Random Tidbits

I snipped a few containers of chives and got them into the freezer.  We plan to add these to every breakfast scramble, soups and whatnot.  Sort of like greens, but a lot more.   As the cooler weather approaches, I go into panic-mode.  We have not even started splitting wood, so I'm madly stocking up the herbs before the first frost.
 

Today, breakfast was "on the go" as Hubby and I made our first visit back to the gym.  We get up at 4:30am and get about an hour work out.  I pre-made the breakfast yesterday, using my crock pot.  I was completely out of apples, and thankful to have a few straggling pears left from our tree.  I made steel cut oats with pears, organic raisins and locally grown walnuts (which I am about out of).  It's a pity that stores here do not sell organic steel cut oats. 

I've been working outdoors in the garden now.  I'm gutting more of the garden, and getting one small part of it ready to plant.  You can see the drought year didn't do so well for my cantaloupe.   We got 3 measly, puny ones.  

I made a quick ditch effort to pull thistle from my front flower bed, and heard a noise I haven't heard before.  I high-tailed it to the barn to lock up the hens, but was so proud to see that Sparta got them all inside the coop already.  Two bald eagles were flying over head, and appeared to be traveling on, but were eye-spying my ladies for their lunch I suppose.  I hope they keep moving on and do not take the woods for their winter home.  We don't see them here too often.

Do you remember the succulents we started?  Way back in the spring?  Only two made it.  The girls forgot to water, so I took over and watered with rain barrel water. 
 
My oldest daughter and a friend are now hiking a few parts of the Appalachian Trail.  They started in VA.  I believe, as of yesterday, they were done - hiked 3 mountains in 3 days.  I can't wait to see her photos.

Hubby and I have accomplished a few more of the "dates" from the "date night" jar I gifted him.  He is enjoying taking the motorcycle to parks and having picnics more often too.  Especially if the park has a river/lake or waterfall.  I'll have to come up with another creative gift for December.

I whipped up a pumpkin-sage macaroni and cheese with asparagus last night (the recipe is here - Carrie's Experimental Kitchen).  I'll miss my fresh herbs, so I'm considering bringing more inside this winter.  I also put green onions in the asparagus for more heart healthy herbs.  I used up some pumpkin puree that needed rotated out of the freezer, and today I'll be pulling out a ham bone for more space.  

I have one store in which I can purchase organic ricotta.  Does anyone know if I can freeze it in the container it comes in (15 oz)?  Or should I divide, then freeze in smaller amounts?  It would be used for baking when thawed.

Well, I didn't even think I had enough to talk about this morning, and look at this...ha ha!  I hope you enjoyed.