tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307110362024-03-06T22:41:45.694-08:00Free Range LivingMusings on cooking, gardening, frugal living, the environment, and whatever else strikes my fancy.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.comBlogger396125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-72013934699062843282017-09-19T16:29:00.001-07:002017-09-19T16:29:26.920-07:00The End of the Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello blog world!</div>
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Please excuse my ridiculously long absence. In addition to spending most of our free time working on, but never completely finishing, our house (9 years in...), and establishing the garden and landscaping, I went back to work part time when my teenagers decided to give high school a shot (!!), each of them starting when they hit grade 10. They have both since graduated, and my daughter, after an extended gap year and several amazing travel adventures, has just started art school. My son is taking his newly acquired freedom to work full time on his music.</div>
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Lots of big changes for our family, but all of them have been hugely beneficial. I hope to catch you up on all of that very soon!</div>
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That brings me to my next bit of news - I've started a new blog! This one has served me well, but I've decided to take things in a slightly different direction. I had originally intended this one to be about our homeschooling adventures (hence the title), but it morphed fairly quickly into a place where I shared my own passions, outside of home learning (I did blog about that part of our lives over at <a href="https://freerangelearning.blogspot.ca/">Free Range Learning</a>, occasionally). Because of that, I never really felt that the title reflected what the blog content actually centered around.</div>
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My new space will still cover gardening, cooking, and sustainability, but with a bit of a twist. I recently discovered the work of <a href="http://www.charlesdowding.co.uk/">Charles Dowding</a>, a pioneer of the "no dig" movement, and spent the winter of 2015 devouring his books and videos. Fully convinced, we shelled out for a load of compost the following spring (something we'd been too cheap to pay for until then), and covered the garden beds with 2 - 3 inches of dark, crumbly goodness. Not only was this less work than turning each bed, but we have far fewer weeds, and everything seems to be growing like never before. We did the same thing the following year, and are still blown away by the benefits. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcupEz8hqY0noi2CtKSq-MmZmJRRm37AMLZhbuRmVmJZ6Ba0FYJ1MaGuBMLsiFhoXFpGIN94XkfOV9bGrBPPJ_Ui6XDwSmb8O0hwq4BzDnExlEfWeUshdxWZ3_nJoCy8f83ZUH/s1600/IMG_20160721_121458314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcupEz8hqY0noi2CtKSq-MmZmJRRm37AMLZhbuRmVmJZ6Ba0FYJ1MaGuBMLsiFhoXFpGIN94XkfOV9bGrBPPJ_Ui6XDwSmb8O0hwq4BzDnExlEfWeUshdxWZ3_nJoCy8f83ZUH/s320/IMG_20160721_121458314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My first cauliflower success!</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QHtPDTWHUPMR8p8670YSOwR-_8kL6Bu4NhXnFiebL65mJ4UqBUTv7rsbwQt2NhjJdCWLHEvSJSJY_XxZpjdcEZvrwCgGP7iHjxj6NqXWYbuQ62NL_aa1gtzOjkmO5qtbPHKl/s1600/IMG_20160603_191111050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QHtPDTWHUPMR8p8670YSOwR-_8kL6Bu4NhXnFiebL65mJ4UqBUTv7rsbwQt2NhjJdCWLHEvSJSJY_XxZpjdcEZvrwCgGP7iHjxj6NqXWYbuQ62NL_aa1gtzOjkmO5qtbPHKl/s320/IMG_20160603_191111050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Can barely keep up with this productive strawberry variety!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BwI5Jkjs5QE_XONoPrNPk54ZsxJUcPhWhhyphenhyphenToOJGsR1fxKIIlRE-oJOO67D66ipHpUBT_t5f0bMFhM0lmNQcZKXFlRabUim4g_eEDNbZ3fznnkHG-ZwwUap7b35Wyw6n5pMQ/s1600/IMG_20160606_093305303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BwI5Jkjs5QE_XONoPrNPk54ZsxJUcPhWhhyphenhyphenToOJGsR1fxKIIlRE-oJOO67D66ipHpUBT_t5f0bMFhM0lmNQcZKXFlRabUim4g_eEDNbZ3fznnkHG-ZwwUap7b35Wyw6n5pMQ/s320/IMG_20160606_093305303.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>My favourite "Wild Garden" lettuce mix.</i></div>
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<i>Garlic surplus.</i></div>
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<i>The newest addition to the garden - 2016.</i></div>
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Our family's diet has gotten more plant based over the years (newly acquired lactose intolerance played a part in that, among other things), and our approach to homesteading has changed accordingly (therein lies the twist). While we still have a few aging hens scratching their way around the property, we no longer aspire to home based meat or dairy production. This has the added benefit of freeing up our limited space, making it easier to grow even more of what we eat.</div>
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I guess I'll leave it at that. Please take a moment to check out my new space. One of the things I miss most about blogging is the ongoing dialogue with my online friends; I would love to reconnect! You will find me from now on at <a href="http://eatwhatyousow.ca/">Eat What You Sow</a>. </div>
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Hope to see you there!</div>
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<i>Cheryl</i></div>
Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-85399029083302554212013-10-03T10:45:00.004-07:002013-10-04T11:07:42.027-07:00The Beginner's Guide To Beekeeping: Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was given the opportunity to take a look at The Beginner's Guide to Beekeeping early in the summer, and being a beginner beekeeper myself, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. The book is written by Samantha and Daniel Johnson, a brother/sister duo who have also written books about raising rabbits, as well as horses.</div>
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I've read several books on the topic, (even reviewed <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/search?q=bee+review">a few</a>), and I found this one to be very visually appealing, with many beautiful and informative photos throughout. As someone who has to see things to properly understand them, this is a style that really appeals to me. I found it to be quite similar in style to another favourite beekeeping manual, The Backyard Beekeeper.</div>
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The Beginner's Guide to Beekeeping covers everything that one needs to know to get started, from an introduction to bees, equipment (including how to build your own hive), potential problems, maintenance, harvesting, and what to do with your honey and wax, once you have it (various products, marketing and sales, even recipes). There's even a section on how to photograph your honey and products, as well as tips for gardening to provide a variety of flowers, and a continuous supply of blooms.</div>
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One problem that I had with the book (and it's a fairly small one), was that it didn't speak to a wide variety of equipment, including a few things that I happen to be using and was needing advice on (frame feeders, for example). The book is also somewhat conventional, so if you're looking for tips on more natural/organic beekeeping, you will have to look elsewhere. </div>
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That being said, this book is intended as a guide for beginners, and it fits that bill nicely. No one book can give you the knowledge that years of experience can, (or that of a trusted beekeeping mentor), but this one certainly covers most of the things that you'll need to get started. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get into one of the most satisfying (and delicious) of hobbies.</div>
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Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-30936076919504457722012-09-25T10:08:00.000-07:002012-09-25T10:08:05.938-07:00Nommy Cottage Cheese Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Solly's is a bakery/deli that we used to frequent when we lived in Vancouver (I still pop in whenever I get the chance). They make unbelievably delicious <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2006/10/lovely-locals-bagels.html">bagels</a> and knishes, and the chocolate babka loaf is to. die. for. </div>
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One of our favourite Solly's specialties is also one of the simplest. Their cottage cheese muffins are light, hearty, and so satisfying; I suspect that's why they're often sold out by the time I get there. Whenever I've been forced to come home empty handed, I would try to soothe my disappointment by searching the internet for a similar recipe. Sadly, none of them seemed quite right, and were either low-carb (flourless) lumps, or were filled with unwanted embellishments.</div>
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I continued to do my research (meaning I consumed many, many muffins; such a hardship), did some tinkering, and after several years and many failed attempts, I think I've got it!!</div>
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The muffins are packed with protein, thanks to the eggs and cheeses, so they're a great way to start the day, and are the perfect snack food for hungry teens. Whenever I make them, my kids eat at least two in a sitting, and one of my son's friends polished off four in one go.<br />
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Several of the other versions called for sour cream as the liquid, but I've gone with buttermilk here. I think it helps keep them airy, and also brings the fat content down somewhat (I'm not a fan of low fat cooking, but why go overboard the other way if you don't have to?).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cottage Cheese Muffins:</span></b><br />
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1/2 cup butter, melted<br />
1 cup cottage cheese<br />
1/2 cup buttermilk<br />
3 large eggs, beaten<br />
1 cup grated cheddar (I prefer old)<br />
1 3/4 cups flour<br />
1/4 finely ground cornmeal<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
3 tablespoons sugar<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan (including the top).<br />
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Melt butter, and set aside to cool slightly. Combine next four ingredients in large mixing bowl. Stir in butter.<br />
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Sift dry ingredients together in a small bowl, then add to cheese/egg mixture. Stir just until combined (the batter will be quite thick). Distribute evenly between 12 standard muffin cups.<br />
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Bake until golden, 25 - 30 minutes.<br />
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Let the muffins sit in the pan for about 3 minutes (the steam will help them release from the pan).<br />
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I find these taste best when they're warm, not smoking hot from the oven, so let them cool for several minutes before serving. They can be warmed slightly in the oven (or microwave) the next day to freshen them up.<br />
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The resulting muffins are light and buttery, with just a hint of cornmeal crunch and sweetness. That said, they're definitely savoury, and would be perfect alongside a bowl of soup (though they're special enough to eat all on their own, which is what we usually do).<br />
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If you've had the Solly's version, I'd love to hear what you think. Whether they're an exact replica or not, these are definitely worth baking.<br />
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I hope you'll give them a try!
