The carrot nabber in action..."Oy, did you get that carrot off the table?!"
Every last morsel devoured...
February 24, 2008
It's a satisfying journey for all...
The carrot nabber in action..."Oy, did you get that carrot off the table?!"
Every last morsel devoured...
Slow food was the winner
This evening Simon and I were totally not in the mood for cooking a meal. The kids had a quickie meal cooked for them and we were going to pop out later for fast food.
Well, I was down in the garden doing a bit of watering and realised there was plenty of food ready for picking and I just couldn't resist putting a meal together in my mind and looked forward to it. In the end, the thought of a fresh garden salad, corn on the cobb with melted butter, roasted potatoes with grated cheese on top and a couple of our own free range eggs just couldn't be beat.
Well, I was down in the garden doing a bit of watering and realised there was plenty of food ready for picking and I just couldn't resist putting a meal together in my mind and looked forward to it. In the end, the thought of a fresh garden salad, corn on the cobb with melted butter, roasted potatoes with grated cheese on top and a couple of our own free range eggs just couldn't be beat.
Bring on the carrots
Well, they've finally been a success.
I sowed carrot seeds *way* back at the beginning of Spring. Two times in fact. Neither were a goer. Third time (and almost given up) they were a success.
This evening I happened to see a top of one poking out of the soil and realised it they were ready.
February 21, 2008
Enough tomatoes!
I've been waiting! Well, I had finally accumulated enough tomatoes (almost 2kg) to make up a batch of tomato fondue from my gluten free cookbook (I did a double recipe). This is my staple recipe I use for pizza bases and as a sauce for pasta. It's delicious!
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onions finely chopped
1 garlic clove crushed
900gm very ripe tomatoes, peeled or 2 x 400gm tins
salt, pepper and sugar to taste (I use 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp sugar)
1 tablespoon of any of the following: fresh chopped mint, basil or thyme, parsley, lemon balm and marjoram - I like basil and mint)
A few drops of balsamic vinegar
Heat oil in saucepan. Add onions and garlic, toss until coated, cover and sweat on gentle heat until soft but not coloured. It is vital for the success of this dish that the onions are completely soft before adding the tomatoes. Slice the peeled fresh or tinned tomatoes and add with all the juice to the onions.
Season with salt, pepper and sugar. Add the herbs. Cook, covered for 10mins. Remove the lid and continue to cook for about 10mins or until the tomatoes are soft. Add a few drops of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking to enhance the flavour.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onions finely chopped
1 garlic clove crushed
900gm very ripe tomatoes, peeled or 2 x 400gm tins
salt, pepper and sugar to taste (I use 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp sugar)
1 tablespoon of any of the following: fresh chopped mint, basil or thyme, parsley, lemon balm and marjoram - I like basil and mint)
A few drops of balsamic vinegar
Heat oil in saucepan. Add onions and garlic, toss until coated, cover and sweat on gentle heat until soft but not coloured. It is vital for the success of this dish that the onions are completely soft before adding the tomatoes. Slice the peeled fresh or tinned tomatoes and add with all the juice to the onions.
Season with salt, pepper and sugar. Add the herbs. Cook, covered for 10mins. Remove the lid and continue to cook for about 10mins or until the tomatoes are soft. Add a few drops of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking to enhance the flavour.
February 18, 2008
A spot of gathering and foraging - and family time
We went out and collected pine cones this afternoon to use on our fire this winter.
We found some yummy blackberries (but not enough to make jam out of).
And, the latest garden haul
Nathan enjoying a local BMX track
February 16, 2008
Another blog
And just because some of my readers weren't aware of it (well, it was kind of hidden and not advertised ;)) but were interested in it, here is my other blog that has been discussing our day to day life and the home education journey we are travelling.
February 12, 2008
That sunshiney yellow....mmmmm
We harvested most of the corn cobbs from the first patch we planted out. They are pretty tiny though lol. The cobbs are definitely ready (kernels have filled out to the top of the cobb), they are just stunted in size.
