt like the last day of school afterwards.  It was a jam-packed season of preserving and vegetarian cooking classes, but in most ways, it was worth it.  Now I can exhale.  I have about three months until my next class, followed by some introductory preserving classes this winter as well as planning for next season's preservation series.  So begins my "summer vacation."  If I had to write a report on "What I Plan to Do on My Summer Vacation," which will actually be my winter vacation, it would include tackling multiple knitting projects; organizing files, closets, and pantries; planning my 2011 garden; baking; cooking; and reading as well as visiting with friends, having Sunday dinners, and RELAXING--a coveted idea in my current life.  Of course Vera will be hanging out on this winter vacation with me and we plan to get outside every day whether it's in the winter stroller, on the sled, or playing in the snow; go to library story hour and playgroups, and get crafty--when can a young child be introduced to glue and safety scissors (as you can tell, I'm eager to get her crafting as well.)

Ben's leaf, circa 2000

As the warm season truly draws to a close, I'm realizing that I may need to mostly or partially bring my clothesline inside.  Friends have told me I can dry clothes outside all year, but I anticipate having to at least use the dryer for finishing them.  With this cold, moist air by the lake I can't see things getting 100% dry out there all winter, though for our electric bill's sake I wish they could.  (The solar panels can't come soon enough.)  So I was outside yesterday morning--one of my weekly laundry days--before dawn (with the exterior garage and house lamps spotlighting my work) and it was so peaceful.  The only sound was the rustling of trees in the wind.  Ah!  That sigh is the feeling I want to maintain as I slowdown and relax this winter (which is NOT here yet!)

Frolicking in the South Shore

This weekend is the South Shore Frolics, a big festival "down by the lake" in Bay View.  My parents have fond memories of attending the frolics to "watch the submarine races," which I embarrassingly just realized a couple of years ago were not what they sound like.  When I said to Ben "I wonder why they don't have the submarine races anymore," his narrowed eyes and crooked smile were enough to say "your parents were doing something else."  Whoops, how naive I can be.  Anyway, because of the Frolics, our Saturday farmers' market was suspended for the weekend so we thought we'd check out a different neighborhood market.  We hopped on our bikes with Vera in the trailer and headed to the central city to see what was happening at the Fondy Farmers' Market where Fond du Lac Ave. intersects with North Ave. at approximately 21st St.  They were having a health fair along with the displays of gorgeous vegetables.  It was great to see some new faces--and familiar ones as well.  As we were riding to the market I realized again just how awesome it is to bike from place to place instead of hopping in my car all the time.  A fellow Transition Milwaukee friend pointed out recently that when she bikes she's much more aware of the streets she's covering and feels more a part of the neighborhood.  This is absolutely true.  Though one must be more attentive while biking, since it's still the minority mode of transport, I feel it is truly possible to see things differently--notice buildings, people, other scenery, and  of course every bump in the rode--on a bicycle.  

After a day of biking, we were tired and capped off the evening with homemade tacos--an idea Ben got while roaming the market.  I must say I think it's very cute when he makes a dinner suggestion.  Soft shell corn tacos are his favorite since he lived in Chicago's Noble Square neighborhood and had many a late night meal at La Pasadita where it's rumored that many well-known chefs head after closing time.  We were able to use all local ingredients except the tortillas and spices.  Mmmm, no one can eat just three!

La Pasadita Tacos
Keep in mind that this is simply our version of these infamous tacos--or Ben's recollection at best.  You can imagine that one only finds himself at this joint after imbibing a bit so some of the details are foggy.  At any rate, this is how we make them and they're go-od.  


Corn tortillas
Ground beef (though Ben's says one thing's for sure, L.P. uses fajita meat)
White onions, diced fine
Shredded cheese (a la carte at L.P.)
Cilantro, chopped
Sour cream (this may not have been part of the original plate)
Hot Sauce

Brown the meat and season to taste.  I use ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper.  Add the onions and saute slightly (Ben claims these may or may not have been raw...your choice.)  Transfer meat to a bowl.  Use the same pan to slightly warm the tortillas, in batches, immediately before serving.  Set up an assembly station and let everyone make their own taco.  Enjoy!