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-22071565746536430532012-07-30T21:40:00.004-07:002012-07-31T07:47:26.852-07:00July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, so another whole month without a post. I really suck at this. Here are some photos of July's happenings:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL1PU6f1HwMEIXf1M2k4qABoCLUvPOR7NVI7TNDtFjJfcuGZ6DdiJ7aRLdtx_66et9ysuGe-d-4GddT6MWM2OL3pzIsoa9k_9VP5gySTMNhKnyRtgPsifS23Y_9Wr2_8Y_h8b/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL1PU6f1HwMEIXf1M2k4qABoCLUvPOR7NVI7TNDtFjJfcuGZ6DdiJ7aRLdtx_66et9ysuGe-d-4GddT6MWM2OL3pzIsoa9k_9VP5gySTMNhKnyRtgPsifS23Y_9Wr2_8Y_h8b/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: center;">I spotted these humongous mushrooms growing in the trees a few feet from my deck at the beginning of the month. </i><i>After doing some research and talking to a knowledgeable friend, we figured out that they were King Boletes (related to porcinis), and are considered to be one of the best tasting mushrooms out there. Sadly, by the time we figured that out, they were already being devoured by insects. </i></div>
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<i><span style="text-align: left;">I left them to deposit their spores where they were, so hopefully there will be a repeat performance.</span> </i></div>
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<i><a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2006/08/urban-wildlife.html" target="_blank">Miss Shadow</a> seems to have gone wild with the warmer weather, and only returns home at night for cuddles and treats.</i></div>
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<i>I found this bizarre, shell-less egg under one of my Ameraucanas a few weeks ago. Thankfully, they seem to have gone back to normal.</i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn3B-wldH592-ZZabyik_5jYrGSE5aNFfUfKuRUjKENbzC6zMdTifzYbKpCAM69HRHTeUE_SVEvKpfTAnXFMMnnl9kkndUZRGt8OMcLiB5lFhwBT9EHSsuw70kieRthXHiKwk/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn3B-wldH592-ZZabyik_5jYrGSE5aNFfUfKuRUjKENbzC6zMdTifzYbKpCAM69HRHTeUE_SVEvKpfTAnXFMMnnl9kkndUZRGt8OMcLiB5lFhwBT9EHSsuw70kieRthXHiKwk/s400/050.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<i>Speaking of hens, one of ours has started getting up extra early and crowing while the rooster is still asleep. (No, I'm not crazy, and yes, I'm sure she's a she). My daughter and I both woke up to the strange crowing several mornings in a row, and then I finally caught her doing it. The funny thing is, Dolly (a Delaware) was very obviously the head honcho before our rooster matured, and now it seems she's tired of playing second fiddle and is gunning for his position.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqMIkGt_SOU8690vO7gpSxQ2qH6MRNmzYIqiEoyKWEnp7SOq1fZeJz4GC_lUOS_12fXInUIAGRoDF60v6glG1fOGIUUTDc2ZW46dDZg8p7uG_U2UgnROlI33bE7zssdUrXbsa/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqMIkGt_SOU8690vO7gpSxQ2qH6MRNmzYIqiEoyKWEnp7SOq1fZeJz4GC_lUOS_12fXInUIAGRoDF60v6glG1fOGIUUTDc2ZW46dDZg8p7uG_U2UgnROlI33bE7zssdUrXbsa/s400/080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>This shed is our latest building project. Its main purpose is extra storage, but I'm thinking it'll make a really nice goat shed when the time comes (wink, wink).</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzuQs2lehZp3np1sglwhSY4OyF1udFuUGAZ2pSeuKRaft4IKtTzh7PdzJwxmedfAGEiDbifebrav79syy7NNVJQkuTm3qIt_zPVNL-yDwHs_CeOq26OUsqc1vkDRPPi8Ywwjj/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzuQs2lehZp3np1sglwhSY4OyF1udFuUGAZ2pSeuKRaft4IKtTzh7PdzJwxmedfAGEiDbifebrav79syy7NNVJQkuTm3qIt_zPVNL-yDwHs_CeOq26OUsqc1vkDRPPi8Ywwjj/s400/061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>We've been spending lots of time a the beach with, you guessed it, friends (photo credit to my daughter).</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlnYLjZXKzVoRxwPWJ6yHuI8jkMxUXW4k4GIZSDuorjhDKz0eKv1AFyeVGkMDH8E78YyH1Y4Z0Uy2U-KqXWR2V6ooOnymbqpZnPxSOEKHmj4T4qlSJ7Xp2U11GjRjt41TX9or/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlnYLjZXKzVoRxwPWJ6yHuI8jkMxUXW4k4GIZSDuorjhDKz0eKv1AFyeVGkMDH8E78YyH1Y4Z0Uy2U-KqXWR2V6ooOnymbqpZnPxSOEKHmj4T4qlSJ7Xp2U11GjRjt41TX9or/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>We tried paddle boarding for the first time recently. I would show you a photo of me, but they're all blurry (probably because my husband was shaking with laughter at my attempts to stay upright).</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pGYK6NN1ujHn6i2d_6bzQOFLpcpVpHAEjNA089kxmv387z5jvah520FDONiP5WnAKsUQrQg8wOA5mGtcHfgaydT-TSITNl8ORChq7DMSfweq0o_FQVPPAlLBuiLXp40dIa3y/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pGYK6NN1ujHn6i2d_6bzQOFLpcpVpHAEjNA089kxmv387z5jvah520FDONiP5WnAKsUQrQg8wOA5mGtcHfgaydT-TSITNl8ORChq7DMSfweq0o_FQVPPAlLBuiLXp40dIa3y/s400/flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Most of the bedding plants that I started from seed are doing well (although the heliotrope didn't work, for some reason). Will definitely do this again next year - so much cheaper!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOCrw7zqB4QoRi1jBA88StTRbE_84-yI5IOTFq1EXSs78L7ZODYMOhjlXJLZKP7glGzrX3z8cd9_KzJeDsuxRCSYNWDcY2P-ZjMbLl3GQJL4RKGtM4yz8YgDqm2NNZ5DPxn2R/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOCrw7zqB4QoRi1jBA88StTRbE_84-yI5IOTFq1EXSs78L7ZODYMOhjlXJLZKP7glGzrX3z8cd9_KzJeDsuxRCSYNWDcY2P-ZjMbLl3GQJL4RKGtM4yz8YgDqm2NNZ5DPxn2R/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Our kids have been asking for a swing for ages, and we finally found the perfect spot.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAQdUaWanzi06Ki2o0kS4VEpL-_9uJgahnYTrSbF3-QUBUIhEz6maQlgw93wVJYn6ATXZmwK5qKJLCpXEoUc37tBLt3rtR-iOddB7ZbriP5bVYniERpwB1eg0sYnXYugvmcuv/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAQdUaWanzi06Ki2o0kS4VEpL-_9uJgahnYTrSbF3-QUBUIhEz6maQlgw93wVJYn6ATXZmwK5qKJLCpXEoUc37tBLt3rtR-iOddB7ZbriP5bVYniERpwB1eg0sYnXYugvmcuv/s400/010.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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<i>It's hidden among the trees in the most peaceful of settings...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9-pe9qk54bPDD4hX_38YZgN81Tgj2YDkuev4eLswQf7PYbzP23DR1wiqTN3mx5je7xlY3YCo84jHd5SXz63NTJDeS592V0Y_KN2vkX3xor6Fi7JvcMe850FNDa5Erx1l0eR6/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9-pe9qk54bPDD4hX_38YZgN81Tgj2YDkuev4eLswQf7PYbzP23DR1wiqTN3mx5je7xlY3YCo84jHd5SXz63NTJDeS592V0Y_KN2vkX3xor6Fi7JvcMe850FNDa5Erx1l0eR6/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...<i>with a view of the house and property that makes it perfect for spying.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih1kS5Xc0GxbK3WvHQNXgNKGL-zAC5KS0wLm2mDx96T4cl8k8YzvCCRE2Ve3dG1pMkoMVvbgTmj4NP7nD7hGtPvverJs8jLvVpum5Wmcj0gbHHyxJOHCsENgiweUakpT0Yn-n/s1600/garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih1kS5Xc0GxbK3WvHQNXgNKGL-zAC5KS0wLm2mDx96T4cl8k8YzvCCRE2Ve3dG1pMkoMVvbgTmj4NP7nD7hGtPvverJs8jLvVpum5Wmcj0gbHHyxJOHCsENgiweUakpT0Yn-n/s400/garlic.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>I was thrilled to harvest an armload of <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2010/07/i-clove-summer.html" target="_blank">garlic</a> yesterday from <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2011/09/winter-garden-2011.html" target="_blank">last fall's planting</a>. </i><i>All that chicken manure and compost must have done something to improve our soil, because they're considerably larger than our <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2009/08/my-summer-so-far.html" target="_blank">first attempt</a>.</i></div>
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It's a good thing the garlic has done well; the weather has been so cold and wet that everything else has suffered greatly this year. I've had multiple plantings of basil, lettuce, beans, and squash eaten to the ground by the gangs of slugs that have taken over the garden (it's downright biblical). My potato plants are withering before they've even flowered, and my tomatoes are showing signs of blight. It's hard to watch all that hard work amount to nothing.</div>
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If you've got any slug assassination tips for me, I'd love to hear 'em!</div>
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<br /></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-59742425254362558422012-06-29T09:40:00.002-07:002012-06-29T09:47:59.425-07:00June Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a long, wet month, but things have actually progressed quite well in the garden, despite the lack of sunshine. The good thing about the cool spring is that the new additions to the orchard have had a chance to get established before the heat of summer sets in (see, I haven't let the rain totally kill my optimism!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TNKYFGPqWRUz_kYXcylN33WW8mV1g5bMZ2Hlnk76g5tTyRsySvk1dqMvnJ6p0VCKqP40B_jQYsNJqrAOPwlU7ELIaU6ixK-i4VEjG-ng1F-pov3Pn8futI1MI7GuEj7Kxvh1/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TNKYFGPqWRUz_kYXcylN33WW8mV1g5bMZ2Hlnk76g5tTyRsySvk1dqMvnJ6p0VCKqP40B_jQYsNJqrAOPwlU7ELIaU6ixK-i4VEjG-ng1F-pov3Pn8futI1MI7GuEj7Kxvh1/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of my biggest successes so far this year has been saving my Gala apple tree. Remember how I decided to <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2012/05/on-orchards-and-reattaching-limbs.html" target="_blank">screw its broken limb back on</a>, rather than cutting it off? Well, I'm very happy to report that it worked! Here it is now, flush with new growth!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxijej6mRY5DmC_xvlxYbhd_QnZ15NrD_k7PGMfgMHi3-j2FaWajMtm1WNHicCpZ_Z-pUB7XuwIkg_GGWWie2rEOQ-K_VDyQ6yn9Eswts3pcGlPbQvIkJSf66aFj2_YJEX-zn/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxijej6mRY5DmC_xvlxYbhd_QnZ15NrD_k7PGMfgMHi3-j2FaWajMtm1WNHicCpZ_Z-pUB7XuwIkg_GGWWie2rEOQ-K_VDyQ6yn9Eswts3pcGlPbQvIkJSf66aFj2_YJEX-zn/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a photo of the veggie garden from a week or so ago. The asparagus bed is on the left, then potatoes, garlic (with a few of last year's leeks in the foreground), and the tomato tunnel on the right. The tomatoes have since been uncovered as they were getting too tall and were pushing against the plastic.
