tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71301137030289035732024-02-07T00:38:29.749-05:00Gluten Free KayGluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-89303511437312462582011-03-03T12:10:00.001-05:002011-03-03T12:14:05.797-05:00<div>Just a quick note to say Wil Wheaton has a post on celiac disease on his blog.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/2011/03/and-now-a-word-from-my-mother-about-celiac-disease.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wwdn+%28WIL+WHEATON+dot+NET%3A+in+Exile%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo">http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/2011/03/and-now-a-word-from-my-mother-about-celiac-disease.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wwdn+%28WIL+WHEATON+dot+NET%3A+in+Exile%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo</a></div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-26685340063331641002009-08-07T21:29:00.003-04:002009-08-07T22:13:32.522-04:00Go Green! or Yellow, or Purple or Striped!I'm talking about beans. No need to restrict yourself to only green beans any more! Here are a few of the varieties I've been picking from my garden. I cook them all together. The colors make for a lively side dish.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CigVLHY2VUaNg-J1puSAGe2nEmODmco9L6JL9-i0S3IhjjFk36qne5ylVhwsxfCyFkgrbJKH76YUbeyQQkbM7TrPL44drATQ1pbjWOmh_1V17nduqEnEcVuKUwR6GkRcWi4JZSKD92I/s1600-h/DSCN1763.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367399900660216466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CigVLHY2VUaNg-J1puSAGe2nEmODmco9L6JL9-i0S3IhjjFk36qne5ylVhwsxfCyFkgrbJKH76YUbeyQQkbM7TrPL44drATQ1pbjWOmh_1V17nduqEnEcVuKUwR6GkRcWi4JZSKD92I/s320/DSCN1763.JPG" border="0" /></a> Left to right - Rattlesnake pole beans, yellow pole beans, Roma II bush beans, Dragon Tongue bush beans, Flat Italian pole beans, Brittle Wax bush beans, and Contender bush beans. The purple color cooks away, leaving a pretty green or yellow bean when served.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367402951480148498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnJFAfPouFIeH05KI4rVGRvYNYnFCRbwa5bk4GH3kd-epAzZIIDDn4MUhCwLYjPJcwovgLIWKE1X4MXkw_icMmjYMpAxxGrgaeeQMutwWBxbbihj8pCZ7yTAbe3tc_ItZnKFp3L1noYk/s320/DSCN1773.JPG" border="0" />These are my Vermont Cranberry bush beans, a new variety for me. The flat pods have pink streaks and can be picked when tender and steamed fresh. I let these dry on the vine to use as soup beans. The first ones I picked were so pretty that I planted a couple more rows late in the season. They'll make a nice Fall treat.<br /><br />I'm sure Melissa at Gluten Free for Good can tell you all about the nutritional value of beans. I'll settle for knowing they're good for me because I love eating fresh beans every day!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstlnWisDEjmXIJsVULcJE9QHJ8rGhSfhixGEk-uEZ6KqKwn20-5HJkgjMlxud23PJMIjAnNudxBL-G1_Km_wTQS9ALARMgqEKOs2xBX85cfS1ohTdw_pMxoMalWJSQS9XMYmq24Pm2UA/s1600-h/DSCN1765.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367399893991579938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstlnWisDEjmXIJsVULcJE9QHJ8rGhSfhixGEk-uEZ6KqKwn20-5HJkgjMlxud23PJMIjAnNudxBL-G1_Km_wTQS9ALARMgqEKOs2xBX85cfS1ohTdw_pMxoMalWJSQS9XMYmq24Pm2UA/s320/DSCN1765.JPG" border="0" /></a>I picked my first ripe tomatoes a couple of weeks ago. They were running late this year. Since then, I've had to pick the cherry tomatoes every day. The yellow cluster tomatoes are called Yellow Perfection - and they live up to their name! I'll save seed for next year. Definitely a keeper! My favorite red tomato is called Red Star. They are small, flat, funny-looking and delicious. I ate them all before this photo was taken. Oops!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ81uekjDGXuvnJJR62pbp8ZyJ0Oamr3KeK2mOGbWdAr9sA120k4ND-TtRKpMYpTQoCVR3NkRz6Q4PpqHfHcyGgwmi5QWtiAd0nVM1PN2C9F5TZeZCBq8k2kEc6EKm83wCifbB5ZhfPM/s1600-h/DSCN1768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367399888606360274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ81uekjDGXuvnJJR62pbp8ZyJ0Oamr3KeK2mOGbWdAr9sA120k4ND-TtRKpMYpTQoCVR3NkRz6Q4PpqHfHcyGgwmi5QWtiAd0nVM1PN2C9F5TZeZCBq8k2kEc6EKm83wCifbB5ZhfPM/s320/DSCN1768.JPG" border="0" /></a> Although we made it through all of July without hitting 90 degrees, the okra decided to bear fruit anyway. They thrive in really hot weather. We'll hit the 90s this weekend for the opening of the Indiana State Fair, so I expect a lot more okra.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367399875509611858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTe0U_LZ68ngnuR-xIiTeH_bieZV6mlRxt9Gi4E3BK-kZgLDTigjT0FPaeplYVuqHHswGVaux9ISNNcI2DwE3PJNnNwoju0yaedx19KJgeaXBYg6YiXjzbDF3A2cUJ0C4qVOB2ANii8U/s320/DSCN1744.JPG" border="0" />No post would be complete without a photo of my girls. These Buff Orpingtons decided to test drive their new roost, made from a branch from the honey locust tree. Seems to work just fine. My little chicks are getting so big! I expect the new flock of 24 to start laying any day now.<br /><br />Construction is underway on 2 new chicken coops and runs. That's why I've been away from my blog for so long. I've been gathering materials, digging out stumps and clearing brush. Today I dug my first five (okay, 4 and a half) post holes. When it got too dark to work, I could barely lift a New Grist beer to my lips. I struggled through a whole one, though. Hope I can raise my arms tomorrow. Ten more post holes to dig.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uNMnRztGihrsxiN4BDWCQr8MIfQoAY299AolvWrpfY9uAMLr6W_ZfZoI3zAmafME6Ix6Wniwhopr_QWEeUH-qHGiR2y7zjsVjqWzKGhUz4aVEmRlnxEr-XtpoO_x7OXZ6MvqwiLUTAg/s1600-h/DSCN1771.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367399881372385522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uNMnRztGihrsxiN4BDWCQr8MIfQoAY299AolvWrpfY9uAMLr6W_ZfZoI3zAmafME6Ix6Wniwhopr_QWEeUH-qHGiR2y7zjsVjqWzKGhUz4aVEmRlnxEr-XtpoO_x7OXZ6MvqwiLUTAg/s320/DSCN1771.JPG" border="0" /></a> My totally neglected flower gardens have done just fine while I've been busy with chickens and vegetables. Here's a pretty black-eyed Susan, one of MANY. They've spread like crazy.</div></div></div></div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-45789928943905445722009-07-15T22:16:00.004-04:002009-07-15T23:00:21.240-04:00I'm Back!Actually, I never left. I've been in the back yard, the front yard, the side yards, the chicken yard and the garage. Summer is always a busy time for me. After being gluten free for a year and a half, I feel great! Better than I have in recent history.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>I've been tackling big projects and pulling them off. My latest conquest was the garage. I'd been meaning to have a garage sale every summer for the past 20 years. I'd been storing a lot of gluten-contaminated kitchen stuff and tons of catering equipment. Gone! Done! Leftovers donated! I can now park not only the minivan, but the John Deere, the snowblower and the push mower in convenient and secure spots. Yahooey!<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358880887995322578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjgNx7tEDf8OUgBOZPYHSXTt9j8ng_vo5YucdC_NmXTlN9xRLnnetYkg5hax9Ns9qZLkJg3rRTGI3DaMJXfIvQAUwqMTfOGxzIJMWEjMXJFbL9rUAAJxYNqX7jqIMepB97yEk5y-74Cc/s320/DSCN1727.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><br />I decided to check the progress of my root crops and dug up a few tasty morsels this evening. I LOVE my Dragon Carrots! They are purple on the outside and yellow or orange inside. The purple does not cook away! I also pulled a few white, yellow and orange carrots.<br /><br />The potato bed was like a treasure chest, filled with fingerlings, Red Pontiacs and Yukon Golds.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358880878452357666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7mr3IvGst67DtAIWR4zJMdoIbb_ESez4m8zcirhuUPlQiczRQzo4MN5KZE7tt9lB6ezEbBpy-FI5MmXZU-jM-bO1XUNNN5xOgMZnfnZAzYnOkXmfWs6ClBvzfygwEsk1I9tWFoBdXoA/s320/DSCN1723.JPG" border="0" /><br />The cukes and zukes are in high gear now. I've already made three batches of pickles. I've sauteed a couple of zucchini, but was still seriously overstocked. Thank heaven chickens like zucchini! I've been adding it to their breakfast fare.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358880866133600818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1aYhjMr0CtZTlK9r89DbwSAUfrRZcPRmbkjEkojn_gFJa-08LMacYfKaVxzbeV7HCG-Utc-fYJd3WnbJkv-mw1WImxL4GZc5mSc5jXziABd3JDMeWBHtK-37zxXQ_ONX0gIPOOel_mY/s320/DSCN1710.JPG" border="0" /><br />Think they like it? Oh, yeah!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358880847973399234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiuQ4zNQFsbpe2CFkfUgiBQ5-XqBTr1idCGhtE6lvmX5iZ_Uwm8oHXIJe2pCTlo56A2zCE09zLyAgjbrucdGdWLx4lkEmjF1XExjm35F0C2Wk9Y6TSjpiAKbXTl6mKbB0sNhE2_Xi8rs/s320/DSCN1707.JPG" border="0" /><br />The Barred Rocks rule the roost.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358880852473078434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfhBav7RRkncgzUgoiAbOK_g-MEeEYJ7YiexxcPCFuXs3eadhMrctvYJNU3qVvUlLx34cGXgF3wQz6QHSChFju6I9N1NSh_V0EDM5UHU55rwufUbJzf7BRJSLj5ZExRDDZl-vRaqbICY/s320/DSCN1654.JPG" border="0" /><br />The Brahma says, "I'm ready for my close-up." She has feathers on her feet. Sorry I didn't capture the pedicure in this photo.<br /><br />Hope you're having a great summer!Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-28097571595082264832009-06-21T13:37:00.005-04:002009-06-21T14:01:20.286-04:00On the Brink of Abundance!It finally feels like summer here at Kay's Leaning Tree Farm. We've had our first 90 degree day, and I've had two sunny pool days. Yahooey!<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349837160371283714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8yu8CkbG5Qe2IfwD4KmpwtYfqIYvP0PzIcyxecjOmTZ20EoJhCbDaBwH78V0ukCG_aaGH7IJeBEXZzxtVtgwE46to_J77AanWWWUEsrrzr1kbYr1XLKBAbTyrMotelsdTw951eIjyxM/s320/DSCN1631.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>My six chickens have been enjoying a diet of carrots, clover, corn, strawberries, watermelon rind and grapes. I've been getting three eggs a day since I moved the 4H chickens into the coop annex. Yesterday was my first four-egg-day! That super jumbo egg in front is from my Black Australorpe. She's a keeper! A couple of her eggs have been double-yolkers.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiX6PagTX1C67rL01jVoM1kH7xruOrnKyUR31FHdCl1LWsNt329ZEdgxlodxWznmNdpK_Sz7aRUX5deRqYp4Y_xPCY5RubwVfxIHe5EIiKaMLjWr5wZvTf5qFFSW0AyTHRLYa_moHY4A/s1600-h/DSCN1625.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349838511449661602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiX6PagTX1C67rL01jVoM1kH7xruOrnKyUR31FHdCl1LWsNt329ZEdgxlodxWznmNdpK_Sz7aRUX5deRqYp4Y_xPCY5RubwVfxIHe5EIiKaMLjWr5wZvTf5qFFSW0AyTHRLYa_moHY4A/s320/DSCN1625.JPG" border="0" /></a> I picked my first black currants this morning. They are kind of bitter and need lots of sugar or honey. I plan to make a syrup to add to smoothies. These babies are full of antioxidants.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwametAHo5PtIukw_SeooRTBcVOdfI6vYOd_4rorh21h60ztgBYqmZ3DN3fpQ7kh6oAkiDjr5l7Iim6V87hYRTxO3QUJl2hxRcYgA3bKSuqUdgDbawJMB6X6wmSro-6kdkwUwgbmP9UJ8/s1600-h/DSCN1626.