tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66288992812790982522024-03-06T00:00:53.544-05:00My Special Homestead - Getting Back to BasicsMy goal is to use this forum to share encouragement and inspiration for healthier eating through garden harvest and cooking from scratch more non-processed foods and for treating your family, friends, neighbors, strangers, animals and the earth with kindness.My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-25654208384173531312016-04-04T16:23:00.000-04:002016-04-04T16:23:50.026-04:00Super Summer SALSA Recipe Rated A+Many, many times I have surfed the net looking to find 'that perfect' recipe. Many, many times after following 'that perfect' recipe it turns out to be not-so-perfect. I would even go so far as describing it as a disappointing flop. Regardless, I never give up on my search efforts. And, yes, on several occasions I have managed to find that recipe which provides me with A+ results. Bottom line - any recipe I share has been tried and true; I want to spare those who love to cook as much as I do the heartache of a 'flop.'<br />
<br />
Described by myself as A+, the original salsa recipe I found on-line had to be tweaked a tiny bit to my liking to achieve this rating. For those with any cooking ability tweaking a recipe is no big deal; per your liking simply switch up the spices or add more of the ingredients you favor such as onions, garlic, etc. or lessen the ingredients you dislike. No, it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to make it happen; just a few fearless taste buds.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8utDCK4knK7zM7Ugj-UNQzaGygtHmEdc4CEKp9tac_lNEh0EP5_0kyLouI7GbSzx4RIz3KptLf2tfCaimzV6mhROnUBV-371iuMsNbqpMDDK6ccvRw2_2sna0xL51LWxDz02g8Hs-6ODX/s1600/100_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8utDCK4knK7zM7Ugj-UNQzaGygtHmEdc4CEKp9tac_lNEh0EP5_0kyLouI7GbSzx4RIz3KptLf2tfCaimzV6mhROnUBV-371iuMsNbqpMDDK6ccvRw2_2sna0xL51LWxDz02g8Hs-6ODX/s320/100_4315.JPG" width="320" /></a>First, I'd like to preface by saying that the process of making salsa is not for the faint of heart. The prep for this wonderful food product requires a lot of effort as described through the steps in the recipe I am providing. Rewards of the efforts are plenty: healthier (no preservatives); amazing cost savings if ingredients are home grown; personal satisfaction; pantry enhancement; self-sufficiency; convenience; etc.<br />
<br />
If the garden produces another great yield of tomatoes, peppers and onions, I will definitely double (or triple) this recipe. If necessary, I can also visit the local farmer's market for fresh ingredients.<br />
<br />
<br />
So here goes, <br />
<br />
<h3>
SUPER SUMMER SALSA RECIPE</h3>
<strong></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb7w7HUaQMdSJMgBlutzhtA9kEztOvuR-tSFIdN3lhXpTLVYveXzW-K5_cxRTTx4_WAve63R3XdvepvNI9HGR7txL60bOpWysFzixE8UTSvX1NGA4unSpqC0hyssBl6CbH089GbE6bVYI/s1600/IMG_20140906_100521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb7w7HUaQMdSJMgBlutzhtA9kEztOvuR-tSFIdN3lhXpTLVYveXzW-K5_cxRTTx4_WAve63R3XdvepvNI9HGR7txL60bOpWysFzixE8UTSvX1NGA4unSpqC0hyssBl6CbH089GbE6bVYI/s320/IMG_20140906_100521.jpg" width="240" /></a><strong><u>Ingredients:</u></strong><br />
<br />
8 cups tomatoes - peeled, seeds removed, chopped and drained<br />
3 cups chopped onions<br />
2 cups chopped green peppers<br />
1 tsp. red pepper flakes<br />
2 tbsp. garlic powder<br />
2 tsp. cumin<br />
2 tsp. black pepper<br />
1/8 cup canning salt<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
1/3 cup white vinegar<br />
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Directions:</u></strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Mix all ingredients together in a large sauce pan.</li>
<li>Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.</li>
<li>Pour into prepared jars.</li>
<li>Process in hot water bath for 15 minutes.</li>
</ul>
<em>This recipe provided me with 8 pint jars of salsa. You can get more or less by increasing or decreasing the ingredients listed.</em><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm_V8nQgJqumbqPi-miE9GKmVMAC0k6aCyaaNcg6wMtxZzI7cnYAzHPOUXVYTx_8Tmt1I7c3M-KijFjtFWt17Es5VYAlFydzravS4XdzrvbAVCqIHCmvESxGUbBZBxByVJe3FHvgwLgiV/s1600/Salsa+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqm_V8nQgJqumbqPi-miE9GKmVMAC0k6aCyaaNcg6wMtxZzI7cnYAzHPOUXVYTx_8Tmt1I7c3M-KijFjtFWt17Es5VYAlFydzravS4XdzrvbAVCqIHCmvESxGUbBZBxByVJe3FHvgwLgiV/s640/Salsa+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Information on preparing jars and other canning questions can be found at <a href="http://www.freshpreserving.com/tools/faqs">Ball Fresh Preserving and Canning Questions</a>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-602895930055258642016-04-04T15:16:00.002-04:002016-04-04T15:16:54.573-04:00Chocolate Banana Bundt Cake RecipeWaking up to six slightly brown bananas today - <i>almost past expiration</i> - inspired me to do something with them other than put them in the compost pot. I ate one with breakfast as usual and decided a dessert needs to be created. Regular cakes need to be frosted; Bundt cakes can do with a little drizzle or just a shake of confectionery sugar. No brainer - a Bundt cake will be in the making. This recipe is really a quick and simple recipe for such a decadent desert....and the ingredients most often are stocked in the pantry. On another note, following this recipe I'll suggest some useful ways to use your banana peels and your egg shells.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
1 1/4 cup flour<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 cup cocoa powder<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp instant coffee (optional)<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup banana (very ripe & mashed - about 3)<br />
1 cup chocolate chips<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<br />
Preheat oven: 350 F degrees<br />
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Grease/spray Bundt pan and lightly dust with a little cocoa powder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBVYZk6ceG0s5p1b8BUFO8BT2EXxyYy-vM__5Ns5vKW7aRpJFHhyphenhyphenCIykbJ2mxjzvPr3ea_2YbWedctwQKuoM9f08Sc72WF80KfqwHfcljZyRuRfm9qN3WPzOT-a8LpBZwnpZKefJSZA8_/s1600/choc+bundt+cake+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBVYZk6ceG0s5p1b8BUFO8BT2EXxyYy-vM__5Ns5vKW7aRpJFHhyphenhyphenCIykbJ2mxjzvPr3ea_2YbWedctwQKuoM9f08Sc72WF80KfqwHfcljZyRuRfm9qN3WPzOT-a8LpBZwnpZKefJSZA8_/s400/choc+bundt+cake+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Mix dry ingredients and set aside.<br />
<br />
<br />
Cream butter, add sugar and eggs and mix well.<br />
<br />
<br />
Add bananas and mix briefly.<br />
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<br />
Mix in dry ingredients until incorporated (don't over mix.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Stir in chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
<br />
Pour into prepared pan.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake 50-60 minutes until it tests done;</div>
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cake will just start to pull away from the edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf_z9b_uqq5SXv-Qo9KZzjrNPNSHUi4mqTnNyTw7Az-SGpyWJr1fs-kFaeQMzM6JRbc2bhoKD07qL_ZTxINgXALtFwH5suG1nf41xH-F8E1FPk89sY2MKEnah43roPe5QFd4zZfKJetZ3/s1600/choc+bundt+cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf_z9b_uqq5SXv-Qo9KZzjrNPNSHUi4mqTnNyTw7Az-SGpyWJr1fs-kFaeQMzM6JRbc2bhoKD07qL_ZTxINgXALtFwH5suG1nf41xH-F8E1FPk89sY2MKEnah43roPe5QFd4zZfKJetZ3/s400/choc+bundt+cake+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Cool slightly then remove from pan.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Dust with confectionery sugar to your liking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEExXGs7Ylzwrr1-OzrclqTnApcKLs2XY9XCJWTFUvist_rIj9UUXLY_weO0YvLw7jLMAeQynJrDvBuWSlUpK2RrR19eLV8IgxOyhGvfmGMzP-dPF0GYNnaDGejA36P4ifN3jW8OxL3Fx/s1600/choc+bundt+cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEExXGs7Ylzwrr1-OzrclqTnApcKLs2XY9XCJWTFUvist_rIj9UUXLY_weO0YvLw7jLMAeQynJrDvBuWSlUpK2RrR19eLV8IgxOyhGvfmGMzP-dPF0GYNnaDGejA36P4ifN3jW8OxL3Fx/s400/choc+bundt+cake+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">ENJOY!!!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vh4ZmdxqSPCmIoSZet-F9iPN2MuC6MBe1vNmdCT1_Wl6ad5tf9bPngnWHvceHkLH2n5fWmzcZl42PMHtEMN2VADTNvhDJo95Wo50SL95mdrGoEaOj4XJELZjmISo16-yKw_S711ZCENJ/s1600/choc+bunt+cake+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vh4ZmdxqSPCmIoSZet-F9iPN2MuC6MBe1vNmdCT1_Wl6ad5tf9bPngnWHvceHkLH2n5fWmzcZl42PMHtEMN2VADTNvhDJo95Wo50SL95mdrGoEaOj4XJELZjmISo16-yKw_S711ZCENJ/s400/choc+bunt+cake+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">......... and then .........</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">from my counter to yours</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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you can crush and store your egg shells</div>
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<br /></div>
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to spread around the base of your tomato plants</div>
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<br /></div>
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during warm weather gardening to help prevent disease</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRRaCEIkK3LgeNJiQ1yUDe-whyphenhyphenzCrHYIlgwcJBsnjvtQ7S_JcXxWCxJd46u2hv-izimtmh5GkljqfynIv293d3sojW5O75bqBr0ycckGg3hmwiCos0CwJMEw-s_um005LMSDfm2qxl03d/s1600/choc+bundt+cake+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRRaCEIkK3LgeNJiQ1yUDe-whyphenhyphenzCrHYIlgwcJBsnjvtQ7S_JcXxWCxJd46u2hv-izimtmh5GkljqfynIv293d3sojW5O75bqBr0ycckGg3hmwiCos0CwJMEw-s_um005LMSDfm2qxl03d/s400/choc+bundt+cake+4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">..... and .....</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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you can put your banana peels in your compost.</div>
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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluIXuLov4xs8Elr1wf5Ig1WP6FlZdKMJ9U1BeLIKH3adgCO1Rn99vUbgvY9ZDlDKiiftkvT4bOjNkb3oJuUhGomFgkMJHvs7vaNnhWVX5_5Ubqhyphenhyphen8kiqRlIec_dKVvRWHVQx0h_EB84j3/s1600/choc+bundt+cake+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluIXuLov4xs8Elr1wf5Ig1WP6FlZdKMJ9U1BeLIKH3adgCO1Rn99vUbgvY9ZDlDKiiftkvT4bOjNkb3oJuUhGomFgkMJHvs7vaNnhWVX5_5Ubqhyphenhyphen8kiqRlIec_dKVvRWHVQx0h_EB84j3/s640/choc+bundt+cake+5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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</script>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-65066160471890124582015-03-30T12:06:00.000-04:002015-03-30T12:43:08.314-04:00Gardening by Inspiration<br />
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</script><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8tuKPN4GsL8DY5ESNkThbTdGU6v15iuAz27P6NqswjEj_1wEabMqq7C12N5NqdDxezG0MJB_2ISvfm-F3V8pkQWbx_ybc0hVQKQuinOxoRXi9gGrA1L-oVG7in0Sxya3W3QwaGwxgF3G/s1600/IMG_20140306_064222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8tuKPN4GsL8DY5ESNkThbTdGU6v15iuAz27P6NqswjEj_1wEabMqq7C12N5NqdDxezG0MJB_2ISvfm-F3V8pkQWbx_ybc0hVQKQuinOxoRXi9gGrA1L-oVG7in0Sxya3W3QwaGwxgF3G/s1600/IMG_20140306_064222.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This lingering bitter cold (20ish degrees by day; zero by night) March 2015 winter weather is beginning to make me wonder what kind of summer conditions we can expect following such a chilly Spring. Cold, short, dry, wet or whatever. Bring it on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Looking back on some photos of my 2014 successful gardening endeavors is inspiring me to inspire you!</span></strong></em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">INSPIRATIONAL FLOWER BED PHOTOS</span></strong></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After many years in the making (lots of TLC) my flower beds are now complete with no muss/no fuss perennials requiring little maintenance; rake in and around some fresh bedding and clean out some over growth and you're good-to-go. Now it's time to pull up a chair, relax and take in their awesome beauty.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3QYsAel-MwDz-kmOa8THGl2Ce2PaTvB9ny0N6D_oQiTHsPhkRw9o-YABbnVseR6nYxw0QxWVEamseRWR5trshdBDnc5k9a4S62UG68ZeQMfoHqIEmdiJJX1zf5P4PtHtuOJxp2sevl2e/s1600/IMG_20140630_175953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3QYsAel-MwDz-kmOa8THGl2Ce2PaTvB9ny0N6D_oQiTHsPhkRw9o-YABbnVseR6nYxw0QxWVEamseRWR5trshdBDnc5k9a4S62UG68ZeQMfoHqIEmdiJJX1zf5P4PtHtuOJxp2sevl2e/s1600/IMG_20140630_175953.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hostas and stella d'oro daylillies circling the wishing well</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2rZXCHyXNHhtxyyVn8xm8AGxgd-8fAYGJR9YURcAvd7kKDgiq7x2cv17ISiQJ-Ru6W74UHNdPot-2K86RgmvoJR0aQB2gVIorVg4MdTgBcbSAMKAs5anfDNTBrv9SMPy3OYpILqtqSSy/s1600/IMG_20140630_175631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2rZXCHyXNHhtxyyVn8xm8AGxgd-8fAYGJR9YURcAvd7kKDgiq7x2cv17ISiQJ-Ru6W74UHNdPot-2K86RgmvoJR0aQB2gVIorVg4MdTgBcbSAMKAs5anfDNTBrv9SMPy3OYpILqtqSSy/s1600/IMG_20140630_175631.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nice side view</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijY3plHLh2QrwJH0zPNlJeOlDT21wlzOdiPxqstQJbw3W41ZBAP03WmIypFrSZ5X111rssVzr368LlXBhRSU9pWCTz2UMb99yvN-86LRF15QXiuIPEDFMFW7g4tSCe_Z8HZWINfpZ8XGUq/s1600/IMG_20140630_180141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijY3plHLh2QrwJH0zPNlJeOlDT21wlzOdiPxqstQJbw3W41ZBAP03WmIypFrSZ5X111rssVzr368LlXBhRSU9pWCTz2UMb99yvN-86LRF15QXiuIPEDFMFW7g4tSCe_Z8HZWINfpZ8XGUq/s1600/IMG_20140630_180141.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A flower bed with a little bit of everything!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2a2TI7nUJXtjjd_-Riwa0p3u1drc6c3fGfrfHt2HS_cT1xj0MN22IVxaUqIo8vnXPqh62i1YYi61NxvdZFV_VNfH88McGzl9GNKNIyltAteWmlA6WGzoF6juRlLa9VmBQVCJ9ZB3mrIs3/s1600/IMG_20140630_175724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2a2TI7nUJXtjjd_-Riwa0p3u1drc6c3fGfrfHt2HS_cT1xj0MN22IVxaUqIo8vnXPqh62i1YYi61NxvdZFV_VNfH88McGzl9GNKNIyltAteWmlA6WGzoF6juRlLa9VmBQVCJ9ZB3mrIs3/s1600/IMG_20140630_175724.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A small hodge podge to <em>beautify <strong>his</strong></em> garage!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hNau6oawdjIAy3KC8KZ3XAGmikmss-8n0_MfE2MObW4O8j829XDriNlxJ5S88huXyp47q1Xj1-sDAGA5YZaycN6mzT_65GJYsCoJu_nA2k53rWvHLz0aBOMwy8UTIs4Oie_lTlMElqL9/s1600/IMG_20140630_180116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hNau6oawdjIAy3KC8KZ3XAGmikmss-8n0_MfE2MObW4O8j829XDriNlxJ5S88huXyp47q1Xj1-sDAGA5YZaycN6mzT_65GJYsCoJu_nA2k53rWvHLz0aBOMwy8UTIs4Oie_lTlMElqL9/s1600/IMG_20140630_180116.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Black Eyed Susans and Day Lilies for camouflage</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-COjWfEieXxWl7Of2fqC76sucXjLw0E5eu8M6FDgNOKBELHcWG_PJejQHyoDDpv1ebSqHwt1pODR2sBbzw2aX9WV-1nyV5633R9KWhIJw9lyJJm4lNzo9Q9D3DziB_xd6OZ6usZNuo5Q/s1600/IMG_20150329_205553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-COjWfEieXxWl7Of2fqC76sucXjLw0E5eu8M6FDgNOKBELHcWG_PJejQHyoDDpv1ebSqHwt1pODR2sBbzw2aX9WV-1nyV5633R9KWhIJw9lyJJm4lNzo9Q9D3DziB_xd6OZ6usZNuo5Q/s1600/IMG_20150329_205553.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the front door light which housed a bird nest with eggs!</span><br />
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</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-fLDeGp3PaSdonXegLGjCwBbPhc8RZ_sP544GhzV1tPweoWfOKjV4akT4cGASEJA0C0ugV2xBkGocnl1eEAQt_sGGtKXeAr6YjipS7lp1c3EdChkPCiGvOZufUIw6nfvtc7QB5BxL3dd/s1600/IMG_20150329_205339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-fLDeGp3PaSdonXegLGjCwBbPhc8RZ_sP544GhzV1tPweoWfOKjV4akT4cGASEJA0C0ugV2xBkGocnl1eEAQt_sGGtKXeAr6YjipS7lp1c3EdChkPCiGvOZufUIw6nfvtc7QB5BxL3dd/s1600/IMG_20150329_205339.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">a farm implement for enhancement</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y3N1LjeHhA4RMCUn8uoo2ZfPI8hNahz98KucZ6jih_cl7EthsES6Xqevck3M0KXp5csTFnnhIbRCwjVKB9f-rxxCzL1Sbpt794W00n-djnO0bC54g2s2n06jRoBj0GWU-Sk0O-2aW7S6/s1600/IMG_20140525_132441+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7y3N1LjeHhA4RMCUn8uoo2ZfPI8hNahz98KucZ6jih_cl7EthsES6Xqevck3M0KXp5csTFnnhIbRCwjVKB9f-rxxCzL1Sbpt794W00n-djnO0bC54g2s2n06jRoBj0GWU-Sk0O-2aW7S6/s1600/IMG_20140525_132441+(2).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and now a bit of whimsy....our new kitten hiding in the hosta bed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SmvgBwmiQNpccM4zhp2sVFX6areA97LfSFQ8n38B1uVUhkCZEA_f4k7F9kHRfhKIfEIhE-UGlacvgT0ml1oMhmcjp7vSMnJrttkIVr1jtpV2_vl5mfakyu9J-m5o8JZeMcpOVf-wIwBs/s1600/IMG_20140630_175908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SmvgBwmiQNpccM4zhp2sVFX6areA97LfSFQ8n38B1uVUhkCZEA_f4k7F9kHRfhKIfEIhE-UGlacvgT0ml1oMhmcjp7vSMnJrttkIVr1jtpV2_vl5mfakyu9J-m5o8JZeMcpOVf-wIwBs/s1600/IMG_20140630_175908.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally a full shade flower bed!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>......AND NOW...</strong></em></span></div>
<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>(DRUM ROLL PLEASE)</strong></span></em></div>
<strong></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">INSPIRATIONAL VEGETABLE GARDEN PHOTOS</span></strong></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">THINK POSITIVE. No matter the weather, take the challenge and plant your vegetable garden; look forward to producing fresh and healthy vegetables for eating throughout the coming summer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tomatoes are easy.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8utDCK4knK7zM7Ugj-UNQzaGygtHmEdc4CEKp9tac_lNEh0EP5_0kyLouI7GbSzx4RIz3KptLf2tfCaimzV6mhROnUBV-371iuMsNbqpMDDK6ccvRw2_2sna0xL51LWxDz02g8Hs-6ODX/s1600/100_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8utDCK4knK7zM7Ugj-UNQzaGygtHmEdc4CEKp9tac_lNEh0EP5_0kyLouI7GbSzx4RIz3KptLf2tfCaimzV6mhROnUBV-371iuMsNbqpMDDK6ccvRw2_2sna0xL51LWxDz02g8Hs-6ODX/s1600/100_4315.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">These plum tomatoes are the best for canning.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Carrots are fun!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-1cbXhAbSXqEFn8Zj8_wECE_cVYspx9Q4c3eZ2Gmi32Obea67oTw5WMjY_0KbQcoR3zDSiqHBSY8XxMNj0ppFHNB7gjB5sssSK-2Lo3dg57NMP71lkAIQvtNGlwjOc349wNeVPbWNW3v/s1600/IMG_20141102_185018+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-1cbXhAbSXqEFn8Zj8_wECE_cVYspx9Q4c3eZ2Gmi32Obea67oTw5WMjY_0KbQcoR3zDSiqHBSY8XxMNj0ppFHNB7gjB5sssSK-2Lo3dg57NMP71lkAIQvtNGlwjOc349wNeVPbWNW3v/s1600/IMG_20141102_185018+(2).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Peppers are so useful!</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb7w7HUaQMdSJMgBlutzhtA9kEztOvuR-tSFIdN3lhXpTLVYveXzW-K5_cxRTTx4_WAve63R3XdvepvNI9HGR7txL60bOpWysFzixE8UTSvX1NGA4unSpqC0hyssBl6CbH089GbE6bVYI/s1600/IMG_20140906_100521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb7w7HUaQMdSJMgBlutzhtA9kEztOvuR-tSFIdN3lhXpTLVYveXzW-K5_cxRTTx4_WAve63R3XdvepvNI9HGR7txL60bOpWysFzixE8UTSvX1NGA4unSpqC0hyssBl6CbH089GbE6bVYI/s1600/IMG_20140906_100521.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Preserving the bounty of a productive garden ensures healthy eating through the winter months.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJ3J-MyTFqEcfn3NDnSTXzy-XJVCjh0XqsfKcvialZ7du0KJ_nIL2zdLSG1DE6yyzlSLwapdD6DGtssPOs9tKBwDOUUUKU96ZnVeqiRr82PAC-XJDafkMbuxeUiIfYa0TydfHinO2RFTA/s1600/100_4332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJ3J-MyTFqEcfn3NDnSTXzy-XJVCjh0XqsfKcvialZ7du0KJ_nIL2zdLSG1DE6yyzlSLwapdD6DGtssPOs9tKBwDOUUUKU96ZnVeqiRr82PAC-XJDafkMbuxeUiIfYa0TydfHinO2RFTA/s1600/100_4332.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">String beans always produce an abundant crop.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kAJlnaMARkciNZcfqwN_7aDSKxnh8i9frOldtfOvKmy-k17eurjgbdlsg6RU_Jcee4l5WyXZADag0IgdRzY1fwPQziNlRU-l9G_8p8Jq9JiDY5xyhXbz6TgMyfkAmtJZBfcE2LyfryP3/s1600/IMG_20140831_170700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kAJlnaMARkciNZcfqwN_7aDSKxnh8i9frOldtfOvKmy-k17eurjgbdlsg6RU_Jcee4l5WyXZADag0IgdRzY1fwPQziNlRU-l9G_8p8Jq9JiDY5xyhXbz6TgMyfkAmtJZBfcE2LyfryP3/s1600/IMG_20140831_170700.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And always tomatoes!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuOoN494NKNSaGM91WcA0bJ1aAsakcHQJ15lIZaRjyKnW0Ahk09o4cQXrxyJFcCBVRjOf7DHEiggZWBKKPS5U0y5GHZv2BBnegWpuHM9ChjJJKBa1Mcdmg_qBV38d5ILIMWatxcR3DwcE/s1600/IMG_20141102_195806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuOoN494NKNSaGM91WcA0bJ1aAsakcHQJ15lIZaRjyKnW0Ahk09o4cQXrxyJFcCBVRjOf7DHEiggZWBKKPS5U0y5GHZv2BBnegWpuHM9ChjJJKBa1Mcdmg_qBV38d5ILIMWatxcR3DwcE/s1600/IMG_20141102_195806.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And don't forget the carrots!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jj7S6MIgT1yLAnQs3_98hP6n3EqJMnVV0aOGpnT4HzTQkTjtCMS7RK99yRWwufQKLFDMMmnRbKE21DgF4hhnoe07I-PW66KdsnvEfELHS3juuwna2NVpjCjvRZSPsWE2_HFbRrq7BG5-/s1600/IMG_20140906_113956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jj7S6MIgT1yLAnQs3_98hP6n3EqJMnVV0aOGpnT4HzTQkTjtCMS7RK99yRWwufQKLFDMMmnRbKE21DgF4hhnoe07I-PW66KdsnvEfELHS3juuwna2NVpjCjvRZSPsWE2_HFbRrq7BG5-/s1600/IMG_20140906_113956.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Peppers are easy: wash, slice, bag and freeze.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is where it all begins for me - starting my plants by seed. There's no going back now!!!