A little of what I am up to

Home again! Last week, I attended Knitters Connection in Columbus Ohio. I had a total blast (yeah, that 80's teen in me won't die). I took a spinning lesson, and learned tons. I bought way too much wool (is there such a thing?), and I spent quality time with dear friends! All in all, a great way to spend my 42 birthday (last Wed.)

The garden is exploding with food! There have been many salads, broccoli, peas, carrots, onions, beets! Soon, I will be swamped with tomatoes. Most of them will need to be canned to enjoy this summer.

I have been putting up lots of berry jams. I should do a video on it because it is super simple.

I have had several job interviews. Next week is THE ONE I think. When the principal called me about the interview, he basically told me what to say in the interview! Wish me luck.

Happy Knitting!

Grandma Put it All in a Jar!

I have lifted this ode of love to canned goods from Ashley English over at Small Measure. I have been using her book to can many jars of strawberry jam.

Thinking about food

I am making the leap into growing food (my weekly garden updates are evidence of that). While I am enjoying my small garden, I have been putting more thought into where the food I buy comes from. Buying a can of organic corn in the supermarket that has been shipped from who knows where uses more fossil fuels and therefore harms the plant more than local food grown with non-organic practices. I am lucky enough that I am able to supplement what I can't produce in my backyard with locally produced foods, which is much better for the planet.


Local strawberries that I processed and made into the most delicious jam. While I didn't grown them myself, they came from less than 10 miles away.

All cut up and mixed with sugar and fresh squeezed lemon juice, it was hard to save them for the jam!

Dinner last night was so amazing, and so local! The salad and most of the veggies were from my garden. I baked the bread myself, and the eggs were from local, free-range chickens. Very tasty meal.


For dinner tonight, I took beans from my garden, some organic potatoes, and locally produced bacon and made this:

I won't embarrass your dinner by describing how fantastically good this meal was. I can't wait for breakfast tomorrow; more local bacon with free range local eggs, and homemade strawberry jam!

Happy knitting!

Things on my mind

I have become increasingly interested in the idea of backyard or urban homesteading. The name is a little misleading because it isn't really homesteading. Rather, it is about self-sufficiency, independence, greener living, frugal living, and (for me) a more authentic way of life. With the price of so-called "organic" foods so high, the dangers of produce from other countries, and the huge amount of fossil fuels used to bring most goods to the store, I have decided that I want to be a producer, not a consumer.

The idea of producing more of what I use at home seems to be compatible with being a knitter and a spinner (not to mention a quilter, a soap maker, and a home baker). I have become interested in backyard chickens (I am still checking my local laws), and I am obsessed with pygora goats (which I may also be able to keep in town). Angora rabbits are very doable for me right now.

I have had a garden in the past, but this year, I have expanded my garden, and I am growing a wider verity of foods. My plan is to increase my small garden each year until I am able to produce a greater percentage of what I eat. I also plan to buy as much as I can at the local farmer's markets and preserve as much local food as possible for use in the winter months.

So, this post is an update on my urban sustainable homestead.
Sly loves blueberries, so when I saw bushes for sale at the garden center, I had to buy one. There are lots of berries, but this little guy might be ready to eat soon!


Regular readers know that I love my clothesline. It is a simple, easy, and cost effective way to start living more sustainably. Sly built this clothesline for my about 5 years ago. It cost around $50. Every couple of years we spend about $10 on a new line, clothes pins, and other small necessary items.

This is one of my raised beds. I am thrilled with how well everything is doing well, and I have several things close to harvest.

Broccoli that should be ready to eat soon. I am very excited because it is my favorite veggie.

Green beans are another favorite of mine. In addition to my two raised beds, I have a small container garden to increase my harvest.

Another of my container plants has visible signs of life. I use green bell peppers in so many things. I am not sure where this little guy will end up, but I know it will be great.

My first two tomatoes. I am very tempted to fry these little guys in bacon fat right now! I will be up to my eyeballs in tomatoes in just a few weeks. All my plants are covered in cute little, yellow flowers.



I really needed to thin out my lettuce plants, so I had a simple salad with my dinner tonight. The greens were very good, and nice and tender. Now the others will have room to grow nice and big.


Finally, my first attempt at canning. I bought some strawberries from a local farmer's market. There were way more than I would eat, so I thought I would do a small batch of jam. I think they are almost too pretty to eat!

Happy knitting, gardening, and cooking!

Video update

I have uploaded videos of my garden progress. Things are growing very well, and I am eager to harvest something! I need to lay down a weed barrier cloth and some mulch around the garden. It is very over grown in the garden area. We also need to build the trellis for our vine plants soon.

I also posted a video of Buddy and Trouper (aka Pooper). Poor Poop just doesn't like to play in the yard with Buddy is on his tie out. Little Poop has been nearly strangled by that lease three times, so he tends to stay out of Buddy's reach now.

A week and a half left of school!!!

garden update 2b

garden update 2a

Dogs

Big Ass Update

The school year is winding down, and my next job search is winding up. This means I have been very busy. I am sorry for the delay in posting. I also do not really have the time for a video this week, but there are tons of photos.

