tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74208718458139737332024-03-13T21:57:12.201-04:00Nyack BackyardJGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-12025989080347114222013-07-08T21:31:00.001-04:002013-07-08T21:31:32.328-04:00MovingA month or so ago I started a new "Nyack Backyard" blog on Tumblr. I've decided I like the format better there. It's much easier to post from your phone and upload photos, share them on Facebook and Twitter, and reblog and things of interest from others. I may still cross post longer writings here. Below is a link to the Tumblr blog. I hope you'll follow me there and let me know where you are so I can follow you there and on Instagram and Twitter too (where I am nyackbackyard). Don't even bother with the Nyack Backyard Facebook page. I may even take it down because I discovered that most posts aren't visible to most followers. What's up with that?? <br />
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<a href="http://www.nyackbackyard.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">www.nyackbackyard.tumblr.com</a>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-41007080574913831952013-05-22T14:41:00.002-04:002013-05-22T14:41:48.645-04:00Hero Worship<br />
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My husband, a comic book and action figure collector, wasted no time passing down his love of superheroes to our 3-year-old son. Together they made weekly runs to the comic book store, climbed up into the attic where the boxes of unopened Captain Marvel and Swamp Thing figures are stored, and watched old episodes of Spiderman cartoons.<br />
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Spiderman became my son's ultimate playmate -- when the movie came out that year, his likeness was everywhere. He received Spiderman shoes, shirts, sheets, cups, and pajamas as gifts from relatives. He ran around the house spinning webs and swinging from couch cushion to couch cushion. There was no question what he would be for Halloween. But Halloween came and went, and the Spiderman costume didn't come off. By Christmas it was hideously stained, the seat was threadbare, and the seams were ripping. We had to tell Spidey that his costume "blew away" one windy night when it fell apart in the wash. "Can I look on the roof for it?" he asked.<br />
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We made a trip to Disney World a few months later, and by the end of our day in the Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear was his new favorite character. It was time to pick out a souvenier, and a Buss Lightyear costume had his attention. Since he had never quite gotten over the loss of his Spidey costume, we decided to splurge on it.<br />
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A few minutes later we were waiting in a huge empty parking lot outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom for the shuttle bus back to our hotel. "Can I put my costume on now?" my son asked. "Please? Please, can I put it on now? I'm gonna be Buzz Lightyear!" <br />
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Before we knew it, the costume was out of the bag. He put it on over his clothes. He sailed around and around the parking lot yelling "TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!" He looked as if his feet truly were about to leave the pavement. Then, they truly did. They slipped out from under him so that he landed backside first in a puddle of black bus grease. We watched him struggle with his embarrasssment, trying to decide whether to cry or not. In the end, he decided that it would be more fun to continue, and, after being convinced that the grease stain was a "special flying potion," he persisted in his quest for the alternate universe.<br />
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On the bus he sat next to a little girl in a princess costume, also about 3 years old. She was thrilled to be sitting by Buzz Lightyear. She held his hand and asked to kiss him. Romance bloomed on the way to the Ramada. When it was time to get off the bus, I watched him swagger down the aisle, the costume's "jet engines" slightly askew, the black grease now fully soaked into the seat. When he reached the end of the aisle, he turned to ask the bus driver a question, lost his balance and toppled backwards down the steps of the bus onto the pavement. He looked stunned, but then, finally, more out of exhaustion and embarrassment than injury, he broke down and cried with long, deep sobs. I picked my fledgeling wonder boy up from the concrete and carried him inside. <br />
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Wonder Boy turned 13 years old yesterday, and most signs of Spidey and Buzz have disappeared from his room. However, there is still a set of Spiderman sheets still in use on his twin bed. Yesterday he said to me "Mom, can I get some new sheets? Do you really think a 13 year old should be sleeping on Spiderman sheets?" <br />
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"Why not?" I said. Now that he's a teenager, he needs those superpowers more than ever. <br />
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<br />JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-68877396349358306362013-03-09T12:14:00.001-05:002013-03-09T12:53:05.060-05:00Betsy's New Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A friend loaned me a fake owl to put on the deck, hopefully to scare hawks and falcons away from the chickens. I don't know if it will convince them, but it's certainly convinced Betsy. Every day she jumps up onto the picnic table and stares at it for ten minutes or more, waiting for it to turn around and notice her. <br />
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<br />JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-23818733534013871532013-02-24T13:30:00.000-05:002013-02-24T13:31:07.413-05:00Nest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Cardinal</td></tr>
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While the garden is sleeping, we're entertained by the birds. Betsy (my poodle) gets her share of thrills from the birdfeeder, too. As soon as she sees me picking up my camera, she runs to the window, knowing that the action is picking up. Here are a few photos of this year's visitors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Jay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for sunflower seeds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm guessing this is a young Song Sparrow </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Cardinal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downy Woodpecker</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-breasted Nuthatch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching for poodles on patrol. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">European Starling</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male House Sparrow</td></tr>
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I read this poem about birdwatching recently and just had to share it. I love what it says about grief, renewal, perseverance and faith. The idea of being happy with what you have and keeping on when it seems like everyone else is much further along, even if you finish last. I especially like the line "But when was there suddenly <i>mass</i>?" because it applies so nicely to gardening and seed starting. Go away for a few days and forget, come back, and there is suddenly mass. When did that happen? <br />
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<u>Nest </u><br />
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A bird was making its nest. <br />
In the dream, I watched it closely: <br />
in my life, I was trying to be <br />
a witness not a theorist <br />
<br />
The place you begin doesn't determine <br />
the place you end: the bird <br />
<br />
took what it found in the yard, <br />
its base materials, nervously <br />
scanning the bare yard in early spring; <br />
in debris by the south wall pushing <br />
a few twigs with its beak. <br />
<br />
Image <br />
of loneliness: the small creature <br />
coming up with nothing. Then <br />
dry twigs. Carrying, one by one, <br />
the twigs to the hideout. <br />
Which is all it was then. <br />
<br />
It took what there was: <br />
the available material. Spirit <br />
wasn't enough. <br />
<br />
And then it wove like the first Penelope <br />
but toward a different end. <br />
How did it weave? It weaved, <br />
carefully but hopelessly, the few twigs <br />
with any suppleness, any flexibility, <br />
choosing these over the brittle, the <br />
recalcitrant.<br />
<br />
Early spring, late desolation.<br />
The bird circled the bare yard making <br />
efforts to survive <br />
on what remained to it. <br />
<br />
It had its task: <br />
to imagine the future. Steadily flying around, <br />
patiently bearing small twigs to the solitude <br />
of the exposed tree in the steady coldness <br />
of the outside world. <br />
<br />
I had nothing to build with. <br />
It was winter: I couldn't imagine <br />
anything but the past. I couldn't even <br />
imagine the past, if it came to that. <br />
<br />
And I didn't know how I came here. <br />
Everyone else much farther along. <br />
I was back at the beginning <br />
at a time in life we can't remember <br />
beginnings. <br />
<br />
The bird <br />
collected twigs in the apple tree, relating <br />
each addition to existing mass. <br />
But when was there suddenly <i>mass</i>? <br />
<br />
It took what it found after the others <br />
were finished. <br />
The same materials--why should it matter <br />
to be finished last? The same materials, the <br />
same <br />
limited brown. Brown twigs, <br />
broken and fallen. And in one, <br />
a length of yellow wool. <br />
<br />
Then it was spring and I was inexplicably <br />
happy. <br />
I knew where I was: on Broadway with my <br />
bag of groceries. <br />
Spring fruit in the stores: first <br />
cherries at Formaggio. Forsythia <br />
beginning. <br />
<br />
First I was at peace. <br />
Then I was contented, satisfied. <br />
And then flashes of joy. <br />
And the season changed--for all of us, <br />
of course. <br />
<br />
And as I peered out my mind grew sharper. <br />
And I remember accurately <br />
the sequence of my responses, <br />
my eyes fixing on each thing <br />
from the shelter of the hidden self: <br />
<br />
first <i>I love it.</i> <br />
Then, <i>I can use it.</i> <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/archive/1999/02/08/1999_02_08_056_TNY_LIBRY_000017489#ixzz2KX9ZamRs" target="_blank">Louise Gluck, Poetry, “Nest,” The New Yorker, February 8, 1999, p. 56</a>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-32332251780976594132013-02-16T17:04:00.000-05:002013-02-16T18:30:03.499-05:00A Seed Starting Autogarden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year I try to step up my game and get a little better at starting seeds. Last year I bought a small grow light kit for my closet. This year I bought another one and started two trays in there. This is a big step up for me, but nothing like the gargantuan leap of the snazzy seed starting autogarden designed by my friend Dr. Duncan Bell, who has his own brilliant blog <a href="http://drdunc1000autogardens.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
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Knowing of the seed saving and starting mania that I am possessed by this time of year (I collect and buy a LOT of seeds!), Duncan kindly made one level of his autogarden available to me. I'm doing a small experiment, which I'll talk about in another post, but first I want to tell you how the autogarden works. The secret is wicks!<br />
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Trays are made from downspouts that measure 18" long and 3" wide. Seven holes are drilled in the bottom of each tray.<br />
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The holes are threaded with wicks cut from microfiber dishcloths.<br />
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Once filled with soil and seeded, the trays are placed directly on top of another set of wicks that carry water up from a reservoir below. The reservoir is filled by tubes fed by plastic bottles hung above the trays.<br />
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A floating element made from foam and weather stripping controls the flow of water through a hollowed-out disposable pen into the reservoir.<br />
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This system of piping, tubes and wicks does a fantastic job keeping the soil in perfectly moist condition.<br />