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiJ4zzuf3cE6VSCm0BUhOc1fmHEycCFVHhCJnc7joURTZ2jlOkwNHl9Q5hU7yrbguQ2_GZE6nRoDrnojzLXRw3ddcTXQYqFwN3To2QpynK2b-9WUDZBlI124c3Og_q1aqY5-fhjiXaZVc/s1600/IMG_20140908_142342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiJ4zzuf3cE6VSCm0BUhOc1fmHEycCFVHhCJnc7joURTZ2jlOkwNHl9Q5hU7yrbguQ2_GZE6nRoDrnojzLXRw3ddcTXQYqFwN3To2QpynK2b-9WUDZBlI124c3Og_q1aqY5-fhjiXaZVc/s1600/IMG_20140908_142342.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saving seeds year to year is a fun project and saves $$ too!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrbEF-fOLyLEScI8w-huE15Kn_gtizusonqeSv86U2X44CuJ6EsZ53FeXHZiQlOINp78_4RHvWr_NQKgFxeX42VuuO3r8fVbP6RreeuQfWfCu7iNj5veq3UvPXJrkUH4xwTZ1vEHIbvVc/s1600/IMG_20140412_080126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrbEF-fOLyLEScI8w-huE15Kn_gtizusonqeSv86U2X44CuJ6EsZ53FeXHZiQlOINp78_4RHvWr_NQKgFxeX42VuuO3r8fVbP6RreeuQfWfCu7iNj5veq3UvPXJrkUH4xwTZ1vEHIbvVc/s1600/IMG_20140412_080126.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">...from baby</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qfBqCMX-CV9WBaExdAd0OdA67OKUauJ_LuFssvskNOrYwQqFy2KoqICeHKSIkSWmkrkMS19u8nxd4Ty5XZ3qwsLUaDrfD5e8GeviZaR4kKkysshxRe0E0pYBN9T6ruFYK_7Hp9Ej_nlU/s1600/IMG_20140505_084929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qfBqCMX-CV9WBaExdAd0OdA67OKUauJ_LuFssvskNOrYwQqFy2KoqICeHKSIkSWmkrkMS19u8nxd4Ty5XZ3qwsLUaDrfD5e8GeviZaR4kKkysshxRe0E0pYBN9T6ruFYK_7Hp9Ej_nlU/s1600/IMG_20140505_084929.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">....halfway there</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlKzW27h6JDr0x1mQlceRwfvQNUhd5HdRg9zTJ1P50EB5_TyS0hk6na-_1Su7ucFV_c_kmfVasAMSJK28OwMg2bEJhvDdoB7nAynEtHsJIxP8QBfUlV7Ia-AMVznMPaCzyIUelduf5Mlo/s1600/IMG_20140510_084016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlKzW27h6JDr0x1mQlceRwfvQNUhd5HdRg9zTJ1P50EB5_TyS0hk6na-_1Su7ucFV_c_kmfVasAMSJK28OwMg2bEJhvDdoB7nAynEtHsJIxP8QBfUlV7Ia-AMVznMPaCzyIUelduf5Mlo/s1600/IMG_20140510_084016.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">....ready to go into the ground</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezCkfcHn-FrFJrwYAKiTtGAxx3ZDdIvXWKjC6hrecIMeSDE0SqRrukPxp2VL8oUYOyseSEMQnhj3nZAXBWTAe0Lc9eQ1QYyOKqZNEo0-BT8X01VtnHDmrSpQ5Y3fEjTtWqadnMadjpIaV/s1600/IMG_20140512_185057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezCkfcHn-FrFJrwYAKiTtGAxx3ZDdIvXWKjC6hrecIMeSDE0SqRrukPxp2VL8oUYOyseSEMQnhj3nZAXBWTAe0Lc9eQ1QYyOKqZNEo0-BT8X01VtnHDmrSpQ5Y3fEjTtWqadnMadjpIaV/s1600/IMG_20140512_185057.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">this is where all the magic begins after the seedlings get planted</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ9__DsYYx3-ACXZD1et2ir_Qo11_eZ6Goy7mmq86cGomoihCCDwMSp5LGD1HYUTJn2p5sqRIKkjvj7UrtteCkTc5mJZr55iQN8AmUGNJfd6BO7UFbcnbrV75vo_rA6sRM98SCB_rT9M1/s1600/IMG_20140512_185209+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ9__DsYYx3-ACXZD1et2ir_Qo11_eZ6Goy7mmq86cGomoihCCDwMSp5LGD1HYUTJn2p5sqRIKkjvj7UrtteCkTc5mJZr55iQN8AmUGNJfd6BO7UFbcnbrV75vo_rA6sRM98SCB_rT9M1/s1600/IMG_20140512_185209+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">let the games begin: 12 baby peppers and 3 tomato plants</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0nBrDzielcIhOSdg2x6ZBKbpsXIjIDWsiuoCbPW45SE19GkesP8pdRuLX-kjgZMvevRLvijdZfemq02FcZwRn9wunSCi0xFmjZjnCtvVVqQYH2YNgP52kCVoG462ru30XOnp5TJl2X_A/s1600/IMG_20140630_180738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0nBrDzielcIhOSdg2x6ZBKbpsXIjIDWsiuoCbPW45SE19GkesP8pdRuLX-kjgZMvevRLvijdZfemq02FcZwRn9wunSCi0xFmjZjnCtvVVqQYH2YNgP52kCVoG462ru30XOnp5TJl2X_A/s1600/IMG_20140630_180738.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">At fruition...carrots, beets, onions, swiss chard, string beans</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLblv-COPzVlkex4P0Cf322nc-WDN7FP0BYADTrxvqFZJVQLSXEs5K83jIxcK5H7T1mO9Cx8ZftkZgbtzIXP4kN9jglZAI9DgejHHu-27kmz7nTM_E3M7zwjPgYhQ_Tu52-VKimS0wn3dr/s1600/IMG_20140630_180157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLblv-COPzVlkex4P0Cf322nc-WDN7FP0BYADTrxvqFZJVQLSXEs5K83jIxcK5H7T1mO9Cx8ZftkZgbtzIXP4kN9jglZAI9DgejHHu-27kmz7nTM_E3M7zwjPgYhQ_Tu52-VKimS0wn3dr/s1600/IMG_20140630_180157.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">very productive tomatoes, onions and beets</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's not forget:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kr-kBlQR8V28CG5cRzuXUWLGW5IF4ThEyB3UMAtJOAfDBH7DbpJMWnbjQlj323HnrXlROzqhuNpm-QsbPCqsf7QKJcND9NLTBAwidtJ1d7-C-ruu6XQlbXhC-zlNrtm9t0Nrzz_i9NtQ/s1600/IMG_20140630_180312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kr-kBlQR8V28CG5cRzuXUWLGW5IF4ThEyB3UMAtJOAfDBH7DbpJMWnbjQlj323HnrXlROzqhuNpm-QsbPCqsf7QKJcND9NLTBAwidtJ1d7-C-ruu6XQlbXhC-zlNrtm9t0Nrzz_i9NtQ/s1600/IMG_20140630_180312.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the basil</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGHaWy9AIv4gV6CVnweussROqTEI4NnX5De4pDJcHCgAeK2FlB3nr2ksK4oMo6-_Ld6dYsjd7vgtmaYfz9kc5v8hQ_HyjTzhrv35RM6xG6qD3e7BP-YYP_CuEJdTfJtxYkuWVojhhELOr/s1600/IMG_20140630_174844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGHaWy9AIv4gV6CVnweussROqTEI4NnX5De4pDJcHCgAeK2FlB3nr2ksK4oMo6-_Ld6dYsjd7vgtmaYfz9kc5v8hQ_HyjTzhrv35RM6xG6qD3e7BP-YYP_CuEJdTfJtxYkuWVojhhELOr/s1600/IMG_20140630_174844.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the zucchini</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAHTXHIVUB5JOPULHS7Xh-hWiaHYUrUdc9-JeR8Nqt6vj7wkr53GR39pMw0UYWTJIrb-8ew8uZtkjVdWCSbB0b4wPNxJ0a0En-aNI8C3Lrq8zA6NcpMCDJ0opfbUF5Xtg1w1KIxoL-IG-/s1600/rhubarb+patch+2011+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAHTXHIVUB5JOPULHS7Xh-hWiaHYUrUdc9-JeR8Nqt6vj7wkr53GR39pMw0UYWTJIrb-8ew8uZtkjVdWCSbB0b4wPNxJ0a0En-aNI8C3Lrq8zA6NcpMCDJ0opfbUF5Xtg1w1KIxoL-IG-/s1600/rhubarb+patch+2011+(2).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the rhubarb (comes up every year)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfwe0_OzvzKwGytjuot-icP-KoFPY37lawJPQfhaS5nZd4VNYPdnGVFmhY_ngUJnwNDU-q7tIfTc-o__gCgeNT7wG8Lrs-avOG7EtOq47H637PmEsGf2GARJPtWOxCGAJanGD88UUMQdh/s1600/IMG_20140630_174928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfwe0_OzvzKwGytjuot-icP-KoFPY37lawJPQfhaS5nZd4VNYPdnGVFmhY_ngUJnwNDU-q7tIfTc-o__gCgeNT7wG8Lrs-avOG7EtOq47H637PmEsGf2GARJPtWOxCGAJanGD88UUMQdh/s1600/IMG_20140630_174928.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the Carnival squash and snap peas (in cinder blocks)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEITrnooNHcDu5HFpc32SvF2cRChrAWtk82UWgzZoO7-XJwie8fqP3xoU1x07sUeN-Ax52Z990dJ73H0aeIzvaYRX4ThCW8ChQhyt0TgEKMziYc33E8kLjG0Vz-2yW9Y0jAIrD3idox13/s1600/IMG_20140630_175032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEITrnooNHcDu5HFpc32SvF2cRChrAWtk82UWgzZoO7-XJwie8fqP3xoU1x07sUeN-Ax52Z990dJ73H0aeIzvaYRX4ThCW8ChQhyt0TgEKMziYc33E8kLjG0Vz-2yW9Y0jAIrD3idox13/s1600/IMG_20140630_175032.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the garden gnome?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJYSAbvj8CYktKLgN0Utw9QG_CMZfHhvjpHef8cl84pAqd_jJSf6lRsxMVmpVwYMdEvS1DkA_T8jSIastURL3fUhQOzb50OiNCysqbuYUcI5CSJzneUdugA2xIGONFRc3rATVkY5aRbKx/s1600/IMG_20140630_180435+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJYSAbvj8CYktKLgN0Utw9QG_CMZfHhvjpHef8cl84pAqd_jJSf6lRsxMVmpVwYMdEvS1DkA_T8jSIastURL3fUhQOzb50OiNCysqbuYUcI5CSJzneUdugA2xIGONFRc3rATVkY5aRbKx/s1600/IMG_20140630_180435+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the mint</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkK_FZFmjt7-kjoFzTVQ_-nY9-PSqvqc3LZJfoEpS4I2SG_YH4IoLGqt07Lj4OqUfvIAQOx22h3UiOItE1VVRgMsXmDaA3Lzvasgt45R9WI8mzXFW2vvteWJOm0D7dVgMssRN9Z7tJPfJ/s1600/IMG_20140630_174939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkK_FZFmjt7-kjoFzTVQ_-nY9-PSqvqc3LZJfoEpS4I2SG_YH4IoLGqt07Lj4OqUfvIAQOx22h3UiOItE1VVRgMsXmDaA3Lzvasgt45R9WI8mzXFW2vvteWJOm0D7dVgMssRN9Z7tJPfJ/s1600/IMG_20140630_174939.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">the cucumbers (growing up on old bed springs)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JlQaSHhC4AO8c9N2zn2zQQ49iZYfEQlRpXPhib0fD4r9c_thRcggkYZWxaLROG0jf6G_4oLo_ZMlz9vGA8wRA-EzjG_OoCP5s9uusMe11uK0ONxohCnVv-j48qie5kJNnvgmtMrKlJsw/s1600/IMG_20140630_180214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JlQaSHhC4AO8c9N2zn2zQQ49iZYfEQlRpXPhib0fD4r9c_thRcggkYZWxaLROG0jf6G_4oLo_ZMlz9vGA8wRA-EzjG_OoCP5s9uusMe11uK0ONxohCnVv-j48qie5kJNnvgmtMrKlJsw/s1600/IMG_20140630_180214.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and last but not least....the chives and the blueberry bushes!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMgdbz4ijCJ-8QL2Fd2dfhzgn1FFAC1PpueLy3-f2rHUvDplrqn9f_wAo0ToEmsDdtuf5E7yZcmojw_oj9lrQv65aZ_zZuMTqGiDLqpk2PYlxEEjQJZgkgcyWei8VzOiQFN3qcLpI1mOg/s1600/IMG_20140630_174536+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMgdbz4ijCJ-8QL2Fd2dfhzgn1FFAC1PpueLy3-f2rHUvDplrqn9f_wAo0ToEmsDdtuf5E7yZcmojw_oj9lrQv65aZ_zZuMTqGiDLqpk2PYlxEEjQJZgkgcyWei8VzOiQFN3qcLpI1mOg/s1600/IMG_20140630_174536+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">bird's eye picture - taken by a bird in flight - sweet!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Did I say last but not least? What was I thinking?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ta Da!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now introducing our original garden that slowly is becoming smaller and smaller since the creation of four raised beds two years ago. Future raised bed production hopefully will some day make this larger garden extinct. So far, through my experience planting in raised beds, I find this method to be easier on the back and the weeding and a bit more productive. Another plus: having it closer to the house keeps the deer and other critters away. (I have a hunch that the sound of the barking dogs confined in the yard are keeping them at bay.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0chqCe-ul0-uCW-h9wd4E7A0F-I9t2Cvt1S8O603IBt2DhA10BLnrxqOivensXXKYhiu4id1rKHOFHWuRyYhlJqQ7Md7P1JOk0u4pg322xEqE1oO5nCw73UBZfW-OX1KhHbjyA_9cXS1/s1600/IMG_20140630_175544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0chqCe-ul0-uCW-h9wd4E7A0F-I9t2Cvt1S8O603IBt2DhA10BLnrxqOivensXXKYhiu4id1rKHOFHWuRyYhlJqQ7Md7P1JOk0u4pg322xEqE1oO5nCw73UBZfW-OX1KhHbjyA_9cXS1/s1600/IMG_20140630_175544.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">twice as small, very productive but lots of work</span><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XxxDZykXYw1wfoUSAL4kS_VLIT24OvPTmQbTUvqrzHOd8lyuwuLUFmpX5_8GE-_XjLN0T_mfhsZIqdyB-DaFcazS8S7qA0LbOsx_X4zZuvT9IvG2FaOX4QsbGR9R373kgyzUhJfR-0qJ/s1600/IMG_20150330_103044+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XxxDZykXYw1wfoUSAL4kS_VLIT24OvPTmQbTUvqrzHOd8lyuwuLUFmpX5_8GE-_XjLN0T_mfhsZIqdyB-DaFcazS8S7qA0LbOsx_X4zZuvT9IvG2FaOX4QsbGR9R373kgyzUhJfR-0qJ/s1600/IMG_20150330_103044+(2).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">side view</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
(netting covering string beans helps keep critters from eating the tops off)</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1K5zEyGVmEuipaxc5JqhV5CXPlLBSY8afeJgx4AJtmlWvq9wFSxaq6Ejw15b42Oq9Mx9aeQS8_oqoLd92wdF7MrA5AwF2-yBEgfqPf2fCw_0ih7lDVLJqXgRIqQrv9dSHv8lbA2WEVXl/s1600/IMG_20150330_103622+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1K5zEyGVmEuipaxc5JqhV5CXPlLBSY8afeJgx4AJtmlWvq9wFSxaq6Ejw15b42Oq9Mx9aeQS8_oqoLd92wdF7MrA5AwF2-yBEgfqPf2fCw_0ih7lDVLJqXgRIqQrv9dSHv8lbA2WEVXl/s1600/IMG_20150330_103622+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">a row of hilled potatoes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KNv60F3g8o1epoupCS7_UNh22lP3hd1i25aeoY-tokeXWwDFurYdnOJh4rVhsaHU6gx4KPnf1Xw8LfctGtYZ8OqAJtYLdQmcg4lBEOFrmbBLrQG_OLbv5t_KvI4NbrANDcYJAf2yQK7d/s1600/IMG_20150330_103156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KNv60F3g8o1epoupCS7_UNh22lP3hd1i25aeoY-tokeXWwDFurYdnOJh4rVhsaHU6gx4KPnf1Xw8LfctGtYZ8OqAJtYLdQmcg4lBEOFrmbBLrQG_OLbv5t_KvI4NbrANDcYJAf2yQK7d/s1600/IMG_20150330_103156.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 rows tomatoes, 1/2 row onions, 1 row string beans</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGWqTpiujFpuYnOU8V_L6_aEwlo__4ijWaPy4-U-xsBW_Vd9QRTuCmMm1zbm0Kd-DX29DpCS79nZzEsu4p9Eq-YZwRCV8KeY2D4HZvYFHyT4g91oiietxrNahn8Ez9N630DGdrkIFpobZ/s1600/IMG_20150330_103511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGWqTpiujFpuYnOU8V_L6_aEwlo__4ijWaPy4-U-xsBW_Vd9QRTuCmMm1zbm0Kd-DX29DpCS79nZzEsu4p9Eq-YZwRCV8KeY2D4HZvYFHyT4g91oiietxrNahn8Ez9N630DGdrkIFpobZ/s1600/IMG_20150330_103511.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blue Lake bush beans hiding under netting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPOkGCZFcop5yrxztPDfbSbpOz_OId3aC44XcSHE_fwsW1_mX1iEI3hJ9ZzxKwh5t0DLBHF8JVXMlojWmCfeBNcRqZbij0J1OmpJnFXC5cmEFO2ZKg74NXxjEVbNONZU10AQytsk2jBJi/s1600/IMG_20150330_103343+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPOkGCZFcop5yrxztPDfbSbpOz_OId3aC44XcSHE_fwsW1_mX1iEI3hJ9ZzxKwh5t0DLBHF8JVXMlojWmCfeBNcRqZbij0J1OmpJnFXC5cmEFO2ZKg74NXxjEVbNONZU10AQytsk2jBJi/s1600/IMG_20150330_103343+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">a tomato from a saved seed - a miracle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">All of these pictures (with the exception of my 2011 rhubarb patch) are documentation of my 2014 gardening efforts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">These garden photos have inspired me to begin my indoor seed planting, and I hope they have inspired you to strive to plant your own veggie garden in anticipation of achieving great results that will impact your health and budget.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Plant a perennial and enjoy the serenity of watching it grow!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY GARDENING 2015</span></div>
<br />
<br />My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-28824930955840930432014-11-11T20:23:00.001-05:002014-11-11T20:23:09.924-05:00Organic Counter Cleaner Homemade<script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script>Sometimes during food prep, whether just making a sandwich or preparing a gourmet meal, it's possible for some of the ingredients to come in touch with the kitchen countertop. Because of this it's important to use a 'safe' counter cleaner, one that doesn't leave a toxic footprint.<br />
<br />
By following this simple and inexpensive recipe you can be assured that your countertops are not a toxic transfer station.<br />
<br />
Only two ingredients are needed to make this terrific organic counter cleaner:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>White vinegar</li>
<li>Orange peels</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGAflppWagIGYBgrjcU672CBRsvDisqsXWmSruF09pjzTFX7kwGRohIeqVVRHkY3ZAU1OzS32LQwVqPYKzOmp1pUYwqFCEwo-jdl6Qs8CcCZkwiRNQ5ecPgWNdpiad4Bw5XJ7EhBwArQw/s1600/IMG_20140210_131543+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGAflppWagIGYBgrjcU672CBRsvDisqsXWmSruF09pjzTFX7kwGRohIeqVVRHkY3ZAU1OzS32LQwVqPYKzOmp1pUYwqFCEwo-jdl6Qs8CcCZkwiRNQ5ecPgWNdpiad4Bw5XJ7EhBwArQw/s400/IMG_20140210_131543+(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
Designate a jar large enough to hold the peelings of several large oranges. If you don't have a jar large enough or attractive enough to meet your needs, visit your local thrift store where you can find one that quite possibly will surpass your expectations. Old fashion quart or gallon canning jars work nicely.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakCQqz62uOBZezPcCHISTrrZhq81xxlzpGgwdBJypeG5GeTrxzPz9ttdxU1Bt7C12l9B_FdG1sp3084aHwkA3VIFfg6LgrPQd7ktp09mVGURMErZDc8sUqMsw4uAI2GjjSaRkoaHkKdmY/s1600/IMG_20140210_130703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakCQqz62uOBZezPcCHISTrrZhq81xxlzpGgwdBJypeG5GeTrxzPz9ttdxU1Bt7C12l9B_FdG1sp3084aHwkA3VIFfg6LgrPQd7ktp09mVGURMErZDc8sUqMsw4uAI2GjjSaRkoaHkKdmY/s400/IMG_20140210_130703.jpg" width="300" /></a>To begin, each time you or another member of your household eats an orange, peel the skin from the orange and place the peel(s) into your chosen designated jar and cover completely with white vinegar. Continue doing so until your jar is completely filled with peels submerged in vinegar.<br />
<br />
Soak the orange peels for two or more weeks before transferring the orange-infused vinegar into the spray bottle of your choice. To avoid confusion as to contents, it's best to write on the face of the spray bottle the ingredients within. Store any remainder liquid not fitting into your spray bottle into your designated jar for refill at a later date. <em>Waiting the two-week infusion period is the hardest part.</em><br />
<br />
To use you only need to spray and wipe.<br />
<br />
Simple, user-friendly, inexpensive, eco-friendly and one step closer to becoming more self-sufficient.<br />
<br />
Really? What are you waiting for. If you don't have oranges to pick from your yard, get to your grocery store soon and buy a bag of oranges.<br />
<br />
Rid your home of toxicity, remember:<br />
<br />
<strong>THE GREATEST WEALTH IS HEALTH</strong><br />
-<span style="font-size: xx-small;">VIRGIL</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-26519482655723552872014-07-02T23:23:00.001-04:002014-07-02T23:23:53.377-04:00Rhubarb Pie Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81WLj4bE6AEUhuNvdbQmyzTDYVbve_8FgeAs0QEN2rc-F4aTMhzSLWvSUwd4V398lrolt6A_mlyMx6DAQy_UyOj27SsvKrsOsOCjdxgwUhPLgjJ6pIdbZkp34uF06II3R7adoML4ls_6q/s1600/IMG_20140609_100651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81WLj4bE6AEUhuNvdbQmyzTDYVbve_8FgeAs0QEN2rc-F4aTMhzSLWvSUwd4V398lrolt6A_mlyMx6DAQy_UyOj27SsvKrsOsOCjdxgwUhPLgjJ6pIdbZkp34uF06II3R7adoML4ls_6q/s1600/IMG_20140609_100651.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span id="goog_38085876"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Rhubarb<span id="goog_38085877"></span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, a tart seasonal fruit which usually grows in abundance, is generously shared from neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend, relative to relative, etc. Many children have fond memories of eating freshly picked rhubarb stalks dipped in sugar at one time or another. If you share these memories I bet the juices in your mouth just started flowing. : )</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgeNux39ea_uZSPf1eJ7CWfWhycZmZr5IUSSVvTwqc-wVlIvXz0MFchS2Y2xqjk5TUMUpZM7tU85-VzVX_fCHyYyc9xmAbiQfPeSHT9Z_L3YmrpmsAV0nhsnRwtrjBuxBRLX4WX_oPrTX/s1600/rhubarb+patch+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgeNux39ea_uZSPf1eJ7CWfWhycZmZr5IUSSVvTwqc-wVlIvXz0MFchS2Y2xqjk5TUMUpZM7tU85-VzVX_fCHyYyc9xmAbiQfPeSHT9Z_L3YmrpmsAV0nhsnRwtrjBuxBRLX4WX_oPrTX/s1600/rhubarb+patch+2011.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Most often rhubarb is cooked into jams, sauces and pies. Faithfully, for many years, my abundant rhubarb patch has supplied</span><span style="font-size: large;"> me with enough of a harvest to be able to make many a jar of my favorite jam to enjoy through the winter season, enabled me to bake as many pies as I chose to bake and provided additional crop to share with others. This year the stalks grew tall and very thin so after doing some on-line research I determined it will be necessary to dig and separate them for replanting in the fall. For 24 years this rhubarb patch has proven successful so I'm looking forward to giving it this makeover to ensure another 24 years of good production.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For several years I would spend one day each year with my mother baking as many rhubarb pies as we could physically handle; she made a wicked crust and I made a wicked filling. Assembly-line fashion we would assemble and bake 10-14 pies (we had two ovens going at a time.) After the pies cooled each would be wrapped in it's glass pie plate appropriately for freezing. We both owned large freezers which housed them through the winter. For serving as dessert on a cold winter day, it was only necessary to pull out a frozen pie, place it in the oven (or toaster oven) until heated through, and serve - with or without ice cream. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can ever surpass the memories of this time spent with my mom and the rewards of our fruits of labor.....reason being why I want to share this terrific recipe for our <strong>old-time rhubarb pie</strong>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">RHUBARB PIE</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(filling)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3 c. rhubarb, diced</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 3/4 c. sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2 eggs, beaten</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2 tbsp. milk</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3 tbsp. flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 tsp. cinnamon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">pie crust for one pie</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">butter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Combine rhubarb and sugar; let set until juice appears.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Add eggs, milk, flour and cinnamon to rhubarb.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Pour mixture into pie shell; d</span><span style="font-size: large;">ot with butter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cover with top crust.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Put slits into top crust to avoid bubbling over.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes to 1 hour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(until bottom crust is brown.