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Under the row cover are my <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2012/06/biding-time.html" target="_blank">peppers and eggplant</a>, which just couldn't wait to be set out into the garden. I see I've got a few mini-peppers out there, so they seem to be dealing with the lower temperatures just fine. The <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2006/09/corn-harvest.html" target="_blank">three sisters bed</a> in the foreground is looking slug chewed and sad. In fact, the little buggers ate both of my cucumber plants right to the ground, so I've had to go buy replacements. The squash has bounced back a bit after a couple of days of sun, though, and some are even getting ready to flower.<br />
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The lettuce is doing relatively well...<br />
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...as are the peas.</div>
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We've got an abundance of gooseberries (though the chickens love to jump and snatch them off the bushes, so we'll see what we end up with).<br />
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The apple tree that was given to us by a friend not only survived transplanting, but is fruiting in earnest.<br />
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Strawberries and rhubarb - yum, yum!<br />
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Here are a few shots from around the rest of the yard:<br />
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Ruby's favourite place to nap - on the deck in one of my <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2011/06/refurbished-freebies-and-integration.html" target="_blank">refurbished wicker chairs</a>.</div>
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Lucky likes to keep me company while I weed (they're one thing that seem to relish this weather!).<br />
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Fingers crossed that the sun will make an appearance this long weekend. Happy Canada Day!<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-40188578008294546932012-06-07T10:42:00.001-07:002012-06-07T11:23:18.366-07:00Biding Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We seem to be smack in the middle of a stretch of typical "June-uary" weather, and my poor eggplant and pepper plants can do nothing but stare longingly out the window, wishing for the arrival of the warm weather so they can join their friends out in the garden. Some have even started flowering in anticipation.</div>
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I accidentally left my poor seedlings outside overnight last month, but thankfully it didn't seem to do them any harm, and they're all growing nice and big, and are eager to produce.<br />
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The tomatoes have been outside <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2010/06/whats-new-in-garden.html" target="_blank">under the tunnel</a> for a few weeks now, and are looking happy. Despite already having more plants than I really need, I couldn't resist picking up a few more at the organic market when I was in town last week. But really, what chicken farmer could resist a variety called "Egg Yolk"? I also grabbed one each of Moskovich, Black Zebra, Pink Tie-Dye, Estiva, and Northern Lights. It's a sickness, I know this.<br />
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Come on, sun, we're ready when you are!<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-90484337130205484262012-06-06T10:54:00.003-07:002012-06-06T11:04:27.622-07:00The Good LifeI stumbled across this delightful BBC show from the 1970's on Netflix last fall, and thought some of you might also enjoy it. The Good Life (also called Good Neighbours) follows the trials and tribulations of a couple who decide to turn their suburban London lot into a self-sufficient farmstead. The characters are charming, and their antics, hysterical.<br />
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<i>(From the BBC website): On his 40th birthday to be precise, Tom Good decides that he's had enough of the rat race and that he and wife Barbara will become self-sufficient. The pair convert their garden into a farm, get in the pigs and chickens, grow their own crops, and on one memorable occasion, try to dye their own wool with nettles. Tom and Barbara would just be lone loons were it not for their neighbours, the henpecked Jerry Leadbetter and wife Margot, a social climber who cannot bear chickens wandering the back garden. The Good Life attacked the middle class and the 'alternative' lifestyle at once, showing Margot's snobbishness as blindness, and Tom's fanatical self-sufficiency as going too far.</i><br />
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It doesn't seem to be on the Canadian Netflix site anymore, but may still be on the American one. I have included a link where you can <a href="http://www.veoh.com/watch/v4917804paZmMYK?confirmed=1" target="_blank">watch it online for free</a> (at least the first two seasons); otherwise, you can stream it on Amazon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Watch <a href="http://www.veoh.com/watch/v4917804paZmMYK/TheGoodLife">The Good Life - S01E01 - Plough Your Own Furrow.avi</a> in <a href="http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/comedy">Comedy</a> | View More <a href="http://www.veoh.com/">Free Videos Online at Veoh.com</a></span>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-73874455327872668302012-06-01T10:12:00.002-07:002012-06-01T10:12:50.245-07:00Stella & Ruby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had grand plans for a post about the foodie tour I did in Vancouver last week (so good!), but in the next 36 hours, I have to clean and cook for a dinner party with exchange students from Quebec, cook and decorate for my son's 13th birthday party (as of tomorrow, both of my babies will be teenagers - ack!!), and dance the night away at the kids' "school" dance tonight, so that other post will just have to wait. Instead, I'll leave you for the weekend with this photo of my beauties, Stella (left; Jersey Giant) and Ruby (right; Buff Orpington).</div>
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These guys are from our <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2009/06/babies.html" target="_blank">first batch of chicks</a>, and as a result, they still haven't gotten used to the idea that they no longer live in the house, and spend most of their time hanging around on the deck hoping I'll accidentally leave the door open a crack so they can dart inside and eat crumbs off the kitchen floor (even the chickens are aware of my adeptness at cleaning - *ahem*).<br />
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It's hard to tell from this perspective, but Stella lives up to her breed's giant reputation, and rivals the rooster with her beefiness. She's a mass of the softest beetle-black feathers, and is a total sweetheart, clucking away at my feet until I either pick her up or stop to give her belly rubs.<br />
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Ruby's pretty and she knows it, and rules the flock from her position high atop the pecking order.<br />
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Okay, got to run. Have a great weekend!<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-63100981725849403102012-05-30T09:52:00.001-07:002012-05-30T10:05:10.506-07:00My Mind's In the Gutter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess that should come as no real surprise following <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2012/05/ill-show-you-mine-if-you-show-me-yours.html" target="_blank">last week's post</a>, but this time I actually have gutters on my mind, not deformed produce.</div>
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Ever since <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2009/09/coop.html" target="_blank">we built the coop</a>, we've been planning to install gutters on it in order to harvest rainwater for the vegetable garden (which lies directly behind it), but with a never ending to-do list, and a reluctance to spend money unless absolutely necessary, it has taken us almost 3 years to finally get around to it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwObVVDyJ2JqaYdt2uYUGKp7iZ644rTVu1mB7ow3hSti4Jkf4OnyH09pOVzxmvQEKBC2xeeAFhxT471MjZl43shk336xMi-nc4uwzOJjD99OArW6xbcUJ70vcb6wujudkesT2N/s1600/gutters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwObVVDyJ2JqaYdt2uYUGKp7iZ644rTVu1mB7ow3hSti4Jkf4OnyH09pOVzxmvQEKBC2xeeAFhxT471MjZl43shk336xMi-nc4uwzOJjD99OArW6xbcUJ70vcb6wujudkesT2N/s400/gutters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The Montana clematis is doing a fine job of covering the coop and run in sweet-smelling pink blossoms.</i></div>
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It seems that this is another good example of how sometimes <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2010/04/faux-flagstones.html" target="_blank">putting off a project pays off</a>, because my mom and step-dad ended up replacing the gutters on their house last fall, and were able to save us two coop-sized lengths and assorted downspouts. Which means this project meets my two favourite criteria: recycled, and free.<br />
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We still have to cap off the front ends, but the gutters are already hard at work, filling the barrels with late spring rain.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-70023233794928098382012-05-28T12:49:00.004-07:002012-05-28T18:58:50.581-07:00Today's Post Is Brought To You By The Letter "S"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just a few quick photos from my day in the garden yesterday.</div>
