I am writing the blog post from my backyard with my computer sitting on a bale of straw. I have arranged several bales of straw to form a makeshift chicken play pen. The chicken coop is built, but it doesn't have a run yet. It is time for my babies to eat grass and scratch dirt, so I made a makeshift play pen for them. They are young, and there are several stray cats in our neighborhood, so I am watching them and blogging.
I put in a full day at school today, supervised the school paper meeting after school, and went to the Feed and Seed store to buy straw. I had heard that straw is a cheap alternative to bags of mulch from the big box store. If you ever need to know how many bales of straw will fit in the back of a Jeep Liberty, the answer is six. Six bales of straw cost $30, and should mulch my garden area nice and deep. I spent $100 on garden mulch from the big box store last year, so I am feeling pretty good about the straw.
I should start getting deliveries from my veggie CSA next week. Eating local and supporting local farmers has become an very important issue for me. Knowing where my food comes from in this day of corporate, genetically modified food has a lot to do with why I have a garden and six baby chickens.
Maybe I am not an urban farmer yet, but I am trying!
Showing posts with label My so called life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My so called life. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Yes, I am still alive!
Dear Poor Neglected Blog and anyone who might still care:
It has been a long time. Let's sum up.
Last June, I accepted a job closer to home at Barker Middle School in Michigan City. I love that my 100 mile commute has been cut down to 26 miles. Saves both gas and time. I am happy at BMS, and settling in nicely. There was the threat of layoffs last week, but I survived the cut. I am looking forward to next year. My teaching career so far has not been steady or stable, but I am starting to get settled.
On the home front, we have chickens on our little urban homestead. They are about a month old today and doing well. There six hens: one Rhode Island Red, 2 Red Sex Linked, and 3 Black Sex Linked. All are good brown egg layers. Building the coop has been tons of work, and we still need to instal the run so the chickens can safely be outside. Should be Wednesday this week.
I am installing a new garden bed next weekend, and looking into urban fruit trees. I joined a local CSA to supplement my garden production and give me enough food to can.
I even finished a few knitting and spinning projects!
I will try and have a real post with pictures latter this week.
Happy knitting,!
It has been a long time. Let's sum up.
Last June, I accepted a job closer to home at Barker Middle School in Michigan City. I love that my 100 mile commute has been cut down to 26 miles. Saves both gas and time. I am happy at BMS, and settling in nicely. There was the threat of layoffs last week, but I survived the cut. I am looking forward to next year. My teaching career so far has not been steady or stable, but I am starting to get settled.
On the home front, we have chickens on our little urban homestead. They are about a month old today and doing well. There six hens: one Rhode Island Red, 2 Red Sex Linked, and 3 Black Sex Linked. All are good brown egg layers. Building the coop has been tons of work, and we still need to instal the run so the chickens can safely be outside. Should be Wednesday this week.
I am installing a new garden bed next weekend, and looking into urban fruit trees. I joined a local CSA to supplement my garden production and give me enough food to can.
I even finished a few knitting and spinning projects!
I will try and have a real post with pictures latter this week.
Happy knitting,!
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Editorial from South Spencer [Indiana] Teacher
From an e-mail sent to me by the building rep:
Imagine this conversation took place between you and your school-age son or daughter:
“What happened in school today?”
“I got back my science test I took a couple of days ago.”
“How’d you do?”
“I got an 83.”
“Not bad. What grade is that? A ‘B’?”
“Not on this test. It’s a ‘D’.”
“A ‘D’? That’s not right, is it?”
“Our teacher isn’t grading us on how many questions we get right anymore. He’s grading us on how much we improve over our last test. I got an 82 on my last test so I didn’t improve very much and I got a ‘D’.”
“That’s ridiculous. You should be graded on how well you did. Did that happen to everyone?”
“Well, the boy that sits next to me got a ‘B’ on his test, but he only got half of the questions right.”
“How in the world did that happen?”
“On his last test, he only got 40 percent of the questions right. This time he got 50 percent right.”
“So he got a ‘B’ because he improved 10 percent while you got a ‘D’ because you improved only 1 percent.”
“Right.”
“That sounds absurd. Anything else go on today?”
“I didn’t pass a math quiz today.”
“Why not? You’re good in math. How many problems did you miss?”
“One.”
“One? How many problems were there?”
“Seventeen.”
“Let me see if I understand this. You got 16 problems right and missed one but didn’t pass the quiz?”
“Yes. Our teacher says we have to get them all right to pass.”