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Now awaiting little leaves!<br />
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<u>Other posts about Autogardens.</u><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-from-dr-duncan-bell.html">More From Dr. Duncan Bell</a><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2011/07/self-watering-autogarden.html">A Self-Watering Autogarden</a><br />
<a href="http://drdunc1000autogardens.blogspot.com/">Dr. Bell's Autogardens Blog</a><br />
<br />JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-6088654830868941902013-02-04T14:45:00.000-05:002013-02-04T15:15:19.092-05:00Ten Things I Learned from Dr. Diana Reiss<br />
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We're only beginning to understand how dolphins communicate and their surprisingly complex underwater relationships and societies. Dr. Diana Reiss has spent decades studying how dolphins think, relate and play. She's a professor of psychology at Hunter College in New York City and directs dolphin research at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. She was also a consulting scientist for the Oscar-winning film "The Cove," and is author of the book <i>The Dolphin in the Mirror</i>. Dr. Reiss spoke at 92Y last Thursday night to an enthralled audience. Here are some highlights from her talk:<br />
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<b>1) </b> <b>Dolphins are odontocetes </b>- odontocetes are toothed mammals that preceded the mysticetes (non-toothed whales) that glean their food with bony plates. They share their evolutionary ancestry with cows and deer, and are closely related to the hippo.<br />
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<b>2) Dophins have been known to save people in distress.</b> Since ancient times there have been legends about people who have been saved by dolphins. One recent account involves <a href="http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/elian-says-dolphins-saved-his-life-1.33676#.UQ3IofL4WSo">Elian Gonzalez, whose experience in 2000 ignited an international custody battle</a>, was monitored by dolphins while he clung to an inner tube, waiting for help to arrive.<br />
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<b>3) A <a href="http://www.care2.com/causes/dolphin-tangled-in-fishing-line-approaches-divers-for-help-video.html">dolphin recently presented his fin</a></b><a href="http://www.care2.com/causes/dolphin-tangled-in-fishing-line-approaches-divers-for-help-video.html">,</a> tangled in fishing line, to a diver, requesting help.<br />
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<b>4) The dolphin brain is second only to humans </b>when measuring "encephalization quotient," or the relative measure of brain size to body. The dolphin has a larger encephalization quotient than apes. <br />
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<b>5) U.S. aquariums have not taken dolphins from the wild for 20 years.</b><br />
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<b>6) Dolphins will manipulate and create toys</b>. They play with seaweed, carry rocks, and most amazingly, have been documented creating their own "bubble ring" toys with their blow holes. <br />
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<b>7) </b>In their underwater societies, <b>dolphins will fish cooperatively,</b> working together to create rings out of mud or bubbles to corral fish, or chase them onto shore, where they can easily be captured.<br />
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<b>8) Dolphins have learned to recognize visual forms/symbols </b>and associated sounds, and request specified toys by hitting underwater keyboard. They have imitated the sounds by vocalizing while playing with the requested toys.<br />
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<b>9)</b> Dolphins can recognize themselves in a mirror. A dolphin who has been marked will quickly recognize it in the mirror. Only chimps, dolphins, elephants and crows have demonstrated MSR (mirror self recognition). <br />
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<b>10)</b> <b>Dolphins have been found in the <a href="http://observer.com/2012/06/dolphin-died-at-it-lived-on-the-hudson-river/">Hudson River</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/nyregion/dolphin-in-gowanus-canal.html?_r=0">Gowanus Canal</a>. </b> In June of 2012, a lone bottlenose dolphin was seen swimming in the Hudson River. It passed away a few days later. Just last week, a sick dolphin was also found in the Gowanus Canal. It also died from unknown causes. <br />
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<i>"It is not uncommon for large marine animals like dolphins and whales to
swim right up to the openings of New York’s waterways, swept in during
high tide and out again with the next high tide. Most of the time, the
animals come and go without incident."</i><br />
<i> - The New York Times 1/26/13</i><br />
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Dr. Reiss believes that dolphin shows are not ideal, because they tend to focus mainly on physical prowess, rather than their cognitive and social skills, but feels that some shows can be an effective way to educate and involve people with dolphin conservation. Dolphin slaughter still goes on in Japan (as depicted in "The Cove") despite the story being exposed in the film. Scientific facts are powerful and can help change policy. Dr. Reiss suggests that we write our state department, and urge them to request the slaughters be stopped through diplomatic channels. Learn more at <a href="http://www.actfordolphins.org./">www.actfordolphins.org.</a><br />
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<u>Follow the links to learn 10 things from:<br /> </u><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/06/ten-things-i-learned-from-dr-susan.html">Susan Petro</a><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/01/ten-things-i-learned-from-gretchen.html">Gretchen Rubin</a><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/09/ten-things-i-learned-from-marie-winn.html">Marie Winn</a><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/08/10-things-i-learned-from-little.html">"Little Heathens"</a><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/03/10-things-i-learned-from-richard-louv.html">Richard Louv</a><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/05/10-things-i-learned-about-ecological.html">"Ecological Intelligence"</a><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/01/10-things-i-learned-from-dr-temple.html">Temple Grandin</a><br />
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<br />JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-21209967595436973542013-01-27T14:45:00.000-05:002013-02-16T17:23:10.148-05:00Seeds in the Closet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOMN-OhZPymh2eDyfG0iFCTnbNdf_gfMP5lvLvNP0lpf1KqMEH_Xe3H1vZVNTjDWhVDk4vcDP15MQJsz0t3woOTsfA6rVhNWAtQXt4llBJW5rtikbvXV2XQYEWTOVIPMtCSzrY_D-bcAs/s1600/IMG_2655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOMN-OhZPymh2eDyfG0iFCTnbNdf_gfMP5lvLvNP0lpf1KqMEH_Xe3H1vZVNTjDWhVDk4vcDP15MQJsz0t3woOTsfA6rVhNWAtQXt4llBJW5rtikbvXV2XQYEWTOVIPMtCSzrY_D-bcAs/s1600/IMG_2655.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My first tray of seeds was started under grow lights in my closet this weekend. I just looked back at my old seed-starting posts -- I've never managed to get any seeds in during the month of January before! I'm still waiting for my seed orders from this year to arrive, so I started with "old" seeds that were either saved or leftover from last year. I'm hoping that this is only the first of several trays that I'll be starting in the next few weeks. Here's what went in:<br />
<br />
Lettuce "Salad Bowl Blend" - Botanical Interests<br />
Parsley "Italian Gigante" - Burpee<br />
Cleome (saved from swap with community gardener Robin)<br />
Zinnia (saved)<br />
Cilantro (saved)<br />
Savoy Cabbage (Baker Creek)<br />
<br />
I used this "Pro Mix"<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGxAu5jvhzH-XRJXxam0vvAIQaVbUgY2DnUSeLx3W-2eBmf4H-WOvuyalO1NyuINZ3owIOjV_fUxPRkaaMUB6eu1U8DxDKmw-RH_Nj_v7a0QhYQsCFIQM9TzvHvR5IoIvbmF_SXJZQfMs/s1600/IMG_2652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGxAu5jvhzH-XRJXxam0vvAIQaVbUgY2DnUSeLx3W-2eBmf4H-WOvuyalO1NyuINZ3owIOjV_fUxPRkaaMUB6eu1U8DxDKmw-RH_Nj_v7a0QhYQsCFIQM9TzvHvR5IoIvbmF_SXJZQfMs/s1600/IMG_2652.jpg" width="200" /></a>It contains 75% to 85% peat moss, Perlite, Limestone and "wetting agent"(wonder what that is!)<br />
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<i>Are you starting any seeds indoors this year? I'd love to know what you're growing. </i><br />
<br />
<u>Older posts about seeds: </u><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/02/seedling-experiment-2-closet-conversion.html">Seedling Experiment</a><br />
<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/01/making-seed-starter-from-recyclables.html">Making a Seed Starter From Recyclables</a><br />
<br />
<br />JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-31071449233451990372013-01-20T16:38:00.000-05:002013-01-20T16:38:33.945-05:00Chicken Attack<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub_x4lEuGLYGJkNkLWMIO4HkDDWRiuNoj5bgthS3_JctEVVQWpTHMR7QIt9sa4Jt4C6rGqupKKTCdQ_OKk1uU_UJf0bc6PYx-4YBhJM51Ax9omdYwjJkD56OaLzQUEbqJGH62Zm99i9Ez/s1600/Canon+355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub_x4lEuGLYGJkNkLWMIO4HkDDWRiuNoj5bgthS3_JctEVVQWpTHMR7QIt9sa4Jt4C6rGqupKKTCdQ_OKk1uU_UJf0bc6PYx-4YBhJM51Ax9omdYwjJkD56OaLzQUEbqJGH62Zm99i9Ez/s320/Canon+355.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not. Coming. Out. Ever.</td></tr>
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We’ve had backyard chicken “drama,” but we’ve never had
“trauma” quite this severe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My poor hens
are so upset after a couple of recent attacks by large birds of prey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if they are hawks, eagles or
falcons, but they’ve been seen circling the area, and last week one of them
attacked and killed either Kaitlynn or Allison (Unfortunately, I could never
tell them apart!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbxLWrIMRE1FZnWkGJs8xco3H7_07MfMfUVuMfegQPz8zrXphvRw9WZIVxjLFJH8UPf5MQWH1KJq89f1eyMWRgN9wN3F8WvNCBlEBWO8ysmZTF8LPZm15PIdv4HP6ZOpqeUk1zPGRTQeo/s1600/IMG_2498%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbxLWrIMRE1FZnWkGJs8xco3H7_07MfMfUVuMfegQPz8zrXphvRw9WZIVxjLFJH8UPf5MQWH1KJq89f1eyMWRgN9wN3F8WvNCBlEBWO8ysmZTF8LPZm15PIdv4HP6ZOpqeUk1zPGRTQeo/s320/IMG_2498%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
A couple of days
later, the predator came back and tried to take Harley – I know it was a bird
because I heard the flap of wings and saw a shadow fly overhead right after a
loud commotion. I assumed she was gone after seeing a bunch of black and white
feathers in the corner of the yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyD-7bMfslbdkzIFORXwnX4M38-aoIWTtz3-6a4S-OSE674gkhbmFPUwCqoAuL4_db6yaQYZWECCwqsPbUwEiauT_dWnHipfDTqbaO25jlzSeuMABu1RjkVBAHNmfbqcmvCZngAhyphenhyphenMHWtd/s1600/IMG_2535%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyD-7bMfslbdkzIFORXwnX4M38-aoIWTtz3-6a4S-OSE674gkhbmFPUwCqoAuL4_db6yaQYZWECCwqsPbUwEiauT_dWnHipfDTqbaO25jlzSeuMABu1RjkVBAHNmfbqcmvCZngAhyphenhyphenMHWtd/s200/IMG_2535%5B1%5D.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harley, safe and sound. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seemed like such a lost cause, I didn’t even bother to
pray, but miracle of miracles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came
back in good health (minus a few feathers) a couple of days later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That girl knows how to scamper! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another local friend who owns chickens told me that a falcon
attacked one of their hens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
found laying on her back, screaming and paralyzed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several days of care, she was still
unable to walk and had to be euthanized. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My hens seem terrified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re not eating with their usual appetite. and there hasn’t been a
egg laid in over a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They seem reluctant to come out of the coops, and spend most
