tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49394625792524264482024-02-15T20:34:36.460-08:00City Wife, Country LifeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger693125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-63249595729723273182014-10-06T09:17:00.001-07:002014-10-06T09:17:59.111-07:00A Place for EverythingHe looked in the laundry basket. On the floors of the bathrooms. The hooks on the doors. The backs of chairs. Under the bed.<br />
<br />
"Alright," he said, with dripping hands, "where are all our towels?"<br />
<br />
"I did laundry, folded them, and put them away."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-75308233207882101282014-04-28T19:26:00.005-07:002014-04-28T19:26:54.446-07:00101 Old Goals RevisitedAlmost 3 years ago I posted a <a href="http://www.citywifecountrylife.com/2011/08/unattainable-goal-of-goal-setting.html" target="_blank">"101 in 1001 Days"</a> list (though I could never come up with 101 goals) and it "expires" on May 8, 2014. That's not too far away so I thought I'd check in and see how it went.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I never actively tried to fulfill these goals, but it's fun to look back and see that I accomplished the majority of them anyway!<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>1. Generate a small monthly supplemental income</span></s><span> (stipend for playing the piano
for Mass)<br />
<s>2. Start and use a sourdough starter</s> (kept it going several months)<br />
<s>3. Renew my consecration to the Blessed Mother</s> (did the 33 Days to
Morning Glory consecration)<br />
<s>4. Finish a 9 day novena without missing any days</s> (boo yah!)<br />
5. Go to Mass every day for three months (sadly didn’t make it, but almost last
Lent)<br />
<s>6. Help set up irrigation on our property</s> (done!)<br />
<s>7. Exercise 4 times a week for three months</s> (Just barely made the three
months, but I did)<br />
<s>8. Lose 60</s> pounds (halfway there! And confident the last half will be
done this year)<br />
<s>9. Make sauerkraut (the Nourishing Traditions way)</s> love this stuff<br />
<s>10. Grow enough basil to freeze pesto</s> (bumper crop last Summer)<br />
11. Go fishing, catch something, and eat it the same night (some day)<br />
<s>12. Finish knitting a scarf</s> (it’s purty)<br />
<s>13. Go swing dancing</s> (does a wedding count?)<br />
14. Make sushi (no, but I ate some for the first time)<br />
15. Spend a night in a cabin at Mt. Rainier (this has been on my to-do list
since getting married)<br />
<s>16. Pray the Rosary every day for three months</s> (54 day Rosary novenas
are great start)<br />
17. Start an orchard on our property (only in my dreams)<br />
<s>18. Hang a real curtain over the sliding glass door</s> (privacy is a
wonderful thing)<br />
19. Paint the chicken coop<br />
<s>20. Render lard</s> (yummy)<br />
<s>21. Render tallow</s> (stinky but good)<br />
22. Take a painting class (I still want to do this very badly)<br />
23. Win a ribbon in the county fair (I’m sure I’d win if I’d ever enter, hehe)<br />
24. Get paid to write an article (this isn’t so much a goal anymore)<br />
<s>25. Finish reading 5 great classics</s> (audio books helped… is that
cheating?)<br />
26. Go to the symphony with my husband (sigh)<br />
27. Go miniature golfing (almost, but it was too dark the day we went)<br />
28. Eat a duck egg (I ate a goose egg!)<br />
<s>29. Donate my hair to Locks of Love</s> (14 inches)<br />
<s>30. Shoot a round of billiards</s> (8 ball in the corner pocket… I tried and failed, but it was fun!)<br />
<s>31. Make and use cloth napkins</s> (why did I wait so long to do this?)<br />
<s>32. Get more than 1000 page hits in one day</s> (one or two posts randomly
went viral)<br />
33. Go swimming (I need a pool all to myself before I’ll do this)<br />
<s>34. Make kimchi</s> (golly I like this stuff now)<br />
35. Go to a state I've never been to (Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, North and
South Dakota, Deleware, Maine, Alaska, or Hawaii) – I was a few miles away from
Deleware at one point, but I never made it<br />
36. Sleep in a tent (see #37)<br />
37. Drive through a Redwood tree in CA (childhood dream, still haven’t
fulfilled it)<br />
<s>38. Make a surprise dessert for a friend</s> (cream puffs make people happy)<br />
39. Sell something in an Etsy shop (I set up a shop… but haven’t stocked
it)<br />
40. Be able to identify 10 new constellations (um, Big Dipper… and uh… Big
Dipper)<br />
41. Identify all of the countries of Europe and their capitals (yah, no)<br />
<s>42. Study Algebra 2</s> (I worked through Algebra 1 again, and I’ll start Algebra 2
soon, so I consider this done)<br />
<s>43. Successfully grow 5 new crops in the garden</s> (Herbs were great for
this goal)<br />
<s>44. Pay off one student loan</s> (freedom!!)<br />
<s>45. Brew Kombucha and Water Kefir</s> (I make some great kombucha, but the
water kefir never tasted good)<br />
<s>46. Go on a silent retreat. </s><span> </span>(I
was surprised by this one, actually, but I did it!) </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>47. Make an African dish for dinner</span></s><span> (it was disgusting)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>48. Go a month without grocery shopping (pantry raids)</span></s><span> (I’ve done this twice now,
actually)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>49. Milk a dairy animal (ooh, so close! I ALMOST got to milk a
goat!!)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>50. Finish a 30 day photo-a-day challenge (meh, too much work)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>51. Sew a garment and wear it in public (BAH hahaha! Actually, I
did buy some skirt patterns)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>52. Grow enough peas to freeze </span></s><span><span> </span>(can
you believe I grew enough peas to freeze, but I never harvested them?? Epic fail)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>53. Read a great author I haven't read before</span></s><span> (Victor Hugo and Willa Cather)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>54. Go on a spontaneous overnight roadtrip</span></s><span> (is it "spontaneous" if you didn’t
intend it to be overnight but were forced to from inclement weather?)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>55. Grow my own miniature potted citrus trees</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>56. Work on a</span></s><span> Habitat for Humanity house (I got my husband to do it twice, so
that almost counts!)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>57. Make wine</span></s><span> (inadvertently made apple jack…)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>58. Get a new hairstyle</span></s><span> (I’m ready to do this again)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>59. Hang a picture gallery on a wall (I have one in mind, but I
still haven’t done it)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>60. Learn to play a new piece of classical music on the piano</span></s><span> (Moonlight Sonata)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>61. Write a piece of liturgical music</span></s><span> (well, I wrote the words for an
Advent song, but I haven’t set it to music)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>62. Make a pressed cheese (I’ve made cheese, but still not a