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tip: cover edge of crust with foil to prevent burning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">PIE CRUST</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(makes 1 top and 1 bottom)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>combine:</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3 c. flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 c. Crisco</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. salt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>mix in separate bowl:</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 egg beaten</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. white vinegar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">12 c. half & half or milk</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">drop of vanilla</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Combine all ingredients.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Separate into two balls wrapping each individually</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in plastic wrap.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Store overnight in refrigerator or freeze for better roll-out</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">ENJOY!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsU3m3cE4Q0D1VwdihuhEjXqQDxuZF4PO-Gz8qrcPn_tX_qXVOUDu9YgFKz8fUTS3A8HRErMdrO9e-NnnA1YhMJ2R2ty5iq-5T2Tw-EEE7RPdy1jq2sPk5oHxwUpr3FSRgR0xMwOxjFjx/s1600/IMG_20140609_100609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsU3m3cE4Q0D1VwdihuhEjXqQDxuZF4PO-Gz8qrcPn_tX_qXVOUDu9YgFKz8fUTS3A8HRErMdrO9e-NnnA1YhMJ2R2ty5iq-5T2Tw-EEE7RPdy1jq2sPk5oHxwUpr3FSRgR0xMwOxjFjx/s1600/IMG_20140609_100609.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmNrN8IJb0gdxksbSb6p88uo1w3VfPGI3DkRCnnIkQkvu7yoWHRjxSRsH8qYcAgJHMunTR3Dd47LmSZ9eD-u66obp-Ar56-eTWqQTBkZ3wHeE7zwZZIdYT6vE-mHzPl3JeK1nsDkLSCes/s1600/Single+bottle+of+dog+shampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmNrN8IJb0gdxksbSb6p88uo1w3VfPGI3DkRCnnIkQkvu7yoWHRjxSRsH8qYcAgJHMunTR3Dd47LmSZ9eD-u66obp-Ar56-eTWqQTBkZ3wHeE7zwZZIdYT6vE-mHzPl3JeK1nsDkLSCes/s200/Single+bottle+of+dog+shampoo.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Dog beautification. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's what it's all about, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saving dollars in the process doesn't hurt either. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Just like my food recipes, this homemade dog shampoo recipe is short and simple and extremely cost effective...like less than a $1.00...<em>ah, now I have your attention</em>. ; )</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most of those in my circle of friends and relatives elevate the status of their pet(s) to a higher level than most. This only means they regularly maintain their pet's health and well-being so kitty or doggie are happy, healthy and smell good vs being tied outdoors 24/7 with no water and/or food, collecting fleas and receiving no medical attention while performing guard dog duties (if you know what I mean.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzR8133vzCXVB108hXL885xonyr15GkDJRcYncV2IKSitsORw9GxO8QwiZbwMu_HYSikwKL2187AHdk2Fe7YoqVNv40JMMTRtbsDf5R1ZVMdz-yAN5dxBOtUhmw3ILet1FxqfjyR-HdGY/s1600/Ginger+after+shampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzR8133vzCXVB108hXL885xonyr15GkDJRcYncV2IKSitsORw9GxO8QwiZbwMu_HYSikwKL2187AHdk2Fe7YoqVNv40JMMTRtbsDf5R1ZVMdz-yAN5dxBOtUhmw3ILet1FxqfjyR-HdGY/s200/Ginger+after+shampoo.jpg" width="119" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB5OpVA7Xceg4uliXuZMQrLCXjs1ufKxq1BvJqGQSu_fxcGopPqhR4HMUNukfaBbr1iZCiL2ft6JErSQtPj9jhEveBH9s0LqXrwrES1Mr4LZ7WRK_EY__QpFZm_oBGUR4k0eP0V4dw-z-/s1600/Libby+Lu+after+shampoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB5OpVA7Xceg4uliXuZMQrLCXjs1ufKxq1BvJqGQSu_fxcGopPqhR4HMUNukfaBbr1iZCiL2ft6JErSQtPj9jhEveBH9s0LqXrwrES1Mr4LZ7WRK_EY__QpFZm_oBGUR4k0eP0V4dw-z-/s200/Libby+Lu+after+shampoo.jpg" width="143" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I make every effort to plan once a month to bathe my two dogs*, Libby Lu Jenkins (on the left) and Ginger, (on the right) followed by their monthly application of flea and tick treatment. Looking to add more to my want-to-be-more-self-sufficient list, a couple of years ago I experimented with making homemade dog shampoo. Realizing the cost of dog food, vet bills, etc. which are given expenses, why not take a cost savings where possible. I see you agree; now let's get down to business.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">THE REAL DEAL</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Cup Dawn Dish Detergent</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Cup White Vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Quart Warm Water</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's as simple as combining these 3 simple ingredients together in a large bowl and using a funnel to transfer into your preferred storage container(s). The recipe produces approximately 50+ ounces of effective cost-saving dog shampoo one can be proud of. : )</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYBkhoS4vd16RW-R0Aq_jflHLc_bMXcBS_7OTOksEZI8Khvs6zq1CnJJZQ67bZ77BHelIb-5tgLafae_ePe5YjfThfVtc_6xbGVK1zOMb04nLPGdVyX81rG03LHShXO0WZqdGGMoTXY8G/s1600/Homade+Dog+Shampoo+with+Dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYBkhoS4vd16RW-R0Aq_jflHLc_bMXcBS_7OTOksEZI8Khvs6zq1CnJJZQ67bZ77BHelIb-5tgLafae_ePe5YjfThfVtc_6xbGVK1zOMb04nLPGdVyX81rG03LHShXO0WZqdGGMoTXY8G/s200/Homade+Dog+Shampoo+with+Dawn.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see in this picture, to store my recipe I use an old plastic dog shampoo bottle that I previously purchased a few years ago and poured the remaining recipe in a glass quart canning jar sealed with a plastic screw top that can be purchased at places like Walmart in both pint and quart sizes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the past I have used regular scent Dawn in the blue bottle. But, here's the kicker, for enhanced fragrance a Dawn product with Olay Beauty Pomegranate Splash Scent in pink color is now available. The 'Divas" smelled absolutely awesome following their 'Pomegranate' bath and the 'Olay' has their hair silky smooth. Quite impressive!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I paid $0.99 for the 9 fl. oz. of Dawn, had the white vinegar in the pantry and figured this cost less than $0.02 an ounce. After all was done there was still one ounce of Dawn left in the bottle to use in the kitchen for washing dishes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I challenge you with this cost savings.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Please, by all means, share with me a better, more cost-effective homemade dog shampoo that actually does as good a job; I'm listening...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">and join me on the band wagon of becoming more self-sufficient.</span></h2>
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* For those who may be curious what breed my girls are I'll share that Libby Lu Jenkins is a Puggle (cross between a Pug and a Beagle) and Ginger is a Jug (cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Pug.) For more information regarding their adoption details, please check out my <a href="http://myspecialhomestead.blogspot.com/p/dog-dog-and-cat.html">Canine and Feline Companions</a> page.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-51108965027961315012013-10-31T14:44:00.000-04:002013-10-31T14:46:03.095-04:00The Relationship Between the Tenant and the Landlord<script type="text/javascript"><!--
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Wearing the hat of a Landlord never is fun and games, especially if you're an emotional individual with a soft spot in your heart. Although necessary, it is extremely difficult to separate yourself emotionally and look at land-lording as a business.<br />
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Disputes happen. Most of the time there are resolutions. Many times things remain the same, at which time the Landlord must take action.<br />
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The eviction process causes a great deal of stress on the Landlord (mentally, physically, emotionally and financially.) To eliminate this stress, the Landlord generally makes every effort to resolve these issues but when lies, denial and disrespect enter into the picture there is no alternative but to bring the situation to an end via eviction. <br />
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<em>The following case scenarios are an indication that the end result will be eviction:</em><br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #1: </u></em></strong> What caused the kitchen sink to overflow three times?<br />
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What do you mean a dish rag was accidentally left in the sink drain?<br />
What do you mean the drain was clogged? Why wasn't it reported?<br />
Do you understand this water overflow is doing damage to the unit below you at a great expense?<br />
It was just an accident?<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution #1:</u></em></strong><br />
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None.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #2:</u></em></strong> The one-piece flooring is peeling around the edges of the kitchen floor caused by the kitchen sink overflowing.<br />
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Why is a resident ripping these loose pieces up and off?<br />
Why didn't you call us and report the situation?<br />
What do you mean it was like this when you moved in?<br />
Don't you remember we repaired it once following a code enforcement inspection on your behalf?<br />
Why is this now happening on the other side of the room?<br />
Normal wear and tear you say?<br />
It wasn't your fault?<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution #2:</u></em></strong><br />
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None; denial.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #3:</u></em></strong> You know your rent is due on the 1st of each month; why does it arrive routinely during the 2nd - 3rd week of the month?<br />
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You say you had car repairs, school supplies, etc., etc.?<br />
Why am I not notified?<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution #3:</u></em></strong><br />
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None.<br />
No promises; too many unexpected monthly expenses.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #4:</u></em></strong> Why is there a fist-sized hole in the center of one of the bedroom doors?<br />
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That's not new?<br />
It's been there for awhile?<br />
Why wasn't it reported?<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution #4:</u></em></strong><br />
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None.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #5:</u></em></strong> Your lease states that the premises shall be occupied by you and your two children. <br />
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Who is the other woman living there and the additional three children?<br />
You've invited your friend and her children to live with you because her home was condemned and they have nowhere else to live?<br />
Why are they still there after you received written notice from your Landlord asking you to have them move out?<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution #5:</u></em></strong><br />
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None.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #6:</u></em></strong> It was reported by a third party that the front entry door to your unit (made of steel) would not stay shut and annoyingly banged open and shut.<br />
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You knew it wouldn't stay shut?<br />
You didn't report it?<br />
The repair man reported that the door was kicked in from the outside so hard it caused damage to the door jam resulting in major repair.<br />
No way, you say, that the door had been kicked in?<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution #6:</u></em></strong><br />
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None; denial.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #7:</u></em></strong> The water from the kitchen sink overflowed into the dining room causing large wrinkles in the wall-to-wall carpet.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution :#7:</u></em></strong><br />
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None; no defense.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #8:</u></em></strong> The kitchen floor as well as the back stairway are desperately in need of mopping/scrubbing. Walking in these unkempt sticky areas allows for tracking this sticky matter throughout the rest of the unit resulting also in dirty carpeting and a bug and/or rodent infestation.<br />
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A fifteen day written request to eliminate this situation was given verbally and in writing.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution #8:</u></em></strong><br />
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None.<br />
More than 15 days later the floor remains unkempt and sticky.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Dispute #9</u></em></strong>: Failure to take responsibility serious for maintaining smoke detectors in working order.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Resolution #9:</u></em></strong><br />
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None; no defense.<br />
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<strong><em><u>Verbally disputed and denied:</u></em></strong> broken window glass; friend observed in drug deal on premises whereas police were called; several unsupervised teenage boy guests partying on the premises after midnight annoying other residents; garbage improperly placed in receptacle(s);<br />
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NOTE:</h3>
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<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
In addition to paying rent, the tenant's other obligations are to keep their rental unit clean, safe and free from unnecessary damage. </h3>
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There is no room in a Landlord/Tenant relationship for lies, denial, or lack of respect.</h3>
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Honest open communication on both parts is required to prevent a trip to the courthouse.</h3>
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<br />My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-1305880707802754062013-07-23T23:58:00.000-04:002013-07-23T23:58:14.865-04:00Blueberry Muffin Recipe<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">PRELUDE TO A BLUEBERRY MUFFIN RECIPE:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQPtgve2wZSJ6lKSU68wx3Y2OEuSpzCo0-hYprdCeFGYr3t-SjQPtUoGZoekL470TymaJ4Eie5RXtIVPT52oyRwwVNT8_LvvuPf-Jv4LjbuC7bALBEpUaECjDPFSuiTGSGhZLC0EBzFS7/s1600/3+blueberry+bushes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQPtgve2wZSJ6lKSU68wx3Y2OEuSpzCo0-hYprdCeFGYr3t-SjQPtUoGZoekL470TymaJ4Eie5RXtIVPT52oyRwwVNT8_LvvuPf-Jv4LjbuC7bALBEpUaECjDPFSuiTGSGhZLC0EBzFS7/s320/3+blueberry+bushes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For some unknown reason, although blueberries are fairly easy to grow, many of us are not inclined to plant them in our landscape and/or gardens. Blueberry bushes, as they grow, produce lots of berries which are both delicious and good for our health - reason being I decided to plant a few bushes here at home amongst the veggies in my raised beds. Growing them at home will also save me the time and money spent traveling and the cost of the berries themselves. I purchased my bushes at a local nursery where I could trust the employees to provide me with the pertinent information required for properly planting and providing for them. It was recommended, for cross-pollination purposes, to plant more than one bush so I bought three different types. Having planted them just this Spring it's amazing that I've been able to pick handfuls at a time for cooking with pancakes, eating on cereal and mixing them with yogurt. Not only that, I know exactly what type of pesticide was used on my berries - NONE!<br />
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This year I picked six quarts of blueberries at a local blueberry field where the only thing they grow is blueberries. I gave two quarts away;<br />
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used two quarts to produce 10 jars of delicious blueberry jam;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnroZT9eSDWTeQZnI4RdHwPfH58vhAhL3zhG4rbFc0FUlfJRJVVQkbUT-_TOIdixTPkChBkiyuFF1-Qo3H2sXTtTWfnln8lIi5d9leDF6xtZKP0XNVl9T6M090nIz4nD-EjPvz6tG_SiqX/s1600/blueberry+jam+10+jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnroZT9eSDWTeQZnI4RdHwPfH58vhAhL3zhG4rbFc0FUlfJRJVVQkbUT-_TOIdixTPkChBkiyuFF1-Qo3H2sXTtTWfnln8lIi5d9leDF6xtZKP0XNVl9T6M090nIz4nD-EjPvz6tG_SiqX/s400/blueberry+jam+10+jars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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used 1 1/2 cups for making a dozen blueberry muffins</div>
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(note 3 are missing - taste testing - yum);</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi87rfd43xhUkl1FeGPOe4qJ-9WuSpXuVEtDgSF8SZob421NCA-3UCFxHWxWVD-Z0KimTg87uk5Ys9HW7xO5XIXcwnz0O4JrZlcQqMzfOWHNaztJOvdC2Gmi3QT72qebqUhOV-VQKwQt5/s1600/blueberry+muffins+being+stored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDi87rfd43xhUkl1FeGPOe4qJ-9WuSpXuVEtDgSF8SZob421NCA-3UCFxHWxWVD-Z0KimTg87uk5Ys9HW7xO5XIXcwnz0O4JrZlcQqMzfOWHNaztJOvdC2Gmi3QT72qebqUhOV-VQKwQt5/s400/blueberry+muffins+being+stored.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and froze the remaining berries so I can make more yummy blueberry muffins during our too long and too cold winter.</div>
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Freezing the blueberries really is a very easy process. First, using a strainer,wash the berries and pick through them to remove any stems or leaves that may have fallen in your quart.</div>
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Spread them out in a single layer on a large cookie sheet (preferably one that has sides)</div>
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and place them flat on a shelf in your freezer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJecKGRpA0FFxNiaADVBNelB84R7IEyntTv_jQ3vIznoACRrcYjpu-e2V3oj54Tbtrh3g2wg9lXJPCClMJFI8R6Ea_bc3XBRehj2xwjpddQdVEobZSd37z-Mcbu0jSMrjWvQkankf3nuG8/s1600/blueberries+on+tray+in+freezer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJecKGRpA0FFxNiaADVBNelB84R7IEyntTv_jQ3vIznoACRrcYjpu-e2V3oj54Tbtrh3g2wg9lXJPCClMJFI8R6Ea_bc3XBRehj2xwjpddQdVEobZSd37z-Mcbu0jSMrjWvQkankf3nuG8/s400/blueberries+on+tray+in+freezer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After they have frozen, you simply transfer them from the tray into your preferred size freezer bag(s) and take out only the amount of frozen blueberries you'll need per recipe as required.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bz3M8aB_wniLfchtsmQ6NTxErFrq7HProc-YLdpv9LM-zp0YoOotANfRUgbB7oywU0Z4RnnEQrWsEQkvvaJ3uZ-849wNG4Nit6gaKlcmHCRSicezXyhwYJCL4fhE5fBwtg5sTnimKkOU/s1600/blueberries+froze+and+bagged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bz3M8aB_wniLfchtsmQ6NTxErFrq7HProc-YLdpv9LM-zp0YoOotANfRUgbB7oywU0Z4RnnEQrWsEQkvvaJ3uZ-849wNG4Nit6gaKlcmHCRSicezXyhwYJCL4fhE5fBwtg5sTnimKkOU/s400/blueberries+froze+and+bagged.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>WHOOPIE...HERE COMES THE BLUEBERRY MUFFIN RECIPE</strong></div>
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(best one I've ever tasted, so well worth the wait) </div>
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<strong><u><em>Ingredients:</em></u></strong></div>
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1 large egg, lightly beaten</div>
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1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt (full fat or low fat)</div>
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1/3 cup vegetable, canola, safflower, or corn oil</div>
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div>
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2 cups all-purpose flour</div>
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1/2 cup granulated white sugar</div>
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1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder</div>
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
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1 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding them to the batter)</div>
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<strong><u><em>Directions:</em></u></strong></div>
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Position rack in center of oven. Butter or line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.</div>
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In a large bowl whisk together the lightly beaten egg, yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract.</div>