of the day huddled together in a corner, behind the compost bins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Rdnph0-TBzF-hPEqqbJdHIfAmbf8rGVUBvTP590e6Uqn6DV3ax6y6NExhZnxirgeK_VlIGl5OJh8ZAbNoHvuFk8cCkD3_mvWwfDbpgISw2-pEpBTleAYS5-PVPlK0d9OTd_Mb1msmvr7/s1600/Canon+374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Rdnph0-TBzF-hPEqqbJdHIfAmbf8rGVUBvTP590e6Uqn6DV3ax6y6NExhZnxirgeK_VlIGl5OJh8ZAbNoHvuFk8cCkD3_mvWwfDbpgISw2-pEpBTleAYS5-PVPlK0d9OTd_Mb1msmvr7/s200/Canon+374.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You can't see us."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Is there such a thing as chicken PTSD?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder how long it takes for chickens to
heal after an event like this. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so
sad to lose a hen – they are our pets, after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to console myself with the knowledge that
some desperately hungry being is getting fed, and it’s part of the cycle of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In three years of keeping a total of 8
chickens, I’ve lost 2 to predators.<br />
<br />
See also <a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2011/02/goodbye-stella.html">Goodbye Stella </a></div>
JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-22535226118378581982013-01-05T16:56:00.000-05:002013-02-16T17:24:00.553-05:00The Chickadee Brain<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJH3HCPIxiqcrNV6qOA75J9ODO4EHWkZXf8a3aAYavmzUoStFOedJf1kHfmuof9x-CUOCTyMTZoKdZNf1wKuSFLQJ2fpwJbJN5v1NxgHemHt-W5g3raJjm67IvXyS8dl4fIVvy0jEBcyj/s1600/chickadee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJH3HCPIxiqcrNV6qOA75J9ODO4EHWkZXf8a3aAYavmzUoStFOedJf1kHfmuof9x-CUOCTyMTZoKdZNf1wKuSFLQJ2fpwJbJN5v1NxgHemHt-W5g3raJjm67IvXyS8dl4fIVvy0jEBcyj/s1600/chickadee.jpg" /></a></div>
Are you also the type of person who, in this age of
information overload, tucks tidbits of interest into the files of your brain,
intending to follow up on them later?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only to forget until something occurs to jostle the memory files?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I need a
brain more like that of the chickadee, expanding and contracting and adapting
as needed by the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the black-capped chickadees<span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Poecile atricapillus)</span></i> are back at
the feeders, and so is my memory of reading something extraordinary about the chickadee brain last year and wanting to investigate. Of all the wild birds that visit,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the chickadees seem to be the most fearless and friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, they’re often the only ones that
aren’t afraid to approach even after I’ve appeared on the deck, pointing a
camera at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frustratingly, they are
also among the quickest and most reluctant to pose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw81CkPrmPSa9fK3DGzXS4WaePT7XCLoa0YcGeiJH5v1WB6TXzOgLUK49zn9UMLX1SsNx1vSFMEfjPjSPzx62wHa2rvznRIp4qalYfSqPIDGjQDo69NEzIP0wsAVQpY7FvCzS9p7ztdIBv/s1600/Canon+310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw81CkPrmPSa9fK3DGzXS4WaePT7XCLoa0YcGeiJH5v1WB6TXzOgLUK49zn9UMLX1SsNx1vSFMEfjPjSPzx62wHa2rvznRIp4qalYfSqPIDGjQDo69NEzIP0wsAVQpY7FvCzS9p7ztdIBv/s200/Canon+310.jpg" width="200" /></a>Research done by Professor Colin Saldanha, now at American
University, showed that the chickadee’s brain can grow up to 30% larger during
times when they need to find food for storage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The brain is expanding, adding new nerve cells,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in order to help them remember the hundreds
of hiding places where they’ve stored the food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, in the spring, the brain shrinks back to normal size, when their
memories are needed less. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another study, done by Vladamir Pradosudov at University of
Nevada in Reno showed that when birds live in harsher conditions, such as
Alaska, they not only find more food than those in milder climates, but they’re
better at finding their caches, have better spatial memories, and have larger
brains than the same species in Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuYFC9WuQQh0GEjMDkns5NsaWI2qp6jW6aLpg3nbOF2bN_GCY2O08K4uzdpnOAaGZLtgOEJIU_94Yvw3q-5sASXbd9osh4eSIyhlOmUKzismzxyBP0Ko6-r2hatC9edn_0iS0J4OZ-ti3/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuYFC9WuQQh0GEjMDkns5NsaWI2qp6jW6aLpg3nbOF2bN_GCY2O08K4uzdpnOAaGZLtgOEJIU_94Yvw3q-5sASXbd9osh4eSIyhlOmUKzismzxyBP0Ko6-r2hatC9edn_0iS0J4OZ-ti3/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" width="320" /></a>I would never say that I want my brain to shrink, but
wouldn’t mind being able to shed some of the mental baggage and unproductive ways of thinking that marked the past year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out with the old, in with the new!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make room for more meshugaas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Wishing you an open-minded, peaceful and rejuvenating New
Year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-44993139574052376162012-12-19T11:47:00.000-05:002012-12-19T11:49:57.612-05:00Dark Days<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQdk4-uLvYA2lzcHFYSfE2M_a2Mxo5HVH1xXQTitGbEXsO828sGtkBo97cTmLaDhxm6AqUZU4aOcy2Qel5nbVQYOPWK7gYXqLLLbvgr-aWJSTt7pUL7H4ZGdswaqc-qGgIzjAE260b4Bu/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQdk4-uLvYA2lzcHFYSfE2M_a2Mxo5HVH1xXQTitGbEXsO828sGtkBo97cTmLaDhxm6AqUZU4aOcy2Qel5nbVQYOPWK7gYXqLLLbvgr-aWJSTt7pUL7H4ZGdswaqc-qGgIzjAE260b4Bu/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since last week’s tragedy in Newtown, it's been harder to let the kids
out of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
instinct is to keep them under lock and key, but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> every morning we have to open the door and let them go. To the movies, to the mall, to </span>walk to the bus stop in the
dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like many parents, I’m trying to wrap my head
around this and figure out how it will impact my family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this age, it is less about trying to shield them from
the news. It’s mostly about answering
questions like “Why don’t they want to say the killer’s name?” "Why did that mom have a gun?" “Would you ever get a gun?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Did he know any of those kids?" </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1xx7fCdZ5sJIqrt5odDDyn45a1TvYlXbHFIhugtb85GH6_EK8xtYbtVg9cclyVoDBkbTh6b5BD0ZtfHSNUJ1pxnrWAzuCOq_kpUqf6E5qZrUBMaVVhTAfjYe7-Ha-5jTeE1xaELhUbFk/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1xx7fCdZ5sJIqrt5odDDyn45a1TvYlXbHFIhugtb85GH6_EK8xtYbtVg9cclyVoDBkbTh6b5BD0ZtfHSNUJ1pxnrWAzuCOq_kpUqf6E5qZrUBMaVVhTAfjYe7-Ha-5jTeE1xaELhUbFk/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>These are the darkest days of the year, and this year sad circumstances have accumulated around me to make the days seem even darker than usual. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long ago, the
ancients thought the sun was leaving them, getting farther and farther
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year they feared that it would never
return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s no coincidence that
Christmas falls during the time when the ancients realized the sun was coming
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winter Solstice -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the day before the light starts to
return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now we are waiting, lighting the Hannukah and Advent candles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidm4fMpzRD4OJiDgtnwhXWLUVXnESlBQN6oPZi648ZkwikPgJNVZwY3aOPXEIRA4G91U1nG4LM5UHgGxV5S-mtMtMzlh161IwkNrUWcxY89MEhmvJhSARqBp7N5aD5f_cIRux5jxz-I9Xf/s1600/Iphone+photos+896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidm4fMpzRD4OJiDgtnwhXWLUVXnESlBQN6oPZi648ZkwikPgJNVZwY3aOPXEIRA4G91U1nG4LM5UHgGxV5S-mtMtMzlh161IwkNrUWcxY89MEhmvJhSARqBp7N5aD5f_cIRux5jxz-I9Xf/s320/Iphone+photos+896.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>We spend so much time trying to teach our children that violence is wrong -- that
loving each other is the reason we’re all here on this earth together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want them to know that love is our
highest purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That to feel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is a blessing, and to express it is a
gift, not to be taken for granted. Yes, we can teach them
to accept that some people have disabilities that make it hard to cultivate love, or express it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Acting out in anger is something we struggle with daily as a family. </span>But it’s impossible to
explain how someone could face a blackness as dark as what
prompted last week’s horror. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever heard the saying that a broken heart is an open
heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now it feels like the
country is joining hands,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>praying for
the love in our hearts to pass from one hand to the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hopeful that those grieving
find their way out of the darkness and are touched by returning light and love
in the coming weeks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i>
<i>Please visit <a href="http://www.bradycampaign.org/">The Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence </a></i></div>
JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-91524185802971931082012-11-26T09:17:00.000-05:002012-11-26T09:17:47.743-05:00My Black Friday Helper <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLuMGrYcB589o5U94PFKBPy4842uWQeK9MKfsDwEK7J9j67yarNVrb90Z_OjEXvlaPxjpzyM5mInNmAf8owJZKnvZNw5Oc0NQA2aXx-qMUIBQ7nVgIGWzHroNq1-EVmxLVTHfGmIgyXn0/s1600/Canon+158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLuMGrYcB589o5U94PFKBPy4842uWQeK9MKfsDwEK7J9j67yarNVrb90Z_OjEXvlaPxjpzyM5mInNmAf8owJZKnvZNw5Oc0NQA2aXx-qMUIBQ7nVgIGWzHroNq1-EVmxLVTHfGmIgyXn0/s1600/Canon+158.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Living so close to the second-largest mall in New York State
just makes me want to hide in the house on Black Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard for me to believe that people think
it is fun to wait in line for a $12 popcorn popper. An astonishing number of people even go on
Thanksgiving night!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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After we spent Thanksgiving Day with our
cousins in Brooklyn, they came and stayed with us here in Nyack for a couple of
nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My 5-year-old niece Xeta and I spent much
of Black Friday outside in the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She helped me feed the chickens and rake leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVKrL9ngzzxhthDe6y6jPVUx1IRusd0pAjwKmBv-5qeaTropDcjrH1P9vKlpDR0UTpPIIBhnitQ3LuWil7vyDbCZ0fm5EgENWNDcZHLpok8lsCiguS-IggvSmtq3wnbwuPuSaHDYcdwTD/s1600/Canon+155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVKrL9ngzzxhthDe6y6jPVUx1IRusd0pAjwKmBv-5qeaTropDcjrH1P9vKlpDR0UTpPIIBhnitQ3LuWil7vyDbCZ0fm5EgENWNDcZHLpok8lsCiguS-IggvSmtq3wnbwuPuSaHDYcdwTD/s1600/Canon+155.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a>Then she asked what we could plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All my flower bulbs and garlic were already
in the ground, but it was such a beautiful day and I had such an enthusiastic
helper. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was shining and the
temperature was in the low 60s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
didn’t even have jackets on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It definitely seemed
like weather that could still germinate some cool weather crops, so we’re
trying some kale, cabbage and lettuce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have a row cover that I’ll put over them and hope for a head start on some
spring seedlings at the very least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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One of the other fall projects that Xeta helped me with is
building up the beds,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put compost,