I took several pictures of the vegetable garden today.  It's changed so much recently!  My Rattlesnake beans are really taking over the trellis.  I love how the vines sort of just reach up to the sky at the top. The tomatoes are going crazy as are the carrots.  The kohlrabi are really sizing up, the potted okra is taking off, and my leeks are finally starting to look like something.  Looks like we'll also have lots of hot peppers this year for drying.

The green beans continue to produce; they really live up to their variety name--Provider.  I have harvested three pounds already this week just from my small plot.  I'm trying to keep better track of my garden yields this year.  I haven't weighed every bit of lettuce and mesclun mix, but I'm working to seriously get weights on the bulkier items.  I use my Gramma's old spring scale, the only item I admittedly coveted from her estate.  It's a relic with some interesting information on top about all the things you can weigh.  Check out the label!

There have been a few household projects dangling over my head lately.  This weekend I've slowly chipped away at a couple items on my rainy day list.  One of those was making some cafe curtains for the dining room window where the morning sun really blinds Vera as she eats breakfast.  I haven't spent much time making window dressings for this place since we moved in over four years ago.  It came with some wonderful roman shades upstairs and we have blinds in the living room.  I guess I threw together a quick no-sew swag for the kitchen, but nothing really time consuming.  This project wasn't much different (as you might agree.) I deliberated over what type of curtains I wanted for the longest time.  Last week I found in my fabric stash some floor length tab-top curtains from either Ben's or my old bachelor/bachelorette pad (when I saw that we had the exact same taste in curtains and learned that he'd stepped foot in Pier 1 to pick his out, I knew it was destiny.)  I measured, hemmed, and hung them tonight.  Not a major change, but I think it adds a nice warmth to the dining room.  They'll be drawn in the AM, but I can enjoy how they frame the window and built-in by night.

Recap of Power Down Week

We survived Power Down Week, as I knew we would, and mostly achieved the goals we set for decreasing our carbon footprints for a week.  Of course there's always room for improvement.  I was going to give a day-by-day, play-by-play or how it went, but I decided to spare you the details and just report that we kept the TV off except when we heard the storm sirens go off Monday night and checked what weather was headed our way, my computer remained completely unplugged all week, Ben only checked his personal e-mail at work (he reasoned that the computer there would be turned on anyway), I drove just twice (once to a blood drive, which wasn't within biking distance as our schedule allowed, not to mention I wasn't supposed to engage in any strenuous activity the rest of the day after donating.  The other was to our music class on the lower eastside b/c our bus wasn't on time.)  We also managed to keep the oven off and cook in the sun oven as needed, though I still used the stovetop especially for two food preservation projects.  Didn't listen to the radio, didn't turn on the vacuum cleaner (much to my delight), and kept many more lights off.  We even made Vera power down by putting away all three of her battery-operated toys (the ones that annoy me anyway).  Overall, it was a pleasant week.  We connected with friends via phone calls, a concert in the park, and a play date instead of just e-mailing.  Ben asked what I missed most during Power Down Week.  Probably baking on a whim in the kitchen--the sun oven requires more planning.  I could more easily name what I DIDN'T--the daily obligation of e-mail, driving around more--biking gave me more exercise anyway, and I certainly didn't miss the sound of the television every night.  At least one interesting observation last week--we are so addicted to getting immediate results via our computers.  We wanted the week's weather forecast, but prevented ourselves from booting up just to check.  We also tend to use the internet to find business listings instead of opening the Yellow Pages.  A fun moment for me was avoiding Google Maps when I needed to find directions to our Rec. Dept. swim class this morning.  I tested my map skills and plotted the location on our 4'x6' 1959 map of Metropolitan Milwaukee, an antique store score several years ago that's been a constant conversation piece.  The most important parts of powering down for a week are becoming aware of one's weekly energy usage and therefore creating new habits.  It wouldn't be reasonable to just NOT do laundry for a week to save energy, but to find a more energy-efficient way to do this task that is required twice a week in our house.  I usually line-dry anyway so this wasn't much of a change, but it would be fun to use a wringer washer to actually clean our clothes, a chore that reminds me of helping my grandmother wring clothes in her basement when I was a kid.  We've agreed to only turn on the TV maybe twice a week, I'll reduce the amount of computer time I have in the evening, we'll cook in the sun oven more this summer, and I'll continue to use alternative transportation.

