Amazing Banana Ice Cream

I just have to write a quick post about this delicious, delightful, delectable thing I just made. I've been doing a lot of reading and research on raw food living, and in turn that leads to quite a bit of vegan reading and recipes. I've heard of this before, and have been reintroduced to the idea through a variety of raw and vegan blogs. It's banana ice cream. Not just banana flavored ice cream, but ice cream made from nothing but bananas. It's divine and it really made me pause in my thinking. THIS is something I could make and have around ALL the time and get my cold, sweet fix and not feel guilty. I LOVE this idea.

Yesterday was a last day of school for the week, since we had parent/teacher conferences today and on the way home from school, Sophia asked if we could please make a batch of the infamous black bean brownies. I said yes, but not until tomorrow, which is now today. We whipped up a batch of brownies, but in the back of my mind, I couldn't shake the idea of the banana ice cream. So, I whipped out the food processor and took 4 of my freezer stashed bananas and made up a batch of peanut butter banana ice cream. For me, doing this frequently is never going to be a problem, since bananas tend to start to go brown fast around here, and I just toss them in the freezer, skin and all. I ALWAYS have frozen banana on hand, and that is a good thing.

So, by now you're sitting there thinking "give me the damn recipe already" and, now I will tell you there is no recipe other than frozen, chunked banana, a food processor and patience. I added a huge blob of peanut butter to mine and I highly recommend this addition. I use the natural, oil in, creamy (still has good texture) peanut butter and I had 4 bananas to put in the processor. You toss smallish chunks of banana in, and turn the machine on. You have to stop it often to mash the sides down and wait for it to get really whipped into a smooth, creamy, airy consistency. Then, when it's smooth and looks like soft serve ice cream, get a spoon and taste this amazing, natural, easy treat. Chocolate syrup never hurt anything either.

Spirals

We're well into the harvest season, my favorite time of year. The leaves crunch under foot, the air is rich with the scent of a season coming to it's close. Typically the garden is ripe with abundance. (Not true for me this year, as I had the worst growing season to date) I find myself reflecting more during this time, often inspired to spend more time getting creative in the kitchen. Even though I've been digging deep to find a spark of visionary enthusiasm, this particular "harvest" seems as barren as my actual garden's this year.

Instead of finding myself immersed in a creative stew, as had been my intention as I began the school year, I have found myself in service to others. It's been satisfying to be of use and much needed help to those I love, and in doing so, I have also picked up a neat little gadget that has been a delight to use, and will continue to reveal new and creative ways to prepare vegetables. What is this gadget, you ask? Why, it's the spiral slicer!! It allows you to make vegetable noodles, to prepare thin, crisp oven chips and so much more. (I haven't explored the "so much more" aspect, but I find the possibilities exciting.)

Here are some lovely zucchini "noodles" that we made

Fun for the whole family. Here's my lovely girl helping to crank the noodles out. I sure wish that adage that kids are going to eat what they make was true. She loves to make the noodles, but gives me a "no thanks" when I ask her to try them.

Here we have a lovely Asian inspired meal using the zucchini noodles, grilled beef kabobs and spicy sauce. It was pretty dang delicious if I don't say so myself.

The reason I came across the spiral slicer was researching raw living, or in other words how to begin a raw food diet, for a friend. I was so intrigued by the healthful possibilities of this gadget, that I just had to have one. One of my absolute favorite things to make with this is zucchini noodles (I DO love zucchini and it's so abundant right now) with home made basil pesto. Mmm, so good, and you can eat til you're absolutely satiated and feel none of that starchy bloat and guilt. It's lovely.

There are a three blade attachments that come with my particular model, which allow you to make wide, chip type spirals out of apples, potatoes, basically anything that will fit. It makes delightfully crisp hash brown type potatoes in the oven. My daughter LOVES for me to make her apple chips with it. I haven't even touched on all the possibilities. I think that a spiral slicer is a great addition to any cook's kitchen. It is available for purchase here: Spiral Slicer

Popcorn!

I LOVE popcorn. I eat a lot of popcorn throughout year, and my daughter loves it too. I used to be firmly committed to making popcorn on the stove in my popcorn pan, but eventually I was unable to look at that pan. It became unusable after years and years of baked on oil and constant use and I was struggling to either throw it away, or start up a new pan that would be dedicated to popcorn. Then I read a blurb in Cooking Light about how to make your own microwave popcorn!!! Woot! Now this is the only way I make popcorn and it's wonderful. The thing that I love most about it is how it eliminates unnecessary fat, allowing me to use butter or margarine on the corn without feeling doubly guilty about having added the fat to the cooking oil that I popped the corn in.

So, in an attempt to get back to writing, get back to sharing what I think is helpful or interesting, here is the technique to make your own microwave popcorn bags...As well as being far healthier, you'll be saving a lot of money if you're accustomed to purchasing microwave popcorn bags.

Home Made Microwave Popcorn

What you will need:
1 brown paper lunch sack
clear (Scotch) tape
1/2 cup un-popped popcorn kernels

Directions:
Place 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels in paper bag (be sure to keep it folded), then fold the opening of the bag once about 1/4-1/2 inch and then fold again. Seal the fold with the clear tape. Put the bag in the microwave with the folded bottom side up. Set the time to about 2 minutes 40 seconds on high. Do NOT walk away from the microwave; stand by and listen as the popcorn popping slows. As it slows down to a pop or two every couple seconds, stop the microwave and remove bag. Carefully removed the tape as steam will immediately be released. You can either eat it plain straight from the bag, or pour into a bowl and melt some butter, margarine or other spritz topping, etc...that you prefer. Enjoy!!!

Time Warps and Rebirths

Aaahh, I have been in a strange, strange place of late. I haven't written a word, I haven't popped on the computer, I haven't been my usual self. That's not to say that things have been going badly. My life is very full and rich, and enjoyable.

I've been on late summer adventures, just generally caught up in the very act of living. I am working toward staying astride the big things such as school and after school commitments, and adjusting in general to the New Year. I honestly do consider the start of the school year, and the beginning of fall to be the New Year, much more so than January 1. Things start to get serious in fall, the seasons transition and we wear sombre colors and the air gets sharp and crisp. New schedules, new goals, new foods, renewal comes in the fall.

All summer I've jotted down my blog ideas, and filled my camera with pictures of my failing garden, and food, family, and oddities. (I'll HAVE to get around to Sophia's secret world of plastic animal slavery eventually) I should not be at a loss for entertaining words once I get my work schedule back into it's groove.