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349837170078402914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwametAHo5PtIukw_SeooRTBcVOdfI6vYOd_4rorh21h60ztgBYqmZ3DN3fpQ7kh6oAkiDjr5l7Iim6V87hYRTxO3QUJl2hxRcYgA3bKSuqUdgDbawJMB6X6wmSro-6kdkwUwgbmP9UJ8/s320/DSCN1626.JPG" border="0" /></a> The black raspberries are sweet and tasty right off the vine. A couple of handfuls didn't even make it to the house.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQgpNE0gi25GQ-qjmz9wbFt-9cIgtJnCg7j-uLf8MiiHjqojXTUCpldpOi6DJLdPBSEnN0nzBIw8KwUtktHjWx34Mmn5dt0rpZ43zpoQW66BdpZpg9YGopenu6Zr16i_SghnnWhspdC0/s1600-h/DSCN1629.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349837163916063634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQgpNE0gi25GQ-qjmz9wbFt-9cIgtJnCg7j-uLf8MiiHjqojXTUCpldpOi6DJLdPBSEnN0nzBIw8KwUtktHjWx34Mmn5dt0rpZ43zpoQW66BdpZpg9YGopenu6Zr16i_SghnnWhspdC0/s320/DSCN1629.JPG" border="0" /></a> My first beans. My first cucumber. The last of the asparagus. My record for first beans is June 14. That was at least ten years ago. I would call this harvest "nice and early."<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349837156594134338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30aQqNJd4bsGmBsiP8KvJBzKy1AfdGq93C6LrseZ071nCDYcw2OzQhslNgFqg47iqYrW-ptS0oUSL0hXVdrEcxT89YqvVDnZeIBkmq0a2iUorZbfbHGC4BZMhctOCw3KWjYqIEEdQmQE/s320/DSCN1620.JPG" border="0" />Look closely. That's a chipmunk waaaaaay up in the cherry tree. He was later chased to the ground by the bossy mama robin.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349841531915069426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pygKrIHkr64IdxmJFIGU0nitzBOJ5hK7glsiBzvInOLyQLPkAmgC-rhDTVkqZINmNDlyIfy5KiAQtXjOGrINCJqzdVbnfQey7U9Ef5O_fR53KUQtfcFHQFZ2KFpq_LlWeapS-T5FYlA/s320/DSCN1619.JPG" border="0" />These lucky baby robins are growing up on a diet rich in cherries! I'm sure mama will be heading for the raspberry vines soon.</div></div></div></div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-58933054425183002162009-06-15T23:59:00.003-04:002009-06-16T00:03:41.492-04:00Hey, we're famous!A friend at bowling tonight told me NPR's Morning Edition did a segment on celiac disease this morning! I googled NPR, celiac disease, June 15 and found the transcript right away. Good info! Glad NPR is helping spread the word!Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-19981911170446706752009-06-12T11:43:00.005-04:002009-06-12T12:01:38.747-04:00One step forward, two steps backI've been missing for a while because I've been dealing with chicken health issues. Turns out I bought the first flock from someone who did not take good care of his chickens. I shamed him into taking the whole bunch back and giving me a refund. I'm relieved! It was an 80-mile round trip to return them. Lots of cleaning and sanitizing in my near future!<br /><br />The second flock of six is doing just fine. They have separate quarters and yard. They are giving me three eggs every day. Except for putting up with waaaaaay too much rain (new record in Indianapolis,) they seem to be pretty happy. As soon as I clean out the chicken yard they will have more room to move around. That should make them even happier.<br /><br />Here's what I'm harvesting this week:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346470615165026050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiAX06QJoEGy-GrYX5h5eFsGyTjDCfEnnoM_ukPLrfVqn9vcaQNmsV65a4EX2vFUEsDsWUsarUYHBWC7CWg4Oz8SevK7rJ1MVEKtZvmQ199rP_PINMNIQKwIzR9Ys0N2IYDL5XZCT7NA/s320/DSCN1614.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346470618228336322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0WmEEx8PkWZ_-Xmt9K0TLnUPRzeIoMjIJtCT_XJ7jSbt2Zs8_l6vCrnYTOGOMlNntcweOQsTd2mlFWMpXJF1wtJXzkBnOnoUzT1DJY2H3FIjfOfkOMD3xafWd7zcb_-XycbsW0Rm9GU/s320/DSCN1616.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346470622968042978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rKS2lqrWaLiNzAxGDtg3dXluMvyHDoDBEClDMLmTFWL-1wFMMLuVPHg3lcvKXsOX_gJG3yrPzrhnmMIgVJCHNLxfXLZcAZYXo7w0rOpHlKVuqZS-cQWfr3KSWgxt5nb37v5zQzrg5iI/s320/DSCN1612.JPG" border="0" /></p>The campanula and Asian lilies have popped open to decorate the yard.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346470632806884002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4J4GsOogqY4LIZKfTGD3X1LfuJBx9AStM_4LEikuyvk98WnvupgmkJJYJ7kTznKoGgxuwaGOc2yQKgRC4UE9imlo7a_FtqXknbPKT29Pxv2utedA_LbsLuB4Cc-qHjsvE2HMzx8ZqDs/s320/DSCN1613.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346470626731851490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FaTto9ONahyMfpScHoRv8oEpSMmOCnNi0iMPXJyOnyupmdOVoK2hDyLe5mE7Wo7xIiXuS6ZvGwkbkAU-efetkA89uZrdUeXei2nbdbDis4iram4uYFkQntb0bKPueWNhy8PgoOvAqIo/s320/DSCN1610.JPG" border="0" />Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-33917389267716272842009-06-01T09:12:00.003-04:002009-06-04T21:25:39.939-04:00Which came first?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc4P_WwX60W2jUYeURWOaeFpUzWY0Z5fLM8-kWQfeLhchNVgCAUFKI5gRAk1DnqeO14mdlES2ohGN5DRrUqCNvM9B5ZY6sJwXPlGowktai3x2v6apWpHcpgmpuQRxf8mGDaDFdUOji4U/s1600-h/DSCN1573.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342346756061514082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc4P_WwX60W2jUYeURWOaeFpUzWY0Z5fLM8-kWQfeLhchNVgCAUFKI5gRAk1DnqeO14mdlES2ohGN5DRrUqCNvM9B5ZY6sJwXPlGowktai3x2v6apWpHcpgmpuQRxf8mGDaDFdUOji4U/s320/DSCN1573.JPG" /></a> In this case, the chickens. I brought 14 of them home Sunday afternoon. Breeds include Silver Laced Wyandotte, Aracana, Cochin, Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, Plymouth Rock and one Turken. The turken loves me! The Cochin is HUGE and has feathers on her feet. The Buff Orpingtons are afraid of everything and sleep standing up with their heads under a wing.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_2OXmMEN0dc51fdHcLwuY5iLQKL3X2rSahs91njdz89XHidqsh0qWMMzZmtxWXVNi3fDKX4-ccONL_83m52W5Z8Y6pvBSjkvoiEZ4Qjc6yLI3fy0ey6PyWz8W8ZRIH2pXpQxdyG_Zp0/s1600-h/DSCN1583.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342346746210912642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_2OXmMEN0dc51fdHcLwuY5iLQKL3X2rSahs91njdz89XHidqsh0qWMMzZmtxWXVNi3fDKX4-ccONL_83m52W5Z8Y6pvBSjkvoiEZ4Qjc6yLI3fy0ey6PyWz8W8ZRIH2pXpQxdyG_Zp0/s320/DSCN1583.JPG" /></a> My first egg! I'm thrilled about it because moving chickens causes them to stop laying for a few weeks. Maybe it was the bedtime snack of watermelon rind and apple peel. Maybe it's that I sang them a lullaby (Sweet Baby James, because I like the "goodnight moonlight ladies" line) when I tucked them in.<br /><br />I bet they'll like it here. They came from a large chicken farm. They already love their grassy yard. Conditions were more crowded and less personal at their previous address.</div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-83113655505940901422009-05-31T10:17:00.007-04:002009-05-31T11:25:51.459-04:00Chicken-ready!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lx2Ko2sERgIzCCY1mBcBSsv7p3CkYz8tyGFEIgNxGxWN-NOgQUmCU76DQTdLMZKPNSjYbq1VCFKGWGDMRPDYOVVVzy4pRxEm9BuTaDOll-1MM-Egmo9EAUwUUOKsv7Y4u28HL_k55Ck/s1600-h/DSCN1545.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342003749232857106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lx2Ko2sERgIzCCY1mBcBSsv7p3CkYz8tyGFEIgNxGxWN-NOgQUmCU76DQTdLMZKPNSjYbq1VCFKGWGDMRPDYOVVVzy4pRxEm9BuTaDOll-1MM-Egmo9EAUwUUOKsv7Y4u28HL_k55Ck/s320/DSCN1545.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look! My chicken coop is finally finished! My little barn no longer leans, has a new coat of paint and all the renovations necessary to provide comfortable and secure lodgings for my flock.<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341997928073192082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZ33Y5sr9BVcY8tUdFryBk2_NcEwQSNT8uQ-N8TuJpTH8GSLSerckRc7QyI_M0cP-WYDVz6TDMgh-jItqP4MulmguWz4yIBgkMoQdLm7KlmhmaYQB46uPPgICNUPnFx0g9jPzEJ12_uw/s320/DSCN1544.JPG" border="0" /> Here's a glimpse of the people doors into the coop, and my little office which sits atop the nesting boxes.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUciyeZi8N9lBUNhYq_3blcFcbwnkx7yINfNSx6lJUOwWl8p3k-jYhNKsluScOLanSS91SMUs5TeDiPIiNMX4LVkTdu_la-B8wDYgq8bpj13u4FzyaHU_-1MPrgitCcG9iAM_99uyAkZg/s1600-h/DSCN1536.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341997941878874450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUciyeZi8N9lBUNhYq_3blcFcbwnkx7yINfNSx6lJUOwWl8p3k-jYhNKsluScOLanSS91SMUs5TeDiPIiNMX4LVkTdu_la-B8wDYgq8bpj13u4FzyaHU_-1MPrgitCcG9iAM_99uyAkZg/s320/DSCN1536.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is my view of the nesting boxes. There are six. The chickens can get in on the inside, and I can check for eggs from the outside via the sliding back panels.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341997931029506386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRBidT6RXdAp070Ghkxnk6WiA5q2PcL8h25btRuF9jnX3TBDAsqIaHqatQ3VL7jcfGZW2thj0U08d-jaXYlQ2MUYEFnPz1LzSHOUti52PaDJe2GhN29N7e7IVuysZiidvPSvw5-MJRMw/s320/DSCN1539.JPG" border="0" />Here's the chickens' view of the nest boxes.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC0lSTKJ46w-6pc4NAMX56h-GGvTULd0CWkMmhz0yn4rjjpvULAzTgL34f1UeiyCiuTR4ZqnVfBDTJI3ht13QFSTsgGwuP3ktgwFQ9eCpmtvbO-eysRglgSgzG220pIraSGXvaA25VbY/s1600-h/DSCN1538.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341997940728972338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC0lSTKJ46w-6pc4NAMX56h-GGvTULd0CWkMmhz0yn4rjjpvULAzTgL34f1UeiyCiuTR4ZqnVfBDTJI3ht13QFSTsgGwuP3ktgwFQ9eCpmtvbO-eysRglgSgzG220pIraSGXvaA25VbY/s320/DSCN1538.JPG" border="0" /></a> The people doors straight ahead, the annex door to the left. Thanks to Nicci who came with her miter saw and built my doors. She also helped frame the interior. I was kind of baffled at the start, and she really helped me figure things out.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341996883683688114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z5OQdb_pfJ_iC3DB6daypwLrWUvRvTyQrXoYcuT0Tw6Ip1imo2dXOZrk_PEU30SyC59ZshR42elDnUnuN_QU7bRzEPg7nOrUlvKungyeEUILfGxgJqUw_zDpg7cM0hPX18g7dQJSZ1Q/s320/DSCN1549.JPG" border="0" />This is the view from the end of the chicken yard. I'm facing east. I'll add some shade cover when the chickens arrive.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341996874421513218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4m-IR3KvZDxFwZeN7Wq6rdAHWswK9_H7vQ3mOUlWDLi-xrfojeKtsSHBExj-vyyxJAVEy1npyfgH2gual2Xlaw_IUALmRUTRkn_swXzuZ7mDe0QqHvcXMXOqrdvXS9fFHlHTfHwy3Mk/s320/DSCN1553.JPG" border="0" />The chicken door and chicken ramp.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342002126607446322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ep6NJ2yTk9idBdjUf8ivq6vtQZUdYiVTcfJCNsdz9ZTeJ4vyTUgsLMQqpTK4_5U3EqPw7X4lgYRkSf9ITitd8xTzihkqhhrlcdc1NpBHZNkY9ZOcPbaXEQ-0NlDCO_RXPWuJYM3eBkk/s320/DSCN1550.JPG" border="0" />Chicken's eye view from inside the chicken door.<br /><br />It's taken waaaaaaay longer than I predicted to complete this project! There were many puzzles and challenges. And the fence panels really beat me up. My vocabulary became quite sailor-like during the fencing phase. There were chicken wire installation days when I was bleeding from nine of ten fingers. But it's done!<br /><br />I'm thinking of writing a booked titled "Kay's Chicken Coop Diet and Workout Plan." I dropped a whole size since buying new Spring clothes at the end of April. I worked really long, hard days and didn't have time to hang out in the kitchen much.<br /><br />The next challenge is acquiring my flock. I have two chicken dates this week. Raising from babies is easier in some ways. But I'm looking for chickens that are already laying. They are harder to find.