If this were your child, you’d be up in arms, I bet. Yet this is how Indiana schools are being graded. The number of students who pass the ISTEP test doesn’t matter anymore; it’s how much improvement the schools make over the last test battery.
A school where 50 percent of its students pass the test can receive a high grade if its overall improvement is high enough (and it should be recognized for that improvement). Conversely, a school that has 83 percent of its students pass the test can receive a low grade if its improvement isn’t high enough.
In addition, schools are judged on Adequate Yearly Progress under the federal No Child Left Behind system.
To meet AYP, schools must pass all 17 categories. Not passing one category means the school did not meet AYP.
I teach at Mount Vernon Junior High School. We have an outstanding school with many excellent teachers. Yet because of the grading system now in place, our school has been given a ‘D’.
In all, 83 percent of our students passed the ISTEP test but because our improvement was not high enough, we received the ‘D’. We also passed 16 out of 17 of the AYP categories but did not meet AYP.
When you read about the grades given to schools, take the time to examine all the data to find out how well a school really did.
Imagine this conversation took place between you and your school-age son or daughter:
“What happened in school today?”
“I got back my science test I took a couple of days ago.”
“How’d you do?”
“I got an 83.”
“Not bad. What grade is that? A ‘B’?”
“Not on this test. It’s a ‘D’.”
“A ‘D’? That’s not right, is it?”
“Our teacher isn’t grading us on how many questions we get right anymore. He’s grading us on how much we improve over our last test. I got an 82 on my last test so I didn’t improve very much and I got a ‘D’.”
“That’s ridiculous. You should be graded on how well you did. Did that happen to everyone?”
“Well, the boy that sits next to me got a ‘B’ on his test, but he only got half of the questions right.”
“How in the world did that happen?”
“On his last test, he only got 40 percent of the questions right. This time he got 50 percent right.”
“So he got a ‘B’ because he improved 10 percent while you got a ‘D’ because you improved only 1 percent.”
“Right.”
“That sounds absurd. Anything else go on today?”
“I didn’t pass a math quiz today.”
“Why not? You’re good in math. How many problems did you miss?”
“One.”
“One? How many problems were there?”
“Seventeen.”
“Let me see if I understand this. You got 16 problems right and missed one but didn’t pass the quiz?”
“Yes. Our teacher says we have to get them all right to pass.”
If this were your child, you’d be up in arms, I bet. Yet this is how Indiana schools are being graded. The number of students who pass the ISTEP test doesn’t matter anymore; it’s how much improvement the schools make over the last test battery.
A school where 50 percent of its students pass the test can receive a high grade if its overall improvement is high enough (and it should be recognized for that improvement). Conversely, a school that has 83 percent of its students pass the test can receive a low grade if its improvement isn’t high enough.
In addition, schools are judged on Adequate Yearly Progress under the federal No Child Left Behind system.
To meet AYP, schools must pass all 17 categories. Not passing one category means the school did not meet AYP.
I teach at Mount Vernon Junior High School. We have an outstanding school with many excellent teachers. Yet because of the grading system now in place, our school has been given a ‘D’.
In all, 83 percent of our students passed the ISTEP test but because our improvement was not high enough, we received the ‘D’. We also passed 16 out of 17 of the AYP categories but did not meet AYP.
When you read about the grades given to schools, take the time to examine all the data to find out how well a school really did.
Monday, March 21, 2011
I ran out of aluminum foil
I know that statement doesn't bring to mind the kind of urgency that would pull me out of a three month long blog drought. Most readers are wondering what has prevented me from just going to the store and buying more. It is a reasonable question, but the truth is that I haven't bought aluminum foil in 5 years!
My grandmother passed away 12 years ago. What does this have to do with foil? Keep reading. I was very close to my grandmother, and she was a huge influence on me growing up. She was generous, kind, hardworking, and practical. I hope that I have some measure of these good qualities.
My grandmother's possessions with any meaning or value were divided by her four children. It was my mother who claimed the knitting needles for me because she thought I would bother to learn (I am, however, certain that my mother had no vision that she was giving birth to my obsession). Grandma's house and everyday objects were sold in an action. For some reason, my mother decided to take grandma's aluminum foil.
Grandma was a frugal person. And while my mother isn't sure when, she is reasonably sure that grandma bought the foil because is would save money. This foil was a roll that was 18" x 1000'! For the curious, the roll of foil was longer than 3 football fields! For at least 8 years, my mother swaddled every left over morsel of food in her house in foil. The shinny roll seemed endless.