pressed one)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>63. Have a</span></s><span> definite <s>floorplan for the dream house</s> (it’s narrowed down
to 5 options)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>64. Build a piece of furniture</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>65. Build a greenhouse (bought the plastic)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>66. Send a letter to the editor (wrote one but never sent it)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>67. Successfully start tomato seeds (STILL this goal eludes me!!! And
I try EVERY year!!!)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>68. Cater a parish event</span></s><span> (funerals count)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>69. Make a perfect loaf of sourdough bread (the perfect loaf eludes me;
this one is hard)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>70. Make bakery-quality cannoli</span></s><span> (it was phenomenal)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><s><span>71. Make bakery-quality tiramasu</span></s><span> (it made me cry it was so delicious)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>72. Climb "the hill" </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>41-42 out of 72 is more than 50%. I still have a few days left to milk that dairy animal and hang the gallery wall. I might cram to learn some constellations, too (while sleeping in a tent?).</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>I'm excited to make a new list for the next 1001 days!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Maybe I'll put "Finish the Love Story" on it.</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-82215814481928573672014-01-08T09:08:00.000-08:002014-01-08T09:08:15.750-08:00Poor Dearest Darling: The Silver LiningEvery January I get a bee under my bonnet to redecorate. New year, fresh look. Our kitchen is a lovely shade of wedding mint green, but it's time for it to go. <br />
<br />
I have a dozen shades of grey paint chips on the wall that I've been evaluating. Unable to whittle them down, I asked my husband (who is green colorblind) which he liked best.<br />
<br />
He examined the options carefully, appeared bemused for a moment and uttered:<br />
<br />
"They're all nice, but they all look exactly like what we've got now."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-24778216452855984842013-10-07T10:01:00.000-07:002013-10-07T10:01:10.317-07:00When My Husband Makes His Own BreakfastMy husband makes our breakfast every morning. It's a generous and loving habit he started when we were first married, and he's kept it up ever since. <br />
<br />
Normally our fare is something along the lines of bacon, eggs, grits, and coffee. Plain oatmeal on penitential days. Pancakes or waffles on weekends. Donuts on Sundays if the Boy Scouts are selling them after Mass. Hash browns, sausage, and/or biscuits on special occasions, when I make them. <br />
<br />
All fairly normal stuff, right?<br />
<br />
For the last few days I haven't been able to join my husband for breakfast and wondered what he would eat if I weren't around.<br />
<br />
This morning my curiosity was sated when I saw his Breakfast Deluxe Combo: Poptarts, Oreos, and liverwurst. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-17320928521954188552013-08-14T15:50:00.001-07:002013-08-14T15:50:56.648-07:00Vignettes of A Beautiful August DayMay I share a few glimpses of beauty with you on this lovely August afternoon?<br />
<br />
Remember back in February when my sweet husband gave me <a href="http://www.citywifecountrylife.com/2013/02/the-2nd-annual-day-after-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">these</a>? Well, it's a whole six months later (to the day), and not only are they <b>still alive</b>, but last night I spied THIS:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014006_zps75df256a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014006_zps75df256a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
*siren noise* We have a bloom, people! We have a <b>bloom!</b> *end siren noise*<br />
<br />
And speaking of lovely gifted blooms, please share my joy in this gorgeous specimen...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014007_zps5272419f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014007_zps5272419f.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
... given to us by a very very dear couple. <br />
<br />
And while we're still on the subjects of flowers, this showpiece is from a rose bush that I thought, last year, was dead!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014016_zpsba80a798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014016_zpsba80a798.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
It just needed some really hard pruning and it rewarded us with exquisite roses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014015_zpsee7e1669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014015_zpsee7e1669.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
This one speaks for itself. I don't know what it is, but every year they grow up and every year I'm astounded by the brilliance of color.<br />
<br />
And then there's these monsters...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014010_zps1a9d6c1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014010_zps1a9d6c1b.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
... twelve to fourteen feet tall, and ablaze with golden glory.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014009_zpsa5465627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014009_zpsa5465627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The zucchini plants are thriving and, happily, are supplying us with just enough courgettes to meet demand. Four plants were the perfect amount for our little family.<br />
<br />
And the tomatoes... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014003_zpsf06c55b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014003_zpsf06c55b5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
... are juicy and flavorful. They're not my favorite tasty heirloom varieties, but they didn't succumb to any of the viruses that have plagued my previous attempts, either. How does the old saying go? A hybrid tomato in the hand is worth two heirlooms in the Verticillium Wilt bush. Or something like that.<br />
<br />
And finally, on the subject of bushes...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014008_zpsd2dbaa27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Weekend/August2014008_zpsd2dbaa27.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
Will you take a look at that basil? There's enough there for pesto every night of the week for the next three winters. <br />
<br />
We are so blessed with beauty.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-65832704971858343182013-06-26T17:38:00.000-07:002013-06-26T17:38:44.941-07:00Involuntary PlantslaughterThis February I attempted to grow sweet potato slips from some sweet potatoes we gleaned last Summer. Five potatoes were cut in half and donated to the cause of regeneration.<br />
<br />
I dutifully kept them in 1" of water until roots sprouted and watched with excitement when, after <i>three months</i> in said water, <b>one </b>of them grew leaves!!<br />
<br />
I beamed with pride at my little sweet potato -- no one believed it would ever sprout, and it was <b>beautiful</b>. Sure, the other 9 never made it, but the one that did was thriving.<br />
