tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9577417424719762992024-03-04T22:30:21.615-06:00melissa sewsMelissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-64176041085037826392010-03-24T09:20:00.001-05:002010-03-24T09:20:43.896-05:00This blog is moving…<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6ofuYnRjQI/AAAAAAAAB5s/mM-8wnm0Chk/s1600-h/337%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="337" border="0" alt="337" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6ofuwGWYUI/AAAAAAAAB5w/J9-N3JgMh18/337_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="274" /></a> </p> <p>I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Over the past year or so, this space has done quite a bit of changing. I still LOVE to sew, but my interests have expanded tremendously, and the metamorphosis around here has been evidence to that effect. I will leave this site intact, as I know many beginning seamstresses are visiting daily, but I will no longer be posting here. </p> <p>I will continue my adventures in blogging, sewing, cooking, gardening, soap making, and whatever else strikes my fancy. I would love it if you’d follow me over here:</p> <p> <a title="http://sweethomesteadalabama.blogspot.com/" href="http://sweethomesteadalabama.blogspot.com/">http://sweethomesteadalabama.blogspot.com/</a></p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-24916211229297635932010-03-20T22:05:00.001-05:002010-03-20T22:05:21.963-05:00An Idyllic Spring Weekend<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMwCBqTJI/AAAAAAAABx8/6VLMIOPmdfg/s1600-h/001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMwWK1ujI/AAAAAAAAByA/l9nOXLlBjSQ/001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="268" /></a> </p> <p>When it finally stopped raining, we promptly headed to our local Farmer’s Coop. We came home with several varieties of onions to plant and… We are now the proud owners of 18 (EIGHTEEN!) baby chicks. Much fun was had this first day of spring.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMwrCEBUI/AAAAAAAAByE/58l8J0ZZQWM/s1600-h/Chicks2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Chicks2" border="0" alt="Chicks2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMwsXLiqI/AAAAAAAAByI/y7GjOd8q4vo/Chicks2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="266" /></a> </p> <p>Sammy didn’t know what to think of all the chirping. One thing’s for sure… <em>We’re going to have to watch her around those chicks!</em></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMw1W29dI/AAAAAAAAByM/ReT1yLkpEb8/s1600-h/SLP21%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SLP21" border="0" alt="SLP21" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMxbS_tKI/AAAAAAAAByQ/vhWV-DxfNTU/SLP21_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="387" /></a> </p> <p>Just so you know, when the sun finally made an appearance late Thursday evening, after being cooped up in the house all week, we didn’t hesitate to get out there in our pajamas!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMxjUAeYI/AAAAAAAAByU/lOcWSrl8tNU/s1600-h/DBP11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DBP11" border="0" alt="DBP11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMx_Kr2VI/AAAAAAAAByY/pBxB7GvQx4A/DBP11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="268" /></a></p> <p><em>Eww</em>… Worms! I don’t hate ‘em.<em> I just don’t want to touch them.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMybpuUyI/AAAAAAAAByc/7QUd9_BhNaw/s1600-h/DBP5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DBP5" border="0" alt="DBP5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMylg9iRI/AAAAAAAAByg/8N4heD6QNFI/DBP5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="271" /></a> </p> <p>Fish were caught.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMy66zY6I/AAAAAAAAByk/GeLfUltwhS8/s1600-h/My%20Crocs%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="My Crocs" border="0" alt="My Crocs" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMzR8GdEI/AAAAAAAAByo/MFVEiIVjxBA/My%20Crocs_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="273" /></a> </p> <p>Crocs were worn.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMzpgMj6I/AAAAAAAABys/tPfGQBQ_A5U/s1600-h/SLP1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SLP1" border="0" alt="SLP1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WMzv2iPXI/AAAAAAAAByw/I6vgNCGkcGw/SLP1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="274" /></a> </p> <p>We laughed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM0G92uWI/AAAAAAAABy0/qMhNhBCafcY/s1600-h/SLP8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SLP8" border="0" alt="SLP8" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM0U_IfTI/AAAAAAAABy4/1kIzJkXso7s/SLP8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="274" /></a>   </p> <p>My littlest love picked me many flowers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM0nKzdNI/AAAAAAAABy8/CXHJJBxijuE/s1600-h/SLP34%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SLP34" border="0" alt="SLP34" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM03A1oWI/AAAAAAAABzA/6wAiPXobvJM/SLP34_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="276" /></a></p> <p>Chalk pictures were created.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM1EnZCfI/AAAAAAAABzE/s6jri_DpYPg/s1600-h/SLP31%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SLP31" border="0" alt="SLP31" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM1RJDtaI/AAAAAAAABzI/tYVROKOJGtY/SLP31_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="274" /></a> </p> <p><em>Isn’t she adorable? </em>My little climber bit the dust this week. Ended up with a strawberry across that sweet little cheek. <em>Poor baby.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM1lwSYYI/AAAAAAAABzM/4XzC7i6UJxw/s1600-h/004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM10KRX5I/AAAAAAAABzQ/48Ripb5qqEQ/004_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="599" /></a> </p> <p>I started 100 seedlings. <em>Whew! </em>I’m glad this was something I could do sitting down.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM2UkvdaI/AAAAAAAABzU/GH3cvriAIiY/s1600-h/007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM2pE9WQI/AAAAAAAABzY/k7JaHBnDsfE/007_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="278" /></a> </p> <p>A front porch swing was a welcome addition to our little farm.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM24q315I/AAAAAAAABzc/UUtsv7tNQf8/s1600-h/023%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="023" border="0" alt="023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM3XkTPXI/AAAAAAAABzg/hfHn0MsaG5U/023_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="276" /></a> </p> <p>Ground cherries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and celery were all seeded. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM3-RfE-I/AAAAAAAABzk/Sxe3vVI2bdc/s1600-h/027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="027" border="0" alt="027" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM4EJDHrI/AAAAAAAABzo/qFNVi9MHXT0/027_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="276" /></a> </p> <p>I love to use <a href="http://www.epinions.com/review/Jiffy_Professional_Greenhouse_Kit/content_329403174532">Jiffy Peat Pellet Greenhouses</a>. They make starting seeds easy and they are inexpensive. I always save mine to use the next year because you can buy refill pellets. You can get them anywhere that sells seeds or plants.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM4Y9fTPI/AAAAAAAABzs/WqfnydApzn0/s1600-h/036%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="036" border="0" alt="036" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM4hhzihI/AAAAAAAABzw/UdjgVYKZ4HU/036_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="596" /></a> </p> <p>I use seed starting mix for the transplants I want to allow to get larger before transplant, like tomatoes. And I like to wet it <em>before </em>I add the seeds. Much easier that way.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HJm1Wuu9sUCyI8eIb3SvwH5IhiwITA8ku2xbfzcGyv_5pbwoRvP9ff2Y-ZzAb-q4HBaE8XTweMw17gdWnAFFJ_5zclDqZTEWSzP0jyl3CwPUYYQtvxyNAYz-nL-Tnqx8DdxOFBkL6HcX/s1600-h/038%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="038" border="0" alt="038" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM5lKzCFI/AAAAAAAABz4/DzSriB4tZN8/038_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="279" /></a> </p> <p>I was glad to have a garden helper today.<em> Thanks, Daniel!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM6IvKEvI/AAAAAAAABz8/WR-XbVrB1qE/s1600-h/050%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="050" border="0" alt="050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM6TDX0MI/AAAAAAAAB0A/sfrMuXbWOvU/050_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="282" /></a></p> <p>When our work was done, we gave the swing a little test drive. </p> <p><em>It’s a keeper!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM6vc0YUI/AAAAAAAAB0E/YglXPakm2aA/s1600-h/SLP29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="SLP29" border="0" alt="SLP29" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM6_502oI/AAAAAAAAB0I/9qJgWsOgW4A/SLP29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="282" /></a></p> <p>After Sara Lynn fell, and hurt her cheek, I asked her what would make her feel better. I was thinking of the boo-boo bunny (a clever little ice pack) or maybe a kiss. Nope. She wanted <em>pretty toes… That’s my girl!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM7XuOhsI/AAAAAAAAB0M/EKsu6A1AZAM/s1600-h/Garage%20Mess%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Garage Mess" border="0" alt="Garage Mess" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM7uAAiyI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/rvx4EVqB5Xg/Garage%20Mess_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="609" /></a></p> <p>This is what we should have been doing this week. Cleaning out all the odds and ends from the garage. I mean, really. <em>We’ve been here 6 months!!!</em></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM7wO3BhI/AAAAAAAAB0U/fuV1-4qIK9I/s1600-h/DBP%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DBP" border="0" alt="DBP" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6WM8Fnp0vI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/GY6kYyYx6Bc/DBP_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="284" /></a> <p>All in all, I’d say this was a wonderful Spring Break. I hope your first day of Spring was as fabulous as ours. </p> <p>Just a note, I may be a little scarce around here over the next week or two. I’m having surgery again Monday. I have <em>another </em>ruptured disc in my neck. Please say a little prayer for me that I will be healed of this pain very soon.<em> </em>I have so many things that I want to do! <em>And many things that I need to do.</em></p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-90607630051370238392010-03-19T13:37:00.001-05:002010-03-19T13:53:36.714-05:00Um… lots and lots of local heirloom seeds!<p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6PEQddWspI/AAAAAAAABxc/i58QzdNsilE/s1600-h/003%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6PEQ2C458I/AAAAAAAABxg/oKXV8j8rrec/003_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="270" /></a> </p> <p>Well, first of all, this man of mine really does love me. I’ve spent the last year or so looking for local heirloom seeds. I haven’t had any luck. At all.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo9FEYZRbPYAYkeowxOl58y7o3GbXKRJwjoYL3UeoJ1n30on8xmdq41do8cBHo-kr_0Ev1mTbWLFmibJO7MXbeUfT3t_PrpZVVX-D5Hbug_EwcldnuxU46FRNPw78mbxNGrTtZtdfMz0S/s1600-h/011%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6PER3gnoDI/AAAAAAAABxo/ro1sNe1Ex5I/011_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="267" /></a></p> <p>Imagine my surprise when he came home yesterday with three <em>very large</em> boxes packed full of local heirloom seeds!