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341997945735293410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvP25qHH03xPdBVpY0icPfP81Z-lpXwSOQKFW25EBfYyJFX-sscKhjOWzzkb5YIlZ0yljbfALQJ606m58i1Xco1KybC4hnatpSz3laJC1-UUlEcuGxN9uWMfnkiNxb4BFRhpTBMt9BRQ/s320/DSCN1532.JPG" border="0" /> My gardens are mostly planted. I got to harvest my rhubarb!<br /><br />I also pickled five jars of asparagus this week. I was overstocked!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1akP52G2kOkkisG6koRiWvd_lf5otkse7b1oPK0udXm_meWYRhTPAycKe9ViA-8-yVfor7cJkPAt6grua4TDX3adSVSHmsPCtkYBpLSWbP9SP3YmNntOwahGdzrl26mWbXDpDB9GNzp8/s1600-h/DSCN1566.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341996864121352946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1akP52G2kOkkisG6koRiWvd_lf5otkse7b1oPK0udXm_meWYRhTPAycKe9ViA-8-yVfor7cJkPAt6grua4TDX3adSVSHmsPCtkYBpLSWbP9SP3YmNntOwahGdzrl26mWbXDpDB9GNzp8/s320/DSCN1566.JPG" border="0" /></a> My first snow peas are just setting on. So far, I've eaten all I've harvested on the way to the house. Maybe this week I'll have enough for an Oriental chicken salad.<br /><br />In other garden news, this will not be a stellar fruit season in my yard. The cherry tree set about half as much fruit as last year, and I have exactly one peach. No apples on my new Granny Smith dwarf. I'll have lots of black currants and gooseberries, though. And the black raspberry vines are loaded!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MdLnv3eBYBz2A0TyzD3xZeIcgOcl2jT2Gmn8hkGyc8gWQ8S32I-zPq7IZN-CMC-3yQoPEdM5QV4XkfTUkqn7ycn2PBo5ZsutfC5ERv-P5Bhlm-AMyq-PCFEct7mjJsw4rktuD2JZ8ik/s1600-h/DSCN1555.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341996859037938242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MdLnv3eBYBz2A0TyzD3xZeIcgOcl2jT2Gmn8hkGyc8gWQ8S32I-zPq7IZN-CMC-3yQoPEdM5QV4XkfTUkqn7ycn2PBo5ZsutfC5ERv-P5Bhlm-AMyq-PCFEct7mjJsw4rktuD2JZ8ik/s320/DSCN1555.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's my pretty water lily. I had three blooms at once! Big accomplishment in my little pond!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVxvi9kskdCyweME2r2yPNrgxUYcjMz2B6Ntdsl10ExJi9KaGZi_KklSOg997M1QdbHxwXIBsK4Ph4izA2v35PEO5q_h4ZC2JrGQwsVS_JfY7Fei5HZYRuDdEr1buLEPlMPElaebyjV4/s1600-h/DSCN1570.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341996858281229138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVxvi9kskdCyweME2r2yPNrgxUYcjMz2B6Ntdsl10ExJi9KaGZi_KklSOg997M1QdbHxwXIBsK4Ph4izA2v35PEO5q_h4ZC2JrGQwsVS_JfY7Fei5HZYRuDdEr1buLEPlMPElaebyjV4/s320/DSCN1570.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the last of the peony blooms. <br /><br />I hope you're all enjoying this pleasant Spring!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-80148526644653376252009-05-20T09:27:00.006-04:002009-05-20T10:10:26.899-04:00At long last, sandal weather!Can't believe I've been away from my blog this long! So much to do around here that I've barely been indoors since finishing my school year at Butler on May 5.<br /><br />The chicken coop is progressing nicely. I took an extra week to reset my little barn on its foundation. So now I'm looking forward to being chicken-ready by Memorial Day instead of Mother's Day. The interior is near completion. Now I have to dig some post holes and set up the chicken yard.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337901651866186498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirHVTECDRHqxapX8GkgV_Xy5AxseE9s6WiN1H40jtBFJYmxyK54A5Gx7y8IZy32IiBhozxAc7P3XyBW5kPCGEN7R4AL5ar3D2jSisUzdVIEYwN1YLq5ZKT64fEvNXIRRlwXp9Q1bcIbg/s320/DSCN1501.JPG" border="0" /><br />I found all these four leaf clovers back by the chicken coop. I think I'll have me some lucky chickens.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337904561689903282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXPEYuLQOL3Ruh0OczKWCWtBH23v6HejSUjK8X75GC7iwhuAtPjUdexu1S5ZZIHhwTsIreWvf1-Hbzg6xJTVMvs3mIu6eCu0K6qGmxBI-TLvhpN195l8MCo74mPjbHUPWg9wqlCV4ygs/s320/DSCN1507.JPG" border="0" /><br />Look! My first radish! I already ate it in a salad with some fresh-picked lettuce and asparagus.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337902233629324194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFweAVGicGY-3vVWD0-WDCJmUrPsuWZOLBi3YNlA-OZZMFLFvCrAPR4JtvkPPRgi6Frgw8RK9g_Joo9llEFOdgcGmAd_L8MPOf7uz3sb37KI7cMoFWVGnsC4yXJueq9pFn6ydG09dHWE/s320/DSCN1516.JPG" border="0" />Bibb lettuce is sooooo photogenic!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337901665723338082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax1lLy6VFBkwUbHdqS9xBlq2pGvevpWNJhrNn4MoMotunI9v3NjMG52I0lwhs9EeQ4bYJDOTEv8JUN9R5mvMM6qKZvXaQi__IEFV6Al9WqlZTTnAiP6uBUzcOU8gzsLtTmtPPNcVJ9Zc/s320/DSCN1511.JPG" border="0" />The potatoes are growing like crazy!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337901648779677330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIViqbfWhWVSjY-X_jQwv8rZVGywSlb-ryqlC-76Xf61gY6t8s_huiUq6ICrDcuOh3KrXkc64mMjK10lTYs6CRcQHtaZPPBoBR7x72p3gW5a9OTI4dIwe9nIlBf7YiJ7RxNWbjLyXHM1g/s320/DSCN1498.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />This beautiful visitor stopped by to admire my poppies.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337902237066087922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5qSLHLSt384IM4KP6tSvk2OcaFiYmAZpA9QLZtnkggppw86dWGkQHU6yCv8EDxvG91p6S27jxdVnyOGIEJ9h7o8HsFoK4XduJxqPAzdqsgfe1NuOjgsa9Zu3BfDLK2u56ok_NrZzcrY/s320/DSCN1526.JPG" border="0" /><br />And some new neighbors took up residence above my downspout. I think they are ambitious sparrows. They built their nest out of last years Siberian iris fronds.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337902226682420402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmiaux-PZM757rDkk1N7FIkt4uCDZR_YQagad-YOtldIA46v4-k_4QF32eU_Sl6LahdPjGgD_2gqPvr7lIZ16M-lOnMhIJ9bL7hAaLvug-1q5UDnIA2Cq11U0FA3RHlJbS0TwIvXOAo4/s320/DSCN1513.JPG" border="0" /><br />Here's my first peony. It's the fanciest variey in my yard, and always the first to bloom.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337902242818618594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9slFDxJhIwPc2T0_8nJkTOHcC2Kbe8cIFYvzzzMTjm70JIt5PudCAXM5SU93ng2u3pdtLBH81tq5k_qWcz9m447yKOWRVvYTKBshHNW8SlydcyRZtoc4JZSswYZsXPC1Zi5zW1gv9Bbg/s320/DSCN1528.JPG" border="0" /><br />My mud shoes sit by the back door, ready for action.<br /><br />Looks like the weather is finally going to cooperate with us farmers. Dry days and weekend temps in the 80's! Yahooey! I hope to wear sandals to Mike and Steve's Indy 500 party on Sunday, and Leanne's big birthday bash that night. It will be great to take a break from digging and construction to hang out with my pals.Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-63530333554038871432009-04-24T09:39:00.003-04:002009-04-24T10:09:19.846-04:00And we're off!Spring is springing around Kay's Leaning Tree Farm! When nightly low temperatures are in the 50's, my planting season kicks into high gear. The 10 Day Forecast (thanks Weather Channel!) has the lowest low at 49. So I'll be outdoors (and dirty) every daylight moment for at least the next ten days.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOmQrxfK3I7hiZP_KavLa_4LcIpxDWFQzCRwvbEitBctxyFnguGWeV-9RjKrtW7ONxHvA1OyllS3YUXWqEfZp4atYQnpnYX1b-r7dNN_i4MnD-MHtupU3ytPs4bQ6hPToaZJJfiyW4fU/s1600-h/DSCN1421.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328254457159813522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOmQrxfK3I7hiZP_KavLa_4LcIpxDWFQzCRwvbEitBctxyFnguGWeV-9RjKrtW7ONxHvA1OyllS3YUXWqEfZp4atYQnpnYX1b-r7dNN_i4MnD-MHtupU3ytPs4bQ6hPToaZJJfiyW4fU/s320/DSCN1421.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is what my mother wanted in her Easter basket this year. No marshmallow peeps. No chocolate bunnies. A pick axe. This one is sort of the "ladies model." It's called a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Matlock</span> and it's a little shorter and lighter than your average pick axe. I'm glad the doctors fixed her heart, and she's feeling invincible again.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_7dbEFXN37hVAf420lYTq8zsziNPD4jYgCJUh85pxH3H1DoSd2ykF6Ti2CzcjXvP1YrWszjMwapoRf_bSH6zWXxyYImVyW3SJytXO3gq1d-EQ_-tDat_6SIh5mdaepe6RgxYOOBTqT8/s1600-h/DSCN1464.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328254447386120194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_7dbEFXN37hVAf420lYTq8zsziNPD4jYgCJUh85pxH3H1DoSd2ykF6Ti2CzcjXvP1YrWszjMwapoRf_bSH6zWXxyYImVyW3SJytXO3gq1d-EQ_-tDat_6SIh5mdaepe6RgxYOOBTqT8/s320/DSCN1464.JPG" border="0" /></a> Surprise! As I was planting my potato patch I found a survivor from last year's crop! Isn't he a beauty?! For winning the reward challenge, he'll be served alongside a BIG steak and some fresh-picked asparagus.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImltvXl4DP4WOSXNx7QH18bTUat2JiJx42G3QVEVPBT2nhd-ADHw5KKhwsblrK8K-Fm3tuk_E9Vb8_MJGE0Fm9cjec2KEeOlrDuQxgn_oFGBjYOUAr7qRYSW_oJdzDrw8N3rL0fCt5SU/s1600-h/DSCN1469.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328254444646438498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImltvXl4DP4WOSXNx7QH18bTUat2JiJx42G3QVEVPBT2nhd-ADHw5KKhwsblrK8K-Fm3tuk_E9Vb8_MJGE0Fm9cjec2KEeOlrDuQxgn_oFGBjYOUAr7qRYSW_oJdzDrw8N3rL0fCt5SU/s320/DSCN1469.JPG" border="0" /></a> My first tulip! Welcome to the sea of yellow and white daffodils!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf-NsQo0UHTwQ1i8doTflEiKfeT28cppOSHLMJaO2ovfTIFq3mLvu75vNLWmjgQPh1EF9_PdEZzT2ntxbQZqFovvDxIty4z8wcVheJUuM6Yp6P8YT9f_sFh7MAyFLgOBVJY-PWwkVDGE/s1600-h/DSCN1475.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328254439672130962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf-NsQo0UHTwQ1i8doTflEiKfeT28cppOSHLMJaO2ovfTIFq3mLvu75vNLWmjgQPh1EF9_PdEZzT2ntxbQZqFovvDxIty4z8wcVheJUuM6Yp6P8YT9f_sFh7MAyFLgOBVJY-PWwkVDGE/s320/DSCN1475.JPG" border="0" /></a> Fresh cut flowers decorate my bathroom. A sure sign that the long winter has passed.<br /><br />Updates: The chicken coop is progressing. Thanks to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nicci</span>, it now has doors! People doors, that is. I'm working on the chicken door. I've had to take a break from construction to work on my gardens. The potato patch is nearly complete. I've selected Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fingerlings</span> for this year's crop. Last year my potato garden was underwater several times. I replanted twice, and finally picked a spot with better drainage. I decided to dig a drainage ditch from the old potato patch to the big drainage ditch by the street. I'm about 2/3 of the way there. This will let me utilize two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">boggish</span> spots for vegetable gardens. Yes, my back is stiff. Lots of digging around here!</div></div></div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-16113291933620429532009-04-12T20:33:00.002-04:002009-04-12T20:54:24.918-04:00Happy Easter!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323971396658049794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQae7MG4O6wb1SV4MFNYvDa9INWgmsEZcJ9mRo-NVc8EKQtukHUPcGGLodsn3q_LTJQ8bNacI9rOzeghDwibzihBLFpwT0c5gdA3-pg2wCDlUsSjg0xrM7vLqgR0716-OkK6xv7M1qlP8/s320/DSCN1436.JPG" border="0" /><br />From me and my friends at the farmers market. I didn't dye these eggs. They came in pink, blue green and brown.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sDKGdv2OFqqlSFpXWastj1pprZr74tsrXFdeqAkuJPaWu7BDdCeL7-25bjFSOFI-eKz3MNl9baSWeaUWYGfg9RNI-zH5mlIFq2I1HrvYjV6U7CeJrIrfEY0hzx28UqMtywj7GPZ5hZg/s1600-h/DSCN1438.