OK, the person who came up with Meal Plan Monday, please stand up! I saw this somewhere and I am wanting to use the idea, so, if you're out there, please comment me so I can give you proper credit!
Meanwhile, I will begin by posting my menu plan for the week, going retro-active to last night.
In trying to eat more locally, I have been purchasing about 90% of my veggies from Farmer Julie and about 95% of my meat from the local meat market, which butchers its own local meat sources. The rest comes from the local grocery.
Sunday - Tilapia tacos - corn tortillas with breaded fried tilapia (coated in equal parts bread crumbs, corn meal, and flour - these came out exceptionally crisp and light) topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and a creamy lime/mayo/avocado sauce.
Monday - Stuffed bell peppers with BLT salad - the peppers were stuffed with organic brown rice and leftover roast from last Friday. Topped with pureed tomatoes and a small bite of cheddar cheese.
Tuesday - Eggplant parmesan with whole grain spaghetti and homemade mozzarella cheese
Wednesday - Carne Guisada with rice and beans, roasted salsa (see previous posts) and home-made flour tortillas
Thursday - Roasted chicken with red potatoes and yellow squash.
Friday - 4th of July celebration at friends' house - I will bring something, don't know what.
Saturday - leftovers and sandwiches.
Join me in Meal Plan Monday, if you wish, and comment me so I can link you...we can inspire each other....Mmmmm Food....
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Found this Pic...
On Facebook, there is an application called Flair - I found this button - I love it!!!!!!! Looks like Eddie has a cousin! : )
Friday, June 27, 2008
Oh and then I am busy....(and father stuff)
I have been making lots of salsa. Those that have received some have asked for more. Well, begged for more. : ) So tomorrow morning, I am going to fire up the grill for more salsa! What I love about this endeavor is that we always have some ready to eat. I cook a lot of foods that are well complemented by a nice dollop of the deep red, fiery, intensely hot salsa.
Also...going into jars tomorrow morning will be another favorite....bread and butter pickles.
Which brings me to....
My father was (despite a myriad of troublesome ways) an incredible cook. He also kept a pristine garden and harvested wild berries (and oyster mushrooms and fiddleheads, and even wild hazelnuts). He hunted (and guided others) deer, moose, bear, rabbit, and partridge, all of which he prepared to feed our family. He spent a good amount of time (and took great pride in)cooking, canning and preserving his goods. He made bread and butters, sumptuous jams, pies, etc. I always knew that nature was his special place, but, looking back, he did what so many are striving to do today - eat what our natural environment provides for us. Though I can guarantee that I will not follow in his footsteps in so many ways, I do wish to carry on his skills with food and his desire to live off of what nature provides.
I hope to model for my children the tradition and heritage of food preparation, done with loving hands, with the goal of not only providing nutrition and sustenance, but connecting to our environment. I pray that as we preserve our foods, we also preserve the heritage that brought these recipes and techniques to us.
For years, I harbored much hurt and unforgiveness towards my dad. As time passes and heals old wounds, I miss him, and (especially when I am in the kitchen, doing the aforementioned kitchenly things) I feel his presence and his approval. It is a very special way that I can connect with him.
(OK - so it's a little bit late - maybe really late - and I intended this post to be about my morning tomorrow. I see how the entry went all over the place, but I am keeping it...because it's on my mind, and I would like to share more of that with you.)
Also...going into jars tomorrow morning will be another favorite....bread and butter pickles.
Which brings me to....
My father was (despite a myriad of troublesome ways) an incredible cook. He also kept a pristine garden and harvested wild berries (and oyster mushrooms and fiddleheads, and even wild hazelnuts). He hunted (and guided others) deer, moose, bear, rabbit, and partridge, all of which he prepared to feed our family. He spent a good amount of time (and took great pride in)cooking, canning and preserving his goods. He made bread and butters, sumptuous jams, pies, etc. I always knew that nature was his special place, but, looking back, he did what so many are striving to do today - eat what our natural environment provides for us. Though I can guarantee that I will not follow in his footsteps in so many ways, I do wish to carry on his skills with food and his desire to live off of what nature provides.
I hope to model for my children the tradition and heritage of food preparation, done with loving hands, with the goal of not only providing nutrition and sustenance, but connecting to our environment. I pray that as we preserve our foods, we also preserve the heritage that brought these recipes and techniques to us.
