tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47469595141703698732024-03-13T03:31:28.400-07:00Hoping for a HomesteadMy family's journey towards more self sustainable livingKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-59888743463370187192013-05-07T08:59:00.001-07:002013-05-07T08:59:35.031-07:00Dead chicken :(So this morning I go out to feed the chickens and one is dead. It is one of the younger ones but they are now almost the size of the big ones.<br />
<br />
The top of her head was bloody in a straight line do I don't know if she was pecked or what. I did notice one of the older ones being mean to the two baby reds. She would peck and peck them if they got too close to her while she was eating or drinking. I don't know if I'm not getting food out there in time or if she's just being mean.<br />
<br />
Thank you all for leaving comments. I will respond as soon as I have more than an iPod to blog off.<br />
<br />
I leave you with a picture of my little side kick, Sue. She goes crazy if you say "ready to go get the kids?" or "let's go feed the chickies." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoVoEZzjEHig7iu3RcTrshBlYeWYMAlkTib___pA1_E1y35me0JthTSG-rxiaK1P3stpwN68u00ZlZfbPoYcIm-BuxCpQEHRxCKq6yTHH8VtIfmOOhIFpL8O0uTDzApkwUrcwwBBF-X15/s640/blogger-image-79706538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoVoEZzjEHig7iu3RcTrshBlYeWYMAlkTib___pA1_E1y35me0JthTSG-rxiaK1P3stpwN68u00ZlZfbPoYcIm-BuxCpQEHRxCKq6yTHH8VtIfmOOhIFpL8O0uTDzApkwUrcwwBBF-X15/s640/blogger-image-79706538.jpg" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-22309508824941695612013-04-22T08:18:00.001-07:002013-04-22T08:18:32.524-07:00Drama In The Chicken CoopLast week my husband suggested we put our new chicks in the big coop with the 2 big hens. (Did I mention we finished our chicken coop??? I have not been on here in forever and it only took us a year to complete). <br />
<br />
The babies were in a little pen that we'd have to move around the yard every few days. It was becoming a hassle to move it and to feed them every day because this batch is wild and every time I would lift up the pen to get the feeder out, some would get out and then the chase was on!<br />
<br />
Well, they are so wild that my kind and patient husband had to catch them with a net one by one and take them all the way to the other side of our plot behind our shed and let them out one at a time. We started with Big Mama (or at least we are assuming Big Mama, may be Big Daddy hehe). She is so big compared to the other chicks and the same age, so she may be a he. The big hens of course went after her and pulled out a few feathers, but our coop is big enough that she got away and with each chick he put in, the torture got less and less, but the big hens still were not happy. Oh but how the big hens hollered and clucked loudly for hours, they were not happy about their new roommates and they were letting us know about it! <br />
<br />
Thankfully, the babies have been in there 6 days and they are all still alive. I put out a few dishes of feed, but of course the big girls go from dish to dish, so the little hens are running nonstop going from dish to dish avoiding the leaders of the coop. It is funny to watch. As long as there is no blood shed, I'm okay with it. The good thing about putting the little gals in the big coop is now they aren't so flighty, they know when I am in there, that means food time. They still aren't as brave as the older ones who run right up to me as if to say "Whatcha got? Whatcha got?" but they do come running and stay a safe distance. Here are some pics I took this morning of all my chicken babies.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My two mean gals:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9fGRnRp-5YPzfb-8tZoJ5g09FlKH6pB_yCzGfwmE1osK3pfQ92_eAMagmV8kbyJafAZkdjrSfersx0e6sbLDMXrAgHsqYpbVFvEBJzQ9f2P50E5TmV3vbWY41gbQJdSpvWI4hhoMsStd/s1600/IMG_2843%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9fGRnRp-5YPzfb-8tZoJ5g09FlKH6pB_yCzGfwmE1osK3pfQ92_eAMagmV8kbyJafAZkdjrSfersx0e6sbLDMXrAgHsqYpbVFvEBJzQ9f2P50E5TmV3vbWY41gbQJdSpvWI4hhoMsStd/s320/IMG_2843%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The babies:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6Ko-am65mJiz3YuqkAm_0CqS-pVsFs84ASOMTdYh8gxyyy4B65w3eHW6x2S0Td8a0SRp_cChnvPwxlPtbzgslvwV2xqTRkzVailRKKlt7FwZWHHAL6rfzyGx5fxllSzyukBlfDjZgS2h/s1600/IMG_2855%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6Ko-am65mJiz3YuqkAm_0CqS-pVsFs84ASOMTdYh8gxyyy4B65w3eHW6x2S0Td8a0SRp_cChnvPwxlPtbzgslvwV2xqTRkzVailRKKlt7FwZWHHAL6rfzyGx5fxllSzyukBlfDjZgS2h/s320/IMG_2855%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Big Mama, You can see how big she is compared to one of the others:</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN97W7-mVp8KXoyeKcs2GoUgKk1kFboRSIEWxfymf3VciKh76DGAkzEFTcxm0qvvZUGPH072WbSgTGRzVzrC6c9i6MZRmGG4QkyTOki8kLV55VdLgQGgc9RfMRrB0wp3OTdg1qEjCDXKH/s1600/IMG_2851%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN97W7-mVp8KXoyeKcs2GoUgKk1kFboRSIEWxfymf3VciKh76DGAkzEFTcxm0qvvZUGPH072WbSgTGRzVzrC6c9i6MZRmGG4QkyTOki8kLV55VdLgQGgc9RfMRrB0wp3OTdg1qEjCDXKH/s320/IMG_2851%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhTTYphxrTAWRWHImXIA3lLuw4zSEMeqFBeRu3gGyfzUfFmG8f1utzJIfluNSaKwyn7JnXfHdG4YGUk5vHMFgmhbJUqYKbQlGxWOOZMu13vOx88J5-ZrLnSy9o5-XlWVvMpuRlO6Ekg0h/s1600/IMG_2849%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhTTYphxrTAWRWHImXIA3lLuw4zSEMeqFBeRu3gGyfzUfFmG8f1utzJIfluNSaKwyn7JnXfHdG4YGUk5vHMFgmhbJUqYKbQlGxWOOZMu13vOx88J5-ZrLnSy9o5-XlWVvMpuRlO6Ekg0h/s320/IMG_2849%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-12383196530039068362013-02-03T14:48:00.001-08:002013-02-03T14:48:37.489-08:00Chicken TimeMy hubs and I spent about 2 hours working on our big coop. It seems like we will never get it done! We are determined to have it ready by spring so we can put our big gals in there and get some baby chicks for the little coop.<br />
<br />
We let the girls out while we were working and of course they were nosy as ever!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzngO_BcMLskU4aS8tbaS1fnxmItN5S_DvXSWjwubekxTzUy5bgkYfervW9oWmJhpUyPVZiIXgQxPwdQafde-mWlfmMZ1Kty1mDvCzNSSRjjdTIcP8S-k-vMsJpUK8sNKe74RHokrm6FrI/s640/blogger-image-1847088070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzngO_BcMLskU4aS8tbaS1fnxmItN5S_DvXSWjwubekxTzUy5bgkYfervW9oWmJhpUyPVZiIXgQxPwdQafde-mWlfmMZ1Kty1mDvCzNSSRjjdTIcP8S-k-vMsJpUK8sNKe74RHokrm6FrI/s640/blogger-image-1847088070.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9F3cc9JrUloViZ7YQxHpQNgNFHyhgkacVUw2l_gpumONhZvePu3qqXefBwXjKpnLu2eX6kqFjxAP9DUvSBhfJdlHPVTJoggUyq_jdnEMsGWiGCdqSCK7owSf2aheFh1sSTClMq674LBt/s640/blogger-image--1858316829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9F3cc9JrUloViZ7YQxHpQNgNFHyhgkacVUw2l_gpumONhZvePu3qqXefBwXjKpnLu2eX6kqFjxAP9DUvSBhfJdlHPVTJoggUyq_jdnEMsGWiGCdqSCK7owSf2aheFh1sSTClMq674LBt/s640/blogger-image--1858316829.jpg" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-36320120934359327502013-01-28T13:49:00.001-08:002013-01-28T13:49:15.172-08:00Fire PitI have been extremely lacking in my outside work the last few months. I attribute it to being overall unhappy with myself, my house, my organizing or lack thereof. But... It is 72 degrees outside today in South Alabama and I could not put it off any longer. <br />
<br />
It feels like I hate the thought of going outside and working until I'm actually outside and working! <br />
<br />
I made myself a goal to work in the yard for 15 minutes a day this week. I set my timer and here I am 25 minutes later. I knew that was all I needed, to just force myself to get going.<br />
<br />
<br />
Today I just picked up miscellaneous debris up from the yard then I filled a bucket full of ash from the fire pit and poured it over one of my raised beds.<br />
<br />
Now I'm just sitting out here watching my son play until its time to pick up my daughter from softball.<br />
<br />