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323971411280363570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sDKGdv2OFqqlSFpXWastj1pprZr74tsrXFdeqAkuJPaWu7BDdCeL7-25bjFSOFI-eKz3MNl9baSWeaUWYGfg9RNI-zH5mlIFq2I1HrvYjV6U7CeJrIrfEY0hzx28UqMtywj7GPZ5hZg/s320/DSCN1438.JPG" border="0" /></a> Happy Easter from the frog I snuck up on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeuJ6kk6ZOyTQvctpAIV6Y_D5eTKQr_K2wpb9fnqG6bFwugbN64Kt3relMLm8hFyW-shYt9iC_1Sv8Aa65wyNGACOur43oidbZFEDsN8nD0IlfrakzvvmmhoKqR9cYYK9UqWOAAsPDVA/s1600-h/DSCN1453.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323971404071802018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeuJ6kk6ZOyTQvctpAIV6Y_D5eTKQr_K2wpb9fnqG6bFwugbN64Kt3relMLm8hFyW-shYt9iC_1Sv8Aa65wyNGACOur43oidbZFEDsN8nD0IlfrakzvvmmhoKqR9cYYK9UqWOAAsPDVA/s320/DSCN1453.JPG" border="0" /></a> And happy Easter from Daddy Cat. He hopes you managed to work in some sunbathing and a good roll.Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-91751451675989773382009-04-07T21:48:00.004-04:002009-04-07T22:17:55.709-04:00Comfort me!Winter is back. My schedule is full. My to-do list is a mile long. I need some comfort food! I have already blog-whined about the serious shortage of snacks and desserts in my life. So I decided to check the fridge and the internet for something that might comfort me. Found it!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322132588262722674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbDZhSVnt_XNoygarZ5F0o667IhWQymj4nfBIyo1yqc0yhimTFUsRVsU_QF_n8rau7AXd_tTHuvxt8l6eN2Tl4mhjFx_-EhdwgrZPgZ_XXUUN0BowyY_2jiOQqQBWseS_j3Uf8rHkGdw/s320/DSCN1426.JPG" border="0" /> It's custard! Made from fresh brown eggs from the farmers market, local honey, and goat's milk - all legal ingredients for me!<br /><br />Kay's Honey Custard<br /><br />4 eggs<br />1 1/2 C goat milk<br />1/2 C honey<br />scrapings from 1/2 a vanilla bean<br />pinch of salt<br />cinnamon for sprinkling<br /><br />Beat the eggs. Add milk and honey to the eggs in the top of a double boiler. (I sat my small pan in a larger pan of water.) Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Add the salt and vanilla scrapings. Taste. Yum! Pour into custard cups and sprinkle with cinnamon. Chill. Indulge!<br /><br />Make yourself some custard, and come back to see what's popping up in my yard.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322132210933247938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-4V55wGTcbpMsaTDMOZc9waeZaRek-JdO-UYkqXaxYYbR3-Je7D5czVr6Nv3tKsX5E3YxgMN5-IRwBFQ_xAMv9ByHcGl-drEGsT4-Hk2vOZ1yRHNONKgXX3rW36Q2mhI1jGf2wXiqNc/s320/DSCN1392.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322137849041519090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBxLtzQIqbOobPsrFkX6J0deXROvW4p3otXNW8R7jPwqlrPcN8mTLhy8oEFuN_jxB3HXocNYpINetEiturSG5dciHixi1zV5Q3OftP6Ui-05dInB2v2uJgvWcDaqJcH4mRjon9nptSew/s320/DSCN1388.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322132215637538962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXyX6k_CVq0UFC10G04aTMc1o_TRg8l87k78A2mdn70BzAP4BbVHY6xKRC-UG2zBxg8iWs6XNCyL0vOvecBO032MGzEkyhvkawPEcNEowKA5m-Dcz6zag3fegMxwcDXeG9EOLOSJuhgk/s320/DSCN1379.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322132214773052802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0PcDgbWzVU42zhkr9CcZrMXbRvcrJ-mtxSRMqNd7Vnis5KNXtIwKuvfgWbhsajfvGnO94jH3qdel_BaGjyX7z1s9ybOnlZt97HjzqqjBHOMrxM2donfvB22zxoPqwrJOcsZKtMjtqmw/s320/DSCN1389.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322132213552167090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgud9wQvBIMM5ZojPuESZ3EUatkFEYLJQEa_98o2GOM1eBLNe2Dm7dJfSwscfaETH4eZb8YzMKN7AHUgQlwWjXJCyKS9IXp1VF2v7ZfEuNEmVMN7bJehu5wfFWf8-bW8IGnQvRNjPSHaUU/s320/DSCN1416.JPG" border="0" />And . . .<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322132200719878306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHKGZ2qLDPKTvRXk2p61L16YOd9jQL8I6FoWn3b6Z0NhW-mxm6b5D1em8N_v6RDuoHmh3FRd3jVSRZXeV4hpx_1-0VaNY7suqzSATTjIhKPucmNgY_GChQvPz6AtW2V4nseB-QO7_0fg/s320/DSCN1393.JPG" border="0" /></p>Look! It's my first asparagus spear!<br /><br />I hope we all feel better now!Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-54049567465958611512009-03-29T15:28:00.004-04:002009-03-29T21:01:54.444-04:00AwakeningsEarth Hour comes before Earth Day. The whole world goes dark for an hour to bring attention to earthly issues - like power consumption, and the resulting global warming.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318694113487194066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMRU4jrX-MZ61sD0yOqHkX31tuEPpo6bgNeaYQc7uLTirbYxQxzTIDZ0gdSKbXlKQTauV49uQT1ck9gxggrF7JaY-Lq1hUwbZvolzZ_wNKkqrFoXXVr1djlWGmA09cKqxuME-BIp9G1M/s320/DSCN1370.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I decided to spend Earth Hour enjoying a candlelight dinner. It was yummy! I rather liked the darkness and the quiet. The auto flash on my camera kicked on, so my photo doesn't quite convey the warm ambience.<br /><br /><br /><p>It was nice to have one quiet hour. Since the temperatue hit 70 a couple of weeks ago, I've been behind on everything. Every Spring feels this way. The gardens, the upcoming chickens, the worm farms, my future crops in the basement greenhouse . . . they all need work. During the growing season, I never get done with my chores. Don't get me wrong - I love summertime! I love growing vegetables! But once the season starts, it takes off like Tony Stewart. Okay, maybe Jimmy Johnson. (Sorry, Tony! Win one for the hometown fans!) <br /><br />I've made some progress since my last post. I've gathered most of the materials I need for my chicken coop and yard. My radishes and lettuce are popping up in the very first garden. The tomato plants in the basement greenhouse are outgrowing their little pots. I own the peat moss I'll add to the potato patch. I've won a few small battles against the fruit flies that seem to like the kitchen scraps I'm feeding the worms and night crawlers. I'm learning!<br /><br />Rewards of the season abound! Here's one, er, two:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqYtgxXKM-uNhfiBp-gZ2CrDn6zsvcHRKn7EeKHg2rdD9AAYCEBuT0aoJp2fQeBxCkujpMhrNp_0jrIu96LD9mtrdZCrXM3mQ76gtobafcWB2kR99EvJiky732gI37EKXd_TX3ToQbLw/s1600-h/DSCN1364.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318694318519526658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqYtgxXKM-uNhfiBp-gZ2CrDn6zsvcHRKn7EeKHg2rdD9AAYCEBuT0aoJp2fQeBxCkujpMhrNp_0jrIu96LD9mtrdZCrXM3mQ76gtobafcWB2kR99EvJiky732gI37EKXd_TX3ToQbLw/s400/DSCN1364.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look closely. It's like a seek n find picture. There are two small frogs between the rocks! One is in the water. They're shy. This is as close as I could get.</p>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-64285045904922596512009-03-19T10:22:00.004-04:002009-03-19T11:37:25.764-04:00On the Last Day of WinterIt's cold again. A cold front passed through last night, bringing a temporary end to my twice-yearly seasonal wardrobe crisis. I can wear my heavy jeans and ski socks again, after several warm days of digging around for long forgotten lightweight clothing.<br /><br />Tomorrow I will celebrate the equinox with its promise of new beginnings.<br /><br />In the spirit of the season, I decided to test drive a new product. Living Harvest Hemp Oil is a naturally gluten free oil. I've had some reactions to olive oil that I suspect was cut with soy oil, so I've been using mostly canola oil. Hemp oil is a nutty flavored finishing oil that offers a wealth of healthy Omega 3 and Omega 6. After talking with Living Harvest, I trust that their oil contains no fillers. And the Omegas might help revive my winter skin!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905544246288898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsBudQjA1lLYvuBz1ROn6sFojdL2vHyGJ6_AVp-qajvOUUiGLQ1RWuZEZkyY7lhwI5KNa8MXZKHUoOQDp7sYTRal8xPz2A4I6rYcnWODWgGpRIzCQKllW667Zl5yXJG9QReVY8kXO3Wc/s320/DSCN1348.JPG" border="0" /><br />To appreciate its flavor, I decided to drizzle it on some sauteed halibut that my brother caught on a fishing trip to Alaska. And I invited my mom over for dinner. She'd had a heart procedure earlier in the week, and was feeling good enough for a field trip. (*Note: She had a baffling heart attack last Fall. Previous tests failed to illuminate the cause. The problem was found and fixed. We're jubilant!)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905551254530258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_T4rh7MbBRsE4W3TbvYHOU71QOfY1fguWptbSduoHE_xA6eORKEm1xoEaM2uD0cj_hqal_OY0ncQpOnt-ksUwWomwwbPBjKqRn3AxjgQuPxD8yRFaPk1w8He580-pU-YyVvKmgw0brkU/s320/DSCN1346.JPG" border="0" /><br />I seasoned my saute pan with some spring onions. Then sauteed the halibut with just a little salt and some of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Penzey's</span> shallot salt. Topped it with a drizzle of hemp oil and fresh green onions. The hemp oil added a delightful nutty flavor. It was a fine compliment to the fish. I think this oil would work well in a spinach pesto, which would also be great on halibut. And my spinach seedlings will soon offer me some big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">savoy</span> leaves to work with. I look forward to trying this oil with some of my spring crops.<br /><br />Springtime is fickle. Warm yesterday. Cold today. Sun and rain and strong winds. It's an entertaining season for weather radar (my favorite show!)<br /><br />I've been busy laying the framework for my gardens. I've spent a lot of quality time hauling unmentionables to the compost bin. The little sprouts in the basement greenhouse are starting to look like real vegetable plants. And I planted radish, lettuce and snow pea seeds in the garden over my spring break! It was great to get my hands into the dirt again. It's been a long winter!<br /><br />My flower gardens have started without any help from me. I love that! Here's a taste of Spring beauty at Kay's Leaning Tree Farm:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905210533474370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QgYLicawfSQvZSwsXH80fxvLQCR86qr6Pes2ZYVCkm57Q0hoy6KPrc6O01V4IhT4-wr-scFIsHyEa6AFemBJTJvidPd33ipQxWupnYl9sZ4TSuPFI8FLzVrJu__yzAd8JiYlZqYpWig/s320/DSCN1338.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905203609700754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfgoDNba9OM-nH2BaxJAE8ZVXRF37y3dnCo63zzhPANA-9zOEdQqtp5JoS8hPqwTdoiKS0fM_qRM7ZqoxQgeE25CfREmKmUFOpYmD1XXWmGEPozdNy518oqvN-2bktm6n8CrV11w_yt0/s320/DSCN1353.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905200233024082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JZuo1wDqBgx7DwsElpEqYPD7B9vetzYB5xzl066jf7t28HFpd0SEq7POuAWT3KOWASRCAf6vtycLzoq5AxBuNWssVKydTJIRVT-FmO23p9J99whJDz7HRNeoleE4v-zMLQw1_RpDrTk/s320/DSCN1357.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314905184728136178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa0yEqbmYDVq_7cZv6U0ZdKEdIQgU48B9bHdccxKLjJQYaNS_z_4R8-Qz3IjsWW4imLgt1eF8RpTdnbD3JUAYTytGV-xv1fiRQkPgqbFQBGpFmvW1flWA7EHLDMFWLi4Dn3YaP9A4ZDM/s320/DSCN1360.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /> Hope you enjoy your first tastes of Spring! It starts tomorrow!Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-48866024753113801842009-03-08T09:40:00.004-04:002009-03-16T09:12:44.307-04:00Spring-ing into action!I spent my Winter relaxing and planning for Spring. At long last, Spring feels imminent. And I realized I have a really long to-do list. Worm farms, chicken preparations and the basement greenhouse all needed attention. Good thing I'm on Spring Break!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310812251890609922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtTjmGC0VILJ9Z_yo6fcGS3CahmCz2camOKqWidFmHeirvhaEQZbyjdQoN66cryXmU2Mc5Uzu1rIBpX8_nZeaxVoH0nTnxNIAvvfDEpZQhIQ7sN4JJI3z69bnS3gwCxzPSN4NMCGChNs/s320/DSCN1336.JPG" border="0" /><br />My first day off dawned windy and warm. I'd kicked half the blankets off my bed while I slept. I did not walk directly to the thermostat upon awakening. I dressed in a t-shirt and jeans to head to the Winter Farmers Market. My stuck-to-the-window thermometer was already above 70 degrees. We hit 76 later in the afternoon!<br /><br />I bought some raw milk cheese, and a big jar of honey. I signed up for a class where I'll make my own rain barrel. The market is a fun gathering spot. I got to visit with lots of friends. And my friend, Larry, loaded up the cast-off fence panels I plan to use for my chicken yard. These are industrial strength fences. I can get me some really big chickens!<br /><br />Back home, I had some help carrying the fence panels down to the barn. Then I got out the wheelbarrow and moved firewood from the driveway to the bonfire area. The neighbor cut down an big maple that was damaged by the tornado six years ago. He couldn't let go of it in the face of all the other destruction at the time. But it had been dropping branches on both our driveways. I kept the immediately burnable logs.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310812269566735586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5ZdBoiM8c3Fe4_kU6GflVa_YRRyZaxSWX6Sca0W3s8F3n6IxZ5IkN6q-fNOLXxRhXbLZI0V6r4FnInxJLopneQEZjDmCqcU3qdlzmCYAS1yxpKwl2PHg_mcAqTh-vE4HqQTGP1bnWG8/s320/DSCN1294.JPG" border="0" /><br />I took this photo when I had moved about half the logs. It's a really big pile now!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310812252307379266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_E4kO4EJHqAeXryIDa37orEQ8FfRt_3tzRtVoUoiBzM9YtZOaSNKtrLCUNDh-89qZ6nPm-qNmR5fZTz3gYBEJ8IPxzcT7Di4pg26JhCKdTSn8tBnOHQOXlL7R-aRWi38h7l9zeyXH8M/s320/DSCN1319.JPG" border="0" /><br />My first crocus blooms greeted me on the path!<br /><br />I added two more shop lights to my basement greenhouse, and a new shelf. I planted about 200 tomato seeds in plug trays. This year's crops will feature many heirloom varieties, my favorite Sungold orange cherry tomatoes, Juliet small Romas, a flat Amish red, beefsteak types in red and yellow, and a couple of new cluster types.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310812266912220034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs4tTdiSPYTN4vEi8nDCJxACElRyv_wafGznwXE7lWGMOyqiC9gPaXKGzW2eNaBdEFvS4N6Ln09TU-dOmHkgwj9FFFQVz-QSw19BEZhjzJklG_k2Rb9t100f6Q6OSD0w2ujatWWy5Sqg/s320/DSCN1297.JPG" border="0" /><br />My early lettuces are ready to share greenhouse space.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310812259747737154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdoyOLGCbAjf5Q08PhpzQF7wS2HcBC5fR_WhjT0xdaR-RS4gJqdOEBCTS_heKuTkVsQsXTCDq_0yekBaChyNQqeV0LwZ5pwzzqIhVN2OxaJoONt7wjabD3GqXIlPKLCEmX0llw-15Xpg/s320/DSCN1301.JPG" border="0" /><br />I planted broccoli raab for gifts to my garden friends. They are just sprouting their first true leaves. I haven't been able to eat broccoli myself for over a year. I might keep one plant for myself, just to see if I've healed enough to tolerate it. I really miss broccoli and cabbage!<br /><br />I decided to expand my worm farm to include night crawlers. I ordered 500 of the European variety. They eat a lot and get really big. Yeah, I'm thinking about fishing as much as I'm thinking about compost. So I made two more worm farms and added them to the "worm condos."<br /><br />Daddy Cat had a bit of Spring Fever. He enjoyed a good roll in the backyard spot that will later hold my pool. I know he's happy when he exposes his white belly.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310813167791273778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcOaX1SCwK4pgFNltnEkyG9PRhMCsP9AzvMDDMa2tTPt9Cnvq2oHFkK4RBbfS-bOWxTUWQNJYhJMnIy2iC3PHNoEI1BkFBSlkaDU1wn6y2s0OFYvv3qJW1j-WQDiJR6RZqOTx83kT9ZE/s200/DSCN1331.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310813159345098162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7V1Kgn4uyAcQuYeGxfJ7QnDHhG2vt4Ds7Q4gKM2XmcCzdTdP-uwFIatj7yW2l2Wf49ahK03OYMf-RVHAbT83E-O6Yd7mGKcInnJhKZE3291d09p6dZ9DshIzfkpuZl1g96pQJgbTsW4/s200/DSCN1332.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310813153913909490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0piNwpGSldDV2-qgOApdtcvs2H-EaRtkE4cew8C3o2xdSUaaeA882W2JfgTgO-kHP4Vnk302twA9qq86l5zL6zkHqIN6UG1BC8l_eWf6ipU7DkxCnN8eRySB76i3BZel330rXuEk-vPo/s200/DSCN1333.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310813144897204994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu49BXsw2dUnS1B4NSXofgXtqwCeAccwjfSHxpPrFeroOqE_RC8ZfT9-2yrRJB7m4on-SVXcbFSsXV9g5IBxnYm5DST29sH8KCksjMpzpDIYxRLmpNHqabr0gqpIe3j5XrVAva9cjc-k/s200/DSCN1334.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310813132766695570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz2EtKCq6Y9vRfILpFSEIJGiXA8Zggdv0Vj3L5bT4q9nzer9qs4qyMxGo4sSpA4cdW62UbM-kftP9NI5LqM04qjz1HhzvzYGZAQ1BUe8p4P-3-cMJ4zN6iviL-94foPJu6HWWVKel3o0/s200/DSCN1335.JPG" border="0" />It looks like Snoopy's Happy Dance for cats! <div></div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-38752370756378109722009-02-22T14:14:00.003-05:002009-02-22T14:52:38.326-05:00That recipe I promisedThe Nascar racing season is underway! Snack foods required!<br /><br />I always celebrate the the first race of the season (that's Daytona, for you non-race fans) at Rich's Racin' Party. It's a delightful annual event where Rich (and everyone else) show off their culinary skills. This years buffet featured FIVE deep fried turkeys, fancy mac & cheese, hot chicken queso dip, cheesy potatoes, homemade bread, hot mamas, brownies and cherry cheese blintzes.<br /><br />And my gluten free Scotch eggs. They took MUCH less time to assemble before I had to make my own sausage and my own bread for breadcrumbs. But the extra effort was worth it! I'm glad to have this gf recipe in my repertoire. They can be a great pitch-in dish for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks.<br /><br />Scotch eggs<br /><br />1 doz. large eggs, hard boiled and peeled<br />2 lbs. ground sausage<br />2 raw eggs, scrambled<br />1 t dry mustard<br />salt and pepper to taste<br />1 C (about) DRY gf bread crumbs<br />Canola oil for deep frying<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305702810369332754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9Jv-EMSnJy7ji3qxrSLGhUpJK8EnK9VnkKPkq5m7YVvQkkDc2BolN8lXUTYGSbgQTRpQjB3JHnSXw1-bEf7j0bMN9dbp9kJyooA9x9GLrei2SIsKYZ0e22PLjBfe-o28H4cN-CP6sKY/s320/DSCN1259.JPG" border="0" /><br />Put a piece of waxed paper on your counter. Grab a handful of sausage a little bigger than your egg and flatten it with another piece of waxed paper.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305702814960182146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_9nc70jmgYZO4Qyy00hCXFa4DxAz_Ye80pve5WAfPRwFk5ZGlErcdmDYE2M7mqzSSyzK0L9DEiTchrMn68T-vaI9XmnvHsB8F6y8Vu_8d8rnMT0h4Bx1Clin6-huoVLK6dAyRCFzCAI/s320/DSCN1261.JPG" border="0" /><br />Wrap it around your egg, so the sausage layer is even.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305702819674377330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRW5_grZ-DaDt79nXKCt8e3vaoKJs0DT6DVhXa0j5ObFR6PYv4_e4FVgAlBU1vcgFAAXn9x50KtEiQo5jHEspMc1Tt5O4EJ8dJ5MytEjUhUeNp_iaBc3_cnbT_ycPL3LyzcrrLz6_KXU/s320/DSCN1262.JPG" border="0" /><br />Scramble your 2 eggs and add dry mustard, salt and pepper. Dip your sausage covered eggs in the raw egg and roll in a small bowl of bread crumbs.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305702829049906450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFeQ40URpiQWiIiPCyMczyI5wUjH2GTvwZTGDpw-Bbx0veiBQbAJvgchmvYXey-ErhWLQg_gIOQXlH6h7j44H4Vb7Bey02Oz9gefa2W0jmWFgmHOUQwB6FSBVtp2x1DxUFZEPd5dMfCM/s320/DSCN1264.JPG" border="0" /><br />Heat your oil in a pan or deep fryer to 350 degrees. Place a couple of the eggs in the oil. (Note: if you used moist bread crumbs, the oil will boil over.) I cooked my eggs for about 8 minutes, turning to make sure the browning was even. Then I put them on a cookie sheet lined with paper towels, and put them in the over (at 350) for about 10 minutes. You can cut one open to see of the sausage is done. You don't want raw sausage next to the egg.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305702832609834098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFoPqRhneQZ9WyRoHBRBtdCCY9I4JF38KWEYR2Iq6XQ4hlBqAMc8ueLrbexlofrVRwNs8rSgTq5650NjMRd-FUIzRRJwgkEisBI3SqZHYwEz5gEDXoFiEm6-bP2m6oUqtjJcfo_NGKFE/s320/DSCN1265.JPG" border="0" /><br />Cut the eggs in quarters for serving. Scotch eggs can be served hot, cold or at room temperature.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305703150324884658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUHmoAHGuqUSC9RnZOFrSXwMI8onLbh9Ef49vFpLxtOYnk1_2gJh7lN-_zOAq__wR7FXV5tMkQhrWVtB6O3SQ-RIGqcSN03dDHj1NZlA2660Mp3uw4m6ptSltWeLZGDxdP8oGpyJjHUs/s320/DSCN1276.JPG" border="0" /><br />I made a dipping sauce for mine with mayonnaise, grainy mustard, cayenne and paprika. It was well received.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASIr9ViCSkmvR9s_E_Uxj1UrrI7JmkuoaiXKCWVf0_EiE00qWdpNYevgZoXfaCeGPzSp35TWF6tfq5PxUf4dHtumw30pEKMIxeMx0xasjYN1fgHbSPabKIJPxxaMCMu6fhRvq4vH_AX0/s1600-h/DSCN1279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305703150316205362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASIr9ViCSkmvR9s_E_Uxj1UrrI7JmkuoaiXKCWVf0_EiE00qWdpNYevgZoXfaCeGPzSp35TWF6tfq5PxUf4dHtumw30pEKMIxeMx0xasjYN1fgHbSPabKIJPxxaMCMu6fhRvq4vH_AX0/s320/DSCN1279.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And here's the THIRD bloom from my amaryllis! Hey, it's all I've got in February. Maybe in another week or so I'll have some basement greenhouse vegetable sprouts to show you.<br /></p>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-62951438121694196122009-02-14T14:01:00.007-05:002009-02-14T17:44:05.613-05:00Kay's Leaning Tree WORM Farm!The Red Wigglers arrived in Wednesday's mail! Who knew two thousand worms would fit in my mailbox?! I was looking for a big box on my porch.<br /><br />I had gathered all my materials, but thought I had a couple more days for construction. So I was drilling holes and putting things together until after midnight on Wednesday. I wore out two power packs on my cordless drill.<br /><br />Since this is my first worm farming experiment, I wanted to test several types of containers. I have two large farms, and three different smaller ones. I think I have about 800-900 worms in each of the big tubs, and 50-100 in the small ones. I didn't count them, of course. It was a calculated guessing game.<br /><br />I decided to use stack systems to make harvesting my worm castings easier. When the worms have digested all the food and bedding in the bottom layer, I can add another tub or bucket (with holes drilled in the bottom) above it. The worms will migrate up to the new layer for fresh food. Their original tub will contain the rich compost I can add to my gardens, and I won't have to sort out all the worms. I really hope it works!