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The strawberry patch is suddenly bursting with flowers and fruit. Now as long as I can keep <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2011/07/case-of-missing-berries-garden-caper.html" target="_blank">the robins in check</a>, it looks like we'll have a bumper crop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcoR5C1raoYYaOq1hmQCN9qsnlF-juHQ7GZYZTJKTTsTdWkLWzrI3RnVs2eoq3BPJu9f_xHveIAIwK7-1qr00V53vLYNOkfZFwIOjRThQk-7pvtWbN3gbGru9C62Eg4HKYV3-/s1600/strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcoR5C1raoYYaOq1hmQCN9qsnlF-juHQ7GZYZTJKTTsTdWkLWzrI3RnVs2eoq3BPJu9f_xHveIAIwK7-1qr00V53vLYNOkfZFwIOjRThQk-7pvtWbN3gbGru9C62Eg4HKYV3-/s320/strawberries.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The wild salmonberry bush on the edge of my garden is also loaded with berries. I usually leave these for the wild birds, but if there's an abundance, I might just have to experiment with a batch of salmonberry jam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-8p40_0qz6_9HpK68RpUMy0_QgvlIfq5lQfgPuI09fupSsJNEipJgbtr2gB9d4ySBSBJRsr9Q-_M2YeB_m1sgoYTDph10RWfZcjstCoCCLjE-qGyrgyZx4t5vIy18Y8KF9fC/s1600/IMAG1160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-8p40_0qz6_9HpK68RpUMy0_QgvlIfq5lQfgPuI09fupSsJNEipJgbtr2gB9d4ySBSBJRsr9Q-_M2YeB_m1sgoYTDph10RWfZcjstCoCCLjE-qGyrgyZx4t5vIy18Y8KF9fC/s320/IMAG1160.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I startled this mother wolf spider while weeding the pea patch. She was pretty speedy despite having to run with her nest (the white ball) in tow.<br />
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My kids are both off on a year-end camping trip, so I'm headed for the garden. I hope you're enjoying your day!<br />
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<br /></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-78404024477360459892012-05-27T11:06:00.000-07:002012-05-27T11:07:03.919-07:00Cookbook Binge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my favourite things about our new community is the annual book sale, which benefits our tiny local library. It's makes for a great morning, sifting through the gymnasium full of books, chatting with neighbours about your respective finds, and hauling home an armload of new treasures (for a mere 50 cents to $2 per book).</div>
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As usual, my first stop was the cookbook table, and I literally came away with an armload:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0LidWylgu4yc61qk4Haxlk2JgqYzloT_Ce8ABTVjRvv_ZOHf374BRjLS6V-wSMJId1ZX9GIQTD8TxSYUmJ2hHqCEdJkpx49-_cDprIKgaPuHelN4P7U42NzDOLvWvX7-vkTc/s1600/cookbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0LidWylgu4yc61qk4Haxlk2JgqYzloT_Ce8ABTVjRvv_ZOHf374BRjLS6V-wSMJId1ZX9GIQTD8TxSYUmJ2hHqCEdJkpx49-_cDprIKgaPuHelN4P7U42NzDOLvWvX7-vkTc/s400/cookbooks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've borrowed Mad Hungry from the library countless times, so that was the first thing I snapped up.<br />
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The Girls Who Dish is a collection of recipes from female Vancouver chefs. My <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2007/10/grilled-eggplant.html" target="_blank">recipe for grilled eggplant</a> comes from one of their later books.<br />
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I love Martha Stewart's recipes, but probably never would have picked up this copy of Entertaining if I hadn't just learned that it's the "favourite cookbook of all time" of my favourite Canadian chef, <a href="http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/where-to-eat/meet-a-montrealer-chuck-hughes/" target="_blank">Chuck Hughes</a>. It seemed like such an unlikely pairing that I had to check it out.<br />
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I really enjoyed reading Julie & Julia, and am hoping Cleaving will be just as entertaining.<br />
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The other books are packed with information and luscious sounding food, by authors I know I like. Maya Angelou isn't exactly known for her skills in the kitchen, but the recipes in her book are the epitome of comfort food.<br />
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The only problem now is that I have lots of work to get done, and way too many distractions...<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-81305003349129117042012-05-23T16:27:00.002-07:002012-05-24T13:13:06.349-07:00I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I posted a <a href="http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/most-suggestive-vegetables-on-earth.html" target="_blank">silly link</a> on my Facebook page yesterday (the "naughtiest vegetables on earth"), and thought it would be fun to see if others had any strange or unusual things to share.
So, here's the deal: I'll post the weirdest things that have come out of my garden, and in exchange, I'm hoping you'll be willing to share a photo (or description) of some <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2010/04/oddities.html" target="_blank">oddity</a> of yours. Do you have a parsnip with a dirty mind? A spud that looks like your great aunt Norma? A beet as big as your head? I'd love to hear about it! Either add a link to your blog post on the subject in the comments here, link to your picture on Flickr, or post directly onto my Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Range-Living/111013068916670" target="_blank">page</a>. </div>
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I posted a photo of this "buttato" <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2009/04/made-ya-look.html" target="_blank">a few years ago</a>, but it's so adorable that it's worth a second glance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wMrSl9TrwY4I1OZgsIM5hD0L3sbXsSoQGTLKJAeaFJpOp-HTVcDuBfcCIONwTXxZ2jz1SNZx4XK-TMn7dk8XMC7-KCvwRVl2b4kIFuVrF07x6mcB583PQkZiTrhfeGrOwy4t/s1600/buttato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wMrSl9TrwY4I1OZgsIM5hD0L3sbXsSoQGTLKJAeaFJpOp-HTVcDuBfcCIONwTXxZ2jz1SNZx4XK-TMn7dk8XMC7-KCvwRVl2b4kIFuVrF07x6mcB583PQkZiTrhfeGrOwy4t/s320/buttato.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This dirty carrot appeared in my garden in 2010. As my daughter said, it makes you wonder what those carrots are getting up to when no one's looking! Unfortunately, we didn't end up with a bumper crop of baby carrots as a result of the extra appendage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK39t_t1DHE7PPKB4pqfumNcNVDlfUlpa108aiKtbtuAu1EPm86YALb5s2LecX2XKc6rb3T72IZ-YzYUSxYaFIAicndhwRLBNk0eai_5_HfBn3OouGEhVD4bHZ_obEl1zu8c4g/s1600/dirty+carrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK39t_t1DHE7PPKB4pqfumNcNVDlfUlpa108aiKtbtuAu1EPm86YALb5s2LecX2XKc6rb3T72IZ-YzYUSxYaFIAicndhwRLBNk0eai_5_HfBn3OouGEhVD4bHZ_obEl1zu8c4g/s320/dirty+carrot.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I've he<span style="text-align: left;">ld up my end of the bargain, now it's your turn. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Don't have anything at the moment? Feel free to pop back and share anything that rears its ugly head over the course of the summer.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-13326956736459274282012-05-10T11:00:00.000-07:002012-05-10T11:02:22.954-07:00Getting My Goat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm in need of some good, solid advice, and am hoping my goat-keeping friends out there might be able to help. I've been pining for goats for years, and the urge is starting to overwhelm me. I would be happy enough just to have them as pets (in lieu of the second dog and/or cat my kids have been begging for), but would really love to produce our own milk and cheese one day. Pets with benefits, you might say.</div>
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<img alt="cute-baby-goat-picture-germany" height="357" src="http://www.ultimategoatfansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Picture-3.png" width="400" />
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So my question is, when did you know it was time? Do you have any regrets? Do they require a lot of expensive veterinary care (my husband's main concern)? Can you recommend any indispensable resources (books? websites?)? What's your favourite breed? </div>
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I'm really interested in Kinder goats, but haven't been able to find a breeder in our area. I've actually got my eye on an adorable baby boy (which would come in handy eventually), but hubby's concerned that a goat will tie us down way more than our chickens already do. </div>
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Thoughts?</div>
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<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-28057526766241589472012-05-04T10:04:00.000-07:002012-05-04T11:38:01.262-07:00Oat Fudge BarsIt's been so long since I've posted a recipe that you'd almost be fooled into believing that I don't spend every spare moment of my day perusing books, magazines, and the web for new food ideas. The sad truth is, while I do rely on a few old stand-by recipes, my stomach has a bit of a wandering eye, and is always on the lookout for something it hasn't tried before.<br />
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Although, I have to say, that's not exactly the case here. It would seem that this time my stomach was looking to reconnect with a long lost love, one we used to bump into in coffee shops when my kids were babies and pushing a stroller around the neighbourhood was our only form of entertainment. At the time, any coffee bar worth its beans had a version of these oaty, fudgy delights, and while the babies were blissfully napping, we would rendezvous in a quiet corner and dream of the day when we could be together forever.<br />
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That day has finally come.<br />