First, some knitting. I haven't finished many projects in the past few weeks, so getting this beret done for Michelle was a victory.

She wears slouchy berets all the time to hid the fact that she hasn't done anything with her hair. As an art major, she has become very interested in DIY clothes, so mom's knitting adds to her street cred as an artist. I am just happy she appreciates hand knit items.

We have had two frost advisories this weekend. I covered the two raised beds, and it looks like everything made except for one pea plant (I think that wasn't long for this world before the frost).


This is my little blueberry plant. Can you see the little berries peeking out from under the leaves?

I call this the little tomato plant that can. I thought I killed it trying to get it in the bag planter thing that you see in all the stores. I just took a "wait and see" attitude about the plant. Well, it has found a way to thrive despite my manhandling. I am very pleased.


Lastly, my first ripe thing. A tiny little strawberry! See its little cousins?

So, my "urban homestead" is coming along. Clearly, there is a learning curve, but I am satisfied that I will actually eat some fruits and vegetables from my own land and hard work. It is a satisfying feeling.

Happy knitting!

PS: I finally posted a picture for this recipe!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today Monday, April 19, 2010

Outside my window ... Sunny! Lovely day.

I am thinking... why do I always burn the garlic bread.

I am thankful for... a clean house.

From the learning rooms ... about goats!

From the kitchen... lassagna

I am wearing...tee shirt, sweat pants. I am feeling lazy.

I am creating... food, soap, yarn!

I am going... to eat soon.

I am reading... Urban Homesteading

I am hoping... to find a full time job soon.

I am hearing... as little as possible. I like it quiet.

Around the house... small amounts of laundry. vacuuming. I plan on spinning and knitting this evening.

One of my favorite things... doggies sleeping on my feet.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work mostly.

A video of last week:



I worked a few extra days last week. I wanted to make up for the pay that I lost during spring break. There are 5 weeks left of school, and while I am looking forward to summer, I need to think about having a full time job next year. Part time just doesn't work for me. Sadly, there have been so many budget cuts around here, there are many people looking for work now.

*sigh*

Happy knitting!

Crock Pot Ham and Beans

I took a photo, but I can't find the darn camera now. Look for an update as soon as I find the camera.

This post is dedicated to my friend Mandy who is new to crock pot cooking. I know she will love this recipe. I learned to make this when I was about 10 years old. I used to make this from time to time for my family growing up.

A few facts about this meal

1. Depending on how you source the meat, it is possible to feed your family for less than $2. That is for the whole meal, not per-person. I often make this with a couple of large pieces of left over ham, especially the fatty parts. I freeze the left over bits every time I make a ham to use for this soup. Even when buying the meat for this soup, it is super cheap to feed the whole family.

2. You do not have to soak the beans overnight when using a crock pot to cook beans.

3. Crock pots use way less energy than the stove.

4. The meat is not the center piece of this soup, the beans are. Since the meat is flavoring, you can feed your whole family with a very small amount. You can also leave the meat out.

1 lb. bag of dried beans -- cook's choice. I prefer great northern or black beans, but any dried bean is fine. Lentils and split peas are nice too.

Small amount meat of choice (a few oz of left over ham (esp. fatty parts), 5 or 6 strips of bacon, or a ham hock are all good choices)

2 - 3 carrots diced

1 stalk celery with leaves diced

1 small onion diced

1 bay leaf

water to cover beans in pot, about 2 quarts.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Put all ingredients into slow cooker except salt and pepper (the pork cuts used can be salty, so it is best to wait until soup is nearly done and taste test seasonings). Set cooker on HIGH for 4 - 6 hours or LOW for 8 - 10.

Serve in bowls with Molly's Country Corn Bread.

Simple, cheap, and totally yummy!

Enjoy.

Daybook

For today Monday, April 4, 2010

Outside my window ... Sunny! Lovely day.

I am thinking... about the rest of the work I need to do in the garden.

I am thankful for... spring break.

From the learning rooms ... re-learning Windows Movie Maker.

From the kitchen... something with hamburger in it.

I am wearing... still in my PJs, but not for long.

I am creating... a garden.

I am going... work more on my garden.

I am reading... The Everything Soap Making Book

I am hoping... my garden does well.

I am hearing... Pooper's tummy growl. I wish he would go eat already.

One of my favorite things... a wonderful hubby who works hard to build my raised bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: tons more yard work, but it is spring break. No regular work.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

No picture, I finally got my Youtube account for this blog. All my pics are in the video.

Video I want to share:



Video blogging will now be a regular part of this blog. I will be starting slow, but I have serious plans for the Youtube account that goes with the blog.

This entry marks more blog entries than I did all last year. It was a hectic year with student teaching and looking for work, but I am looking forward to doing so much more with my blog in the up coming months.

Happy Knitting!

Earth Hour

On March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. I’ll be turning out the lights to show I care about our planet and our future. Join me by signing up for Earth Hour at www.EarthHour.org.