('scuse the poor photo quality - that's what happens when you do it one handed!).
Any tips on why this would have happened? Lack of water? Lack of soil nutrients? They're tasty though!
February 11, 2008
Garden surprises
Discovered this big fella when I pulled aside a mass of leaves...not quite sure when it will be ready (and the skin looks quite green, and I'm assuming it is meant to be a grey pumpkin). THere are at least another 1/2 dozen just like this one just a few days behind in size.
This is just *so* cute! These capsicum plants feel like they're taking forever. I sowed the seeds right back at the beginning of October.
The rambling mess/mass of tomatoes and pumpkins.
My weed project - sure is keeping those weeds away!
So glad I dug my paths out back when I did - with these rambling veges now there is no way I could have got in there and done the job let alone keep the weeds in check.
This is just *so* cute! These capsicum plants feel like they're taking forever. I sowed the seeds right back at the beginning of October.
The rambling mess/mass of tomatoes and pumpkins.
My weed project - sure is keeping those weeds away!
So glad I dug my paths out back when I did - with these rambling veges now there is no way I could have got in there and done the job let alone keep the weeds in check.
A declutter's dilemma
Ya know, I can't stand clutter around my house. It happens, but it moves on within a week usually.
Well, over the past week or two I have had my sewing machine out. Our house is pretty small, so the machine is set up on my dining table (which in itself is really small and only seats 4 people) - and my dining room is right in the entry of my house. So you see it as soon as you knock on the door. It's out of character for me to have left it there for so long (and it's meant more picnic dinners and more sitting on the couch in that room to eat because of no table space). BUT, boy have I done a heap of sewing in that time! Not even a lot to show for it, but if I feel the urge, I just go straight over there and do it (sewed little bags for the kids marbles, added a knee patch to Nathan's pyjamas, sewed the button holes on his pyjamas a bit smaller as they'd stretched, made Danielle a top and Nathan a pair of pants...). Most of these things wouldn't have happened in such a timely manner if that machine weren't just sitting there. *sigh* These are the times I wish I had a spare room to convert into a sewing room.
The other thing - the declutter in me also doesn't like the printer permanently set up (I have my laptop perched on the couch arm) and need to plonk the printer on my side table to print. However, last week I needed to print off an application form, so out it came. Well, it's stayed there and I have found heaps of things to just zap off as I need (previously I just don't bother, but wish I could if I weren't so lazy).
What a dilemma!
(sewing machine has now been put away though).
Well, over the past week or two I have had my sewing machine out. Our house is pretty small, so the machine is set up on my dining table (which in itself is really small and only seats 4 people) - and my dining room is right in the entry of my house. So you see it as soon as you knock on the door. It's out of character for me to have left it there for so long (and it's meant more picnic dinners and more sitting on the couch in that room to eat because of no table space). BUT, boy have I done a heap of sewing in that time! Not even a lot to show for it, but if I feel the urge, I just go straight over there and do it (sewed little bags for the kids marbles, added a knee patch to Nathan's pyjamas, sewed the button holes on his pyjamas a bit smaller as they'd stretched, made Danielle a top and Nathan a pair of pants...). Most of these things wouldn't have happened in such a timely manner if that machine weren't just sitting there. *sigh* These are the times I wish I had a spare room to convert into a sewing room.
The other thing - the declutter in me also doesn't like the printer permanently set up (I have my laptop perched on the couch arm) and need to plonk the printer on my side table to print. However, last week I needed to print off an application form, so out it came. Well, it's stayed there and I have found heaps of things to just zap off as I need (previously I just don't bother, but wish I could if I weren't so lazy).
What a dilemma!
(sewing machine has now been put away though).
February 06, 2008
Hit me chile!
Righto - so Chile chews linky linked me with an archive meme. Quite cool I was thinking to travel back down memory lane - but then, you have all read every single post I've made right and remember every word I say?? LOL.
Here are the rules...
Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you've written using the following guidelines.