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There are several versions of this recipe online, but this a slightly reworked version of the one found <a href="http://jumboempanadas.blogspot.ca/2011/05/shameless-copycat-starbucks-oatmeal.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt4HvpxIO7GZMejEeFaE6JvnzjdZoYs8b5Bf5KwX7uj8csQ9NaAqvctHHHHzFSGjoxcsP2IoOwhMKr7Pb-BCYesFftayTWzJI0VQezb-mhvQORnftuaLBwFFCROOtYTmBov9F/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt4HvpxIO7GZMejEeFaE6JvnzjdZoYs8b5Bf5KwX7uj8csQ9NaAqvctHHHHzFSGjoxcsP2IoOwhMKr7Pb-BCYesFftayTWzJI0VQezb-mhvQORnftuaLBwFFCROOtYTmBov9F/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Oat Fudge Bars:</h3>
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1 cup butter (set aside 2 tablespoons for filling)</div>
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2 cups brown sugar (packed)</div>
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2 large eggs</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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3 cups flour</div>
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1 tsp baking soda</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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3 cups rolled oats (can substitute quick oats, but not instant)</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan.</div>
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Cream butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and beat until well mixed. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Stir together the flour, soda, salt, and oats, and add them to the wet ingredients; stir until well combined. Prepare filling:</div>
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2 tablespoons butter (reserved from before)</div>
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1 can sweetened condensed milk</div>
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips</div>
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pinch salt</div>
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1 tsp vanilla
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Combine butter, condensed milk, chocolate chips and salt in medium saucepan over low heat until chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.</div>
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Press 2/3 of oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour filling over the bottom crust. Spread to an even thickness.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iRZJqBgSPOBDgRAIyDYgJjvDk0wNrq9AjUB04cfsqFPSgDslgl60yETCECMvuxqONR1CXfXKader7Mmy4V4TKw3YV0Opo6MYIEEugoaffMJJ6_nW1R2aZzRsPSk9DEbhrvdW/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iRZJqBgSPOBDgRAIyDYgJjvDk0wNrq9AjUB04cfsqFPSgDslgl60yETCECMvuxqONR1CXfXKader7Mmy4V4TKw3YV0Opo6MYIEEugoaffMJJ6_nW1R2aZzRsPSk9DEbhrvdW/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Drop remaining oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Don't expect to have the chocolate completely covered, you want to leave some peeking through.<br />
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Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, or until topping is lightly browned. Cool in pan. Cut into 2" x 2" squares Since these are so dense and rich, I then cut these two inch squares in half to make triangles - feel free to eat two if you want!<br />
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<br /></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-73865310738007392052012-05-01T12:08:00.000-07:002012-05-01T16:40:39.181-07:00On Orchards and Reattaching LimbsOne of the joys of moving from the city is having enough room to put in a small orchard. While our city garden did have <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2007/04/aprils-garden.html" target="_blank">a few small fruit trees</a>, it was never going to be enough to supply our apple habit.<br />
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We were fortunate enough to be able to bring our trees with us when we moved, so we already had a smallish orchard on the go, but this spring we had a chance to do a bulk order with some of our neighbours, so I ordered five more to go with the seven we already had. In addition to this, a friend of a friend donated an established apple tree that was taking up too much room in her garden. That brings us to thirteen, and while I still need an apricot before I'll be completely satisfied (if anyone can recommend favourite varieties, I'd be very appreciative!), I'm hopeful that an orchard of this size will be enough to meet our needs.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Our peach tree has been very productive over the last couple of years.</i></span></div>
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Here's what we have ended up with:</div>
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-Five apples: Gala, Cox's Orange Pippin, Liberty, Yellow Transparent, plus one mystery apple</div>
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-Three pears: Flemish Beauty, Comice, Red Sensation</div>
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-Two plums: Santa Rosa, Italian Prune</div>
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-Peach: Frost</div>
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-Fig: Desert King</div>
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-Cherry: Compact Stella</div>
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Maintaining an orchard can be tricky, especially when dealing with things like <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2009/08/deer-oh-dear.html" target="_blank">deer</a>. However, it turns out that teenagers can be just as much of a menace as their four footed counterparts, which I unfortunately discovered a few weeks ago following my daughter's 16th birthday party, and a wild game of capture the flag (played in the dark, of course). We were careful to put solar lights at the base of each tree in order to mark their locations, but that didn't prevent my Gala apple from nearly losing one of its three main branches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9jI71KJlZkzsn-zv58MNWDPrRMo_IuKodqns5gL7eGZJJO9qTF_vesOPuOLg3fwotlysH4zBhPL9Lj8D6w5k8yWwtHvxpxa3ApiPsKQjxOrgytP9vT7w8U6MYqRmloSKbBbe/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9jI71KJlZkzsn-zv58MNWDPrRMo_IuKodqns5gL7eGZJJO9qTF_vesOPuOLg3fwotlysH4zBhPL9Lj8D6w5k8yWwtHvxpxa3ApiPsKQjxOrgytP9vT7w8U6MYqRmloSKbBbe/s320/016.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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Unwilling to just lop it off, I did some reading online and found that arborists will quite often reattach broken limbs to trees. The way to tell if a branch can be salvaged or not is to look and see if the leaves have wilted - if there's enough of the cambium layer left attached to the tree below the break, the leaves will still look healthy. Being mid April, my tree hadn't leafed out yet, so there wasn't really any way of telling, but we decided to go for it anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YVlSR1cQkyo0ynTAaATy6HThvpD2MB-wbzob5H-yBTSziNPr-wp44UhSlvIPnVciJTeAZBGWQ8SSe4EZPEMj1TodppR4B29ZM6pMPgNgsKDAoekDQKkCuqfYuEK9SVsu7Brc/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YVlSR1cQkyo0ynTAaATy6HThvpD2MB-wbzob5H-yBTSziNPr-wp44UhSlvIPnVciJTeAZBGWQ8SSe4EZPEMj1TodppR4B29ZM6pMPgNgsKDAoekDQKkCuqfYuEK9SVsu7Brc/s320/017.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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We carefully placed the branch in its original position, and screwed it back into place. You don't want to do anything like wiring the branch back on, as this will cut off the tree's circulation and kill the branch, if not the whole tree.<br />
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If all goes well, the bark will continue growing up around the break, and the screws will become part of the structure of the tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdSRVAuQTrpkDArlOwmMMl3rysum0ECFgCf6hiz_5V1-zJ6_qoUxqjXC3NeI7dLAiUKMZwbX9wjruDdq6pp7p0-Jz_g71r6C38D7P375uN9YCGtXJ7hFxWjZ768JPwPt5R6XR/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdSRVAuQTrpkDArlOwmMMl3rysum0ECFgCf6hiz_5V1-zJ6_qoUxqjXC3NeI7dLAiUKMZwbX9wjruDdq6pp7p0-Jz_g71r6C38D7P375uN9YCGtXJ7hFxWjZ768JPwPt5R6XR/s320/018.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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We then took some non-toxic outdoor wood glue and used it to seal the break all the way around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfHMUU8WKvgrJygkj3nfsEGYPApGMq-WxOvy4yzEWmdnVYpQXsRs2JyrDIJqOuD7WYmwlQY_qR4d1NCYCUvgqHrO6cpdl4umZhuYWZz4PxKBjqhyphenhyphen1wj3OUrea6NGJ_W919O3g/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfHMUU8WKvgrJygkj3nfsEGYPApGMq-WxOvy4yzEWmdnVYpQXsRs2JyrDIJqOuD7WYmwlQY_qR4d1NCYCUvgqHrO6cpdl4umZhuYWZz4PxKBjqhyphenhyphen1wj3OUrea6NGJ_W919O3g/s320/032.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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Good as new!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt9wQmthTL4ZgvViLWp2FXeblPZLPjynJcSOISlim1jxtPNPzs6i2w5jvxbLeaSaZijBAg0ArezxTOfg6A-wLFR5lv2NNKKv_gt-U3-sZYCjOg-FR6cb5pDDqSVWsfKs4Vm4S/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt9wQmthTL4ZgvViLWp2FXeblPZLPjynJcSOISlim1jxtPNPzs6i2w5jvxbLeaSaZijBAg0ArezxTOfg6A-wLFR5lv2NNKKv_gt-U3-sZYCjOg-FR6cb5pDDqSVWsfKs4Vm4S/s320/062.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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Now that the weather is warming up, the branch is slowly starting to leaf out. They're not quite as big as the leaves on the rest of the tree, but I'm optimistic:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfExF9-bkIsOqElit5Zy1TjFYOK-_96Fa7z7TjnpLx2K4BY7VNnt2t80jbxJu2QfMyLg0NGn1yjF9PCI8aMQX7OUYRfknQFgrVyUkD7xKP5hfkHWrsRcET4ZvvbRRLwPY1SfLP/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfExF9-bkIsOqElit5Zy1TjFYOK-_96Fa7z7TjnpLx2K4BY7VNnt2t80jbxJu2QfMyLg0NGn1yjF9PCI8aMQX7OUYRfknQFgrVyUkD7xKP5hfkHWrsRcET4ZvvbRRLwPY1SfLP/s320/065.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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I'll be sure to keep an eye on things, and will remove any flowers or fruit that appear for the next couple of years so as not to stress it further while it heals. Reconstructive surgery on a fruit tree may seem a little drastic, but a crisp, juicy, gala apple is a thing of beauty.</div>