<br />
My husband planted it last week.<br />
<br />
Trying to be helpful, I weeded this week.<br />
<br />
"Why is there that one huge weed in this otherwise clean bed?"<br />
<br />
*snap* Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-81886588056457697222013-06-10T12:22:00.001-07:002013-06-10T12:40:00.611-07:00Putting Life on HoldI've been browsing the farm classifieds for sheep, pigs, ducks and dairy cows for the last few months. After all, we were going to break ground on our dream house this Fall and would finally be living on a nice little chunk of property. <br />
<br />
Our last chance for financing fell through, though, and it's pretty official that until our ground has no crops on it and our taxes show no indication of agricultural income from the property, we're sunk. The absolute earliest, then, is 2015.<br />
<br />
That stings.<br />
<br />
Bye bye awesome mortgage interest rates, most likely. No living on the property means no livestock. No house means no adoption. <br />
<br />
Jezu ufam Tobie. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-74126289942347753722013-05-14T21:05:00.002-07:002013-05-15T11:55:08.018-07:00Five Favorites, May 14th Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/51acg0pkuoL_zps3a31b83e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/51acg0pkuoL_zps3a31b83e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>1. My new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I15UPK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001I15UPK&linkCode=as2&tag=rivorbus-20">irrigation boots</a>.</b><img alt="" border="0" class="rtnjkcncuexztzdhbfdp qvjfrdqnjrzltnuawcmo" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rivorbus-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001I15UPK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Because if I must tromp around in the mud moving sprinkler lines, I may as well be wearing cute boots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/The-Red-Poppy-on-White-Hepburn-Dres_zps92f8f293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/The-Red-Poppy-on-White-Hepburn-Dres_zps92f8f293.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2. This new <a href="http://www.ladyvlondon.com/The-Red-Poppy-on-White-Hepburn-Dress_A1AZL8.aspx?nh=300289" target="_blank">"Hepburn" dress</a></b> at Lady V London. Just lovely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/SFS_LemonIceBoxPie-17_zpsab23ed29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/SFS_LemonIceBoxPie-17_zpsab23ed29.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.cookscountry.com/recipes/Lemon-Icebox-Pie/40121/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image from Cooks Country</i></span></a><br />
<br />
<b>3. Key Lime* Icebox Pie</b>. Graham cracker crust, 2 cans sweetened condensed milk, 3 egg yolks, 3/4 cup key lime juice. Mix the three filling ingredients until smooth, pour into prepared crust. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes, cool 1 hour on the counter and 3 hours-overnight in fridge. Serve with sweetened whipped cream. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*You can substitute lemon juice. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/strawberries-614_zpsf8c47c8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/strawberries-614_zpsf8c47c8c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>4. Strawberries.</b> Our local grocery store had 2 POUNDS FOR $1.48!! And they're SWEET! I bought... um... a <u><i>lot</i></u>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Pope_Francis_gives_the_homily_durin_zps87aa78d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Pope_Francis_gives_the_homily_durin_zps87aa78d1.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from L'Osservatore Romano</span></i><br />
<br />
<b>5. The pope preaching </b>about Christians with <a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-sad-christian-faces-are-like-pickled-peppers/" target="_blank">"pickled pepper" faces</a>, not being a "<a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1302155.htm" target="_blank">part time Christian</a>," and the fact that the devil "<a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1302131.htm" target="_blank">always rips us off</a>." This guy is good.<br />
<br />
Read more Five Favorites at <a href="http://moxiewife.com/2013/05/five-favorites-vol-12/.html" target="_blank">Moxie Wife</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-26958123675300601382013-05-06T09:52:00.001-07:002013-05-06T09:52:13.670-07:00The Calf Named Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Calfy005_zps1952b4c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Calfy005_zps1952b4c2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Meet "Sunday."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Calfy006_zpsce418bcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Calfy006_zpsce418bcb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She's named Sunday because she had the audacity to start dying on a Sunday.<br />
<br />
Her mom is a 1st calf heifer and doesn't really know what to do with her, so she mostly abandoned this little calf in the weeds.<br />
<br />
Which meant we spent most of our Sunday doing.... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Calfy003_zpsd467d045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Calfy003_zpsd467d045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
... this. Pumping electrolytes and milk replacer into this little one on our ONLY day of rest.<br />
<br />
But, after all, who among us would let our ox die if he fell in a ditch on the sabbath?<br />
<br />
Definitely necessary labor, and kind of fun labor at that, but these every-few-hour-feedings when she lives a 15 minute drive away make for a very unrestful day of rest.<br />
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<br />
Who can resist that sweet face?<br />
<br />
This morning her mother rediscovered her. She's still far from out of the woods (she might have scours and we still haven't seen her nurse), but we'll be watching her closely.<br />
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Good luck, little Sunday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-67601614550453712772013-05-03T12:56:00.002-07:002013-05-03T13:03:13.484-07:00Miracle of the Pepper Plants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/PepperMiracle002_zps2d65f346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/PepperMiracle002_zps2d65f346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my 12 week old pepper.<br />
<br />
12 weeks.<br />
<br />
As in, 3 months. <br />
<br />
It's supposed to be HUGE.<br />
<br />
But due to over babying, over watering, an aphid plague of Biblical proportions, not repotting them from the seed starter soon enough, and my general black thumbhood, they're stunted, sad, and I want to cry every time I look at them.<br />
<br />
I refuse to abandon this little project, however, and I faithfully set them out in the sun every day to harden off. Yesterday I deemed them worthy to remain out all night for their first sleepover.<br />
<br />
Parting with them was bittersweet. They weren't tucked in under their grow light in the kitchen. I couldn't check on them to pick off the aphids. I slept a little uneasily, wondering how they were faring on the cold dark front step.<br />
<br />