Life is good :)<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe3NUQXSjt7rhj8JHp4G1qwG1JWRH5kBVhBg01nu9aA47i3b9S9YAtHAiOlmxBnq6-4ahydIGgXyO0IQ-5FplXQR7vonua6N6cQ_SXAiXob3xULBRFAjB8HL_qiqNxND7uOnlybksWasU/s640/blogger-image-11427402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe3NUQXSjt7rhj8JHp4G1qwG1JWRH5kBVhBg01nu9aA47i3b9S9YAtHAiOlmxBnq6-4ahydIGgXyO0IQ-5FplXQR7vonua6N6cQ_SXAiXob3xULBRFAjB8HL_qiqNxND7uOnlybksWasU/s640/blogger-image-11427402.jpg" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-77159705320844547052012-11-04T20:49:00.001-08:002012-11-05T06:07:12.245-08:00New Chick in TownWe went to the "junk sale" this weekend about an hour from our house. An auctioneer sells the things people bring outside and inside they have a cow/goat/pig auction. The kids and I were walking around outside while my husband was checking out the items for sale in the auction. People had their trailers set out with all kinds of little animals to buy. We were a little late, so there were mostly only roosters left of the chickens, but we did find this one chicken. The seller said she lays blue eggs. I guess we will see. She's not the prettiest, but I think with a little TLC, she will do just fine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Nzr3CE3d08sv_5MVkEqeG_NLQb-jbVkc7lJCIclXKaq-pPXfLj4t3vDKENJI-R9Zo05vuFKr9wrcmM9tdjAfmBxfqa6AwLoFT3FvKPbviH6AYf34sZ1b1NgdLV3B_x2uWEgM1Is6-8Xp/s1600/a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Nzr3CE3d08sv_5MVkEqeG_NLQb-jbVkc7lJCIclXKaq-pPXfLj4t3vDKENJI-R9Zo05vuFKr9wrcmM9tdjAfmBxfqa6AwLoFT3FvKPbviH6AYf34sZ1b1NgdLV3B_x2uWEgM1Is6-8Xp/s320/a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven't figured out what kind she is, haven't really had a chance to look. The girls have named her Fern.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_U-JbnapbOtUAgpoLcWJU25s3Qg_TEjPNc_l31maYzJNhalg3qNPF81eqV0YGWhE04ihRQ8GAk8ILM9jPbRfxlc7BiP1y_ou8t66kTShDur4jJL1-aX8Yb2QpFLnG0NLShOtmyivNWC8/s1600/b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_U-JbnapbOtUAgpoLcWJU25s3Qg_TEjPNc_l31maYzJNhalg3qNPF81eqV0YGWhE04ihRQ8GAk8ILM9jPbRfxlc7BiP1y_ou8t66kTShDur4jJL1-aX8Yb2QpFLnG0NLShOtmyivNWC8/s320/b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The first night we had her in a cage, but my husband wanted to try putting her in with our other chicken because the cage is not secure against cats and such. We let them out in the yard for awhile and they went at it once and then again when we put them in the cage, but as of right now, they are doing okay. I'm thinking maybe since there are just 2 of them. We might have to do it more gradually if we add anymore. So far they seem to be tolerating each other :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzk56IrKWILu24snEKs7WzUasMExunj8oA02FpxI-LPk6N47hMPOxvNMdIViAFZolXb-n_D4i4iy-dv0QXApGCbXhyTzpubHH2uv36iAWujkmmwk_ohdfk3lWUn7GAdUUjHefopGx_iCz/s1600/c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzk56IrKWILu24snEKs7WzUasMExunj8oA02FpxI-LPk6N47hMPOxvNMdIViAFZolXb-n_D4i4iy-dv0QXApGCbXhyTzpubHH2uv36iAWujkmmwk_ohdfk3lWUn7GAdUUjHefopGx_iCz/s400/c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On another note, we hope you all had a fantastic halloween! My little goblins and I sure did :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmgC13o4nnyftqVodhPeH0GbprmqCfevXzPLz6HW5ytMF6pwEFnasfnv4YZeZz79BtEOpzy42ANUYBDwljQCv0qO-QIcjh92wjgaozDPagKmX30WtSoNfLskADkS_L40kWjpRn2YkMjjY/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmgC13o4nnyftqVodhPeH0GbprmqCfevXzPLz6HW5ytMF6pwEFnasfnv4YZeZz79BtEOpzy42ANUYBDwljQCv0qO-QIcjh92wjgaozDPagKmX30WtSoNfLskADkS_L40kWjpRn2YkMjjY/s400/8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This post is a part of the Homestead Revival's <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/11/barn-hop-86.html" target="_blank">Barn Hop</a></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-91629382469966114482012-10-09T06:14:00.001-07:002012-10-09T06:17:02.664-07:00Peach CobblerOn Sunday, I made some peach cobbler. This time, it turned out more like peach cake because I used a smaller dish, but it was still good, and I got to use some of the peaches I canned. That makes me happy :)<br />
<br />
<u>Peach Cobbler</u><br />
1 cup self rising flour<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 stick butter<br />
3/4 cup milk<br />
1-2 cans peaches<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
3 tablespoons sugar<br />
<br />
Melt butter in casserole dish at 375 degrees. Mix together flour and sugar. Add milk and a little bit of the juice from the peaches and mix thoroughly. Pour can of peaches with juices on melted butter in dish. Drop batter on top of peaches then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until turning golden brown on top.<br />
<br />
This is a bad picture, but this is it. My husband and kids ate it right up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNTUDa6CFlSe7RvHl9AM9I_FY14gV0QVMds9nzIg0jq5VJ8xkXgnCvEM_OVbBE9aq_61dok6p5GRzQyxY8t-5etmwNwjccKoTmmeRc56l6p_vuwBO0TKtL_F5e2I7vJhDJ2bLtzHoM9C-/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNTUDa6CFlSe7RvHl9AM9I_FY14gV0QVMds9nzIg0jq5VJ8xkXgnCvEM_OVbBE9aq_61dok6p5GRzQyxY8t-5etmwNwjccKoTmmeRc56l6p_vuwBO0TKtL_F5e2I7vJhDJ2bLtzHoM9C-/s400/securedownload.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-2783902545745853402012-10-06T13:18:00.001-07:002012-10-09T05:51:13.220-07:00Me And Knitting<br />
<br />
I don't know if it's going to work out.<br />
<br />
My Grandma started me off, but she lives in another town and I'm struggling. <br />
<br />
Does anyone have any favorite sites or YouTube videos that would help? <br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz11RHZiMeH-p7AkHiXj8DnVBAuqbvsiamAT_MABcBmjbtexZk-5QvE6X0vZB-BAlrYQISFn3Tkelk-YR64DyuWw1yrAgNy-a5W-8Km0h5XviMkyd_ZbsEsnOb3jBo02IQpShQ_gaSmMgs/s640/blogger-image-1650577556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz11RHZiMeH-p7AkHiXj8DnVBAuqbvsiamAT_MABcBmjbtexZk-5QvE6X0vZB-BAlrYQISFn3Tkelk-YR64DyuWw1yrAgNy-a5W-8Km0h5XviMkyd_ZbsEsnOb3jBo02IQpShQ_gaSmMgs/s640/blogger-image-1650577556.jpg" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-58958363908995905342012-10-03T19:42:00.003-07:002012-10-09T06:18:53.447-07:00It's Beginning to feel like fall!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hope everyone has been having a lovely start to their fall! It is finally starting to cool off some here in South Alabama. This past weekend it rained just about the whole time, which kept me indoors, which forced me to do a few projects!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The first thing I did was can some potatoes. My first time trying and it was super easy! I got 20 pounds at a great discount at the grocery store, so I decided to try it out. Haven't tried the potatoes yet, but they look really good. I was so afraid they were going to turn to mush.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWZGZzRbVieyqxaYm4PDIpB8h5cVDn827d9zpIyc-FFCfHtvZPb22mrH5jiRPBIf9UC23JrcdOM_W-F__9_rIiT_ydCZT8t5c2lnqhYgrMV3yZSLE1kihCupmL8x7bUJsBp4lngN4xH5e/s640/blogger-image--1837718812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWZGZzRbVieyqxaYm4PDIpB8h5cVDn827d9zpIyc-FFCfHtvZPb22mrH5jiRPBIf9UC23JrcdOM_W-F__9_rIiT_ydCZT8t5c2lnqhYgrMV3yZSLE1kihCupmL8x7bUJsBp4lngN4xH5e/s640/blogger-image--1837718812.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next, we made some candy apples. This was my husband's request (I prefer caramel apples!). I don't know if I enjoyed making these. They were messy. Maybe it was just because I don't really eat them that I didn't enjoy it? They stick to my teeth so bad I can't stand it, but I thought they turned out really pretty :) Nothing says fall like some apples, or candy/caramel apples for that matter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPM14n51dqQpRqGi3hUIAo4cuLTeIfW1XcRztS1CKJmn-PSEXhSEgeZEZt1O1nkHDtLyphd7tQTfxA3BUqCagqq8G2iqep0JtoTgTwus2brDbF5qj4N8NdJZxUqR8unEciWTBVLy-GAYa/s640/blogger-image--348551690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPM14n51dqQpRqGi3hUIAo4cuLTeIfW1XcRztS1CKJmn-PSEXhSEgeZEZt1O1nkHDtLyphd7tQTfxA3BUqCagqq8G2iqep0JtoTgTwus2brDbF5qj4N8NdJZxUqR8unEciWTBVLy-GAYa/s640/blogger-image--348551690.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7gdxFQWz4CEZH7LiRFW6VnrDdXI0V9ELvG5tP07wKWmsts8QKzqmhCcaSlzajUYXKVgTpuBF-aTz_CaQGZMcpI_FjZlUUorHTxjQ84O99016Ux3gM5zmkwOc-YlxiIShNaEHir5asQIO/s640/blogger-image-280596601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7gdxFQWz4CEZH7LiRFW6VnrDdXI0V9ELvG5tP07wKWmsts8QKzqmhCcaSlzajUYXKVgTpuBF-aTz_CaQGZMcpI_FjZlUUorHTxjQ84O99016Ux3gM5zmkwOc-YlxiIShNaEHir5asQIO/s640/blogger-image-280596601.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then...While I watched the Alabama game with my husband (ROLL TIDE!), I made my daughter a hat with the Knifty Knitter that my Grandmother got me. It didn't take long at all and my daughter loves it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfT4aXcutfgWxxgB_FBGoCdSxu5Gxx_jAHZOotO26TDPVZViEVxB8He81_J2M6BZBZPtdNaig1zHIcJqvwDRwNXraAT1GoBUMiIdVdpsUP1QOOwuWixUwtIANEzz_5TbQoTAf-KZveCyj/s640/blogger-image-212958526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfT4aXcutfgWxxgB_FBGoCdSxu5Gxx_jAHZOotO26TDPVZViEVxB8He81_J2M6BZBZPtdNaig1zHIcJqvwDRwNXraAT1GoBUMiIdVdpsUP1QOOwuWixUwtIANEzz_5TbQoTAf-KZveCyj/s640/blogger-image-212958526.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