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6PESGy1SbI/AAAAAAAABxs/7QmYiSTg1-k/s1600-h/006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6PESjUrOVI/AAAAAAAABxw/tXVWi5Csb7E/006_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="265" /></a> </p> <p>He even found heirloom seed potatoes, but couldn’t remember the name of them. I’ll have to give them a call later to find out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6PETD-hVrI/AAAAAAAABx0/Kpb9DvmanSM/s1600-h/007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6PETtx6UBI/AAAAAAAABx4/n0gcVD4wHEA/007_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="264" /></a> </p> <p>Oh, how happy those Christmas Limas make me!!! For those of you who live near Montgomery (I’m thinking of you, Mary Frances) head on over to Wetumpka, <a href="http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/seed-processors-inc_1531605481.html?addressId=1">Seed Processors, Inc</a>. You will be so glad you made the short trip. It’s only about 10 minutes outside of Montgomery. These are the medium size packets, and most of them cost $2.00 or less. <em>Sigh. </em>That sweet man of mine bought me one package of everything in the store. Not all of them are heirloom varieties, but they are all locally grown, which means they should grow well for us. Yay! </p> <p>Here's my list of seeds: (the ones not marked local came from <a href="http://www.seedsavers.org/">Seed Savers</a>)</p> <p><b>BEANS</b></p> <p>Blue Lake (pole) green (local)</p> <p>Blue Lake (bush) green (local)</p> <p>Kentucky Wonder (pole) (local)</p> <p>Kentucky Wonder (bush) (local)</p> <p>Rattlesnake (pole) green (local)</p> <p>Contender (bush) (local)</p> <p>Dixie Butterpea (bush) (local)</p> <p>Cangreen Lima (bush) (local)</p> <p>Jackson Wonder Lima (Bush) (local)</p> <p>Christmas Lima (pole) (local)</p> <p>Fordhook Bush (local)</p> <p>Florida Butter Bean (pole) (local)</p> <p>Henderson Bush (local)</p> <p>Willow Leaf Lima (pole) (local)</p> <p>Roma II Italian (bush) (local)</p> <p>Good Mother Stollard (pole)</p> <p>Cherokee Trail of Tears Black (pole)</p> <p><b>BEET</b></p> <p>Detroit Dark Red (local)</p> <p><b>BROCCOLI</b></p> <p>Romamesco spiral</p> <p><b>CABBAGE</b></p> <p>Copenhagen Market</p> <p><b>CANTELOPE</b></p> <p>Hale's Best Jumbo (local)</p> <p>Amish</p> <p>Honey Dew (local)</p> <p>Rocky Ford (local)</p> <p>Planter's Jumbo (local)</p> <p><b>CARROT</b></p> <p>Chantenay (local)</p> <p>Danvers</p> <p>Imperator (local)</p> <p><b>CAULIFLOWER</b></p> <p>Snowball (local)</p> <p><b>COLLARDS</b></p> <p>Georgia Collards (local)</p> <p>Morris Heading (local)</p> <p><b>CORN</b></p> <p>Hickory King Yellow (local)</p> <p>Hickory King White (local)</p> <p>Trucker's Favorite White (local)</p> <p>Trucker's Favorite Yellow (local)</p> <p>Golden Bantam</p> <p>Country Gentleman</p> <p>2 inch Strawberry Popcorn</p> <p><b>CUCUMBER</b></p> <p>Spacemaster Bush (local)</p> <p>Marketer (local)</p> <p>Pickling (local)</p> <p>True Lemon</p> <p><b>GROUND CHERRIES</b></p> <p>Aunt Molly's</p> <p><b>KALE</b></p> <p>Siberian Improved (local)</p> <p>Lacinato</p> <p><b>MUSTARD</b></p> <p>Southern Giant Curled (local)</p> <p>Florida's Broadleaf (local)</p> <p><b>OKRA</b></p> <p>Dwarf Long Pod (local)</p> <p>Clemson Spineless (local)</p> <p>Hill Country Red</p> <p><b>ONION</b></p> <p>Yellow of Parma</p> <p><b>PEAS</b></p> <p>Pinkeye Purple Hull (local)</p> <p>English Peas/Early Alaska (local)</p> <p>English Peas/Sugar Snap (local)</p> <p>English Peas/Little Marvel (local)</p> <p>California Blackeye</p> <p>Mississippi Purple Hull (local)</p> <p>Black Crowder (local)</p> <p>Knuckle Purple Hull/Brown Crowder (local)</p> <p>Zipper Cream Peas (local)</p> <p>Top Pick Cream Peas (local)</p> <p>Mississippi Cream Peas (local)</p> <p>Mississippi Silverskin (local)</p> <p><b>PEPPERS (HEAT)</b></p> <p>Nepalese Bell (4)</p> <p>Tobago Seasoning (3)</p> <p>Alma Paprika (1)</p> <p>Buran (0)</p> <p><b>RADISH</b></p> <p>Scarlet Globe (local)</p> <p>Sparkler White Tip (local)</p> <p><b>RUTABAGA</b></p> <p>Rutabaga (unknown) (local)</p> <p><b>SOYBEAN</b></p> <p>Fiskeby</p> <p><b>SPINACH</b></p> <p>Bloomsdale (local)</p> <p><b>SQUASH</b></p> <p>Acorn/Table Queen (local)</p> <p>Cornfield Pumpkin</p> <p>Dark Green Zucchini (local)</p> <p>Yellow Crookneck (local)</p> <p>Yellow Straightneck (local)</p> <p>Butternut (unknown) (local)</p> <p><b>TOMATO</b></p> <p>Brandywine</p> <p>Green Zebra</p> <p>Gold Medal</p> <p>Cherokee Purple</p> <p>Rose</p> <p><b>TURNIP</b></p> <p>Shogoin (local)</p> <p>Purple Top (local)</p> <p>White Egg (local)</p> <p><b>WATERMELON</b></p> <p>Black Diamond (local)</p> <p>Crimson Sweet (local)</p> <p>Desert King Yellow Meat (local)</p> <p>Congo (local)</p> <p>Charleston Gray (local)</p> <p>Jubilee (local)</p> <p>Sugar Baby Icebox (local)</p> <p>Moon and Stars (Van Doren)</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-80770494119680684382010-03-18T08:55:00.001-05:002010-03-18T09:00:07.153-05:00Homemade Whole Grain Pizza Crust<p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6IwxuhTaJI/AAAAAAAABxM/uzMcWGN4URs/s1600-h/010%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6IwyLVuo4I/AAAAAAAABxQ/LShrATe5-Pk/010_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="270" /></a> </p> <p>You may have noticed that I’ve been consumed with bread making this month. It was a big part of my commitment to the <a href="http://notdabblinginnormal.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/food-inc-and-a-personal-challenge-to-you/">Real Food Challenge</a> over at <a href="http://notdabblinginnormal.wordpress.com/">Not Dabbling in Normal</a>. It’s also been nice to make <em>all </em>of our bread. I’ve even made noodles and tortillas, which I’ll share later. But for now, I wanted to share this wonderful <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,191,154173-246205,00.html">whole wheat pizza crust recipe</a> with you. It’s easy and delicious.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6Iwye8a3hI/AAAAAAAABxU/qRnbw6GjaMg/s1600-h/016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="016" border="0" alt="016" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6IwypIbJUI/AAAAAAAABxY/HWExPX8_NvQ/016_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="270" /></a> <p>As usual, I used a 1/2 spelt, 1/2 wheat mix in my dough, but I’m sure it would be delicious with all whole wheat. And I topped it with pizza sauce, cooked and crumbled ground beef (seasoned heavily with minced onions, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper), thinly sliced zucchini and bell pepper, and lots of mozzarella cheese. I always use whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand to top our pizza, and this week we had zucchini in our <a href="http://www.growalabama.com/">Grow Alabama</a> vegbox, and I scored some semi-local Florida bell pepper at the health foods store. </p> <p>It’s raining, <em>again, </em>but if it ever stops, I’m planning to start seeds for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and onions this week. I can hardly wait to sink my teeth into some fresh tomatoes!!!</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-8281239006704725112010-03-17T16:22:00.001-05:002010-03-17T16:22:50.907-05:00It’s raining, it’s pouring…<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIFc-xfNI/AAAAAAAABv8/_S8vAwMPLdk/s1600-h/062%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="062" border="0" alt="062" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIF-7GgDI/AAAAAAAABwA/eAHCSl_6fgg/062_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="274" /></a></p> <p>And the kids are NOT snoring. This Spring Break is quickly turning into a wash-out. I enjoy a good rainy day now and again, but this is a bit much. It was nice out yesterday, and we did get out and do a bit of garden shopping. Asparagus, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, kiwis, and raspberries were purchased. But, poor Sara Lynn just declared that this day was boring. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIGZrg4EI/AAAAAAAABwE/P76MMxUrZg0/s1600-h/064%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="064" border="0" alt="064" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIGo90MII/AAAAAAAABwI/nKC9gLS0y2A/064_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="274" /></a></p> <p>This is the second rainy day this week… and it’s just Wednesday!We had such high hopes of spending this week outside getting the garden beds planted, doing a bit of fishing, and jumping on the trampoline. Oh, well. It’ll all have to wait.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIG4N4k_I/AAAAAAAABwM/0WJM5mb3n0k/s1600-h/003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIHG439bI/AAAAAAAABwQ/0rDKKzw3T3I/003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="272" /></a> </p> <p>We’ve had fashion shows…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIHh1y05I/AAAAAAAABwU/YfKE6k3G7iI/s1600-h/008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIH0djY7I/AAAAAAAABwY/3hQl8yh_qcU/008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="275" /></a>    </p> <p>Played more video games than I usually allow…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIIP4SifI/AAAAAAAABwc/XfSGh_IW_iw/s1600-h/042%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="042" border="0" alt="042" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIIGQ7tHI/AAAAAAAABwg/yqwZ4qYaX_k/042_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="280" /></a> </p> <p>Baked some <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2009/11/sue-greggs-apple-oat-muffins.html">Apple Oat Muffins</a>…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIIstR_7I/AAAAAAAABwk/ZI-hAV6j2aY/s1600-h/055%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="055" border="0" alt="055" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FII2IzcXI/AAAAAAAABwo/6lTAdebZqV4/055_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="276" /></a> </p> <p>Enjoyed a tea party or two…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIJCP28gI/AAAAAAAABws/6RLzTihzoMI/s1600-h/056%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="056" border="0" alt="056" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIJbzECsI/AAAAAAAABww/TsdlUpuWUCs/056_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="278" /></a> </p> <p>These muffins are really good<em>. And good for you, too. </em></p> <p>Go make some already! They’re super easy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIJhJTONI/AAAAAAAABw0/R1fPaNrYfLU/s1600-h/066%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="066" border="0" alt="066" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIJ4S-t3I/AAAAAAAABw8/3y119nNJhXE/066_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="270" /></a> </p> <p> I love the way rain looks coming down across the water.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIKXZQnMI/AAAAAAAABxA/1n-gTYtbi38/s1600-h/018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="018" border="0" alt="018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S6FIKjRG7GI/AAAAAAAABxE/Vkw8uIRDRHY/018_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="272" /></a> <p>And I’m ecstatic now that the pear trees are in bloom. Now, if only the sun would make an appearance, we could get outside and enjoy this delicious taste of spring. Meanwhile, I’m off to do some puzzles with these antsy kids of mine.</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-11536914755660827622010-03-16T16:30:00.000-05:002010-03-16T16:30:00.150-05:004:00pm… Spring Break 2010<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S57f9ZSjyuI/AAAAAAAABvc/AuMFqI4_KHA/s1600-h/086%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="086" border="0" alt="086" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S57f93u4GgI/AAAAAAAABvg/4iW2lIG65RM/086_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="276" /></a> </p> <p>Well, no one seemed to mind that our first day of Spring Break was spent indoors. The weather was overcast, misting rain at times, so the day was perfect for this…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S57f-LqJofI/AAAAAAAABvk/v9OOieWDtDo/s1600-h/087%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="087" border="0" alt="087" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S57f-kOmuDI/AAAAAAAABvo/thl9-eL13qw/087_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="279" /></a> </p> <p>and this…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S57f-4Iu-6I/AAAAAAAABvs/AA9SA92uHAA/s1600-h/116%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="116" border="0" alt="116" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S57f_LemdlI/AAAAAAAABvw/xsLXSLDTjf0/116_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="285" /></a> </p> <p>and even this…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S57f_mSrWbI/AAAAAAAABv0/bUyVpBwsoU4/s1600-h/117%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="117" border="0" alt="117" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S57gAMlM4KI/AAAAAAAABv4/WOGgLkaHViA/117_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="279" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>While everyone else was busy catching a few zzz’s, Mama spent the afternoon in her kitchen happily trying new recipes. I have more delicious goodness to share with you soon. </p> <p>Yep. It was a good day. </p> <p>I’ve been itching to do a little sewing lately, but to be honest, it’s just too hard on my neck to stay at the machine very long. I’m having what I hope will be the last surgery on my neck Monday. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do all the things I want to do very soon.</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-49148421841489070012010-03-15T16:10:00.001-05:002010-03-17T21:05:50.856-05:00My Favorite Whole Grain Sandwich Bread and Cinnamon Rolls (or Sticky Buns)<p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iOkV5QhI/AAAAAAAABuc/ZCjmrcWk_AM/s1600-h/050%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="050" border="0" alt="050" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iO3G9SgI/AAAAAAAABug/G1bSZzkUAr4/050_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="271" /></a></p> <p>The secret to <em>really good </em>whole wheat sandwich bread that is moist and soft is allowing it to rise properly. I allow this dough to rise <em>four times. </em>It’s also important to knead your dough long enough. This can take quite a while if you’re kneading by hand. </p> <p>When I knead by hand, I knead for 15 minutes, allow my dough <em>(and me!)</em> to rest for 10 minutes, and then knead for 15 minutes more. These days, I prefer to use my <a href="http://www.kitchenaid.com/flash.cmd?