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Here are some of my favourite ways to use apples (and the reason we need so many):</div>
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-<a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2006/10/german-apple-pancake.html" target="_blank">German Apple Pancakes</a></div>
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-<a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2006/09/oven-baked-pear-or-apple-butter.html" target="_blank">Oven Baked Apple Butter</a></div>
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-<a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2007/04/yummy-apple-muffins.html" target="_blank">Apple Muffins</a></div>
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-<a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2006/10/cottage-cheese-apple-pancakes.html" target="_blank">Cottage Cheese Apple Pancakes</a></div>
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-<a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2007/02/muesli.html" target="_blank">Muesli</a></div>
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-<a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2006/10/apples-tomatoes-and-pears-oh-my.html" target="_blank">Flavoured Apple Sauce</a></div>
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</div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-67736711240647681052012-04-21T11:00:00.000-07:002012-05-28T13:21:39.491-07:00Homemade Lip Balm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning, my daughter and I have been experimenting with making homemade lip balm. She had to come up with a chemistry-based project for an upcoming science fair, so she decided to study emulsifiers and how they stabilize liquids. Since I have some experience with whipping up my own <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2006/09/calendula-salve.html" target="_blank">concoctions</a>, I was enlisted to oversee the project. </div>
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My girl has a major lip balm addiction, and since we're both <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2011/02/skin-care.html" target="_blank">sensitive to almost everything</a>, we spend a lot of time (and money) trying to find products with no scent, colour, or flavour; sadly, there's not a lot out there. So, if this science project can teach her (us) something, and fill a need, it'll be win/win all around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDMKh05vzNU44AhQuwFLJMEI96NDtl0j_5IOkny7NxUDsj6cAqrM4aktCnmtoCTZ4hZ-gbuZ9C8YihBZVuOsf4NID0NzeX5iod3DeRJw7DjvLEL0EihN2belC3Cck4_fnwiDF/s1600/balm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDMKh05vzNU44AhQuwFLJMEI96NDtl0j_5IOkny7NxUDsj6cAqrM4aktCnmtoCTZ4hZ-gbuZ9C8YihBZVuOsf4NID0NzeX5iod3DeRJw7DjvLEL0EihN2belC3Cck4_fnwiDF/s320/balm.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Our first attempt was a total blobby flop (we think the aloe had its own stabilizers in it that kept it from blending into the other liquids), but this version is a combination of shea butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax. Despite the lack of essential oils, it smells wonderful and feels fantastic! The best part? We made two pots and two tubes for less than what one tube usually costs us in the store. We've got a few more recipes to try, but this one will be hard to beat.</div>
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Now, excuse me while I go find someone to try it out on.</div>
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<i>Edited May 27, 2012: </i>For those who have asked, here's the recipe for the version we liked the most:</div>
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<b>Cocoa/Shea Butter Lip Balm </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">1.5 oz. shea butter</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">1.0 oz. beeswax</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">1.5 oz. cocoa butter</span></span>
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Melt solids together in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add:</div>
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4-6 drops of peppermint (for flavoured balm) or safflower oil (for plain)</div>
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Stir well, and pour into containers. Let cool.</div>
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We made half a batch and got what you see in the photo. This version is quite solid, which we like because it stays on well even while swimming or bathing, but feel free to play with adding more oil if you like a softer balm.</div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-20359983879722962742012-04-17T14:31:00.001-07:002012-04-17T23:08:27.473-07:00Cute Find of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was driving through the alley behind my mom's house yesterday and spotted this adorable little side table sitting out waiting for garbage pick-up (gasp!). Of course, I screeched to an immediate halt and threw it in the trunk. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UZBJEwkFHAW6V0vRmmwfgmso7-aZGD-FXnYbJr62aKKYrK2-B3XFmrf92G8wpPlMCizb32Vlyjt45tXQJMLJOttCp6tWCHGE9YypLvyB4PV-isNIsVFdGUjel-sIq0Zge1np/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UZBJEwkFHAW6V0vRmmwfgmso7-aZGD-FXnYbJr62aKKYrK2-B3XFmrf92G8wpPlMCizb32Vlyjt45tXQJMLJOttCp6tWCHGE9YypLvyB4PV-isNIsVFdGUjel-sIq0Zge1np/s640/035.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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It could use a little sprucing up (who couldn't?), but I think it has very good bones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZZMnoWThyMhb_vFEHE3qXQMDExuuggMpqS5pZk__XoZNb06PfWyUVbyTflffCd2t_NNe2a2qCw2GJwIIIvPt6akZfDkqkr9Vf6TCTBotYOb1e23uBAu8lmTeW57z0RBqH0WG/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZZMnoWThyMhb_vFEHE3qXQMDExuuggMpqS5pZk__XoZNb06PfWyUVbyTflffCd2t_NNe2a2qCw2GJwIIIvPt6akZfDkqkr9Vf6TCTBotYOb1e23uBAu8lmTeW57z0RBqH0WG/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's obviously been well used and lovingly adorned over the years, though I'm not sure about the plastic "hand"le.<br />
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Now I just have to figure out what colour it wants to be...<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-63640897927539614342012-04-11T10:53:00.001-07:002012-04-11T13:21:28.684-07:00Garden Markers on the CheapI think I'm going to have to file this one under "Now why the heck didn't I think of that?". I was perusing Pinterest a while ago, and came across this brilliant idea for cheap (free, actually) row markers for the garden. I was happy with the <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2010/04/potato-patch.html" target="_blank">stone markers</a> I made for my potato bed, but perfectly smooth river rocks aren't always easy to come by. Alder branches, on the other hand, are something that we have in abundant supply.<br />
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So I cut myself a bunch of sticks, and shaved a flat spot onto the end of each one. Easy peasy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OP27va52TBR_e0tYauk57TgfnHL2eGE7VJ6VEkUT-ufKrIcN-Rn1GXIXmr18EIXQDVPZ8RqLgf4qN8OsL9ZhvUxtgcn0rter-VnEbnSVEhFjEUfyn6Zin-myNpuJCuln0jog/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OP27va52TBR_e0tYauk57TgfnHL2eGE7VJ6VEkUT-ufKrIcN-Rn1GXIXmr18EIXQDVPZ8RqLgf4qN8OsL9ZhvUxtgcn0rter-VnEbnSVEhFjEUfyn6Zin-myNpuJCuln0jog/s320/004.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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I let the flat sides dry in the sun a bit while I was planting, thinking this would prevent the ink from bleeding (not sure this matters, but whatever):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhH85fjViuo-dkCZGOYeObVRjCeqPWaksiZ_CzQcJBpxXmsmC7hkUNdOXDe6GsbEwswW5wgYbU3PX5Pw1WssrMHzzkE7NwGGVjZCFSHz99Ll-MKxgDXt-0gpH_dU2lZUhE9_4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhH85fjViuo-dkCZGOYeObVRjCeqPWaksiZ_CzQcJBpxXmsmC7hkUNdOXDe6GsbEwswW5wgYbU3PX5Pw1WssrMHzzkE7NwGGVjZCFSHz99Ll-MKxgDXt-0gpH_dU2lZUhE9_4/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using a UV stable felt pen, label your fancy-pants marker accordingly:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXH_K8s9qp0HK36RQRKSYqqk6snP64O01fPWDQf5IPQB34QCrYJKYNIr_XIXtuOmLrQt8CYsiESsaox1OKm-GbWvrDy-sbsh9xU1RaGu-H0Zolz_xSCQjsYd_8-rUcJqOm9uEl/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXH_K8s9qp0HK36RQRKSYqqk6snP64O01fPWDQf5IPQB34QCrYJKYNIr_XIXtuOmLrQt8CYsiESsaox1OKm-GbWvrDy-sbsh9xU1RaGu-H0Zolz_xSCQjsYd_8-rUcJqOm9uEl/s320/009.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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How cool is that? Now I've got a lovely set of matching rustic garden markers. And they're compostable, to boot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-_iTST17E9R-nqUUrz48NJSELqOUxT3hnq_qiitHp94XnZ1TuRJzM5Ot4umw4cDLLTDEvNyRx4Tbh2LpzyEhj_77jTJVTq_ZZiE1DjKAKZkmGk05mj5WcNjaR-gzcDoYqtRH/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-_iTST17E9R-nqUUrz48NJSELqOUxT3hnq_qiitHp94XnZ1TuRJzM5Ot4umw4cDLLTDEvNyRx4Tbh2LpzyEhj_77jTJVTq_ZZiE1DjKAKZkmGk05mj5WcNjaR-gzcDoYqtRH/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;">The remainder of the winter leeks in the foreground, with last fall's arugula and this year's garlic crop in behind.</i></div>
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We've spent the last few weeks prepping the garden for planting, including mulching the rows with wood chips. We lined them with empty feed bags to keep the weeds down, and piled the wood chips on top. It's a little thing, but it makes the garden feel so much nicer. We're going to build a long, narrow chicken run along the back fence as well. Nothing grows that close to the alders anyway, and I'm hoping the birds will keep the forest from encroaching on our little veggie plot.<br />