chicken litter (wood shavings and chicken manure) and shredded leaves and grass
on top of the vegetable beds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout
the winter, the mixture breaks down and in the spring the beds are fertile and
ready for planting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<i>I can't believe this is my 400th post on this blog. I started it in 2008 and still have ton of tons of things to write about -- the problem is finding the time. When I look at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7420871845813973733#editor/target=post;postID=4577056904143735268">my first blog post</a>...oh my lord ....it was so pathetic... I'm grateful for all the friends I've made through this blog, around the world and locally and hope to continue to write about everything under the sun. </i></div>
JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-24250233514617569052012-11-26T09:11:00.000-05:002012-11-26T09:12:53.653-05:00What is #GivingTuesday? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD-t-vMvThxL7C7yxr4icvRB1l9-Ct69hAV2uJJ2ITmTEHzL3sBLU-kxlKf_4aTaEmDFVEGO9Iqy5uXQsDhIoNM148WqvLawbA6zKwGnfv23xTWWDWwx1ZdUUcnmrvMGWV3PVmbiKDYD_/s1600/gt-badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD-t-vMvThxL7C7yxr4icvRB1l9-Ct69hAV2uJJ2ITmTEHzL3sBLU-kxlKf_4aTaEmDFVEGO9Iqy5uXQsDhIoNM148WqvLawbA6zKwGnfv23xTWWDWwx1ZdUUcnmrvMGWV3PVmbiKDYD_/s1600/gt-badge.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Spread the word! We're kicking off the holiday giving season this year with a new national tradition called #Giving Tuesday. I'm proud to say that the idea was initiated just a few months ago in the halls of the wonderful nonprofit where I've worked for over 20 years: 92Y. Since we have a day for giving thanks, and other days (Black Friday, Cyber Monday) for getting deals, why not a day to give back? The cool thing about Giving Tuesday is that everyone can choose their favorite charity -- or volunteer to provide an act of service. You take it to your town and work in your local soup kitchen or sign up to lead a team to pick up litter in your neighborhood. An impressive number of corporate partners and other nonprofits are signing on, and the idea has sprouted in all areas of social media. Hope you'll share this idea with your friends and followers too! <a href="http://givingtuesday.org/">Here's </a>the website where you can find out more.JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-22079241120784087862012-11-07T11:27:00.000-05:002012-11-12T17:04:38.512-05:00Fall Update: Hurricane, Harvest and Hen Hierarchy<br />
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Now that Hurricane Sandy has passed, life is finally getting back to normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our area was hit hard, but we were lucky – just a few tree limbs down and power disrupted for 5 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>School was cancelled all last week and again Monday – this made my kids very happy until they were reminded that they may still be attending in July to make up the extra days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re still waiting in line for gas, but it seems like a small thing to endure when others in the NYC area are contending with such major losses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are at least 30,000 newly homeless in NYC right now and people are still having trouble getting around. We count our blessings with every news bulletin. </div>
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This was the last weekend for the community garden – everything needed to be out of the plots Nov. 4. I harvested lots of fennel, savoy cabbage, beets, Brussels sprouts, radishes, kale, lettuce, parsley and dill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus a nice bunch of very fragrant sage given to me by a neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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I’m hoping some it holds out til Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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An experiment – I took the fennel roots, cut the stalks, and replanted them in my perennial bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since it’s one of the hardier vegetables, I’m hoping to get a head start on some for next spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>German hardneck garlic and tulip bulbs were also planted this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I don’t believe I’ve introduced you to my three new white chickens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I adopted them from a man who decided he didn’t want to keep them through the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since they were originally purchased to amuse his grandchildren, I thought it only appropriate to name them after the kids: Hayden, Allison and Kaitlynn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't ask me which is which!</td></tr>
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I was a little anxious about how they’d get along with the four current residents, especially Harley, a bantam Silver Spangled Hamburg, whose head is often plucked bare of feathers by the bigger girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tried so hard to assert herself. She was the first to confront the new hens – she fluffed up her feathers and boldly attacked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren’t afraid of her though, and she’s still the little picked-on, bullied runt around here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv54wpTq5_raf8cjhHb7N4ORfLG5BCjzMfvgqmJeu2W5fW3p30StJ2wtDaQlSe6-mQen8f9vR8h_ijc-qoLb2-DlbmkDF2sBblXXDH4BsW4i4tEhW2LWIAO400LHiUtz-RXWrWnZH8qPZ8/s1600/Canon+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv54wpTq5_raf8cjhHb7N4ORfLG5BCjzMfvgqmJeu2W5fW3p30StJ2wtDaQlSe6-mQen8f9vR8h_ijc-qoLb2-DlbmkDF2sBblXXDH4BsW4i4tEhW2LWIAO400LHiUtz-RXWrWnZH8qPZ8/s200/Canon+012.jpg" width="200" /></a>It’s especially sad that she seems to be exiled from the coop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's like she has cooties. The six others will typically squeeze into one coop, leaving Harley alone in the other one – even though 4 is supposed to be the maximum in one coop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor Harley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(She’s named after Harley Quinn, of “Batman” fame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess who named her!?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m trying to think of ways to give her more status and some roommates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I was so happy about the election results! But would love to know why Prop 37 was defeated in California! I find it very surprising because I thought they would be more progressive. I heard there were ads. If anyone knows where I can see one of these opinion-swaying ads, please leave me a link. To learn more about the campaign for GMO labeling, visit <a href="http://www.justlabelit.org/">www.justlabelit.org. </a></span></i></div>
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JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-7027353499195464552012-10-07T11:57:00.000-04:002012-10-08T21:20:59.292-04:00Visit to The Pfeiffer Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For years now I’ve wanted to visit <a href="http://www.pfeiffercenter.org/index.aspx">The Pfeiffer Center</a>, a biodynamic farm in Chestnut Ridge, NY, not far from here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally had my chance last Sunday, during the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Rockland Farm Alliance </a>“Farm to You” Festival and Tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just one of the places visited that day, along with <a href="http://www.rocklandfarm.org/cropsey_community_farm.html">Cropsey Community Farm</a> in New City, Bluefield Farm in Blauvelt and <a href="http://hookmountaingrowers.com/">Hook Mountain Growers</a> in Upper Nyack. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Apart from their attention to the lunar calendar, I wasn’t too familiar with biodynamic growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biodynamic ideas originated with Rudolf Steiner in the 1920's, when he realized that conventional fertilizers weren’t maintaining soil quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biodynamics takes organic farming a step further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">From the Pfeiffer Center website:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">“</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">Steiner described an approach to plant and land care that combined novel techniques of building up healthy soil with a renewed awareness of all the forces at work in the farm organism: among and between the soil, plants, animals, and humans, as well as the cosmos itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Rudolf Steiner set forth the principles of a modern, organic agriculture that works with life-regulating processes and subtle catalysts such as trace elements and enzymes. He emphasized that each farm is an organism in its own right, with an organism's powers of self-healing.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On Sunday, I was able to watch and take part in a biodynamic practice that has the potential to affect growth on their farm for years to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made a composted manure “tea” solution, known as “Preparation 500” that will be sprayed on the crops and gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The diluted preparation introduces beneficial microbes that both feed and protect the plants, stimulate growth and fecundity, and enrich the soil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil6sjXyyvMqJHlAmPTmEx8Iyb97ANTm9qW0scFvuZ71xAdKuN9hk4pDAbCgVolgfyWZrVO9sBTDaqyIZ7gMpv_tueqoS6ANiLT-u1Hh4Qa3ELMylfGQQJkY-Tv5w7F0SldZBuZNUd5qA/s640/blogger-image--46852645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil6sjXyyvMqJHlAmPTmEx8Iyb97ANTm9qW0scFvuZ71xAdKuN9hk4pDAbCgVolgfyWZrVO9sBTDaqyIZ7gMpv_tueqoS6ANiLT-u1Hh4Qa3ELMylfGQQJkY-Tv5w7F0SldZBuZNUd5qA/s200/blogger-image--46852645.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We started with a pail full of hollow cowhorns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We used spoons to fill them with fresh cow manure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cow horns are usually planted in the soil during the fall, around the time of the equinox, when the earth starts to withdraw into itself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the spring, they’re recovered, and the composted manure is used to make the solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For this workshop, the staff had some already-composted manure ready to go, and the participants all had a part in stirring the compost into the water using paddles as well as bare hands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">I also got a peek at their beautiful vegetable garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The site pictured here is only part of their farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a total of 70 beds, two horses, an orchard and berries, a greenhouse, compost piles, wood-fired oven, an apiary, and dye garden for a fiber craft studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also have a seasonal farm stand that is self supporting and open on Monday and Thursday mornings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;">The<a href="http://www.pfeiffercenter.org/index.aspx"> Pfeiffer Center</a> runs regular workshops that are open to the public. So much to learn here -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hope this visit was the first of many!</span></div>