In other news, pecan picking season has begun! That also means chasing off cows while we are picking pecans! I had my I-pod on the tailgate of the truck playing music while I picked and one actually put it's nasty nose on it. I thought she was going to eat it LOL. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHJ9rgMFjkxZALojBOhyEkvsuADznvhuVFBKWXw9BfawleC5e6hLFfbWxtGwMNf-mekqmp1WlK9jMDH_ap1jonQ8pCTliDSt-XU2n2fd5sqmqy3L15CazrLGXA8y24FbFLNE_749DDStN/s640/blogger-image--831740493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHJ9rgMFjkxZALojBOhyEkvsuADznvhuVFBKWXw9BfawleC5e6hLFfbWxtGwMNf-mekqmp1WlK9jMDH_ap1jonQ8pCTliDSt-XU2n2fd5sqmqy3L15CazrLGXA8y24FbFLNE_749DDStN/s640/blogger-image--831740493.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great week! It's over halfway over YAY!</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-4393061502399136512012-09-17T16:35:00.002-07:002012-09-17T16:35:28.317-07:00Weekend FunNot much to report here! We are having a wonderfuly rainy evening here in Alabama, first one in over a week and it's just lovely, especially because it's not storming, just raining :)<br />
<br />
This past weekend, my sister and her boys came to the house. I'm always worried that people will be bored when they visit us, but they keep coming back and say they love how quiet it is in our small town. Also, most of them don't have cell phone service, so they leave their phones in the truck.<br />
<br />
Of course, they all had to take a look at how big our chicken has gotten. I jokingly call her our fourth child since she is still the only one and gets so much attention. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nEGYuau3A6pjW8EmTUaIjsLnqTfvt8neKW6nO1hyphenhyphenDgWU2Ig8JpaStEgyACtcicPgR8-hXf5E6guYM9_w1yELGfzRjv1RSADNoflJbKjbctlD1Iw5NnDLEOQWc5urkSIlXk-aSoboplW0/s1600/46527_10152127371365221_2140198151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nEGYuau3A6pjW8EmTUaIjsLnqTfvt8neKW6nO1hyphenhyphenDgWU2Ig8JpaStEgyACtcicPgR8-hXf5E6guYM9_w1yELGfzRjv1RSADNoflJbKjbctlD1Iw5NnDLEOQWc5urkSIlXk-aSoboplW0/s320/46527_10152127371365221_2140198151_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnXtpoWLpEAbxnfirHEa6IyXOpnxE3ZH7KefAFwVml9rbXfF34jyGB7BKTgjXQv7ZYgUm49iCgt1DBZ2A9AmzheinMi_Icf0q3aLKiB1UbejkXoOtt0M86WDy-ZdyXCRqse1PfYDvzM1t/s1600/423653_10152127375100221_760223977_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnXtpoWLpEAbxnfirHEa6IyXOpnxE3ZH7KefAFwVml9rbXfF34jyGB7BKTgjXQv7ZYgUm49iCgt1DBZ2A9AmzheinMi_Icf0q3aLKiB1UbejkXoOtt0M86WDy-ZdyXCRqse1PfYDvzM1t/s320/423653_10152127375100221_760223977_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are my 2 babies LOL!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzdXmkfx0yXAJemnqSgn5JUgzgUEgP5hfxBv3YqzGnriQCYAb9-fTgt6ajEPG7HXKMGOOPCYpSUo_9hMvPMhSPG6BLzy9ib8CyxdtR5jkZJ0fLRiSpSInysrZdK9Dh9JE4fDPbHd91izQ/s1600/263962_10152127376145221_2124551155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzdXmkfx0yXAJemnqSgn5JUgzgUEgP5hfxBv3YqzGnriQCYAb9-fTgt6ajEPG7HXKMGOOPCYpSUo_9hMvPMhSPG6BLzy9ib8CyxdtR5jkZJ0fLRiSpSInysrZdK9Dh9JE4fDPbHd91izQ/s320/263962_10152127376145221_2124551155_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then we went down to the family farm for some 4-wheeler riding and relaxing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg15a5eqDp2TJdX8kFaruhzY6S3FANHE9UQu5h3o02-8VuiFuAublu7TsM5fGizRJGFOBp6uJAi5MefbxIYBQ6cZHK8TXR5bvbdhDojTuh6q_67JowdARgew7fsU05usSgN2UWpnT6inxS/s1600/384043_10152129681160221_1612573597_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg15a5eqDp2TJdX8kFaruhzY6S3FANHE9UQu5h3o02-8VuiFuAublu7TsM5fGizRJGFOBp6uJAi5MefbxIYBQ6cZHK8TXR5bvbdhDojTuh6q_67JowdARgew7fsU05usSgN2UWpnT6inxS/s320/384043_10152129681160221_1612573597_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_IwLf_bpKB1T-HDLMCA99wlImXzN_4kUOB1Pe26yqQc9XsItq7surJOXpNejBVCP5ZfU2VOjILfSIM7jw7pH6ERoj54KqXGjfX6BxyzYEVQb23RBaAP50NEjPYAR8qCPFzdxDQTDcoe7/s1600/282299_10152127403865221_776851530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_IwLf_bpKB1T-HDLMCA99wlImXzN_4kUOB1Pe26yqQc9XsItq7surJOXpNejBVCP5ZfU2VOjILfSIM7jw7pH6ERoj54KqXGjfX6BxyzYEVQb23RBaAP50NEjPYAR8qCPFzdxDQTDcoe7/s320/282299_10152127403865221_776851530_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hope you all had a great weekend and hope for a great week to come!<br />
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-78178395497640916652012-09-11T12:47:00.001-07:002012-09-11T12:47:53.053-07:00Our First Egg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXR8KmsglIaFoA3b09eB1oJg5YEVG3zfD2xAwGT22Jm_VbDwtYrRF_4iSixbvCImBpr1Au1ItBEH0n1NSOmvTb9AYSbKq8-ChXWpI-7sWXLnhO1o8cMDKcS84dbJf-uFjUA3rX-6XBxS0/s1600/527005_384593441614423_1843287600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXR8KmsglIaFoA3b09eB1oJg5YEVG3zfD2xAwGT22Jm_VbDwtYrRF_4iSixbvCImBpr1Au1ItBEH0n1NSOmvTb9AYSbKq8-ChXWpI-7sWXLnhO1o8cMDKcS84dbJf-uFjUA3rX-6XBxS0/s320/527005_384593441614423_1843287600_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I got an unexpected surprise yesterday afternoon. The little girl I take care of some afternoons and my daughter's BFF were out in the yard and found this egg in the pen. They came in with it hollering. I couldn't believe it at first. I mean, it's time, but for some reason I thought chickens just laid eggs first thing in the morning LOL! No egg this morning, going back out in a little bit to check. <br />
<br />
The girls were so funny because one said she told the other, "Okay, you distract the chicken while I get the egg." Too cute :)<br />
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-85436621224380187372012-09-10T07:06:00.003-07:002012-09-10T07:34:58.494-07:00Oh What a Beautiful Morning!It's in the 60s this morning in South Alabama and I'm loving it! Everything is so green and pretty and it is not too hot to go out and get some work done in the yard. I've been doing some here and there, but I've really been slacking. The morning sun comes right up over my backyard beds and after a few minutes of working or weeding, you can hardly stand it, but this morning, I spent about an hour and a half weeding one of my beds and planting some seeds. <br />
<br />
I had a little helper this morning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w6GyRJnaBaLnACj5ypAQrTjSO9XRBk9vdaNa5pQI83V-pfNeEFaJzCH9jU2sfdYTJ5yorAebCpCthGrBJTS_aS4aEZNxxchNJbiG3W3OSmWsmOIJ3T5Z1M7wdNnfL2JtrB-RlF-zwO-r/s1600/IMG_0137%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w6GyRJnaBaLnACj5ypAQrTjSO9XRBk9vdaNa5pQI83V-pfNeEFaJzCH9jU2sfdYTJ5yorAebCpCthGrBJTS_aS4aEZNxxchNJbiG3W3OSmWsmOIJ3T5Z1M7wdNnfL2JtrB-RlF-zwO-r/s400/IMG_0137%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a>]</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We still have just the one and she is spoiled rotten. She doesn't get let out of her pen a lot because I'm so worried the neighborhood dogs are going to get at her like they did all my others.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrblHON00HohHCumUentmhDiWIsnVIvoFHoXsFOCrLbF3rnCaIreNBwujFgwvFaQ-rreHtkNya4AkUIQ4xPopCS9hrfO2UyEbubBaO_yGt6ldp84W8q31ot7fYTZJEj9DL2UXbMV6nFTm/s1600/IMG_0141%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrblHON00HohHCumUentmhDiWIsnVIvoFHoXsFOCrLbF3rnCaIreNBwujFgwvFaQ-rreHtkNya4AkUIQ4xPopCS9hrfO2UyEbubBaO_yGt6ldp84W8q31ot7fYTZJEj9DL2UXbMV6nFTm/s400/IMG_0141%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was weeding one of my beds and she was right up in it with me. I literally had to keep a big stick by my side because she thinks our fingers and toes are worms and goes crazy sometimes. I don't hit her with it, I just use it to gently push her away. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMolRLLKBZivs9M8nzmFXbFuAxIVpuLEoY50rHOxNvSEhe7n8ODmFdyYkzXI0BHnDtzwwF35zh-ArCBFIaPg60lOgklecyy_nS6P_gs7TvrIN0fqiX1iHe9zG4K3xTG_uaDf9eU7CyEIJ/s1600/IMG_0142%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMolRLLKBZivs9M8nzmFXbFuAxIVpuLEoY50rHOxNvSEhe7n8ODmFdyYkzXI0BHnDtzwwF35zh-ArCBFIaPg60lOgklecyy_nS6P_gs7TvrIN0fqiX1iHe9zG4K3xTG_uaDf9eU7CyEIJ/s400/IMG_0142%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It didn't really deter her though. She wanted to know everything that was going on.<br />
<br />
We had another little helper too. This little stick bug hanging out on the wall while we were working.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zT59O1svd9by4SlAoIH07r2vTixWv5ttsn61f0BA87ht8_4yPhyphenhyphenxPCp_mH1nzq1_fvMvpk2OGE-8vUCzIomhL-GLpwHsqdC4G7XLouFLDG3hVGIrbilJp5mdk3V-wVkCpL2FbIsHioKQ/s1600/IMG_0146%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zT59O1svd9by4SlAoIH07r2vTixWv5ttsn61f0BA87ht8_4yPhyphenhyphenxPCp_mH1nzq1_fvMvpk2OGE-8vUCzIomhL-GLpwHsqdC4G7XLouFLDG3hVGIrbilJp5mdk3V-wVkCpL2FbIsHioKQ/s400/IMG_0146%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As I was going inside, I realized I had several peas growing on my pea plant. I am so excited. I pray they keep at it so we can have some fresh peas. Yum!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowiw9Ew3yQBP07EOPJMT3LctVjnxzWUbiwsXdt-2aJ8MmDbhi0jacP-GP7xzNrlBLAXjWN9Xlk4ToS1F1pAqzdTSZGBVM3A7FyGB_65VtmW2PJUNAeeAiGWoFEGCa2vz3MXpvW6vbo7be/s1600/IMG_0148%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowiw9Ew3yQBP07EOPJMT3LctVjnxzWUbiwsXdt-2aJ8MmDbhi0jacP-GP7xzNrlBLAXjWN9Xlk4ToS1F1pAqzdTSZGBVM3A7FyGB_65VtmW2PJUNAeeAiGWoFEGCa2vz3MXpvW6vbo7be/s400/IMG_0148%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone have a great week!<br />