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Ahh, spring!<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-52931545539535712172012-04-10T10:50:00.000-07:002012-04-10T11:28:48.132-07:00Hide & Seek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It seems a certain someone is well on her way to joining the resident broodies in their stubborn refusal to leave the nest (the Brahmas are well into their third month now), but I've got to give her credit, she's a lot smarter about it than the others. Reepicheep appears to have figured out that if she hunkers down in the coop where I can see her, she's just going to get herself booted outside. Having had the opportunity to <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2011/06/our-second-batch-of-chicks-arrived-in.html" target="_blank">raise a batch of babies</a> last year, she's not taking any chances, and has built herself a secret woodland hideaway. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksn-0h1VsUv8CtmJOOxvSnwNJAi_fGmJJIZv3M9s8kXuscdvWLpCUwu6bTDlKqDjkM1Y-CiifTAUegDZnIRWxK0Co5KFPFYGWUdJ1MXPc16Pcq_CtWf8AldaFVxUn47RcSKlG/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksn-0h1VsUv8CtmJOOxvSnwNJAi_fGmJJIZv3M9s8kXuscdvWLpCUwu6bTDlKqDjkM1Y-CiifTAUegDZnIRWxK0Co5KFPFYGWUdJ1MXPc16Pcq_CtWf8AldaFVxUn47RcSKlG/s400/061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Nothing to see here.</i></span></div>
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The dried ferns are the perfect camouflage for her red/blue laced feathers, and it's amusing to watch the cat and other chickens when they happen to wander by, peering suspiciously in her general direction, unable to shake the uneasy feeling that they're being watched.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGsYIQNJSUBMVseycG-B6lf25GpWP2iNQ3ib6yBOKaOD9egw0KD-1uAoB_TIdHo4tW9hSgk6-LQX8DiLfTwjPxu87p7GW5IJqrwr5DfM03yYpQ0P1IiPeyEl81sdj5K5RrjgJ/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGsYIQNJSUBMVseycG-B6lf25GpWP2iNQ3ib6yBOKaOD9egw0KD-1uAoB_TIdHo4tW9hSgk6-LQX8DiLfTwjPxu87p7GW5IJqrwr5DfM03yYpQ0P1IiPeyEl81sdj5K5RrjgJ/s400/066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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At this point, she's still going back to the coop at night, but we'll have to keep an eye on her. In the meantime, we'll let her have her fun.</div>
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Speaking of hideouts, I posted this photo to my Facebook page a while ago, but for those of you who aren't on there, here's what happens when you relocate a bunch of sneaky hens <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.ca/2012/02/fowl-odour.html" target="_blank">out from under the front porch</a>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5YgXNBt6LQ1-5qt0OJAxDifWS6kxdAw6WUKkKc3uMrAvR7-A90bmEp-ujTBiBtA184Wm40hfKipmLGkyvTtXYemRTKef-bQy3EW8os1tayteWUJGVi7g_WGUEQysrng-xtAj/s1600/nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5YgXNBt6LQ1-5qt0OJAxDifWS6kxdAw6WUKkKc3uMrAvR7-A90bmEp-ujTBiBtA184Wm40hfKipmLGkyvTtXYemRTKef-bQy3EW8os1tayteWUJGVi7g_WGUEQysrng-xtAj/s320/nest.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The Easter bunny has got his work cut out for him at our house, searching for eggs has lost its appeal for us.</div>
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<br /></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-72243919711987608852012-04-07T20:51:00.000-07:002012-04-10T18:26:19.263-07:00Easter Feaster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are the odds that we'd have two sunny days in a row over the long weekend - it almost never happens, even in the summer. As a result, I've spent an inordinate amount of time puttering around the yard over the past 48 hours, digging things up, and planting them somewhere else (will I ever be happy with the placement of things?!).</div>
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I did manage to pull together an early Easter dinner though, and thought I'd share the recipes in case you happen to be online looking for last minute ideas (or am I the only person who combs the internet incessantly, looking for new things to try? <a href="http://pinterest.com/cherylcooks/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>is becoming a bit of a problem).</div>
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<b>Appetizer</b>:</div>
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<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/03/baked-kale-chips/" target="_blank">Baked Kale Chips</a>. I harvested a big bowl of kale from the garden while I was out and about today, and thought these would be a great accompaniment to our pre-dinner drink (I added a sprinkling of sesame seeds before baking). They were a big hit, and were quickly gobbled up.</div>
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<b>Main Course</b>:</div>
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My mom brought a ham, so I made some <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rich-and-creamy-potatoes-au-gratin/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=scalloped%20potatoes&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=%2fmy%2fshared%2fprofile%2fdefault.aspx" target="_blank">creamy scalloped potatoes</a> and <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetarian-recipes/best-whole-baked-carrots" target="_blank">roasted whole carrots</a> to go with it. The kids were worried because this isn't my usual scalloped potato recipe, but the flavour of the gruyere cheese was perfect and everybody loved them. A new favourite!</div>
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Instead of dinner rolls, I made a couple of loaves of <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/choereg-armenian-easter-bread/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Armenian Easter Bread</a> (Choereg). The recipe calls for a spice called <i>mahleb, </i>which<i> </i>is a little tricky to find, but thankfully there's a good Middle Eastern market in my mom's neighbourhood that brings it in for the holidays. The mahleb gave the rich, eggy loaves a lovely, subtle perfume, and was worth the effort it took to find it. I will definitely be making this again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q6UzhOuyDAmeyRso5ULT6GhEgfcaJXoX8BR8_QMAQRq6SttWWAe88MXeKHdo67Qf6t_d7OAzZia33fLI4sxv4a04tzUowOT-m5kjrBQKWOXZbymASN2ZHmrjGo2VV_DzgtVi/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q6UzhOuyDAmeyRso5ULT6GhEgfcaJXoX8BR8_QMAQRq6SttWWAe88MXeKHdo67Qf6t_d7OAzZia33fLI4sxv4a04tzUowOT-m5kjrBQKWOXZbymASN2ZHmrjGo2VV_DzgtVi/s320/085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Dessert</b>:<br />
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We finished off with a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/335711/lemon-trifle?czone=holiday/easter-center/easter-center-recipes&center=276968&gallery=275096&slide=264014" target="_blank">Lemon Trifle</a> topped with fresh raspberries. I used my mom's much easier and lighter version of lemon curd, and the trifle came together in no time. It was a lovely spring dessert.<br />
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So, what are you making this year? Feel like sharing?<br />
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<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-89578096806885497742012-02-29T12:38:00.002-08:002013-01-26T17:30:51.841-08:00Planning 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Late winter is a great time of year. Not only do I get to cozy up and enjoy the occasional <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2008/12/snowed-in.html">snow day</a> (having one of those today, actually), but I can use that time to dream and make plans for the garden to come. The days are getting noticeably longer, the trees have buds on them, and things are starting to grow again. The <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-clove-summer.html">fall-planted garlic</a> is about 4 inches tall, and we're still harvesting <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2011/09/winter-garden-2011.html">arugula, kale, leeks, and carrots</a> (between snow storms, of course). As I sit watching the snow fall, I'm itching to get digging.<br />
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I love sorting through my seed box, taking inventory to see what I have and what I need to buy. It's a little different this year though, because <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2006/08/urban-wildlife.html">Baxter</a>, who made it his job to sit in the middle of anything that anyone was working on (board games, Playmobil and/or Lego set-ups, and especially <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2007/01/seed-order.html">seed orders</a>), is no longer around to keep me company while I do my planning. He died of cancer last year when I was being <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2010/05/hangover.html">whisked away (kidnapped) to Las Vegas</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4T18P7bigDjtJ74e7Yqln_CmIkpmdYtdsB0lcbmJF-I2VfuTY94_DACIQ3X8_jPFZHjaHHGxnZ_lwxS8wi9kVsyErpjotvHRq-Z4bBzqQDCyB53mMJiFnPLn-y4cbJ6XN_Ro/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4T18P7bigDjtJ74e7Yqln_CmIkpmdYtdsB0lcbmJF-I2VfuTY94_DACIQ3X8_jPFZHjaHHGxnZ_lwxS8wi9kVsyErpjotvHRq-Z4bBzqQDCyB53mMJiFnPLn-y4cbJ6XN_Ro/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm making it my priority this year to whittle the garden down to the things that we actually eat; no more trying a little bit of everything just because I've got lots of space and a strong compulsion to impulse buy when it comes to seeds. This year I'm going with things that I know do well in my garden. It was fun trying <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2010/04/spud-order.html">lots of different types of potatoes</a>, but I'm going to stick with the ones that set and store well, and taste good. Kohlrabi would have been on the chopping block, because it was somewhat foreign to us, but we've discovered that we absolutely love it roasted, and it holds in the garden extremely well. Broad beans are getting the boot because they're space hogs, prone to aphids, and don't produce much (and I'm usually left scratching my head trying to figure out what to do with the ones I do get).</div>