My daily routine has been enhanced by adding a new family member, Clancy the cat. He's a cutie to be sure, but it was a huge, huge step for us. We love animals and pets in general, but they do limit or at the very least make traveling a little trickier than when we were able to just pack up and go, or arrange for Sophia to stay with a Grandparent and take off.....but, with the help of my Mother, and her compassion for rescuing cats, we adopted Clancy. He was left on the streets, de-clawed and neutered, with no resources and he was on the verge of starving to death. He was skin and bones, but he's doing really, really well now. Happy Clancy:

Here is Clancy that first week he was here. Pretty thin and lean in the face....too bony.

Again, this was that first week or so....

And here he is today. Not the Greatest photo I see, but he looks a lot healthier and fuller.

At the same time my Mom was asking me if we'd be interested in this stray cat that showed up at her house, my Dad informed me that it was really, finally and actually time to come and collect my "things". My things that had been stored and stashed away in a very large Quonset hut for 30 years. That's right, thirty years, in cardboard fruit boxes, lovingly wrapped in paper and fabric and I haven't seen these things since they were packed up for our move when I was about 10.5/11 years old. Oye....the memories. OYE, the mice!!! I have no words...the experience was harrowing and quite emotional. Shared a lot of laughs with my Dad, who had been dealing with many other boxes of his own, finding the same horrors and laughs and tears. Here is a sampling of one of my long lost, much anticipated boxes of memories:

Frankenbarbie...the orgy is over.

What can be said?

All part of the grand mouse scheme: Shock and Awe

Ooohhhh, the horror. The outright horror.....Honestly. Unbelievable.

So, while a very few, loyal readers may have been wondering where I've been, this is where; a trip to the far, dark side. It's been a few weeks of helping my Dad move a lot of his office stuff, which translates into just a lot of memories. It's a lifetime of work that is his life, that has been my life and a piece of my history in boxes and shelves and nooks and crannies. I've been in a time warp, touching the past and integrating it with my present.

There will be more from me, as I yearn to hunker down, and get it out, and get to work, and find my footing here in the rebirth that fall brings.

Where and What I've Been Up To

This has been a summer to remember for myself and Sophia. We have spent the bulk of the summer traveling to the family cottage, enjoying long days of floating on the water, fishing, swimming, and bumming around local shops. The flea market in St. Germain every Monday has been a real favorite where we can browse antiques, handmade crafts, home made treats from the local ladies, munch on a bratwurst, or play on the jungle gym when we're through shopping. We've been privileged to enjoy a long, luxurious summer of travel to Devil's Lake, and we just returned from the Wisconsin Dells this past Friday.

Speaking of our trip to the Dells, I have to mention the resort we stayed at. I am not a fan of the trashy tourism of the Dells. It's not even so much that it's touristy, it's the TYPE of tourism that it seems to be. There is very little of quality on the old strip of shops, and it's set against some of our state's most dramatic and beautiful nature-scapes. At any rate, we had wanted to have a family vacation that was more oriented toward things Sophia was find exciting and among those things is the water park. The Wisconsin Dells is known as the country's water park mecca, and included in the nightly rate of our resort was "free" water park passes.

If you ever find yourself itching to see some sites in the Dells, take a Duck Tour, eat some colored popcorn, walk the Wisconsin River, then I'd highly recommend staying at http://www.birchcliff.com/ . They rent modest, clean cabins, some are duplex style others are one family, larger cabins, sleeping up to 6 adults. The place has the feel of what I began to call the "family camp". It was reminiscent of Girl Scout camps I've attended. The resort has been around for a while, and yet is very comfortable, homey and fun. They offer a tennis court, basketball, volleyball, three separate ping pong tables (one of which is a lovely concrete slab and stone table, set among the trees outside), shuffle board, a heated, in ground pool, community fire pit, recreation room with air hockey, foos ball, carpet ball, as well as a hiking trail to the river where you could picnic and swim if you were so inclined. We really enjoyed the resort and plan to go next year as a part of our annual Devil's Lake vacation. It is a short drive from Devil's Lake and we could alternate between the State Park and the water parks, avoiding the bulk of the trashier side of the Dells. If you have a family vacation in the works, or a reunion, this would be an ideal place in a park like setting that is quiet and relaxed. Each time I went into the office, The Grateful Dead was quietly playing in the lobby and a friendly, smiling face greeted me from behind the desk. I'd give Birchcliff Resort 4 stars for family camp style vacation.

Summer Reading, Reflection

I have been MIA this summer. Lost in a flurry of summer vacationing and activity with my family, just trying to fit it all in. The past couple weeks have been slow, lazy, home bound days in which I've taken up a beloved past time: reading. I've been spending days holed up in my cool, humming, electric guzzling air conditioned house just reading. Some times reading in the solitude of our yard, looking up occasionally at my gardens, and seeing Sophia playing. It's been a languorous summer dotted with travel around Wisconsin, as well as time apart from Sophia, while she spent a week with her Grandmother in Chicago, IL. All the while, I'm reading novels I pick up at the library. I find myself feeling as though my time spent reading is a guilty pleasure; that I should be "DOING" something. I suppose if I spent all my time whiling the day away, and ignoring my responsibilities, I'd have a very sheltered, sad life, but I temper it with trips to the zoo, time at the pool and when possible, time with good friends. I feel very blessed to have the flexibility of time, to plan my days around things that are enriching, and productive. It's allowed me to create a very memorable summer for Sophia and the family.

While I've been enjoying my summer immensely, I have not been entirely inspired to write and I am struggling to get back into the habit of writing the blog. The gardens are struggling, some of it is unruly, and the weeds are winning. I can't be bothered to care too much. I take care of what I can, as I can, and don't feel badly about it. I have enjoyed a bumper crop of lettuce, and feel it's going to be a grand year for carrots and potatoes, but in other news, it's yet to be seen. Our erratic weather (today it's dipping down to a cool 90 degrees. Yesterday it reached 100) and being gone for a 5 day block, reeked havoc on some of the plants. I am using this year as yet another year of learning, and, another year of getting some awesome compost to mix in and I have higher hopes for next year. If I can get the tree pruned back significantly enough to open up some more light, I might actually stand a chance next year.

Sophia is 6 this summer, and it is a delightful, wonderful age. She's making this a summer to remember for me, as much as I am able to do so for her. She is witty, and bright, inquisitive, and always informing me of little bits of information I would have missed without her insights. Each day is a new adventure, even the long, lazy days we spent together at home.

Summer Has Arrived

The weather this spring and summer has been erratic at best. We've had days and days of rain and clouds, and cool temperatures, punctuated by a random 90 degree day, only to plummet back to the high 60's with another lovely cloud cover.