/#/page/home">KitchenAid’s</a> dough hook attachment and allow it to knead for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough appears somewhat smooth and elastic. </p> <p>For the 1st rise, place the dough into a bowl with a tablespoon or two of EV olive oil. Turn the dough to coat all sides, cover with a damp towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 – 1 1/2 hours.</p> <p>For the 2nd rise, punch dough down gently, turn it over, cover, and allow it to rise again until doubled. This usually takes half the time of the first rise.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iPdoKPkI/AAAAAAAABuk/TaSUGDszvFM/s1600-h/007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iRDKhaUI/AAAAAAAABuo/aKfGvQjmW6s/007_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="268" /></a></p> <p>For the third rise, punch dough down gently once more, divide and shape as desired (above I used half the dough for a sandwich loaf and the other half for cinnamon rolls), and place in pans, again covered with a towel, to rise until almost doubled, about 20 minutes.</p> <p>The forth rise happens during the first 5 minutes of baking.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iRoZWFzI/AAAAAAAABus/LekGpQiJk3Q/s1600-h/035%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="035" border="0" alt="035" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iSG5ThmI/AAAAAAAABuw/KbrRWlwlKhM/035_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="265" /></a></p> <p>You can see here what a difference it makes in the final product. <em>Mmmm….</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iSSAX3XI/AAAAAAAABu0/32xlym5iKVc/s1600-h/015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="015" border="0" alt="015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iSsUgsMI/AAAAAAAABu4/Vmj6yA6OYs4/015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="273" /></a> </p> <p>I try to keep my cinnamon rolls <em>somewhat </em>healthy by not using too much sugar, and the sugar I use is organic evaporated cane juice. I usually use 1/2 cup of sugar and a tablespoon of cinnamon for the filling, and 8 ozs. of cream cheese whipped with 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar for the topping. Sometimes we drizzle honey over the top instead.</p> <p>Feel free to experiment with your own ideas. <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/classic-sticky-buns-recipe">More ideas here.</a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iTLYwXFI/AAAAAAAABu8/jlF_bhdq6xs/s1600-h/040%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="040" border="0" alt="040" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iTngXrMI/AAAAAAAABvA/2BKrn5ywmB0/040_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="268" /></a> </p> <p>Oh, my! <em>These are sooooo delicious!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iTwTY5sI/AAAAAAAABvE/JZIk-ROWNQs/s1600-h/049%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="049" border="0" alt="049" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iUWKht8I/AAAAAAAABvI/wzrWbn7wkgI/049_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="271" /></a>  </p> <p>Is your mouth watering yet? <em>Mine is!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iU3Ix-_I/AAAAAAAABvM/qgbCru5uaWw/s1600-h/072%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="072" border="0" alt="072" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iVMO7HlI/AAAAAAAABvQ/dT-bN_OPKTs/072_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="275" /></a></p> <p>Here’s the recipe I adapted from <a href="http://www.suegregg.com/">Sue Gregg’s Whole Grain Baking Cookbook</a>:</p> <h6></h6> <h1>Whole Grain Dough</h1> <h4>1 cup hot water</h4> <h4>3/4 cup plain yogurt, whey, kefir, buttermilk,      ~ or 1/2 cup lemon juice (I prefer <a href="http://www.stonyfield.com/our_products/index.jsp?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=yogurt&utm_campaign=dairy">Stonyfield Creamtop Plain Yogurt</a>)</h4> <h4>4 cups whole wheat flour, spelt, or kamut  (I substitute 1/2 cup of soy flour for extra protein, and use half spelt/half wheat mix)</h4> <p>Mix above ingredients, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and allow to stand overnight. (This is optional, and I sometimes forget to do this the night before. The bread is still delicious when prepared the same day. Soaked grains are easier to digest.)</p> <h4>1 cup warm water</h4> <h4>1 TBSP active dry yeast (or 1/4 oz packet)</h4> <h4>1/2 tsp. honey</h4> <h4>1/2 tsp. baking soda (added after mixture bubbles)</h4> <p>Mix above ingredients and let stand for 5 – 10 minutes, until frothy.</p> <h4>1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil </h4> <h4>1/3 cup honey</h4> <h4>2 tsp. sea salt</h4> <p>Mix above ingredients and add it, flour mixture, and yeast mixture to a mixing bowl. Knead by hand (or machine) until well blended. Turn out onto floured surface (if hand kneading) and knead for 20-30 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If kneading by machine, knead for 10-15 minutes.</p> <h4>1-2 cups whole wheat, spelt, or kamut flour</h4> <p>You may add up to 2 additional cups of flour to dough as needed to prevent sticking while kneading. I usually add about 1 cup of flour, only adding enough to allow dough to pull away cleanly from sides of mixing bowl. <em>If you add to much flour, your dough will be dry and tough!</em></p> <p><em>***Follow the directions at the top of this post for rising.</em></p> <p>This recipe makes 2 loaves, or 1 loaf and one pan of cinnamon rolls.</p> <p>Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes (or until the loaf sounds hollow when you thump it) for loaves, and 20-25 minutes for cinnamon rolls. <em>Enjoy!</em></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dWtXMWtgKSCf2z-cOZ3SMV6vbEqeDFBUBZCtoUArLTB7CCaSuMQQuwfolloTK6yMIrKpCK1uj_vJrydcWfhyphenhyphenkOUydtLJzOaCigTjdSJjIXhqeCxUKtje-7jKQM4TeAKrG-Y4x686Bpig/s1600-h/027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="027" border="0" alt="027" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S56iVkq-AFI/AAAAAAAABvY/GjxQWb68a4o/027_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="270" /></a></p> <p><em><strong>TIPS:</strong></em> If you need instructions on assembling the cinnamon rolls, <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/cinnamon-rolls-recipe">try here</a>. Instead of cutting with a knife, I use a piece of string <em>(fishing line or dental floss work best!)</em> slid gently beneath the log of dough, and then pulled crosswise across the top. It makes the cleanest cut. And I cook all my bread in stoneware pans. It cooks more evenly without allowing the bottom to become too brown. <em>Don’t forget to spray or grease the bottom of your pans!</em> </p> <p><a href="http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Kneading-Dough/Detail.aspx"">How to knead</a> </p> <p><a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2006/09/26/shaping-bread-loaves/">How to shape loaves</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes2008/yeast.html">Understanding yeast</a></p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-60392623981009158192010-03-11T20:10:00.001-06:002010-03-11T20:29:57.713-06:00Decision made: Canon EOS Rebel XS<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5mimtjMF5I/AAAAAAAABtw/aOa5A7gys9A/s1600-h/050%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="050" border="0" alt="050" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5mim4ea1VI/AAAAAAAABt0/ivoSOgX91SU/050_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="286" /></a> </p> <p>It’s a done deal. I am now the owner of a <a href="http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_1000D_Rebel_XS/index.shtml">Canon EOS Rebel XS.</a> It came with two lenses, bonus Canon bag, and an in depth instruction manual (which I will rely heavily upon!) I’m excited about learning to use this DSLR camera, but must admit that it is a bit intimidating. So, if my shots around here over the next few weeks are less than perfect… you’ll know why! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5mnIyMiWLI/AAAAAAAABuU/crABKxqiG6U/s1600-h/043%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="043" border="0" alt="043" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5mnJaX3yLI/AAAAAAAABuY/R6DPPoarQ2Y/043_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="282" /></a> </p> <p>Tonight, I’ve folded my favorite quilt, put away my flannel pajamas, and settled  into my favorite chair wearing springtime pajamas. The windows and screened doors are open, and it feels so good to have a comfortably cool breeze blowing through the house. This amazingly beautiful, 75 degree day has motivated me to learn to use this camera in record time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5minOCGB0I/AAAAAAAABt4/BMPZZJTnSUI/s1600-h/020%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="020" border="0" alt="020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5minbLjdjI/AAAAAAAABt8/yUWaWPtUOZI/020_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="285" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>All of the trees show visible budding, and I can hardly wait to plant my spring garden! I’m ready, are you?</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-476036190311235542010-03-10T08:38:00.001-06:002010-03-10T08:39:08.975-06:00Camera-less<p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5eu5GmwYdI/AAAAAAAABtY/lSYYk6tYMsI/s1600-h/137%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="137" border="0" alt="137" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5eu5ssBpzI/AAAAAAAABtc/KjNPB7qqbYg/137_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="296" /></a> </p> <p>I dropped my beloved <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-Camera/26171/COOLPIX-P90.html">Nikon</a> last week, so I’m on the hunt for another camera today. I’m <em>thinking about </em>splurging on my first <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Digital-SLR/index.page">DSLR</a>, but I’m undecided at this point. I’ve really enjoyed my P90… it was a great camera that served me well. My only complaint was the quality of low-light shots. They turned out quite grainy. </p> <p>Decisions, decisions. <em>What’s a girl to do?</em></p> <p>On another note, I came across an older gentlemen selling this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowroot">Yellow Root Tea.</a> I don’t imagine I’ll drink it, but it was an interesting local find. What can I say… <em>I’m a sucker for the unusual!</em></p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-55530076880389200412010-03-09T08:15:00.001-06:002010-03-09T08:15:09.194-06:00Refreshing Your Sourdough Starter<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64SmGhLNr8M7179v8G33Xyv1HPkzEbSuOYY425cyLP1sIngerhkFWBtOjFFOVy7ucdiFn3UzotPKWFhCBQCybKgmXIKF7Jp5cOjXW19UOqEhxKlBonkY0H3dZELsNdBh3TXKawJlt_vHJ/s1600-h/009%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m_aJYgFI/AAAAAAAABrk/6SXBVHNnoHU/009_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="308" /></a></p> <p>Leftover starter can be stored in your refrigerator for a few weeks, or longer in your freezer. When you’re ready for more <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/03/recipe-sourdough-bread.html">sourdough bread</a>, you’ll need to refresh the starter. It’s easy.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3reCTeYy2sew8feBfbLhw3yCgusW70m3sgMH9gnAL5U35dKqIZLoN_Puz2_uQeK5uGCgiD6yb4jXkxCsis08MQRsq7O6zzxg3YA1m_X8OTg0nvZxwYFF3xzNO-3yHQ_dKZqAX9WHjvft/s1600-h/001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m9gAgl5I/AAAAAAAABrI/3G95OMtcHBI/001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a></p> <p>You should have reserved 1 quart of starter from your <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/03/making-sourdough-bread-starter.html">last batch</a>. Remove the lid from your jar of leftover starter, place your starter in a large bowl, and allow the starter to come to room temperature.  Add one cup of rye flour plus enough water to make the mixture soupy each day, changing to a clean bowl, until 3 quarts are obtained. This takes about 3 days. Be sure that your starter goes through the bubbly, frothy stage again, and then it’s ready to use.</p> <p>It’s important to remember to feed your starter at approximately the same time each day, and to store it in a warm, open area. That’s a little difficult to do if the weather isn’t warm, but on top of your refrigerator or beside a sunny window work well. I have a smooth, glass top stove which I allow my bowl to rest on after I’m done cooking and the glass is still warm. You don’t want to allow your starter to get too hot though. So, be careful if you do this.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m8jAZUCI/AAAAAAAABq8/XaLLvqUyH64/s1600-h/028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="028" border="0" alt="028" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m9DoJ1XI/AAAAAAAABrA/N1N-4cw5o0A/028_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a></p> <p>There’s nothing quite like fresh sourdough bread. We enjoyed it last night sliced and topped with pizza sauce, cheese, hard salami, and mushrooms. Toasted in the oven for 10 minutes, it was an easy and delicious meal in minutes. We’ve also enjoyed it with apple butter or strawberry jam in the mornings. <em>Divine! </em>And it’s equally good with just a little butter alongside a bowl of chili or soup. Here are the links:</p> <p><a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/03/making-sourdough-bread-starter.html">Sourdough Bread Starter</a></p> <p><a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/03/recipe-sourdough-bread.html">Easy Sourdough Bread</a> </p> This is a very versatile bread, and it’s delightfully simple to make. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have! Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-34005594565059546042010-03-08T05:57:00.000-06:002010-03-08T05:57:01.161-06:00Almost Spring<p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZt8juSmI/AAAAAAAABsg/NRD_DA_JTvo/s1600-h/160%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="160" border="0" alt="160" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZuZv-0mI/AAAAAAAABsk/diuG3NqsGko/160_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="295" /></a> </p> <p>We’re in <em>countdown to Spring mode</em> around here lately.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZuk34taI/AAAAAAAABso/I0wwq3POE4Q/s1600-h/120%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="120" border="0" alt="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB01K_SCdHUPdohCYr1loJLv_R3JrXTuZjsYAJK0tAJXHEGMo_zm-wCqx7SN1btqBRzDjAMRnBUjwI9wPG1z8V32QOG_17LlvBmhg41ykQ261yKuV4TfqSMaZEnX6fqphUcp8sov-ZXu7h/?imgmax=800" width="390" height="298" /></a> </p> <p>The pear trees are on the verge of flowering.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZvvb-3JI/AAAAAAAABsw/FqVHRpy-G8M/s1600-h/131%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="131" border="0" alt="131" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZwKgo8EI/AAAAAAAABs0/R08P2FlrPnQ/131_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="304" /></a></p> <p>The fig trees and their early buds survived our crazy, <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/02/family-fun-in-snow.html">snowy weather</a> last month.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZwWf3BGI/AAAAAAAABs4/T6-xYSemgR4/s1600-h/130%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="130" border="0" alt="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODubuuEC_Ya4uvLv73X93wjfDzA_Wsyvzr5lYudqbcHlMKgwIULI92xJuv7rCmR61_BUlrsQyhOZoAeGq88GtxMofpPgHvRKivu7Xep2fdrXEOKoVGt45-PKf2KwKzpi71WC3kgcg5h7O/?imgmax=800" width="394" height="301" /></a> </p> <p>An old pail stands ready after years of collecting figs. We’re incredibly happy to be <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/search?q=mini+farm">here.</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZxaL2-oI/AAAAAAAABtA/2dLS21RVGss/s1600-h/134%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="134" border="0" alt="134" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZxpYHqJI/AAAAAAAABtE/AIPV6HhVZl8/134_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="298" /></a> </p> <p>Even the plum and apple trees have sent out buds in anticipation of warmer days ahead.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZyE0h6sI/AAAAAAAABtI/dOj6hNT-kuA/s1600-h/132%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="132" border="0" alt="132" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZyhGsFZI/AAAAAAAABtM/h_3xXKkHSUU/132_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="298" /></a> </p> <p>My raised beds (look deep into the background) have been built and filled with composted garden soil. This hill of red clay dirt epitomizes Alabama. You can’t go very far around here without seeing some of this stuff. I love to look at it, but it doesn’t grow the best vegetables. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZy4Ap5xI/AAAAAAAABtQ/xP_mgv9K24U/s1600-h/139%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="139" border="0" alt="139" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S5RZzA1ABxI/AAAAAAAABtU/P39uAzZMsiE/139_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="296" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And here’s my sweet Sara Lynn, playing at dusk in her pajamas… just because it was a gorgeous day we didn’t want to end. I hope your weekend was as beautiful as ours! Even my husband’s tonsillectomy on Friday couldn’t keep us down.<em> Thank God for liquid painkillers!</em> : )</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-10799611685035363002010-03-03T16:47:00.002-06:002010-03-09T08:17:03.729-06:00A Recipe: Easy Sourdough Bread<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m8jAZUCI/AAAAAAAABq8/XaLLvqUyH64/s1600-h/028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="028" border="0" alt="028" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m9DoJ1XI/AAAAAAAABrA/N1N-4cw5o0A/028_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a> </p> <p>This bread is amazing… and so easy to make. It just takes a bit of preparation beforehand. You’ll need to make <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/03/making-sourdough-bread-starter.html">sourdough bread starter</a> first. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3reCTeYy2sew8feBfbLhw3yCgusW70m3sgMH9gnAL5U35dKqIZLoN_Puz2_uQeK5uGCgiD6yb4jXkxCsis08MQRsq7O6zzxg3YA1m_X8OTg0nvZxwYFF3xzNO-3yHQ_dKZqAX9WHjvft/s1600-h/001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m9gAgl5I/AAAAAAAABrI/3G95OMtcHBI/001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a> </p> <p>On day seven, feed your starter as usual. I’ve found that a 5 lb. bag of rye flour is enough to make two batches of starter. It takes <em>a lot of flour </em>to make the starter. Your starter should have gone through the bubbly, frothy stage. If not, try making it again from scratch, and be sure you feed it at the same time everyday and store it in a warm, open place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m91Lb_rI/AAAAAAAABrM/lSAjRww1Z2c/s1600-h/008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m-AG-OzI/AAAAAAAABrQ/f5I_-052V-I/008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Now, it’s a messy job when you’re dividing the starter. I used my one quart measuring bowl which has a pour spout to transfer it to jars.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m-XtbANI/AAAAAAAABrY/FXMokdyE-Bw/s1600-h/005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="005" border="0" alt="005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m-6Pj6KI/AAAAAAAABrc/luNL-sIjwLY/005_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="525" /></a> </p> <p>Save one quart of the starter to start a new batch of starter, and use the remaining 2 quarts to make your bread. This recipe makes 3 large loaves that will keep for up to a week without refrigeration. <em>If you don’t need that much bread at one time, or if you don’t have a HUMONGOUS dough bowl to mix it in, I would suggest using 1 quart of starter and halving this recipe (Half = 6 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/4 TBSP salt, 1/2 cup water, 1 quart starter).</em></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64SmGhLNr8M7179v8G33Xyv1HPkzEbSuOYY425cyLP1sIngerhkFWBtOjFFOVy7ucdiFn3UzotPKWFhCBQCybKgmXIKF7Jp5cOjXW19UOqEhxKlBonkY0H3dZELsNdBh3TXKawJlt_vHJ/s1600-h/009%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m_aJYgFI/AAAAAAAABrk/6SXBVHNnoHU/009_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="308" /></a></p> <p>I store my starter in the refrigerator in recycled glass jars. You could also freeze it, but be sure to leave plenty of head space in your jar. You also don’t want your starter to come in contact with metal.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m_lkJqgI/AAAAAAAABro/kbi7UDeZITg/s1600-h/006%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47m_yT5jEI/AAAAAAAABrs/I-v4407TLhg/006_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Now, to make the bread, I use freshly milled spelt. You could also use whole wheat or kamut, but spelt gives the best loaf. It seems to rise better and make a slightly lighter loaf than whole wheat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nALKuI7I/AAAAAAAABrw/nPEJHMRoCT0/s1600-h/011%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nAeBTswI/AAAAAAAABr0/wrumr-gvhkk/011_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>Add 1 cup of water and 2 1/2 TBSP salt to starter and stir until salt crystals dissolve. Slowly begin adding 13 cups of flour, stirring with a wooden spoon. Towards the end, it will be easier to mix with your hands. After all of the flour is incorporated, you may need to add an additional 1/2 cup of water if your dough is too thick. The dough should be soft, sticky, and pretty easy to knead.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nA78ogZI/AAAAAAAABr4/7hfd8dVmjtI/s1600-h/012%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="012" border="0" alt="012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nBQV7Y2I/AAAAAAAABr8/ZzEWdRVMye4/012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>Knead the flour right in your bowl, for about 15 minutes. This dough is stickier than most doughs I’ve kneaded, so don’t be alarmed. If you’re new to bread making and need a kneading tutorial, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Kneading-Dough/Detail.aspx">here's a good one with pictures.</a> Just know that this dough will not be as smooth as the one pictured because they’re using white flour.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nBiBiOAI/AAAAAAAABsA/t3kDtmkdlkQ/s1600-h/017%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="017" border="0" alt="017" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nBxnwcHI/AAAAAAAABsE/rfLyv0k2v-I/017_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Do not punch the dough down. Gently pinch apart and shape into 3 loaves, or 5-6 smaller loaves. Cut slits in the top, cover with a dish towel, and let rise for 4-12 hours (it depends on how warm your house is.) You may bake in loaf pans or on a large sheet pan.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nCVhfeLI/AAAAAAAABsI/GhFpzu2vsyA/s1600-h/023%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="023" border="0" alt="023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nCq7BEWI/AAAAAAAABsM/coyR6ABX4H0/023_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="313" /></a> </p> <p><em>Man, oh man, was that a lot of dough!</em> </p> <p>I will probably do half as much next time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nC_6G4aI/AAAAAAAABsQ/nLKoTHgH-7g/s1600-h/027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="027" border="0" alt="027" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nDWyP8EI/AAAAAAAABsU/WAFNSc8eqvc/027_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="313" /></a></p> <p>I turned my oven on for 5 minutes, turned it off, and allowed my dough to rise (covered with a towel) inside my closed oven for 4 hours. When your dough has doubled in size, cook it at 350 degrees for 1 hour. If you like, rub butter over the top of the hot loaves after cooking.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nD5jmLeI/AAAAAAAABsY/29-lXEK4LAw/s1600-h/064%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="064" border="0" alt="064" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S47nEJtnm1I/AAAAAAAABsc/6WvPcLoV3Ws/064_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I wish you were here to smell and taste this sourdough bread! Quite honestly, it is the very best bread I’ve ever tasted. <em>And I’ve made many, many loaves of bread. </em>It’s heavier than traditional sandwich bread, but has a wonderful heartiness and pleasantly sour taste. I’m serving it up tonight with a bowl of homemade chili. Yum!</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-57898590888607321242010-03-02T10:49:00.001-06:002010-03-09T08:19:00.763-06:00Making Sourdough Bread Starter<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41Bfma_pnI/AAAAAAAABqM/RgGggwyuC10/s1600-h/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 018" border="0" alt="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41Bf7hmJMI/AAAAAAAABqQ/Tr2M2rUgwoc/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20018_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="302" /></a> </p> <p>Making sourdough bread starter is really easy. All you need are two LARGE bowls, a wooden spoon, measuring cup, cheesecloth (or flour sack type kitchen towel), a bag of rye flour (milling your own rye would be even better!), and some water. It takes 7 days before your starter will be ready for baking bread.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41BgJl8plI/AAAAAAAABqU/ucMsfMG6uUQ/s1600-h/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20023%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 023" border="0" alt="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41Bgi1QYUI/AAAAAAAABqY/cNY8FxVmgEY/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20023_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="305" /></a> </p> <p>On day one, mix 2 cups of rye flour (you could use whole wheat flour, but rye gives the most consistent results) with 2 cups of cold filtered water. Be sure not to use metallic bowls or utensils.