<br />
This post is part of the Homestead Revival's <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/09/barn-hop-78.html" target="_blank">Barn Hop</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-61702488146009172012012-09-04T09:13:00.002-07:002012-09-04T09:21:37.411-07:00Rainy Day....Let's Crochet!It's been raining all morning here in South Alabama. What I really wanted to do was lay back down after I dropped the kids off at school and take a nap, but I couldn't do it. I wanted to be productive today.<br />
<br />
Over the weekend, I started thinking about some presents I can crochet for Christmas. I know I should have started something earlier, but I haven't. I got into my yarn and realized what a horrible mess it was. With a little help from my youngest daughter, I rolled a bunch of it up. Am I the only one who can hardly crochet unless I have rolled my yarn into balls? No matter what end I start it, it always gets tangled up and makes me so mad! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2SmAx-A0hmwNEAxEe_a3QweFD8EWgzNFuAt2NVHM7UWE-VdMPhPtCogYkV1jXqqS5M-QdzhqQpKpdsL4yw-Xa8A8yBRE-YwFGqMCT66Nf1HiZ24wI_DyjemdgpGaWEBn20Z8jV5j5D6-/s1600/IMG_0122%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2SmAx-A0hmwNEAxEe_a3QweFD8EWgzNFuAt2NVHM7UWE-VdMPhPtCogYkV1jXqqS5M-QdzhqQpKpdsL4yw-Xa8A8yBRE-YwFGqMCT66Nf1HiZ24wI_DyjemdgpGaWEBn20Z8jV5j5D6-/s400/IMG_0122%5B1%5D" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anyway, this morning I decided I had too much yarn to go and get some more so I started a blanket. I think I'm going to use the yarn that I have and just do a big double crochet blanket with all different mismatching colors and textures. I've never done one like that, always have perfectly matched colors. I have seen several people do all the different colors and I just love the look, so here I go! Hopefully I can get it done by doing as much as I can in the mornings after I drop off the kids and before work. I will let you know how it goes, hopefully soon because I need to get started on those Christmas presents! <br />
<br />
Have a great week ya'll!<br />
<br />
This post is part of Homestead Revival's <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/09/barn-hop-77.html" target="_blank">Barn Hop!</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-32242679426804981042012-08-29T09:35:00.001-07:002012-09-04T09:16:16.270-07:00Homemade Cayenne Pepper PowderA friend of mine brought me a box of all kinds of peppers (she works at a doctor's office and the patient's bring him tons of vegetables). There were several cayenne peppers and I didn't want them to go to waste so I looked up how to turn them into the powder you use for baking. I basically found that you just cut the ends off and stick them in the dehydrator.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uSqdr5L8bz1E7nSvTTXDQAAJASq5vgbPFaaPQUbgzjGKqoHUtGknZ64_kO6xNDAhN8gKNTxvf87vdobCkoRgqojrkiZdKl22YE_ZPaYr4AZ0NDqJqOwvUPfpVYYBXDbiDV1I8mMsGsNF/s1600/IMG_0095%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uSqdr5L8bz1E7nSvTTXDQAAJASq5vgbPFaaPQUbgzjGKqoHUtGknZ64_kO6xNDAhN8gKNTxvf87vdobCkoRgqojrkiZdKl22YE_ZPaYr4AZ0NDqJqOwvUPfpVYYBXDbiDV1I8mMsGsNF/s320/IMG_0095%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I wasn't sure if the color would still come out red because of the green ones. I left them in the dehydrator overnight and this morning I broke them up in my magic bullet (you could use a blender or a food processor). It took literally a couple seconds to turn into powder. I was so very excited because it looks just like what you would get at the grocery store. I probably go through one a year to use for chili and cheese straws and I've been wanting to make some homemade taco seasoning. This little bit of peppers actually made more than one of those little spice containers at the store.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOQMJLbPN0VtKhAcpfucFLNlpud7IiDYBDr363SR1VVnrrV61SMn3wO7gTW8x7zy3Z4xwAxZfRtGg02RnmpzMcggt-ID7bIkf23nUBydTS_CAkEJsRX2UIBI2dRPZjlMcV61v2ZOQvi8M/s1600/IMG_0113%5B2%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOQMJLbPN0VtKhAcpfucFLNlpud7IiDYBDr363SR1VVnrrV61SMn3wO7gTW8x7zy3Z4xwAxZfRtGg02RnmpzMcggt-ID7bIkf23nUBydTS_CAkEJsRX2UIBI2dRPZjlMcV61v2ZOQvi8M/s320/IMG_0113%5B2%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems once or twice a week I'm learning something new I can do to help keep costs down or to make more things homemade. It may not seem worth it when you just make a little container of powdered pepper, but when you add it all together, you are saving money and making healthier food for your family to eat, so it IS worth it!<br />
<br />
This post is part of the <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/08/homestead-barn-hop-76.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a> at The Prairie Homestead.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-91130537974733863462012-08-28T10:44:00.001-07:002012-09-04T09:16:38.457-07:00Canning Dried Black Eye PeasOne of my friends and I did a canning session with dried pinto beans. We went by the instructions in the Ball book and they turned out great. I have already used them for taco soup.<br />
<br />
Well she found where you can do the dried beans without having to cook them first. I have done some kidney beans and black beans this way and they have turned out great. Today I was working on some black eye peas.<br />
<br />
First you get your hot jars ready and rinse off the beans. Next, you add 2/3 cups of dry beans to each pint jar and 1/2 teaspoon of canning salt. Make sure you just do the 2/3 cup because the beans expand a lot. My friend didn't think it looked like enough so she added more in hers and she could hardly get the beans out when she was done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4_Sg7m1WJZh1qt_DwMYoFNiuNgvephPoEuj3cTK24gQFqA-SDfNaLaTOl8sebzL6nxB9vr3cd2kzMcsO55FcD4yEk-1mqbrFT1HxU35ykY7YcfScO7J6rkr-PhvV3AbwDf1WpEa94NY-/s1600/IMG_0101%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4_Sg7m1WJZh1qt_DwMYoFNiuNgvephPoEuj3cTK24gQFqA-SDfNaLaTOl8sebzL6nxB9vr3cd2kzMcsO55FcD4yEk-1mqbrFT1HxU35ykY7YcfScO7J6rkr-PhvV3AbwDf1WpEa94NY-/s320/IMG_0101%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, you fill the rest of the jar with boiling water. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXj2MbO4zI1sA034wq8JEQXcxDckyHB4f96zqaY2XSSPD3JQhy1WLmRI9b0f0xZO3puN1_19kEHi7kEPs9bH5rrZUnm61znNCQWm4MLQu0OfwqTvPSMCRjd2TgXXvDWD0dqZiK5L8XyQ_O/s1600/IMG_0106%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXj2MbO4zI1sA034wq8JEQXcxDckyHB4f96zqaY2XSSPD3JQhy1WLmRI9b0f0xZO3puN1_19kEHi7kEPs9bH5rrZUnm61znNCQWm4MLQu0OfwqTvPSMCRjd2TgXXvDWD0dqZiK5L8XyQ_O/s320/IMG_0106%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Make sure you have any air bubbles out, wipe the rims of the jars with a clean rag and add your lids and put them in the pressure canner.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZsViHf8G3rGoaH5kwVCMnFSZyD4VkMGokkaKOpPqievih0IQ0ISVn4LwE6ShRpRZMB8GpU5_1mN0MZMKts3dzkSOIRVSGzruPZ7jG6wtvWS75eT8hIp1flZGd8sLS-HmNSNMysUd7OzJ/s1600/IMG_0107%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZsViHf8G3rGoaH5kwVCMnFSZyD4VkMGokkaKOpPqievih0IQ0ISVn4LwE6ShRpRZMB8GpU5_1mN0MZMKts3dzkSOIRVSGzruPZ7jG6wtvWS75eT8hIp1flZGd8sLS-HmNSNMysUd7OzJ/s320/IMG_0107%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Leave them in the canner at a pressure of 15 pounds for 1 hour. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2FPAOwngqn29_bv7boSyNV2N6STP20x1fhNGJbBRIeS6xukOixMxEoJWWzUTZyd9l0n0VLvzAMRWK9kT3hLBvsR2G42KCefsg2wp6AFdNPTdB5kXQBPxWRdfA88udqCs0NaLh79hLix0/s1600/IMG_0110%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2FPAOwngqn29_bv7boSyNV2N6STP20x1fhNGJbBRIeS6xukOixMxEoJWWzUTZyd9l0n0VLvzAMRWK9kT3hLBvsR2G42KCefsg2wp6AFdNPTdB5kXQBPxWRdfA88udqCs0NaLh79hLix0/s320/IMG_0110%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's it! So simple, I just love doing it. Makes me want to go to the grocery store and buy a bag of every kind of dried bean they have there. I will definitely be using these up this winter. <br />
<br />