My garden, it started out beautifully and has now succumbed to a variety of ailments and looks rather pathetic. I admit, I am working against the grain, with a yard that's a smidge too shady, but this is turning into a worst year for my veggies, and in some plants, I just can't figure why, in other's I know. They all took a turn this past week, while we were on vacation, and it DIDN'T rain, after it raining too much for too long. Now there's a bunch of yellowing. I will fertilize this week, but it's been very hot, and sunny, and I don't want to cook them.

So, the minute Sophia was released from school for summer vacation, we started "doing". We ran up north to the cottage for a week, and just got into the swing of summer life together, came home to some crummy weather, and a week of soccer camp; every night for an hour and a half....in the cold, and gloom and rain. It was so fun. (NOT, but she loved it) Directly on the heels of that, we had our annual family vacation to Devil's Lake State Park. My very favorite place. I LOVE it there. I have a few days of rest, and then Sophia will get back into her playground program, which is a 2.5 hour play program to keep the kids occupied and give parents a couple hours to themselves. I can't wait to get back to some kind of routine where I get some time to myself. This Mom needs a vacation from the vacation. There are many other plans for trips back up north to the cottage, another family vacation to the Wisconsin Dells, and the regular summer fun days fit in, like trips to the zoo, swimming in the new pool at Hoyt Park, and another family favorite, the Bristol Renaissance Faire!!! Sophia and I look forward to it every year.

Man,  I'm tired just reading it. 

So, the next big event is the 4th of July celebrations here in our little town. It's one of Sophia's favorite, most anticipated things on the planet: The FIREWORKS!!!! The parade at 9am is always fun, but the fireworks is really her big event. She talks about fireworks all year long. She has an entire series of paintings titled "fireworks" and the collection spans over years. This year is the first year that I will be armed with sparklers, AND glow sticks. I admit, the 4th of July was always a favorite day for me as a kid, filled with picnicking, the decorated bike contest, ice cream and just a lot of good kid and family fun. I remember it as a family day, and always having a really great time. I too am looking forward to seeing the parade and fireworks through her eyes.

I admit, with all this running around, and craziness, I have not felt inspired to write the blog. This morning, making my coffee, and looking out the window, I felt inspired as I looked out at my clematis, strawberries, and herbs on the patio. A lovely view with my freshly picked lavender in a window vase. It was a great way to wake up.

 Another thing happened this summer. A pretty BIG thing. My baby girl turned 6 years old on June 26. I don't even have words. For me to be at a loss of words is no small thing. It's a true testament to time having no meaning. I turned around, and suddenly, this tiny baby is this big, smart, funny, charismatic, amazing girl. She's a kid! She's grown so much, and is becoming more and more independent every day. I am humbled by her every single day.

So, I want to take a moment to talk about our vacation, because I think it's a fantastic trip for a family to take, and a great vacation. Being that the area is so close to Milwaukee, and Madison, it makes it easy to do as a day trip or a more extended stay. There are a great variety of things to do in the Devil's Lake State Park area. You are a stone's throw from Merrimac, WI where the free ferry runs people across the Wisconsin River all day long. It's a neat ride. The ferry has been in operation since 1848. We took the ferry across to eat on the Lake Wisconsin and I have to say it was a great dinner, with fabulous views.

The Ferry Ride

Restaurant View

While you're at the park itself, there are over 41 miles of hiking trails, a beautiful lake for swimming, you can rent canoes, peddle boats, kayaks, row boats. There's plenty of fishing. Camping in the park is very, very nice as well. We stayed at a cabin only a couple miles outside the park this year, and it was a fantastic trip.



View from bluff as we hiked the trail. Below is the "chateau" where you can get coffee, beer, soda, food, shop in the gift shop. Every third Saturday in the summer they have a big band play and people dance. Fish fry every Friday night. It's a wonderful place.

More of the vista from the bluff

Lower hiking trail at the bottom of the bluff. The lake is off to the right.

If ever you have the opportunity to explore around Baraboo, WI, please, make it a point to drive into the park and take a look around. It's filled with history, and you surely won't be disappointed with the view of the lake, and it's geology. This year marks it's centennial. 100 years of visitors enjoying the park, it's history, and the lake. We'll be going back again next year. I can't wait!

Fathers

I have been blessed to have fathers in my life. My own father is a strong, reliable force, guiding me through good times and bad. I was so fortunate to have my Grandfathers alive, and with me well into my adult years. (I was 38 when I lost my last Grandparent.) These men taught me much about life, and living and being with family.

I married a patient, kind, and generous man and father to my daughter. He teaches me every day how to be a better parent.

I am honored to have had the opportunity to live and laugh and play with these men who have shaped who I am today, who have protected me and cared for me, who have taught me and guided me away from the pitfalls of life. Without the presence, strength and bond with these men, I would not be the woman I am today.

I am deeply grateful to all the men who do the hard work of earning the title "Father" every day.

Happy Father's Day, to my wonderful Dad, and to my sweet husband! Thank you both for being so special.

Early Morning

It took me many years, roughly 35 to accept that I am a morning person. I am incapable of sleeping late, which, as nature would have it, leads to having to go to bed early. If I don't go to bed early, the compromise is simply that I don't get enough sleep, but I believe that this holds true in part because of age. When I was in my late 20's and early 30's I was able to compensate for late hours by sleeping til about 9am. 9 is really, really late. These days I've been up 3.5 to 4 hours by 9 am. You can get a lot of things accomplished in those 4 hours and I have to say, it's really nice to be productive in those hours before "normal" people are up and at their day.

It's actually really noisy early in the morning. The birds and wild life are all up and chattering away at one another, talking to themselves and their friends, scolding their young and looking for food. It's a charged time, full of life. The sun rising is incredible too. To have a hot cup of coffee in hand, feel the chill morning air and watch the colors light up the sky is a grounding, brilliant way to start the day. It's my time to charge up the batteries and prepare to serve my family and care for my daughter.

With recharging and brilliant sunrises in mind, I am packing up the "Rogue" (my vehicle) and heading up to the cottage. We'll be gone a week, and Mr. O is in charge of the homestead. I have entrusted him with strawberry watch, garden tending (please water the beds just enough) and general holding down the couch duties. It's a bummer that his pesky career has to go and get in the way off all this summer vacation stuff....oh, well, it's up to us girls to keep those endless summer days alive. (Or I'll fall asleep while Sophia throws rocks into the lake)

To All My Friends

You've Got a Friend - Carol King

When you're down and troubled
And you need some loving care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking at your door

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there

Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

Being an only child makes me a little different from folks with siblings. I didn't have that built in playmate, guide, or competitor... The people who served as surrogate "brothers and sisters" have been my friends. Throughout my life, my friends have been there for me, carried me, and lifted me up. My friends have challenged me to be more than I thought I could be on my own. My friends have dried my tears, poked fun at my overly serious nature and made me laugh at myself.