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41BhCHI2jI/AAAAAAAABqc/6XG-fXpAY2g/s1600-h/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20040%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 040" border="0" alt="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 040" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41BhbVg0WI/AAAAAAAABqg/Yi9-aDJDILc/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20040_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="309" /></a> </p> <p>Cover bowl with cheesecloth or a towel, securing with a rubber band if necessary, and leave in a warm place (the top of your refrigerator or beside a sunny window both work well if your kitchen is cool) for 24 hours.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41Bhu1LDuI/AAAAAAAABqk/rPwZF2hMqNo/s1600-h/082%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="082" border="0" alt="082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41Bh7jqWiI/AAAAAAAABqo/_Q-huMJLGuw/082_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="304" /></a> This is what my starter looked like before feeding it on day three. </p> <p>Everyday, for the next 6 days, feed your starter (at approximately the same time of day) 1 cup of rye flour and enough water to make the mixture soupy again. Usually, 1 – 1 1/2 cups of water will do.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41BiK69SwI/AAAAAAAABqs/P9v2-q6t_l4/s1600-h/086%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="086" border="0" alt="086" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41Bitmp9iI/AAAAAAAABqw/SdNr1KAZxx8/086_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="309" /></a> </p> <p>Stir with a wooden (or plastic) spoon and transfer mixture to a clean bowl. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41Bi9H3jfI/AAAAAAAABq0/LVWeWW5xa7o/s1600-h/181%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="181" border="0" alt="181" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S41BjLBGi1I/AAAAAAAABq4/7lMvBp7sylE/181_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="306" /></a></p> <p>This is what my starter looked like before feeding it on day six. See all those bubbles? That’s what you want. It’s fermenting and that’s what will make your bread rise and taste yummy. It should have a slightly sour, wine-like aroma. </p> <p>On day seven, feed it as usual, and the starter is ready for making bread. Save 1 quart of starter for your next batch of starter. If you’re not going to use the next batch of starter right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. </p> <p>To start a new batch, place the starter in a bowl and add 1 cup of rye flour plus water each day, changing bowls, until 3 quarts are obtained.</p> <p>This recipe was adapted from my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267547865&sr=8-1">Nourishing Traditions</a> cookbook. I can’t tell you enough about how wonderful this book is!!! It is my go-to cookbook. Very different from your usual cookbooks. Sally Fallon explains the ‘why’ to her recipes and offers a new (which is actually the way of old traditions) way to eat healthy. She encourages making everything from scratch. Yes, <em>everything</em>! Even things like crackers, ketchup, mustard, and of coarse, sourdough bread. This way, you know <em>exactly </em>what you’re eating. No harmful preservatives or icky additives.</p> <p>I’ll share my Nourishing Traditions recipe for sourdough bread with you tomorrow!</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-8579088409478418772010-03-01T09:51:00.001-06:002010-03-09T08:21:12.711-06:00My Singer (K-series) Sewing Machine<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viYsQ2zdI/AAAAAAAABpo/yT9jS52wNCE/s1600-h/095%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="095" border="0" alt="095" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viY1L2gPI/AAAAAAAABps/7lMUzg4dki8/095_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="298" /></a></p> <p>Unfortunately, I have discovered that there isn’t a lot of information out there on my <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/02/very-good-gift-antique-singer-sewing.html">old Singer sewing machine.</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viZEA4oAI/AAAAAAAABpw/8wT3G2cNvUc/s1600-h/094%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="094" border="0" alt="094" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viZVEV3II/AAAAAAAABp0/rWnGa2Inw6A/094_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="293" /></a> </p> <p>What I do know is that it is a Singer K-series: K619639. These machines were manufactured in Elizabethport, NJ from 1902-1903. I haven’t had any luck finding replacement parts or a manual, but I haven’t given up on that. <em>You never know what you might come across on </em><a href="www.ebay.com"><em>eBay.</em></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viZ2TQuUI/AAAAAAAABp4/4pP37S0O5WM/s1600-h/100%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="100" border="0" alt="100" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viaGvRimI/AAAAAAAABp8/wnrcDZGV5yc/100_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="146" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viaWrHZRI/AAAAAAAABqA/wMgR1OCaDog/s1600-h/104%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="104" border="0" alt="104" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viao-tgQI/AAAAAAAABqE/4qMuho8xLOY/104_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" height="145" /></a></p> <p>Even if we are unable to restore this sewing machine to good working condition, it is such a wonderful piece of history to have in our home. The kids and I have very much enjoyed ‘playing’ with it, and seeing the old treadle foot pedal propel the machine.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4viaWrHZRI/AAAAAAAABqA/wMgR1OCaDog/s1600-h/104%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="040" border="0" alt="040" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4via70rFVI/AAAAAAAABqI/zNysl6rbc70/040%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="299" /> </a></p> <p>I can’t imagine ever parting with it, and I am extremely grateful that my dear husband knows just how to make this girl happy.</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-7268412691824436232010-02-26T09:58:00.000-06:002010-02-26T10:16:19.322-06:00Not Dabbling in Normal: Real Food Challenge<p><a href="http://notdabblinginnormal.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/food-inc-and-a-personal-challenge-to-you/" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="real_food_challenge_large1" border="0" alt="real_food_challenge_large1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4ftiPWhbNI/AAAAAAAABpg/L7W0zmpqQ6Y/real_food_challenge_large1%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="407" height="191" /></a> </p> <p>Up until about an hour ago, I was still floundering on my decision to participate in this challenge. March will be a difficult month around my house. My hubs and I are both facing surgeries, we have a <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-progress-kitchen-renovation.html">kitchen remodeling project</a> underway, and it just didn’t seem doable. But… I am in, and will give it my best. </p> <p>We already eat most things from scratch. No fast food or sodas for my family. For the last year, we have been steadily cutting out processed foods. We have been eating seasonally and locally (for the most part) this winter thanks to our local CSA: <a href="http://www.growalabama.com">www.growalabama.com</a>.   </p> <p>We occasionally eat store bought crackers, chips, and breakfast cereal. Those will be difficult to completely do without, but not impossible. I’m planning to stock my freezer with homemade bread, muffins, cookies, and a few pre-made casseroles so we will be less tempted to ‘cheat’ on difficult days. </p> <p>The crackers and chips will be the hardest for us. I’ve been wanting to try making my own crackers ever since <a href="http://chiotsrun.com/">Suzy</a> mentioned that she makes her own. This is my golden opportunity to give it a go. And I’ll experiment with making homemade tortillas, too. I’m getting really excited!!! No more excuses. I think I’ll spend the day in my kitchen.</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-34552692947561979652010-02-26T06:28:00.000-06:002010-02-26T06:28:00.298-06:00In Progress: Kitchen Renovation<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azURDulsI/AAAAAAAABoM/oCe8PV6eCwM/s1600-h/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 001" border="0" alt="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azUrpn5uI/AAAAAAAABoQ/Sr8zIh2iEmE/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="307" /></a> </p> <p>We have had a little kitchen renovation project in the works around here this week. We knew when we bought this house that the bathrooms and kitchen would need some updating. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed this little kitchen. But there are some things we wanted to change to make it more functional for us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azUz9w8eI/AAAAAAAABoU/oMIhWWS9mRM/s1600-h/Kitchen%20Before%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Kitchen Before" border="0" alt="Kitchen Before" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azVPIvSDI/AAAAAAAABoY/gutdFqB0zwk/Kitchen%20Before_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="305" /></a></p> <p>Here is the before shot. It’s the day after we moved in. You can see we had a modified L-shape kitchen with a wrap around peninsula. </p> <p><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4IH5brcbH02v_DESwkbvhu3raQsDwfWpaF2NM27W0iiu1QsakwvYKGFDHicpQT3nWnURMjrUOsW3lFGrBcEGLV41_2OPcYKE_ul1em-3ZF6WQK_V8rYelzuxONGNDLMzNoRB162xT_0p/s400/apples2.jpg" /></p> <p>I have so loved the little bar area and bookshelf combo where the kids have eaten their breakfast and snacks. The problem was that it made the kitchen seem small and cramped, especially when we have guests. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azVkZq-bI/AAAAAAAABoc/VebrYQBGbcw/s1600-h/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 007" border="0" alt="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azV_qc6GI/AAAAAAAABog/NCPkVMyflbA/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20007_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="306" /></a></p> <p>So, the little bar is gone, and we’re trying to decide the best way to go from here.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azWC9MEII/AAAAAAAABok/qhq-qKAoqZI/s1600-h/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 009" border="0" alt="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azWm9mBII/AAAAAAAABoo/TlZDu9wQ2FQ/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="309" /></a> </p> <p>We both love the look of natural granite, and it’s durability. We’re just struggling to justify the cost at this point. I won’t miss those old Formica laminate countertops in the least, but I’d like to make an environmentally sound <em>and affordable </em>choice. We’re undecided as to what we’ll end up doing. The cabinetry is in excellent shape, so we’ll refinish those. The countertops are proving to be our biggest expense, so we can afford to splurge a little here. <em>I keep telling myself that granite will never need to be replaced.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azWxmqnMI/AAAAAAAABos/FpbEcx6pti8/s1600-h/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20010%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 010" border="0" alt="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azXCYscGI/AAAAAAAABow/7EX7Dqel9y4/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20010_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>We’ve also decided that a kitchen island is a must. I need the extra work and storage space. If possible, we’d like to rework the old peninsula to serve this purpose. It’s always better to use what you already have - it saves time, money, and waste. Although, I’m not sure how this particular repurposing will turn out. The peninsula is still rather large for the space. We’re going to try modifying it this weekend.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azXWpTxII/AAAAAAAABo0/TBBeyVtg80M/s1600-h/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20011%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 011" border="0" alt="Sourdough and Kitchen Before 011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azXrsxUwI/AAAAAAAABo4/fBCrCCmp_Dw/Sourdough%20and%20Kitchen%20Before%20011_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="305" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> I’m really liking the way this kitchen has been opened up. It seems SO MUCH LARGER even though it hasn’t grown an inch. Traffic flow issues have been solved.