Some people have asked why I would take the time to can the dried beans. Well, if I have all the different types of beans that I use for chili dried in bags in my cabinet, I probably will not use them for the soup. It takes awhile to prepare the dried beans and if I have these on my shelf, I will be way less tempted to just go to the grocery store and buy cans of beans to use for my recipes. Now of course, fresh peas and beans to can is a way better option, but I don't always have those types of fresh beans available to can, especially the black and pinto beans, although I will have to look into that. <br />
<br />
One more thing, one 32-ounce bag of dried black eye peas made 10 quart jars! I could not even fit one in the canner, so I guess I will let that one sit and use it for supper tonight :)Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-4894065762405580902012-08-27T11:16:00.001-07:002012-09-04T09:17:01.210-07:00Dodging the HurricaneWe got all worked up this weekend thinking a hurricane was headed our way (we are in south Alabama), but now it looks like it is heading towards Mississippi and Louisiana. Lots of prayers heading to those states and also praying that maybe it will lose some strength.<br />
<br />
During all of our watching the news and such, I started thinking how some people have teased me about canning and such and isn't it funny now that I'm not having to run to the grocery store to get canned goods because I probably have enough on my shelves to get us through a few weeks without power. Now that is the best revenge Ha! :)<br />
<br />
My husband's uncle was actually teasing me Friday night because I had just canned some jalapenos and banana peppers and I told him that he was not allowed to come get any when the hurricane rolled in. Joking of course (maybe LOL)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsLXNySo76XjLuSDWTN_8WouNFH78UhBXdGbG8KWGCC63BiKcMH3ppr-NNNSxNFHzymDBlUzhvlw_oAnE20ycLi62V_aENkaAXCylhuAFzH8kmOGqBrSDWz-Naa5Qb78sUbWtKJzIjw7W/s1600/cans1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsLXNySo76XjLuSDWTN_8WouNFH78UhBXdGbG8KWGCC63BiKcMH3ppr-NNNSxNFHzymDBlUzhvlw_oAnE20ycLi62V_aENkaAXCylhuAFzH8kmOGqBrSDWz-Naa5Qb78sUbWtKJzIjw7W/s320/cans1.JPG" width="240" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week I finished up that basil I was working on. I can't wait to use it. It dried really nicely and I just put it in a small jar. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFLCDvrJGeBq5xH0gdCfdxVyrDGf184yYgN3xW0KVSevo1wWGUFkDSm85RaS0X-dqcnL6e1l4HNUJK0feS4Skr9J7u4j06Q9Qg5mAdLB1wD_OwizS4pNPm2KL2PtBBbKtlQ4xNz-kJXeP/s1600/IMG_0042%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFLCDvrJGeBq5xH0gdCfdxVyrDGf184yYgN3xW0KVSevo1wWGUFkDSm85RaS0X-dqcnL6e1l4HNUJK0feS4Skr9J7u4j06Q9Qg5mAdLB1wD_OwizS4pNPm2KL2PtBBbKtlQ4xNz-kJXeP/s320/IMG_0042%5B1%5D" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfx1D6qDPnGI5vtJaxIZoJP7YRnf5Fs-XpLPWoedNrseDNSJzyIGBm3NYe1ecRax7yri_PSLfmlMarJWtO6WqAgIAHzjVXFyZyEjKB2W1yMZgdh73d5dvjuXCFxKcMUYmEfsIYyrelgPl/s1600/IMG_0063%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfx1D6qDPnGI5vtJaxIZoJP7YRnf5Fs-XpLPWoedNrseDNSJzyIGBm3NYe1ecRax7yri_PSLfmlMarJWtO6WqAgIAHzjVXFyZyEjKB2W1yMZgdh73d5dvjuXCFxKcMUYmEfsIYyrelgPl/s320/IMG_0063%5B1%5D" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
<br />
Sorry for the bad/blurry pictures! I've got to figure out the trick to taking good pictures of jars and inaminate objects. I do a lot better with kids. <br />
<br />
Speaking of the little devils, here they were on the first day of school, all excited and ready to go. Ya'll have a great week :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqJ7WdPuaaAkhmzsk8dczwFbnQlwFMMZojMxMWJK-I0IZnusaRFoLAz6V060rvBhIuFClaU3UxrrEiYOUMeG7Z53srr7r33hhJn9W5ZYkL2CgJNr0UBwNm1pIbyICun3_y07k7prEFfAh/s1600/GEDC0342%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqJ7WdPuaaAkhmzsk8dczwFbnQlwFMMZojMxMWJK-I0IZnusaRFoLAz6V060rvBhIuFClaU3UxrrEiYOUMeG7Z53srr7r33hhJn9W5ZYkL2CgJNr0UBwNm1pIbyICun3_y07k7prEFfAh/s320/GEDC0342%5B1%5D" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-45238425197964928852012-08-21T09:32:00.001-07:002012-09-04T09:17:07.880-07:00Basil On My BrainYa'll, my kids are back to school, husband is back to work after a little beach vacation and I have the house to myself! That means I have time to do a little blogging. I've been trying to think of what to blog about. I walked around the back this morning and found my basil plants have doubled or tripled in size in just one week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZzbihmacVbjezm-Las2su5cCEJJ3a_fzp8vwwC9uhk2gbDtjioPAHDbKnswlvgvpDcjbMXVBBIppv6mhXZaRLEnDECCDO8NByt6_8du7t-5VA_GfAsESDHo0AFHEtSUaaq9aKFG3OIVN/s1600/IMG_0029%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZzbihmacVbjezm-Las2su5cCEJJ3a_fzp8vwwC9uhk2gbDtjioPAHDbKnswlvgvpDcjbMXVBBIppv6mhXZaRLEnDECCDO8NByt6_8du7t-5VA_GfAsESDHo0AFHEtSUaaq9aKFG3OIVN/s320/IMG_0029%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week these plants looked like a few twigs with leaves on them. I pruned them like I've read about. I put them outside and it's rained lots this past week, but we've also had a lot of sunshine. They have grown so much in a week, it has just blown my mind away. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdFZVcJqABvgn_mdnQGeJNuFbleP1jUqAYoaVdnnAdbcPF8zbyCT_Rr3TQQSCnlB-BgVxvXAlUb0ibOblmEIzla6LMoMdBVYefamMPKRSN1gVGB1SL3JAiN8Sj0WNBGhhVBu7osJpFvZU/s1600/IMG_0031%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdFZVcJqABvgn_mdnQGeJNuFbleP1jUqAYoaVdnnAdbcPF8zbyCT_Rr3TQQSCnlB-BgVxvXAlUb0ibOblmEIzla6LMoMdBVYefamMPKRSN1gVGB1SL3JAiN8Sj0WNBGhhVBu7osJpFvZU/s320/IMG_0031%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It makes me really happy because basil has been the only herb I have been able to grow this year and even it was not doing that great. I don't know what my problem is with the herbs, although I have a feeling I might pay a little too much attention to them, possibly?? This might be a prime example. I leave this plant alone for a week and it flourishes!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXQvhoAq7aBQWaCr30AOMzHuf_GtevntX5SPQItM94RGs9YoJ4SJJctXleIx2zsMdzpNJIDv3S9a3oi99UgfcPgKporLBuvIzerdtB0l8I3MHjrUc1jxkvOD9kCXnr7CJQuWdT1pkwYKk/s1600/IMG_0034%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXQvhoAq7aBQWaCr30AOMzHuf_GtevntX5SPQItM94RGs9YoJ4SJJctXleIx2zsMdzpNJIDv3S9a3oi99UgfcPgKporLBuvIzerdtB0l8I3MHjrUc1jxkvOD9kCXnr7CJQuWdT1pkwYKk/s320/IMG_0034%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So if any of you have doubted pruning your basil, don't doubt it, just do it because it works. Right now I am drying what I pulled off in the oven. I will post more on that tomorrow.<br />
<br />
What do you like to do with basil besides pasta sauce? My neighbor wrapped her shrimp in some I gave her and grilled it, that sounds wonderful. Looking for more ideas!<br />
<br />
Everyone have a great week :)Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-89127641525081453602012-08-06T18:28:00.002-07:002012-08-06T18:28:15.512-07:00Two More Weeks Until School Starts!The dog days of summer are just flying by. I've really enjoyed spending the days with my kids and crossing things off of our summer wish list, but at the same time, I am craving a routine. They are staying up so late and sleeping in so late. It's going to be a big reality check when school starts, but isn't it every year?<br />
<br />
It's been raining most evenings with a quick, strong thunderstorm. Just enough to give us a much needed relief from the hot temperatures. I love sitting on the porch with the breeze and watching the hummingbirds dodging the rain to get to the feeders. I'm not quick enough to catch them or my kids are sitting with me and scare the birds off with their loud chatter.<br />
<br />