This morning when I looked out the window to see if they'd survived their first night in the elements...<br />
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"MY BABIES ARE ALL GROWN UP!!! How on EARTH did they spring up like that OVER NIGHT?? Did they just need fresh air?! Did my little boost of fish emulsion cause this Edenic transformation?! It's a miracle!!"<br />
<br />
"Actually, darling, Aunt Elena gave us her extra pepper starts yesterday and I set them out next to yours."<br />
<br />
<br />
And there was much laughing. Maybe we'll get some peppers out the garden this year after all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-65811740927246467792013-04-30T10:08:00.003-07:002013-04-30T10:08:34.314-07:004 Pretty, Holy, Catholic Pinterest BoardsIt's hardly a secret that I love <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ACatholicWife" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. There are so many beautiful ideas, fun crafts, delicious recipes, and inspirational images.<br />
<br />
When I scan the feed, though, I always pause an extra-long time over the religious images. They always catch me off guard because there are so few holy pins, but it's like seeing portraits of old friends and it never fails to make me smile.<br />
<br />
And, not gonna lie, if I'm starting to slip into covetousness of beautiful houses or dream gardens, the images of the Blessed Mother gently call me back! It's a wonderful little pictorial evangelization.<br />
<br />
If you need some Catholic boards to follow, I'm rather fond of:<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/gma7537/catholic/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/afb8846a655ca3e4d9d5d20c3be403c8_zps23cd2a09.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/gma7537/catholic/" target="_blank">Betty Coe's "Catholic" Board</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/sherrylgardiner/catholic/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/1fb0ba1ed45187417ace9380d83cb9f1_zpsbe12a7fe.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<a href="http://pinterest.com/sherrylgardiner/catholic/" target="_blank">Sherry Gardiner's "Catholic" Board</a><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/kathiannelor/catholic/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/ed089b39fde01ddb971766226bd54bd9_zps9b26f42a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/kathiannelor/catholic/" target="_blank">Kathleen Doherty's "Catholic" Board </a><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/knt2gthr/believe-it/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/b9b7da52aacaed7050631e6a46528efe_zps19b0f747.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/knt2gthr/believe-it/" target="_blank">Amy Caroline's "Believe It" Board</a><br />
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and I suppose I could do a little shameless self-promotion and direct you to my own<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/ACatholicWife/sanctus/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/c61f41d2d661c38827b0185beb6bef5a_zps0bbfd38d.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<a href="http://pinterest.com/ACatholicWife/sanctus/" target="_blank">City Wife, Country Life's "Sanctus" Board</a><br />
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Please please please let me know which Catholic boards you follow so I can have some more sanctified Pinterest viewing!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-26014531179835767122013-04-16T11:40:00.003-07:002013-04-16T11:40:46.667-07:00Monday Musings on Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Right now...</b> I'm content. <br />
<br />
<b>This weekend...</b><b> </b>I went to meetings and parties galore! It seems to be the season for baptisms, wedding showers, baby showers, burger bashes; it was all very fun.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Some plans for this week..</b>. I read a book about making wine. I'm intrigued and want to price out the supplies I'd need to make some blueberry wine with the supply in our freezer. Sounds like a worthy project.<br />
<br />
I'm also hunting, furiously, for someone to finance our housing project. We made a misstep by planting crops on our land. Apparently nobody finances land that makes money. <i>Now </i>they tell us! I have <b>one </b>option left, and I'm waiting for him to call us back. Otherwise, well, let's just not think about the "otherwise."<br />
<br />
Time to plant a lot of stuff in the garden, too. My <i>entire </i>pea crop was decimated by quail, and they're threatening my beets, too. My tomato starts succumbed to some virus, and the aphids wiped out my peppers. It's <i>not </i>a good gardening year, thus far, <b>except </b>for my artichokes. Those are hardy little suckers and just might live to tell the tale!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>If I find some time for myself, I would like to... </b>learn some music on the piano. I didn't know our library had sheet music! This is a wonderful find, and I've got lots of Irving Berlin to hammer out.<br />
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<b>I am grateful for...</b> our parish that offers so many daily Masses. Sometimes we have 4 on any given day, so there's no excuse for not going.<br />
<br />
<b>Some prayer intentions for this week: </b>a green light on house financing. Success for my husband who's installing irrigation systems and planting crops and working obscene hours to provide for us. For all those I know who are getting married in the next few months (lots!!). <br />
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<b>Something that makes me smile:</b> <br />
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<br />
This little cutie that I really really really really really want to buy! I'm going to have to campaign hard for this one, but isn't she adorable?? <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read Nadja's <i><a href="http://patchodirtfarm.blogspot.com/2013/04/monday-musings-on-tuesday-morning.html">Monday Musings</a>.</i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-66732805062951985182013-04-10T20:02:00.000-07:002013-04-10T20:02:27.303-07:00My Second Painting: This is Fun!I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday and picked up a $3.49 canvas, determined to make another <a href="http://www.librariantellsall.com/search/label/paint%20by%20number">paint by number</a>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>"Mary Consoles Eve<span style="font-size: x-small;">" </span>Crayon & pencil drawing by Sr. Grace Remington, OCSO.<br />
Copyright 2005, Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey</em></span></div>
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<span id="more-2679"></span><br />
<br />
I saw this image on Facebook yesterday and it really moved me. Eve, the mother of all the living, clinging to the fruit of death with the snake coiled around her leg, is consoled by the New Eve, the mother of Life, holding the fruit of her womb while crushing the head of the serpent. Reconciliation, forgiveness, grace, beauty, everlasting life -- a pretty powerful image.<br />
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<br />Unfortunately, the Blessed Mother's lips are pursed and Eve's luscious locks look like a gunnysack, but overall I'm rather pleased with the outcome.<br />
<br />
Can't wait to find another image to paint! This is really really really fun.