I am very fortunate to have developed a tight network of friends who have been with me for over 27 years. We've grown up together and lived through life's bitterest and sweetest moments. Though life takes us down different paths, or may move us far away from one another, I know that each one of the people I call "friend" would be there for me when it really counts. Today, I would like to honor all of my dear friends who have blessed my life, boosted my spirit and enriched who I am. I am profoundly grateful for each and every one of you, and am honored to call you friend.

Ants

Every year the ants come. We seem to have a large amount of them around our property. All different types. Big black ants that have a huge colony in the front yard. No matter what we sprinkle or spray on their hill, they just keep on surviving and thriving in the lawn. I don't mind it so much in the front; we don't hang out on our front lawn, and we don't have those types of ants in the house.

Anyway, we have what I believe are called "thief ants". They are tiny, sort of a golden brown color, and they are beyond annoying. So far, I think I've eradicated the colony that was directly against the house (yes, I used ant poison. I will not tolerate a full out infestation of ants in the house, and that's what I'm battling.) but when you poison the colony, whatever queens and workers and few males that can, will flee, and just set up house some place else. I think they moved along and found new ways into our kitchen. They're so tiny, you don't even see them right away.

The first point of entry that I seem to notice every year is along the window sill, directly above my kitchen sink. They walk in a line and climb through this teeny, weeny crack in the moulding. So, I got out the cinnamon and sprinkled a generous line across that area, and watched as they turned away from it, and right into my waiting paper towel to be smeared into oblivion. The cinnamon seemed to do the trick for all the strays that had been seeking water and food around the windows and sink. I also put out Tat bait stations under the sink and in areas along the backs of the counter top, behind the refrigerator, etc....When I went into my cupboard, where I keep all the oils, peanut butter, vinegar, etc...there was a mass attack of ants. I want to say a small swarm, and I just flipped OUT. I had to spend at least 20 minutes chasing them down to kill them all, thoroughly cleaning and wiping down everything in there, and then liberally dousing the parameter with cinnamon. I have a bait station in there, and I've seen a few ants enter the station, so, hopefully, we'll be able to eradicate them entirely.

I'm checking that cupboard compulsively every hour or so, and I'll still catch one or two, though they seem confused and lost. I wish I could take a live and let live attitude with ants, but I just can't. They are extremely unwelcome, and only a hairs breath better than having cockroaches in my opinion.

I've heard of and read about Borax mixtures, and I may give that a try next. If there is anyone out there who knows of sure fire ways to naturally make thief ants (any ants) take a hike and relocate to a place far, far away, please feel free to contact me.

Bicycle, Bicycle...

Bicycle Race - Queen

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle

I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

You say black I say white
You say bark I say bite
You say shark I say hey man
Jaws was never my scene
And I don't like Star Wars
You say Rolls I say Royce
You say God give me a choice
You say Lord I say Christ
I don't believe in Peter Pan
Frankenstein or Superman
All I wanna do is

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my

Bicycle races are coming your way
So forget all your duties oh yeah
Fat bottomed girls they'll be riding today
So look out for those beauties oh yeah
On your marks get set go
Bicycle race bicycle race bicycle race

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle
Bicycle bicycle bicycle
Bicycle race

You say coke I say caine
You say John I say Wayne
Hot dog I say cool it man
I don't wanna be the President of America
You say smile I say cheese
Cartier I say please
Income tax I say Jesus
I don't wanna be a candidate for
Vietnam or Watergate
Cause all I wanna do is

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

Since the fender bender accident, I've been car-less, and have found that I can ride my bike all over town, and not only that, I LOVE my bike. Every year, I seem to forget how great my bike is over the winter, and then I get on it and marvel at how awesome it is. (It's a Specialized, women's style bike....26 inch wheels. Beyond that, I'm not sure what my bike is other than a sweet ride.)

Something that has made my riding experience even better is my new basket. I found the perfect basket, and now I'm ready for running small errands that require me to fetch things. I really love it. The basket pops off the frame and is a shopping basket with handle to take into the grocery store, hardware store, drugstore, rummage sales...I went rummaging today and was able to put my treasures in the basket and scoot along my way. I started to think of all the days I'd spent driving around rummages: start the car, turn off the car, start the car, turn off the car. Not to mention, I am very lucky to have a really great bike. It's super smooth and light. I feel like all I have to do is sit on it and it just floats me to where I want to go.

If a person is interested in "tricking out" their bike with storage, I'd highly recommend investigating the Wald line of products and baskets. Really well made in my opinion. This is the basket that I've got on my ride, and it's wonderful. Wald Bike Basket If I didn't have the tag along tandem attachment, I'd be going for some rear mounted baskets, or maybe panniers. Considering that I only have the one option, removable basket is the way to go. I have shocks on my front fork, so, I needed a basket that could mount to my comfort grip handle bars, steer clear of my break and gear cables, and I wanted something that would pop off for farmers markets and grocery shopping runs. This is a real winner.

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like....

Babies

Babies seem to be the same all over the world, regardless of species. Babies, or maybe we should say toddlers seem to be precocious, full of boundless curiosity, energy beyond imagination, and a little bit of a defiant streak.

Over this past Memorial Day weekend, I finished planting out my gardens. I had made the decision to plant my gourd plants and any extra melon or squash plants around the base of my giant maple tree in the back yard. I figured with all the extra room the vines will need, I can try it out Native American style and wrap the vines up and around  the tree. It's a huge old tree, and in it live a family of squirrels. We've lived here for over 5 years, and the generations of squirrels just keep on coming. I thought about the squirrel family and how they would take the plants, but figured that they'd leave them alone. They're spiky, and prickly and big leaved. I didn't figure they'd care about the plants at all. I started planting ground cover around the base of the tree about three years ago, and it's filling in, and the squirrels could care less about it.

We also have quite a network of rabbits in and around our yard. (I think the rabbits like our spot best because we serve up organic dandelion greens, and clover.)

