Are you familiar with the carpenters adage "Measure twice, cut once" - meaning you double check your measurements to avoid making a mistake. I've got a twist in my kitchen on that - measure twice, but cook twice too! When I can I cook in doubles. Today it happens to be lasagna. It could also … Continue reading Measure Once, Cook Twice, Eat twice – Cooking in doubles
When I was quite young, I remember my maternal grandmother talking to me about family relationships. I distinctly remember her saying "To get along, you never go to bed mad. Remember that. You should always talk things out before sleep". I don't remember the context of the conversation, I was probably only 7 or 8 … Continue reading Grandma Said “Don’t Go to Bed Mad”
I am not a big breakfast person, but I do have a couple special things I make for a treat on occasion. We do the pancakes, eggs, breakfast sandwiches, maybe waffles, regularly, but a Danish Puff and my Puff Pancakes are breakfast specialties. Neither are exactly on the diet menu, but you can make them … Continue reading Two Something Specials for Breakfast: Puff Pancake and Danish Puff
Many vegetables will regrow, if given the chance, and celery is on of the easiest to do this with. I find that, in the garden, if I don't pull out the whole celery plant, but just cut the stalks I need, more stalks with grow. Guess what, you can do the same exact thing in … Continue reading Grow New Celery from the store-bought bunch
For any bird watcher, backyard gardener, and nature lover, hummingbirds are one of the coolest birds in North America (as well as many species in other parts of the world)., and one of the easiest to feed. Making a simple syrup is cheap and simple. Feeding hummingbirds provides a reliable food source for them. this … Continue reading Simple Hummingbird food is the best
We spent last weekend moving our garden to a location a bit closer to the house, in a location with more sun. I wanted to get the perennial plants - rhubarb, asparagus, small blueberry bushes - in the new location early enough this year to get them established before a North Country Winter. I hadn't … Continue reading Fox Pines New Garden gets started
I recently ordered 2 knives (I couldn't stop myself at just one) from No Harm in Farmin'. All of my kitchen knives have been purchased as name brand, mass produced, but still quite expensive, knives. I could do with a handmade chef's knife now, after getting these knives. That's a hint. My thanks to Chad, … Continue reading Thank you for the knives, No Harm in Farmin’
Rhubarb is one of those "old time" vegetables. My family ALWAYS had rhubarb growing, and I took some roots from the farm when I left, and still have it growing in my garden today. Many people, though, have never eaten the tart plant. It is probably best known in pies and crumbles, although it can … Continue reading Old Fashioned Rhubarb makes great Rhubarb Roll Ups
Since I have Border Collies, every once in a while I am asked how do they herd, and do they protect the animals they herd. There is a big difference between a livestock guard dog and a herding dog. Border collies, more than any other herding breed, crouch and give animals "the eye". Anyone who … Continue reading What’s the difference between Herding and Guarding dogs??
This afternoon, I am giving myself permission for some quiet time, having had an extremely busy two weeks at me "real job" of pet shipping.  12 hours days minimum, and if I am not in the van driving, I am at my desk for 9 hours at a clip. Nothing exotic right now, just lots … Continue reading Random Homestead Thoughts on a Friday Afternoon; a life lesson in quiet