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I saw <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/151503974937032718/">this idea</a> yesterday from <a href="http://www.librariantellsall.com/2011/08/how-to-paint-painting.html">Librarian Tells All</a>, and was blown away.<br />
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"I think I could do that," I mused to myself.<br />
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Why yes, yes I can.<br />
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I'm imagining a whole line of classical artwork and saints, now. And an Etsy shop? I'll build an empire of DIY paint by number!! <br />
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Or, maybe I'll just mat and frame this one for our broom closet for starters. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-44651320886292133752013-03-21T11:47:00.001-07:002013-03-21T11:47:26.876-07:00Five Favorites, 3rd Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>~ <i>Number One</i> ~ </b><br />
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On Tuesday, both the Solemnity of St. Joseph and the Installation of Pope Francis, we celebrated with great fanfare. As a nod to our Argentinian pontiff, we feasted on <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2009/08/17/dulce-de-leche-cheesecake-squares/">dulce de leche cheesecake bars. </a><br />
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Do you see that drippy shiny sweet stuff on the bottom? Pure heaven.<br />
<br />
I think these will have to make a repeat appearance on Easter. And Pentecost. And my birthday. And National Tap Dance Day.<br />
<br />
<b>~ <i>Number Two </i>~ </b><br />
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Remember my Easter dress <a href="http://www.citywifecountrylife.com/2013/03/five-more-favorites.html">last week</a>? Not able to bear bare arms, I've been searching for a shrug.<br />
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Yay for this little number, on sale, at <a href="http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-women-s-cropped-cardigan-assorted-colors/-/A-14390273#prodSlot=medium_1_2">Target</a>!<br />
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I'll sew some little pearl buttons on it and deem it "perfect."<br />
<br />
<b>~ <i>Number Three</i> ~ </b><br />
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<a href="http://site.totallanguageplus.com/">Total Language Plus</a>. I really<sup>10,000</sup> like this series. It is a comprehensive literature-based spelling, vocabulary, comprehension and writing program all in neat little copy-able books.<br />
<br />
I've been using the program all year with my nieces and I am super impressed. The "grammar" section is weak, at best, but that's easily replaced.<br />
<br />
It's humiliating, but I'm learning vocabulary words from middle school books. Portmanteau, lanneret, lavabo, demesne... mind blown.<br />
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<b>~ <i>Number Four </i>~ </b><br />
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Oh, how much I want our new house to have character, charm and beauty! Old five paneled doors will aid that goal. Now if only I could score 'em dirt cheap on Craigslist or the Habitat ReStore.<br />
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<b>~ <i>Number Five </i>~ </b><br />
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There's some heroic virtue going on right now, as my husband and I are both saving the last piece of homemade beef jerky for each other.<br />
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Read others' favorites at <a href="http://moxiewife.com/2013/03/five-favorites-vol-5/.html">Moxie Wife</a>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-18934988748228103562013-03-13T10:02:00.001-07:002013-03-13T10:02:23.696-07:00Five More Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/five-favorites-moxie-wife-1_zpscbac820e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/five-favorites-moxie-wife-1_zpscbac820e.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b> ~<i>Number One</i>~ </b><br />
Lady Vintage London<br />
<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Glamorous-Brown-Print-Tea-Dress_170_zps085c66d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/Glamorous-Brown-Print-Tea-Dress_170_zps085c66d4.jpg" /></a><br />
Finding modest, lovely Easter dresses gets harder every year. Actually, I haven't gotten a new Easter dress since middle school... but I really really wanted one this year. Lady V to the rescue! <br />
<br />
With a white shrug and some pearls, I can't wait to <a href="http://www.ladyvlondon.com/Glamorous-Brown-Print-Tea-Dress_A183U0.aspx?nh=300290">debut this dress.</a> Be aware that their sizes run a little large (even after you've converted the European sizing to American sizes). <br />
<br />
<b>~<i>Number Two</i></b><br />
Lego Rosaries<br />
<br />
I was going to buy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MementoMoose">one as a gift</a>, but I kind of want one myself...<br />
<br />
<b>~<i>Number Three</i></b><br />
Handwritten Letters<br />
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What a boost to the spirit these thoughtful deliveries bring! It doesn't really take that long to write a handwritten letter, but what a gift they are, especially on beautiful stationery.<br />
<br />
<b>~<i>Number Four</i></b><br />
St. Patrick's Day Recipes<br />
<br />
I can't wait to try my hand at corned beef this Sunday! I've never actually made one before, though I've eaten plenty of the boiled kind. Boiled is good for the meat (I'll make a boiled one just for the leftover Reubens and hash), but I've always thought the boiled cabbage and potatoes left something to be desired.<br />
<br />
Since I have hardly any Irish blood in me, I don't mind straying from tradition and experimenting with either <a href="http://www.thegalleygourmet.net/2011/03/whiskey-glazed-corned-beef.html">Whiskey Glazed Corned Beef</a> or <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2013/03/guinness-glazed-slow-cooker-corned-beef.html">Guinness Glazed Slow Cooker Corned Beef</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm fairly decided upon <a href="http://www.thegalleygourmet.net/2011/03/parslied-potatoes.html">Parslied Potatoes</a> and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/315062/roasted-cabbage-wedges">Roasted Cabbage Wedges</a> for the sides, and <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/guinness-and-chocolate-cheesecake/">Guinness Chocolate Cheesecake</a> for dessert.<br />
