The time is right for starting seeds, drawing up garden plot plans, and making tree orders. Like any obsessed gardener, I lay awake at night imaging the beauty that will bloom in the spring and lavish us with fruitful production through the summer. Except I feel like I am cheating a lover. I am not planning for my garden, the one I can view out the back window from my house in Clintonville. I have [...]

Welcome to the new meal plan where I identify some of the reasons behind our meal choices. Ingredients and Influences: time at home, almost no special events this week lasagna noodles in the pantry still more home canned tomatoes our chickens are producing more eggs my sister turns 29 on Wednesday. Happy birthday Sarah, we love you! Monday – chickpea curry Tuesday – pad thai with eggs and green beans Wednesday – dinner out with [...]

Happy Friday! Today I am sharing five short reviews of products and experiences I’ve had recently. 1) Mixbook – Last fall when I was putting together Lil’s annual photo book, I tweeted about it. Mixbook contacted me and offered me a coupon for to make a photo book, gratis. I created a book about our homestead to share at the OEFFA conference and future workshops, pictured at right. Soon I will write a full comparison [...]

There is nothing I love more than planning gardens. There is such anticipation in the planning: what will grow, what new things do I want to try, what do I love to eat? I casually advise friends and family, occasionally drawing up a whole plan. Last year I attempted to inspire beginning growers with a series of basic edible gardening articles I published on this blog. This year, I collected and expanded those articles into [...]

Local folks, are you interested in growing potatoes? Last year a small group of us ordered seed potatoes together to save on shipping. This year I offer to organize a group to do the same. If you want to participate, fill out the order form below. I will accept orders until Monday February 28 at 8 pm. Totals will be emailed on Monday evening with payment (paypal preferred, cash or check accepted) due March 4, [...]

I mentioned making beer cheese dip for a Superbowl party a few weeks ago and Kellie asked for the recipe. Ask and ye shall receive, readers! albeit on a delayed schedule… Alex made this dip from scratch. It follows the typical fondue method: dust grated cheese with flour and mustard, warm a liquid with spices, and gently stir the cheese into the liquid. Pour into a fondue pot or very warm dish. We served the [...]

Random.org selected Condo Blues as the winner of the pass to the Beyond Social 101 conference and Amanda from Homestead in my Heart for the Madagascar Live tickets. Congratulations! Thanks to all who entered.