For years, I harbored much hurt and unforgiveness towards my dad. As time passes and heals old wounds, I miss him, and (especially when I am in the kitchen, doing the aforementioned kitchenly things) I feel his presence and his approval. It is a very special way that I can connect with him.
(OK - so it's a little bit late - maybe really late - and I intended this post to be about my morning tomorrow. I see how the entry went all over the place, but I am keeping it...because it's on my mind, and I would like to share more of that with you.)
Funky to Not Funky
I have always tried to keep this blog as a forum to share myself, but not wanting to share complaints and negativity, I decided to keep this a happy place.
But this week, I had some....issues....inexplicable, unpredictable, radical swings in my moods. I can think of nothing other than exhaustion and hormones to be the culprit.
At times like this, you would think that I would retreat, converse with God, pray, and focus my thoughts on the positive, cherish the blessings and devise ways to bless God and others. You would think, anyways. Instead, I allowed the negativity to come to a swift boil, blowing the top off of my otherwise positive self. I somehow managed to dwell on the negative, to have a boo-hoo-feel-sorry-for-myself-pity-party.
OK, you are thinking...so if this is a happy place, why this depressing rant about pity parties??? Well, thankfully I was able to turn around. I was able to return my focus to My Heavenly Father, to re-discover the beauty and love that surrounds me. My amazing husband went to every extent to comfort me and shower me with love. My sweet daughter (who bore the brunt of my melt-down) was the first to hug me at my lowest moment, and continued to check on me and love on me every opportunity she had. I experienced the unconditional and affectionate love of the friends I hold dear.
I can say, with all certainty, from the depth of my heart, that I feel restored, after what seemed like a very dark (albeit temporary) place. With the love of my God, support from family and friends, and a couple good nights of rest, I am back from that place, and I am thankful. Very, very thankful.
But this week, I had some....issues....inexplicable, unpredictable, radical swings in my moods. I can think of nothing other than exhaustion and hormones to be the culprit.
At times like this, you would think that I would retreat, converse with God, pray, and focus my thoughts on the positive, cherish the blessings and devise ways to bless God and others. You would think, anyways. Instead, I allowed the negativity to come to a swift boil, blowing the top off of my otherwise positive self. I somehow managed to dwell on the negative, to have a boo-hoo-feel-sorry-for-myself-pity-party.
OK, you are thinking...so if this is a happy place, why this depressing rant about pity parties??? Well, thankfully I was able to turn around. I was able to return my focus to My Heavenly Father, to re-discover the beauty and love that surrounds me. My amazing husband went to every extent to comfort me and shower me with love. My sweet daughter (who bore the brunt of my melt-down) was the first to hug me at my lowest moment, and continued to check on me and love on me every opportunity she had. I experienced the unconditional and affectionate love of the friends I hold dear.
I can say, with all certainty, from the depth of my heart, that I feel restored, after what seemed like a very dark (albeit temporary) place. With the love of my God, support from family and friends, and a couple good nights of rest, I am back from that place, and I am thankful. Very, very thankful.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Addicted to Blogthings!!
You Are a Green Crayon |
 Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors. While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around. Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible - and you try to make others feel at ease. You're very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows! Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you. |
I have been tagged!
Misty tagged me!
The ABC's of Me
Attached or Single? Attached
Best Friend? Definitely my husband
Cake or pie? Chocolate cake, coconut or key lime pie. There's a time and place for everything!
Day of choice? Weekends, starting Friday
Essential item? again, it all depends how you look at it. Water is essential, time is, too.
Favorite color? GREEN! Magenta, Turquoise
Gummy bears or worms? Worms (my fave is sour gummies - life-savers or sour patch kids)
Home town? Fort Kent Maine
Favorite indulgence? Time to myself, haircuts at Gaston's, freshly shaved legs and clean, line-dried sheets. (go ahead, try it!)
January or July? Love a new start in January, and the cooler weather. July's good, too.
Kids? Three...ages 9, 7, and 4
Life isn’t complete without? My faith, my family, and my friends.
Marriage date? December 11 1998
Number of brothers and sisters? None of my own, but one SIL and 7 BIL's
Oranges or Apples? A good crunchy juicy sweet apple and clementines
Phobias? Losing my children or husband
Quotes? "Just another helpful hint from Meloise!"