This rain has been just enough to where I have barely had to water the few remaining plants I have left in about a month. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TkaaKML9u2siS8csknLtC5ImTc2VxgVHYIVajM_Oav_28OWyCrUsGA6MBZQW1pRlxWT-QJk8gMcnXNMxk28DB8RMxFU8CtckdFkU-iDI_3sS2dxg2aybDtJa_nRd-oacJquRmE-wr679/s1600/313583_4298397099349_1425774382_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TkaaKML9u2siS8csknLtC5ImTc2VxgVHYIVajM_Oav_28OWyCrUsGA6MBZQW1pRlxWT-QJk8gMcnXNMxk28DB8RMxFU8CtckdFkU-iDI_3sS2dxg2aybDtJa_nRd-oacJquRmE-wr679/s320/313583_4298397099349_1425774382_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My mom has a pool, so we have been spending a lot of Fridays at her house. This guy has turned into a little fish this summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUY-bErL8WdeEw2UmMYUvcKVm-KKZtoQFsA3jmLB-ctf6w6zH9ATyoCKt90tlBxde0QSpfMI4ql5VMfeWiZ0U1gtRGmrLMuP1MaZjYtVkCWu_zeFp6Mseh78DsphX_kmKbhIV_S9Tsl4C/s1600/486425_4126428560243_1410486818_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUY-bErL8WdeEw2UmMYUvcKVm-KKZtoQFsA3jmLB-ctf6w6zH9ATyoCKt90tlBxde0QSpfMI4ql5VMfeWiZ0U1gtRGmrLMuP1MaZjYtVkCWu_zeFp6Mseh78DsphX_kmKbhIV_S9Tsl4C/s320/486425_4126428560243_1410486818_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We've been having lots of cousins spend the night and lots of friend time this summer. We've really enjoyed it, but sometimes it can get hectic, so I will declare a few friend-free days in a row and everything will calm down. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMR0GHWWG0gmA2ZSyliwE5WqZDAcpiOxWZzWVhxUOgCfouhkQLxXGr6QM3cClKrfih0BXDtzztHqnyKnAMAHXstW2jdZF3gHMvK5nBxtKBZ6OepxZu6gXJ4Uxrosxfleeij4eDRc52eYE/s1600/558126_4254664526062_2003611766_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMR0GHWWG0gmA2ZSyliwE5WqZDAcpiOxWZzWVhxUOgCfouhkQLxXGr6QM3cClKrfih0BXDtzztHqnyKnAMAHXstW2jdZF3gHMvK5nBxtKBZ6OepxZu6gXJ4Uxrosxfleeij4eDRc52eYE/s320/558126_4254664526062_2003611766_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The most recent things we have crossed off our summer wish list are Make Your Own Pizza Night and Make Your Own Sundae nights. The kids seem to enjoy the low cost/free things most of all, and I love that!<br />
<br />
Hope you all are enjoying the last summer as we are. Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-62188547701707954382012-07-19T19:55:00.001-07:002012-10-09T05:45:07.786-07:00Ramblings From the Day<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since it has been just me and my 6-year-old today (my girls are at summer camp), we just kind of did our own thing and wandered around the yard looking at everything, pulling weeds, watering the plants in the greenhouse, feeding THE chicken and just playing around. I took a peak at my new squash plants popping up. The others succombed I think due to a combination of the heat and squash bugs. I have one bigger squash plant left and after reading online, I have been diligent about squishing bugs on the plant and scraping eggs of the backs of the leaves. Gross!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcUDbUo99OBe8kUSzWivdDyQnciK8ZW9Ub4LqsL3sy4rMjKP8jbvEjnipXhdV3EHm68NK1GxgrDRfcrzB7gwyTAArPvXbHYoPKiezWI8_FDzNUpnpgZvAacw08YUUxo0e_LRrvdSoPxO7/s640/blogger-image--616527339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcUDbUo99OBe8kUSzWivdDyQnciK8ZW9Ub4LqsL3sy4rMjKP8jbvEjnipXhdV3EHm68NK1GxgrDRfcrzB7gwyTAArPvXbHYoPKiezWI8_FDzNUpnpgZvAacw08YUUxo0e_LRrvdSoPxO7/s640/blogger-image--616527339.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is my little yard helper and his dirty hands :) (sign of a great day)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nO-nPJCohfonOoiFjJafp2Ug4pFdP-ts_nlkowVeceiTz7BBpIlWGKpsbGbQ30JZh4reVlZ0XWH8iLSCET3okFas3N_XTurA2ozwTwX1VPPLwfMsqGFk7bSWyHiNbtkgHtmMCdZ4sZj2/s640/blogger-image-1275164567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nO-nPJCohfonOoiFjJafp2Ug4pFdP-ts_nlkowVeceiTz7BBpIlWGKpsbGbQ30JZh4reVlZ0XWH8iLSCET3okFas3N_XTurA2ozwTwX1VPPLwfMsqGFk7bSWyHiNbtkgHtmMCdZ4sZj2/s640/blogger-image-1275164567.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been experimenting with growing all kinds of vegetables in pots and surprisingly, okra has been the most resilient. Tiny okra are forming on the plants now, so we will see!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmIxlVvDwKpd0_vNNjUwIB8S5pmn9QF1PD621TtTlg3EJhuEQn2P8ENPibaw0NuxrOC360Rc-VWCAfcNQRJie8jY41py9sDIMiMmEBZ0SWXxsi6ty2mrBJk7XroPK2qEr36Yd1btlguq8/s640/blogger-image-491155490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmIxlVvDwKpd0_vNNjUwIB8S5pmn9QF1PD621TtTlg3EJhuEQn2P8ENPibaw0NuxrOC360Rc-VWCAfcNQRJie8jY41py9sDIMiMmEBZ0SWXxsi6ty2mrBJk7XroPK2qEr36Yd1btlguq8/s640/blogger-image-491155490.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The chickens left me one sweet banana pepper plant, but it has been a good one. I have already pulled several peppers off of it and canned some.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xMDse7onBso_Uuwth-tD_s4Y8GWb0j9VKENL2jZecsLwcgqTmZVlWeKsc00L3wyeY9WhqQ1BXkHIO7eW21Hh7vZDl-c6zj7QClVgeVlVcoEiUpfkboJL0CuJRu5ofIjB1g0SlrhStDOO/s640/blogger-image--1144794145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xMDse7onBso_Uuwth-tD_s4Y8GWb0j9VKENL2jZecsLwcgqTmZVlWeKsc00L3wyeY9WhqQ1BXkHIO7eW21Hh7vZDl-c6zj7QClVgeVlVcoEiUpfkboJL0CuJRu5ofIjB1g0SlrhStDOO/s640/blogger-image--1144794145.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a couple okra plants in the raised bed as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_Vxff0py3fHNAwWU3equj177i9s87LGIp7zVG6LDkMHavLlqEKnnr_0LTZLeHHRooEv17NgPaW8OuPKxYY5D6zyjY-5bR3p6_Zge2kAA_2q4O9HGi8IUC6JPrCmfLxefZDITs25FUYJz/s640/blogger-image--1944868948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_Vxff0py3fHNAwWU3equj177i9s87LGIp7zVG6LDkMHavLlqEKnnr_0LTZLeHHRooEv17NgPaW8OuPKxYY5D6zyjY-5bR3p6_Zge2kAA_2q4O9HGi8IUC6JPrCmfLxefZDITs25FUYJz/s640/blogger-image--1944868948.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Roma tomatoes are doing great. Regular tomatoes...not so great :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CKRJBVX8GcQeEgeo3s26rWxXsimG6s512021dZFiM1gQ3UKcfnLJjAy_OZtoI7Fd1lpd61hOwOfh9wwBWfQYDLAg_ZYL0T2A9v2OFlCfgPb_hf_eR9QD9mG8Y3HR6XdWOlbbRY3-8Rls/s640/blogger-image--806364242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CKRJBVX8GcQeEgeo3s26rWxXsimG6s512021dZFiM1gQ3UKcfnLJjAy_OZtoI7Fd1lpd61hOwOfh9wwBWfQYDLAg_ZYL0T2A9v2OFlCfgPb_hf_eR9QD9mG8Y3HR6XdWOlbbRY3-8Rls/s640/blogger-image--806364242.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
I grew some jalapeno plants from seeds, and finally...I spy a pepper!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6W2qIxdBhizrFU3-ZZx5ZLINFyW57A40gg67-fpMD5TIafUVmY1DlSrDyqYsJeJp6OPV1TDLtahKU_w60Jv6sTxiTPiaktVbSxqr7XC5UXyVfUw3ajaepb52BhJ5FzsKBWjX0e4j-tHX/s640/blogger-image--529205303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6W2qIxdBhizrFU3-ZZx5ZLINFyW57A40gg67-fpMD5TIafUVmY1DlSrDyqYsJeJp6OPV1TDLtahKU_w60Jv6sTxiTPiaktVbSxqr7XC5UXyVfUw3ajaepb52BhJ5FzsKBWjX0e4j-tHX/s640/blogger-image--529205303.jpg" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
At one point today, we decided to run to the feed mill for chicken feed. Well they were closed and I just couldn't help but stop by our local farmer stand. They had bushels of pink eye purple hull peas already shelled so I bought some! I attempted my first lone act at fresh peas in the pressure canner. </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think they turned out great, but some didn't have much water in them. After doing some research, I realized I might have opened the canner too quickly, not giving the jars time to adjust to the temperature, which may be where I lost my water. So these ones will be used first and I have some quarts going now and I still have some more left over. Might have to freeze them or go buy some more jars!</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL9wMqp98ciH7ywK_LaXJ4lkMwV6WQZE5hrKk9THzuRPYurqYC_JMRfoNoWRm2uJO0_M2kKm_0p5t8BLqcFbVNvM5VHp8io5bmB0VEWEOJ7hg3gjkBK7jOUXRgs69petWH1HUVvxmN2hs/s640/blogger-image-1663023005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL9wMqp98ciH7ywK_LaXJ4lkMwV6WQZE5hrKk9THzuRPYurqYC_JMRfoNoWRm2uJO0_M2kKm_0p5t8BLqcFbVNvM5VHp8io5bmB0VEWEOJ7hg3gjkBK7jOUXRgs69petWH1HUVvxmN2hs/s640/blogger-image-1663023005.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hope everything is going great your way! </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-71867205268799246722012-07-17T20:05:00.001-07:002012-07-17T22:31:30.435-07:00Homemade Spaghetti SauceTonight I made homemade spaghetti sauce, which I have never done before! To many of you, this might not seem like a big deal, but to me it is. I have never used anything other than Ragu or other kinds of store bought sauce. I found the recipe here: <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/fresh-tomato-spaghetti-sauce-10837">http://www.food.com/recipe/fresh-tomato-spaghetti-sauce-10837</a><br />
<br />
I am still working on making recipes 100% grown in my yard, but this is the closest I have gotten, so that makes me happy. The basil, garlic and tomatoes were all from my yard. A friend gave me the green peppers that I added to the recipe. <br />
<br />
My husband and I both agreed that the recipe was very good, just needed more tomatoes and I will definitely have to double it when the girls are home from camp. Very delicious though! I was worried because my husband does not like fresh tomatoes. He doesn't like my salsa I make with fresh tomatoes either, but after this cooked down a couple hours, it tasted just right and he said he liked it so that is a big plus! <br />
<br />
Sorry for the Instagram photos, but here are a few of the process! Now to find a good recipe for canning pasta sauce once I get more tomatoes coming in. :)<br />
