A Trip to Town ~ Asparagus Harvest

I finally located some granny smith apple trees, and picked one up, along with a new Eastern redbud.  The tree that Son replanted last year died, so I want to put the new redbud in it's place.

Steel Cut Oat Bread ~ Honey and a Dab of Ginger

Yesterday I made 2 loaves of homemade Steel Cut Oat Bread.  This was a first time recipe for me.  I have never used steel cut oats in a homemade bread before.

This is another "from pile to file" recipe....

Post Lady Delivers ~ Citrus Water and Other Misc ~ Preparing

I have some exciting news!  We got a letter from Son, who is at Parris Island, SC. He asked for us to send photos, especially of his dog.  I'll admit, he sounds homesick, but he's never been away from home before (other than short camping trips).

Soothing Remedy for Sore Throats

If spring weather is giving you a sore throat, make yourself some sore throat ice pops. They're not just for kids.  This recipe comes in handy for fall flu and sore throats any time of the year.

Rain Barrel Updates ~ Good Baking/Cooking Day

                                                                 (photos from 2013)


Last year we purchased two different types of rain barrels - one that looks like a half barrel with a screen on top and a brass spigot at the bottom, and a square one with a hose (you can still attach a garden how to it).  I prefer the square one.  The barrel in the top photo have an overflow that is too close to the foundation (both purchased at Menards).  The screen lifts out and flows off in overflow action as well.  It still works, but I wanted to share.

Broody Hen ~ Pie Pan "Bird Bangers" ~ Canned Tuna

We have one hen that refuses to get off the eggs.  The problem?  Well, Sparta is in the dog kennel, so the eggs have zero chance of fertilization.  Go figure.  It's the perfect time to let her sit on some, but we can't.  Sparta has a lot of healing to do first.

Chicken Necks ~ Stress Related to Allergies? ~ Canned Tuna

I finally took the chicken necks from my freezer the other day, and today I will make homemade broth.  I will freeze it instead of can it, and most likely use about half of it before the current chickens are butchered.

I have never made broth from scratch (strangely), so this is a new step for me.  I've always purchased it (gmo-free, organic) from the grocer.  However, prices have gone up to over $4/box.