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JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-59190012606048829892012-09-16T10:38:00.000-04:002012-09-16T10:38:04.639-04:00The Summer's Biggest Hits <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Big Rainbow"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I want to make a better effort to save the seeds for the successful varieties I want to grow again next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also the time of year that the summer failures transform into lessons learned and next year’s compost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two of the heirloom tomatoes that I grew this year are on my list for seed saving: The “Riesentraube” and “Big Rainbow.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Reisentraube, which came from </span><a href="http://www.hookmountaingrowers.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hook Mountain Growers</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, is a large red cherry, with a tiny point at the bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hard to explain exactly why, but it doesn’t taste like a cherry tomato at all<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- more like a beefsteak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was super prolific and is still producing! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the surprise of cutting into these gorgeous “Big Rainbow” tomatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It can be hard to tell when they’re ripe, because they’re often green on top and throughout. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the bottoms are red, they’re usually ripe, and you can also tell by touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re sometimes called “tie dye” tomatoes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was my favorite summer squash this year -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Costata Romanesco, a seedling given to me by a generous soul in our community plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was mild and milky inside and looked beautiful when sliced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I grew “Rattail” radishes for the first time this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5kI9LXNIQ3UqPjdjDdcNm-eEL9klnRRDGkSiXuPc3dGOJcZhC_lqaY3RYNgtLOXc6Y3AU7C2bN_KHReHsysTXVSouZQaOaY-nKXrJijnCMmY93Z52pSZ4rDfpcA-xo75LwEQLTgRrR8/s1600/IMG_3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5kI9LXNIQ3UqPjdjDdcNm-eEL9klnRRDGkSiXuPc3dGOJcZhC_lqaY3RYNgtLOXc6Y3AU7C2bN_KHReHsysTXVSouZQaOaY-nKXrJijnCMmY93Z52pSZ4rDfpcA-xo75LwEQLTgRrR8/s320/IMG_3196.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a variety that was grown mainly for it’s pods, which have a radishy flavor and bite, and are fun to add to salads - I pickled some of them! The flowers were sweet - a beautiful color and attracted attention of bees and other admirers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The “Bright Lights” swiss chard did really well until August when it got buggy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blanched and froze a couple of pounds of it for winter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nice thing about "Purple Ruffles" basil is that it didn’t bolt and flower like the Genovese- at least not yet! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pineapple Mint went a bit crazy in the community garden plot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cut it back many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flavor is perfect in iced tea and lemonade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love the look of it in bouquets too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my backyard I got my first concord grape harvest – maybe a little over a pound of them from this 5-year old vine that has endured many abuses and relocations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do hope that it’s finally found a home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tv2sv4mhbIwi5960s4fSfKFyRNibqFIy_bvGByo4BjQAmQY6jxYOscxwiUKrIk5MqijlAnGgqUKGmJfz4ozTOpdZ3RHzTjPWEHSiGGr-mRO2Q3-KigYWLmN4KiWPoVjiMDaHaSapYCA/s1600/IMG_4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tv2sv4mhbIwi5960s4fSfKFyRNibqFIy_bvGByo4BjQAmQY6jxYOscxwiUKrIk5MqijlAnGgqUKGmJfz4ozTOpdZ3RHzTjPWEHSiGGr-mRO2Q3-KigYWLmN4KiWPoVjiMDaHaSapYCA/s400/IMG_4179.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little fig tree on the deck gave me about 30 figs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have another one growing on the side of the house with lots of foliage but very few figs – they’re still ripening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My new favorite weed is Wild Quinine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s blooming everywhere now and I’ve decided to cultivate it in my flower patch because it's one of the few wildflowers that hasn't been chomped on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flowers are delicate with little spikes and it smells wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of medicinal uses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A sunny third plot graciously provided by a friend with extra space enabled me to grow some cantaloupe, watermelons and squash – things I would never have had space for in the community garden. (They surely wouldn’t have produced in my shady backyard.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also planted zucchini, yellow squash and cucumbers there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Sugar Baby” watermelon was most successful.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjptczw8518Cjq86Z9OnlfOwlTaHBUSLbuaiy-9Knb9iQ4w2xcq7Zx40Z8CJAE1q9tzIzMxQpeio0vXLd1rZs_ye6YHfhGVE0zstHWNFO4t4irVNXL7L23vyCw4FWDGRiZYqQToSGzK4/s1600/IMG_3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjptczw8518Cjq86Z9OnlfOwlTaHBUSLbuaiy-9Knb9iQ4w2xcq7Zx40Z8CJAE1q9tzIzMxQpeio0vXLd1rZs_ye6YHfhGVE0zstHWNFO4t4irVNXL7L23vyCw4FWDGRiZYqQToSGzK4/s400/IMG_3860.JPG" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vines seemed to be resistant to the squash bugs, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Butternut squash also did very well there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our traditional Thanksgiving dishes is a Butternut Squash Risotto. It's curing now and I’ll be prepping and freezing it for the November feast. </span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What plants did best in your garden this year?<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-8039063152304276142012-09-03T10:34:00.000-04:002012-09-03T10:34:36.581-04:00Honor Your Ancestors: Attend a Family Reunion <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alzieri Family Reunion - August 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Going to a family reunion is one of the best ways to honor the memory of our parents, grandparents, and other relatives that have gone before us.</span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alzieri Sisters</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A reunion organized by cousins of my grandmother a few years ago attracted very few young families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me sad because my Grandma would have wanted us to connect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would have been happy to see us visiting with her sisters, recalling her smile and the sound of her voice in theirs. She would have been delighted to see her grandneices, nephews, and second cousins once removed playing with my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me proud to be examined by a cousin who proclaimed "You look just like Rose did when she was your age."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was a</span> way to keep her memory alive, a testament of her genetic fortitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Throughout the day, stories were told -- some important, some trivial -- that might have otherwise been </span>buried and forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Grandma Rose wasn't there to see the exhaustive research on the family tree that my dad's cousin Jeff performed on Ancestry.com, but she would have been proud that we were there to see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A huge diagram was displayed on the wall, including photo copies of documents from Ellis Island that recorded the arrival of our ancestors from Calabria, Italy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7nvRcdBWN9ko6dq3MW79gFYo6sGb189gCRi_qPmoaoNKjxR3YBr1WrqJTbtT0nPmKwNO-b6wFSHUT32wFA0xZtVQsUEjvRNvFNqlrFok0u7fECergxgLE3KVyfZ2gx1vLfv8ehVQsXw/s1600/Aug12+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7nvRcdBWN9ko6dq3MW79gFYo6sGb189gCRi_qPmoaoNKjxR3YBr1WrqJTbtT0nPmKwNO-b6wFSHUT32wFA0xZtVQsUEjvRNvFNqlrFok0u7fECergxgLE3KVyfZ2gx1vLfv8ehVQsXw/s400/Aug12+053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dominic and Rose Angelo, my great grandparents</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the most precious documents in my cache of important papers is an essay by our cousin Doloris, who wrote about how my Grandma Rose worked hard and sacrificed, not just to keep our family fed, but to teach the former Italian peasants the American way of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She writes about my grandmother:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Rose, in the darker coat, foreground left</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Aunt Rose was 14 years old and the sole support of the family...she was the only person left who could speak both Italian and English...They lived in Mayfield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aunt Rose taught her family and the DiGravios how to shop...how to understand money, how to set a table, all the things that come so natural for us, but were so new to these immigrant families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did she support her own family, but she sent money 50 cents at a time to my parents to help with the medical expenses for my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were it not for her, I may not have the vision I have today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aunt Rose is a remarkable person." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where do we have Sunday dinner when we outgrow the kitchen table? <br />
In the garage of course! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Would you believe that Doloris found me on Facebook recently and sent me a friend request?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There aren't many people left in this world who remember my grandmother's contribution to the overall welfare and stability of our family-- even my father, because he wasn't alive yet to see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm so grateful to Doloris for recording it, and to be living in a time where connection with her is so easy, even when living so far apart. Still, a Facebook reunion is not the same as a live visit. Funny how our self-reliance, mobility, and online connections can also be the enemy of family continuity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why fly to grandpa's when we can Skype with him? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">An invitation to a family reunion is a precious opportunity to meet people like Jeff and Doloris. Where else we bring the box of old photos and have the elders identify those we don't recognize? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We can take pictures and video, and then come home and write about it, too, just in case the future generations aren't on Facebook. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Check out this cool graphic that I got from my friend Scott's terrific genealogy blog </em><a href="http://www.oldbluegenes.blogspot.com/"><em>Old Blue Genes</em></a><em>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you're new to geneaology you might start with this post, <u><a href="http://oldbluegenes.blogspot.com/2012/07/tips-for-new-genealogists.html">Tips for New Genealogists: <o:p></o:p></a></u></em></span></div>