<br />
*Forgot to add the sauce included venison harvested in our county by my husband as well. Yay! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8Qd57eJ49zccRCO16A2rVj3XFqbce_gUct8qlzcRUQBfvickAtlZvFwK_mEywBnmA5VervUkXNWGDnvZFd1_WGiJmAgFUaFHrf14oL5Cnfz-pFdNgtrNcw4zWw5YEIZnyXIlgIiU5nSJ/s640/blogger-image-575579797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8Qd57eJ49zccRCO16A2rVj3XFqbce_gUct8qlzcRUQBfvickAtlZvFwK_mEywBnmA5VervUkXNWGDnvZFd1_WGiJmAgFUaFHrf14oL5Cnfz-pFdNgtrNcw4zWw5YEIZnyXIlgIiU5nSJ/s640/blogger-image-575579797.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QWWUBODulvFOJf0FCr5iX6-1cvfvzq5eLQXHJYON-QwHd6Fy_OYwXy_8A-qL4iyE6UkmaF_iqyHqscG5kcxEyjswUAaloqoaxOCZEboZQPRRNq7ebZ2-wuZWE5kSfKf3MZfezTB2PcPE/s640/blogger-image-1963295541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QWWUBODulvFOJf0FCr5iX6-1cvfvzq5eLQXHJYON-QwHd6Fy_OYwXy_8A-qL4iyE6UkmaF_iqyHqscG5kcxEyjswUAaloqoaxOCZEboZQPRRNq7ebZ2-wuZWE5kSfKf3MZfezTB2PcPE/s640/blogger-image-1963295541.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm-UqKwWQ152Dw2zSSmrqDVqaRWCegy43crPwX1CXdhE0Ck83MCCIe3kOuHvKAUwkKRhOggPz5uDGuHNEFESOx0r5dVRotbapB7UUw03_vr0oqvZiRNg3ptURlOx_8yLnJZa3LGoE03Pj/s640/blogger-image-291047625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm-UqKwWQ152Dw2zSSmrqDVqaRWCegy43crPwX1CXdhE0Ck83MCCIe3kOuHvKAUwkKRhOggPz5uDGuHNEFESOx0r5dVRotbapB7UUw03_vr0oqvZiRNg3ptURlOx_8yLnJZa3LGoE03Pj/s640/blogger-image-291047625.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMSEzoNMWOSb7hx_MJvea4KJar5hYAGsx9ILR9yPpnlzs8gzoxi1B2iI-dhJ7BFV2PnljUkApKYRRYv4LQ0FehGO9LTCIjtgNHsb6XRjiqY69MLfNSdmC6CmzgLEPFWbE8eOnBio6J1FE/s640/blogger-image-1303601002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMSEzoNMWOSb7hx_MJvea4KJar5hYAGsx9ILR9yPpnlzs8gzoxi1B2iI-dhJ7BFV2PnljUkApKYRRYv4LQ0FehGO9LTCIjtgNHsb6XRjiqY69MLfNSdmC6CmzgLEPFWbE8eOnBio6J1FE/s640/blogger-image-1303601002.jpg" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-55189997771890363532012-07-16T21:05:00.001-07:002012-07-16T21:05:09.348-07:00Summer is so Busy!Sorry for no posts recently. We have so many activities, have had sick kids and went on a little camping trip in addition to all of our little duties here at the house and work! The summer is just flying by and I hate it and love it at the same time. I wish time would slow down, but I know that it flies when you are having fun. Here are a couple pictures from our 3-day camping trip and maybe tomorrow I can post some about things here. Hope everyone is having a great summer!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnb9nJanrkTs7HeF2HYpDfWDrBFiknAOIz2uZ69UuTmYOCn9gqyafN1qceCMxUx3X8XMfuiGsuqm_1QQS72bUQxslk1CC4xElJbotKZUqtex_a_3N-_UT3rgvpcY2VybXJCmzn8zr2Sou/s1600/GEDC0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnb9nJanrkTs7HeF2HYpDfWDrBFiknAOIz2uZ69UuTmYOCn9gqyafN1qceCMxUx3X8XMfuiGsuqm_1QQS72bUQxslk1CC4xElJbotKZUqtex_a_3N-_UT3rgvpcY2VybXJCmzn8zr2Sou/s320/GEDC0203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoRVAFcSm5e3IHvcVv86KoeEBoDjm0ucEad5nA2UaMyQvR1ouNclq_tX9R-g4Xjlv7AirYo_xPNg6A04-2EPw8jzD3cl1Xbxx_1cgjAEDC9OAvwnYciRMi7GKyxPg8J5FwaLqkuyhfhIP/s1600/GEDC0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoRVAFcSm5e3IHvcVv86KoeEBoDjm0ucEad5nA2UaMyQvR1ouNclq_tX9R-g4Xjlv7AirYo_xPNg6A04-2EPw8jzD3cl1Xbxx_1cgjAEDC9OAvwnYciRMi7GKyxPg8J5FwaLqkuyhfhIP/s320/GEDC0032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-38254596867207346362012-07-02T21:26:00.001-07:002012-07-02T21:29:20.765-07:00French Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I gave my first try at a french bread recipe I found on the back of the Pillsbury bread flour bag. It was actually surprisingly easy and my family loved it! I love that it turned out pretty too. It seems that even if my dishes taste good, they don't always look the greatest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This recipe called for 3 cups of bread flour, 2 tsp of sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, a packet of yeast. Next you add 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. You mix the ingredients together until well blended, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes. Put in a lightly greased covered bowl for 40 minutes. Punch the dough down and let sit on counter for 20 more minutes. Sprinkle some cornmeal on ungreased cookie sheet. Shape dough into french roll on cookie sheet, cover and let rest for 15 minutes until double in size. Slice down middle with a sharp knife. Brush egg white on top and cook at 325 degrees until brown on top and sounds hollow when you tap it. Mine didn't turn out to look like a real French loaf, but I still think it turned out great.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVPaYwGYNVs8SYL5G8LbkTt7WfclG4WeKj4_nL8WKw9gK9FW36kaPAtkiStyhhRFgKz2Xbi8ySFJ2QXin-Mn_Jh5Newns9HvUvHPqdzFerPpr9iQJJlKGJPbxJiysdJjC76EFu1fJizQh/s1600/IMG_0003%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVPaYwGYNVs8SYL5G8LbkTt7WfclG4WeKj4_nL8WKw9gK9FW36kaPAtkiStyhhRFgKz2Xbi8ySFJ2QXin-Mn_Jh5Newns9HvUvHPqdzFerPpr9iQJJlKGJPbxJiysdJjC76EFu1fJizQh/s320/IMG_0003%5B1%5D" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided to make it because my husband was wanting some baked potato soup tonight. I have no idea why since it's 100 degrees outside in Alabama, but I made it anyway :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaM0vuU3kHYczyDcydRUiGhrNe05hh5pdel1fukJzVsE5_2vTY5OHVBnWyxc52VAsX4bQ4gg6vXJwfMJyK8eBoHZJLqnjbyf5Bfu_Xzf5-NGJe7u_j5c0P73Vpxaxp0n3IHTrVuwu7tnBb/s1600/IMG_0010%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaM0vuU3kHYczyDcydRUiGhrNe05hh5pdel1fukJzVsE5_2vTY5OHVBnWyxc52VAsX4bQ4gg6vXJwfMJyK8eBoHZJLqnjbyf5Bfu_Xzf5-NGJe7u_j5c0P73Vpxaxp0n3IHTrVuwu7tnBb/s320/IMG_0010%5B1%5D" vca="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-66588096313580421802012-07-01T19:59:00.001-07:002012-07-01T20:18:19.387-07:00CanFest 2012My mom, my friend and my mom's best friend and I decided to have a little canning session. All of us have limited canning experience, but have done different things. My mom's friend has taken canning classes at a university. My friend has done a lot of pressure canning and I have done a lot more water bath canning, so we all taught each other a little something. It was a lot of hard work, but very fun and a learning exerperience, I loved it :)<br />
<br />
I learned that you aren't supposed to tighten the lid a lot before you put the jars in the canner. I also didn't know the jars should be sitting on a rack in the canner. I got my husband's grandmother's canner and it did have a rack so I had no idea. I know that is probably basic knowledge to some, but sometimes when you read recipes and instructions in books or online, I think people take for granted that you are supposed to know most of those things already. <br />
<br />
The first thing we did was pepper jelly. We used green bell peppers and some jalapenos. It turned out really pretty. My mom was really wanting this. I've only had it once at a party on some cream cheese with crackers. Does anybody else use pepper jelly in other ways? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPpDxsJzdzU1SagsHVnlxusEmksnRcjcpPUDOEgEDGxgjzlUsSjql6EAoXBtrwFBgZVo1F2dx6SeesLIUMoORetEKXht3onXCA56pFdze10ypWmbzE9rfvoGbeThe8-XmDCPFcaQVgvZp/s1600/529198_456671801024738_35503646_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPpDxsJzdzU1SagsHVnlxusEmksnRcjcpPUDOEgEDGxgjzlUsSjql6EAoXBtrwFBgZVo1F2dx6SeesLIUMoORetEKXht3onXCA56pFdze10ypWmbzE9rfvoGbeThe8-XmDCPFcaQVgvZp/s320/529198_456671801024738_35503646_n.jpg" vca="true" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we did some diced tomatoes. They had never done those before, so we all did it together. It was a lot of work peeling and cutting up all those tomatoes, but they turned out pretty (I don't have any pictures of that).<br />
<br />