So if I wasn't on the computer and watching TV, what was I doing last week?  I found time to read a lot, play with Vera, bike, picnic, walk, sew, and preserve.  As I mentioned before, I didn't feel like I missed anything while I was unplugged.  I made a batch of strawberry jam with honey as well as my first batch of "Sunshine Rhubarb Juice Concentrate."  One of my preserving goals over the last couple of years has been to can more juices as we (make that Ben) drink(s) a lot of them.  I had a load of rhubarb from Ben's boss as well as a fair amount from our own yard so I made six pints of concentrate.  I also sewed some mail slots to hang in our front vestibule.  It's been a challenge keeping Vera out of the mailbox and tearing into the envelopes so these slots couldn't have waited much longer.  I chose some vintage floral canvas I bought at the antique flea market a couple seasons ago and some other green canvas reused from a shower curtain I made for our old apartment.  I used a vintage button also found at the flea market.  So far the system is working.

Leisure Time

I don't know how I've managed it, but I've been able to sew quite a bit lately.  Vera is always finding new and interesting things to play with in my basement craft corner (yarn, thread, ring tops from canning jars) that she can entertain herself while I sew.  Today I finished a sunsuit for her; she probably won't fit into it until next summer, but at the rate she's growing I can't afford to make her anything that will "just fit" now.  I used a vintage pattern I found at a flea market a couple years ago.  I don't know the year of the design, but handwritten at the top of the pattern is "1 1/2 yards at 50-cent." I can't remember when new fabric was that cheap, not to mention the pattern itself was only 35-cents.  Today one can spend anywhere from $8-17 on a new pattern.  I love using these relics along with vintage fabric.  For this project I chose a combination of fabric from my mom's stash and from my thrifting trips.  As I was sewing today I thought about my mom teaching me to sew.  It started with 4-H projects when I was in grade school/junior high.  After cutting out all the pieces for a garment, but before sewing any of them together, she'd make me finish every edge with a pseudo-serger stitch on her old Singer machine, which I found very user-unfriendly at the time.  This sewing detail was a true pain in the rear then and it certainly never got me a Grand Champion ribbon at the County Fair, but it did get the judges' attention and gave me a much greater appreciation for well-crafted clothing.  I think my mom is an amazing seamstress, especially when she can remotely help me troubleshoot on a project--like with this one when I was having trouble attaching the bias tape around the bib of the sunsuit.  Her e-mailed directions worked perfectly.  I may never be as good as her, but I hope to pass the sewing skills I do have on to Vera.

Confrontation in the Garden

Something nasty went down in our yard last night.  I went out to hang the first load of laundry at about 6:30 AM and came back in saying to Ben, "there's a half a squirrel laying out there."  I usually like gross stuff, I think I've mentioned my morbid curiosity, but this was much more gruesome than the occasional dead bird I've buried.  It looked like this rodent had been force-fed dirt (the stomach seemed full of it), decapitated, then cut in half from head to toe.  All I could see was one arm, one foot, the tail, and this ugly dirt-filled body.  Okay, so I was morbidly curious, but really I didn't get close...for too long.  There was also a 4-inch hole among the seeded rows in the raised bed and lots of squirrel hair around it.  Though I've been watching a lot of Law and Order lately, I was not able to put any forensics or investigative skills to use to figure out what the heck happened.  My only guess is a fox or raccoon.  Uuuugh!  On his way out the door to work Ben scooped up this mess with a shovel and disposed of it.  Vera and I watched in horror from the upstairs window.  On to more pleasant things...