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JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-35025730580254901222012-08-22T13:11:00.001-04:002012-09-03T10:36:08.688-04:00Homeowner's Guide to Greatness Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YNU8m0h5VX1vJTquRB0sXHdYzcI1uy4Nj6_Vci5IAagSEbjxRzmXEQb-7FFV1ZxuOXs-0gQ_03JwkLU1jb4Y_X_fmIFMKyIwj4CNJxDoxBWDA2agQm08rWsLOOzWHwXCJKaMrCjemKI/s1600/jocelyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YNU8m0h5VX1vJTquRB0sXHdYzcI1uy4Nj6_Vci5IAagSEbjxRzmXEQb-7FFV1ZxuOXs-0gQ_03JwkLU1jb4Y_X_fmIFMKyIwj4CNJxDoxBWDA2agQm08rWsLOOzWHwXCJKaMrCjemKI/s400/jocelyn.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were so clueless when we moved into our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only an inch away from foreclosure, there were tenants living here (the human and animal kind), and it had, to say the least, been neglected. If only I’d had <em>The Homeowner’s Guide to Greatness </em>by Jocelyn Jane Cox to refer to – I’d have been much better equipped to respond to these and many other challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or at the very least, laugh them off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are always unexpected surprises in store for the new homeowner, and humor always helps. For example,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have used a laugh the day we discovered that our underground oil tank was leaking and had to have it excavated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Cox and her husband moved from the city to a suburb not far from here, they were excited to begin decorating, gardening and otherwise customizing their home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t count on poison ivy, mice, or trees falling on their roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cox takes us through the process of procuring, purchasing, evaluating and maintaining a new home with an engaging combination of wisdom and goofiness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My favorite part of the book was the “memos” section, where the various parties, such as bunnies, fruit flies and bees, are confronted in writing and asked such pressing questions as “Why horizontal stripes?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll give away a copy of the book to a random commenter on this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homeowners-Guide-Greatness-disasters-infestations/dp/0985528702/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345655054&sr=1-1&keywords=the+homeowner%27s+guide+to+greatness">order it here on Amazon.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read more from Jocelyn Jane Cox on her awesome blog <a href="http://thehometome.com/">The Home Tome</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em>Commenting on this post will close on Saturday, September 1 at 12 noon. </em></div>
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JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-38390376072202318702012-08-11T10:06:00.001-04:002012-08-11T10:06:13.184-04:00Cooking from the Garden<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This time of year can be a little overwhelming for vegetable gardeners as the harvest rolls in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is only so much room in the refrigerator drawer, and I find myself scrambling to use the fresh stuff before it grows mold. Here are a few ways I'm managing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Zucchini Pizza Crust<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jackie in plot #38 in our community garden told me this recipe (thanks, Jackie!), and I tweaked it a bit with the baking powder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> S</span>neak some green veg into the always popular pizza!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The end result has a somewhat chewy texture similar to foccacia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 t. baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 c. flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 c. grated zucchini<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 eggs, lightly beaten<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sift baking powder and flour together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Combine eggs and zucchini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly add flour mixture to wet ingredients, stirring to combine until a soft dough is formed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Add more flour if the dough seems too loose. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spread dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake until golden brown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove from oven and add toppings, then bake until toppings reach desired doneness. Cold toppings like spreads and fresh tomatoes can also be added. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Swiss Chard Chips<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Both kale and swiss chard can be quickly dehydrated in the oven and made into crispy chips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read recipes with longer cooking times at 200 degrees, but I see no reason to have my oven on for an hour in the summer if I can get away with baking for 10 minutes with the same results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m harvesting lots of chard right now, and the kids need to eat something other than cereal and ice pops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> These greens both have a gently bitter taste and are loaded with calcium and other nutrients. They're a good way to introduce kids to these flavors, since they'll try anything called a "chip." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I bunch of fresh kale or swiss chard (at least a dozen leaves)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 T. olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 t. salt or seasoning blend<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat oven to 350.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wash and dry the swiss chard leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tear the leaves away from the rib, into pieces about the size of the palm of your hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toss the leaves with olive oil until shiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spread the leaves on a rimmed baking sheet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake for 7 – 10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It may look like the chips are sticking to the cookie sheet – they’re not! They’ll come up easily once they’re crisped) Chips will be a dark greenish-brown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remove from cookie sheet and sprinkle with seasoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can be stored in an airtight container, but the sooner they’re eaten, the crispier they’ll be. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">disregard random child</td></tr>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma Lucy’s Tomato Sandwich<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grandma Lucy taught me how to make this simple but incomparable sandwich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’d often have it for breakfast or lunch<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when we visited her in Ohio in the summertime. There is nothing like Ohio sweet corn and tomatoes at the height of summer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things about this sandwich are negotiable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, you could use Miracle Whip (ew!) in place of mayo – Grandma Lucy did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can use any spice blend you like, such as Old Bay, Tony Chachere’s or Goya Adobo (I like the lemon/pepper with the yellow cap), though Lawry’s Seasoned Salt is the original mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you MUST use juicy ripe tomatoes at their peak and wheat toast, though if you want to use bread that doesn’t come out of a plastic bag, that’s certainly understandable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One ripe medium-sized tomato, sliced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two slices of wheat sandwich bread<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ t. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 t. mayonnaise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toast the bread to it’s desired darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spread one side of the toasted bread with mayonnaise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add two tiers of tomato slices on top of the mayonnaise, then sprinkle with seasoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Top with remaining slice of bread. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What are you making with your garden harvests? <o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Pie (follow link to left for recipe) </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More Summer Garden Recipes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/08/garden-pie.html">Garden Pie<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/08/salade-tomate.html">Salade Tomate</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2008/08/meatballs.html">Eggplant Meatballs</a></span></div>
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</div>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-49255189721297763512012-08-01T22:17:00.000-04:002012-08-01T22:17:47.813-04:00How Not to Handle a Broody Hen<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful."</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Poor Strawberry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like she has been cast the Weird Stepsister role in our little flock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no doubt that she is the fluffiest, most spectacular chica out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just look at her girlish figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, she gets picked on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was around June 21 when she went broody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know because I wasn’t home at the time, and received some frantic phone calls that something was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was afraid she might be egg bound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My instructions to “apply vaseline and massage her vent” were overheard by amused bystanders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In case you haven't guessed, I am new to the world of broody hens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A broody hen is one that wants to be a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stays in the nesting box, on the eggs that everyone else has laid, waiting for them to hatch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t appear to notice that a rooster has never been there to fertilze them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so she sits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And sits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Ignoring food.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking very determined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And squawking and pecking at anyone who comes near.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did everything you’re not supposed to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left at least one egg in the nest every day so that she’d have something to sit on at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just seemed too mean to do otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put extra wood shavings in to make it comfy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out I was an enabler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next step was to consult my neighboring <a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/05/exploring-bluefield-farm.html">farmer friends</a> with chickens AND ROOSTERS to see if they had any fertile eggs for her to foster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured why not let Strawberry fulfill her fantasy of motherhood?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t it be fun to have some cute little chicks pecking around? But chick hatching goes above and beyond the expectation of most petsitters, and a family vacation was eminent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other <a href="http://hookmountaingrowers.com/">friends with hens</a> were consulted and various methods were discussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Convincing a hen to stop being broody is also known as “breaking her up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If you ever need to break up a broody hen, h</span>ere are some things to try:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Remove the bird from the nest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Take all the eggs out of the nest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Remove all bedding from her nest, so that it’s less comfy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Deny access to the nest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Cool the bird off by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dipping her breast and underside in cold water. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Construct and suspend a “Broody Coop”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with a wire or slatted bottom that discourages setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is possible to break a broody hen in just a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only took us 33!</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More chicken drama:</span> </u><br />
