Random Tidbits

 

Wednesday was a rainy day work day.  I picked the utility room to purge, deep clean and organize.  I am getting rid of a box of school supplies to a good friend - writing paper, graph paper, pocket folders, a binder, book covers and a locker shelf unit.

I filled a garbage bag too, and gave some colored paper to Daughter T.  I have much more to purge, but we don't have the AC in yet and it was getting too warm to work.  I quit just after noon.

Daughter E got stung by a bee.  It's always a proud moment when I'm asked, "Hey Mom?   You got anything for this?"  Why yes I do, and out the door I go to pick plantain.  If you didn't know this, crushed up plantain is a great way to draw out the poison from a sting or bug bite.  I used it for a wasp sting and after 20 minutes it reduced the redness to zero and no pain.

Question.   Where is the best place to buy a crock with a spigot for kombucha making (best price/quality)?  Also, where is the best place to buy a wooden stand for it like this?

I found this one on Amazon, but it's $17.60.  I searched the website I used to buy my cheese starter items from, and found nothing oddly.

I have noticed the blogs I follow haven't been posting much lately.  Are you all out working in the garden?  Possibly on vacation?  I do miss you all, and I hope you are all doing well.

New Recipe ~ Garden is getting planted

 

We cooked up of what may be the last of of this year's harvest of asparagus.  My favorite way to prepare this for a dinner side is to bake it 20 minutes with olive oil, crushed rosemary, salt and pepper at 400°F.

Tried another new recipe.  Daughter K had bought some pasta shells that needed used up.  It takes beef stock, tomato sauce and other ingredients.  I adjusted it with homemade and organic ingredients and the family loved it.  I used the recipe at Damn Delicious called Creamy Beef and Shells. I will be adding more garlic next time.

Tomatoes finally made it in the ground.  I was done by 10am, as it was already very hot (90°F day).  I planted way less than normal, so it will be interesting.  I planted 35 Amish Paste (not my usual San Marzano), 1 Big boy and 1 cherry tomato.  The planting resumes after the rain stops.  I'm tickled pink for the rain today though.  We needed it and the tomatoes love it.

I'm getting more crocheted water balloons made for the grandkids.  I may get more done today as well.  It will be a less stressed day for sure with the rain.

The chickens are doing well, although I still need to muck the coop.  I boiled more eggs for egg salad (for those hot evenings we want cold food).  Last night was one of them.