Lawn Mower Problem

... resolved!  Our semi-self propelled push mower had a broken lever.  The lever made the wheels turn.  For the past season I've been pushing the very heavy mower and ever so politely complaining that we need a (used) riding mower.  Then I stopped mowing.  Then hubby took over.  Now he ordered the part.  I have no need of a used riding mower at present ;)    The End 

Post typed as I sat sipping tea from my front porch (perch) observing my man mowing the hundred acre wood.  End of rant.  Beginning of new found freedom :)

Summer Is Heating Up The Garden

... ever so slowly .. or perhaps I'm just impatient ... not a good trait for a gardener ;(  We've had good success with sugar peas, lettuce, raspberries, onions, herbs and rhubarb.  My potatoes are being eaten 'alive' by the voles and I'm having to harvest them early so I have some for ourselves ... which means the spuds are rather puny.  Next year all root crops will be planted in raised beds lined with wire mesh to keep the pests at bay

Garden Medley Potato Salad:

6-8 cups boiled, diced Yukon gold/red new potatoes
red onion, diced
chopped celery
diced sugar peas (in their shells)
potato salad dressing (recipe below)
salt & pepper to taste
celery seeds
1-2 pieces crispy bacon, minced

Boil desired quantity of potatoes (I ended up with about six cups when diced).  Cool slightly and dice leaving skins intact.  Place in large bowl.  Add diced red onion, celery, sugar peas (about 1 cup each).  Toss with potato salad dressing and add salt, pepper and celery seeds and minced bacon to taste.  Chill.

Potato Salad Dressing:  (makes approx 1 cup)


1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder




Crack egg in a small sauce pan and whisk well.  Add remaining ingredients, whisking well.  Cook over medium heat stirring continually until the ingredients are bubbly and thick.  Pour into a small mixing bowl to cool.  Add 1/2 cup mayo and mix well.  Toss with potato/veggie mixture and mix well.

Harvest 2010

This is a list for my records to use as a reference for next year:

• 18 pounds green beans
• 30 pounds potatoes
• 7 quarts Swiss chard (for freezer)
• 8 quarts raspberries
• 20+ pounds rhubarb
• 10 pounds sugar snap peas
• 1 quart dried thyme
• 1/2 cup dried lime thyme
• 1/2 cup dried tarragon
• strawberries (June) 1/2 pound
• 3/4 pound radish
• 28 heads red sails lettuce
• 1-1/2 cups blueberries
• 1 cup dried oregano
• 30+ pounds red and Yukon gold potatoes
• 55 onions
• 15 heads of cabbage (what was I thinking;)

Garden Temptations

Three years ago I purchased two bareroot blueberry plants that were on sale after season for $1.00 a piece.  This is the first year they have given me berries and they should be ripening up shortly.  Though not enough to bake a pie ... it does look hopeful for the coming years as the bushes have put on much new growth. 

The two apple trees have actual fruit this year.  These trees, along with a sour cherry tree were damaged last winter by our resident moose ... their fencing was reinforced and the distance from fence to tree was increased to keep Bullwinkle at bay.  No cherries this year.

The raspberry vines were from my neighbor last year. 

I wish growing up we had the good fortune of having garden fresh fruit and veggies.  The only time we had such treats was when we'd visit family in the Midwest on summer vacations.  Gardening would be easier had I learned how as a youngster. 

Too Much Rhubarb

... can be washed, patted dry, diced and placed in vacuum sealed bags and stored in the deep freeze.  It's lovely to pull out a package in the midst of winter to have another reminder of summer. 

Stewed Rhubarb

We're still picking tender rhubarb.  The first stalks that grew this spring were big fat and green.    Now there seems to be a gazillion more slender bright red stalks.  I know you're not supposed to pick too many at a time ... and I thought that by now the plant would be less productive .. perhaps from the long spring, my plants have not realized it's summer yet.  Years ago, we would eat dinner at Knott's Berry Farm .. they serve a side dish of stewed rhubarb with their chicken dinners that was still intact after being cooked; mine always fell apart until I tried this method.

Stewed Rhubarb

3-4 cups one inch diced rhubarb
1/2 - 3/4 cup sugar (or to taste)

Place the diced rhubarb in a sauce pan and barely cover with water.  Add the sugar and bring to a boil for about two minutes.  Turn off the heat and allow the rhubarb to sit undisturbed for about an hour.  This allows the rhubarb to cook and keep its shape.  The juice will be a lovely pink. 

Yesterday's Yard

Blue skies and white clouds make a beautiful backdrop for our garden home.  Here are a few pics that were snapped showing summer's green fashion in both maintained and natural areas around our home.  Spring and early summer rain has kept the landscape very green ... and in some parts a jungle of overgrowth that needed to be cut back around the veggie gardens.