<br /><br />Here's the largest of the small worm farms. I used recycled 2 gallon buckets. These buckets are delivered to my Butler kitchen a couple of times a month, so I have a stack of them. When nested, there's about 2" of space between the bottoms of the buckets. So that gives me a little air space.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302781160465747714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbABRh9bLgcspBfl1qCvJIzPCh08ZDFOuMuE1n5dwcYFr01dUdbO9EDij_2oSSXAZEj0NYdFAmxFOV9FKAFaMNV8ZqQZ0rbt915t6R7VlvkfNiWtynbpHIvR0MQ-yGP6KWisgrsRCcds/s320/DSCN1232.JPG" border="0" /><br />I drilled a line of air holes in the side of the bucket, just below the line where the next bucket will nest.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302781161337703666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPJHk8Ejb3YRfVyGyq5160mdXeX25ms6_6OOO1syoyGpm6Ur7pKKAPw5mek5uu3Qi607OsPc-DERNjSvbAL50PQdTDp_Q7kz5PinJB35mnUNTK4oI0RRQjnpcqlTmp2JN8LSFUBQ7woM/s320/DSCN1230.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302781153613380466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRnBUQRBNPLX19Pu6hQ3bTeBbeqBPCQJgWzYSaA7KCQ-hJ2Xk8LeLUUBWTZo5l-eYHe2eWEl98zOtyih22Di87touoAPIG-YJbzHVVm2CF-BKmzbLvv-iESltpK5IbcEMNIqO2z8gUo0/s320/DSCN1228.JPG" border="0" /> Then I drilled drip/air holes in the bottom of the second bucket, and air holes in the lid. I used a paint scraper to clean off the drilled holes, so they wouldn't have sharp edges. A file might have worked better, but I don't have one.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302781161955408802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilouHL2lSw0R84b2630J8xoedvdc7uD0NSLBJZvJTk53RP6nJjAuKoIpKCCh3JFqWluxtD9qVbjsGDLal_eLacn_lemYLQqp5r3nh7OCZfA9FHEAhhCpPv106lwZ-XnbUIe83N-uHliqs/s320/DSCN1235.JPG" border="0" /> The worm homestead was done. Time for food and furnishings. I used shredded newspaper and cardboard and a few crunched leaves for the bottom bedding. I sprayed it down with a mister until everything was about as damp as a wrung out sponge. Then I added a sprinkling of garden soil. Worms need a little grit so their gizzards can work on the food grinding process.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302781171875712034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcEOZCVh0q6_K_yCja2bD1RVJpHaOGbY7kl2VmdZpGXOgKtFscPJ4DIoFiK6LcadRpE75o_ni1biTcelequkF-pa3S-nHyp3M1pqSQN1Bd-E3lP0ZLGcHQOK91iVO9oUnmH8zKxjGptI/s320/DSCN1237.JPG" border="0" /> The used food layer included egg shells, coffee grounds, apple peel, potato peel, strawberry tops and mushroom stems. I froze the peels and tops to help break them down. I let them get back to room temperature before adding them to the worm condo.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302781889672693618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BICoq0cBh5dL7tc3P93L4pcF8zxogBOqVX-fcxevLnBpXA_jbm-2sk1JEhqnyUHGQi72Uix826mms5s1sW96f8afRo7eg9AobVbAI8rfp33S3TZjU4LZA2B105Zdptkvi76wcxCra8w/s320/DSCN1239.JPG" border="0" /> Welcome to your new home, Red Wigglers! I added the worms on top of the food. Then another layer of newspaper and cardboard bedding, misted and damp.<br /><br />Not only to I get to generate my own organic compost, but I'm cutting down on the trash I send to the landfill.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302782180679376610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWGn9vqgXPkUzkXHQcQMS73H7ngEdL1PCFEFONP64XowB-WJaCSP0urg1cVPIw0YQpqUImnXBInH24ry5dbxG-RsBWRiKaiTv67a-h1lytFM7SraEQmvJ0h9vQWNBnRTgEvTLPRPo1gA/s320/DSCN1257.JPG" border="0" /> Now I have a whole worm neighborhood! I'll move Wormland to the basement eventually. It's in my breakfast room right now. I'm still admiring my work. In about three months, I hope to have some worm castings to make my tomato plants big and strong. In the meantime, any liquid that drips out can be used to fertilize my houseplants.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302781895622536978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwohASO59UT0jwA4A0VvwiZDARIERsh10hCPf9zOzow9LXT6x-o7EuKFfsD9RRRO-clwZzpHRmrYzboRciomje-b3w4bDhU0bcw8GqP4ElsOv2KSzWkAOCs1wrfQHOLVDGeFsrrdHlQMw/s320/DSCN1246.JPG" border="0" /> Speaking of houseplants, this amarylis just bloomed <em>for a second time!</em> I got it for a Christmas present in 2007. It bloomed last year and spent the summer outside. I've never had one last this long and bloom again.<br /><br />I promise my next post will contain a recipe. I've been eating cave man food for a while. Too dull for most of you. But NASCAR season starts with the Daytona race on Sunday. Rich will be deep frying turkeys and I'm making gluten free Scotch eggs to take along to the party. With racin' underway, Spring can't be far off!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302781898588001826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdPFQs2WUYCkFMJ5J7Tc_2U8uONm5l4hyhrLCQZPI56NTlDkuDb6pAMYYlMgr9QleaEafjr_mRUWvhtXtIFpA0sQL7K0SJ4L8sGKi3mphrKgLLFdhMGrMyhwOM-PnVXfYXCrKclBbwcE/s320/DSCN1251.JPG" border="0" /><br />My green onions have sprouted. I'm ready for Spring!Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-25861496797655772642009-02-07T19:12:00.005-05:002009-02-07T20:23:35.118-05:00Thyme is on my side<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7LRGA5RdWQHmgsGqC9Y9rGghozs-JuCS6dI-bIg261DltizIpJ0hScm362oYl59ApbltfzNb7Y6kdAyIHCdSdyCeD7fL1vVcql9GZb8Vr9Qyxb9XKiy_vq8HXzsX-uhLRB86aIRpX3g/s1600-h/DSCN1226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300230144379409106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7LRGA5RdWQHmgsGqC9Y9rGghozs-JuCS6dI-bIg261DltizIpJ0hScm362oYl59ApbltfzNb7Y6kdAyIHCdSdyCeD7fL1vVcql9GZb8Vr9Qyxb9XKiy_vq8HXzsX-uhLRB86aIRpX3g/s400/DSCN1226.JPG" border="0" /></a> Guess I wasn't the only one waiting for the thaw. These thyme sprigs popped out of the melting snow to greet me. <br /><br /><div>Darn groundhog! Okay, so we've got six more weeks of winter. I've had <em>a lot</em> of winter in the past 10 days! After the snow day of my last post, I shoveled many sidewalks many times, tended my frozen pond, had some very expensive work done on my minivan, shivered through several sub-zero nights, got six more inches of snow (no snow day, rats!) and took Daddy Cat to the vet for some mouth surgery. He's fine and has already forgiven me.<br /><br />And . . . I called Uncle Jim's Worm Farm. My 2000 Red Wigglers are on their way! I've made a big worm farm out of three Rubbermaid tubs. This one will stay in my basement. For my own amusement, I think I'll also have a smaller worm farm in the kitchen. I'll build it out of cast-off buckets. Fresh fruit salad is delivered to the sorority house in these buckets. I couldn't bear to throw them out. Now I'm glad I kept them.<br /><br />The BIG THAW started today. It was probably in the 50's. I had the back door open most of the afternoon. We'll hit 60 degrees next week. Naturally, my thoughts turned to spring.<br /><br />In Indiana (zone 5) we can plant lettuce in March, providing the ground isn't frozen. Lettuce can endure cold nights that are above freezing. So I dug out my planting plug trays and planted lettuce seeds, spinach seeds and leek seeds. I planted some bunching green onion seeds about a week ago. They've sprouted already. I'll move my little plants outside on warm days as soon as weather permits, bringing them in at night when temps drop below freezing. For sprouting, I use old disposable catering trays with clear lids for my indoor greenhouses. When the plants get bigger, they don't need the lids anymore. I put the trays under shop lights in my basement.<br /><br />I planted several different lettuces. I found a bibb mix that had red and green varieties. I also planted seeds from a mesclun mix and some Romaine. My favorite red oak leaf is Brunia, so I planted some of that, too. I'm looking forward to salad days!<br /><br />I'll be placing my order for summer crop seeds soon. I'm still studying my seed catalogs and looking for weird offerings. I'll plant my summer crop seeds in the basement greenhouse over Spring Break in early March.<br /><br />Then I'll start thinking about potatoes and peas, which can be planted outdoors on Good Friday, weather permitting. That's April 10 this year.<br /><br />(Melissa - has this banished your winter doldrums? Think Spring!)</div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-35245416475483882162009-01-28T19:54:00.004-05:002009-01-28T20:45:22.650-05:00Snow Day!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296513338133798018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVt15qQBUQRn8sFLCOrMBg_YZz9FEqgFeynv19SRFZA1SPpHJnsdL6XzsitOC84a82xN72BUF5OAvYKFtXSsoWJW_nh7qkUH5J9UMRCTySQ8VnbPg3Jl69FGc3FZqzYcmlbMhl15s-aw/s400/DSCN1218.JPG" border="0" />This was Daddy Cat's view off the back stoop this morning. He insisted I open the back door, but was puzzled about what to do next. Over a foot of snow greeted him, and he's maybe a foot tall. So he came back in and we watched the morning news and the closings list. Butler University (where I work) was listed as having a 2 hour delay. I decided to sit tight (in my pj's) and let them come to their senses. They did! Classes were cancelled! So Daddy Cat and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and I played around on Facebook while watching the local news snow coverage. It was a good day to stay off the roads!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzQqNYfwlsuW67neHI3I43DL_1gOiVSrUOww-zjbNGQ7YznENi4FftdkMJpnrlw_sFmi82vDe-vpwe8mCu7gtbOhFa9r35bCllSYb5FNU-aiwt4xfW2lDt7RUTH2wHkGRZGrfZMaSX-o/s1600-h/DSCN1220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296513341613770146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzQqNYfwlsuW67neHI3I43DL_1gOiVSrUOww-zjbNGQ7YznENi4FftdkMJpnrlw_sFmi82vDe-vpwe8mCu7gtbOhFa9r35bCllSYb5FNU-aiwt4xfW2lDt7RUTH2wHkGRZGrfZMaSX-o/s400/DSCN1220.JPG" border="0" /></a> I eventually put my jeans on over my pj's and ventured out to see if I'd remembered to fill the gas can for the snow blower. Yes! It started on about the 20th pull. (It's been idle for two years.) I cleared the driveway and carved a path to the back door. Daddy Cat had to inspect my work. He looked longingly at the spot where his catnip grows. The nip was buried and I'd neglected to shovel it out.<br /><br />While watching tv (all day!) I was struck by the fast food ads. Mostly, my brain just skips over all the foods I can't eat. But today it really hit me how drastically my eating habits have changed . . . and why obesity is an epidemic in the U.S.<br /><br />Arby's is running a new special - Texas Toast meals. They feature a grilled sandwich made with two slices of Texas toast (which is four servings of starch right there,) large fries (probably two more starches and several servings of fat,) and a jumbo soft drink (gobs of empty calories.) I don't eat ANY of these things anymore. I guess lots of folks still do. Before going gf, I was a mostly healthy eater, with a few indulgences. What I miss most is the camaraderie of food. I wish I could enjoy dinner out with my friends. But I don't really miss the junk. My mind and my taste buds have changed.<br /><br />I fixed pork loin with baked apples and green beans with potatoes. It was a great snow day lunch. Daddy Cat really liked his bite of pork.