So, this morning I woke extra early, about 5am, and snuck downstairs to get myself my morning dose of coffee, and snatch my computer back from the spot Sophia had been sitting with it playing computer games. I came into the kitchen and thought "check outside and see if they left your cantaloupe plant alone". See, yesterday, I pulled the blinds up in the kitchen, only to find two little, teen aged, or toddler-ish squirrels, digging like mad at the soft hole I'd made and filled with organic soil, to plant my nice little melon plant into. My little melon plant was caught on the back foot of this asshole squirrel, who seemed to be digging just for the sheer pleasure of feeling the soft dirt in his toes. It was insane. I knocked on the window, and he looked up, and then ran about 6 inches back up the tree and looked some more at me. I finally went outside to inspect the damage with sleep still in my eyes. They'd ripped out all my little plants. I was kicking myself for not winding chicken wire around them, as I had with my swan necked gourds, after I'd found a similar situation the day before that. This morning I went flying out there again, when I pulled the blinds to find one of them actually IN my new square foot bed, digging the newly sprouting nasturtiums. When I went out there, everyone, rabbits and squirrels stayed in place and looked up at me as if I were their mother coming to scold them for their reckless behavior. I could almost see one rabbit say to another, out of the corner of his mouth, "see, I told you to quit it". I rushed the squirrels and hissed through my teeth "get outta here you bastards!!!! Stay out of my gardens, and leave my plants and flowers alone!!!" and they in turn scrambled up the tree, but only half way, pausing to stare at me as if I'd lost my mind. As if to mutter "stupid human. Stupid grown up human!".

I came back inside to deal with the coffee and spy on them some more. Meanwhile the rabbits go back to their munching and loping about the yard, interspersed with mad dashing chase games. I turned just in time to see a very young teen aged (at best, maybe pre-adolescent) rabbit start off to chase an older one. The older rabbit was behind my square foot bed, and the youngest one in front of it, and he bounded toward the larger, older rabbit and was thrown backward into the lawn by the chicken wire fence I have around the garden! Score one for the fence! It works. (I guess I have to put one more up. Ugly things!) When I went to look back for the squirrels, I spy one racing at a break neck pace toward a young rabbit who just sat there, still as could be, until the squirrel was about two inches from his face, and he pulled his head back in disgust and slowly turned and scampered away.

Now I'm sitting here watching the squirrel and rabbit actually  play with each other and it's hysterical!!! The squirrel lunges at the rabbits who leap straight into the air, and then the squirrel taunts some more and they chase a little...too cute! Funnier still is watching the adult rabbit sit outside the lettuce and peas patch, munching on violets and clover, staring lustfully at the better produce that is just out of reach, completely oblivious to the babies and their games, just behind her.

Babies!! They're all the same. Making messes, never cleaning up after themselves, beating on each other, racing and rozzing around like they don't have a care in the world. Now if I can keep these babies away from MY babies (my baby plants) we'll get along just fine. I might have to have a talk with their mothers!!

It seems that the longer we live here, on this city plot, (what are they? 1/4 acre at best?) and the more I plant and the less I poison the earth, the more wild life we get. I'm deathly allergic to bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and the like, and I have a hive of big, fat bumble bees under my steps. Have for years. They occasionally float in and out of the spot underneath the Japanese ground cover, sometimes while I'm sitting on the stoop people spraying for insects, we didn't have as many bees. Less bees, means less food, or possibly no food. We've seen a coyote keeping the rabbit population down, a family of raccoons have rambled through, the resident fox, I've seen many more birds, humming birds, orioles, cardinals, little finch....

So, while it's frustrating to have these babies to contend with, and other wildlife interfering with my garden plans, I'd rather have it this way, fighting fruitlessly against nature, as fair and square as I can. Either way it goes, Mother Nature will always win, but it's fun to struggle just a little.

Accidents

Accident:

[ak-si-duhnt] –noun

1. an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap: automobile accidents.

2. Law . such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.

3. any event that happens unexpectedly, without a deliberate plan or cause.

 

Accidents are strange. They feel surreal, assuming that you are fortunate enough to walk away unharmed. Most accidents, say around the house, are a disappointment, not resulting in any major injury, or sometimes, maybe, there's a close call; like a near fall down a flight of stairs that was narrowly averted. I tend to chastise myself for not being aware, or for not being focused on what I was doing.

 

Then there are the accidents that occur with Sophia, the childish accidents that 5, nearly 6 year olds get themselves into. Those are always nerve wracking, but thus far, I've been able to keep her injury to a minimum through management and a little T.L.C.

 

The family got into a little fender bender car accident yesterday and it shook us up a bit. For me, being a passenger, and then being a mother to the child in the backseat, I had a wild range of emotions. In my usual tact and class, the minute we were struck from behind, I screamed out a profanity, and then turned around to see if Sophia was ok, who was shouting "we crashed!!" and then began crying, which triggered me to cry. Everyone was perfectly fine; no physical injuries to anyone in the accident, and there were 4 cars in the pile up. It could have been so much worse, and I am so happy that it was just a fender bender, but it is frightening to think of how quickly things can go so wrong.

 

To see the accident through Sophia's eyes, her first accident at such a young age, when things in life are all good, and easy, and taken care of, it's been meaningful for me. Her trust is damaged. She doesn't want to get into the car again until it's fixed and she can't see "the white part sticking out" any more. We stayed up a little late talking it through and mostly she is afraid it will happen again, but that the car won't be fixed right and it won't protect us anymore. I pulled out all my tricks to reassure her that the car will be fixed, that it's unlikely to happen again, and that it WILL protect us.

 

How do I assure her, when there is no assurance? Aside from shutting ones self off from the world, or walking to every destination, there's no way to eliminate the risk of a car accident. It's there every time we get in the car. 

 

It reminded ME that things like this happen. It's been years and years since I've been in or around any kind of auto accident or incident. A person just forgets through years of safe driving, and being in the right places at the right times, that accidents happen, and the sobering side of it is that people can and do get hurt; all the time.

 

I'm filled to the rim with abundant gratitude for the gift of each day with my family and loved ones. I'm grateful that we're safe, and healthy, and unharmed. I am humbled by the gifts my daughter keeps giving me every day. Every day her exuberant, shining, trusting, innocent, real, raw self shows me the way to be a better person; to work toward deserving everything she puts in me.

Tosa Pool

Boy, today I am missing that camera cable. I would make a point to go to Hoyt Park and take photo's of the new Tosa Pool. It's magnificent. It's really a beautiful place, that was well executed, and I'm sooo pleased to have it in my community. Today is the grand opening, and lemme tell ya, the weather is SHIT. It's damp, and cloudy and cool, and the usual fare we've been given this spring.

Hoyt Pool is a landmark. The bath house/pavilion has been there since the 1930's. It's really lovely inside with original brass and hardwood, a wood burning fireplace, etc...I have yet been inside the newly remodeled, expanded and renovated building, but I anticipate a first class job, based on what I see on the exterior. It is cape cod inspired, and makes me want to spend long, lazy summer days there.