This will be my third year participating in the event. Hope you all join me for an hour of knitting by candlelight. I am going to try out a couple of solar lamps I have too.

Happy Knitting! (in the dark)

That Daybook thingie

For today Monday, March 22, 2010

Outside my window ... Sunny! Lovely day.
I am thinking... major plans for this blog. Maybe Wed? Defiantly by spring break.

I am thankful for... a relatively clean house.

From the learning rooms ... lots of things, but it is all related to my future plans for the blog. I won't tell you!

From the kitchen... granola

I am wearing...Purdue sweatshirt and cut off shorts.
I am creating... I know that I want to make this soon!

I am going... work on lots of changes for this blog.

I am reading... Casting On. (actually, the book got set aside for a while)

I am hoping... it will finally stay warm.

I am hearing... the soft hum of my computer, the whir of the space heater, and Trooper grunting!
Around the house... small amounts of laundry. vacuuming. I plan on spinning and knitting this evening.

One of my favorite things... my spinning wheel.

A few plans for the rest of the week: shopping of the JH swap.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Demon dogs!

The little guy is Trooper, aka "Pooper." He is new here, but getting along fine.

Link I want to share: Crochet instructions (opens as a pdf)

Video I want to share:



This makes me want to learn Russian!

Happy Knitting!

Crock Pot Kool Aid Dying

I experimented with the crock pot method of kool aid dying. I am please with the results (not so much with the picture). I used Lamb's Pride worsted. I wanted something spring-like, a meadow in bloom-ish?

I think I will use this to make a couple of pairs of my Toasty Fingerless Mitts pattern.

Happy Knitting!

Beware the Ides of March!

I didn't have any students today (teacher record day), so I didn't get to give a quiz or anything for them to beware of.

I missed Pi Day yesterday.

Yummy fruit and nut breakfast bread

I love hearty breads with fruit, nuts, and whole grains. This is a bread machine recipe, but it would make a very nice loaf using traditional bread baking methods.

1/3 cup hot tap water
1 teaspoon white flour
2 teaspoons yeast
couple drops of honey

Place these ingredients in the bottom of your bread machine. This is my bread machine version of proofing the yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes.

1 cup milk, room temp
1 egg
1 tablespoon oil (I use canola)
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups unbleached white flour (I use King Aurthur)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 rolled oats
1/2 coriander
1/4 nutmeg
1 teaspoon sea salt

put these ingredients in your machine in this order. I use the basic setting on my machine. My machine as a delay buzzer for adding nuts and fruits. I wait for that before I add:

zest from 1 lemon
1/2 cup dried mixed berries (I get these on the snake aisle at Walmart. Look for something that has no added sugar)
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 crushed pecans

Let the machine do its magic.

This is a very hearty, comforting bread that is great as morning toast. Enjoy!

If you make any of my recipes, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out.

I am wasting time on Youtube

This is what I want!



I love the Garden Girl!

Daybook

For today Monday, March 8, 2010

Outside my window ... little gray. Still snow on the ground. It should be warm enough to melt today.

I am thinking... major plans for this blog. I am giving any hints, but the plans are in the works for a new an improved Molly Knits Sweaters.

I am thankful for... Mondays off.

From the learning rooms ... lots of things, but it is all related to my future plans for the blog. I won't tell you!

From the kitchen... something vegetarian

I am wearing... still in pink PJs.

I am creating... yarn. Finishing a Lady February sweater for my DD whose birthday was in February.

I am going... work on lots of changes for this blog.

I am reading... Casting On.

I am hoping... that state testing will run smoothly this weak.

I am hearing... Mitters desperately meowing at Sly to pet her with his foot. I know, right?

Around the house... small amounts of laundry. vacuuming.

One of my favorite things... Trooper sitting on my feet to keep them warm.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Shhhh, super secret changes. Look for them in about 2 weeks.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I am sharing a link to a cool tutorial I found for kool aid dying in a crock pot.

Happy Knitting!

Stale Bread Crumb Cookies

This is a very versatile recipe for a basic coco cookie using stale bread crumbs. It has been a while since I have made it (my kids are grown), but thinking about it now, I think I will make some tonight to use the lefter ends of the bread I have. BTW, I only eat whole wheat bread, so I know that works really well. I am sure white is fine, but I have never used it. I did sneak a few stale cake doughnuts in these once. That was really good.

1 1/4 cups unbleached white flour
1 1/4 cups sugar (these are really nice with a combination of white and brown sugar)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk (you can use water or another liquid)
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup melted shortening (for a lower fat version that is tasty, try apple sauce. Peanut butter works too and is YUM OH)
2 cup bread crumbs (I use the food processor to make these really fine)

1. Sift together dry ingredients
2. Combine wet ingredients and add to the dry mixture
3. Add melted shortening (or apple sauce or melted peanut butter) and bread crumbs
3. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with paper or silicon liner.
4. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until done.

Don't tell the kids about the lefter ends from the loaf of bread.