Link 1 must be about family. Link 2 must be about friends. Link 3 must be about yourself, who you are... what you're all about. Link 4 must be about something you love. Link 5 can be anything you choose.
Tag five other people, including two bloggers that are newer acquaintances so that you get to know each other better.
Read the archive posts and leave comments.
Family Well, a bit about family, but mostly about my family home. This was quite a life changing relisation for me and has led to a lot of my contentment and I continue to feel so.
Friends Me talking about feeling a part of my community - however, I've realised this is an ongoing progress, new people come, some move on and it takes work. It's all good.
What I love Perfect, lazy, memorable days...and more of me Can you see my introverted self shining through (not the same as shyness though!)?
Random Things that really have become a part of daily life - one year on, and I'm still using baking soda and vinegar to clean my hair.
So, I'm moving this meme on to...(feel free to skip if you choose lol)
Sandra in the garden
Sharonnz
Crazy mumma
Rach
Here are the rules...
Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you've written using the following guidelines.
Link 1 must be about family. Link 2 must be about friends. Link 3 must be about yourself, who you are... what you're all about. Link 4 must be about something you love. Link 5 can be anything you choose.
Tag five other people, including two bloggers that are newer acquaintances so that you get to know each other better.
Read the archive posts and leave comments.
Family Well, a bit about family, but mostly about my family home. This was quite a life changing relisation for me and has led to a lot of my contentment and I continue to feel so.
Friends Me talking about feeling a part of my community - however, I've realised this is an ongoing progress, new people come, some move on and it takes work. It's all good.
What I love Perfect, lazy, memorable days...and more of me Can you see my introverted self shining through (not the same as shyness though!)?
Random Things that really have become a part of daily life - one year on, and I'm still using baking soda and vinegar to clean my hair.
So, I'm moving this meme on to...(feel free to skip if you choose lol)
Sandra in the garden
Sharonnz
Crazy mumma
Rach
I'm here!
Oh crikey, I am a bad blogger - who's still here reading?
Well, I really have lost the plot on inspiration for writing lately. Not just here, but in all of cyberland.
So, updates again...
I've been refashioning - I've converted an old pair of corduroy pants of Simon's into a new pair of pants for Nathan. Quite cool I think. Then I bought a couple of cheap second-hand merino tops and refashioned one into a long sleeve tunic top for Danielle. It actually also fits Nathan as a regular top (not that he will be wearing it lol), so I know she'll get a couple of years use out of it providing it doesn't fall to bits before then. It's interesting this sewing thing - I have always sewn, well right back to age 11 at least if not earlier and when I became a mum I was really excited about being able to sew children's clothes. Well, I've never gotten around to it! So, I'm pleased that my first two attempts were a success and that the patterns I have chosen are pretty versatile and have a good range of sizes on them. The only downside is that my machine and other paraphenalia needs to live on my dining table while projects are in progress.
I'm finally picking tomatoes and corn! Yummo! Not a lot, but just a nice daily amount to go down and pick a couple of cobs and a couple of tomatoes to eat fresh that day. The courgettes are pacing themselves very nicely too - and just as well - they're not a favourite vegetable, so I couldn't handle having to consume through 3 or 4 a day. One every day or two is perfect.
I have plenty of pumpkins growing - some even hanging up high in my corn stalks (some of which have reached 6-7ft hight) and others dragging down some tomato vines. I can't bear to separate them off for fear of snapping something, so will just need to go with it and plan differently next year.
I really must get thinking about my winter crops. My garden has been fairly neglected over the past 6wks. We haven't had a lot of rain (in fact last night we had a little rain that broke a dry spell of at least a month) so I've just been watering every few days, but doing not much else while waiting for things to ripen. So, must get out my garden planner and get onto it.
My ginger beer Christmas gift was a success, so I've promised a new batch, so need to get onto that as well. I feel another batch for ourselves too - that's right, haven't even been making ginger beer even though it would be mighty fine during these hot summer days.
