Flowers not included

Flowers are a minority in my flower bed. There's cucumbers planted in their place as well as squash, a tomato and a couple heads of cabbage. The great thing about my cucumbers is they help keep down the weeds!



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Turning things around

Thought some of you might like to see how people are turning lemons into lemonade in the city of Detroit one plant at a time. It's amazing how gardens can make a community a little bit better. I love it!


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'Maters

Finally! Tomatoes are coming in by the basketful. Hopefully I'll get enough to can some vine ripened goodness to enjoy during the winter. That should be just the thing needed to scare away the winter blues!




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Warnings

If only these signs popped up in life guiding us onto the right pathway!

Mine is bigger

Mine is bigger than yours.......my squash. What did you think I was talking about??? This beauty is the first to grow and stands at 32" long. 

This little crooked one was the second to take and it's at 33" so far.

And this little piggy..... is at a whopping 38" and it still has about a month before It's ready to pick as a summer squash. This one I had hand pollinated since they kept dying on me. It had started out longer than the other two did when the blossom opened. I can't wait to make some yummy soup!

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I.C.U.

Well I think this hot weather, or rather heat wave, isn't helping my little girl any so now she's in the cool basement- our very own Intensive Care Unit. Hopefully it's just what she needs and will have a speedy recovery!

Update: The supposed tom (or jake) is healing  nicely so far, time will tell if his showy tail feathers are affected by the injury or not. Hopefully his feathers will grow, the one lonely feather looks a bit sad. Whatever may be I'll still love him, deformed tail and all (and I'm sure the ladies will too)!

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Large squash, Italian style

With summer in full swing and veggies growing at an alarming rate there is bound to be a squash or two that go from too small to harvest to mammoth size almost overnight. If you're like me and have a monster you're wondering just what to do with it- I've got a easy and delicious remedy for you.


First slice the mammoth squash into approx 1/2" thick. Melt some butter (or oil) in a large frying pan.

Then coat each slice into egg and then into breadcrumbs (I add Italian seasoning to it).

Finally fry it up til nice and brown.

Top with some tomato sauce and either a sprinkle or a slice of cheese.

The squash I ate I didn't notice the large seeds, I think they softened when it cooked. What do you think? It's good right?

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A good read: and I shall have some peace there

The book and I shall have some peace there by Margaret Roach is about a woman who was working for Martha Stewart in the city. She finally quit her job and moved full-time into her weekend house in upstate New York. It's a chronicle of a woman who basically stares at the four walls, does some gardening, watches birds, is terrified of snakes and has a cat that adopts her and brings home animal pieces as peace offerings to her doorstep.


 The story line is non existent and it isn't a thriller or full of drama like a herd of cattle mysteriously dying. In fact there aren't any 'farm' animals in the story. This also isn't a chronicle of someone going off to live off the land, it's about a woman who basically is semi retired. Honestly the book could have been written in two paragraphs.  I didn't hate it but It's definitely not on my recommended list.


I would liken this to vanilla ice cream- pretty bland, so if you're like me and like nuts, fudge, caramel or whatever goodie in your ice cream skip this book.


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Long day

Today has been one of those days and now at 10:40 I finally am able to sit down. Ahhhh.... feels good. I wish I was in a hammock near this bubbling pond nearby as I slowly rock myself to sleep.

I've been all over this county in a short period of time, removed 3 layers of wallpaper in one huge room (ofcourse not all at once) and we finally moved the coop to it's proper location, YAY! Not to mention watered and medicated and clipped the wings of my growing flock (apparently grass does taste better on the other side of the fence, I'll take their word for it).

Tomorrow will be a repeat of today except someone special will be spoiling me with good food all day and 2 dozen canning jars. I'm making sure I bring a jar filled with some of this years sweet jam as a Thank you.
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Just plant it!

Here's a great example of starting small. These women have 1/2 an acre of land and decided to just start planting. In a couple of months they started up a CSA and are regulars at the Farmers Market. Just plant it!

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Lucky...

...or that is what he should be called.

Our turkey who I think is a tom (or Jake) is lucky to be alive. The little guy must have tried to protect his girls when the dog two doors down came over while we were gone. He is now with only one tail feather and a big chunk taken out of his tail. Bloody, bloody, bloody. Poor little guy. He's lucky it could have been worse, I am just thankful he's still alive. I need to round up some cash to make an enclosed pen for them. Pronto!