<br />
<b>~<i>Number Five</i>~ </b><br />
The New Calf<br />
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<br />
Read more Five Favorites at <a href="http://moxiewife.com/2013/03/five-favorites-vol-4/.html">Moxie Wife.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-37589648733494883952013-03-07T16:52:00.003-08:002013-03-07T16:52:54.824-08:00Five Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I haven't participated in a link-up in a long time, but this one caught my attention because this morning I was thinking, "I want to blog but there's too much in my head right now; I can't narrow it down!" Well, what a lovely little linky to ask bloggers to list five of their current favorite things.<br />
<br />
In no particular order, here we go:<br />
<br />
<b>~<i>Number One</i>~ </b><br />
Crispy Roasted Duck<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2009/02/11/the-best-way-to-roast-a-duck-hello-crispy-skin/"><i>Image from The Hungry Mouse</i></a></span><br />
<br />For Christmas, my sister-in-law gave us a duck! Having never cooked one before, I've been waiting and waiting and waiting to find the perfect recipe, and <a href="http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2009/02/11/the-best-way-to-roast-a-duck-hello-crispy-skin/">this one</a> looked just right.<br />
<br />
I was very surprised by how much the thing shrunk in the oven. It started out about the size of a regular roasting chicken, and each time I opened the oven to flip it, it'd shrunk another size. By the time it was finished, it was slightly larger than a cornish hen! However, it was <b>so </b>tasty! I thought it could feed 4 people, comfortably, but it fed 4 people just barely (even after giving half of my small portion to my husband). <br />
<br />
<br />
This morning I rendered out the duck fat from skin I'd trimmed off the fowl, and use it in a paté out of the liver. What a treat.<br />
<br />
Overall, what a happy new experience! Because of its excellent flavor, I want to raise a few quackers now. <br />
<br />
~<b><i>Number Two</i>~</b><br />
<br />
Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs<br />
<br />
Even if we're years off from building a house on our five acres, I can still plan what we're going to do with it. I found the pig breed I want to raise!<br />
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<br />
The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a heritage breed pig, originally from England (if you didn't already surmise that from the name) that was nearly extinct but is slowly gaining popularity. It's got plenty of lard (not a lean pig) for rendering, makes excellent bacon, has a docile temperament, and does <b>great </b>on pasture and foraging. It's purported to have an exceptionally flavored meat.<br />
<br />
As you'll readily find out if you do any research on it, they used to be raised in orchards where they'd fatten up on windfall apples (without damaging the trees) and also on leftover whey from cheesemaking.<br />
<br />
Fortunately there are some breeders not terribly far away with a great selection of these rare porkers at very reasonable prices. <br />
<br />
<b>~<i>Number Three</i>~</b><br />
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company<br />
<br />
How come everybody else in the world knows about <a href="http://rareseeds.com/">this company</a> except me?? Well, I guess I do now, too.<br />
<br />
I've already bought all of the seed I need for this year from Territorial Seed, (which I wouldn't recommend; overpriced and mediocre germination) and St. Clare's Seeds (which I would highly recommend; decent pricing, pretty good selection, great service, and 100% germination). I sent away for one of Baker Seed's catalogs anyway, and have highlighted everything I want for next year! What a fun read! SO MANY VARIETIES!<br />
<br />
If you haven't seen <a href="http://rareseeds.com/vegetables-p-z/tomatoes/red/reisetomate-tomato.html">this exotic tomatoes</a> or this <a href="http://rareseeds.com/vegetables-d-o/melons/american-asian-european-melons/zatta-melon.html">outlandish melon</a>, please click over.<br />
<br />
<b>~<i>Number Four</i>~</b><br />
Waking Up Early<br />
<br />
This has never, as long as I've been alive, been on of my "favorites." But this Lent my husband and I are trying to go to the early Mass every day, and I've got to say... it's amazing. There's a freshness, a stillness, and a beauty in those early hours that just doesn't exist at any other time of day. <br />
<br />
And if you go to bed early, it's not actually that hard to get up early. Who knew??<br />
<br />
~<i><b>Number Five</b></i>~<br />
What Should Catholicism Call Me? <br />
<br />
I couldn't breathe. I was crying. My sides were aching. I haven't laughed that hard in a long long time.<br />
<br />
The first page was pretty good, but each successive page of the archives made me laugh harder and harder and harder until I had to walk away or risk brain damage from lack of oxygen.<br />
<br />
Maybe I've hyped it up too much, but if you are Catholic (or understand Catholic culture) and want a... chuckle.... I recommend this <a href="http://whatshouldcatholicismcallme.tumblr.com/">great little Tumblr page.</a><br />
<br />
Check out more Five Favorites at <a href="http://moxiewife.com/2013/03/five-favorites-vol-3/.html">Moxie Wife</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-66019330371578206362013-02-27T16:12:00.000-08:002013-02-27T16:36:31.921-08:00Seedling Success! But... Help!! Now What?I've never been this successful in my <b>life</b>! For the first time <i><b>ever</b></i>, I have seedlings that are developing their first true set of leaves!<br />
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<br />
Look at that baby artichoke plant!<br />
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Peppers!<br />
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<br />
These little tomato plants just popped up a few days ago. And they haven't flopped over yet!<br />
<br />
But I desperately need help. I'm encountering something I've never dealt with before...<br />
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<br />
There are ROOTS sticking out of the bottoms.<br />
<br />
I've seriously never seen this before. In over a decade of attempts, I've never made it to the point where roots would be hanging out.<br />
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<br />
I don't even know what to do! Are these still immature enough that I can leave them? Or do I have to transplant these babies? <br />