Time passed, mom and dad never thought about foil, but really, who thinks about foil? When my parents moved to a smaller house, my mom, not wanting to waste such a valuable commodity, passed the foil to me. The box was heavy and old. Covered in layers of kitchen gunk from two kitchens, I put the box on top of my refrigerator and covered left over food in foil with reckless abandon. I often joked about my "heirloom" foil (I was the third generation to keep the foil). Last year, realizing that my inheritance would soon run out, I thought about passing the foil on to my daughter (she enjoyed the joke, but didn't want the foil).
It is gone now. I called my mother to tell her I was out of foil. We shared a good, heartfelt laugh. We had a long chat about my grandmother and the importance of passing things on. We cried. I am still out of foil, but my life has been greatly enriched by the people who have bothered to share the seemingly insignificant things with me. It was only a beat up box of foil, but it was in grandma's house, mom's house, and finally, my house. Foods made with love, care, and the skill of generations were held safe for a brief time. The foil is gone, but my inner maid, mother, and crone are wrapped in foil.
I will miss that box, but somehow, I think it will always be with me.
Happy knitting!
My grandmother passed away 12 years ago. What does this have to do with foil? Keep reading. I was very close to my grandmother, and she was a huge influence on me growing up. She was generous, kind, hardworking, and practical. I hope that I have some measure of these good qualities.
My grandmother's possessions with any meaning or value were divided by her four children. It was my mother who claimed the knitting needles for me because she thought I would bother to learn (I am, however, certain that my mother had no vision that she was giving birth to my obsession). Grandma's house and everyday objects were sold in an action. For some reason, my mother decided to take grandma's aluminum foil.
Grandma was a frugal person. And while my mother isn't sure when, she is reasonably sure that grandma bought the foil because is would save money. This foil was a roll that was 18" x 1000'! For the curious, the roll of foil was longer than 3 football fields! For at least 8 years, my mother swaddled every left over morsel of food in her house in foil. The shinny roll seemed endless.
Time passed, mom and dad never thought about foil, but really, who thinks about foil? When my parents moved to a smaller house, my mom, not wanting to waste such a valuable commodity, passed the foil to me. The box was heavy and old. Covered in layers of kitchen gunk from two kitchens, I put the box on top of my refrigerator and covered left over food in foil with reckless abandon. I often joked about my "heirloom" foil (I was the third generation to keep the foil). Last year, realizing that my inheritance would soon run out, I thought about passing the foil on to my daughter (she enjoyed the joke, but didn't want the foil).
It is gone now. I called my mother to tell her I was out of foil. We shared a good, heartfelt laugh. We had a long chat about my grandmother and the importance of passing things on. We cried. I am still out of foil, but my life has been greatly enriched by the people who have bothered to share the seemingly insignificant things with me. It was only a beat up box of foil, but it was in grandma's house, mom's house, and finally, my house. Foods made with love, care, and the skill of generations were held safe for a brief time. The foil is gone, but my inner maid, mother, and crone are wrapped in foil.
I will miss that box, but somehow, I think it will always be with me.
Happy knitting!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Worn Out!
Winter break wasn't long enough. Sigh, but I am back at work; establishing routines with my new classes (that will make things easier as time passes).
There has been a new development. I started teaching in my old program again. Just the middle school English class. I no longer have a plan period, which makes finding time to grade papers and plan lessons very hard. So, I teach three 8th grade English classes (including one co-taught with the Special Education Teacher), two 7th grade English classes, and one alternative education 8th grade English class. It keeps me busy.
I wish I had more of a life. I could blog about my exciting adventures in exotic lands. How about a life full of relationship drama where I compare the relative merits of Mr. Y over Mr. Z? I would love to go back to blogging about my domestic life, but my house is a pig sty, and I just don't have much time to cook or knit (I did finish the world's most boring pair of handknit socks).
But I am a teacher. I spend long hours grading papers, planning lessons, and typing test. For every book I assign to my students to read, I read six. I am a teacher. I have no life.
And I wouldn't trade my job for the world.
Happy Knitting!
There has been a new development. I started teaching in my old program again. Just the middle school English class. I no longer have a plan period, which makes finding time to grade papers and plan lessons very hard. So, I teach three 8th grade English classes (including one co-taught with the Special Education Teacher), two 7th grade English classes, and one alternative education 8th grade English class. It keeps me busy.
I wish I had more of a life. I could blog about my exciting adventures in exotic lands. How about a life full of relationship drama where I compare the relative merits of Mr. Y over Mr. Z? I would love to go back to blogging about my domestic life, but my house is a pig sty, and I just don't have much time to cook or knit (I did finish the world's most boring pair of handknit socks).