Here is a blurb from the "Friends o Hoyt Park and Pool":

The wooded acres of Hoyt Park have historically served residents as the site of the “local swimming hole.” More than 100 years ago, people sought out the banks of the expansive Menomonee River. In the 1920s and 1930s, the community swam in the earth-bottom swimming hole filled each summer by the local fire department. In 1937, Hoyt Park was entrusted to Milwaukee County and the Civilian Conservation Corps were engaged to help build the pool, which opened in 1939 and closed in 2003 due to severe structural problems.

I took a walk over to the park and strolled the parameter of the pool, and it's just so inviting with a sand pit area to play and build in, a large play set right in the zero depth pool, complete with slides and climbing/exploring areas, a large tube slide for the bigger "kids", a lap pool. There are gracious Adirondack chairs throughout, plenty of full sun and shaded spots. There is a really large, fully shaded eating spot, with nice tables. All of the covered areas are blue, cool, inviting canopies. It looks like the concession area will have a wide variety of food and snack items.

I feel so lucky to have such a nice park, with hiking trails, and playground, and now this wonderful pool! It brings me to day dreaming about those long lost, childhood days that were so good, they seemed like they'd never end, even though they always did, leading to the next lovely, lazy day.

Swimming Lessons

Sophia has been participating in Swim America's swim program. It's a neat program that is 1/2 hour sessions, every day, for 10 (work) days. The concept is to accelerate learning in a natural way, with a personalized approach. They have a high number of coaches to a lower number of students to give them a bit more attention than in other group sessions. My expectations were quite high going into the program, and I believe that Sophia's were as well.

Sophia has always been fearless when it comes to water. She absolutely loves it, and I say she gets that from me. I love to swim and be in the water; swimming has just always come naturally to me. The problem comes in where Sophia needs to listen and actually learn to swim. We've been going every day, and every day she "fails" the float portion of "level 2". Some of the problem is fear of holding her breath for as long as, or longer than 5 seconds, but mostly it's her fear that she'll sink like a stone to the bottom of the pool. She's said so herself. "I'm scared I'll sink to the bottom and drown" were her exact words.

Each day I watch from the stands and see her improving. It's so neat to see her cheerful, exuberant, excitement to get into the pool and start swimming. It's been difficult to watch her disappointment as the days go by and she stays at "level 2". I struggled with feeling disappointed that she couldn't get a "simple float" as the swim coach had said, but honestly, I've learned a great deal from watching her learn and gain confidence. So, maybe she hasn't mastered front and back float, and maybe she's a little leery to put her face under the water, but I see an eager girl, who will not be swayed. She wants so badly to learn, she faces her frustrations day after day with a huge smile on her face, and a throat full of giggles. She said to me "Mama, I just have to believe in myself more" and I believe that she understands what that means. Once she connects her body with her confidence, and finds a way to trust that the water will hold her, there won't be any stopping her.

If only I could bottle that sheer determination, there would be no limits to what we could do!!!

Dandelions

Dandelions seem to be the most hated, poisoned, vigorously hunted and destroyed "weed" on the planet. Or, so it seems to me. We happen to be one of the only houses on our block that does not hire a lawn service to decimate any trace of weed activity in our "lawn". I have to use the word lawn loosely. It's mostly weeds of all kinds, dandelions of course, and a mix of crazy grasses. This time of year, we stick out like a sore thumb. The yellow blossoms usually tend to die down a little bit after the first wave of spring wears off, but we have quite the yellow carpet.

Last year, it was bad enough that I watched my neighbor, who I really like and have a decent relationship with, dig out all the dandelions in his front yard by hand. OK, fine. He stops me a few days later and says something about spraying our lawn, and how he knows that I'm against toxic chemicals, BUT....Well, yeah, I AM against it. I have a daughter who I love dearly, and I grow food on this land. Seems really counter intuitive to poison my food supply and poison the ground my kid plays on. Now, that being said, he has two little girls, and grows food in HIS yard, but it doesn't scare him. At any rate, he told me that it took him 3 hours to dig out the dandelions in his lawn. I didn't really even understand what he was trying to say initially. I was so out of it on this front, I laughed and said "Yeah, I saw that and thought you were crazy". When the real truth he was speaking was that he spent that time digging MY dandelions out of his yard. He went so far as to ask me if it'd be OK for him to spray my front lawn. I conceded and said as long as he restricted it to the front lawn and mostly whatever he felt was a deterrent to HIS manicured yard. I never thought he'd do it, but one day, while coming back from dropping Sophia off at school, I saw him in my yard with his sprayer!!!

So, of course, this being our 6th year in the house, and the 6th year of our grass not being treated, (we bought it when it had been sprayed consistently) we have a MASS of dandelions. Worse than I'd have ever thought, considering that it's just what we generate here, since everyone else is pouring poison on their grass.

Well, this morning, Mr. O had to finally mow the yard, and in turn, mow down all the dandelions. Sophia started to cry. She couldn't stop, and I asked her what was wrong and she said that it was breaking her heart that he was taking away all the dandelions.

Every year, when she sees that first puff of yellow, her heart soars and she shouts "Mama!!! I have a present for you!!!" She gleefully yanks it out of the ground and hands it to me with a smile that could light up a room. Some days she'll run in the house with a fist full; a grand bouquet for me to display for the short hours until they wither into a revolting blob of dead weeds. Each year I explain that no one wants her to pick the dried out ones that have gone to seed; no one wants her to blow the seeds off and scatter them far and wide, and yet, the joy she experiences from it, the innocent wonder of something that can transform itself the way dandelions do, it's priceless. Who doesn't remember the sheer fun of picking dandelions? We used to pick them and sing a little ditty "Mama had a baby and it's head popped off", while popping and flinging the flower cap off with a quick flick of the thumb. I think dandelions are synonymous with childhood.

Aside from the fun they bring to children, it would behoove me to gather and EAT our dandelion greens. We have plenty in the yard. I could have been eating dandelion salad for days and days. I hear the nutritional benefit is huge. They are high in vitamin A, provide 188% of the RDA for vitamin K, as well as being a good source of calcium and iron too.

Well, I did give Mr. O the OK to "do something" about the weeds, and hopefully that will be mostly in the front yard, since our baby girl and her friends play in that "grass" and mud and mess in the back yard, and I REALLY don't want to put poison in our food.....I'm conflicted. I LOVE where we live and it's a lovely place to look at, but I hate the peer pressure to conform. I love lush lawns as much as the next guy, but I love my beautiful yellow bouquets more.