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So, the plan is to focus on varieties that have a short growing season, or crank out the produce in an efficient manner (i.e, less space). That means no tomatoes that need longer than 70-75 days from transplanting, as well as short season peppers, corn, cabbage, eggplant, brussels sprouts, squash (short season and/or bush varieties), and melons. I'm hoping this will give me more bang for my gardening buck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4veatRbYiujGrYpL2927igCid85PzQEPrvsmzrmL-2E27t2UYB1FTA2o628t7IFlIW-PHpYrXK-fx5pXPYGaNcoKfIsUEnEgE9lV16n-RuFXBoduBzMy_gUrqHvsAZkUxu_On/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4veatRbYiujGrYpL2927igCid85PzQEPrvsmzrmL-2E27t2UYB1FTA2o628t7IFlIW-PHpYrXK-fx5pXPYGaNcoKfIsUEnEgE9lV16n-RuFXBoduBzMy_gUrqHvsAZkUxu_On/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before I was able to start feeling too sorry for myself for having to figure this all out on my own, Shadow stepped in and had a seat in the middle of my stack of seed packets.<br />
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Looks like I've got myself a new planning buddy.<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-85260676332333340942012-02-23T16:23:00.004-08:002012-02-24T11:56:21.539-08:00Happy National Banana Bread Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, to be honest, I had no idea that February 23rd was Banana Bread Day. I just coincidentally happened to be waiting for a batch to come out of the oven when I stumbled upon this happy bit of news online. But really, what a brilliant idea; who couldn't use a reason to celebrate in the depths of darkest winter, especially when what you're celebrating is a toasty warm bit of deliciousness that many of us grew up eating in one form or another.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMY9gIENY55O0s1lTXYhn2YzrZ_E36YxQUZLj4qU3_v_phXEqjEDtVLQ1DUT5If_5daZTdtQbPPSGnLIDHrZmZUgXxgjOHqgCcQxxVC4iVo30KiZBNaBfLmNni1epqW0nv1b1/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMY9gIENY55O0s1lTXYhn2YzrZ_E36YxQUZLj4qU3_v_phXEqjEDtVLQ1DUT5If_5daZTdtQbPPSGnLIDHrZmZUgXxgjOHqgCcQxxVC4iVo30KiZBNaBfLmNni1epqW0nv1b1/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2006/07/peas-and-blueberry-banana-bread.html">This is the version</a> that my kids have grown up eating, and it's still my favourite. Filled with blueberries and a hint of nutmeg, it's a nice break from tradition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPM-sOh17Jr7clnAgefKGuA3eNvVlsKFkNLLuB2ub-gh8bZa4KoQhpCNcWrP1iUlB0_3Zlnk_qFnr8M2ywe3bVDGl-8UAHdGVRTHh7vdXbcHM-Tc6pLY_LlMspJoKz2jZ93P_6/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPM-sOh17Jr7clnAgefKGuA3eNvVlsKFkNLLuB2ub-gh8bZa4KoQhpCNcWrP1iUlB0_3Zlnk_qFnr8M2ywe3bVDGl-8UAHdGVRTHh7vdXbcHM-Tc6pLY_LlMspJoKz2jZ93P_6/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since I've been making it for so long, I've tinkered with it a bit over the years. I topped this batch with a combination of brown sugar and quick oats (1/4 cup and 1/3 cup respectively), to give the loaf an extra bit of crunch and sweetness. (Another nice option is 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of quick oats, and 2 tablespoons of butter rubbed together - this creates more of a crumble topping).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4dtQ7C3RYiZdbLWpdkGRQkRoQwLlckH2iJmW1spnhWuYV2ZGQAOkce-E4oRZ7JVuOLrLuJsFA7VS0eWZH2YMU-45pAldDOrlHIObjJ7QHEd4M1xvLl3Z02Bg4MvY5D1_6S1T/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4dtQ7C3RYiZdbLWpdkGRQkRoQwLlckH2iJmW1spnhWuYV2ZGQAOkce-E4oRZ7JVuOLrLuJsFA7VS0eWZH2YMU-45pAldDOrlHIObjJ7QHEd4M1xvLl3Z02Bg4MvY5D1_6S1T/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This recipe is also pretty forgiving. Sometimes I only have two cups of mashed banana instead of the three the original recipe calls for, but it's always delicious and moist, regardless. You can see that, nowadays, I do go to the trouble to toss the berries with the flour, and it does keep the berries from sinking to the bottom, despite my previous assertion to the contrary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn1Wds03eRKcnvElwwsYGexxJlVW1ZNsuM8kvJbWlqX7bdhsRD72nz2_UxMwNEiA3TlmgQA2p8erknuaog2RxkSZ3LSpGxEQF8Q_kgzNf_F3v4qHD8_BboI4JBlEe_f0nAwu0/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn1Wds03eRKcnvElwwsYGexxJlVW1ZNsuM8kvJbWlqX7bdhsRD72nz2_UxMwNEiA3TlmgQA2p8erknuaog2RxkSZ3LSpGxEQF8Q_kgzNf_F3v4qHD8_BboI4JBlEe_f0nAwu0/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, I'm off to raise a celebratory slice.<br />
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Tea time!<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-8677452291282093892012-02-06T08:47:00.001-08:002012-02-06T08:48:14.454-08:00A Fowl Odour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over the past month or so, we've noticed a funny smell (that's putting it nicely) coming from the crawl space adjacent to our basement stairs. My husband has torn it apart numerous times trying to figure out where it was coming from, but was never able to find the source. Yesterday we finally solved the mystery.</div>
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I was out doing some yard work when I noticed Hedwig, one of our Ameracaunas, squeeze herself under the front porch and not come out. A quick peek revealed her sitting happily on a secret nest.</div>
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Hubby chased her out and retrieved the eggs using a rake. Pee ewww!<br />
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There were almost 2 dozen rotten nasties under there. I guess the foul air was being sucked through the small spaces around the foundation and into the house. </div>
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Not sure how I'm going to break her of this egg-hiding habit, I've already chased her out of several other locations. The eggs aren't all hers though, so I've obviously got a couple of rogue layers.</div>
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Ahhh, a smell only a dog could love...<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-13177792796070187852012-01-31T10:09:00.000-08:002012-01-31T10:09:09.138-08:00Mid-Winter Deals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it's <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-get-champagne-garden-on-beer.html">that time of year again</a>, when garden centers everywhere are clearing out old stock to make room for this year's crop of garden delights.</div>
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Yesterday, I headed out to my favorite haunt for a little late January garden center therapy, and was elated to see racks and racks of discounted perennials.<br />
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I didn't actually need a lot (not that that's ever stopped me before), but I did find a couple of <a href="http://www.robsplants.com/plants/AnemoHybPH">Prince Henry anemones</a>, two <a href="http://www.gardencrossings.com/plantname/Astilbe-Color-Flash-Lime">Flash Lime astilbes</a>, and some <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&biw=1366&bih=624&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=Zt0a-xhvFJNx2M:&imgrefurl=http://www.diggrowcompostblog.com/2010/04/seeing-green-and-other-new-things.html&docid=od1C47fgI4p2VM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhql-mqfSdSm0hPlmeqKw-BYi9ZxrT8Q4fEcmM4hQLBFr-XiUUVZBQvYjdBILFZ_VQicWg_m1Oov0kq7szBhU7-Tql06WWR2CKixoAmX3_0RdvtAWrlACb93XoQZjpiK-J9sFcCyw/s1600/Red%252BVeined%252BSorrel.jpg&w=1008&h=672&ei=ZCcoT-2eE4bKiAL4raWxAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=180&vpy=302&dur=363&hovh=170&hovw=250&tx=187&ty=84&sig=111865094984960372726&page=2&tbnh=134&tbnw=179&start=18&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:18">Red Veined Sorrel</a> (which looks gorgeous in the ground, but will be absolutely delicious in my <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2011/06/scrumptious-sorrel-tart.html">new favorite tart</a>).<br />
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Unlike last year, I couldn't resist grabbing myself a lush looking hellebore, but in my defense, it was on sale!<br />
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I also got myself a great hammered tin planter for next to nothing (the hellebore is sitting in it). I'm going to fill it with river rocks, maybe a water plant or two, and put it at the base of the rain chain by our <a href="http://freerangeliving.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-is-it-already-december.html">front door</a>.<br />
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Gardenworks also has all of their seeds on sale for 25% off - sale ends today, for anyone within driving distance - so I'm almost ready for spring (truth be told, I've been ready for a while). Now if only the weather would cooperate!<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30711036.post-50896283474296394392012-01-28T08:01:00.000-08:002012-01-28T08:01:15.893-08:00Sleepy, Snowy Saturday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUs3YjYdpyZg54QrcM38pJhwFMVsJuyini5WVcMCk8kW37WeSWaaB7dAfutnImvxGgJ75CnZyQwcm3iS7VZpxo0uwziZnhEvFefoMhwBqI_ZLXUrbyJypmNLcHNE1APN9Mjpt/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1BRzA5MDcuanBn%253F%253D-799266" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702712834463903938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUs3YjYdpyZg54QrcM38pJhwFMVsJuyini5WVcMCk8kW37WeSWaaB7dAfutnImvxGgJ75CnZyQwcm3iS7VZpxo0uwziZnhEvFefoMhwBqI_ZLXUrbyJypmNLcHNE1APN9Mjpt/s400/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1BRzA5MDcuanBn%253F%253D-799266" width="267" /></a></div>
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Sent from my HTC<br />
<br />Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034794313638177847noreply@blogger.com0