<br /><br />BTW, I'm still thinking about Spring. I spent last weekend researching how to construct an indoor worm farm. (Gross note: kitchen scraps turn into compost faster when they are digested.) I'm ready to start farming, but it's too cold to ship Red Wigglers (the Cadillac of worms!) from PA to IN. I'm ready! As soon as it warms up!<br /><div><div></div></div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-52630659931016096242009-01-16T10:14:00.005-05:002009-01-16T10:52:18.624-05:00Deader yet!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOxmSeWMXpPCViy9g5hn1NLYkK_PO_yCC3FbNQJMndB6Y9viqj4Yy8YU9WK_UEO8VaXCA_qhxD_GhL_Civv_XJbqV-FyDyJUdGYw57IVk3rfTFi_u_wdUydEAMxWJUBr8QjjSMYbkgdo/s1600-h/DSCN1198.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291911990841769266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOxmSeWMXpPCViy9g5hn1NLYkK_PO_yCC3FbNQJMndB6Y9viqj4Yy8YU9WK_UEO8VaXCA_qhxD_GhL_Civv_XJbqV-FyDyJUdGYw57IVk3rfTFi_u_wdUydEAMxWJUBr8QjjSMYbkgdo/s400/DSCN1198.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The arctic blast hit Indy night before last. It's cccccold! The waterfall between my upper pond and my lower pond has become an ice sculpture. Sorry gang, I'm <em>not </em>going out to take a photo. But here's one of ice on the inside of my picture window. <div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291911663256182322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEzlE3zZmBM65383l_RNUbUH2SxpLR9OLhJ5F5EEwsgTXG5ozJpoUdzT7XgxgZkbQetBwM6qG3PYI-3VlRq2t3DK-nmlbPICgyhj3n-EIN4dTDl24nmJ4cNMQm-z3gN3QQUCEymQ3VkA/s320/DSCN1194.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p>And here's my footwear of choice. Those are wool felt Birkenstocks and the socks feel like little ski sweaters. Not much snow, so I haven't resorted to boots yet. I've been cooking to to keep warm. I've studied my seed catalogs. I've read the small space gardening book I found in the basement. Figured out I can add coffee grounds to my compost. I don't drink coffee, but I've been collecting used grounds at work.<br /><br />My automatic thermostat keeps the house at 60 degrees overnight, so I've piled on the blankets.<br /><br />I made some raisins in the dehydrator because a site I googled described the process as "stupid easy." And it was! Wash grapes. Put them in the dehydrator. Turn it off when they look like raisins. The raisin googling started after a trip to my practitioner last Friday. Among the suspicious items he tested me for, store-bought raisins did not pass the test. But grapes did. Hmmm. So I thought I'd make my own.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291911670767800466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6b5kMDdHGq2DTkznapTs9GHDTQ2wt7YV3ysKKkUP0ZCrqHnsinTMJOcOZCYLMABG9t2Lx5D78WUNmhHXpmrgb8oCYbr3m2hXV6IhJ8hD9iZKEcjl07OFiz89W7iE0Gxo3OClSG1sydM/s320/DSCN1203.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>I needed a recipe to use my tasty treats. So I started with a granola bar recipe I found on Gluten Free Gallery. </p><p><strong>Granola Bars<br /></strong><br />1 C gluten free oats<br />1/4 C peanuts (I used salted)<br />1/4 C brown sugar<br /><br />Stir together and add:<br /><br />2 T melted butter<br />1/4 C goat milk (or whatever milk you like)<br />vanilla bean scrapings (or 1/2 t vanilla)<br />1 medium egg<br />1/2 C raisins<br /><br />Spread in a greased 8 x 8 pan and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before cutting.<br /><br />These bars are kind of spongy, but good. I think I'll try adding coconut, a dab of molasses, and a little more sugar next time. I could definitely live on these for 39 days if I was on The Amazing Race and competing for a million dollar prize!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291911666808359586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGWA2mD2NqVHdZYrZIwU4961Hu0MxYhAlc4CC802GTWF_KmNZOJDJaNx1vzRRk7whqzIASsSi9lsBVbZnsxSuWR8bP0C1l6lioXldqUIqQ14uFKLZumOFnMXCc7zwQlxmZZLqZt1Vogw/s320/DSCN1196.JPG" border="0" /><br />Daddy Cat says, "I'm bored with oatmeal. Why don't you get that pot roast going?"Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-61519538303930826882009-01-10T08:45:00.006-05:002009-01-10T09:43:13.652-05:00Dead of WinterThe Colts lost to the Chargers. Again. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vu</span>! When the Colts are out of the playoffs, the dead of Winter begins in Indianapolis. That's when I start building my plans for Spring. I've already received a lot of seed catalogs in the mail. They're like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wish books</span> for me!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289662307839164674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWAgZzINuZK31qG5SM8Elr7Pd-czPeoOMRfouI9Nn70cPIqxGER8XamGvsiD2fuXW-Y5Y6dOBYiZUnUTwmvwp3Ay3wLLSGzGCD49LYh5nH4ub05HVJ0THkf4HREZjLZabj4cizqN7GtM/s320/DSCN1173.JPG" border="0" /> I was pleasantly surprised to find racks of fresh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Burpee</span> seeds next to the Christmas clearance items at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">KMart</span>. So I bought packs of green onion, spinach, Swiss chard, snow peas and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bibb</span> lettuce. Those are the early crops. They can stand cold nights, even a light frost. So I like to have my bedding plants ready to go outside the minute the weather cooperates. I'll probably start these seeds in my makeshift basement greenhouse in February. According to the old time gardeners, potatoes should be planted on Good Friday, April 10 this year. I might try one of the gold varieties this year, so I'll be checking my seed catalogs.<br /><br />I finally found the garden book I wanted to loan to a friend last spring. Now I want to read it again myself. It's called <em>Small Space, Big Harvest</em> by Duane <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Newcomb</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Newcomb</span> says you can grow over 200 pounds of produce in a 5' x 5' plot - naturally. I've utilized his space-saving techniques for years. Maybe this year I'll try a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">bona</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">fide</span> test garden and weigh all the produce.<br /><br />(Note: Melissa - this would be a great book for you! Cheap used copies are available on Amazon! He has a chapter on trash can composting.)<br /><br />I've been moving pretty slowly this past week. I cleaned the basement and stirred up dust. My particular dust allergy results in one very puffy, painful eyeball and a need for lots of extra sleep. I have bad reactions to prescription and OTC antihistamines, so I've just been sleeping and whining a lot. My practitioner recommended a homeopathic liquid and it seems to be working. I am pleasantly surprised!<br /><br />I'll need some energy today! I'm going to drop my oldest computer off for recycling. Then I'm hitting the Winter Farmers Market. Tonight I'm volunteering at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Naptown</span> Roller Girls first roller derby bout of the season. I'll be manning the merchandise table and selling those calendars with the GREAT photos. I'll get to sit in the stands with the loud crowd for the second half.<br /><br />Back to garden stuff, I set a new record! About ten years ago, I managed to keep my garden tomatoes fresh long enough to eat my last red one on January 1. Well, it's January 10, and I'm still eating my own garden tomatoes! We had a luxuriously warm fall and a late first frost. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Romas</span> have been the best keepers. The red onion is also from my garden.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289662313570517586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6KUNlWlIkEPmi1tE-qMoXGRDlPcBYt-XI_wcLFJDiJeETVe9sGSi3e6URWljleoUrHAvClWqYvz6v9hTJxFxvJWlvXzTz_DXTXfy10UFfodgkhL-iQe6WA8cjIS6paxEyW_j0x1VqHo/s320/DSCN1177.JPG" border="0" />I remember someone asking for a salad dressing recipe. Here's my default vinaigrette.<br /><br />Kay's Vinaigrette<br /><br />I use a clean salad dressing bottle. Fill it half full with apple <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">cider</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">vinegar</span>. Add about 2 T honey, the juice of half a lime, and 1 1/2 t salt. Put the lid on and shake until the salt dissolves. Then fill the bottle with canola oil and shake some more. Grind some fresh black pepper over your salad after it's tossed.<br /><br />I made a huge vat of chicken stock on Thursday. I let it simmer for hours while I was napping on the couch (and whining.) I froze some and made a small pan of chicken vegetable soup to comfort me and my puffy eyeball. I was, indeed, comforted.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289662310486212322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEThQHTS8-wVm-FqPEMEA6kB52HLODDhDgOPK_Q1USgt8jNMeLCrdosCS2qczTZvfREopyWohmDT24taj20osVo-d5zEycq6mN3dUPNPFGTy6JYzRxUhkM63w02YKQ78qlkUKvJxsehU/s320/DSCN1164.JPG" border="0" /><br />Daddy Cat says, "Love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">dat</span> chicken soup!"Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-6803849510534970002009-01-03T18:24:00.003-05:002009-01-03T20:47:40.065-05:00Deja vuOkay, I wasn't going to post about the 1 year anniversary of my divorce with gluten. But the Colts vs Chargers playoff game (it's on tonight) brought back the memory of my epiphany day.<br /><br />Synopsis: Sick for five years. Covered with rash doctors told me was psoriasis. I had to soak my ravaged skin in the bathtub every night for an hour just to be comfortable the next day. Hair falling out in clumps. Constant back and foot pain. Hard, painful knots on my knuckles. Swollen eyes, blurry vision. Bad at sleeping. Bad at staying awake. Ever-increasing girth. Forgot everyone's names. Googled "symptoms:" and the ever-growing list daily. I'd seen more doctors than I could count. They ran tests and told me I didn't have anything wrong with me. I was just getting old. I should lose some weight, use this $100/tube psoriasis medication and get steroid shots for my bald spots.<br /><br />Prayed for a sign from God.<br /><br />One year ago: It was the Saturday after New Years. The Colts were scheduled to play the San Diego Chargers in the wildcard playoff game. Wow! It's like deja vu all over again!<br /><br />I decided to give my aching body a treat and scheduled a massage with Chandra. She came highly recommended. Upon meeting her, I found out she was studying acupuncture. She saw my rash and the knots on my knuckles and told me I might have gluten issues. I thought that would give me something new to research on Google.<br /><br />Later that same day, I met DeAnne and Nicci at The Dugout to watch the Colts game. Ate pizza and drank beer. Their friend, Brian, was sitting with them. He noticed the rash on my hands (they looked like raw hamburger,) and said he'd seen a similar rash on a friend's hands. Turns out his friend had celiac disease. Gave up wheat and the rash went away. Hmmm. Okay, two unrelated acquaintances mention the same suspected ailment on the same day. How much of a sign do I need?<br /><br />(BTW, the Colts lost and our season was over. I was wearing size 18 or 20 jeans that day, with a baggy sweatshirt.)