Just a Glimpse...

Just a little glimpse of our new family room. Still working on trim and then carpet...but the big part of the job -the part we have been working on for what seems f-o-r-e-v-e-r (you know -walls, electrical, doors, taping, texturing, paint) is complete! AND -much to my relief -my main contribution is done. Now moving forward onto other projects to get ready for my little Finn...happiness and relief!

Perhaps I should mention that this remodel was not just the family room...it also included an entry room with closet and the girls room. I'll be dusting up remodel dust for a while I bet...

Lost a Lady...

Yeah so...one of the dogs got a hold of a "Lady"....and now, Red Rex Rooster keeps his ladies close and is much more protective. Have to admit -it's quite entertaining to watch him boss them around. They are starting to do what chickens do in the egg department. No eggs yet -but they are definitely doing their thing!

Found Object...

I have wanted a terrarium for a long time, but didn't want to settle for just any old glass container. Lucky for me, right when I wasn't looking -and- it was far from my mind, one shows up! Isn't that how it goes?

A favorite 2nd hand bargain shop is going out of business and we went to find a few needed items. Namely, a TV stand for the new family room. Of course, we found our new TV stand -and a very kickin' one at that! Four much needed dining room chairs and a few odd-ball items that I just had to have (dishes and such). Then, right by the front door, this glass globe caught my eye...perfect!!!

I was so excited, the very next day I went out and bought my plants and decided no terrarium was complete with out a few lizards....so now, I take pleasure in introducing you to Kermit and Kiwi. Such fun!

As we were putting together our lovely new terrarium, Lance took count: 4 kids, 13 chickens, 2 cows, 3 dogs, 4 cats, 14 fish, a swarm a of bees...and now, add 2 Green Anole lizards! (should we count their food of choice, crickets?)

We Have Bees!

The other night Lance was out and about the farm and happened across a swarm of bees ... and today, well ~ we have a bee box in our orchard! "Sweet!" I love this photo of Lance walking across the pasture in his bee suit...

In the Hen House...

One of my favorites from the gaggle of girls...how can you resist her pretty colors?

She Bakes...and I Eat!

Barefoot Contessa -Parties! Carrot Cake Cupcakes

The Sister Test...Cupcake Wins!

A new enjoyment...devouring my oldest daughter's baking! Oh yes, I have been craving to bake but haven't the time. Ausha on the other hand, does. Yesterday she whipped up some apple tarts and today it was little carrot cakes topped with yummy homemade cream cheese frosting -my favorite! This isn't a new love of hers, just one that she is really starting to get good at. I think it just may be her summer break hobby...

Also new for me: The 365 photo project. A photo a day. A way to stop and take in your surroundings in a bit different way. The photo of the carrot cake was my "Day 1" submission. Wish me luck - I may need it to stay on top of this photo project!

Meet Mr. T-Bone and Sir Loin!

Take Me Away...

...The fresh rain and thunder storms make me long for the ocean....

Peanut Sesame Noddles...

Peanut Sesame Noddles...one of my most asked for summer dishes. I don't mind making it for everyone -I love this dish too!

For peanut dressing:

• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons chopped peeled fresh ginger (I always add more ginger)
• 1 medium garlic clove, chopped (I add more garlic too)
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes (does 1 tsp really sound like enough? I didn't think so either)

For noodle salad:

• 3/4 lb dried linguine fini or spaghetti
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/8-inch-thick strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/8-inch-thick strips
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Make dressing: Purée dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth, about 2 minutes, then transfer to a large bowl.

Make salad: Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until tender. Drain in a colander, then rinse well under cold water.
Add pasta, scallions, bell peppers, and sesame seeds to dressing, tossing to combine, and serve immediately.

So the recipe says, "The secret to this Chinese favorite is not to let the noodles sit in the sauce very long — toss them together a few seconds before serving." BUT -I think it is just as good the next day...you be the judge.

Without One's Mama...

Lance planted a tree last week at our favorite school...one of the elementary school kid's mom pasted away suddenly over spring break and this was our way of paying respects. This week I will deliver a flat of flowers for the kids to plant in honor of her life. Breaks my heart every morning when I see this 10 yr old boy. A life without one's Mama...

Starting a Hedgerow...

Hedgerow, by definition is: a line of closely spaced shrubs and tree species, planted and trained in such a way as to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of an area. Hedges used to separate a road from adjoining fields or one field from another, and of sufficient age to incorporate larger trees, are known as hedgerows. It is also a simple form of topiary.

We are using a hedgerow to block our west pasture from the road and, more importantly, to create habitat. We've started with 15 Siberian Pea-shrubs (Caragana arborescens). We'll continue adding more shrubs and trees as the year/s progress. 15 evenly spaced pea-shrubs barely took us half-way down the fence line!

Lost LadyBug Project...

Join us in participating in the "Lost LadyBug Project"

"Across North America ladybug species distribution is changing. Over the past twenty years several native ladybugs that were once very common have become extremely rare. During this same time ladybugs from other places have greatly increased both their numbers and range. Some ladybugs are simply found in new places. This is happening very quickly and we don’t know how, or why, or what impact it will have on ladybug diversity or the role that ladybugs play in keeping plant-feeding insect populations low. We're asking you to join us in finding out where all the ladybugs have gone so we can try to prevent more native species from becoming so rare."

Our Today is Forever

Pollinators in Action!

There were so many bees swarming in our three apricot trees that as you approached, the loud buzzing was a bit un-nerving...didn't stop me and Roxie from getting close though...pollinators are our friends!

Simple Pleasures...

Simple pleasures...an outing with my Roxie.


Roxie's turn with the camera...