<br />
And I haven't thinned them yet, either. There are two seedlings in each little compartment. Do I have to kill one?<br />
<br />
Help me Obi Wan, you're my only hope!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-26651438290273664162013-02-21T13:20:00.002-08:002013-02-21T15:42:45.738-08:00Reflections on Parish CookbooksForgive me some stream of consciousness indulgence for a bit.<br />
<br />
I don't know how I feel about church cookbooks. You know, the spiral bound collections that parishes sell for fundraisers, comprised of recipes from the ladies' altar society and all of their friends and distant relatives? <br />
<br />
On the one hand, they're rather charming. Ostensibly, they're the collection of the greatest recipes from real cooks, many of whom you know personally. There can be some real recipe gems in there. "Meemaw's Creamy Eggnog," "Uncle Oswald's Secret Marinade," and "Aunt Lobelia's Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake" are all tried and true winners.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, nobody screens the entries; if Aunt Maybelle submits a dud, it's still getting published.<br />
<br />
I submit two "recipes" for your perusal that were recently espied in an old parish cookbook:<br />
<br />
-------------------------<br />
<b>Festive Green Beans</b><br />
<i>Submitted by: </i>Name withheld [truly, and not by me]<br />
<br />
1 can green beans<br />
1/4 cup chopped red pepper<br />
<br />
Mix ingredients. Serves 4.<br />
-------------------------<br />
<b>Sesame Chicken</b><br />
<i>Submitted by:</i> Name withheld<b> </b>[I have my suspicions...]<br />
<br />
1 chicken, cut to pieces<br />
1/2 cup sesame seeds.<br />
<br />
Cook chicken. At the end, top with sesame seeds. Serves 4-6.<br />
--------------------------<br />
<br />
You've got to give her points for brevity.<br />
<br />
Another staple of parish cookbooks is the ubiquitous "Recipe for A Happy Life"... something saccharine about a dash of love, a sprinkle of giggles, a dollop of forgiveness, a pinch of humor, and a smidge of faith. That recipe, or slightly adapted, is in every volume I own. <br />
<br />
When I want a new recipe, I rarely scan these cookbooks. Why?<br />
<br />
1) There are no pictures. If I can't see it, it's hard to envision serving it.<br />
<br />
2) My style of cooking is very different. I don't often go for "quick and easy" recipes, because I enjoy cooking and, at this stage in my life, I have plenty of time to do it. I don't buy refrigerated biscuits, Ranch dressing packets, cream of mushroom soup, or Lipton onion soup. Yes, I know how to replace all of those, but I'm usually turned off of a recipe if I have to do a lot of substituting. <br />
<br />
3) There are often five or six versions of "Perfect Pineapple Fluff," each with slight but significant variations. The indecision of which "perfect" recipe to pick kills me. My attempts to amalgamate the best of each version often result in far less than perfect dishes. <br />
<br />
And yet, these books still hog a whopping 2 feet of shelf space in my miniscule pantry.<br />
<br />
And I can't part with them. <br />
<br />
<i>What are your own thoughts on the matter?</i><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-42078719750522714332013-02-15T10:15:00.002-08:002013-02-15T10:15:58.558-08:00The 2nd Annual Day After Valentine's Day<a href="http://www.citywifecountrylife.com/2012/02/day-after-valentines-day-for-married.html">Don't forget</a>, ladies! Today is the 2nd Annual Day After Valentine's Day.<br />
<br />
I was babied beyond belief yesterday.<br />
<br />
A delivery of these started the day off perfectly:<br />
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Oh, how I love Azaleas!<br />
<br />
The day ended with us doing the dishes together, praying the Rosary, and reading Les Misérables aloud.<br />
<br />
Everything in between was ambrosial.<br />
<br />
But today it's our turn. No one is expecting the extravagant love to continue today. Do one profound act of babying your husband today. Iron his pillowcase, fluff his baked potato, meet him outside with a huge smile when he gets home, warm his blanket in the dryer... something simple, loving, and utterly gratuitous.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-13381921228633263052013-02-12T10:08:00.004-08:002013-02-12T10:08:59.295-08:00Last Minute DecisionI've never given up candy or chocolate for Lent, 'cause I've never eaten enough of it to bother giving it up. I just never think to buy candy.<br />
<br />
Last year, however, I discovered Guittard's milk chocolate chips. A handful of chocolate chips now and then isn't like chowing down on a bar, right? Um, right?<br />
<br />
I've noticed, lately, that they're <i>always </i>on my grocery list, "in case I need to make cookies or something."<br />
<br />
My chocolate consumption is up roughly 2381%.<br />
<br />
Among other things, I know what I'll be giving up this year.<br />
<br />
<i>What are you giving up/doing for Lent this year?</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-63290877200510642362013-02-05T13:17:00.001-08:002013-02-05T13:17:25.518-08:00I'm a Hypocrite -- But You Knew ThatLast week <a href="http://www.citywifecountrylife.com/2013/01/my-sad-history-with-hybrid-vs-heirloom.html">I declared that I was done with heirloom tomatoes.</a> No more for me. Better Boy, Early Girl, and any and all improved hybrids were the only varieties for my garden this year.<br />
<br />
So I'm having a hard time justifying my recent purchases...<br />
<br />
1 - [ToBWR] Tomato - <a href="http://www.stclareseeds.com/cart/Tomato-Seeds/Red-Tomato-Seeds/Tomato-Brandywine-Red.html">Brandywine (Red)</a> <br />
<br />
1 - [ToBf] Tomato - <a href="http://www.stclareseeds.com/cart/Tomato-Seeds/Red-Tomato-Seeds/Tomato-Beefsteak.html">Beefsteak</a> <br />
<br />
1 - [TM920/L] <a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/product/12566">Cosmonaut Volkov</a> Tomato<br />
<br />
1 - [TM908/S] <a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/product/1173">Costoluto Genovese</a> Tomato<br />
<br />
1 - [TM921/S] <a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/product/13288">Grande Marzano</a> Tomato<br />
<br />
1 - [TM939/L] <a href="http://www.territorialseed.com/product/1202">Pineapple Tomato</a><br />
<br />
1 - [ToOlG] Tomato - <a href="http://www.stclareseeds.com/cart/Tomato-Seeds/Orange-and-Yellow-Tomato-Seeds/Tomato-Old-German.html">Old German</a><br />
<br />
Sigh. I'm weak, what can I say?<br />
<br />