<br /><br />Even though I was fairly certain that wheat could not be poisoning me (after all, I'd been eating it daily my whole life,) I checked with my doctor about getting tested. Expensive test for the uninsured. So I decided to give up wheat for a couple of weeks, just to prove that wasn't the problem.<br /><br />I did it wrong. I didn't know about cross contamination. I made lots of rookie mistakes.<br /><br />And I got better anyway. Every day.<br /><br />I found Gluten Free Girl and Ginger Lemon Girl and The Gluten Free Goddess. I read their new posts and their old posts. I asked questions in their comments sections. Bless their hearts, they guided me through the early, frustrating days. I still made lots of mistakes. I still got better.<br /><br />So here I am, one year later. I'm a seasoned veteran at avoiding gluten. My hair has grown back. I have almost no rash for the first time in 30 years. No back pain. No foot pain. No pain anywhere. My brain works again. My vision is back to normal. I sleep like a baby. And I'm wearing size 12 jeans.<br /><br />What a long, strange trip it's been! I'm almost comfortable with my lifestyle changes, though I still miss feeding my friends after-work treats and massive party foods. And I'm still looking for a career outside the food industry. My health and attitude continue to improve. I am <em>sooooooo </em>much healthier than I was year ago. And happier! It's great that optimism has replaced frustration.<br /><br />Thankfully, The Dugout makes good pizza. It was the last wheat I knowingly consumed. And the last time I ate in a restaurant.<br /><br />The Colt vs Chargers wildcard playoff game has just started. I hope the Colts are having a better year, too.<br /><br />I'll have a New Grist beer with my gluten-free pizza while I watch the game. Go Colts!Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-72621987140146049292008-12-31T11:57:00.002-05:002008-12-31T12:23:11.560-05:00Happy New Year!I'd post my "First Year, Gluten Free" roundup, but lots of you have been down that road already. I'll just say thanks to God, the universe, my patient family and friends, and my gluten free blog buddies for helping me through this year. I love being healthy again. Some mysteries remain, but they are manageable. I feel good every day.<br /><br />The week between Christmas and New Year has passed in a flash. I still have a few more vacation days, and I plan to enjoy them at a leisurely pace.<br /><br />In chicken news, I ran into my buddy, Big Lar. He's a developer and owns the land where the winter farmers market sits. He's offered some valuable re-used materials for my chicken coop project. Thanks, Larry!<br /><br />I joined Facebook so I could be an official friend of the Chatterbox Jazz Club. In only two days <em>lots</em> of friends, old and new, have checked in on my wall. I'm lovin' Facebook!<br /><br />I'll be enjoying an <em>early</em> New Grist beer at the Chatterbox this New Year's Eve. I hope to see lots of my pals in the after-work hours.<br /><br />I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2009!Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-22987257181218585612008-12-28T08:30:00.005-05:002008-12-28T09:23:59.297-05:00Sounds like summer . . .But it's not! It's an unseasonably warm December 27th. I started my leisurely Saturday with a trip to a new farmers market. When I returned home I did a little gardening. IN DECEMBER!<br /><br />Indianapolis has a relatively new Winter Farmers Market on Saturday mornings at 25th and Central, in the renovating Mapleton Fall Creek neighborhood. I had just run out of the apples I picked from my neighbor's tree, so I decided to check it out.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284833486438797250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyCDdwtRgQJA_Yu-8Az0zdiA7LlbgJFRGEVismp-y-bLQ7NNlJGgrsfqJFdyE5KdDnRlxRckax2ciMwqu6PcJjf3NHLyj4yevxlToLjnWsdWHc9h1fQ-8BtbbfgvtZKBzDnOvN0ifyJQ/s320/DSCN1155.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I had lots of varieties to choose from. I bought some Grimes for baking and a couple of good red apples to eat fresh. I got to use one of the three new shopping bags I got for Christmas. Two are nylon and fold up into tiny bundles. One even has a clip so I can attach it to my purse or belt loop. The third is a big canvas shopper from Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville store. I love them all!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284833478097326402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo6xRaXXPqAoKXLsNcFWAUgQooYSB8_nzgTWKlV_Zg8KuS6qgQ0JJFLd6UO1GWJFerbKF8pkTD2Mw1FIykB7eabHrFms6J8AO3nZIahzOc180qMyZ74IIrOueA-1GX0Aot_4cKeZmfjE/s320/DSCN1153.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />I saw these funny fingerling potatoes. Their odd shapes reminded me of ginger root. The same stand offered beautiful winter squash. But I've still got plenty of potatoes and squash from my own garden, so I settled for photos.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284833490214150034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuw9oH4pxC7O8fL3qQhQh4qwp97uZq2Jl7Mvfh96tbesXdIL-g7yPdfjgXlowu5_o2imt95AJpuPfNcd2DFLe50wwmPj8ZcZZp_RZrTqNE743tlI5433bjAnc03UvL5QVfzTmmqwZiUc/s320/winter+farmers+market.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Sunset Acres had samples of all their cheeses. I tasted several and decided on the horseradish white cheddar and the white colby. Yum! I also picked up some Fromage a Trois goat cheese featuring a white layer, a sundried tomato layer and a pesto layer.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284840227068692306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4xASwMElkE9NV_FCW6Fl0cigXvgsjfRWx5Y87cqjtT8wjwoVdJxL5XHIv4koX-HdWWq58bHe39t7U6I-uTgS_DRLogjkjOvinssrcdx2RBz08-NVTvGvilsWS98jz5fZGzk4rpuT-SY/s320/DSCN1159.JPG" border="0" />My last stop was the chicken and egg stand. I bought these beautiful brown eggs and got to see photos of their chickens and Quonset hut-like mobile chicken coops. Their free range chickens are protected by a hard-working guard dog and a puppy in training. The grown dog is training the puppy. The humans just watch in awe. Hawks and eagles are their most dangerous predators. So the dogs watch the ground and the sky. Good dogs!<br /><br />I talked to my friend, Kyle, who is organizing a downtown food co-op. I might plant extras of some vegetables so I can be a supplier. My dragon tongue beans and sungold orange cherry tomatoes are real eye-catchers, and tasty, too!<br /><br />I stopped by the homes of a couple of friends on my way home. I still have lots of summer cherries in my freezer and decided to share the wealth.<br /><br />It was 67 degrees when I returned to Kay's Leaning Tree Farm. We'd had some rain, so the ground was a bit muddy. But it seemed like the right time to move a couple of rogue asparagus plants from the front yard to the asparagus patch in back. I'd been meaning to get around to that chore for eight years. Dormant roots, wet soil, perfect! I hope they like their new home.<br /><br />It felt great to have a summer-like day in late December. Today we're back to a high in the 30's. It's winter again.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div>Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7130113703028903573.post-53712744215168275582008-12-25T13:26:00.006-05:002008-12-25T14:30:43.176-05:00Is this gluten free?<div><div><div>Why, yes it is! My Key Lime Pie passed the holiday-with-wheat-eating-relatives test! It had been a year since I'd enjoyed a piece of pie for dessert. So I was probably the happiest about eating pie. But none of my relatives left even a crumb on their plate.<br /><br />The crust was confusing part. I can't eat any packaged cookies, even the gluten free ones. And all the cookie recipes call for baking soda, which is off my list. So I decided to bake up some vanilla cookies without baking soda. I was just going to turn them into crumbs.<br /><br />Crumb Crust Cookies<br /><br />1 C butter<br />2 1/2 C sugar (Next time I'll use 2 C)<br />vanilla scrapings from 1/4 vanilla bean pod<br />2 eggs<br />3 C brown rice flour<br />1 t salt<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter, sugar, vanilla. Add eggs. Beat well. Blend in flour and salt. Roll into balls and flatten the balls slightly. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet at bake for 10 - 12 minutes. Remove when they just start to brown around the edges.<br /><br />*Note: They were a little dense and my crumbs were a little big. Next time I'll try whipping two of the egg whites and folding them in last. I hope that will give me a lighter cookie.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283810503699627986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc8OQnCAtKnF6NghLGjHDS0M62cZJwAt8J6X-MNLOsICSXvP6Vq1rjiSCv44dVQtaYTMKfFc2Fc1tYyPwKMKp-SWIhiHIxssaKkoxGD9a7H1_VTlOG-KfnbEUcwtA4uIVuOt8o9P25jU/s320/DSCN1149.JPG" border="0" />Key Lime Pie<br /><br />Crust<br />1 C cookie crumbs (I ground mine in the food processor)<br />4 T melted butter<br /><br />Press your gooey mixture into a 9 inch pie plate. Bake in the middle of the oven for about 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature.<br /><br />Cream layer<br />1/2 C fresh lime juice<br />4 egg yolks<br />1 - 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk<br /><br />Separate the eggs and put the yolks in the mixing bowl. Whip them until they are creamy light yellow. Add the lime juice and milk. Beat until it thickens. Pour into cooled pie shell. Bake for about ten minutes while you make meringue.<br /><br />In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until they are stiff. Add 6 T sugar. Beat until the sugar dissolves. Spread the meringue over the creamy layer of your pie. Be artistic! Bake another 10 minutes and remove pie when the meringue is nicely browned. Let the pie cool at room temperature for a couple of hours before refrigerating.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283805822392034994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM18iKCBncYdILN0iXmlkFqUewmor6vv9LT894PfMDxxqNxPwtkS-TDXVOjV0q9YvViBNMrtnn3vMkdMS0UKOSAPktc8R0I-qJSWts3_XUukE9w_0-C8TZV71yemX2-hvNIQeuO99pWU/s320/DSCN1143.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><br /><br />My mom made these polar bears to decorate her yard for Christmas. The bears entertained neighbors and passersby, and their photo appeared in our local newspaper. They are constructed of papier mache and painted with exterior latex (house paint.) They are <em>nearly</em> weather-proof. One of the bears was seen wearing a plastic bag over his head during a recent rainstorm. Thankfully, the paparazzi missed that moment.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283805827888610946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BElukak-rSwbjGR776DeWANNhSa3evy4QjxcaHaVremVeni7Lx_hVMuCylV7oQzvkX7234-oQs-T-VgiQdph6IXXv9IaWbiMmA-wPAj6bjqHz5IFRahdRLVURX7qtKLoBHtIVlS-EvQ/s320/DSCN1129.JPG" border="0" /><br />Welcome home, Cousin Kathy! Missed you! She's on the right. I'm on the left. As you can see, my side of the family is "cheekier" than Kathy's side. My puke green sweater with fur collar was maybe the second bold fashion statement I've made in my whole life. I wore it all day and all night on Christmas Eve. I attended three different Christmas celebrations that day. Christmas Eve is my birthday, and it was a really happy one! Who needs birthday cake when there's Key Lime Pie?!Gluten free Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09011722779155029225noreply@blogger.com14