To Market .. To Market ... To Buy A

... Fat Pig ... Home again .. home again jiggity jig.

Off in a bit to pick up our yearly supply of organic Selkirk area beef AND an organic hog .. complete with hams and chops!  Last year we ordered a quarter of beef and that amount lasted our family of four with lots of company (so far) eleven months.  Only thing left is a prime rib, short ribs and two roasts.  The chest freezer has been cleaned out and defrosted ...ready and waiting.  This is our first year buying a hog.  Hoping my freezer space is big enough.

Rain

... once again.  But ... it meant I didn't have to get up early to water the garden as I had expected to have to do.  A wee bit soggy of a Father's Day!  We had a breakfast down at the local fire station served up by the Lions Club.  A good place to hang out with the whole family and friends.  Mr. Mac & our oldest son, Patrick, were supposed to attend a Spokane Indians (minor league) baseball game today .. but it got rained out.  Happy Father's Day to all of you dads!

pics:  top .. daughter Ann, Mr. Mac, son Nathan
bottom .. Mac family and friends

The Honey Bees

... have returned ... and the weather has warmed up.  Very thankful!

Waiting (less) Patiently For Summer

Just when I start to think summer has arrived, our local weather pattern slips back into the 'April Showers Bring May Flowers' mode.  To date, I've only watered the garden once ... and that probably could have been skipped because the warm weather only lasted two or three days ... and never reached higher than 79-80 F.  The row tunnel is covering my second batch of peppers ... the first were killed with late morning frost several weeks ago .. and a freak windstorm took out my tomato seedlings that were hardening off on the front porch; both had to be replaced with nursery plants. It may be time to invest in a small greenhouse.  Seems there are less honey bees too.  Could be a less productive year.  What's up in your garden?

Wild Rose Jelly

Years ago a little old lady (probably my age at the time;) lived next door to my grandma.  She had a lovely garden and on one occasion brought over a beautiful jar of Rose-Geranium jelly.  The color was wonderful and I remember the yummy smell/taste of flowers on my toast.  A few days ago I came across a recipe on line for Wild Rose Jelly. We have lots of wild pink roses on our property so I went foraging today for the fragrant pink (prized) petals.  I added some of my red geranium petals as well because they add a lovely hint to the bouquet.  Here's the recipe:

1-1/2 cups tightly packed wild rose petals (you could use fragrant domestic rose petals as long as they have not been sprayed/fed with ANY toxic chemicals.  If you want to add geranium petals, use about 1 cup rose petals and 1/2 cup geranium petals, tightly packed ... (either way .. the jam will be pink)

2 Tablespoons lemon juice (I used fresh and strained it)
3-1/2 cups sugar (evil white sugar works best;)
1 - 3 ounce pouch liquid pectin

Make flower petal juice as follows:  Take the tightly packed flower petals and rinse well in a colander with warm water.  Spread the washed petals on a clean dish towel or paper towels.  Pat dry with a paper towel.  Put petals in a large sauce pan and crush with a potato masher or the bottom of a glass.  Add 2-1/4 cups water and bring to a boil.  Simmer until the flowers lose their color (just a few minutes).  Strain in a fine sieve or cheese cloth.  This yields about 2 cups of petal juice.  You need 1-3/4 cup petal juice to make the jelly.

To make the jelly:  wash and sterilize 4 half-pint jars (or 8 one-half cup jelly jars).  Sterilize the lids and have rings available.   Open pectin pouch and have it standing in a glass ready to use.

Put 1-3/4 cup strained petal juice in a large sauce pan.  Add the lemon juice and sugar (the lemon will immediately brighten up the color).  Stir constantly and bring to a roiling boil on high heat.  Add liquid pectin and return to a roiling boil, stirring constantly.  Boil hard for one minute, stirring constantly.  Remove from the heat and skim any foam.  Immediately fill the prepared jars 1/4 inch from top.  Wipe rims with a clean damp cloth.  Seal with the two piece lids.  Boil for five minutes in a water bath; adjust for altitude (see pectin box).  Let sit overnight on counter before moving.  Test seals.  Use within six months to retain the pretty color.

Finally ... Some Validation

and fine tuning.

Being a homemaker is finally in vogue:)  I've known the importance of tending, mending, rearing/teaching children, making do with what's on hand for the past 28 years .. that's when I said good-bye to my day job in an accounting office and put on my apron full time.  Hubby and I decided to live on one income .. where ever that would take us.  Never thinking .. 'someday I'll return to an outside job' .. just plugging along with so much work at home and never having the desire or opportunity to go back to a 9-5 job.  Now days I've discovered the 'back to basics' that my grand and great grand parents knew.  Traditions and practices that went by the wayside for more modern conveniences that were required/demanded when society wanted to take the 'easy' road ... you know the one .. working to make money so you can purchase things that are made by other people.  We exchanged knowledge and know-how for pay and ready made things.  How can society go forward if we lose such valuable skills?  Maybe we really need to go backwards and reclaim some of the old ways. 

