In Memory of what would have been

Well, I have been wanting to post about the exciting things that have been going on outside our window. Some morning doves had been hanging around and I couldn't figure out why until I looked a little closer and there was a mommy bird in her nest waiting. Ever since the discovery we have been keeping the blinds closed to give some privacy and only peeked here and there. I have to say morning doves can be a bit annoying in the morning but I was excited about getting to see some little babies out our window.

Well today was the windiest day ever and I watched as the couple tried to last but after about an hour of the wind blowing I noticed the mommy was gone and then I spotted the couple near the nest but not on it. Like the were discussing what they should do. I went out to check and see if I could block the nest some how from the wind but when I looked into the tree. The nest had fallen and I couldn't see if there were eggs as the nest fell over the wall. Anyway they hung around for awhile into the night but by the morning they had gone. I was so sad as they were a little bit of excitement in my day and yet my piece of nature was taken out by nature.

What's in the garden

Well I got some more plants today from East Central Ministries since the weather has been wacky I've been keeping them in but I hope to plant in a few days. So our current plant lineup is:

tons of Lavender

Peppermint

Chocolate peppermint

lilac pepper

jalapeno pepper

garlic

patio tomato

strawberries

a larger tomato

some sad spinach and bok choy

that's just the edibles not counting the fruit trees and flowers that are popping up:)

I know we will miss out on most of this but I feel great passing it on.

Best buddies

One of the teachers at my daughters school brings eggs for the kids to watch hatch every year. Ducks and chickens have been popping up every few days this month. The kids love to visit before we head out of school so I snapped this little guy snuggled up with his buddy.

Haircuts, Crackers, Salsa, and Pizza and it's Earth Day

Today Alf finally got to be home, He brought his mom over and I finally gave them both much needed haircuts. I have been wanting to copy some great salsa we got at the store. I will post the recipe if my hubby gives me the thumbs up on the copy. I then made another batch of crackers and some amazing homemade pizza. Then I headed to the couch for my vampire show cause I am totally into that right now.

Alf asked me what I did to celebrate earth day today and I have to say I have celebrated better today over every year of my life. I bought a new mint plant for the garden, made everything from scratch, composted, recycled and filled up the trash can after about a week which is pretty good for a family of four. I will also count enjoying the rain because the rain means I don't have to water for a couple days which is also loving the earth a little more:) Mostly for me it was exciting to look back and see how many steps we have taken to be a little bit lighter on our planet and community.

Yeah for crafty April !!

Today I felt very ambitious so I hopped out of bed and started a new project. I have hated Ash's room because after I painted for the move it all just blends together so I figured I could add some color by painting his dresser. I found some fun blue paint and ended up with a nice splash of color. I also packed a ton of stuff and cleaned but I am more proud of this:

Happy Birthday to me

I asked for three things for my birthday.

1. a bottle of wine

2. an organic chocolate bar

3. my house to sell

I got the first two and my hubby also surprised my with a book I have been wanting.

The house still hasn't sold but I have more time to enjoy it I guess.

I'm not afraid of bees anymore... today anyway

Today was a beautiful day, one of those that makes me rethink moving. The air was fresh and light and the garden is starting to get little hints of green. The Cherry tree is just gorgeous and has been blooming this week. Today when I went out to water the garden I heard the tree buzzing. Tons of honey bees were working on getting our tree ready for harvest. I for the first time, felt a little respect for those hard working bees. I told Alfy that I was no longer afraid of bees and I wanted to stay he laughed. I guess he knows it will wear off in a day or two.

Cheese and Crackers

By far our favorite family snacking treat is cheese and crackers but I hate buying crackers every other week especially because the healthier are pretty pricey. So today I figured I would try to make some myself. First, they are organic whole wheat blend and second, the batch was huge and they taste great. By far the simplest recipe I've made in awhile. The recipe is extremely forgiving and flexible which is why I liked it so much.

I only use organic ingredients so assume that in this recipe:

Simply Organic Crackers

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

salt for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

In a medium bowl stir together the flours, and salt. Pour in veggie oil and water and mix till blended ( I add some italian spices and a touch of garlic salt)

On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough as thin as possible - no thicker than 1/8 in. Place dough on an ungreased baking sheet, and mark squares out with a pizza cutter but don't cut through. Prick each cracker with a fork a few times, and sprinkle with salt ( I also sprinkle with parmesan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes in the oven, or until crisp and light brown. Baking time may be different depending on how thin your crackers are.

When cool, remove from baking sheet, and separate into individual crackers.

Original Recipe By Ray Anne

Open MIC... an excuse to try some local brew

My Misty friend has been plugging a great local brewery, Hallenbrick Brewery, down the street from me for awhile and I woke up today with a desire to play music so I figured why not try it out on their open mic night. I hear their home brew is amazing but they were out so I just tried a local pale ale and it was pretty tasty. The place was packed and I learned how to play Shuffleboard which I guess prepares me for playing with my old hubby when we have to move to an old people community in the next few years.

Anyway I had fun getting out of the house.

Real Easter Eggs!!

We got a special delivery this morning from my dad who has recently gotten the hook-up on eggs. Since I can't really get chickens till we move I have had to succumb to buying overpriced organic local farm eggs. I do feel good about eating them but conflicted knowing it would be easy to get my own eggs everyday if we weren't moving. Anyway this morning we went to visit my dad's church and he asked me if I could take his eggs and keep them in my fridge so I went in to get them and there on his desk was a whole coffee container full of beautiful colored eggs!! Someone from his church supplies some local growers markets with eggs and has adopted my dad into his egg stash family. My dad was surprised at my excitement and told me I could take as many as I would use. I did leave some for him even though I would use them all. Anyway it was exciting to get such a great gift on easter. In return I took one of my sangria experiments over for easter lunch and it was delicious! Everyone else agreed, although they will not be commenting on the organic, no hormone, hotdogs I brought as well;)

Citrus Sangria Recipe ( the pic is what was left after lunch )

1 Bottle of cheap Chardonney your hubby gifted you ( or similar white wine)

2/3 cup white sugar

3 oranges

1 lemon

1 lime

1/2 liter club soda

The night before, Pour wine into a large pitcher. Cut lime and lemon and orange into wedges an squeeze the juice into the wine and drop wedges into the pitcher(try to take out seeds if possible). Add sugar. Put into fridge to sit overnight. When you are ready to serve add the club soda and serve over ice. If you want it sweeter you can use ginger ale instead of the club soda. Enjoy:)