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In another large bowl whisk the flour with the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.</div>
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Gently stir the blueberries into this dry mixture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMPefaedVPRm8WInrjbbV_20aDMOle9szemrYAp3MPFBmD3esWxYbsd78jp_nGK2G5X-ElHah59hht6STM76WzVPOP4vaKV9aZR1vjO3py9suV6fGEGTrFHcSmkLTiWVOHiW9OA7-Cnl8/s1600/blueberry+muffins+flour+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMPefaedVPRm8WInrjbbV_20aDMOle9szemrYAp3MPFBmD3esWxYbsd78jp_nGK2G5X-ElHah59hht6STM76WzVPOP4vaKV9aZR1vjO3py9suV6fGEGTrFHcSmkLTiWVOHiW9OA7-Cnl8/s400/blueberry+muffins+flour+mix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Using a rubber spatula, fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and </div>
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stir only until the ingredients are combined and moistened. (The batter will be thick.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk8Lgl9L_EFbO-6HBqeKKEep4tgBf4E4Mp4ziEJW27rO4A6DOBzTVXeY932_LVDRJF5t1sx_ynNz1CGwZ3LavrHUZySldGD5mFNfuwrhsCyF_kpoZBsJBK2DtKyJVgyYYCUCH6AgnvN7D/s1600/blueberry+muffin+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk8Lgl9L_EFbO-6HBqeKKEep4tgBf4E4Mp4ziEJW27rO4A6DOBzTVXeY932_LVDRJF5t1sx_ynNz1CGwZ3LavrHUZySldGD5mFNfuwrhsCyF_kpoZBsJBK2DtKyJVgyYYCUCH6AgnvN7D/s400/blueberry+muffin+mix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter, using two spoons or an ice cream scoop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp10tSL7u0XTJv-kij29bBHEymt9zC4oWzxJeqAQ8dTG6BSw4TR4LTiiBJuZhWC4hEo1x9M0WmpURKRm8zLNnLoZvHE44ebygrmQ6PYoJFO3JqnhHnuQi5gBACP0LBkC7dR1iirAbRPPe/s1600/blueberry+muffins+ready+for+baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp10tSL7u0XTJv-kij29bBHEymt9zC4oWzxJeqAQ8dTG6BSw4TR4LTiiBJuZhWC4hEo1x9M0WmpURKRm8zLNnLoZvHE44ebygrmQ6PYoJFO3JqnhHnuQi5gBACP0LBkC7dR1iirAbRPPe/s400/blueberry+muffins+ready+for+baking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes (+/- depending on your oven)</div>
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or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.</div>
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Let cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the pan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXiPCIXs2xe4TKnI1Dm7HFOVICdhYGtGpa6pBubEj1l3T1m0rlGwgFmhr68vUdTLu5zG0sz0aqCIxSqd94J-lkHcAkqyUZw9toRs6S3YfEDzkfxB9ZNkxnGuSbNoKQ7vR6wKK6sBQgrFB/s1600/blueberry+muffins+baked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXiPCIXs2xe4TKnI1Dm7HFOVICdhYGtGpa6pBubEj1l3T1m0rlGwgFmhr68vUdTLu5zG0sz0aqCIxSqd94J-lkHcAkqyUZw9toRs6S3YfEDzkfxB9ZNkxnGuSbNoKQ7vR6wKK6sBQgrFB/s400/blueberry+muffins+baked.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Makes 12 good-size muffins.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">ENJOY!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtPAaMZ1Yz9HcGWg_8vUYNXTgVmNKPeNF2OJMuriC11zj2r3ZLJTd0U_swdsuLIFRBsLPxJ_5GEwT7rFhr5A2AlvOXREzH2Xsy9lLWmW389d1wIz_IdNT8-vpkip9FuF6yUkij2Teg4Xd/s1600/blueberry+muffin+being+served.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtPAaMZ1Yz9HcGWg_8vUYNXTgVmNKPeNF2OJMuriC11zj2r3ZLJTd0U_swdsuLIFRBsLPxJ_5GEwT7rFhr5A2AlvOXREzH2Xsy9lLWmW389d1wIz_IdNT8-vpkip9FuF6yUkij2Teg4Xd/s400/blueberry+muffin+being+served.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I PROMISE, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Note: This recipe was borrowed from <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/">www.joyofbaking.com</a> where instructions are provided via a video.</em></span></div>
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</script>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-71596143639689463042013-04-10T18:14:00.000-04:002013-04-10T18:14:40.510-04:00Bella and Froggie = Precious Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PG4762_2xGk0Cuqx1_nI0PQ1UCMzxGcOAN0jqu6HwV25VlXgCLaa_24VnLdUywYkTbPLIZZJsPxeCc75_UNkz84N9s-WqEhL_Xgp827Xy9QnZoLTX1crg8yLY8E0pRjKquXgzRSSZ6CG/s1600/Copy+of+bella's+frog+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PG4762_2xGk0Cuqx1_nI0PQ1UCMzxGcOAN0jqu6HwV25VlXgCLaa_24VnLdUywYkTbPLIZZJsPxeCc75_UNkz84N9s-WqEhL_Xgp827Xy9QnZoLTX1crg8yLY8E0pRjKquXgzRSSZ6CG/s320/Copy+of+bella's+frog+008.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Five year old Bella, grandchild number 7, misplaced her most huggable and best Froggie ever. Somehow poor Froggie drifted off to the wayside into a dark remote area where he wasn't seen for quite a long time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Miraculously one day he courageously fought his way back into daylight and into Bella's heart once again. The joy and excitement expressed from such a young girl was overwhelming. They hugged each other and reaffirmed their love for one another.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But...Froggie was found to be a bit dishevelled. A few dust bunnies here, a few there; a few tears, a few rips - he needed a little TLC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Almost unwillingly, Bella agreed to let Froggie visit G-ma's house (only 'cause she's a pretty good sewer) to stitch him up and get him back in good shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">G-ma got him all stitched up but it was clear he needed a tubby.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Thinking a good soaking would be beneficial, a bubble bath was ordered. With all the comforts of home he was cleaned from head</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> to toe.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUNO7SxCEQFdlI9MmDWbVHIJ_dCccu4TTM3lr_Cr1uKYIE0CsEM-i93JOfjljDtjh7ez5kKeYGMw4POrhT2zmPUSaJStETUH4cL5NNknGLeLwBUaN3QAG8Pol1XyFfhz3wOoa-wEal4E2/s1600/bella's+frog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUNO7SxCEQFdlI9MmDWbVHIJ_dCccu4TTM3lr_Cr1uKYIE0CsEM-i93JOfjljDtjh7ez5kKeYGMw4POrhT2zmPUSaJStETUH4cL5NNknGLeLwBUaN3QAG8Pol1XyFfhz3wOoa-wEal4E2/s400/bella's+frog+2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the bath Froggie started shouting:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Hey, move over you two stinking dogs. I want to smell fresh when I meet back up with my Bella."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenkCmOaKYX5EInKPcjJr_Bz-sEJHCIpXHPoJ0OKCOcquDLv1B51wrN6GmuqCyBSnl1zVC2FZWjOZM3mo0x3k3iMGzSvd8KbzT48qUq-3FAQG81WO2Z-Doq1_fa803mirHLkNZ4TxKJHNM/s1600/dog+biscuits+and+bella's+frog+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenkCmOaKYX5EInKPcjJr_Bz-sEJHCIpXHPoJ0OKCOcquDLv1B51wrN6GmuqCyBSnl1zVC2FZWjOZM3mo0x3k3iMGzSvd8KbzT48qUq-3FAQG81WO2Z-Doq1_fa803mirHLkNZ4TxKJHNM/s400/dog+biscuits+and+bella's+frog+034.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Froggie hung out in the bathroom to dry 'cause it's the warmest room in the house.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmYwqBjiZCqA7Y-jRdGvV7G5W0qjF-Ujzww9HaTVdyhSD_xe8gvs3Wk-gpR7ppDJ0kIXOboQXJwqhgq4c_mx-cQCNLLwlVPCzQ5kzfd4sGdXUhiG_keG-JvhPHStl0e57a5P0KlKSZqW5/s1600/bella's+frog+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmYwqBjiZCqA7Y-jRdGvV7G5W0qjF-Ujzww9HaTVdyhSD_xe8gvs3Wk-gpR7ppDJ0kIXOboQXJwqhgq4c_mx-cQCNLLwlVPCzQ5kzfd4sGdXUhiG_keG-JvhPHStl0e57a5P0KlKSZqW5/s400/bella's+frog+6.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime he's just hanging around until he gets reunited with the love of his life, Bella.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEowETrAFyCWHAJahevDSiwzqVVXkvlNMepdFnP4YRgrBbwZwPJ4Em98h9I708Hc7NAq6TzW3E_u7xbgNTBQq7PWLEsIg7tjkI8Up7aksSkpty1IRD2uXiHN-xD4VpQWy2MyCJYMMPezMC/s1600/bella's+frog+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bua="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEowETrAFyCWHAJahevDSiwzqVVXkvlNMepdFnP4YRgrBbwZwPJ4Em98h9I708Hc7NAq6TzW3E_u7xbgNTBQq7PWLEsIg7tjkI8Up7aksSkpty1IRD2uXiHN-xD4VpQWy2MyCJYMMPezMC/s400/bella's+frog+006.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">LOVE YOU BELLA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">G-MA</span></div>
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My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-44612825692227584652013-02-18T01:31:00.000-05:002013-02-18T01:31:12.022-05:00Josh Haulin' Wood<span style="font-size: large;">Today, being a very cold and blistery winter day, I made a decision to surf the web for a new recipe - one, of course, that required me having a close relationship with the oven to sort of take my mind off of the chill I could see out the window. Not in the mood for anything chocolate (ate too much on Valentine's day) d.i.l. Kelly recommended Monkey Bread. Oooh, the thought of warm cinnamon and butter sounded wonderful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpApPxvgasTgqgBCP45evJceFqcnS-mkYhtipXGDZAMeIWQtPkj9udul3qdugeOE2Mg5T8BQGkABjPG4g-fakEdBXs0N3h6mg6CGlAVbYtj29a2TNc6j51jH2t_c3_OxWgkhJpe7gdINm/s1600/countertop+bread+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpApPxvgasTgqgBCP45evJceFqcnS-mkYhtipXGDZAMeIWQtPkj9udul3qdugeOE2Mg5T8BQGkABjPG4g-fakEdBXs0N3h6mg6CGlAVbYtj29a2TNc6j51jH2t_c3_OxWgkhJpe7gdINm/s200/countertop+bread+machine.jpg" uea="true" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The recipe I chose to follow required making the dough in the bread machine - couldn't get any simpler than letting the machine do the mixing, kneading, rising, etc. After the machine was finished with the dough-making process I continued to follow the </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">recipe looking forward to my finished product. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyXX43bRupXOCkWSa5f8-RvU0KgE4DNFfv1yMRa8Y62yyEWPu0fE6zF8F3ex3JQ92As33-SDnYz3f_DwsXVKlDKhcs1Tz3OnjfjeRDolI8NJP7JJ64PHub9tZANDIzrjLvi5B4Pvxw-Kh/s1600/Josh,+Ginger,+Libby+Lu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyXX43bRupXOCkWSa5f8-RvU0KgE4DNFfv1yMRa8Y62yyEWPu0fE6zF8F3ex3JQ92As33-SDnYz3f_DwsXVKlDKhcs1Tz3OnjfjeRDolI8NJP7JJ64PHub9tZANDIzrjLvi5B4Pvxw-Kh/s400/Josh,+Ginger,+Libby+Lu.jpg" uea="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua, Ginger and Libby Lu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Ring, ring</em> - phone interruption, grandson Josh calling for</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">permission to come over for an alone-time visit with us - <em>permission granted</em>. He arrived just minutes before the Monkey Bread went into the oven for baking, and he could barely keep his excitement under control when he laid his big, handsome brown eyes on the bundt pan. Today he will be my taste tester. You see...he said his mom, d.i.l. Andrea, has her own Monkey Bread recipe... and he said that she makes it for the family many times throughout the year... and he said it's always delicious... and he said the family eats the <em>whole thing</em> hot right out of the oven...and it seemed like he said it all in one breath, one sentence. : )</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua and the Monkey Bread</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because this was my first attempt at making Monkey Bread, I was really</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">looking forward to hearing how Josh's taste buds would rate my effort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please don't be disappointed but this recipe and the results of the taste testing will be illustrated in a future blog post because today's writing will be dedicated to the title of this post, Josh Haulin' Wood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Josh, as well as all the rest of my grandchildren, is very well behaved. Their parents have taught them to show respect to their elders and we are very appreciative for this lesson. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Just like us adults they have their good days and not-so-good days; some days more energy, some days less energy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlIpwaGtOJ88WveucBf07wUSF04KpB4hzSK9h39CQJxcrJAFHPtEgIyyZxLJeKkz16YuIASUjd8P53VW3sfeM1CeEktoKmFhDripdj81WVilAEJl2UeHZFDFsSw5cFvZ8bX3Y-rkvOcfY/s1600/driving+trailer+out+of+garage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlIpwaGtOJ88WveucBf07wUSF04KpB4hzSK9h39CQJxcrJAFHPtEgIyyZxLJeKkz16YuIASUjd8P53VW3sfeM1CeEktoKmFhDripdj81WVilAEJl2UeHZFDFsSw5cFvZ8bX3Y-rkvOcfY/s320/driving+trailer+out+of+garage.jpg" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Josh's energy level during his visit with us today was high, high, high as it is most other times he comes to visit. His grandfather was needing to bring in some cut firewood from the freezing outdoor elements and the help that Josh could provide would shorten the length of time to perform this task and lessen the wear and tear to an already aching body. Always looking to pitch in, Josh volunteered to help his grandfather bring in a few trailer loads of firewood from the brutal cold outdoors and re-stack them in the garage. Not only the all-you-can-eat Monkey Bread being provided as a snack today during his visit, Josh also had the privilege of driving his grand-father's </span><span style="font-size: large;">garden tractor making the chore much more enjoyable. : )</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He drove the tractor three times from the garage</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVo-0OBj3SwIAPOuShRUql1AhJfuBwOiND0C7T3MdRjoDj43BHAGNQRNtvMkFVluTmqjgBe31YkN2WEizgIy7WjktRXOs6ONJzgu6T-WTDHyL7AYZ8Bbmg-tdD5CrET8ab4bPDZ8st7SE/s1600/heading+to+the+woodshed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVo-0OBj3SwIAPOuShRUql1AhJfuBwOiND0C7T3MdRjoDj43BHAGNQRNtvMkFVluTmqjgBe31YkN2WEizgIy7WjktRXOs6ONJzgu6T-WTDHyL7AYZ8Bbmg-tdD5CrET8ab4bPDZ8st7SE/s400/heading+to+the+woodshed.jpg" uea="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">he drove the tractor three times from the woodshed</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ytUiGPFd7tAVImYrs7bv-mt8KKukF-M-39mHHp_LdBVgD7Th61WbRdVFpYJ6Y-4Zh2Z4uPhdQKOBrGaNw07NvJFMg0Rtp7Td0U46BvY9UVcxguW9rDJsCZ007105uRUFg7BdOBjeSb8Q/s1600/Josh+bringing+in+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ytUiGPFd7tAVImYrs7bv-mt8KKukF-M-39mHHp_LdBVgD7Th61WbRdVFpYJ6Y-4Zh2Z4uPhdQKOBrGaNw07NvJFMg0Rtp7Td0U46BvY9UVcxguW9rDJsCZ007105uRUFg7BdOBjeSb8Q/s400/Josh+bringing+in+wood.jpg" uea="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He drove the tractor full of firewood inside the garage where he helped his grandfather empty the wagon as well as</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gauK37uAGKpKoquJEJWZv2Ahs1vdxdUera_wfcp9nN6r7MVjGkeI7q5m8FPC5o06bwM9kNHfzXOaEfvekoj05nsIM511SB4vT-i5l2vs2PNs8M9rMcfSxHI63dJvQuRQuf04Pulg0TRJ/s1600/emptying+wood+from+the+wagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gauK37uAGKpKoquJEJWZv2Ahs1vdxdUera_wfcp9nN6r7MVjGkeI7q5m8FPC5o06bwM9kNHfzXOaEfvekoj05nsIM511SB4vT-i5l2vs2PNs8M9rMcfSxHI63dJvQuRQuf04Pulg0TRJ/s400/emptying+wood+from+the+wagon.jpg" uea="true" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">re-stack it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhK1vAJxJubpA0hhusC62gAU-tLUiMTIcGsGvb3SqG36pGWz2wHGANwOzplyuyiL3zf3mmseJDqepvr-FUd0vv9i012iIBqKT6WoWkQwsS180yJ23t8yqHu9lNTUOfmZHaHovW6kYbKioz/s1600/Josh+stacking+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhK1vAJxJubpA0hhusC62gAU-tLUiMTIcGsGvb3SqG36pGWz2wHGANwOzplyuyiL3zf3mmseJDqepvr-FUd0vv9i012iIBqKT6WoWkQwsS180yJ23t8yqHu9lNTUOfmZHaHovW6kYbKioz/s400/Josh+stacking+wood.jpg" uea="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I did notice that his sweet little cheeks were getting rosier with each trip out to the woodshed but</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDemr9JustjGVZ4jxfarEejL3MSxTjTrUlLUnZ235Jp4WFpSU_MxX-QzJV2dh715LPD3CEoxaAY-goDGoH0IoxFChnabYH2vhMbCD6OoF-0liYnRrXJ4L2qM27WG9vWtub4NbyxGmfX3K8/s1600/josh's+rosy+cheeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDemr9JustjGVZ4jxfarEejL3MSxTjTrUlLUnZ235Jp4WFpSU_MxX-QzJV2dh715LPD3CEoxaAY-goDGoH0IoxFChnabYH2vhMbCD6OoF-0liYnRrXJ4L2qM27WG9vWtub4NbyxGmfX3K8/s320/josh's+rosy+cheeks.jpg" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> what kind of grandparents are we that we never noticed he wasn't wearing any gloves!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Luckily the oven was still warm from baking the Monkey Bread when he came back indoors so I had him place his hands on the warm flat stove top to warm up his cold little fingers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFixLCtt5RtVr0ZdP6pTfDOe4GFrGgZXs_dCss2SfKArw3LfCljln7ZuKN9PKK94xsxEhirhj5a2p9_oIGSW3rJQFI1ZRY04_Ugbhrw1I7GOuelLM7iYpkPKFhFPwKBe3In0aEH3CygTkr/s1600/josh's+red+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFixLCtt5RtVr0ZdP6pTfDOe4GFrGgZXs_dCss2SfKArw3LfCljln7ZuKN9PKK94xsxEhirhj5a2p9_oIGSW3rJQFI1ZRY04_Ugbhrw1I7GOuelLM7iYpkPKFhFPwKBe3In0aEH3CygTkr/s320/josh's+red+hands.jpg" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Josh, so very much for lending us a helping hand today. You can be sure that from this day forward I will always make available to you a warm pair of gloves. I'm also considering taking out an insurance policy on your hands as they are worth a million dollars to us! We love you and appreciate you a whole bunch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A hint to anyone wondering if Josh liked the Monkey Bread:</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPoWMvzJHka5FYtKrPpeZM4q_BybJByWgFDrrV2TT3h-oa8ywAphi3WFd1oWzhvwBdUIutbTMdFxfsBRX9GnUAWyyJerqWl5lrN0WPaWcaLmMupz3uUIw8ryhhH-D5Mx09noi-pb0gDmO/s1600/half+eaten+Monkey+Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPoWMvzJHka5FYtKrPpeZM4q_BybJByWgFDrrV2TT3h-oa8ywAphi3WFd1oWzhvwBdUIutbTMdFxfsBRX9GnUAWyyJerqWl5lrN0WPaWcaLmMupz3uUIw8ryhhH-D5Mx09noi-pb0gDmO/s400/half+eaten+Monkey+Bread.jpg" uea="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. This picture represents the amount of Monkey Bread left on the plate before Josh went outdoors to help with the firewood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. I refuse to show a picture of the amount of Monkey Bread</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">left on the plate after Josh returned home because that would be a dead giveaway!</span></div>
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</span>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-64576023032647689792013-02-11T20:16:00.000-05:002013-02-11T20:16:22.333-05:00Homemade Kahlua Recipe<span style="font-size: large;">I was totally blown away during a 'google' episode when I came upon a recipe for homemade Kahlua. Further searching revealed that there were several different ways to make it - with instant coffee, fresh ground coffee, plain brewed coffee, etc. Sure, Kahlua is a tasty beverage but I would have never in a million years believed the flavor could be duplicated in the confines of my very own comfy kitchen. As another step in being self-sufficient, I accepted the challenge to make homemade Kahlua as follows:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2SpXmC03GMdpscpMY5_jpVxqjSOefRYx52eERv4y5djdW8qUSAwOR9ywjL0Yo0ODAngJykdfz8wh1ekBxxUZvIoameN92Pbmiz2vDBPFVH1wRuRM3GOKbKybmphAPncNh3h0zCaRyhHw/s1600/kahlua+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2SpXmC03GMdpscpMY5_jpVxqjSOefRYx52eERv4y5djdW8qUSAwOR9ywjL0Yo0ODAngJykdfz8wh1ekBxxUZvIoameN92Pbmiz2vDBPFVH1wRuRM3GOKbKybmphAPncNh3h0zCaRyhHw/s320/kahlua+ingredients.jpg" uea="true" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6 cups of your favorite brand of brewed coffee</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While the coffee is still hot, mix in the brown sugar</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQSdN6mfA0NDYauwmxvSEsg969fE3XVdRB2EK6m7G6fIZ8R_iIJpPFGH7tQh4HVfCQouN4orrE3S9b5Xf_HBRX37oNrfGzpg3zEHTT54RA73uDpdmXtHjTynsjlzdXFOVpo62g-RVhquM/s1600/pouring+kahlua+into+jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQSdN6mfA0NDYauwmxvSEsg969fE3XVdRB2EK6m7G6fIZ8R_iIJpPFGH7tQh4HVfCQouN4orrE3S9b5Xf_HBRX37oNrfGzpg3zEHTT54RA73uDpdmXtHjTynsjlzdXFOVpo62g-RVhquM/s320/pouring+kahlua+into+jar.jpg" uea="true" width="212" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Using a funnel, pour the liquid into an appropriate bottle for storage</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Serve over ice or in a mixed drink of your choice</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpXtXRpEMihVUTCHl37mZMG0yw7ix3xW_l8MBpn2ecm1EjCW6UuxNKJSIR6G0K57B0LvS2YYQ8Aw7dUq_yWyYLECqkCsTenDC4lqyxgKewNVjpEhRqhz56hMwxsJnBbF0dG4BuNmaT2Rq/s1600/Kahlua+and+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpXtXRpEMihVUTCHl37mZMG0yw7ix3xW_l8MBpn2ecm1EjCW6UuxNKJSIR6G0K57B0LvS2YYQ8Aw7dUq_yWyYLECqkCsTenDC4lqyxgKewNVjpEhRqhz56hMwxsJnBbF0dG4BuNmaT2Rq/s320/Kahlua+and+cream.jpg" uea="true" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cutting the recipe in half</span><span style="font-size: large;"> makes the perfect amount to fill a smaller previously used (and empty) Kahlua bottle. : )</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This is a winner - simply simple and delicious!</span></div>