Reasons to smile? time with friends, good food, children's laughter, pets, time to myself
Season of choice? I love something about all seasons!
Tag 5 people: an official invitation to tag yourself!! LOL!
Unknown fact about me? I am pretty much an open book, so if it's unknown, it's meant to be! : )
Vegetables? I love them all!
Worst habit? wasting time
X-ray or Ultrasound? I liked the ultrasound when pg, but now
I try to avoid both! ; )
Your favorite food? Mexican
Zodiac sign? Leo
The ABC's of Me
Attached or Single? Attached
Best Friend? Definitely my husband
Cake or pie? Chocolate cake, coconut or key lime pie. There's a time and place for everything!
Day of choice? Weekends, starting Friday
Essential item? again, it all depends how you look at it. Water is essential, time is, too.
Favorite color? GREEN! Magenta, Turquoise
Gummy bears or worms? Worms (my fave is sour gummies - life-savers or sour patch kids)
Home town? Fort Kent Maine
Favorite indulgence? Time to myself, haircuts at Gaston's, freshly shaved legs and clean, line-dried sheets. (go ahead, try it!)
January or July? Love a new start in January, and the cooler weather. July's good, too.
Kids? Three...ages 9, 7, and 4
Life isn’t complete without? My faith, my family, and my friends.
Marriage date? December 11 1998
Number of brothers and sisters? None of my own, but one SIL and 7 BIL's
Oranges or Apples? A good crunchy juicy sweet apple and clementines
Phobias? Losing my children or husband
Quotes? "Just another helpful hint from Meloise!"
Reasons to smile? time with friends, good food, children's laughter, pets, time to myself
Season of choice? I love something about all seasons!
Tag 5 people: an official invitation to tag yourself!! LOL!
Unknown fact about me? I am pretty much an open book, so if it's unknown, it's meant to be! : )
Vegetables? I love them all!
Worst habit? wasting time
X-ray or Ultrasound? I liked the ultrasound when pg, but now
I try to avoid both! ; )
Your favorite food? Mexican
Zodiac sign? Leo
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Grow up...
If you tried to find out what you'll be when you grow up by clicking the link in th previous post and got nothing, try again. It is fixed. Then comment me to let me know what you'll be! : )
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
What will I be when I grow up? An Artist.
| You Should Be an Artist |
 No one can guess what you're going to do next, but it's usually something amazing. You can't deal with routine, rules, or structure. You're easily bored. As long as you are able to innovate and break the rules, you are extremely successful. You do best when you: - Can work by yourself - Can express your personality in your work You would also be a good journalist or actor. |
What Should You Be When You Grow Up?
Happenings
Here are our baby chicks. Clockwise from top - Moon, Midnight, and Star. They are so darned cute!
This is what happens when Mom goes to bed early. I vaguely remember intense giggling, then a big "SSSHHHH Mom's sleeping!" I went back to sleep, but woke to this on my camera. These people are crazy.
And yes, Dad was involved.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
In Memory.....
The World's Greatest Father
When I see him love on our children, in the way that each of them need to be loved, I fall in love with him over and over again.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Salsa!
Hi! I have collected many pounds of tomatoes from my garden and got some from Farmer Julie, and this morning I am setting out to make some more canned salsa. I made a batch last week and it came out delicious! If you happen to live near me (you know who you are!) and would like to purchase some, I am selling it for $6.00 a pint. : ) Contact me!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A Great Read
On Ravelry, I am participating in a Read A Long on the book called Living More With Less by Doris Janzen Longacre. This is an incredibly eye-opening and revealing book which is forcing me to take a long hard look at the impact of my actions on the entire world.
There is a companion book called Living More With Less Cookbook, and as I am reading the section before the recipes, I have already learned so much about nutrition and the way we, as Americans, over-indulge and waste.
I pray for the self discipline to apply the knowledge that I gain from reading these two books to providing nourishment for my family, and for participating in change on a world-wide scale.
I will give a more thorough review when I finish the books.
There is a companion book called Living More With Less Cookbook, and as I am reading the section before the recipes, I have already learned so much about nutrition and the way we, as Americans, over-indulge and waste.
I pray for the self discipline to apply the knowledge that I gain from reading these two books to providing nourishment for my family, and for participating in change on a world-wide scale.