My friend showed up to show me how to use my new (to me) pressure canner. My husband's coworker sent it to me after he found out I was wanting one. I will definitely be sending him canning goodies from now on. I was SO excited! Anyway, I didn't even know how to put the lid on, so sad LOL! But my friend helped us figure it out and we tried a batch of pinto beans from dried beans. They turned out great and the house did not blow up as I was fearing. She calmed me down some about it, but I am sure I will still be nervous the first time I do it on my own which I hope is this week because my mom sent me more dry beans to practice with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7CHY-4HsRcWVBdlBj9LRgQCxGnhc66jZ4e974-nDyd3nCMnVcBbyn6eOu9Cna_NZrh3DJf_wogYdo48beUNhOLU6dTQcJjl-E6DCwHuvMTpDBFfqP6rU6JKGCmaHQMP_Q2hQ2y3iPrlp/s1600/559067_456711487687436_1869060500_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7CHY-4HsRcWVBdlBj9LRgQCxGnhc66jZ4e974-nDyd3nCMnVcBbyn6eOu9Cna_NZrh3DJf_wogYdo48beUNhOLU6dTQcJjl-E6DCwHuvMTpDBFfqP6rU6JKGCmaHQMP_Q2hQ2y3iPrlp/s320/559067_456711487687436_1869060500_n.jpg" vca="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend reading the directions to my canner (that always helps :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And this is a picture of my little pantry of canned goods so far. I am so pleased with how it's coming along. I definitely have caught the bug. I thought a few things would be great my first year, but the more I can, the more I want to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60PtZgCdEmR4MxnnzIwKT_KbKhscsyXlFvrBcUg6exaso-B35YAuGzhL-oJ2mBqhRRBhC3Fi8E3Oz0GA9XBXtfzQc8IvC4uN1TkL0gJDV6wkU3WMHtjynniWR3JmcX8PZaPNY7GjbG696/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60PtZgCdEmR4MxnnzIwKT_KbKhscsyXlFvrBcUg6exaso-B35YAuGzhL-oJ2mBqhRRBhC3Fi8E3Oz0GA9XBXtfzQc8IvC4uN1TkL0gJDV6wkU3WMHtjynniWR3JmcX8PZaPNY7GjbG696/s320/1.JPG" vca="true" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Hope everyone has a great week :)<br />
<br />
This post is linked to The Morris Tribe's <a href="http://www.themorristribe.com/2012/07/02/welcome-to-the-morristribe-homestead-blog-carnival-14/" target="_blank">Blog Carnival</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-11396464085616636302012-06-24T20:31:00.003-07:002012-06-24T20:37:38.898-07:00This Weekend at Our PlaceOur weekend started off kind of quiet, as in noise volume, because our 9 year old and 6 year old were at Grandma's! We only had our 12-year-old daughter so it was super quiet and kind of strange, but Nice. We got a lot done! Sometimes you don't realize how much of your time these little beings take up until they aren't here for a few days.<br />
<br />
The day before they left, I was walking out onto our porch and did a double take in our sunroom. A snake was hanging out of the jacket that held our baby bird nest! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyceFnTeydJbaSEsWhzelXWYazPevxPRlJI5vT_kS0-PR4JzNV4okPB6VJwF4WVxHFXASp-RIry6sYyj5mnT-fAznrWGy5v5MIO9keY4ZhBuFndCbLw99ZFkmuC1CDHpuXIXozjWI_Va-Q/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyceFnTeydJbaSEsWhzelXWYazPevxPRlJI5vT_kS0-PR4JzNV4okPB6VJwF4WVxHFXASp-RIry6sYyj5mnT-fAznrWGy5v5MIO9keY4ZhBuFndCbLw99ZFkmuC1CDHpuXIXozjWI_Va-Q/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was just a little chicken snake. My husband did kill it because I draw the line when it comes to snakes getting in our house! Now I'm worried where mama snake is at. Anyway there were no baby birds left in the nest :( We are praying that they were out before the snake got in there. That's what we are going to think anyway. He didn't look like he had eaten any baby birds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NSv_1KN4f_pXO3p5Uy-s4N8nZK4zZSeGNrpj8OyXgIKuvdtR3BDnP8Vv5A7tUVgMjEJY4TCIYJZYLimpToG5mK13auGB7yN6fK09BcK057ZXQ-wTiFqfdk5SIm8xwIEaBKCmWdQwHP5c/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NSv_1KN4f_pXO3p5Uy-s4N8nZK4zZSeGNrpj8OyXgIKuvdtR3BDnP8Vv5A7tUVgMjEJY4TCIYJZYLimpToG5mK13auGB7yN6fK09BcK057ZXQ-wTiFqfdk5SIm8xwIEaBKCmWdQwHP5c/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On Saturday, my husband went to help his uncle on his farm, so my daughter and I decided that we were going to get some tomatoes at the farm stand to put up and we also looked on pinterest for some new recipes to take to church on Sunday. I have probably said before our local stand has some big pretty tomatoes! I canned a few jars of diced tomatoes and a few of salsa. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwSiCpbhnIEg2s1JLQ7Yu_912hPPCNIIUqDY0UVAqOXOdD7DExe6f0lkaAuwquLWWkoFHlp_xwuwfTUDsN-Sk5vMtK10huvv3N9Yqet1apoIWHKLufX7etwRhyphenhyphen5wBQ7PjHu8iOxbbIzh1/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwSiCpbhnIEg2s1JLQ7Yu_912hPPCNIIUqDY0UVAqOXOdD7DExe6f0lkaAuwquLWWkoFHlp_xwuwfTUDsN-Sk5vMtK10huvv3N9Yqet1apoIWHKLufX7etwRhyphenhyphen5wBQ7PjHu8iOxbbIzh1/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well we did a good job picking some new recipes because all of our dessert was gone and almost all of the casserole was gone, and I can't even remember how many people asked me for the recipes! They keep telling me I am a good cook, but I tell them no, I just find recipes and have to follow them or else it would not be pretty! First last night I made these <a href="http://twotinykitchens.com/2011/02/23/peanut-butter-pretzel-bites/" target="_blank">peanut butter pretzel bites</a>. They were super good. Even my husband who doesn't like sweet and salty combinations ate several! I made a few just peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate because I thought he wouldn't eat the pretzels!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYvcd105PAfFdUeEtSKw8stvxkz2y_44krJid3tEkEDdBMaV0SD5HHOYWUGtB4K_R1sTm1wGPKsJUD1qH-Z75rLIagrbEwLr28KLRGeeOE75EBrnelvK2GWue_ZAF9FBFjK77m0rrV81f/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYvcd105PAfFdUeEtSKw8stvxkz2y_44krJid3tEkEDdBMaV0SD5HHOYWUGtB4K_R1sTm1wGPKsJUD1qH-Z75rLIagrbEwLr28KLRGeeOE75EBrnelvK2GWue_ZAF9FBFjK77m0rrV81f/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then I made this <a href="http://ruhlman.com/2010/05/macaroni-and-beef-with-cheese-%e2%80%94-childhood-love/" target="_blank">macaroni and beef with cheese casserole</a>. It was so simple, but soooo good! Next time I am going to double it up and stick half in the freezer. <br />
<br />
Sorry about this long and random post, but that was our weekend. Thank you for reading if you made it all the way through and ya'll have a great week!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-61699943212414428802012-06-22T07:17:00.001-07:002012-06-22T07:17:34.270-07:00Lonely Lil ChickWelp we only have one lonely lil chicken left. I guess once the neighborhood dogs got a taste of our fat chicks, they came back once a day for lunch :( I can't pin it on one dog because I never saw it take place, but I have my suspicions. Nobody keeps their dogs pinned up around here. There is a leash law, but our town is so small, we can't afford to enforce it. I would sit in the yard with a pellet gun, but I don't have that much time on my hands and it seems when the dogs see us out there, they run the other way. We are keeping her penned up except when we are out there. We will get some more chicks once our coop is complete so she won't be so lonely, but it's taking longer than we thought. In the meantime, this is one spoiled chicken!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLFSVKzriGde_mUocloahSSLabrVmcBJqMbvR9OG3w9ffezqzAE99Ne6_kv07TEgjKLTh_SXs01dskgwAZOE1QmxAxEVyNPoi7G9LIqvklmytcszA3LfPGd63pp0uuTvq8KBe6elOED8t/s640/blogger-image-1772265600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLFSVKzriGde_mUocloahSSLabrVmcBJqMbvR9OG3w9ffezqzAE99Ne6_kv07TEgjKLTh_SXs01dskgwAZOE1QmxAxEVyNPoi7G9LIqvklmytcszA3LfPGd63pp0uuTvq8KBe6elOED8t/s640/blogger-image-1772265600.jpg" /></a></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746959514170369873.post-45701195902636307092012-06-18T08:04:00.004-07:002012-06-18T08:04:58.937-07:00First Zucchini Popping UpI know it may be silly to be excited, but I really was when I saw that little zucchini this morning! My first one and from what I hear, they will start coming in like crazy. I am ready!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54uoUh_EAKI-8Ge1OxS24dmMBSTQaod8NAF1ALaqG49E8xIWtYUy4oOFOcaCEAZ0e7rsvpmiaiiwi5A-h5V-8RPJhH7xDUB-mMVhzyXHZAjqZPBXHa_3usfwHiRhA-amt95a5vkiBnXl2/s1600/IMG_0062%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54uoUh_EAKI-8Ge1OxS24dmMBSTQaod8NAF1ALaqG49E8xIWtYUy4oOFOcaCEAZ0e7rsvpmiaiiwi5A-h5V-8RPJhH7xDUB-mMVhzyXHZAjqZPBXHa_3usfwHiRhA-amt95a5vkiBnXl2/s320/IMG_0062%5B1%5D" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And this second one I'm not sure if it's a zucchini or a type of squash. I was not as good with marking as I should have been, but nonetheless, excited about this one too! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGz7nxcHR7X_dUeNM65P5ctetd61xUQv8zzqEbs7l4DzSuwrUX03ZjIbj-zMUGDVfQGX52qkJwzm1XmTg2OSoKzdamXnor3gjCs3euz8NVA7KMCfr7GxhTK9xFL9eiXi-8-dNAbsjTSiSI/s1600/IMG_0063%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGz7nxcHR7X_dUeNM65P5ctetd61xUQv8zzqEbs7l4DzSuwrUX03ZjIbj-zMUGDVfQGX52qkJwzm1XmTg2OSoKzdamXnor3gjCs3euz8NVA7KMCfr7GxhTK9xFL9eiXi-8-dNAbsjTSiSI/s320/IMG_0063%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not as full green and it's kind of rounded on the end. I guess we will just have to wait and see (unless anyone out there knows and can tell me :)<br />
<br />
Hope you all have a WONDERFUL week!!<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02080024539404875630noreply@blogger.com3