<a href="http://www.nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2011/11/harleys-nest.html">Harley's Secret Nest</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2011/10/strawberry-likes-spaghetti.html">Strawberry Likes Spaghetti (video!)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/12/chickens-in-blizzard.html">Chickens in a Blizzard</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2010/06/our-scariest-chicken-day-yet.html">Our Scariest Chicken Day Yet</a></div>
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</div>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-41870533841089602312012-07-27T15:44:00.000-04:002012-07-27T15:45:26.254-04:00Maine PhotosHere, especially for those like my mom and dad who come for their kid pics fix, are some shots of our recent vacation in Maine. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Orchard Beach Pier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW_uzQ8129FywRZy85FJ36W19OayuSDLe8YbrFYOPMh6tpzYVBAqpG0any_VEvHMSAAjMAfWfiiAd4tT52EL8GpXUw_DocjOTIUI1cdTZmrPtnCt20pWTxKoAmQB-E_tcI9KENH-M-II/s1600/Jul12+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW_uzQ8129FywRZy85FJ36W19OayuSDLe8YbrFYOPMh6tpzYVBAqpG0any_VEvHMSAAjMAfWfiiAd4tT52EL8GpXUw_DocjOTIUI1cdTZmrPtnCt20pWTxKoAmQB-E_tcI9KENH-M-II/s320/Jul12+071.JPG" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarch on a milkweed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boogie Boards on Old Orchard Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Orchard Beach, from The Pier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk96uJ1TxO9C8N4G98uE6FhpIn_hzw6RAQ3AvSfogIS4xHE2_2ijwasBfH6YrOwhn5axFNXjkPrZvtaGBmX8JxdaBm2pr5u9ya_gbEasAbMZt_rSY4RrHBzjdD-LlWI91nL4ztQq6Yj8/s1600/Jul12+153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk96uJ1TxO9C8N4G98uE6FhpIn_hzw6RAQ3AvSfogIS4xHE2_2ijwasBfH6YrOwhn5axFNXjkPrZvtaGBmX8JxdaBm2pr5u9ya_gbEasAbMZt_rSY4RrHBzjdD-LlWI91nL4ztQq6Yj8/s320/Jul12+153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sparkling sand. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace Playland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your kid pics fix!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saco Bay Lookout</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlo, Saco Bay Lookout</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saco Bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Old Orchard Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Portland ("Old Port")</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvIUzJ9WDGnE9d2iiYdzU9DkZg77HmrjxiGjBxwUVXGGC-V1sg0FiXEZyqzXK2z7XUr2nNC-d9BspglRxyLV8RBSs7WCVa2I0qSJnz97hSQBFqxjZvHi2qW4up4T0vw6J8MK1yMPpKPM/s1600/IMG_3800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvIUzJ9WDGnE9d2iiYdzU9DkZg77HmrjxiGjBxwUVXGGC-V1sg0FiXEZyqzXK2z7XUr2nNC-d9BspglRxyLV8RBSs7WCVa2I0qSJnz97hSQBFqxjZvHi2qW4up4T0vw6J8MK1yMPpKPM/s400/IMG_3800.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berry picking at Spiller Farms in Wells</td></tr>
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<br /></div>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-43524550768267945832012-07-13T11:10:00.001-04:002012-07-14T06:32:00.924-04:00The Gospel According to Woody Guthrie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gW3QHab4-vcy3f7prNCcHQfuhOFbp7lNvZIO2rBX8hV6rgQRkQ0NdUSy4zInLFTkRYX25Fh7A62vLeoS5TSs-tYeuJEAX4yERemnOT3cfsNsZVp_Ic0aMPR85paYJydJzDtddGrUDr8/s1600/Guthrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gW3QHab4-vcy3f7prNCcHQfuhOFbp7lNvZIO2rBX8hV6rgQRkQ0NdUSy4zInLFTkRYX25Fh7A62vLeoS5TSs-tYeuJEAX4yERemnOT3cfsNsZVp_Ic0aMPR85paYJydJzDtddGrUDr8/s400/Guthrie.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keth Crowley, <a href="http://www.behance.net/gallery/Wooody-Guthrie-Foundation-Centennial-Design-Commission/3395607#">Woody Guthrie Foundation Centennial Design Commission</a> </td></tr></tbody></table>This is a re-post. I think the first time I posted it was in 2009. I'm posting it again because it's Mr. Guthrie's 100th birthday and also because it's one of my all time favorite songs. The melody is by the Austin-based singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves - I never get tired of hearing his version, and most mornings I do. When I first posted it, I included some of my favorite photos, but this time I'll leave it to you to envision your own promised land. I think that's the point, really-- to feel like this, even just for a minute every day, and have that little rebirth. <br />
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<strong>This Morning I Was Born Again By Woody Guthrie</strong><br />
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This morning I was born again and a light shines on my land<br />
I no longer look for heaven in your deathly distant land <br />
I do not want your pearly gates, don't want your streets of gold<br />
This morning I was born again and a light shines in my soul. <br />
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This morning I was born again, I was born again complete <br />
I stood up above my troubles and I stand on my two feet <br />
My head it feels unlimited, my body feels like the sky <br />
I feel at home in the universe where yonder planets fly. <br />
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This morning I was born again, my past is dead and gone <br />
This great eternal moment is my great eternal dawn <br />
Each drop of blood within me, each breath of life I breath<br />
Is united with these mountains and the mountains with the seas. <br />
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I feel the sun upon me, it's rays crawl through my skin <br />
I breathe the life of Jesu and old John Henry in <br />
I give myself, my heart, my soul to give some friend a hand <br />
This morning I was born again, I am in the promised land. <br />
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This morning I was born again and a light shines on my land<br />
I no longer look for heaven in your deathly distant land <br />
I do not want your pearly gates, don't want your streets of gold <br />
And I do not want your mansions for my heart is never cold. <br />
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<em>If you are in the NYC area, I'm helping to produce a Woody Guthrie tribute evening at </em><a href="http://www.92y.org/"><em>92Y</em></a><em> on Sunday, November 18 -- save the date! Tickets will go on sale soon. </em>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-37150871860432316402012-07-05T15:30:00.000-04:002013-03-26T13:34:34.479-04:00Plant Geek Paradise: West Tisbury, MA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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People in Martha's Vineyard take their gardening seriously. Though many don't go beyond climbing roses and hydrangea, others treat it like a competive sport. It's obvious that gardens here are carefully thought out, often coordinated with the colors of the house itself. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I expected Hansel and Gretel to appear at any moment. </td></tr>
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During one of our <strike>confused, lost</strike> exploratory drives around the island, my friend Emilie and I discovered that one road in particular, West Tisbury Road, was full of garden centers. Emilie made other plans, so I was free to explore without the guilt of boring her.<br />
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I started at Eden Market, in Vineyard Haven. Although smaller than the others, it was fun to poke around. A winding path took me through sections of garden decor, watergardens, perennial flowers and vegetables. </div>
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The staff was super friendly and happy to point out which plants were heat tolerant as well as some really cool new kinds of echinacea.<br />
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I shared a moment with this frog. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather Gardens</td></tr>
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My next stop was Heather Gardens. This place had astounding variety and acres of plants. I could have stayed there all day. Props to the extra-nice owner Mike, who kindly took the time to dig up a (free!) hops root for me because they didn't carry them and he knew it was growing wild by one of the fences. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Galahad" delphinium. On my wish list. </td></tr>
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It was fun to stroll around, looking at the unusual plants and making notations for my wish list. There was really too much to look at here. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middletown Nursery</td></tr>
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Middletown Nursery had some incredible displays. I was especially inspired by some rustic cages and trellises made from raw (pine?) that were placed throughout the store. </div>
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A live band was playing in a shady area while kids did art projects and ate popcorn - such a nice vibe. <br />
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I know I missed at least one other garden center, but leaving something unseen is supposed to guarantee a return visit. <br />
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Eden Market<br />
455 State Road<br />
Vineyard Haven, MA<br />
(508) 693- 5202<br />
<a href="http://www.edenmv.com/">http://www.edenmv.com/</a><br />
<br />
Heather Gardens<br />
377 State Road<br />
West Tisbury, MA 02575<br />
<a href="mailto:info@heather-gardens.com">info@heather-gardens.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.heather-gardens.com/">http://www.heather-gardens.com/</a><br />
<br />
Middletown Nursery and Garden Center<br />
680 State Road<br />
West Tisbury, MA<br />
508-696-02575<br />
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JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-56415941368843448362012-06-18T08:28:00.000-04:002012-06-18T08:28:07.136-04:00Why My Kids Are Doing "Nothing" This Summer<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since February I’ve been urging my kids to figure out what they want to do this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Find out what your friends are doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll sign you up,” I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite weekly pleas for answers, they came back with nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sports or sleepaway camps, no camps specializing in fashion, farms, food, film or nature. Plenty of suggestions were made, but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>nothing held enough appeal this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why, I had to ask myself, was it so important to me to have my kids signed up for stuff?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are my kids trying to tell me with their refusal to declare a summer “major”? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since I work full time, and mostly from home, summer activities have always been pretty crucial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since my kids were in daycare, our summer days flowed much like those during the school year, except that we packed sunscreen, bathing suits, towels and goggles into backpacks instead of books and folders. Lunches were assembled and the kids were piled into the car and rushed out of the house by 8:15 for a full day of activity-intensive camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they got home, they passed out, sunburned and exhausted, in front of the TV, then got up the next morning and did it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are just plain tired of doing that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And why should we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids are now 12 and 14 – too old for babysitters and too young for jobs. After 10 months of daily grind, is it so wrong for them to have a few precious weeks to just hang out with nothing to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would it be awful for them to be bored now and then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about my own Florida summers hanging out at the beach or the pool, roaming the neighborhood, running through sprinklers, playing SPUD in the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody went to camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked forward to summers because it was a time to rest and be with our friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I have purchased the kids<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>passes for the town pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes I wonder if underneath the decision not to commit them to activities is a selfish attempt to keep them close while I still can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Childhood is short, and it is, sadly, coming to an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will regret the fact that I’m not participating in the relentless resume-building and college application fortification that many of my friends and their kids seem to be engaging in, but, as they say, “you’re only young once.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that our decision to let them just “be” this summer will end up having as much value to them as the expensive camps of previous years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the very least, they will have time to clean their rooms, and maybe my chicken coops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Or maybe that’s still wishful thinking.) </span></div>