But I am a teacher. I spend long hours grading papers, planning lessons, and typing test. For every book I assign to my students to read, I read six. I am a teacher. I have no life.
And I wouldn't trade my job for the world.
Happy Knitting!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas update!
I had wanted to post after Thanksgiving. I had pictures and everything. However, work got a little messy. There was a forced transfer, which meant that I had to leave my 40 alternative students and become the new classroom teacher for 120 eighth graders whose teacher wasn't able to keep up with her responsibilities as teacher.
It was a bit jarring to go from a situation where I had grown comfortable and had a regular routine to a new classroom that was basically in chaos. Realistically, the classroom isn't new, it is the same class I did a long term subbing gig in last year, but last year I was the teacher on day one. There was no hassle trying to figure out where the class left off. Due to the teacher's illness, the classes are way behind. I am not sure how I will be able to get them ready for the state testing in two months!
One to happier subjects, Christmas is here, and we are all snug, warm, and over fed! We had a simple celebration with a few thoughtful and meaningful gifts, a small tree (that I have had for a couple of years now), and a meal planned around taste and not over indulgence. I made a serious effort to shop for gifts locally which was actually very pleasant. In all cases, the local stores were less crowed, the staff extremely friendly and helpful, and the prices were good.
Organic and local foods filled my table and several of my own canned goods were opened and shared (these were things that I made for *special* occasions). There were even items grown in my own backyard.
Our charitable contribution went here. If you haven't given this year, check them out! One of these days, I am going to spring for the "Knitter's Gift Basket!"
Happy Holiday Knitting! (I hope you are all done with the holiday knitting)
Monday, September 20, 2010
What's new with me
Lots of work, lots of driving (I have a tremendous commute that I hate). I am starting to get a routine, which is good because everything changes in two weeks!
I have been putting a lot of study into Anne Frank. I am reading the play with my students. I am crying a lot.
Happy knitting!
I have been putting a lot of study into Anne Frank. I am reading the play with my students. I am crying a lot.
Happy knitting!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
It's that time of year!
Dear blog,
It is that time of year. After a long summer looking for work, being rejected, and feeling hopeless, I finally found a job. I am back at Griffith Middle School, but in a different, temporary position. Happily, I have a job for the full year this year!
So, I have been extra busy teaching and commuting, and I have less time for knitting, gardening, or cooking. It was a sharp transition. Every summer, just as I get really get into the bliss of domesticity, another school year starts, and I am back into the joys to teaching.
Today is cloudy and rainy, and I have lots of domestic work to keep me busy. I am happy.
It is that time of year. After a long summer looking for work, being rejected, and feeling hopeless, I finally found a job. I am back at Griffith Middle School, but in a different, temporary position. Happily, I have a job for the full year this year!
So, I have been extra busy teaching and commuting, and I have less time for knitting, gardening, or cooking. It was a sharp transition. Every summer, just as I get really get into the bliss of domesticity, another school year starts, and I am back into the joys to teaching.
Today is cloudy and rainy, and I have lots of domestic work to keep me busy. I am happy.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Tomatoes!
It is a lousy, lousy picture, but all 33 of my jar of tomatoes are there. Many are homegrown. Some have onions and peppers for a nice chili base, some have onions and my own homegrown basil and oregano for spaghetti. Many are just ripe, beautiful, local tomatoes with the steams removes juiced in the food processor and put in jars. No matter which way, the base for 33 different meals are tucked away in my cupboard until needed. There are more canning adventures to share, but I think one product at a time is easier to write about.
The big news, I finally got a job for this year! I will be back in Griffith working in their alternative program while the regular teacher goes on maternity leave. I am so happy to be in one school district for the year, and I am thrilled to be back at Griffith.
Happy Knitting!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Canning
Summer has been keeping me busy. I have been putting all local fresh fruits and veggies I can into jars to keep for the summer. I have really enjoyed the process of producing rather than consuming.
My mother canned; more out of necessity than any real desire to put things in jars. There were always pickles, jellies, veggies, soups, and even a salmon stored safely in a Ball glass jar until needed or wanted.
So far, I have four kinds of pickles, three jams, and I am putting up oranges that Sly bought while visiting his family in Florida.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, June 07, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, June 04, 2010
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!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, May 10, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, April 19, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, April 05, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
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)
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)
Monday, March 22, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, March 08, 2010
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!
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!
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