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My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-58423609758475362502013-02-11T16:09:00.000-05:002013-02-11T16:09:38.037-05:00Old Fashioned and All Natural Cold Remedy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm not the type of person who likes to 'drug' up on prescription or over-the-counter meds unless absolutely necessary - as would be in the case of a serious infection, heavy-duty pain, etc. (you get the picture). My preference is to take the natural route for get-well (and hopefully quick) recoveries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Searching through the vast knowledge of information we're provided with on the Internet I came across several simple natural cold remedies. Because of the many dying brain cells I've been experiencing of late I thought if I came across one particular recipe that peaked my interest it would probably be a good idea to write it down on a notepad (rather than trust my memory) and tuck it away for future reference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then it happened. My yearly cold/sinus infection, which almost comes like clock-work early winter, didn't arrive until late January this year 2013. (Maybe the fact that I had the flu early winter 2012 had something to do with it. That big old stinking flu just wasn't going to step aside for that little old cold.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After waking up one cold morning with a wicked sore throat - BINGO - I pulled out the notepad which held the written remedy (it was an amazing fact that I found the notepad) and began taking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">the mixture <em>immediately</em>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After three days of being diligent with this concoction I WAS HEALED! Sore throat disappeared 1st day. I never had any other associated cold symptoms such as chills or lack of appetite. As a matter of fact I remained quite active in the kitchen during this entire period. During the second and third day the sinus burning and running eyes greatly subsided. On the fourth day, although a slight nasal issue remained, I felt so good I decided to skip my dosage and on the fifth day it was over. Not developing a sinus infection was pleasant! Yes, it could have very well been a mild cold strain but then again this remedy could have been the cold killer of all times and just beat it to death. I'm definitely not wishing for another cold but should one catch me off guard I will not hesitate to follow this miracle mixture again and again and again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Alright (drum roll please) here is the terrific old-fashioned cold-cure recipe I'm thrilled to brag about and hopefully you will be willing to give it a try when <em>'the cold'</em> gets a grip on you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">INGREDIENTS:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 tsp honey,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1/4 tsp cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">DIRECTIONS: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mix the two ingredients together and take twice a day for minimum of 3 days</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I enjoyed it best when adding the mixture to a hot cup of green tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although some sites recommend using organic honey and cinnamon I did not and still had excellent results.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><em>It doesn't get any simpler or healthier.</em></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Here's to a happy and healthy new year</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>to you and yours!</strong></span></div>
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</script></span>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-3278253011024374622013-02-11T11:42:00.000-05:002013-02-11T11:42:50.714-05:00Don't Look For Happiness - Create It<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Christmas 2013, being the first holiday of the year for me without my mom and dad to celebrate with, was very painful. I missed them both tremendously and efforts were taken to create new traditions. In looking back at the sadness that prevailed during that period I was able to take special delight from a particular gift bestowed upon me by my Cuz Chris of which I surrendered to humor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Welcome Chicken Who?. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Golden yellow of color with beautiful pink-colored roses adorned on lucious green stems, Chicken Who? masters the art of balance with the long, strong feet of a Ninja warrior, displays a physically powerful neck in resemblance of a WWW wrestler and is supported by a back that can be compared to the strength of a lumberjack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A beautiful bird (through the eyes of the beholder) none-the-less, Chicken Who? must establish its (pecking) order and need in its new surroundings called home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A grand welcome would have been appreciated but a nose-to-nose meeting with Libby Lu the Puggle proved not to be above and beyond. Libby Lu, being raised to extend a warm welcome to all the guests who enter our home, left me somewhat disappointed. Not sure but maybe Chicken Who? had bad breath from eating too many worms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unlikely to develop a strong relationship with Libby Lu, Chicken Who? considered a friendship with Peter Rabbit (another gift bestowed to me from Cuz Chris.) Hmmm, looked good at first but when Peter realized that Chicken Who? wasn't able to reproduce he quickly removed himself from the picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was kind of glad this relationship fizzled because it was starting to look a little kinky when Libby Lu decided to make it a three-way (if you know what I mean.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a natural instinct for chickens, Chicken Who? took flight and perched on the highest landing in the room (a wall clock almost as high as the ceiling) to assess the situation. Feeling sorry for the tough transition into our home I thought maybe I would perform an introduction to some of the other members of our 'fowl' family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enter the ducks. Well first meeting was terrific but these darn little creatures began taking advantage of Chicken Who?'s strong massive back by using it as their primary mode of transportation. The line of ducks kept forming so I had to put them back in their place on the windowsill to eliminate the constant activity taking place on the kitchen counter. NO CHICKEN ABUSE ALLOWED!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I need to put my thinking cap on and help poor Chicken Who? to immediately find its niche! Please, please Chicken Who?, don't turn to the bottle, give me one more chance to make this right!! It looks like my Kahlua may be in jeopardy - I must move quick!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK! OK! It's official!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chicken Who? is now Chickquita Chicken! Yes, <span style="font-size: x-large;">she's a girl</span> and <span style="font-size: x-large;">the keeper of the bananas</span>. Her attributes are being used to the max and I can tell by the contented look on her face this new responsibility gives her a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I am so pleased that Chickquita Chicken likes her new role because I soooo needed a place to store my bananas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I can only hope that Chickquita Chicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">put a smile on your face and</span></div>
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My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-10735360051346681972013-01-31T12:08:00.000-05:002013-01-31T12:08:45.804-05:00Six Months of Passings<span style="font-size: large;">During the last six months, episodes of illness and death took some of my mental aptitude and strength from me leaving me unable and unwilling to put forth blogging efforts. Without going into great detail I will lightly share some of these details.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKHAMj-tiZIiIgdyzHaAf_hM8Du8cNtSBLvlNGi_S7YEklWj_VBtSaRzlOeq_GeBJaEIdzMuAVIBMz0J9vS1M12HLoyrlQKm_Ud7TcBO8nHHaiYPQvl2rEczT8VoelW45p_y9i68I2N0X/s1600/Tuxedo+cat+on+windowsill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKHAMj-tiZIiIgdyzHaAf_hM8Du8cNtSBLvlNGi_S7YEklWj_VBtSaRzlOeq_GeBJaEIdzMuAVIBMz0J9vS1M12HLoyrlQKm_Ud7TcBO8nHHaiYPQvl2rEczT8VoelW45p_y9i68I2N0X/s200/Tuxedo+cat+on+windowsill.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Friday the 13th of July, 2012, Tuxedo, my handsome cat of 13 years, took ill and passed away peacefully. A terrific mouser and loving brother to sister dogs Libby Lu and Ginger, he will be greatly missed. There is no doubt he reunited with his brother Levi, sister dog Hildie and my grand-cat Fester. Fester passed away a short time before Tuxedo and was buried under an apple tree in our backyard. It was only fitting that Tuxedo be buried alongside of Fester under that same apple tree.</span></div>
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<br />...On a much more serious note,</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was the main caregiver for my elderly parents during the last 2-3 years assisting them in every facet of their lives. I committed myself to making sure they could continue to live in their home of 66 years together by stepping in and handling the day-to-day activities they no longer physically or mentally were able to perform. It basically was like running a mini nursing home and then some - doctor visits, prescription runs, house cleaning, grocery shopping, meal prep, passing meds, hospital trips, laundry, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and the list goes on and on. During some of the really serious periods of declining health I moved into their home to be there 24/7 sleeping on the living room sofa which enabled us all to be on the same floor during night time. Thankfully friends and relatives were able to step in for a few hours every few days allowing me home visitation. Then things started to get very serious. First dad went into the hospital with some health issues. Mom entered the same hospital a few days later very ill but got discharged to home before my dad. Dad was discharged to a rehab center where his improvement would go up and down. During his stay at the rehab center my mother unexpectedly developed a serious infection and had to be hospitalized again. Not having the strength to fight off this infection she passed away at 88yo on 10/19/12 in the MICU unit during the wee hours of the night with me, my children and her niece at her side. Dad was still not feeling well but two wonderful nephews of his managed to transport him to the funeral services followed by a family dinner gathering and then back to the rehab center. With failing health and age-related loss of strength, my dad suffered many set backs before he also was sent back to the hospital for better care. It was at this admittance I was introduced to the palliative care group who explained that my dad was dealing with some very serious health issues and that I should consider Hospice Care. After meeting with the Hospice group my dad agreed to be discharged to my home for comfort care. A ramp at the front door was built for his arrival, the spare bedroom was totally revised for his comfort by providing him with his lift recliner and large-screen TV from his home, guest chairs were placed around his bed to comfort his visitors and a comfortable hospital bed, commode, bedside table and all other medical necessities were provided by Hospice. I doubted that I could have given my father the complete care that he deserved and was going to need, therefore, I found it necessary to employ a health care assistant for a few hours a day to assist me with dad's morning and evening routines that included bathing, feeding, dressing, etc. My young male assistant was so much more. He was a friend to my dad and the rest of the family. He was loving and totally devoted to the care of my dad. The training and skills he brought with him to our home eased the transition of being able to give home care to my dad properly. With much excitement dad arrived via ambulance on Monday, December 3, 2012. So much happened during the next few days. Ups and downs. Daily and sometimes nightly visits with family, Hospice nurses, aides, clergy, social workers, etc. Days started running into nights. Just six days after my dad's arrival to our home and less than two months following the death of my mother my Dad, at 93yo, reunited with his beautiful wife on Saturday, December 8, 2012. His funeral services followed shortly thereafter and a double burial was held.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Additionally, although it's all a blur, sometime during the later part of November I suffered with the ill affects of the flu. It seemed natural that my husband came down with the flu also but being a diabetic it spiraled him out of control and he was hospitalized for four days. He ended up bedded down in the same hospital during the same time period as my dad. Uncontrollably out-of-control it was necessary for me to see the doctor who put me on bed rest making it impossible for me to visit my dad or my husband while they were in the hospital. Oh, yes, the furnace stopped working during my bed confinement on a night the temperature outdoors was 20 degrees leaving me no other choice but to sleep in front of a small space heater shivering with my two dogs until help arrived the afternoon of the next day. My husband was discharged from the hospital on the same day I had a meeting with the comfort care group discussing arrangements for my dad to be discharged to my home. It gets much more confusing. During my dad's short stay at my house a home health nurse was also coming to our home to oversee the progress of my husband.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It probably doesn't mean much to anyone who has never had a pet chicken, but on what would have been my dad's 93rd birthday, 1/23/13, one of my four pet chickens also passed away.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">I'm definitely still grieving but more subdued.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">I'm taking giant steps in moving forward.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">I have a few things up my sleeve I hope to be sharing soon.<script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">I'm getting my groove back?</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>SMALL CHANGES = BIG RESULTS</strong>!</span></div>
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My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-13437707306041013092012-08-28T01:35:00.000-04:002013-01-30T21:04:45.813-05:00Pickled Beets Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfqDYGKBRMAee_Opjwm4n_l5QG8Myewd1P6MnRYPtERbE6SPInRQ3CxWeRFHbmgkI01cxa7xwjGKzAbQq9KRgX5PRoPeF3LfTIjt03Jmw0PMndff53UQYjhAiPZkJ7EB43X5qAbjzLXhe/s1600/box+of+beets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfqDYGKBRMAee_Opjwm4n_l5QG8Myewd1P6MnRYPtERbE6SPInRQ3CxWeRFHbmgkI01cxa7xwjGKzAbQq9KRgX5PRoPeF3LfTIjt03Jmw0PMndff53UQYjhAiPZkJ7EB43X5qAbjzLXhe/s320/box+of+beets.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The beet belongs to the same family as chard and spinach. However, unlike these greens, both the root and the leaves of beets are eaten. Beet leaves have a lively, bitter taste similar to that of chard. Attached to the beet's green leaves is a round or oblong root. Although typically a reddish purple hue, beets also come in varieties that feature white or golden roots. Because of their high sugar content, beets are delicious when eaten raw, but are more typically cooked or pickled. Beets are the main ingredient in borscht, a traditional eastern European soup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most any time of the year you'll find pint jars of pickled beets stored on my pantry shelf and frozen cooked beets in my freezer ready to compliment any meal. Pickled beets are delicious with hot dogs, hamburgs, grilled cheese sandwiches or, for that matter, any other choice of sandwich; frozen beets can be enjoyed as a side dish to any meal served. Pickled beets also make for a great item to take on either a picnic or as a dish-to-pass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I began growing my own beets and pickling them some 20 years ago using an heirloom recipe which was shared with me by a much older friend and neighbor who also enjoyed for many years preparing this very same recipe for his family - the only difference being he purchased his beets locally from a farm stand whereas I grew my beets in my backyard garden. This year my newly-built raised bed is providing an ample amount of beet harvest to meet my needs as well as the needs of other interested recipients. (I'm pleased to say that this year I was able to barter some beets for some extra string beans.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My choice of beets, as shown in some of my pictures, is the oblong beet. They take less time to cook and are <i>simply</i> simple to slice. It is a requirement that the recipes I collect and prepare are fairly simple because if it's too complicated it's no fun and if it's no fun "get me out of here."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Picked Beets Recipe - Heirloom Style</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2PtVAApYLwMwvFwXzp3JNHA0nQbtXMZZGHnwQFHQdmyZ2DAb6uUAjkdO1uOy0Dd5tgfQ5T-DtMgBSv3FVBNvUh7c8LC0FIwj6-SJwfDd6EdPCQ3E-H3pgdPOdl5cMoluzhiVBLigVWBF/s1600/beets+in+pressure+cooker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2PtVAApYLwMwvFwXzp3JNHA0nQbtXMZZGHnwQFHQdmyZ2DAb6uUAjkdO1uOy0Dd5tgfQ5T-DtMgBSv3FVBNvUh7c8LC0FIwj6-SJwfDd6EdPCQ3E-H3pgdPOdl5cMoluzhiVBLigVWBF/s400/beets+in+pressure+cooker.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wash and cook your beets:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before cooking your beets cut off beet greens leaving 2" attached to root vegetable (to help them bleed less while cooking.) Wash the beets and place them in a large pot filled with water and boil them until they are fork tender. A pressure cooker can also be used to cook the beets - I find it to be faster and not as messy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWo3bXZK5YePF2Ca6uBo9IXrrpEjSfDO2zFOJqfcLj3xXecSgJh6RcZ32i6es-7JDv34kgjbvoCCgepJJXU-yHKmnLurpBHdbu85_pvRDLZj0O5WKRsV3ViC-KhWcuxR6ki9uqK5xaxXV/s1600/cooling+beets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWo3bXZK5YePF2Ca6uBo9IXrrpEjSfDO2zFOJqfcLj3xXecSgJh6RcZ32i6es-7JDv34kgjbvoCCgepJJXU-yHKmnLurpBHdbu85_pvRDLZj0O5WKRsV3ViC-KhWcuxR6ki9uqK5xaxXV/s400/cooling+beets.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><b>Cool beets to touch:</b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the beets are fork tender, transfer them to a cookie tray or large bowl to cool to touch.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQmZBt6ZO7RBnCD6x5Nft3lqDq54ejVrB-JOPU__xWn4KwQ9QGMtn8XexXcEBUaogKMKTQyOFzatFOVUcSnaIt59Dm0Ai8arVmYbvzseHMxv2SsviJ809Hg4ymh9kuMt82HoJfKtyr80B/s1600/peel+and+slice+beets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQmZBt6ZO7RBnCD6x5Nft3lqDq54ejVrB-JOPU__xWn4KwQ9QGMtn8XexXcEBUaogKMKTQyOFzatFOVUcSnaIt59Dm0Ai8arVmYbvzseHMxv2SsviJ809Hg4ymh9kuMt82HoJfKtyr80B/s400/peel+and+slice+beets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Peel and slice beets:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peel and slice desired amount of beets. *</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">* <span style="font-size: large;"><i>This recipe makes approximately 4 pints of pickled beets. I always triple this recipe which makes approximately 12 pints but if I add lots of onions I can get at least15-17 pints. Unfortunately when I made this batch I was out of onions. : (</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prepare utensils:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wash the jars, lids and rings with hot soapy water.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Place the clean lids to be used in a pan of water and bring to a boil. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Marry the beets with the ingredients:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlkn6jyakTlHHBZCAXF0wGuH6yy60rVNgtYcSqhVQVBtNmgle49nm6lWNyDZ0UC6EJ65qq0ynatStBeSYsgcDqaTm_MkbFECoOBIiTgkAslO98Kva865nn2QgH3ebjsVUrmCZM_6UoXXL/s1600/ingredients+for+pickled+beets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlkn6jyakTlHHBZCAXF0wGuH6yy60rVNgtYcSqhVQVBtNmgle49nm6lWNyDZ0UC6EJ65qq0ynatStBeSYsgcDqaTm_MkbFECoOBIiTgkAslO98Kva865nn2QgH3ebjsVUrmCZM_6UoXXL/s320/ingredients+for+pickled+beets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">2 cups water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">2 cups white vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp cloves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp allspice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 tbsp cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">onions (optional)</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Combine all the ingredients into a large stock pot and bring to a boil stirring until the sugar has dissolved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add the cooked sliced beets to the pot and continue to boil slowly for 15 - 20 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pack the beets with enough liquid to cover them into clean hot jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Release any air bubbles using a non-metallic utensil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue to ensure a good seal. Place a hot lid onto each jar rim and hand-tighten the screw band. They are now ready to process in the boiling water bath:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Place a rack in the bottom of a large kettle and fill it halfway with water. Heat extra water in a saucepan as a reserve. Bring to a boil over high heat and carefully lower the jars into the pot using a jar lifter or a wire rack made for this purpose. Add more boiling water from your reserve until the water level is 2 inches above the tops of the jars. Cover the kettle and bring the water to a full boil. Reduce the heat and maintain a gentle boil for the entire processing period of 30 minutes.