He'll be back. They usually are. Hopefully I'll be here ready and waiting.


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Lucifer

Lucifer. That's the name of this plant my Dad had bought it a couple years back which he decided on because of the name. That's my dad for you.

If you're interested in this perennial beauty the full name is Crocosmia 'Lucifer' and the plant is beautiful when planted in masses, just check the web for pics of it. Sadly mine is tiny but hey you have to start somewhere (thanks Sis). Another bonus is it attracts hummingbirds as well but it does need to be divided occasionally to keep it's vigor. It blooms in mid summer with vibrant red tubular flowers that slightly arches. I love it!

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1940's farm life

Everyone's family history started on the farm and in the fields. If you didn't grow your food you would cease to live. A very simple and basic fact of life, yet because of modern conveniences and grocery stores so many people today don't grow any food whatsoever and don't have the knowledge on how to go about it. That to me is very scary to be so reliant on others to do it for you. With this recent economic downfall I know it's made many want to be even more self reliant. With a little trial and error and a visit to your local library anyone can grow their own food without a big upfront expense.

I came across some pictures of depression era farm life about 70 years ago without all the modern conveniences and medicines we have been blessed with today.


Farms of America in color 1939-1943: Life on the Farm | MNN - Mother Nature Network


Life then was alot of hard work, more than anyone now has had to endure. When I took a look at them I could see the daily struggles right on their faces as plain as day. Their dirt stained clothing and their callous toughened hands. I feel for them- how could you not?


My post for today is merely this become more self reliant. If you've never grown any food go out and buy either plants or some seeds, read up on gardening at your local library. Since we're already into full swing summer find things you can grow in the late summer and into fall like lettuce, beets, beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, mustard greens, onions, peas, radishes, spinach, swiss chard, turnips or even garlic. There's still many things you can grow this season so there's no excuse. Don't put it off another year go out and get yourself ready for next year and read, read, read!


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We be jammin

Raspberry jam that is! 

This morning I managed to can 8 jars of Raspberry jam. It took 2 quarts of berries that we had recently picked in the area. I actually didn't realize just how many berries we had til I put them all into one large bowl. The jam came out pretty good for a first time try, but I am looking for a recipe that's not as sweet. The kids like it and that's all that matters since they picked most of them and didn't eat them as they were picking.


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Holy squash Bat Man!

This is one of my much anticipated veggies that I've grown this year. My little squash is doing great so far, I just have to decide when to pick it! As of tonight it only stands at 31" long. It's definitely not something you'll see at the supermarket as they don't have a paper or plastic bag long enough for it!

P.S. If you love to make stuffed squash blossoms this variety grows a surplus of them!


Everything else in the garden is doing great except for the poor Luffa's. Every time they get long enough the chickens peck them back again. I think I'll have to start bugging someone to move the coop to where it's supposed to be. With this heat wave we're having I started to cut an opening today for another window (finally) in the coop for cross ventilation. The chickens are getting big and the Turkeys are all still alive but the Silver Sport still is not better even after the meds. Not quite sure about her- I guess I am just hoping for a miracle!

We have started building the 'turkey tractor' with some previously used wood and have decided to make the 'house' part a bit bigger than originally planned to accommodate the necessary sq ft per bird ratio. This will keep them happier especially if used through the winter and the house smelling better. I'll post some pics when  we get around to building the house part, right now it doesn't look like much at all.

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S'mores!!!

There's nothing better on a summer evening than a campfire to roast marshmallow's on. I can taste them now crunchy graham cracker protecting a toasty warm marshmallow which made the chocolate inside all warm and melted. Yum!

Of course you may have to share!

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Pickles!!!

 This little pickle above wanted to be a dill pickle when he grew up- well this week he got his wish! 

I planted Picklebush this year from seed and kept only 6 plants which are producing nicely. This little beauty is now sitting in a canning jar wading in a delicious dill pickle brine. 

(For all you gardeners out there-Isn't my dirt just beautiful!)

Sick little gobbler

Animals can get sick at times and unfortunately they sometimes die. That's something you must face whether you've got a Farm, a little Homestead or just a four legged friend.