Which varieties of tomato are your favorites?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-39253801795153524452013-02-01T13:22:00.001-08:002013-02-01T13:22:17.617-08:00This Week on PinterestThere are several projects I want to work on this weekend, and all of them were spied this week on Pinterest:<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550/37/38/b6/3738b671740e1aaba06289c67ec11d97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550/37/38/b6/3738b671740e1aaba06289c67ec11d97.jpg" /></a></div>
{<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/255157135110156259/"><i>Pin</i></a>} DIY Seed starting shelves with shop lights. I'm DETERMINED to grow viable seedlings this year!<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/550/43/69/74/436974a7b642a49739a013fddcdacd35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/550/43/69/74/436974a7b642a49739a013fddcdacd35.jpg" /></a></div>
{<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/255157135110192922/"><i>Pin</i></a>} Meyer lemon pudding. I have a bag of Meyers I've been hoarding while I decide on the perfect recipe. I think this might be it.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/550/83/6c/93/836c93406761d14c097df554bb315906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/550/83/6c/93/836c93406761d14c097df554bb315906.jpg" /></a></div>
{<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/255157135110187348/"><i>Pin</i></a>} Glazed crispy skinned roasted duck. We got a duck for Christmas! I think this sounds lovely for this Sunday's dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550/28/18/00/281800da11914cbc11836605bdf63ec7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550/28/18/00/281800da11914cbc11836605bdf63ec7.jpg" /></a></div>
{<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/255157135110192917/"><i>Pin</i></a>} A ceramic "watermelon bowl." I think I could recreate something similar... maybe... or not.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/ACatholicWife/">Follow me on Pinterest</a> if you'd like! What wonderful discoveries have you made on Pinterest this week?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-2427003801934122812013-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:002013-01-30T14:20:09.698-08:00Eleven Lessons I Learned Whilst Afflicted with Influenza<br />
1) If you only order pizza once in a blue moon, don't do it when you've got the flu. You won't be able to taste it.<br />
<br />
2) You really can't will it away or "work through it." I can't even shower, much less wash the dishes. <br />
<br />
3) Aloe/lotion Kleenex are absolutely worth the extra 30 cents.<br />
<br />
4) A heating pad on the chest is very comforting when one aches from coughing.<br />
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5) Chicken soup <i>seriously </i>has mysterious healing qualities.<br />
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6) The world can and does revolve without my directing it.<br />
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7) Retail therapy is just as effective when done online, flat on one's back.<br />
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8) The absolute best time for hacking up a lung is 2:00am, 2:10am, 2:13am... repeat every three-ten minutes for approximately three hours.<br />
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9) Hot tea clears the mind as well as the sinuses for a few minutes. It's temporary relief, but most welcome, nonetheless.<br />
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10) If we had a lot more money, I could run an awesome micro-dairy with artisanal cheeses aged to perfection in our custom-designed cheese cave... all while dressed in stunning dresses and a tasteful strand of pearls (see #7).<br />
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11) My husband loves me. A lot. (See #'s 2-10)<br />
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<i>Feel free to add your own in the comments...</i> <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939462579252426448.post-79856855319042716062013-01-29T13:02:00.002-08:002013-01-29T13:02:59.861-08:00My Sad History with Hybrid vs. Heirloom Tomatoes<br />
For years I've been trying to grow tomatoes. Goodness, the very <a href="http://www.citywifecountrylife.com/2009/06/todays-my-day-off.html">first blog post</a> I ever did was about my desire to plant them.<br />
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<b><i>Year 1:</i></b> Planted 8 hybrid tomato plants, but largely forgot them. They died of neglect, bearing a lot of fruit that went unharvested.<br />
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<a href="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/late_blight_tomato_plantx500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae309/citywifecountrylife/late_blight_tomato_plantx500.jpg" width="400" /></a><b><i>Year 2:</i></b> Planted 0 hybrid tomatoes and 12 heirlooms. I took relatively good care of them. They all died of disease, bearing almost nothing.<br />
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<i><b>Year 3:</b> </i>Planted 0 hybrids, 14 heirlooms. They all died of disease, making a valiant effort to produce some fruit before they bit the dust.<br />
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<b><i>Year 4:</i></b> Planted 0 hybrids and 20 heirlooms. I babied them! Death, disease, and dashed dreams. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="http://www.longislandhort.cornell.edu/vegpath/photos/lateblight_tomato.htm">Image Credit</a>}</span><br />
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I will readily grant that my gardening skills leave much to be desired. If the apocalypse happened and I had to produce all of my own food or die, I'd die.<br />
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But looking back at the records, I think I've set myself up for failure by trying to do heirlooms. Yes, purple tomatoes are fun, knobby yellow tomatoes are thrills to give away, pink striped fruits would look so lovely in my salad, and it's charming to know that I'm planting varieties that my forefathers ate. But it's hard to argue with years of dead plants. <br />
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This year, by golly, I'm going back to hybrids. I never saved seeds, anyway, because there was no fruit to save seeds from! Out with the Purple Cherokee in with the Better Boys!<br />
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Have you had any success with heirloom variety tomatoes? If so, what are your secrets?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9