I will give a more thorough review when I finish the books.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Braune Farms makes the San Antonio Express News
In today's paper is an article about Braune Farms, the farm where I go help out a couple days a week. I am so happy to see them get publicity!
http://www.mysanantonio.com/salife/gardening/stories/MYSA061008.8B.vegetableshares.36e054f.html
The online article has no pics, but if you live in the San Antonio area and/or get the SA Express News, the article is on page 8B of the June 10 issue. I am on the left, Farmer Julie on the right, Tally the dog in front...and if you look really close, between me and the tree, my sweet Mother in Law is sitting on the porch, wearing a white shirt. The hands cleaning the onions in the picture below are mine. : )
http://www.mysanantonio.com/salife/gardening/stories/MYSA061008.8B.vegetableshares.36e054f.html
The online article has no pics, but if you live in the San Antonio area and/or get the SA Express News, the article is on page 8B of the June 10 issue. I am on the left, Farmer Julie on the right, Tally the dog in front...and if you look really close, between me and the tree, my sweet Mother in Law is sitting on the porch, wearing a white shirt. The hands cleaning the onions in the picture below are mine. : )
Monday, June 9, 2008
Local Harvest
Farmer Julie told me about Local Harvest - it's a national database of farmers and more (browse the site!). Plug in your zip code and it will give you a list of local farmers and what they grow, farmer's markets, CSA's and more. Have fun!
Eddie
Eddie is back to thinking he's a person...or a dog...or a cat...whatever he thinks he is. Silly Rooster.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Henny Penny flew the coop
A sad report...Henny Penny never returned from her run down the street last night. I hate that she's gone, but in my gut, I feel like it is for the best. We need to build a chicken coop before we start with acquiring fully grown hens.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Excitement!
Here is the excitement we have *endured* in the last four hours. I reached into Henny Penny's cage to give her some extra hay for comfort, when she went nuts and made a vertical leap right out of the cage! Within 20-30 seconds, she disappeared! We were actually on our way out so we had to let it be until we came home. When we returned, we looked around and couldn't find H.P. so we returned to regular household programming. A little later, when I went outside to bring in laundry, Sophia noticed that Eddie was hanging out at the back side of the house, so she went to investigate. There was Henny Penny, looking right at Sophia!
So there is Eddie, acting like a (gasp) CHICKEN!!!! He finally discovered his identity!
So there is Eddie, acting like a (gasp) CHICKEN!!!! He finally discovered his identity!
No more chillin on the couch! It's scratching for bugs, now!
So while all this is happening, Sweet Turkey decides to chase the chickens. Eddie is chasing H.P., Turkey is chasing H.P., Eddie is trying to chase Turkey off, then Turkey goes to see the chicks. He almost ate one yesterday, but we scolded him and then gave him some positive attention, thinking that would suffice. It didn't. When our attention was going to H.P. and Eddie, Turkey proceeded to drag the chick's cage right out of the playhouse!
Now, picture us fussing over Turkey, H.P. ran right down the street! We could hear her, but it was too dark to see her. We will just hope and pray that she will return to her new homestead by the morning.
I am pretty sure that we'll get a good night's rest. Well, maybe not Sophia, the keeper of the chickens.
DH has the camera for work, but I promise to get some pics soon.
OOPS!!!
When I changed my blog skin, I failed to back up all the stored info, so I lost all the links I love.
If you frequent this blog and have one of your own, please leave me a comment with your blog address so I can add it to my links. I am sorry if you were accidentally erased!!!! I really love to feature others, so please do send me your web address if it isn't there!
If you frequent this blog and have one of your own, please leave me a comment with your blog address so I can add it to my links. I am sorry if you were accidentally erased!!!! I really love to feature others, so please do send me your web address if it isn't there!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Welcome to the family!!!
We have four new family members! Henny Penny, a hen for Eddie, and three little chicks - Midnight, Sun, and Moon. Danny Jr says Sun should be Star, so that could change!
Henny Penny has a bare back from being pecked like crazy by the roosters on Mrs. Ginny's farm, so she will be quarantined until her feathers begin to grow back. She is otherwise healthy!
I will post some photos soon!
Henny Penny has a bare back from being pecked like crazy by the roosters on Mrs. Ginny's farm, so she will be quarantined until her feathers begin to grow back. She is otherwise healthy!
I will post some photos soon!
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