No deaths so far however the Rare Silver Sport Turkey that we have is sick. It had a slight sniffle when we first got her and she hasn't gotten better, but has gotten worse, so today I gave her a 1/2cc shot of Tylan 50 and some vitamins and electrolytes in her water. She should get better in a couple days from what I have read. If left untreated she would most likely die which I'll do whatever I can to prevent so I won't have my kids balling their eyes out 'cause their feathered pet died. Hopefully it won't spread to the others, but if it does atleast I have the meds on hand. I'll keep you posted.


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Foraging kids

It's true when they say kids are their parents. They seem to amaze, surprise and embarrass us when we least expect it. At a park my kids pleasantly surprised me with a bowl full of black caps. What self control it took since all the other kids were eating as they went along. They wanted to make jam but alas there wasn't enough.

So, instead of jam we made a tasty foragers dessert instead (although seedy) but my kids loved it anyway. I pureed some of the berries and added a bit of sugar, then mixed it in with the whole berries. I put a scoop of berries atop a shortcake cup and topped with some fluffy whipped cream.YUM!

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Pickles everywhere!

We're up to our necks in pickling cucumbers!



So with all these cukes we made Dill Pickles with a pre-mixed concoction from Ball. This first batch we only made 6 quarts and my mouth was watering the whole time with the scent of dill wafting in the air. Tomorrow evening we are planning on making another batch but with our own concoction. The only problem is waiting a month or so to see how these crunchy little goodies turned out!

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Super easy swiss chard

This year marks the first time that I grew Swiss Chard, it really adds color to the garden. I've been told it's really easy to grow (easier than spinach) and one of those crops that are cold hardy. Everyone was right about this leafy beauty! I planted the Neon lights mix containing yellow, red, cream, pink and white which can be harvested in about 60 days, or if you're like me sooner! You just harvest the outer leaves so there's a continuous supply. So far it's held up really well but it's gonna get hotter than this, so we'll see how it fares.

I was a quick side dish to make just slice the stems up and throw them in with some butter and minced garlic. Give them a few minutes to cook and then toss in the chopped leaves and let cook a bit, season with salt and pepper and enjoy.  My kids, who are veggie lovers, said "it tastes kinda like spinach" they gave it two thumbs up and wanted me to make it for dinner tomorrow.  I'm trying a new recipe using Swiss Chard tonight, I'll let you know how it turns out!

Lily pads

I love lily pads. They are so cool looking with their little bobbing head just above the water. This was taken at my fathers house which is the pond that he doesn't do much to it. I love this one because it has frogs and tadpoles in it and beautiful aquatic plants. The other one he has a bunch of beautiful (and expensive) Koi, unfortunately I didn't get pics of them. 

I'd love to have a big stocked pond that the kids could go out and catch some dinner, or to cool off in on a hot summers day or even have fun in a little row boat. 

Room with a view

For some reason they thought this was a safe place to perch for the night. Unfortunately the wire cloth is only on one of the windows so far. Funny that all seven of them managed to squeeze onto that window!

Fruits of my labor

This turned out to be a pretty squash sliced up. The one unfortunate thing is once the squash season starts you get massive amounts of the stuff, so you've got to get creative so you're not dreading meal time.

One way I cook up a really easy light summer time dish is:

slice up 1 or more squash (depending on size) and start to saute with some butter in a pan for a couple minutes (onion and garlic is a nice addition)

 then I add:

a whole can of diced tomatoes (the seasoned kind is good too)
a can of garbanzo beans (my favorite) or whatever beans you have on hand

Let it cook and the flavors meld til  it is hot and the squash is done (the key is making sure the squash isn't mush). Oh,  and don't forget the fresh picked salad and sun tea!

Conjoined twin squash

This squash was picked at a friend of mine. It's pretty neat a conjoined twins summer squash.

It got me thinking though, my friends, like me, have twins. The usual saying is that "it's in the water" but I'm thinking at their house it must be in the soil. Now I am a bit concerned because I have been house sitting for them and ate some squash from their garden! Hopefully only a week there won't make a difference!

New arrivals

Well here are our new additions to our little homestead Turkeys! The dark ones are Narragansett and the white one is a rare Silver Sport and they are 6 weeks old. In a perfect world I would get at least one tom and two hens. I've clipped their wings so they don't take off and covered the wire with weed screen because the stupid little things were getting their beaks stuck and as a result had bloody noses! They are not tame but just stand there and cry while you pet them! Too cute.

Their father and mother are beautiful birds so I am really happy to have them. Thankfully I was at the top of the waiting list. Maybe in a year or two we'll have little turkey poults running around!

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