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</div>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-9598497151336061252012-06-11T13:30:00.002-04:002012-06-12T06:43:28.468-04:00Shrubbing Around<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrr07Kd60rluhG-WQxkFMTOiifFBFOnismNd5PItPmcZYHP1V_OgHzrqRY6R2xIPu5C41xO46VkVQFqLxLaOgkyi_NoWtwUna4M6OAk-PZCIzHMoUeSzFF4RlW7lSnmTGizSsiyBmpx7I/s1600/IMG_3279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrr07Kd60rluhG-WQxkFMTOiifFBFOnismNd5PItPmcZYHP1V_OgHzrqRY6R2xIPu5C41xO46VkVQFqLxLaOgkyi_NoWtwUna4M6OAk-PZCIzHMoUeSzFF4RlW7lSnmTGizSsiyBmpx7I/s320/IMG_3279.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhubarb/Lemon Balm Shrub</td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ever drink a shrub?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shrubs are also known as “drinking vinegars.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re made with fruit, vinegar and sugar and can be used as the basis for lots of summer treats like sodas and cocktails. I discovered shrubs when a friend gave me a generous helping of fresh rhubarb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never grown it and have never cooked with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't feel like baking so I passed up lots of recipes for rhubarb cakes, bars and muffins, but then I saw a tweet urging me to be “adventurous” and try a rhubarb shrub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That got my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I found out is that shrubs are a super alternative for someone like me, because I dislike drinking plain water, but don’t use artificial sweeteners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shrubs are all-natural and you can easily control the amount of sugar and customize them to your liking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The possibilities for shrubs are infinite, and recipes vary widely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many formulas and as just as many opinions about which is best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is even a blog devoted to shrubs! With music!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out </span><a href="http://www.bringmeashrub.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.bringmeashrub.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The basic recipe for a shrub is :</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup of vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup of fruit</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup of sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQunjGbSZqx9tHdH49iNaAUDg1sdiHbl14ma6Y1OEN-LyYE-9gKi2PSvqV5d2v3C7v4Nxf1J0STGoiF9mlxTcnp0lSeI8AdHDnzeuZOeM547F4U3z0wM5vOdjHmRvQSIOZ6ZXoho2vr8/s1600/IMG_3270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQunjGbSZqx9tHdH49iNaAUDg1sdiHbl14ma6Y1OEN-LyYE-9gKi2PSvqV5d2v3C7v4Nxf1J0STGoiF9mlxTcnp0lSeI8AdHDnzeuZOeM547F4U3z0wM5vOdjHmRvQSIOZ6ZXoho2vr8/s320/IMG_3270.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chopped rhubarb</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Smoosh and smash the fruit and any other flavorings in a non-reactive saucepan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the vinegar, and bring to a simmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove from heat, leave to cool and allow to step unrefridgerated for 2-4 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, strain out the fruit and any other solids, and bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the sugar and continue to simmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the sugar is dissolved and the shrub is allowed to reduce slightly, remove from heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can then be stored in the fridge- glass Mason jars are ideal for storage. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So far I’ve made 2 shrubs:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rhubarb Lemon Balm Shrub</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 c. chopped rhubarb</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ c. chopped lemon balm</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 c. apple cider vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 c. sugar<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I wanted to see what it would be like with half the recommended amount of sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found it plenty sweet.) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir60XFY4EtWdy_y6QTtX7y_BYdfSjCwrAt0JJn8gdbVd02lahusfPwaJmV6b-VRqvhKxRTuWuZYQ25LF4XUNuFQclb3z7CEN5k2bT-DLMVmM8brmpI6eHxr4iqh_1fj4TNG2CUqoUxQn8/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir60XFY4EtWdy_y6QTtX7y_BYdfSjCwrAt0JJn8gdbVd02lahusfPwaJmV6b-VRqvhKxRTuWuZYQ25LF4XUNuFQclb3z7CEN5k2bT-DLMVmM8brmpI6eHxr4iqh_1fj4TNG2CUqoUxQn8/s200/IMG_3264.JPG" width="136" /></a></div><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strawberry Balsamic Lillet Shrub</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 c. crushed strawberries (This was the perfect thing to do with the sadder, not-so-perfect berries from my little patch.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 c. balsamic vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 c. apple cider vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 c. Lillet appertif - this is a super-juicy French concoction that I had on hand. It’s a blend of wines and orange-flavored liquors.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 c. sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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Here are some ways I’ll be using the syrups:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour directly or mix with maple syrup to pour on pancakes, c</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ombine with vodka, gin, (shrubtinis?), wine or champagne, p</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">our over ice cream or sherbet</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine with carbonated water or mineral water if you prefer things less fizzy, u</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">se to flavor a yogurt smoothie or stir into plain or vanilla yogurt, d</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">rizzle on hot oatmeal, p</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ut several tablespoons over crushed ice and make a snowcone, u</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">se in salad dressings, u</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">se in meat marinades.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>What else can be done with shrubs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear your ideas!</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G3ewSDIa3_2SCUnGyqvtGgGRNsaWwX5ziuBwSGxBIoQx3EVBDMfbgIZ3XrCgcLCbo7SvlN-qfLPd4ci-S2oHG7rTYiXF2RVtvJLh5TY8llaI7HatMr2gEK9QCQ3ie2QkCz9V2M5DAPk/s640/blogger-image--601187514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9G3ewSDIa3_2SCUnGyqvtGgGRNsaWwX5ziuBwSGxBIoQx3EVBDMfbgIZ3XrCgcLCbo7SvlN-qfLPd4ci-S2oHG7rTYiXF2RVtvJLh5TY8llaI7HatMr2gEK9QCQ3ie2QkCz9V2M5DAPk/s640/blogger-image--601187514.jpg" /></a></div>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420871845813973733.post-620889328155837102012-06-07T10:04:00.000-04:002012-06-07T10:04:10.209-04:00Review of "Barnheart" by Jenna Woginrich<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Strange things are happening to my reading habits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Wh</span>en given a choice, I rarely choose to read fiction now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not unusual for me to pass up new books from favorite writers like Alice McDermott or John Irving in favor of a type of book that’s most decidedly in the non-fiction genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the homesteading memoir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have cancelled my subscription to The New Yorker and replaced it with Mother Earth News.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I caught this bug a few years ago after reading Joan Gussow’s This Organic Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was followed by Mildred Armstrong Kalish’s Little Heathens (<a href="http://nyackbackyard.blogspot.com/2009/08/10-things-i-learned-from-little.html">my review here</a>) , </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing, and Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jenna Woginrich has given a name to my affliction, and titled her book after it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may be a suburban mom with an urban job, and I may be approaching menopause, but I have a “Barnheart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I recognized myself in Jenna’s description: “You start reading online homesteading forums and shopping at cheese-making supply sites on your lunch break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You go home after work and instead of turning on the television, you bake a pie and study chicken coop building plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then somehow, somewhere along the way, you realize that you’re happiest when you’re weeding the garden or collecting eggs from the henhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all downhill from there.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jenna did not have an easy time of it in the beginning, but her ordeal does show that with determination, and a flexible vision, a more fulfilling lifestyle is possible -- even if you don’t have money, inherited land or a background in animal husbandry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While keeping a day job for a mail order company, she slowly builds her savings and purchases a plot, animals, and a truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are financial setbacks, interferences from disapproving neighbors and landlords, and many lessons learned along the way -- for example, a sheepdog cannot be without a “job.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd8TClFJD1vAimb3Z7kmHxJNLF5hmQM_Srp2svr9wLBUdAeWbgU3k97NNE88wifleQfARd2qZJq5jVXB4IA5NPOc89tif3orBmHCeNz7gitQSFh35c9qBwaNzQI_lhl0R8PiLo2Ck9vo/s1600/May12+324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd8TClFJD1vAimb3Z7kmHxJNLF5hmQM_Srp2svr9wLBUdAeWbgU3k97NNE88wifleQfARd2qZJq5jVXB4IA5NPOc89tif3orBmHCeNz7gitQSFh35c9qBwaNzQI_lhl0R8PiLo2Ck9vo/s200/May12+324.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our heroine is frank about her initial difficulties fitting into her Vermont community. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the course of the book, I found myself worrying for her, becoming anxious, then heaving a sigh of relief as each obstacle she encounters becomes a chapter, a memory, a tale that she has lived to tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jenna announced on <a href="http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/">her blog, Cold Antler Farm</a>, that she’s left her day job to focus on writing, farming and offering workshops. A great lesson for all of us future farmers. </span></div>
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<br /></div>JGHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710652130966518173noreply@blogger.com7