So just because I like dirt doesn't mean I can't also be interested in fashion.  As long as I can remember I've been interested in fashion, not from a trendy, consumptive point of view, but from an artistic standpoint.  I used to dream of being a designer--one of my favorite toys was "Fashion Plates" and my sister and I used to hand draw our own catalogs as if we were destined to work for J. Peterman. Now I have fun clipping designs from catalogs or magazines that accidently end up in my mailbox (like Anthropologie) and saving them in a binder of sewing ideas.  A lot times I get ideas from things I think I see.  And I love finding thrifted pieces and putting together outfits just like what I see in the fashion mags.  So does anyone remember Units, the clothing retailer in the 1980s that sold solid colored individual pieces that could all be mixed and matched?  I'm thinking of bringing back that idea.  Seems like it would be economical these days to have a handful of classic pieces that could all be interchanged.  So the piece that I would reinvent is the simple tube that could be worn as a skirt, tube top, dress, cowl neck, hood, etc.  I found a few pieces of continuous ribbing in my last fabric thrifting trip and have been experimenting with how to wear them.  Humor me here with my funny pictures (this may have been the highlight of my day at home as a mom.)  I'm "modeling" a cowl scarf, a hip hugger (for wearing with leggings under a too short top--good for those of us moms with a little belly bump left), a headband, and a scarf/hood for the days you want to go incognito or look like Kate Hepburn.  Have fun!

This week has been busy with food and environment related events.  Tuesday night I attended a Raw Food and Digestion class at Future Green, Wednesday night I attended the monthly Friends of Real food potluck and program at the Urban Ecology Center where we heard Venice Williams speak about the new plans for Alice's Garden, tonight I'm going to see No Impact Man at our church, and tomorrow night I'm going back to the Urban Ecology Center to hear Bill McKibben speak about his new book, Eaarth.  It has felt great to get out this week and see a lot of like-minded friends and colleagues.  In a way, it feels like I'm finally crawling out of the isolation I've been in since giving birth last year.  This summer will be good for a lot more of that.

Keeping It All Together

I felt I needed a book dedicated to my urban homesteading notes, which have become prolific lately.  I decided to make a simple book.  One of my past crafty stages involved bookmaking; a college photography instructor turned me on to this art as a way to display photos. On a shoestring budget, I managed to gather most of the needed supplies including a bone folder, awl, and binding thread.  My interest gradually died off, probably for lack of time.  A couple years ago I took a bookbinding class at the Bay View Book Arts Gallery (BVBAG) housed in the old Hide House complex.  Since then I've been keeping a box of scrap paper in my craft corner.  I save everything from the vellum envelopes they put your stamps in at the P.O. to beautiful hand drawn covers from seed catalogs and interesting images from magazines.  My homesteading book's cover is made from an artful local organic flour bag (I knew I'd saved it for something), the inside cover is an R.H. Shumway's seed catalog cover, and I have tucked in other pocketed pages like a tiny brown paper sack from buying screws at the hardware store.  I alternated lined paper and sketch paper so that I can make notes as well as draw pictures.  I bound the book with a beautiful twig I just clipped from our cherry tree and a small rubberband that only shows on the back of the book.  It's not permanently bound so I can add pages later as I get inspired.

Scraps of Memories

I finally finished the quilted pillowcase I started a couple weeks ago.  I had a throw pillow in the living room that I'd found at an antique store years ago; it was pretty scratchy and uninviting and always ended up on the chair in which people rarely sit.  So I decided to have some fun making a new case for it.  I had an interesting scrap of fabric I found in my grandma's attic years ago.  It was sew onto a pink moppy piece of fabric and looked like a drawstring purse.  I ditched the moppy material and kept the other piece, with gray and red roses, thinking I'd use it sometime in a small project.  The day finally arrived.  I made that piece of fabric the centerpiece of my crazy quilt top and added other memorable scraps I'd saved: disassembled pieces of my grandpa's old silk tie, trimmings from a tie-dyed apron I made for my nephew, parts of a vintage pillowcase, some embroidery linen with an interesting print (which I ended up embroidering on the new pillow), some strips of a red sheet, and bits of calico my mom gave me.  As I randomly sewed the pieces together--not planning the width or orientation of the strips--it became an "anything goes" quilt as I crafted without regard to colors, patterns, textures, and sizes.  It was like I had a blank canvas and I just made it up as I went along.  The new pillowcase fits nicely on this now comfy, squooshy throw pillow.  It goes well with my favorite red leather armchair, a relic that belonged to the doctor who started my dad's business in the early 20th century; there's still a burn from on of his fancy cigars on the underside of the cushion.