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of the processing time remove the jars from the kettle with a jar lifter or wire rack and place them on a clean towel until completely cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Test the seals on the cooled jars by pushing on the center of the lid. If the lid feels solid and doesn't indent, you have a successful vacuum seal</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remove the screw bands from the sealed jars, wash them in hot, soapy water and put them away for another canning adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now this is what I'm talking about and....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNYKM4Ynve3jThsBGzVO4GV-ZRCixmsHjnEzC6m6tUz5k-6TKFIzVVHxQ82jVAwEYUfjR2E9CieZ1YcJKE847d9juZ18hsBBB_ydbOEaKy-nUSiaKs1HvuwK0e1quTOPP4BBmAoKEMcCD/s1600/finished+pickled+beets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNYKM4Ynve3jThsBGzVO4GV-ZRCixmsHjnEzC6m6tUz5k-6TKFIzVVHxQ82jVAwEYUfjR2E9CieZ1YcJKE847d9juZ18hsBBB_ydbOEaKy-nUSiaKs1HvuwK0e1quTOPP4BBmAoKEMcCD/s640/finished+pickled+beets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">don't forget to wash and steam the beet greens!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMU7K1gXTCGWJhI1rzUMc078Tc3G7LhkpUyj1MqPELxiLFCsmBG0cKzW5ND6Y2Qg-zuEkE1QJTb0GP6piB3GlYh0Jj8s2X22SUYt7yAGdEVeqWeCp5F4_gwhSPcNSulLU7qQgbkb7GXGr/s1600/steamed+beet+greens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMU7K1gXTCGWJhI1rzUMc078Tc3G7LhkpUyj1MqPELxiLFCsmBG0cKzW5ND6Y2Qg-zuEkE1QJTb0GP6piB3GlYh0Jj8s2X22SUYt7yAGdEVeqWeCp5F4_gwhSPcNSulLU7qQgbkb7GXGr/s640/steamed+beet+greens.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-49337335133695387242012-08-25T10:20:00.000-04:002013-01-30T20:26:12.920-05:00The Results of Raised Garden Beds<span style="font-size: large;">This year the two old people who live in our house decided that she was too old and rickety and he was too old, too rickety, too crotchety and just too grumpy to plant and maintain the full-scale vegetable garden as they did in previous years.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">DEVELOPMENT STAGE</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Early this spring raised garden beds were taken into consideration and became part of our daily dialogue. After shopping at the likes of Home Depot and Lowe's it became apparent that they did not carry the type of wood we were looking for - a thick and heavy type that would last longer than what they had to offer. A trip to one of our local sawmills resulted in a consultation which resulted in the purchase of the exact amount of 2" thick hemlock boards that were needed to build three sturdy 3' x 10' raised vegetable beds. No doubt this was going to be a backbreaking job to unload these boards from the trailer that was used to haul them home but fortunately for us (or I should say me) a healthy neighbor came by just in time to give a hand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H3J_RvGAIasZqE-QNkLLP_WEIFOrMFH0EqEk-oBxzZoi892kxenbezUyajyhIoph3aztKCUXwJrqCRa_de6TlrWcPmYCpP2KFewKAXhr7K4QpO5rwX3LNcdzAWJ3mra_cyk3ZdRvR70q/s1600/chickens+with+lumber+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H3J_RvGAIasZqE-QNkLLP_WEIFOrMFH0EqEk-oBxzZoi892kxenbezUyajyhIoph3aztKCUXwJrqCRa_de6TlrWcPmYCpP2KFewKAXhr7K4QpO5rwX3LNcdzAWJ3mra_cyk3ZdRvR70q/s320/chickens+with+lumber+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CnP1LOh-xcLQ0poGrLm782yAKaiR2CMTInK-LSspchuZZTyDS7MQHVj1EjPPhSr52WUQMUPqrYIMLnTtVmWARoCPsoeKfRrT3KNdFKn0vB3svrl5tu-4yNbhyphenhyphenNHH2EixnibhAPEwd7Ph/s1600/chickens+with+lumber+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CnP1LOh-xcLQ0poGrLm782yAKaiR2CMTInK-LSspchuZZTyDS7MQHVj1EjPPhSr52WUQMUPqrYIMLnTtVmWARoCPsoeKfRrT3KNdFKn0vB3svrl5tu-4yNbhyphenhyphenNHH2EixnibhAPEwd7Ph/s320/chickens+with+lumber+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I might add that a couple of the young chicks in the family immediately gave their approval of us using the hemlock wood.........or were they just looking for a free ride?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After getting the three frames built we realized we had room for one more raised bed so off to the saw mill once more we went to purchase more hemlock boards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be the first to admit that the whole process of excavating the land and building the frames was a large endeavor but not as large as filling the empty frames with the soil mixture that was delivered from a local landscaper and dumped onto the driveway. It's a good thing that these empty frames need only be filled once upon creation of the raised beds as dumping wheel barrel full after wheel barrel full of the soil into the frames was a back-breaking process which just about killed these two old folks. Tension? What tension?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BEFORE AND AFTER COMPARISON</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Comparing the before picture with the after picture makes it all worth while:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtW4FZrcKYNESC99N17uV_EU1Wi4NMKOoYpZhwlxZcgi4MSXj85BcJKYvIx1O2n-OW77Qz2njw0AK_3oYEEvNIb_Pfn405U2pV5TLncFxwxj-5i0A9FmQsp3CSaYvUXe6UDBu_lakB15f/s1600/Before+raised+veg+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtW4FZrcKYNESC99N17uV_EU1Wi4NMKOoYpZhwlxZcgi4MSXj85BcJKYvIx1O2n-OW77Qz2njw0AK_3oYEEvNIb_Pfn405U2pV5TLncFxwxj-5i0A9FmQsp3CSaYvUXe6UDBu_lakB15f/s400/Before+raised+veg+bed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Raised Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg24cH-UOafin9F0RXBvRCjhJLNwH2Jt7g-VF3ePIK1J7eUbevoLdDQafCm_vPIKPa1j7-h0s6u8omlsqF_L78Z7rtAS8LEonWJgEpQJkqi3TQIeqBf066r_ZKEwV3n4r5vj3uEcSvpqv/s1600/raised+veg+garden+with+flower+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg24cH-UOafin9F0RXBvRCjhJLNwH2Jt7g-VF3ePIK1J7eUbevoLdDQafCm_vPIKPa1j7-h0s6u8omlsqF_L78Z7rtAS8LEonWJgEpQJkqi3TQIeqBf066r_ZKEwV3n4r5vj3uEcSvpqv/s400/raised+veg+garden+with+flower+bed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Raised Gardens</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Believe it or not there actually was a grape vine growing in the area where the barn roof is soiled which was taken out of existence along with a small water pond.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The windows on the side of the building look good but they are fake. They were picked up on the side of the road and brought home to be given a new life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know what you're thinking: it's amazing that two old folks can accomplish this greatness!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Four raised vegetable gardens along with a beautiful flower garden in a not-so-large area of space should inspire anyone contemplating the idea of home gardening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With a little effort and at least 6 hours of sunlight anyone can accomplish this treasure.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrv7IAMMTkT09xxsoT614pKARiIKKVIiMBanDknSUngx_zsev58Ad_SzhAUm-8FHYIAqLfsxCsBpmQEUmGRm16nrDDAoL_8vnonTKUzqiF_HomBVjCeMv8aav5r_ds62vLIan2PWkD1TX/s1600/rainbarrel+watering+system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrv7IAMMTkT09xxsoT614pKARiIKKVIiMBanDknSUngx_zsev58Ad_SzhAUm-8FHYIAqLfsxCsBpmQEUmGRm16nrDDAoL_8vnonTKUzqiF_HomBVjCeMv8aav5r_ds62vLIan2PWkD1TX/s400/rainbarrel+watering+system.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SURVIVAL ISSUES</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not living in an area that provides public water we must depend on a well for our water usage. Fearing the well might run dry during the hot summer months we installed a rain barrel for keeping the plants watered. The rainwater washes off the roof into the gutter directly into the top of the rain barrel as pictured. There is a spigot attached to the front of the rain barrel to turn the water on and off that I use to fill my watering can. A garden hose is very close by to the garden that I'm able to use if I want to get the job done quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because the chickens became too curious with the raised beds and we couldn't shoo them away fast enough their scratching antics became a nuisance. Hence, the 3 foot tall green fence had to be put up to keep them at bay. It worked for the chickens but of course not for the rabbits.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRKobtZlGa_g81kpaKJdQpqPY2eKi85bJmZPKGRf3nhd9wj1zCw3K7AdNEwbQtTqfuKDMFERHTecGJcQJxXpkYYxFZLHBz4iqa6g0Vhsb8-ZWYFU6Cx7sFLIwQcKty2kjSMYAHm7tBow1/s1600/watch+garden+grow+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRKobtZlGa_g81kpaKJdQpqPY2eKi85bJmZPKGRf3nhd9wj1zCw3K7AdNEwbQtTqfuKDMFERHTecGJcQJxXpkYYxFZLHBz4iqa6g0Vhsb8-ZWYFU6Cx7sFLIwQcKty2kjSMYAHm7tBow1/s320/watch+garden+grow+spot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Comfortable seating is required in order to properly watch the garden grow along with a table to hold beverages for sufficient human hydration and possibly food.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Limited weeding tools are required. If planted properly the plants will grow large enough to cover and kill a great deal of the weeds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>More before, between and after pictures to get you thinking why and how you can make this happen at your home:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUZn56CL-rTzdTANivBLMhZbD1T0QFbEtWT8Ql9msE416p3U98nbVMabSqXaMwyKgTUmrXYQyhXaNuaF09g3WVirapLthf1S1LQtE4vcUITFGgoow-_ZI8gxRzTHLj3g5cMy80cRkzxmn/s1600/birdseye+view+of+new+raised+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUZn56CL-rTzdTANivBLMhZbD1T0QFbEtWT8Ql9msE416p3U98nbVMabSqXaMwyKgTUmrXYQyhXaNuaF09g3WVirapLthf1S1LQtE4vcUITFGgoow-_ZI8gxRzTHLj3g5cMy80cRkzxmn/s400/birdseye+view+of+new+raised+bed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a birds eye view of the new growth in the garden: 2 sweet zucchini plants, 1 bed of bush beans, 1 small bed containing a cucumber plant, 1 bed of carrots shared with red, green and yellow bell peppers, 1 bed of elongated beets and 1 bed of swiss chard. The beans, carrots, beets and swiss chard were all grown from seed. The cucumbers, peppers and zucchini were started and bought from a greenhouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">A couple bales of hay spread around the entire area of the vegetable garden worked to my advantage. First it kept the weeds at bay and second it provided a dry ground for walking, keeping my footwear neat and clean.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZDNw1jfBBAHjc5QJ0dZFCpBw_QAMS-s34tmUHx9T6_O9I9lcw3FGkOR_GrLn5OPHzXT0cgb8N3gkx9D3PlZrb8IBuKI383P3l11YACJVl0dht9OauOML3t59MknBbalU7ifEW9KclInK/s1600/raised+bed+cucumbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZDNw1jfBBAHjc5QJ0dZFCpBw_QAMS-s34tmUHx9T6_O9I9lcw3FGkOR_GrLn5OPHzXT0cgb8N3gkx9D3PlZrb8IBuKI383P3l11YACJVl0dht9OauOML3t59MknBbalU7ifEW9KclInK/s320/raised+bed+cucumbers.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A close-up view of the cucumber plant:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pretty, ain't she?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And productive, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She trained her tiny tendrils to grab onto the fencing and hold on for dear life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only con I found was her thirst. Being in such a small raised bed caused the soil to dry out too frequently and she had to be watered daily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">l might have to rethink how I plant cucumbers next year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A close-up view of the two zucchini plants:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ogIutf9nWz6xpE7pFPPcpx5F5TpwiIsCx2j-zV0Ep45DfP5JP1I96QBgBepi2cAN6VWuJ-LZsWCWFRezmTJrkzipphL_iDLuz8YiNO-3YG5PAMIQxzqNIT6KyJw8nXOSgQ2IjKBBJzJ_/s1600/newly+planted+zucchini's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ogIutf9nWz6xpE7pFPPcpx5F5TpwiIsCx2j-zV0Ep45DfP5JP1I96QBgBepi2cAN6VWuJ-LZsWCWFRezmTJrkzipphL_iDLuz8YiNO-3YG5PAMIQxzqNIT6KyJw8nXOSgQ2IjKBBJzJ_/s320/newly+planted+zucchini's.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgmCkC8Y9c6FIUuE8t-4U59fhbUY11GOMzfrSiFskV4BAaywh01V8UhEv3kCMVBn-32rGA_QckTlrphwYD9s5nF5k844jHCeM_Kk_pqas344Pu8MgwgS6GcVkGFHVZrpDdcN9vcbzJ8QZ/s1600/2+beautiful+zucchini%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgmCkC8Y9c6FIUuE8t-4U59fhbUY11GOMzfrSiFskV4BAaywh01V8UhEv3kCMVBn-32rGA_QckTlrphwYD9s5nF5k844jHCeM_Kk_pqas344Pu8MgwgS6GcVkGFHVZrpDdcN9vcbzJ8QZ/s1600/2+beautiful+zucchini%2527s.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The two ugly duckling plants on the left are shown newly planted</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">......but</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">they grew into the beautiful swan plants on the right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let's not overlook the fragrant herb bowl:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A wave of the hand over it's growth provides renewed energy and it's pickings are shared in the kitchen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOZX8WsgIhekK-L1fPnDsfAQkVJGRxbaybuw_37HMhtHbBXVlERMd8xhAF27XPCtgQlYR3hobNZjesYdsmdZeP6RzY1OvrlDrMhPZp2I1svKvBXwHcxu_IDSeym5zh-vghj3QDB8OCvTQ/s1600/mother's+day+basket+of+herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOZX8WsgIhekK-L1fPnDsfAQkVJGRxbaybuw_37HMhtHbBXVlERMd8xhAF27XPCtgQlYR3hobNZjesYdsmdZeP6RzY1OvrlDrMhPZp2I1svKvBXwHcxu_IDSeym5zh-vghj3QDB8OCvTQ/s320/mother's+day+basket+of+herbs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One more impressive zucchini pic.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c0DlQS8W7xf41FPVmmK0stVIeXnNQuqCR9PXmiQqz8UuzpwIUjIftBG7HMcpRixhgQX4OuSuicpvTimkRSole_0HvoO_uBlTJUr7px9Z9xw4qrC85uaEAPizR0CkHOf09yx2cbl10a8p/s1600/beautiful+zucchini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c0DlQS8W7xf41FPVmmK0stVIeXnNQuqCR9PXmiQqz8UuzpwIUjIftBG7HMcpRixhgQX4OuSuicpvTimkRSole_0HvoO_uBlTJUr7px9Z9xw4qrC85uaEAPizR0CkHOf09yx2cbl10a8p/s320/beautiful+zucchini.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>COMING TO FRUITION</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLiuuPdpazay1dokP8I8l4QLGl19q78klNVfki29fV7uazj0SMRYA7JxaD6mHpyirijtdvZyA-yP0boWWcdHIL1rxGLgbgV7w2bqgX55cHY-looWEZ4uFD09GQj30rq7HxXXQkFNllNGU/s1600/raised+bed+growing+leaps+and+bounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLiuuPdpazay1dokP8I8l4QLGl19q78klNVfki29fV7uazj0SMRYA7JxaD6mHpyirijtdvZyA-yP0boWWcdHIL1rxGLgbgV7w2bqgX55cHY-looWEZ4uFD09GQj30rq7HxXXQkFNllNGU/s320/raised+bed+growing+leaps+and+bounds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Fresh string beans at meal time get steamed; extras go into quart jars for canning. The seeds I planted this year were saved from the crop of last year for replant. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the carrots will also be steamed for a meal time dish but the majority of them will be processed in quart jars for eating at a later date.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ekoQnZoA4Ed2UqZ1ceRuqrVdKPyQsrI6IwhWds5-HC08bfSC-eNAM9MOh35UJM_UNm-yVnWwhBGEcTbi2tSdpWJz-Z8iZ_iaqzv_YrjCp8csDlhslEM9NenbaBSKzag4Ijm5htP5ZuPG/s1600/mid-summer+swiss+chard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ekoQnZoA4Ed2UqZ1ceRuqrVdKPyQsrI6IwhWds5-HC08bfSC-eNAM9MOh35UJM_UNm-yVnWwhBGEcTbi2tSdpWJz-Z8iZ_iaqzv_YrjCp8csDlhslEM9NenbaBSKzag4Ijm5htP5ZuPG/s320/mid-summer+swiss+chard.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The swiss chard gets steamed in a large pot and when cool it gets weighed out in 1 pound increments that go into freezer bags and put in the freezer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UKT0J-jAn3WHOCe10J0svuASw0veAPXA8PKGd1PC1tRcdFeNjcD1QDVa_k1hU5PrGIGF4rpv56sri_D530v6BDpNAk760tAde3lgLtpPMVtFEAgxh2ULM8XohnjuP0lNYt9q6NeeBKXX/s1600/beets+late+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UKT0J-jAn3WHOCe10J0svuASw0veAPXA8PKGd1PC1tRcdFeNjcD1QDVa_k1hU5PrGIGF4rpv56sri_D530v6BDpNAk760tAde3lgLtpPMVtFEAgxh2ULM8XohnjuP0lNYt9q6NeeBKXX/s320/beets+late+summer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our favorite, beets, after they have been cooked to tenderness are turned into pints of pickled beets and bagged for freezing - to be savored during the colder months. The greens (tops of the beets) are steamed and used fresh as a side dish to a meal.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uUdOmJ6F3II86wTx1PCzYrp6M5n8kZD3SqEu0HxUg6pCmVWE3GVd9J6zEGheoL2rmI83JUa5xjI9frntsdAzMejPLqj72JomS8-H5Rtk0FtFiGkmqAJ2PldJFKYId-jGBUOSe1zpk0Qz/s1600/red+and+yellow+peppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uUdOmJ6F3II86wTx1PCzYrp6M5n8kZD3SqEu0HxUg6pCmVWE3GVd9J6zEGheoL2rmI83JUa5xjI9frntsdAzMejPLqj72JomS8-H5Rtk0FtFiGkmqAJ2PldJFKYId-jGBUOSe1zpk0Qz/s320/red+and+yellow+peppers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Red, yellow and green peppers are used fresh in salads and other recipes. Any remaining towards the end of the summer are washed, chopped and frozen for use at a later date.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikwicJ3JnKuXmyt04_SKN_lzSb717-ReFaGB-vwIDpdfbdz0lJz5x0ynQEYKFptNT4FUqHoEZX5neoq85_J9a_fUC-H0GWa_YmD5c7bdKT_OE3O0k-qzboBhWy-dsK18OMCge_wR3aUKo/s1600/rhubarb+growing+next+to+raised+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikwicJ3JnKuXmyt04_SKN_lzSb717-ReFaGB-vwIDpdfbdz0lJz5x0ynQEYKFptNT4FUqHoEZX5neoq85_J9a_fUC-H0GWa_YmD5c7bdKT_OE3O0k-qzboBhWy-dsK18OMCge_wR3aUKo/s320/rhubarb+growing+next+to+raised+bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't forget to mention the rhubarb that grows along the other side of the fence next to the garden and is one of the first spring plants to produce. Under normal growing conditions the rhubarb is very hearty. The dry weather this year caused the rhubarb to be smaller, more spindly and less succulent. I was only able to harvest enough rhubarb this year that produced 8 pints of strawberry rhubarb jam. I am so looking forward to a better harvest next year.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImi1iwt17UjrbsNcHqDWN1o2SPakQBJ2Ip5hj4vHE0hDwEKwbVMgslQQLnfOYhaM11kKy12Zn3uh7thRFzWsSFSJMrrRScs9-oJKTwDalIEVx9NZ8fUTEFHoSL9BDpCQk8jskDCkNgHaa/s1600/little+seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImi1iwt17UjrbsNcHqDWN1o2SPakQBJ2Ip5hj4vHE0hDwEKwbVMgslQQLnfOYhaM11kKy12Zn3uh7thRFzWsSFSJMrrRScs9-oJKTwDalIEVx9NZ8fUTEFHoSL9BDpCQk8jskDCkNgHaa/s200/little+seedlings.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzNv0l7izXn2a1dBwyvmkMuFulm4DGU1wIDQkGlSeNuf95nKorLsc07HbqKgI_ST9-yJoziarvqc4LNr4fMlnKqxAmI9P2FHnWusxuBEytxh0qXYqToDcJh2IcFYE5ipNtFAWHI_4_ent/s1600/mid-summer+garden+harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzNv0l7izXn2a1dBwyvmkMuFulm4DGU1wIDQkGlSeNuf95nKorLsc07HbqKgI_ST9-yJoziarvqc4LNr4fMlnKqxAmI9P2FHnWusxuBEytxh0qXYqToDcJh2IcFYE5ipNtFAWHI_4_ent/s320/mid-summer+garden+harvest.jpg" width="212" /></span></strong></a><span style="font-size: large;">How it all began on the left and ready for harvest on the right</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There will be additional pages added to this blog that will walk through the different methods of processing each crop.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Seeing is believing.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anyone is capable of turning tender plants and hearty seeds into a sustainable raised vegetable garden.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The rewards are outstanding and</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pfw7AHi0cXWJU3nulQ3wg0Sa6QyMd70paYcip9n6M5w5SYV-vf67SvttMN4APQVFNhQpmcOAc3szlOaT8Ac1DAVVS8qOl1wW5ZSW0OX6e7YWnD2sQIHPE5oCqG317C1zFYuN3D3460K-/s1600/flowers+and+veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pfw7AHi0cXWJU3nulQ3wg0Sa6QyMd70paYcip9n6M5w5SYV-vf67SvttMN4APQVFNhQpmcOAc3szlOaT8Ac1DAVVS8qOl1wW5ZSW0OX6e7YWnD2sQIHPE5oCqG317C1zFYuN3D3460K-/s640/flowers+and+veggies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>the health benefits are tremendous! : )</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you enjoyed this tour and accept it as encouragement for successful gardening!</span></div>
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My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-15927207141589067742012-08-20T11:56:00.000-04:002012-08-20T13:29:30.211-04:00How to Make Your Own Pita ChipsOn the cheap and simple.....make your own Pita Chip snacks....for dips....(<a href="http://myspecialhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/02/hummus-at-homestead.html">especially Hummus</a>)....or just pop them in your mouth as is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DyZrFaWfWhNcGmZKc4LP_ldT77rhYdLJGlp8qLyALGpg6joN8O8EEMsNl41jJ7BtFLsvYlPAi5uRvAaquIyiFpyb0DmxHd0kBO8NA19JIGwYGG3IokYKnfJpZQKWSNJSnBiCOTg42ENn/s1600/ingredients+for+pita+chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DyZrFaWfWhNcGmZKc4LP_ldT77rhYdLJGlp8qLyALGpg6joN8O8EEMsNl41jJ7BtFLsvYlPAi5uRvAaquIyiFpyb0DmxHd0kBO8NA19JIGwYGG3IokYKnfJpZQKWSNJSnBiCOTg42ENn/s320/ingredients+for+pita+chips.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