Glorious Smoked Chubs

Today was a second big day of gardening, and I am feeling the pinch of not having my photo cable. I miss being able to share pictures of what is happening, because right now, the garden is starting to come to life, and I'd LOVE to show you.

Before I could get to the bulk of the gardening and yard work, I had to first hit Sophia's book fair, and then pick up some essentials at Sendik's (the local grocery store) and then pick up some seeds at the garden center. While I was at Sendik's I noticed a package of delectable, fresh, fat, smoked chubs. I had to have them. I put the package in my cart and spun around to go and get the expensive cream of asparagus soup I'd seen over in the dairy isle. I was going to have a feast for lunch, to get me fueled up for gardening.

Some of you may be wondering what on earth is she talking about "smoked chubs??" If you don't know, here it is:

Yes, this is exactly what I had for lunch today, along with a steaming cup of gourmet cream of asparagus soup made with tarragon, and creme freche. MMmmm. It was Divine!!!

If you live in Wisconsin, or grew up in Wisconsin, chances are you've purchased fish of varied types at little places like this one: Ewigs Port Washington, WI I have strong, and very fond memories of drives with my Mother, either to my family's cottage, or up to Door County and stopping off to pick up some smoked fish. Mostly it was always chubs. Oh, sure, sometimes a white fish, but mostly it was chubs. The smell, and the taste will always be a delicacy to me; an ambrosia that takes me back to sunny, summer days, sitting at a park side picnic table, with an open box of smelly fish, some plastic forks and a pile of napkins; smiling at my Mother for her genius at having purchased this special treat. The smell of the fish lingers on the fingers for the entire day after you eat them, and I have to confess, I love to bring my fingers to my nose and inhale the memory of the little luncheon devoured with greedy joy just hours before.

Today was a day like one of those days, except I didn't have a 5 pound box of fish, I had three fish, and I wasn't with my Mom. I was alone, but the window was open, and the sun had started to peek out. The breeze was warm, thick and humid. The fish was absolutely delicious.

I'm sure that every person, from their home region has a food like this one, something that is so explicitly home, so much a part of the place and the person, that it just sits with them like the afghan that their grandmother knit them. Smoked fish is a deep  running, common thread among Wisconsinites. Everyone knows what you're talking about when you mention it, and I'd say 99% of people will groan agreeably and utter words of desire if talk of smoked fish carries on too long. Often times it's poorly smoked, over done, salty, and dry, but you have to be a connoisseur. You have to be able to feel the fish, look at the oil, and yes, you want it to be oily; test that it's flesh gives way a bit when lightly pressed. That way you know you've got a moist, meaty, mild tasting bit of heaven. All that's needed to accompany this lovely bit of fish, is possibly some Italian bread and butter, but really, nothing but the fish. Maybe a good beer, but, really, just the fish...

Tip Of The Day

I'm back from the "great north woods" and a relatively relaxing trip. I'm simply grateful that the sun made an appearance and has stuck around since Sunday. It's still windy and cold, but I have got to say, I NEED the light for my frame of mind. This has been an especially, remarkably cold, dark, dreary spring and everyone I run into makes roughly the same comment "enough is enough".

Upon my return from the cottage, I went to get my camera and the cable cord, and discovered that I do not have the cable for my camera, so, I will not be able to download my pictures, which is going to make my blog a little trickier to do. Not to mention that it would have been useful for a project we need to work on for Sophia's school work. C'est la vie. I'll get it the next time I'm up there, I guess. It'll make me more discriminating with the photos I take.

So, because I'm still adjusting to the busy week, and am spending most of my time out in the garden at the moment, I'm simply posting a helpful tip for anyone who's interested in saving a little money while being a bit greener in your kitchen

Tip of The Day:

Here's a recipe to make your own home made all purpose, disinfecting kitchen spray. It's very economical when compared to the earth friendly kitchen cleansers found at your local stores.

All Purpose Disinfecting Kitchen Spray

1/4 Cup white vinegar

2 teaspoons Borax

1/4 teaspoon Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap

 (scent of your choice, I enjoy peppermint)

Water

When you finish a 32 ounce bottle of kitchen spray, save the bottle, add the above ingredients, and top it off with water. Shake, and use to wipe down the stove, refrigerator, counter tops, microwave, or any surface that needs a thorough wipe down. I love it, and once you make the initial investment, you can make nearly endless bottles of cleanser.

If you're unfamiliar with Dr. Bronner's, or castile soap, please visit the web page: Dr. Bronner's it's a wonderful, environmentally friendly soap/cleanser. You will most likely have to hit your local natural foods store to find a variety of Dr. Bronner's soaps, where you can find a variety of scents to suit your taste.

Borax of course can be found in the laundry detergent isle of the supermarket.

Happy cleaning!



Technology - Less

Yesterday I was not able to get on my computer for the majority of the day because of technological difficulties. It's frustrating when the technology we have all come to rely on "breaks down". I'm caught somewhere in the middle of being an outright luddite, and being completely immersed in technology. I rely heavily on my computer, and I use my cell phone for calls and an occasional text. When it comes to this blog, I absolutely need my computer and an internet connection.

I've been busting my behind getting prepared to head up north to the cottage. My day is filled with laundry, baking, cooking, packing and generally getting the house as set as it can be for leaving Mr. O in charge.

While I work, I am eager to set off on my own and have a couple days all to myself. It's interesting because the reason I'm going up there alone is to get the bathroom painted. My "get away" is to go and work, but I'm looking forward to it with anticipation. I hope that the weather is pleasant and the drive speedy. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to crank the painting out in a day, and have the rest of the time to relax, do some writing and test drive my peddle boat.

I won't be able to post anything to the blog until next Monday, as I will be without internet access, and essentially unplugged from the technology. I anticipate some photos and posts from the great north woods next week.

Happy Mother's Day

Oh, the wonderful, wonderful gifts I received this Mother's Day. It was almost too much. There was the lovely decorated card, and then the gorgeous "All About Mom" book, with the elaborately decorated envelope. A sponge painted terracotta pot, with a packet of zinnia seeds and a hand made bouquet. The sheer joy and excitement Sophia had in giving me each and every "surprise" (all gifted by Saturday morning) was priceless. This felt like my first REAL Mother's Day, and it was very special. My precious girl!!

Art class flowers made of dough, and hand painted. Also see the geraniums that she planted in Daisy Scouts, in a chalk board pot that she wrote "I love you, Mom" on.