I've been doing more thinking on the whole home educating front - I'm really starting to feel the crunch of that decision with this year being the year that Nathan would be starting school and all his friends will be heading off there too (different schools, so none that he would be going to). I have felt the need to get my bum into gear and creating further networks to provide a support group for when the time comes. Some things won't change, but others will. I'm just nervous I guess with what feels like an enormous decision.
I've also been feeling like fraud with the whole consumerism thing - I've been buying up large (a mix of used and new) and loving it. I've really missed the whole buying thing which I didn't do a lot of (nor really felt the need at the time) last year. That's the problem with having had Christmas, then going away camping with lots of other people and being exposed to lots of *stuff* that I now *really* need! Fortunately that's now slowed up.
My mind has been consumed with Danielle and her delayed speech and feeling a bit sorry for myself, but I can see her coming along nicely, albeit slowly.
So...the days are getting shorter, summer feels like it's coming to a close (even though we get really lovely warm weather right through till April and daylight savings doesn't end till the end of March) and I feel on the verge of many new exciting things.
Well, I really have lost the plot on inspiration for writing lately. Not just here, but in all of cyberland.
So, updates again...
I've been refashioning - I've converted an old pair of corduroy pants of Simon's into a new pair of pants for Nathan. Quite cool I think. Then I bought a couple of cheap second-hand merino tops and refashioned one into a long sleeve tunic top for Danielle. It actually also fits Nathan as a regular top (not that he will be wearing it lol), so I know she'll get a couple of years use out of it providing it doesn't fall to bits before then. It's interesting this sewing thing - I have always sewn, well right back to age 11 at least if not earlier and when I became a mum I was really excited about being able to sew children's clothes. Well, I've never gotten around to it! So, I'm pleased that my first two attempts were a success and that the patterns I have chosen are pretty versatile and have a good range of sizes on them. The only downside is that my machine and other paraphenalia needs to live on my dining table while projects are in progress.
I'm finally picking tomatoes and corn! Yummo! Not a lot, but just a nice daily amount to go down and pick a couple of cobs and a couple of tomatoes to eat fresh that day. The courgettes are pacing themselves very nicely too - and just as well - they're not a favourite vegetable, so I couldn't handle having to consume through 3 or 4 a day. One every day or two is perfect.
I have plenty of pumpkins growing - some even hanging up high in my corn stalks (some of which have reached 6-7ft hight) and others dragging down some tomato vines. I can't bear to separate them off for fear of snapping something, so will just need to go with it and plan differently next year.
I really must get thinking about my winter crops. My garden has been fairly neglected over the past 6wks. We haven't had a lot of rain (in fact last night we had a little rain that broke a dry spell of at least a month) so I've just been watering every few days, but doing not much else while waiting for things to ripen. So, must get out my garden planner and get onto it.
My ginger beer Christmas gift was a success, so I've promised a new batch, so need to get onto that as well. I feel another batch for ourselves too - that's right, haven't even been making ginger beer even though it would be mighty fine during these hot summer days.
I've been doing more thinking on the whole home educating front - I'm really starting to feel the crunch of that decision with this year being the year that Nathan would be starting school and all his friends will be heading off there too (different schools, so none that he would be going to). I have felt the need to get my bum into gear and creating further networks to provide a support group for when the time comes. Some things won't change, but others will. I'm just nervous I guess with what feels like an enormous decision.
I've also been feeling like fraud with the whole consumerism thing - I've been buying up large (a mix of used and new) and loving it. I've really missed the whole buying thing which I didn't do a lot of (nor really felt the need at the time) last year. That's the problem with having had Christmas, then going away camping with lots of other people and being exposed to lots of *stuff* that I now *really* need! Fortunately that's now slowed up.
My mind has been consumed with Danielle and her delayed speech and feeling a bit sorry for myself, but I can see her coming along nicely, albeit slowly.
So...the days are getting shorter, summer feels like it's coming to a close (even though we get really lovely warm weather right through till April and daylight savings doesn't end till the end of March) and I feel on the verge of many new exciting things.
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