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What you'll need to make this happen:<br />
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1 pack of pita bread (buy day old and really save $$$)<br />
olive oil<br />
2 small bowls<br />
pastry brush<br />
sea salt (not pictured)<br />
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favorite seasonings (optional): garlic powder, chili powder, Parmesan cheese, cinnamon & sugar, etc.<br />
large cookie sheet<br />
pre-heated 400 degree oven<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhdnWsi90lDLCiJhMIWAw1IHQV8v5ld3MmDLHIMRAP9-HVQghGlhYQkkjjYeLHsfQjS-Zp8ABECzP8I69jwB4_O5vQNJ73ti23e6etC6SkjZRXXIEwTRUCO6jljCV0XH9OePWa-cgPvDE/s1600/whole+wheat+pita+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhdnWsi90lDLCiJhMIWAw1IHQV8v5ld3MmDLHIMRAP9-HVQghGlhYQkkjjYeLHsfQjS-Zp8ABECzP8I69jwB4_O5vQNJ73ti23e6etC6SkjZRXXIEwTRUCO6jljCV0XH9OePWa-cgPvDE/s320/whole+wheat+pita+bread.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Instructions:</u><br />
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Start with a multi-pack of pita bread (my preference is whole wheat.) Place 1-3 of the pita bread circles onto a cutting board and using a large sharp knife (non-serrated) cut them into 4 strips/sections. Cut each strip into several triangle shapes about 2" in size. Because the pita bread is a two-sided pocket, separate each cut triangle into 2 pieces and lay them onto a cutting board.<br />
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Pour a small amount of olive oil and sea salt into two separate small bowls. While the cut pita triangles are laying on the cutting board use the pastry brush to slightly brush the top side of each cut piece. Add a small sprinkling of sea salt to the top 'oiled' side of the pita triangle (or more if you like.) If you are planning to flavor your pita, now is a good time to do so.<br />
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Place as many of the 'oiled' pita triangles as close as possible onto your cookie sheet without layering them. Place the cookie sheet into the pre-heated 400 degree oven and bake for 5 minutes until they are crisp and lightly browned. My oven heats hotter to the back so after 3 minutes I rotate the front to the back for the last 2 minutes for even baking. Most cooks know how their oven heats and will make these types of necessary adjustments. Transfer the baked pita triangles onto a heat-proof serving plate when finished baking. It only takes a few minutes for them to cool. If you make a large amount of these you can store them in some type of a plastic bag (with either a tie or zipper) - even an empty bread bag will work.<br />
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As I'm always preaching, make it from scratch. It's so much cheaper, tastier and maybe even healthier because you made it the way you wanted to! It's also such a simple recipe you might want to include the little ones in helping prepare them - teach them the art of scratch cooking while they're young - develop fond memories they can take with them into adulthood!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ENJOY!</span></b></div>
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My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-14412742272059462952012-07-04T13:12:00.000-04:002012-07-11T09:02:28.689-04:002012 -THE YEAR OF THE GRANDDOGS<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Granddogs actually are an extended part of our family of grandchildren - <i>they automatically come with the territory. </i>As an animal lover myself I'm very accepting of visits from the granddogs as long as they do their business outdoors, come without fleas, and can tolerate cats. It would be really, really great if they loved chickens!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-pGMSCnMKV0dOHw4O_GWbhP1V5Ckx61Q_7V0pe5NHczGvXXxa6mbuMgwtOwoL9mES4Mqq2Ot1TN3xa6ULxIYsRMgv1ysLSFXbviLGg83Lpw3jcny6vOigTi2nUGiHP8WJzzFJrz8mVim/s1600/the+three+musketeers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of course these newly adopted granddogs, adopted by families with children, are children friendly and very social whereas my own two pet dogs, raised by us two older adults, have had less training in socializing making it harder for them to adjust to the newbie granddogs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34brR46Q8ZsPC7QAaR104gg8OD9UU3Afybpi6geI1xrYSGK1w9p0YCA6aVy4_W_XbomT2JhLRDb8YMQlbno5DVxKdzRASitcVoI2PJ6NtthlACfg5tdvN3GX_xrlcGfG36QzsuPiCOcUJ/s1600/loving+sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34brR46Q8ZsPC7QAaR104gg8OD9UU3Afybpi6geI1xrYSGK1w9p0YCA6aVy4_W_XbomT2JhLRDb8YMQlbno5DVxKdzRASitcVoI2PJ6NtthlACfg5tdvN3GX_xrlcGfG36QzsuPiCOcUJ/s320/loving+sisters.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">Libby Lu is a sweet, timid, friendly and adorable 20 + pound Puggle who I was positive would get along with either dog. Ginger, on the other hand (our Alpha dog) is an adorable, sweet, friendly, not at all timid 15 pound Jug who struggles with developing friendships with other dogs so I knew we had to come up with a socialization plan for her.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvfKAQYE0i0RiwipNJHJA0CC9xTobT4J-RWmuLBPUq6uxhApmrlh83Vbb-1b0o18zfxJIxOeE08P_Wzvz79ZG03B4s17kEnzLWi_UW2Ju6G2Qec7khMMAZFThA1d2D-saxHPEwpKLfy18/s1600/Bailey+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvfKAQYE0i0RiwipNJHJA0CC9xTobT4J-RWmuLBPUq6uxhApmrlh83Vbb-1b0o18zfxJIxOeE08P_Wzvz79ZG03B4s17kEnzLWi_UW2Ju6G2Qec7khMMAZFThA1d2D-saxHPEwpKLfy18/s320/Bailey+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">As it began, little Ginger initially had to wear a muzzle when introduced to our larger granddog, Bailey, who was 6 months at the time of her adoption and, being a hound dog, quite tall. (Bailey has bounds of energy so it was very difficult to get her to sit still long enough to get good photos of her.) Ginger continued to growl and attack Bailey through her muzzle during their first few visits together.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTeprpSqzV25qArsfxRtg-EIjoP0RzPMBUgcz1fKUMkcLWw2DQNLyqBYedMVqsXSYLly54zg8zps0ObMVC5qSaaICH43QljxyjualCNhZ_wgD-SpD1x15l2QrnrvlmsG0wIMW9iaN2FaJ/s1600/Bailey+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTeprpSqzV25qArsfxRtg-EIjoP0RzPMBUgcz1fKUMkcLWw2DQNLyqBYedMVqsXSYLly54zg8zps0ObMVC5qSaaICH43QljxyjualCNhZ_wgD-SpD1x15l2QrnrvlmsG0wIMW9iaN2FaJ/s320/Bailey+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">Finally I decided to just turn them loose in the fenced area of our yard and let them establish the pecking order....and it pretty much worked. Bailey is a gentle soul and she very much wanted to be playmates but Ginger is domineering and she let Bailey know she was in charge. Eventually Ginger was able to tolerate Bailey through this process. They took turns sniffing on each other and then both went about their own business. I'll continue to keep an eye on Ginger during her future visits with Bailey but I'm pretty sure she'll be accepting of her soon.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lf1UWq-hHkcsOD1YgPZijT52ho3SynEAsB3jMj2Xw270ms2Y-EHkPS4TrylnOOf7v0WxRz3vdQQuWH9A5XVSmn6oMmQOtBMmhtMGsjylQ_JmLl8ikJiQhZZ6oJ5y-o0IAhVn8rSInVVE/s1600/Bailey+and+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lf1UWq-hHkcsOD1YgPZijT52ho3SynEAsB3jMj2Xw270ms2Y-EHkPS4TrylnOOf7v0WxRz3vdQQuWH9A5XVSmn6oMmQOtBMmhtMGsjylQ_JmLl8ikJiQhZZ6oJ5y-o0IAhVn8rSInVVE/s400/Bailey+and+boys.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">I must add that Bailey was a rescue hound from Tennessee who was relocated to Syracuse with her mom and dad in hopes of finding them a good home. At this time Bailey is an only pet and she gets tons of love and attention from every family member including her three siblings Josh, Ben and Sammy. Her endless amount of energy gets challenged continuously by these busy family members. Bottom line - she got a GREAT home!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-pGMSCnMKV0dOHw4O_GWbhP1V5Ckx61Q_7V0pe5NHczGvXXxa6mbuMgwtOwoL9mES4Mqq2Ot1TN3xa6ULxIYsRMgv1ysLSFXbviLGg83Lpw3jcny6vOigTi2nUGiHP8WJzzFJrz8mVim/s1600/the+three+musketeers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-pGMSCnMKV0dOHw4O_GWbhP1V5Ckx61Q_7V0pe5NHczGvXXxa6mbuMgwtOwoL9mES4Mqq2Ot1TN3xa6ULxIYsRMgv1ysLSFXbviLGg83Lpw3jcny6vOigTi2nUGiHP8WJzzFJrz8mVim/s320/the+three+musketeers.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">When Ginger was newly adopted by us it was necessary to use a squirt gun to convince her that she needed to be friends with our adult cat Tuxedo (and it worked great!) and if I have to I'll whip that sucker out for another behavior lesson. The future of this relation between Bailey and Ginger looks good!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTCyyptGPVT35-MXxQAcLtNxmrkrRLcnu_3P5LrAZcgSP6dZwQGg53umO0JiR36FZKcXpsJGe5Sc8ymuSxkGwXmWDu0Ipv3UAesnM8FrLiOYTjQEKCDENiAJPA3b-agOs_st95bpEUxDr/s1600/Charlie's+baby+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTCyyptGPVT35-MXxQAcLtNxmrkrRLcnu_3P5LrAZcgSP6dZwQGg53umO0JiR36FZKcXpsJGe5Sc8ymuSxkGwXmWDu0Ipv3UAesnM8FrLiOYTjQEKCDENiAJPA3b-agOs_st95bpEUxDr/s320/Charlie's+baby+face.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">Charlie, because he was only 6-8 weeks old at his time of his adoption, was much easier to friend with Ginger and Libby Lu. Neither dog was too intimidated by a wobbly, wet-behind-the ear, puppy-breath mound of playfulness. Each sniffed Charlie up and down but little Charlie was too young to know what was happening and/or to reciprocate. Charlie, a mix of Labrador and mastiff, will eventually grow into a large dog but by that time my two dogs will have already become friends with him.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWu1H01UZ4nn6q02M12mzCfhiE9eoq71QJDxKQzndez6jAZc9lx2PjxkDYCg-cE_Xld0W-ilgKU6GlLlEZcbA2h8ZbhkTBaf6nh47ZH2JJBAHftPuNwgZ5INd3c4-OVTUBK11xc0ZgVbB/s1600/Charlie+and+chick+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWu1H01UZ4nn6q02M12mzCfhiE9eoq71QJDxKQzndez6jAZc9lx2PjxkDYCg-cE_Xld0W-ilgKU6GlLlEZcbA2h8ZbhkTBaf6nh47ZH2JJBAHftPuNwgZ5INd3c4-OVTUBK11xc0ZgVbB/s320/Charlie+and+chick+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">Unfortunately for Charlie, he became enchanted with the hens and while running loose outside the fenced-in doggy yard he was attacked by one of them. Don't worry, there were no injuries - she was just letting him know the pecking order.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HLONor9KNBBgU80uZ7Tu-Ih6XB2JlyCThb-f534aCpvir0avIVm8kk_3sXDjTyhKN0oKCc7KU1jXxceby3u1LEcLGnkQh-ixxd69am_HMJBhK55mwlSufIcjrsG0VdSkFRZLuWYdFfp_/s1600/Charlie+and+chick+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HLONor9KNBBgU80uZ7Tu-Ih6XB2JlyCThb-f534aCpvir0avIVm8kk_3sXDjTyhKN0oKCc7KU1jXxceby3u1LEcLGnkQh-ixxd69am_HMJBhK55mwlSufIcjrsG0VdSkFRZLuWYdFfp_/s320/Charlie+and+chick+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">After the incident they both went off in different directions unscathed. Hopefully Charlie will remember this episode and be fearful of the chicks. Pecking order established? We'll have to wait and see. As he grows older Charlie will be kept confined with the other dogs behind the fence for their safety as well as the safety of the chicks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpket7AqlENuI4dO_SJysgWoSqagUi_WAq1NCXC6mFCMztc-I4JcuWjk5bs9bWIkaU6eXTqTxDJwtUsMfVgQ_y-byqtDw3oDAlwZDpoFdbstrSn6Iq4detp5ajXZmSHJPD2qC4PB10ulOH/s1600/Charlie+peeing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpket7AqlENuI4dO_SJysgWoSqagUi_WAq1NCXC6mFCMztc-I4JcuWjk5bs9bWIkaU6eXTqTxDJwtUsMfVgQ_y-byqtDw3oDAlwZDpoFdbstrSn6Iq4detp5ajXZmSHJPD2qC4PB10ulOH/s320/Charlie+peeing.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although Charlie at this time is not completely trained to do his business outdoors he's working hard at it. </span><span style="font-size: large;">(Aw, come on Charlie, you pee like a girl.)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXRx2_iI66orXKVO6Ynus2Y5PJTPeX4cBTtCMGqpTszLLnKckZFJphuTu14jDOTIpwkXcu85eiZmLpWWpbxpFGPdxGRM8psl13bc0VyzLFw1n-hYxZrXUPRIT9Stdfddl-pDxn3vx7ow6/s1600/Sad+looking+Charm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXRx2_iI66orXKVO6Ynus2Y5PJTPeX4cBTtCMGqpTszLLnKckZFJphuTu14jDOTIpwkXcu85eiZmLpWWpbxpFGPdxGRM8psl13bc0VyzLFw1n-hYxZrXUPRIT9Stdfddl-pDxn3vx7ow6/s320/Sad+looking+Charm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">Charlie has Charm, a senior male Labrador, at home with him for friendship and mentoring as well as a crazy black cat by the name of Nanook to terrorize. He also lives with Corky, the family Cockatiel, but I can't imagine what kind of a relationship will develop between the two of them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx4ZEwCar_Q1NyPhrGLJaVtFHDHUPrBbFsNqUYD4vYIsqQCVPEcLFho4SUjQnFp7eG2Uw8u3YbSQsIdedz4oNofbPj_jAH6Lu2zOcNV0AqJhALd_RpWCyGpYtPqrD0uDH7uDyKnbg3ONZ/s1600/Charlie+and+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx4ZEwCar_Q1NyPhrGLJaVtFHDHUPrBbFsNqUYD4vYIsqQCVPEcLFho4SUjQnFp7eG2Uw8u3YbSQsIdedz4oNofbPj_jAH6Lu2zOcNV0AqJhALd_RpWCyGpYtPqrD0uDH7uDyKnbg3ONZ/s400/Charlie+and+family.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-size: large;">Charlie's loving family includes siblings Katie, Caleb, Sarah and Bella none of which can keep their hands off him - he's so irresistible. No doubt he'll be a 100 + pound lap dog!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLShW8yT989br2p3expT2z0ITe5XJ-ELTZ8Lt-gzYqc4x5yFJ2bTz6mgzjUjT-zTrucl8434vllEaOVho3OQmIh08h3RZpBwZpRswLb5lW-GOTKxAY4xnYpG_80SprsRG1Z9O5wNK5a_Q/s1600/he+is+your+friend+(dog).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLShW8yT989br2p3expT2z0ITe5XJ-ELTZ8Lt-gzYqc4x5yFJ2bTz6mgzjUjT-zTrucl8434vllEaOVho3OQmIh08h3RZpBwZpRswLb5lW-GOTKxAY4xnYpG_80SprsRG1Z9O5wNK5a_Q/s640/he+is+your+friend+(dog).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-30358297351251924192012-06-27T00:58:00.001-04:002012-06-27T00:58:47.876-04:00How to Bake Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Oven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHyWiCvNdjVW6j0FdVcablKa3DfhH4z_YsWfTyrv2COlpjFPIcqjpt4gVWSLagXtIKkLPW6ljIJP6_aGcE6NzUybAN5itfjgnS0hbZFtiYZR9XCA30QnAbBi9JZk7UCSyqJKBpZaAeFZU/s1600/The+Egg+Genie,+the+greatest+thing+since+bubble+gum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHyWiCvNdjVW6j0FdVcablKa3DfhH4z_YsWfTyrv2COlpjFPIcqjpt4gVWSLagXtIKkLPW6ljIJP6_aGcE6NzUybAN5itfjgnS0hbZFtiYZR9XCA30QnAbBi9JZk7UCSyqJKBpZaAeFZU/s400/The+Egg+Genie,+the+greatest+thing+since+bubble+gum.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I absolutely love The Egg Genie. It is the ultimate hard- boiled egg cooker of all times. No fuss, no muss and it can cook up to seven perfectly hard-boiled eggs each and every time. Follow the prep directions that come with it, plug it in, sit back and await the buzz of the timer, transfer the cooked eggs into a bowl of cold water to cool and then peel and enjoy. Washing the plastic components is probably the least enjoyable part of the process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tonight, as I was reading through a few blogs and surfing for some easy and different recipes, I came across what I considered to be a very interesting recipe as well as a challenge to The Egg Genie: Oven Baked Hard-Boiled Eggs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thinking about the chilly and rainy weather we're experiencing this evening, I considered this a perfect opportunity to step up to the plate and take the challenge:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Egg Genie VS The Electric Oven.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are the step-by-step instructions that I followed to bake one dozen hard boiled eggs:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHokXzDZCxv-dokGsm7Wb1GOtnO3zRPhlXsiscrHs-DKuqTprOf2W3Yaw8mG3lr5lo4CFFz7F2tct8gT4a0e8Nfbk1ndyLilDfeOzXoF040_ajeMQsE1BqISgsZj5DjeNqY-4woEJlRG9D/s1600/dz+eggs+before+baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHokXzDZCxv-dokGsm7Wb1GOtnO3zRPhlXsiscrHs-DKuqTprOf2W3Yaw8mG3lr5lo4CFFz7F2tct8gT4a0e8Nfbk1ndyLilDfeOzXoF040_ajeMQsE1BqISgsZj5DjeNqY-4woEJlRG9D/s320/dz+eggs+before+baking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Preheat your oven to 325. Place once dozen eggs into a standard 12-count muffin pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI166JqGkYyOsshVB7rXFyaRVzmJ2VbA0cwtpLRsOP5zboZUH-IV18dEqYEaLDgnROwbaWZNJSA3eqV4eExdugtzVwGbxDzWsrYDyX6hQQ-gqyXoK3t_1uwTWDjbILVmdt6NfjQvzJ4k8E/s1600/baked+egg+with+blemishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI166JqGkYyOsshVB7rXFyaRVzmJ2VbA0cwtpLRsOP5zboZUH-IV18dEqYEaLDgnROwbaWZNJSA3eqV4eExdugtzVwGbxDzWsrYDyX6hQQ-gqyXoK3t_1uwTWDjbILVmdt6NfjQvzJ4k8E/s320/baked+egg+with+blemishes.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Some of the eggshells may have a few brown spots on them after the baking process, but these will wash off easily in the water and do not leave a blemish on the edible part of the egg. (My egg shells are brown; I doubt this will happen to the white egg shells.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaeArZq4K_Gur9lCFH-cVQ70gC4VrEW7prhHrdmamKEh3On8upeegU_hOYyG4iD3ISesYuPhEjGHRjwGO4KsTQTdhw27IWpbaJ5a07f9KxrcUx-rVAe4xf_QToOIJhEe72ifYxz67S-ly/s1600/cracked+baked+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaeArZq4K_Gur9lCFH-cVQ70gC4VrEW7prhHrdmamKEh3On8upeegU_hOYyG4iD3ISesYuPhEjGHRjwGO4KsTQTdhw27IWpbaJ5a07f9KxrcUx-rVAe4xf_QToOIJhEe72ifYxz67S-ly/s320/cracked+baked+egg.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">The shells on two of my eggs split open during the baking; I think I overcooked them. No big deal - they'll be used in a delicious egg salad tomorrow!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDyS6ZOLeO6fKhyrcImVCV_3WxXkwuoaVlUhHfRonWxDp969RrDobykIS7U0ASKeHw0LTuL10ZVGiCgEdv4terd7FAwcwXcaQGiR-idtmW3LzZDJLk95vu7uFp-6h4wSS_VpSTfbbLJ6j/s1600/cold+water+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDyS6ZOLeO6fKhyrcImVCV_3WxXkwuoaVlUhHfRonWxDp969RrDobykIS7U0ASKeHw0LTuL10ZVGiCgEdv4terd7FAwcwXcaQGiR-idtmW3LzZDJLk95vu7uFp-6h4wSS_VpSTfbbLJ6j/s320/cold+water+bath.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Place the cooked eggs into a cold water bath to cool for handling; this also prevents the yolk from turning green. Because my eggs were very fresh (home grown), the shell peeled somewhat hard - the same as they do when cooked in The Egg Genie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After the cooked eggs are cool enough to handle they can be peeled and eaten in your favorite recipe.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdDbaPEbFBW_KwiIhgqiZEEnuCELeMPYoK66SO9gIKTRpXBgOzvuXg_eCLB061KenQdi_r2h4C4QZwPdwnekL7Eya2gyOTgX0S2yyXaxZgdO2cZ208OwFp4f7zesJ7l3iMGLd3wDyw-AP/s1600/baked+egg+for+eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdDbaPEbFBW_KwiIhgqiZEEnuCELeMPYoK66SO9gIKTRpXBgOzvuXg_eCLB061KenQdi_r2h4C4QZwPdwnekL7Eya2gyOTgX0S2yyXaxZgdO2cZ208OwFp4f7zesJ7l3iMGLd3wDyw-AP/s400/baked+egg+for+eating.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND THE WINNER OF THIS CHALLENGE IS:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>IT'S A TIE!!!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The eggs from both methods were cooked to perfection as well as great tasting. The Egg Genie method serves a good purpose when it's only necessary to cook up to seven eggs and the Baked in the Oven method serves a good purpose when it's necessary to cook up to 12 eggs. Both methods require light washing of the cookware (neither serious) so bottom line....it depends on how many bellies are to be fed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A TIP FOR PEELING YOUR EGGS:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Roll the cooked egg between the palms of your hands or on a table top to loosen up the shell. Break open one end of the egg and insert the tip of a kitchen teaspoon between the white and the shell and run it around the entire inside of the shell. This will separate the shell from the egg white for a quick and clean peeling. : )</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">THANK YOU GIRLS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">COME TO MAMMA!</span></div>
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</script>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-52870993124168731522012-06-22T00:00:00.001-04:002012-06-22T00:11:15.572-04:00My Beautiful Orange Day Lilly<h2 style="text-align: center;">
This orange Day Lilly, astoundingly beautiful and growing in my own flower bed, deserves it's own recognition.</h2>
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But, how did it go unscathed from the pecking of the hens?</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4tWz-XecKzw3YLEhFIw-c7FVhHsgMvIDgsPTMJbYGxqDdEITB06lGJw49zG1x1jwQYY50RhV0YDD_nFWSYdDWLzB0lPXOTgJF9xqdgTdLoPgsNYIe1RB9J3gu1c4HOTE_0UHFgUEbm5x/s1600/chicken+weeding+day+lillies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4tWz-XecKzw3YLEhFIw-c7FVhHsgMvIDgsPTMJbYGxqDdEITB06lGJw49zG1x1jwQYY50RhV0YDD_nFWSYdDWLzB0lPXOTgJF9xqdgTdLoPgsNYIe1RB9J3gu1c4HOTE_0UHFgUEbm5x/s640/chicken+weeding+day+lillies.JPG" width="640" /></a></h2>
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<br /></div>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-76712800919773221302012-06-21T23:17:00.000-04:002012-07-04T14:17:05.534-04:00Patio Tomatoes (and lettuce) in Non-traditional Containers 2012<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">2011 was crazy and 2012 is crazier yet but I'm finding time (thanks to some terrific relatives who fill in for me at the mini nursing home) to devote to planting a veggie garden once again.</span></div>