Swan Neck Gourd

I was luckier even still and Mr. O presented me with a gorgeous bouquet of roses, which are opening on the coffee table in the living room. I didn't take a photo, but they're really beautiful, and they brighten the whole room. I was also able to spend the day with my Mother, relaxing, and enjoying the sunshine and one of the few true spring days we've had this season. I couldn't have asked for a nicer day.



Breaking It Down To Build It Up

This life is a series of circles. We're all slowly breaking down, slowly moving toward the beginning of the bigger circle of life. As an American in the human race, I'm fortunate to have advanced medical science at my finger tips. One can buy whatever is necessary, either perceived or real, to prolong life. Be it supplements, hiring nutritionists, dial a doctor and they will prescribe something to keep you  happier, living with less pain, make your eyelashes longer, and on and on and on. As we have been catapulted into this age of science with a "pill for every ill", somewhere along the line we've sacrificed our own health for profit. Doesn't it all come back to being what we eat?

There is a "whole foods movement" slowly taking hold in our American culture and that's fantastic. We're all thinking about the chemicals, the preservatives, the poisons we've put in our food and the potential long term consequences. We've already come to see what growth hormones are doing to our young kids, girls especially, with puberty hitting at younger and younger ages.

After a minimal amount of prodding from a dear friend who believes very strongly that food is medicine, I begged Mr. O for a juicer for Valentine's Day. What better way to say I love you than through healthy beverages? I had done a lot of research and found the best reviews, for the price point I had in mind, were for the Breville Compact Juice Fountain. Now, there is a lot to consider when looking for a juicer, and for me, I knew that I was in the centrifugal line of things, versus the masticating end. When you start to get into masticating juicers, the price point spikes. The advantages are getting down onto the molecular and cellular level of the plant extract, and while that would promote optimal health and healing properties, I'm thinking I'm still benefiting from centrifugal juice.

Here's the Breville set up and waiting to massacre a batch of celery, apple, grape juice. (I didn't have any other greens that I could sacrifice.

So, here's what it looks like after it's made short work off that pile of veggies you just saw. The machine comes with a lovely little tool that works perfectly to scrape all the bits out of the cracks and crannies, and whatever it doesn't get, I spray out with my sprayer. The other end of the tool has a hard bristle brush to scrub the screen out. It's neato. The components are dishwasher safe, but only top rack, and my top rack is not big enough to handle the stuff. Maybe you could get away with bottom rack, but I don't find it difficult to clean AT all. No more so than any of my other small kitchen appliances.

Beautiful to look at, pretty darn tasty, and VERY healthful. It was my mid morning snack.

The benefits of juicing are many, and if you're interested, I'd highly recommend doing a little online research, and see for yourself. A perfect Mother's Day gift to yourself, or for a loved one would be this nifty juicer. It really is convenient, and it helps recycle those veggies that aren't appealing for salads anymore. It works well with leafy greens, all sorts of hard veggies, fruits, and berries. It's a great investment in your health, at around $100, it can't be beat.

The other wonderful benefit to juicing is the ability to use the produce to it's fullest by either using the pulp to cook with, which, I don't find appealing, or composting. Composting is a fantastic way to continue the circle of your day to day household life. It takes all your paper towels, paper products, veggie scraps, lawn clippings and leaves, and makes a rich humus to fertilize the garden with. I strongly recommend composting if you haven't started already. It feels great to eliminate so much waste from our weekly garbage, and I'm eager to start using the compost I've created. It takes minimal effort to turn the compost, and with some sun, and help from Mother Nature, dark, loose soil can be apparent in less than 6 months. (At least that's been my experience so far, turning regularly with my "Garden Claw")

Here is my compost bin, which is kept on the kitchen counter, next to the coffee pot. All of the remaining pulp from my juice making goes into the bucket, and then out to the big compost bin in the yard.

Coffee grounds, egg shells, paper towels, grape stems, banana peels, et al.

My modest compost bin at the back of the  yard, behind the play set. Easy to get to, but out of sight for the most part. I find the "Garden Claw" to be a handy device for turning compost, and it's really sped up the process.

The interesting part about the composting for me so far is that I can see usable compost in the middle and at the very bottom, and you're supposed to be able to slide those doors up and scoop it out to use. HOWEVER, the leaves and dry "brown" parts slide over to the side. Maybe it's my technique. It's an ever evolving process and rather amazing to watch. Last summer, there was a point where I thought "hm, this is filling up kind of fast", and literally the next time I went out and turned it, it had reduced by at least a foot. It grows as we add to it and then shrinks away. I got very fortunate that I put it over a spot where we'd cleared a pile of lumber, and the bug life and worms were teaming there. So, they've been a huge built in help for digesting and breaking down the good stuff.

Break down all the unused stuff, to build up a strong, fertile, abundant garden!! Let's get growing.

Working To Play

Phew. I'm tired. I just moved between a 1/4 and a 1/2 cord of wood from the patio, to the back of the yard, with a plastic Radio Flyer wagon. Then I pulled the patio table and chairs out of the garage, and that of course lead to a handful of other minor yard tasks, and a smidgen of weeding. So, I played around outside and arranged the patio furniture and moved the strawberry tower to a visually appealing location. It looks inviting. I attempted to work on the computer out there, and have a bite of lunch, but the screen became nearly impossible to read in the bright sun. I am not complaining; we haven't had bright sun in far, far too long. It was fantastic sitting there, feeling the sun on my skin, as I ate my quesedilla, but I had to move indoors to finish working.

(OK, so, the breeze is a little brisk, but this is Wisconsin)

Mmm, cheesy whole wheat quesedilla and spicy salsa.

So, yesterday I mentioned that my uncle was going out of his way to help me out by coming over to pick up my new peddle boat. So, I made BBQ ribs, garlic mashed potatoes and corn. (A repeat meal from not long ago) I also made deviled eggs out of the last of the Easter eggs because it's a favorite.

Smoked paprika makes them special....especially to serve with BBQ.

Handy Tip of The Day:

After you've mixed your mayonnaise yolks, and seasoning, scoop into a plastic sandwich bag, cut off the tip of the corner of the bag, and squeeze into pretty swirls inside the hollowed out egg halves. Makes for a nice presentation.

The Peddle Boat: KL Industries Playmate Sunslider

The minute we got to the store, it began to pour....of course. Why wouldn't it?

The back rests to the seats are off as well as the canopy. But here is my brand new, 5 seat (also turns into a two person lounger) paddle boat. Oh,man, I'm so excited. I can't wait to get up north and try it out! What a lucky girl I am, and doubly lucky to have an uncle who's got all the necessary and super cool ratcheting lock downs. Woot!

All the wood hauling, fresh air and sunshine has me beat, so I think I'm going to try another one of those savasana meditations.