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azX-QtOiI/AAAAAAAABo8/Tne1vQNnY6s/s1600-h/kitchen%20island%5B6%5D.gif"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="kitchen island" border="0" alt="kitchen island" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4azYCT6yxI/AAAAAAAABpA/clJ_PMgCRFw/kitchen%20island_thumb%5B2%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="417" height="426" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And I love this kitchen island. I have in mind to do something similar for our own. I’m blessed to have a wonderful husband who has many skills. We’ve <em>never </em>had to call a plumber or electrician. He’s an excellent carpenter, too. I look forward to seeing what he designs for our little kitchen. </p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-56763362918497201752010-02-24T19:46:00.001-06:002010-02-25T08:48:54.653-06:00Melissa’s (Made from Scratch) Pumpkin Pie<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWXc_n9LI/AAAAAAAABm8/t5o9HMv2MOA/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20073%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 073" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 073" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWXloIVGI/AAAAAAAABnA/8ou6wPZkknc/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20073_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>This is my recipe for pumpkin pie made with fresh pumpkin (not canned – although you could use it). This is a great way to use up those last few pumpkins or other winter squash left from your fall harvest. I’ve adapted this recipe from my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fannie-Farmer-Cookbook-Marion-Cunningham/dp/0553568817">Fannie Farmer</a> and <a href="http://www.suegregg.com/">Sue Gregg</a> cookbooks to suit our needs and tastes. I use only natural ingredients (mostly organic). Yes, I use real butter. But honestly, you need some good quality animal fat in your diet.<em> </em>No chemical laden butter substitutes allowed in my kitchen. <em>I trust cows over chemists.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWX8uS0nI/AAAAAAAABnE/utoXbNYzjlw/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20040%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 040" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWYAHfzSI/AAAAAAAABnI/3crF2_lGy1M/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20040_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="303" /></a> </p> <p>The easiest way to prepare pumpkin flesh is to cut it in half, scoop out all the seeds and stringy stuff, and then cut it into wedges. My pumpkin was small, so quartering it worked for me. (<em>Be sure to save those seeds for roasting alongside the pumpkin! </em>You’ll just need to keep a close eye on those, as they burn easily and are often ready before the pumpkin is fully cooked. They’re delicious lightly salted.) I bake my pumpkin at 375 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. It depends on the size of your pumpkin.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKhEKYPhdVRq_EFnTrePC_R9l7N9AAfVEwjVa22pkhfqd7LWCuvH6OPAR5FNV-hSFBsyEgbdx8_y7XrVBgvSMjQFQA26q69brWWfFGqsmfUDZaKih3BNAl3D88-nSVbfrf3d49BBxKo2L/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20043%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 043" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 043" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWYtdRwYI/AAAAAAAABnQ/WebP0qDVAng/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20043_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>While the pumpkin is cooking I gather all of my ingredients (recipe at bottom). <em>Just look at those gorgeous fresh organic eggs!</em> If you look closely, the one on the far left is blue-ish in color. It comes from an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araucana">Araucana chicken</a>, also known as an Easter Egger. My kids think those are the coolest!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWY8hnG3I/AAAAAAAABnU/kaoMOkMxmI4/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20052%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 052" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 052" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWZHe0v3I/AAAAAAAABnY/lkvODRih6Vo/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20052_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a></p> <p>When the pumpkin is tender, you’ll be able to scrape it from the skin using a spoon. I usually put my butter on the warm (not hot) baking sheet to soften.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWZRafs3I/AAAAAAAABnc/lY8CgR00r30/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20050%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 050" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWZlteMVI/AAAAAAAABng/zNFDJ6ohgvc/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20050_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="309" /></a></p> <p>It’s nice to have a helper in the kitchen. I <em>always </em>have help with the baking. Today, Daniel joined me. We had such fun! He is an expert pumpkin masher.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWZwt6-SI/AAAAAAAABnk/-jpryGGC8gA/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20048%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 048" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 048" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWaDyW2wI/AAAAAAAABno/F2qRVyF1BgU/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20048_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="312" /></a></p> <p>While he mashed the pumpkin, I measured my ingredients.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWalNn7lI/AAAAAAAABns/4LhvNQ3Nb8I/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20049%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 049" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 049" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWaoSOiwI/AAAAAAAABnw/laN-sLwKjTo/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20049_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="314" /></a> </p> <p>You can use honey in this recipe, but if you have sorghum, that’s the way to go. It’s rich and thick, similar to molasses. I bake with it often.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWbFltIsI/AAAAAAAABn0/uqzLObnlciM/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20054%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 054" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWbZdVqMI/AAAAAAAABn4/bV4zumtCgkI/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20054_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="316" /></a> </p> <p>After I have my pumpkin pie filling mixed, I start on my crust. I cut in my butter using an old fashioned nut chopper, but you can also use a fork or two knives. I’ve never owned a pastry cutter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWbvVL0BI/AAAAAAAABn8/rVyBXIwrzVU/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20057%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 057" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 057" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWb6QLbwI/AAAAAAAABoA/YZAdpGtV9L0/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20057_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="319" /></a></p> <p>If you end up with more filling than will fit in your pie crust (it’s hard to find the exact size pumpkin you need!), no worries. Pour into ramekins and serve as pumpkin pudding. Daniel actually prefers the pudding. The small dishes will bake up more quickly, so keep a check on those.</p> <h1>Melissa’s Pumpkin Pie</h1> <h1></h1> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <h1></h1> <h4>2 c. cooked and mashed pumpkin flesh</h4> <h4>3/4 c. organic whole milk (if you use store- bought canned pumpkin, you will need 1/2 c. extra milk)</h4> <h4>4 eggs</h4> <h4>1/2 c. sorghum or honey</h4> <h4></h4> <h4>1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon </h4> <h4>1 tsp. nutmeg </h4> <h4>1 tsp. ground ginger </h4> <h4>1/2 tsp. salt </h4> <h4>1 1/2 tsp. vanilla</h4> <p>Mix all ingredients thoroughly. You can use a blender for this if you desire a perfectly smooth pumpkin pie. I mix mine by hand because I love the texture of fresh pumpkin. Pour pumpkin mixture into pie crust (and extra ramekins if necessary) and bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes or until set.</p> <h1>9 inch Pie Crust </h1> <h4></h4> <h4>1 1/2  c. unbleached naturally white all purpose flour </h4> <h4>1/2 tsp. salt </h4> <h4>1/2 c. butter </h4> <h4>6-7 Tbsp. cold water</h4> <p>Blend flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. I use an old fashioned nut chopper, but you could use a fork or two knives. I’ve never owned (or needed) an actual pastry cutter. Add just enough water to get the dough to form a ball. Begin mixing with a fork, and then incorporate all of the flour using your hands. Form dough into a ball and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out dough until it will cover your pie plate. Gently roll crust onto rolling pin so that it will transfer easily to the pie plate (I prefer stoneware). Trim the edges and crimp if you like.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWcILmAKI/AAAAAAAABoE/RQhTraUxzwM/s1600-h/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20063%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 063" border="0" alt="kitchen redo and pumpkin pie 063" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4XWcYiNZWI/AAAAAAAABoI/odC-QpJiwM0/kitchen%20redo%20and%20pumpkin%20pie%20063_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="310" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>It’s equally good fresh from the oven as it is from the refrigerator. (Refrigerate any leftovers.) Enjoy!</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-46800536429514125342010-02-23T06:57:00.000-06:002010-02-23T06:57:00.880-06:00Estate Sale Finds<p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSV1VVkQI/AAAAAAAABlw/OG8ejY32ry8/s1600-h/063%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="063" border="0" alt="063" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSWKcE23I/AAAAAAAABl0/sZMHXOb8Bkw/063_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="308" /></a></p> <p>Well, I didn’t find any canning jars at the estate sale, but I’m still a happy camper. I found this fabulous old Crockpot which makes me giddy! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSWQoRbCI/AAAAAAAABl4/nWGArT_X9e4/s1600-h/061%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="061" border="0" alt="061" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSW4-XVDI/AAAAAAAABl8/qZoEuN42kZ8/061_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="312" /></a></p> <p>And I bought this box of old glassware without really knowing what was inside.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSXjq--8I/AAAAAAAABmA/dUWXLRd1eKg/s1600-h/069%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="069" border="0" alt="069" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSX-AWstI/AAAAAAAABmE/i5EF_aFNhQ4/069_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="313" /></a></p> <p>I could see these gorgeous bubble glasses at the top of the box. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSYGjniUI/AAAAAAAABmI/I-RBkkf13Bo/s1600-h/068%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="068" border="0" alt="068" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSYYoIHiI/AAAAAAAABmM/0cGXuv7RZWg/068_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="311" /></a>  </p> <p>But, I had no idea this was inside…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSYsPkKAI/AAAAAAAABmQ/FUklthdB4m0/s1600-h/070%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="070" border="0" alt="070" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueSdy4BhDZqJ28qldT03auvRhePQE06VksDdnc-ldIk90nxf4TJOaJZExzWMD2SmhVyVUCU6xoG_3MAiWL_9hYva7dKN46c_h9HXKKR3OO35uQ1Nx6LIDzwJBKLo4_wSIK1rmrIaSjiJo/?imgmax=800" width="407" height="310" /></a> </p> <p>Or this butter dish…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSZDHFb6I/AAAAAAAABmY/k6dFEjoEbVQ/s1600-h/072%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="072" border="0" alt="072" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSZ-tWwAI/AAAAAAAABmc/1WQ9KQBze3I/072_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="529" /></a> </p> <p>Or this bud vase…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSaBwgcdI/AAAAAAAABmg/mGnbxlYEfv4/s1600-h/073%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="073" border="0" alt="073" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSae9cZII/AAAAAAAABmk/LedHHERp68I/073_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>Or these small  dishes…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSaoPcxII/AAAAAAAABmo/ve2HAJPthFc/s1600-h/074%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="074" border="0" alt="074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSbJoNGbI/AAAAAAAABms/DI1zDlE6jMY/074_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="310" /></a> </p> <p>Or these plates…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSbdWHt6I/AAAAAAAABmw/LWrqlgS3pB4/s1600-h/065%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="065" border="0" alt="065" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4NSbtOC_DI/AAAAAAAABm0/11V_LG3hupU/065_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="312" /></a> </p> <p>But, the <em>pièce de résistance </em>was these glasses. <em>Did I mention that our last name begins with P?  </em>Yes, I am quite happy with my purchases! Daniel was thrilled to have the monogrammed glasses, too. </p> <p>And I also purchased a 32 cup electric coffee percolator, but for some <em>strange</em> reason, I didn’t take a picture of it. Sorry! We will begin hosting our 'Life Group’ at church in our home in a couple of weeks, so I thought it would be nice to have a large capacity coffee brewer. (I’ll get a picture for you soon!) I think for $20 total, I did quite well at the sale. </p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-28535410118210852452010-02-22T08:20:00.002-06:002010-02-22T21:01:53.462-06:00Off to an estate sale…<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4KSnKbKr9I/AAAAAAAABlg/z_uoQjDiRNk/s1600-h/008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S4KSndp2roI/AAAAAAAABlk/t2K3-Q2bZP4/008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="308" /></a> </p><p>Just a quick note to tell you I hope your weekend was as wonderful as mine. Spring was in the air! The temperature was around 65 degrees, and the sun was shining. We spent our Saturday building raised garden beds, fishing, and doing a little tidying around the <em>outside </em>of the house. It was so refreshing to throw open the windows and air the house out. Hard to believe we had <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/02/family-fun-in-snow.html">snow</a> last weekend. </p><p>Now, I’m off to an estate sale to see what I can find. I collect old stoneware and vintage fabric. I’ve also been on the lookout for canning jars and a pressure canner. It’ll be harvest season before you know it!</p>Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-3885807582714994912010-02-19T08:59:00.001-06:002010-02-19T08:59:01.517-06:00Book Week in Blogland<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nF-mYFKI/AAAAAAAABkA/WgZLzWASJLE/s1600-h/favorite%20booth%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="favorite booth" border="0" alt="favorite booth" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nGEkW5aI/AAAAAAAABkE/fRTr32nARD4/favorite%20booth_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="504" /></a></p> <p>Did you know that it’s Book Week in blogland? I missed that memo, too. It’s not <em>officially </em>Book Week, but I can’t tell you how many book related posts I’ve read this week. I thought I’d play along.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nGUGpEvI/AAAAAAAABkI/BC5SoqYn3Cg/s1600-h/002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nGmJPyxI/AAAAAAAABkM/GaiqZAfIv50/002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="295" /></a> </p> <p>We love books around here. Old, new, it doesn’t matter. My children inherited most of the books from my childhood, and we add to the collection almost every week.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nG5AFl9I/AAAAAAAABkQ/I0YHNeVk2sg/s1600-h/321%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="321" border="0" alt="321" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nHNAcbgI/AAAAAAAABkU/6x9gD_QkUhg/321_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="297" /></a></p> <p>I purchase the bulk of our books in thrift stores for $0.25 - $3.00.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nHjFIbTI/AAAAAAAABkY/cGLOziyLn-o/s1600-h/320%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="320" border="0" alt="320" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nICxPl7I/AAAAAAAABkc/YWu1mhLdLVw/320_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="299" /></a></p> <p>I never mind spending money on books. I look at it as a sound investment in our mental health. Seriously. I encourage my children to<em> ‘build good, strong brain muscles.’  </em></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nG5AFl9I/AAAAAAAABkg/N-57uX9yc8o/s1600-h/321%5B2%5D.jpg"></a> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nIwWs5xI/AAAAAAAABko/v6uBE7XdtjY/s1600-h/247%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="247" border="0" alt="247" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nJJypQgI/AAAAAAAABks/VwsgmKgU9hQ/247_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="295" /></a> </p> <p>For books I can’t find used, I usually purchase them online at amazon.com and utilize the super saver (free) shipping. I can usually buy books online for half of what they charge in the bookstores.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nJWmI9DI/AAAAAAAABkw/hiJdbTUHb20/s1600-h/271%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="271" border="0" alt="271" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nJm35GZI/AAAAAAAABk0/SqNDzgWYG8I/271_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="297" /></a>  </p> <p>I found these new sewing books for under $5 each at <a href="http://www.createforless.com">www.createforless.com</a> and had them shipped free of charge. They list for around $20 each elsewhere!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nKOuF8yI/AAAAAAAABk4/92Zso87FFAE/s1600-h/340%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="340" border="0" alt="340" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nKSwB8GI/AAAAAAAABk8/GQ9_lhWzzec/340_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="300" /></a></p> <p>This organic gardening book is one of my favorite thrifty finds. It is full of good information that I’m sure I’ll reference for many years to come.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nKs4ckmI/AAAAAAAABlA/_aslR1p880A/s1600-h/319%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="319" border="0" alt="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDIvxobh7HNYdCu36nsgpIEJOnGj2F-Y2yU50d8APXGVgUYPWBRO4-Ie5jfibBFjsn6uvFN7rGtCH57afhAE6XxDmpU_oHm8NQRESSn8ooB8hor-4IDICL3bacB57a6yFU3vrrCPFnZyt/?imgmax=800" width="391" height="297" /></a>  </p> <p>I like the layout here: lots of tables and plants are arranged alphabetically for easy referencing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nLibImwI/AAAAAAAABlI/1k7TvufUEnk/s1600-h/337%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="337" border="0" alt="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nLyVgRDI/AAAAAAAABlM/niFpAy_wkXc/337_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="296" /></a>   </p> <p>I also do quite a bit of ‘pleasure’ reading.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nMC1JUVI/AAAAAAAABlQ/AkbZB4nMF8I/s1600-h/004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nMXuXMqI/AAAAAAAABlU/M7XCg1vU-qc/004_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="291" /></a></p> <p>This one is next in line.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nMm2yheI/AAAAAAAABlY/tkYtsJIhSDg/s1600-h/we%20love%20books%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="we love books" border="0" alt="we love books" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S36nNGpiZAI/AAAAAAAABlc/yNcZCQtq3vU/we%20love%20books_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="289" /></a> </p> <p>Daniel’s favorites are the Magic Tree House series (there’s a link in my sidebar if you’re interested) and the Hardy Boys. If you have an 8-year-old boy (or there abouts) I highly recommend them.</p> <p>And for those of you who are interested in my research progress on the <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2010/02/very-good-gift-antique-singer-sewing.html">antique singer sewing machine</a>, I'll have a post next week detailing my discoveries.  I’m having a great time with this project!</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-17073391399862209562010-02-17T14:38:00.001-06:002010-02-17T18:51:43.823-06:00A VERY Good Gift: Antique Singer Sewing Machine<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTszEqu_I/AAAAAAAABi4/BbevSbP36dw/s1600-h/040%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="040" border="0" alt="040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9F2gUIw76UwEvVZWygFuKWWYdKqqUAR7Tolo5cCWI4KrhKuR2v_bBXoG8u1eDhXOHTxhQMCIuOHBbQEPPJ7UeLqEDHrDjwpnfP55Tqiolw3xoDqeh8RPDny7hQ0kxAyC_zptTw5A9xl4/?imgmax=800" width="386" height="295" /></a> </p> <p>Oh, my! This machine makes my heart skip a beat every time I look at it. Seriously.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTtuzpsfI/AAAAAAAABjA/XpJ9fk2ynUE/s1600-h/034%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="034" border="0" alt="034" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTuKzQE_I/AAAAAAAABjE/A5yJoOzfHao/034_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>The woodwork on the cabinet alone is enough to make me swoon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTucpQsPI/AAAAAAAABjI/LCmcftKS9vw/s1600-h/033%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="033" border="0" alt="033" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTvJO87iI/AAAAAAAABjM/JI38bEzn62Y/033_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="302" /></a> </p> <p>And I have no idea how to use it… <em>yet.</em></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTvY2jkkI/AAAAAAAABjQ/HMcrgXUNl8E/s1600-h/031%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="031" border="0" alt="031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTvt-ztoI/AAAAAAAABjU/IvPFXJTEYMs/031_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>Just look at this beauty!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTvy8rfzI/AAAAAAAABjY/X4OCK_bZ1S0/s1600-h/030%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="030" border="0" alt="030" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTwSnvdXI/AAAAAAAABjc/4_UESdWeO5k/030_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="296" /></a> </p> <p>It is powered by a foot-pedal. <em>Sigh.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTwmBEJqI/AAAAAAAABjg/p1y_D6KzYZw/s1600-h/029%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="029" border="0" alt="029" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzm-Mte7LPyFxHCJmhprOVPUQH3pyjmcV7gi-SB4LsWJbHcCVjCLTLtjbJI-iA__Jcvd3RS2kO6CWPkvGMNHUqqtKjiQSKnb7Z0mrlMkrKcQQDrs4HW_K1wxtiZhV8YECAQVUGJwYNEpKt/?imgmax=800" width="391" height="299" /></a> </p> <p>I don’t even know what model Singer this machine is…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTxXsxSDI/AAAAAAAABjo/BFykd8TCxW8/s1600-h/028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="028" border="0" alt="028" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTxpxoveI/AAAAAAAABjs/vgQlNuJnMy0/028_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="296" /></a> </p> <p>But I intend to find out. </p> <p><em>Just how did we survive before the internet?</em> I *heart* Google.  You can find out about pretty much anything by doing a little search online.</p> <p>   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTxzAHw-I/AAAAAAAABjw/J8Ldepy-iL8/s1600-h/024%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="024" border="0" alt="024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTyYxLe4I/AAAAAAAABj0/mmwK3GEWiog/024_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="498" /></a></p> <p>I am a happy woman. I am a blessed woman. That wonderful man of mine certainly knows how to give a good gift, doesn’t he?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTygKvo0I/AAAAAAAABj4/3SIytyy6Yc0/s1600-h/038%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="038" border="0" alt="038" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3xTyy19J6I/AAAAAAAABj8/gqnHwba5CnY/038_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="303" /></a> </p> <p>And I got some gorgeous tulips to boot. He knows me well enough to know that I prefer practical gifts. Flowers I can plant in my garden, and not cut roses that will be thrown out in a week’s time. A sewing machine that doesn’t require electricity. That might come in handy some day. <em>You never know when you might be without electricity. </em>We believe in being prepared. </p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-18489326732818610512010-02-16T07:05:00.000-06:002010-02-17T18:52:38.280-06:001 Toddler + 1 Sharpie = 1 Not-So-Happy Mama<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3oLllZ6XII/AAAAAAAABio/Rj5njtgCGzA/s1600-h/004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3oLl_uyJWI/AAAAAAAABis/eXy4rPjrLlI/004_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="502" /></a> </p> <p>Hmmm… I know EXACTLY who would do a thing like this. </p> <p>We’ve had major problems with Sara Lynn’s recent artistic exploits<em>.</em> There has been toothpaste art on the bathroom counters, green smiley face ink stamps on the carpet at the top of the stairs, numerous suspicious crayon markings <em>all over the house, </em>and now, a black permanent Sharpie swirly on my dining room wall. Mama is not happy about this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3oNYxxlqJI/AAAAAAAABiw/NndGjAPS1YE/s1600-h/008%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3oNZMasJXI/AAAAAAAABi0/5TfN1Hwifwg/008_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="503" /></a></p> <p>Sara Lynn is a girl who has her own sense of style, and she’s not shy about it. She often rearranges items around the house, moving candles from one spot to another, and stealing my good silverware for her play kitchen. I recently caught her putting away my <em>neatly folded </em>laundry in her playroom cupboards. That’s my girl. I had to smile, even though I knew I’d end up re-folding all those clothes. </p> <p>Motherhood is such a wonderful journey. I try to remind myself this when I’m in the midst of an incident like the one with the Sharpie. I try to make the most of every day because I know that they’ll be grown and gone all too soon. God is good. Life is good. Life is short. Let’s not sweat the small stuff people! (<em>But I am getting rid of the Sharpies!!!)