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Not having the time during the summer of 2011 to get the garden tilled had me searching for different ways to incorporate a small quantity of tomato plants within close proximity to our house. Because m<span style="background-color: white;">y non-traditional planting of a few patio tomato plants proved to be very successful in 2011, it only made sense to continue this method in 2012.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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It doesn't get any better than stepping out your door and picking a fresh tomato. Limited garden space isn't a good excuse for not having home-grown tomatoes at your fingertips during the warm summer months. Sure, there's always an abundance of fancy pots and/or planters available for purchase to use for growing patio tomatoes but try to be resourceful and take a good look around your home, shed, garage, barn, etc. for something that you can recycle to serve this purpose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpymx9s6_oXXLPefkdw4Egj8uzoWrH9pPZOApGq47cIoPq1ALlTS_K87UkG_5AdOdRbdzxZq_0lQ1mMsKJyjNBf5myJt_TUsr6BrJLRhPKw2yDiZPYECveWxakG5Yk4tLuvb4rX4aysy_/s1600/hot+water+tank+tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpymx9s6_oXXLPefkdw4Egj8uzoWrH9pPZOApGq47cIoPq1ALlTS_K87UkG_5AdOdRbdzxZq_0lQ1mMsKJyjNBf5myJt_TUsr6BrJLRhPKw2yDiZPYECveWxakG5Yk4tLuvb4rX4aysy_/s400/hot+water+tank+tomatoes.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">We used the same 'refurbished' hot water tank this year that we used last year to house our three patio tomato plants. Of course if it worked last year why wouldn't it work this year?</span></div>
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OK, so it's not the best looking receptacle but it serves the purpose well and the price is right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhL8m5N7h35MzVXRiwMavZM9gW9NrCnRvQxcMV9rJX9ubCN2LU9LBfAwhyphenhyphenGDCt4n49svL4lGqW2GiYwxjSB9EEKAFjtomNoqsIhzYYmwT7_Af_TxAxpH-DLnQKPyg30kZfuU6-jPO1mQY/s1600/hot+water+tank+tomatoes+up+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhL8m5N7h35MzVXRiwMavZM9gW9NrCnRvQxcMV9rJX9ubCN2LU9LBfAwhyphenhyphenGDCt4n49svL4lGqW2GiYwxjSB9EEKAFjtomNoqsIhzYYmwT7_Af_TxAxpH-DLnQKPyg30kZfuU6-jPO1mQY/s400/hot+water+tank+tomatoes+up+close.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Of course three tomato plants are not a requirement - o</span><span style="background-color: white;">ne plant or two would work just as well.</span></div>
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Just be sure your container is placed where it will receive lots of sunlight and that there is drainage in the bottom of the pot.</div>
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Keep the soil moist and you will indeed be rewarded with an abundance of juicy red tomatoes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkIA0dU131qiNlbWvov8s7d98KARTHiqM-iJOWkKfCD4nPI52izpYoHDYyNHSjcX72DNQtJNqZPsE3VIS_4CI79LwQXCnUO8PV5jY7IZXznxJ3WfFdBAbBIwRoLPraXIY_Io63SyOATt8/s1600/patio+tomatoes+close+up+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkIA0dU131qiNlbWvov8s7d98KARTHiqM-iJOWkKfCD4nPI52izpYoHDYyNHSjcX72DNQtJNqZPsE3VIS_4CI79LwQXCnUO8PV5jY7IZXznxJ3WfFdBAbBIwRoLPraXIY_Io63SyOATt8/s320/patio+tomatoes+close+up+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLX17LaftDzxrWZEGVIzUuEJIJO0n3XQjeIIuJm_qVv88uv1LSAgfhi5GOCqCeFqwLpRKyLIPw0Adf93G7dnAiQxwo2r9MsYq-xzgl5PSlnaCkmh4wecS0s_V1DnHNV1Ky4cYX5J20Pmy/s1600/patio+tomatoes+close+up+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLX17LaftDzxrWZEGVIzUuEJIJO0n3XQjeIIuJm_qVv88uv1LSAgfhi5GOCqCeFqwLpRKyLIPw0Adf93G7dnAiQxwo2r9MsYq-xzgl5PSlnaCkmh4wecS0s_V1DnHNV1Ky4cYX5J20Pmy/s320/patio+tomatoes+close+up+2.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">WOW! Look at the size of these baby tomatoes. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Totally organic - no pesticides required!</span></span></div>
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This non-traditional 'red neck' tomato planter has proven worthy of housing our patio tomato plants last year (2011), this year (2012), and you bet it will be in service for many years to come.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl6lJnvsG91c9iOLD1l2TmP0XhY1DIg3-r_jc-LrgemhcdY87_ELu9RIIhkY9cJ9EweATRcZd92hG7WRydGSGdV_pJWa0NThUllEdvFKNZAKvuC8F3EoMEBWjIkV77K8Xy8VEOzshq1WZ/s1600/lettuce+in+radio+flyer+wagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl6lJnvsG91c9iOLD1l2TmP0XhY1DIg3-r_jc-LrgemhcdY87_ELu9RIIhkY9cJ9EweATRcZd92hG7WRydGSGdV_pJWa0NThUllEdvFKNZAKvuC8F3EoMEBWjIkV77K8Xy8VEOzshq1WZ/s320/lettuce+in+radio+flyer+wagon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Whoops! I almost forgot to show you my non-traditional lettuce planting.</div>
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Last year the Radio Flyer Wagon successfully housed a tomato plant but this year I rotated the crops (ha ha) and instead used it to grow my lettuce.</div>
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I know it looks a little scary but the stuff is delish!</div>
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Are you thinking what I'm thinking - another 'red neck' planter????</div>
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Non-traditional or unconventional, hmmm, good question!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFkgq4OXgKo3ARid0f_oLrNPBnXPLYBIm5YGE0eOhENUkrz7l2NIF7okCa2Jrf-pbV0quKxAFjd79o3rSVqJJddTFoWvLiyIZ1flh-ctAgXdiZ9eO4Y1nRHZXlIE6_3w2zusY5j_wQlGE/s1600/fresh+salad+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFkgq4OXgKo3ARid0f_oLrNPBnXPLYBIm5YGE0eOhENUkrz7l2NIF7okCa2Jrf-pbV0quKxAFjd79o3rSVqJJddTFoWvLiyIZ1flh-ctAgXdiZ9eO4Y1nRHZXlIE6_3w2zusY5j_wQlGE/s320/fresh+salad+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ONE WEEK LATER - UPDATE ON THE SALAD GREENS: I made a to-die-for salad from the salad greens grown in the wagon. If you can find some salad greens in some greenhouse already started I highly recommend you plant some NOW. Every bite of these greens provides a crunch of freshness that is far beyond the taste of any store bought lettuce. GO FOR IT!<br />
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<br /></div>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-53220740122399520462012-04-07T09:26:00.000-04:002012-04-07T09:26:05.164-04:00Thirteen Caring women<div class="catItemHeader">
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4 class="catItemTitle" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 2px;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">I'd like to share a post that I read on another site crediting the kindness of </span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">13 caring women:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">We are a group of 13 retired ladies who meet once a
month to discuss needs in the community. We each donate $20 and find ways to
help others with this money. We do this without letting the recipient know who
we are. We have helped a young single mother with stage 4 cancer, a single woman
adopting a baby from Haiti, a homeless mother by paying for hotel for her and
her 9 month old until she could get into a group home. There are many others we
have helped in the 2 1/2 years since this group was formed. If there is no
immediate need we know about at the time we meet we give the money to the
chaplain at our local free health clinic and he doles out the funds, usually in
$20 to $25 amounts, to help with gas, medicines etc. for patients at the clinic.
We wish to remain anonymous but would love to get the information out so others
might be inclined to form such a group. $20 is a small amount to give but it
gives the recipient hope that others care. </span></h4>
</div>
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</script>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-86257770384808525692012-04-07T08:58:00.000-04:002012-04-07T08:58:12.927-04:00The Power of Positive Thinking<b>Guest Article by Judith A. Falk, LCSW</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(contact information can be found at the bottom of this article)</span><script type="text/javascript">
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As human beings, we are wonderful works of creation. We speak about ourselves in parts, as body, emotions, mind, and soul. By focusing on each part separately, we can learn about the whole. In actuality, though, all these are connected, and each affects all the others. Who has not had the flu, and found it very hard to think? Or had an emotional surprise, and felt a racing heart or rapid breathing?</div>
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In psychotherapy, we focus on mind and emotions. It is true that pleasant and positive thoughts generate positive health and well-being in our lives, while negative thoughts and feelings generate negative results. Why is it true that some people "always win" when they gamble? Why do some people seem to have everything they want and need, while others struggle to achieve the minimum? It has much to do with a person's mental outlook.</div>
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If I believe in the principle of abundance, that there is enough of everything in the universe for everyone, then this mindset creates a life of abundance for me. On the other hand, if my mindset focuses on lack, then lack is created in my life.</div>
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There is a concept called the law of attraction. It has been explained with many catchy phrases, such as: "What we believe is what we receive." Or "What we think about is what we bring about." There is science that says that our thoughts and feelings generate energy, positive or negative, that goes out into the universe. This energy comes back to us multiplied, changing our own energy positively or negatively.</div>
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Thus, if our thoughts and feelings are uplifting and positive, we will experience lives that are uplifting and positive. If our thoughts and feelings are negative, we experience lives that are negative. Positive thinking is a wonderful and effective way to improve health of body, mind, emotions, and spirit.</div>
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Positive thinking can be directed toward ourselves and toward others. A positive outlook toward ourselves is called healthy self-esteem. When we think well of others, we create social connections, and enhance our own lives, and the lives of others. Positive energy affirms others, lifts them up, and improves the collective energy. We have all heard the golden rule, which says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."</div>
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Two ways to create more positive attitudes are: affirmations and gratitude.</div>
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Affirmations are statements of the reality that is true or that we wish to be true. For example, if a person wishes to find a job, s/he states that the job is already hers/his, and visualizes the job with all the good things about it. This creates energy that can actually help the person land the job.</div>
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Gratitude can be experienced by writing simple statements from the heart, and express thankfulness for all the good things we have, or would like to have. If it is difficult to do this, just think of the basics of food, clothing, and shelter. Some people begin their day be expressing everything that they are grateful for.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Contact information for Judith A. Falk, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Counseling & Psychotherapy: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maria Regina Center, 1118 Court Street, Suite 12, Syracuse, NY 13208, Ph: 315-634-6943, Cell: 315-440-6558, jaf135@yahoo.com.</span></div>
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<br /></div>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-21989337012937563942012-03-12T18:58:00.001-04:002012-03-13T07:46:04.513-04:00Church of the Bells Craft Show<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">For those local readers who enjoy craft shows, please mark your calendars with the following:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Immanuel United Methodist Church</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"CHURCH OF THE BELLS"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">303 Kasson Road</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Camillus, NY</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">2012 "Spring Fling"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fine Arts & Craft Show</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Friday, April 20th (4:00 - 8:00 pm) and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Saturday, April 21st (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Along with my daughter-in-law I will be hosting a craft table where we will be offering for sale to the public homemade items that we're sure will be of interest to everyone in attendance.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaVWRZPbVLSkPQ48Ca1nvYGdUklV0ww-zDh7nc87Xqcxe_IiNQLR3Ms9ucstTWE0GTGL3rloow8gyouMhmVL79Zr93tEURVvEpULN1MzwE6CSEe3A69hyphenhyphenn1oGduI-0awhYf_MHwQdOkRP/s1600/AM+Bracelet+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaVWRZPbVLSkPQ48Ca1nvYGdUklV0ww-zDh7nc87Xqcxe_IiNQLR3Ms9ucstTWE0GTGL3rloow8gyouMhmVL79Zr93tEURVvEpULN1MzwE6CSEe3A69hyphenhyphenn1oGduI-0awhYf_MHwQdOkRP/s320/AM+Bracelet+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTbza91s3c4y3ONMM0d_8r5qTmvj-HcDDpVxWWys8afShnFVV740DjG0BgXrM8GtyPXu0-BVdpBEAwiEIy-VI8PvrNR28g-VLSke7nfs3ELVQgZw1mPlus4e22iIuodDYxLNk10nJxJeX/s1600/AM+Bracelet+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTbza91s3c4y3ONMM0d_8r5qTmvj-HcDDpVxWWys8afShnFVV740DjG0BgXrM8GtyPXu0-BVdpBEAwiEIy-VI8PvrNR28g-VLSke7nfs3ELVQgZw1mPlus4e22iIuodDYxLNk10nJxJeX/s320/AM+Bracelet+2.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">that will surely catch your eye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rumina Nursing Covers</span><span style="font-size: large;"> (100% cotton, one-size-fits-all) with designs sure to please everyone:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGQbuCc4Q9iEYJWGsQ2ijJscQAnMVSkDEbIwRtRi7J7NdDfA9hO7sJ6qN_HxGTkIU9iCAEmrkFu-O3Aj0jHMyLgP4nDtjDhdfQS-2GK25-LpWf0826eb8SrMSicIoZkA6Th5NCETaYwBj/s1600/backyard+chicken+mom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGQbuCc4Q9iEYJWGsQ2ijJscQAnMVSkDEbIwRtRi7J7NdDfA9hO7sJ6qN_HxGTkIU9iCAEmrkFu-O3Aj0jHMyLgP4nDtjDhdfQS-2GK25-LpWf0826eb8SrMSicIoZkA6Th5NCETaYwBj/s320/backyard+chicken+mom+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRyVnu8MB-XiuhK0RT721PpGqP6Vp9LMfDZbKiB7GMM7WJ_tUmY2_-Vf7GMl87zD7bkNVLqMjWztVfcMJaidC0OV2zj5yK82u5VoP8sfhKzpX2CbNcDjHi1pwAGil7Zif7X6zKqEjdG8H/s1600/penguin+lover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRyVnu8MB-XiuhK0RT721PpGqP6Vp9LMfDZbKiB7GMM7WJ_tUmY2_-Vf7GMl87zD7bkNVLqMjWztVfcMJaidC0OV2zj5yK82u5VoP8sfhKzpX2CbNcDjHi1pwAGil7Zif7X6zKqEjdG8H/s400/penguin+lover+2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Backyard chicken cover,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">penguin lover cover,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47DtYD_710O3sYDl15QGewouDn1-700ApNa92EQ1c1pZmoM1Y-_4IZgfRNcDfjzLbRZQGE1yJWLG8j0Q4f5s8hh4r_Mp7zsnvL9MRRfDd68fZMKjLCQnkz0vygp6p9e9MVQKmbX-Rwr1e/s1600/soccer+mom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47DtYD_710O3sYDl15QGewouDn1-700ApNa92EQ1c1pZmoM1Y-_4IZgfRNcDfjzLbRZQGE1yJWLG8j0Q4f5s8hh4r_Mp7zsnvL9MRRfDd68fZMKjLCQnkz0vygp6p9e9MVQKmbX-Rwr1e/s400/soccer+mom+2.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and don't forget the soccer mom!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Specialty Greeting Cards: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_nZaAzy3n63oaVyHkukS1gfU6pcSJCPs3ZbGAUuBvLU3oDYDiua1YgsRcAR4LZgZ5FH37bGlVxlXIhvNAOxubzBBbxz_ZMiTM1NWefwhC2ILgxrPFrlqFx0lbEhy1cBCaxMEhokjVB0s/s1600/AM+Card+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_nZaAzy3n63oaVyHkukS1gfU6pcSJCPs3ZbGAUuBvLU3oDYDiua1YgsRcAR4LZgZ5FH37bGlVxlXIhvNAOxubzBBbxz_ZMiTM1NWefwhC2ILgxrPFrlqFx0lbEhy1cBCaxMEhokjVB0s/s320/AM+Card+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFHPg9RbaHISqljYbqr0D52H4HSAxNSDfIo63mufE9AU6oqJgcZ_a0p41MInDZ0QK6JwosWVpWajBFBoac2cKR4nWwk5lDg7UCpGSY1v8Rd9iI6ZcDbxDWfH4GnJLDxMhoL9LteR1fT5q/s1600/laundry+soap+display+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFHPg9RbaHISqljYbqr0D52H4HSAxNSDfIo63mufE9AU6oqJgcZ_a0p41MInDZ0QK6JwosWVpWajBFBoac2cKR4nWwk5lDg7UCpGSY1v8Rd9iI6ZcDbxDWfH4GnJLDxMhoL9LteR1fT5q/s320/laundry+soap+display+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">All Natural Laundry Soap:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Large bottles for serious laundering</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vHfqPQT7afbjGWZdlTXdvawy3QvtVK_JTngjHbylyg_UdWslV-vDu-Fwn2s_vg3DEeUMzNUsjnhBVbgGtB3jH4cpcWUD_o4GAgw1d_XO8Bo1_g0dvMpynHYQKHrPnTop8bsTnBfWl1my/s1600/laundry+soap+gift+display+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vHfqPQT7afbjGWZdlTXdvawy3QvtVK_JTngjHbylyg_UdWslV-vDu-Fwn2s_vg3DEeUMzNUsjnhBVbgGtB3jH4cpcWUD_o4GAgw1d_XO8Bo1_g0dvMpynHYQKHrPnTop8bsTnBfWl1my/s320/laundry+soap+gift+display+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">small bottles for sampling and/or gifting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Come hungry. Rumor has it our table might be right next to an A+ cupcake bakery. Yum!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVGhnaLH3pmKtEWzqCagnzjqjGA0C5IdS9QLNxeGjgV6pEyQNtPQrTBjL8fKHtnzTPV9nbixHxVYdB-82Js_xXPGK3JDz8SgRQEVrWo8Swaf7YH50rO-moGHl4gSlrmGs6onoV6kc2uCC/s1600/animated+eyes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVGhnaLH3pmKtEWzqCagnzjqjGA0C5IdS9QLNxeGjgV6pEyQNtPQrTBjL8fKHtnzTPV9nbixHxVYdB-82Js_xXPGK3JDz8SgRQEVrWo8Swaf7YH50rO-moGHl4gSlrmGs6onoV6kc2uCC/s200/animated+eyes.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We'll keep our eyes out for you. </span></div>
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<br /></div>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6628899281279098252.post-2245812422229554472012-03-12T16:57:00.000-04:002012-03-12T16:57:03.475-04:00A Boy And His Recorder<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A YOUNG BOY SPORTING A MOHAWK</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n3Ohq7a2uZyk3CF9qFkooTsQEV77cYUm_suc9YvHPd5b04-JaWjBoXpW9eyZuLtjtd-V5FZtDPA7p-TX96to0GBnsvtAFZaNLf7MabCBu1pEqr_JRQ6XnixPWhgk4Jm7JyZLNNBIAdBB/s1600/Ben+sporting+a+mohawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n3Ohq7a2uZyk3CF9qFkooTsQEV77cYUm_suc9YvHPd5b04-JaWjBoXpW9eyZuLtjtd-V5FZtDPA7p-TX96to0GBnsvtAFZaNLf7MabCBu1pEqr_JRQ6XnixPWhgk4Jm7JyZLNNBIAdBB/s640/Ben+sporting+a+mohawk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A NEW RECORDER</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo4N76TDyaovwjgqm4Asl1ImsO2QiG7ys-WhgzAbaQ5nGuI9ASKmICPYA7-wpC2tWXVKk5Qs5uOCLoQBild7s00tMPZJhoua4hd1v3lT13YPjX3sq1owmnyDYdXtdloN9-QdaNOC_mKg4/s1600/Ben's+recorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo4N76TDyaovwjgqm4Asl1ImsO2QiG7ys-WhgzAbaQ5nGuI9ASKmICPYA7-wpC2tWXVKk5Qs5uOCLoQBild7s00tMPZJhoua4hd1v3lT13YPjX3sq1owmnyDYdXtdloN9-QdaNOC_mKg4/s640/Ben's+recorder.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">SHEET MUSIC</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjxzXTL4ZMeCugv_Wdo5Ll-4TyGgUhXtusuh9J-zxy8bjwXDDP4osZVLNyFA75Awt562k-frLbNdmpoRSTQISHcTzCYnyFmS4sz-tiYK8AZDSi8WRy3MOe70giNCyb-finjsUqGfu_wFD/s1600/Ben's+music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjxzXTL4ZMeCugv_Wdo5Ll-4TyGgUhXtusuh9J-zxy8bjwXDDP4osZVLNyFA75Awt562k-frLbNdmpoRSTQISHcTzCYnyFmS4sz-tiYK8AZDSi8WRy3MOe70giNCyb-finjsUqGfu_wFD/s640/Ben's+music.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">SHEET MUSIC ON A STAND</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggwbIcDYT3Egd7q0P-ARyQgwe2IoBwnLJRPGbCyAuQZD-Pq4AWCAlrz94qjE48KgVkE5hWlfU1-ml4ANcd1t_14sM0pI9N1gu1E_6486nSAvvN0SPF2yypYM_Yyogs0PgJ4HMgwE3ISq1/s1600/Ben's+music+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggwbIcDYT3Egd7q0P-ARyQgwe2IoBwnLJRPGbCyAuQZD-Pq4AWCAlrz94qjE48KgVkE5hWlfU1-ml4ANcd1t_14sM0pI9N1gu1E_6486nSAvvN0SPF2yypYM_Yyogs0PgJ4HMgwE3ISq1/s640/Ben's+music+stand.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A MUSICAL GENIUS!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-uaGoWD6GRAUYLg1UPAIfOMEog4q0Npx8_569JNFX9KA1nhcvcigrkHnhpunXhrnTFv8he579_YQF3TGI_pep7ofp3hqemuBW84K2wDe8oiP22w3_ABTmJqxnREHOWppo8SOlRpDOqr5/s1600/Ben+playing+the+recorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-uaGoWD6GRAUYLg1UPAIfOMEog4q0Npx8_569JNFX9KA1nhcvcigrkHnhpunXhrnTFv8he579_YQF3TGI_pep7ofp3hqemuBW84K2wDe8oiP22w3_ABTmJqxnREHOWppo8SOlRpDOqr5/s640/Ben+playing+the+recorder.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WHAT MORE CAN I SAY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">SMART,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HANDSOME</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">AND</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">MUSICALLY INCLINED!</span></div>My Special Homesteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08371171242558992271noreply@blogger.com0