Here are two books that I purchased this past year that have that old time flare and are loaded with time honored remedies and building methods that attempt to restore the lost arts of gardening and homesteading.  The first book was purchased used through Amazon for under $10 (including shipping) .. and the second at a garage sale for fifty cents and is available on Amazon.

Old Time Gardening Wisdom ... by Jerry Baker, is about "Lessons learned from (his grandmother's) kitchen cupboard, medicine cabinet, and garden shed!"  This is a good go to reference to help you become a wise gardener .. relying on simple remedies and practices relating to veggies, fruit/nut trees, insects, plant diseases, homeopathic herbs, etc. 

Back To Basics ... by Reader's Digest .. "How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American Skills"  This book is full of EVERYTHING having to do with life skills ... it's easy to read and can be a springboard for a gazillion topics.  Check the link to view used copies and a great book review.

Here is what the Old Time Gardening Wisdom book says to use to control snails/slugs:  Hand picking, beer, grape juice, cider vinegar, Diatomaceous earth, aluminum foil, ashes.  I've heard to bury an open and partially filled beer bottle having the opening at ground level to attract the slugs.  We use pulverized egg shells (or Diatomaceous earth) sprinkled in a heavy circle around our lettuce plants with good success.  I'm thinking of mixing a soapy/peppery spray to take care of the spittle bugs on my strawberry plants this afternoon.  Will post the recipe later. 

Veggies Gone Missing (already)

... those pesky voles!  Some of my extra onion bulbs I stuck in at the end of the asparagus patch have been pulled through the soil into Mr. & Mrs. Vole's tunnel.  Others are just limp from  having the roots gnawed off.  Seems to only be a problem at this one spot that did not get rototilled.  Let's hope they are satisfied with the excess bulbs and don't head over to the big patch of onions. 

Laundry SOAP ;0)... Plain, Simple, Economical

If a chore or project can be done with simple directions and/or ingredients, I'm usually on the bandwagon trying new methods at home.  Laundry is one of those chores that can put a big dent in the budget if you buy store bought detergent, stain remover sprays, fabric softeners, etc.  Here is the recipe I use for making laundry soap at home.  I have a standard washing machine (after my new high efficiency model broke down the second time .. I opted to replace it with an old fashioned one without a computerized brain) ... something similar to what my grandmother used with push pull type dials. 

#4 Powder Laundry Soap

2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (or Ivory soap, Sunlight bar soap, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile,or Zote)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax

• Grate the soap on a fine cheese grater. 

• Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
• Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

Here is a link to the website I found this soap.  There are all sorts of other recipes .. as well as directions/instructions on adjusting the amount that may be necessary for your type of water.  Tipnut/10 Laundry Soap Recipes

Do some research on your own should you decide to try this at home.  For our laundry, I found that after several months of continual use (and not using any fabric softener) .. our clothes felt clean.  I had come to hate the overpowering smell of fabric softener .. let alone the expense.  My washer was always grimy .. so I concluded that some of that grime was being left behind on my clothes/towels/sheets.  Using the homemade product has virtually cleaned the inside of my machine, I'm happy to say.  The ingredients are very inexpensive to buy and are usually readily available at the grocery store.  Over the course of a year, I've spent about eight dollars on materials ... and still have enough to make a few more batches.   Homemade laundry soap is extremely cheap to make.  I've tried both liquid and powder recipes.  Powder is easier for our family as the liquid often times needs to be stirred before use ... and you know how kids are when they do laundry ;) ... powder is easier for them. 

For stain removal or pre-treating spots, I simple use the Fels-Naptha bar soap, gently rubbing the stain with the soap and some water ... at times I even use my old washboard in my laundry room sink.   To give extra softness and freshness to towels, I use 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the rinse (DO NOT USE WITH BLEACH).  I put it in the fabric softener dispenser (do so at your own risk;) .. or in a fabric softener dispenser ball that you can plop in at the beginning of the wash cycle.  Using the cycle that includes a soak is helpful for extra soiled clothes .. as well as dark fabrics as it allows the powder to completely dissolve and work more efficiently. The savings are worth the effort.  Here's a guy that makes a liquid version ... and has done stain removal and price comparisons.

Hazards of fabric softeners

To dispense static electricity from your clothes in the dryer .. try wadding up a few balls of aluminum foil and dry clothes as normal  (shut the laundry room door because it's a bit noisy;)

Next year I hope to dabble making laundry soap from the soapwart plant growing in my garden :)

Non toxic cleaners .. including a recipe for soapwart laundry soap