</em></p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-86104351574048919802010-02-15T06:17:00.000-06:002010-02-17T18:53:34.502-06:00A Good Day to Crochet (and Frosty’s Demise)<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i81hPSwzI/AAAAAAAABhU/uWE-Wguv_Yo/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%201%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 1" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i82LS_UwI/AAAAAAAABhc/rIKcHktzxwM/Frosty%27s%20Demise%201_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="314" /></a> </p> <p>This is what it looked like when we woke up on Saturday morning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i82Tl6oRI/AAAAAAAABhg/FrMiTxcBBO8/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i82ysQy-I/AAAAAAAABhk/788rNt33LvM/Frosty%27s%20Demise_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="315" /></a></p> <p>By the time I had brewed our coffee, this was happening.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i83FdmGWI/AAAAAAAABho/BKGmwFuzhR4/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%203%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 3" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i83S1YWfI/AAAAAAAABhs/nHhuD0B5rjI/Frosty%27s%20Demise%203_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="312" /></a></p> <p>I knew that our short lived snow holiday was coming to an abrupt end. This is ALABAMA, after all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i839EXFiI/AAAAAAAABhw/epnAA7-C2KM/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%202%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 2" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i84K8u9YI/AAAAAAAABh0/fz5UzsLCuA0/Frosty%27s%20Demise%202_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="311" /></a></p> <p>And by lunch time, Frosty had keeled over.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i84XA9RsI/AAAAAAAABh4/zQNYkAMLdWU/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%204%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 4" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i84uOJvzI/AAAAAAAABh8/gioVpigxX10/Frosty%27s%20Demise%204_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="318" /></a> </p> <p>This was the scene as my sweet daughter awoke from her afternoon nap.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i85LAUUgI/AAAAAAAABiA/anshBKAfBuA/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%205%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 5" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i85VG_N6I/AAAAAAAABiE/DIvDozpJQxk/Frosty%27s%20Demise%205_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="316" /></a> </p> <p>My children were less than happy about the loss of their beloved friend.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i85kgZXmI/AAAAAAAABiI/X13omKkaEps/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%206%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 6" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i8526gbkI/AAAAAAAABiM/nZbBE5RiBV0/Frosty%27s%20Demise%206_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="318" /></a> </p> <p>I made <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/tasting-is-believing-whole-grain-brownies-recipe">these brownies</a> in an effort to cheer them. It was a sad day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i86O3fXeI/AAAAAAAABiQ/fbK1QDh84QE/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%207%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 7" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IY7IK6wZ3n9iOZSdxDOGV_zuZl5v4VsCVOrTyNQbEZtqMLNV8XdAGhNizOsn9OmlhN9qSeDbNYDxmyurogH9UIob7h-MA930FoqkItGD3tt2xeG_ybVB-7POBcsh9usTXPFNk89Bn6EA/?imgmax=800" width="422" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>But, it was a good day for crochet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i86-3qmRI/AAAAAAAABiY/wbcKW3ZHX8o/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%208%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 8" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i87MCwHOI/AAAAAAAABic/AUFr9Dbj8Vg/Frosty%27s%20Demise%208_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>I decided to dig out <a href="http://melissasews.blogspot.com/2008/04/vertical-stripe-afghan-wip.html">this UFO</a> that had been long neglected.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i87fSvRAI/AAAAAAAABig/blmbLrDyIU0/s1600-h/Frosty%27s%20Demise%209%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Frosty's Demise 9" border="0" alt="Frosty's Demise 9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3i87lrmYXI/AAAAAAAABik/kOYNa84PwKc/Frosty%27s%20Demise%209_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="326" /></a></p> <p>I crocheted all afternoon and into the night. It felt good. And when I finish, I can move on to <a href="http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2010/02/sunshine-day-baby-afghan.html">this</a>. It’s good motivation for me!</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-26835772787517558482010-02-12T18:43:00.001-06:002010-02-17T18:54:51.335-06:00Family Fun in the Snow<p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1hrYBxSI/AAAAAAAABfU/VbiNXT18C6g/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_1" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1h1wOWnI/AAAAAAAABfY/BeHizKX5sNU/Snow%20Feb%202010_1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="506" /></a> </p> <p>I can’t even begin to express with words the fun that was had on our snow day. I think these pictures will speak for themselves…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1iHx6CkI/AAAAAAAABfc/giFlistHcoE/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_2" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1itECp1I/AAAAAAAABfg/ZUDtvlPuKLc/Snow%20Feb%202010_2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="298" /></a> </p> <p>There were snowball fights…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1i5mK8vI/AAAAAAAABfk/cifk8H3frOo/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_3" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1jD5E03I/AAAAAAAABfo/5DyBoe7LUr8/Snow%20Feb%202010_3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>And smiling faces…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_6I8Jzhic23f3O1JkQPVJ4gW60SPa_ay8APdnnXFGe-t3CMrpBy5zGIcNe2re9yCZHn2lGkVv9Msa93UeleVNrmB46T6_yHU-97SWKDnX3vKo0TuBBTnV55SKjxQIQoD8__AVZgPLKHB/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_4" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1jprOR3I/AAAAAAAABfw/fdeUgUwySlc/Snow%20Feb%202010_4_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="301" /></a> </p> <p>And more snowballs…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1j8g1nDI/AAAAAAAABf0/_xZVqaNWpts/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_11" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_11" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1kF-z2oI/AAAAAAAABf4/_cvQxT7dkMo/Snow%20Feb%202010_11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>And bigger snowballs…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1kmm08uI/AAAAAAAABf8/qqqSQl36Xpo/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_14%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_14" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_14" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1k3TZ74I/AAAAAAAABgA/8ZNP5x5mYEA/Snow%20Feb%202010_14_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>There were snow angels…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1lEM6N0I/AAAAAAAABgE/TjAnrCjOFVY/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_15%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_15" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_15" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1lWewWAI/AAAAAAAABgI/3YNSaeVfJCk/Snow%20Feb%202010_15_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="511" /></a> </p> <p>And funny faces…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1lr5RkYI/AAAAAAAABgM/G4lpCstMRXA/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_16%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_16" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1lwzNSnI/AAAAAAAABgQ/PI2MCfDY6mI/Snow%20Feb%202010_16_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="298" /></a> </p> <p>And shocked grass that was just beginning to green…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1mAEU74I/AAAAAAAABgU/DJ5CXPkcTKk/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_17%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_17" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_17" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1mXG2YVI/AAAAAAAABgY/4A8pR4S0zQM/Snow%20Feb%202010_17_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>More funny faces…<em> Boy the white stuff was cold!</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1mtDebeI/AAAAAAAABgc/Wrd8S4QKQ3k/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_26%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_26" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_26" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1m8hS2ZI/AAAAAAAABgg/mVikDhR85Xg/Snow%20Feb%202010_26_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="296" /></a> </p> <p>There was snowflake catching…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1nbZitUI/AAAAAAAABgk/djboNsKajIc/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_28%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_28" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_28" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1nvLGv6I/AAAAAAAABgo/PVuxAHsGVGA/Snow%20Feb%202010_28_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="299" /></a> </p> <p>And family snowflake catching contests…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1oKwGARI/AAAAAAAABgs/P2Ycny7wB5M/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_29" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_29" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1oae6oAI/AAAAAAAABgw/MkbLqZXmhBk/Snow%20Feb%202010_29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="301" /></a> </p> <p>And a snowman <em>(who happens to be wearing one of my favorite scarves!)…</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1oi6paVI/AAAAAAAABg0/mzaxU0p8G1E/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_30%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_30" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_30" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1owWIhaI/AAAAAAAABg4/cgtaQWjhBCY/Snow%20Feb%202010_30_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="515" /></a> </p> <p>And two little kiddos who so loved the snow…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1pe9j0ZI/AAAAAAAABg8/ckY60MwQofI/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_31%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_31" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_31" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1piXbk5I/AAAAAAAABhA/r2HjjcYgTxw/Snow%20Feb%202010_31_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="303" /></a>  </p> <p>There were confused pups who had no idea what snow was all about!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1p30o2pI/AAAAAAAABhE/HVvDVInpASY/s1600-h/Snow%20Feb%202010_32%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Snow Feb 2010_32" border="0" alt="Snow Feb 2010_32" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1qHfZUwI/AAAAAAAABhI/3c_NZjcjHQY/Snow%20Feb%202010_32_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="309" /></a></p> <p>It was a happy day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1qXmRMjI/AAAAAAAABhM/THexvVgCrP8/s1600-h/148%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="148" border="0" alt="148" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3X1qgj8PEI/AAAAAAAABhQ/lFcmdK9Hd7Q/148_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="306" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And now we’re all settled in for a long winter’s nap.</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-957741742471976299.post-5886259759636095572010-02-12T09:10:00.001-06:002010-02-17T18:56:25.615-06:00It’s snowing here today… in Alabama<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3VvXv07feI/AAAAAAAABfM/2o0WhYel0wE/s1600-h/029%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="029" border="0" alt="029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Lrmapd8Wrug/S3VvYJQU5xI/AAAAAAAABfQ/gUFgVBGADFQ/029_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="307" /></a> </p> <p>We don’t often get snow here in Alabama. The kids are so excited that we’ll be able to build snowmen and make snow angels by this afternoon. It seemed crazy when our weatherman said we were under a Winter Storm Advisory and that 2-4 inches were predicted for today. </p> <p>So, we intend to enjoy this rare event. We have plenty of firewood, in the event the power goes out. And my pantry is fully stocked. I’m curled up by a nice warm fire as I write this. It’s going to be a good day around here!</p> Melissa Pricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855126813346312708noreply@blogger.com2