This area is where I will share news and events of our ventures into homesteading. We hope to turn 10 acres of sagebrush and cactus into something a bit more verdant and productive through the use of a very limited supply of irrigation water, capturing and putting rain water & snow melt to good use … Continue reading Homestead Happenings
What’s This About?
My interests are many and varied. A few are represented in the categories for this blog. The opinions expressed here are mostly my own, but, I will also share from time to time things that I read from others which I find of value. Some will be things I agree with. Some will not, particularly … Continue reading What’s This About?
Of Infrastructure, Generations, School, and Families
What could those four, seemingly unrelated things have to do with each other sufficient to make a single blog post combining all of them? I received an email this morning containing a copy of an article written and published last October 2019 by Victor Davis Hanson that makes several salient points and asks a couple … Continue reading Of Infrastructure, Generations, School, and Families
DHS Warning
I haven't seen or heard anything in the news about this warning from DHS that came out 8 days ago, but I think it's very important so sharing a link. Those who are willing to learn about risks and consider how they could respond will appreciate it. If you don't want to know about risks, … Continue reading DHS Warning
FAST FOOD FROM YOUR GARDEN – 22 in a MONTH or LESS + 12
Okay, so a month doesn’t begin to compete with your local fast food restaurant. Still, most people think of raising vegetables as something that takes ALL SUMMER! But, that doesn’t need to be the case. There can be several excellent reasons for wanting to grow some speedy crops, ranging from an apartment dweller with very … Continue reading FAST FOOD FROM YOUR GARDEN – 22 in a MONTH or LESS + 12
Arugula Beet Salad
1 lb of fresh trimmed beets ¾ lbs Arugula, washed 1 ½ Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive oil ½ teaspoon course ground sea salt ¾ teaspoon rosemary vinegar 2 oranges ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans ½ cup crumbled Romano cheese Dice beets while preheating oven to 450o F. Spread diced beets on baking sheet and … Continue reading Arugula Beet Salad
USDA Hardiness Zones
What are the USDA zone designations and what do they mean to you as a gardener? The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone maps have been developed based on AVERAGE maximum cold temperatures in the winter to help people determine which plants have the best chance of surviving in their area. But, the Hardiness Zones are pretty … Continue reading USDA Hardiness Zones
The DIRT on DIRT
We walk on it. Children play in it. We hate it on our cars and collars. Sometimes we even make dirty jokes. But when it comes to growing flowers and vegetables, dirt is no joking matter! To a plant, dirt is much more than a place to put down roots so you don’t blow away … Continue reading The DIRT on DIRT
Zucchini Bread
Summer is here and with it, zucchini! This wonderful vegetable/fruit that can be used in so many ways is marvelous. One of my favorite things to do with zucchini is make this deliciously spicy bread. I never had a problem getting my children to eat their veggies when I cooked them into this bread. Set … Continue reading Zucchini Bread
Broccoli Chicken Rice-a-Royal
This one-pan dinner has a delicious taste surprise as well as lots of fiber and a good blend of nutrients. Prep time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves 3 Ingredients: 9 oz of chicken breast - either fillets or strips 1/2 cup teriyaki marinade 1 box Rice-a-Roni, chicken and broccoli flavor 1 … Continue reading Broccoli Chicken Rice-a-Royal
My Mother’s Gardening Secret
My mother was widely considered to always have the best garden for miles around, for as long as I can remember. When asked what her secret was, she would always tell people, “The secret is in the soil.” That’s all. Just, “The secret is in the soil.” Some would then ask her if she made … Continue reading My Mother’s Gardening Secret
Busy Days! And Seed Saving
It's spring! That means outdoor activity around here has sprung into high gear. The hyacinths and tulips have finished their bloom cycles. The strawberries, peaches, apricots, plums, and nectarines are blossoming. The onions that overwintered, as well as the freshly planted ones, are coming up strong and healthy and happy. The rhubarb that the chickens … Continue reading Busy Days! And Seed Saving
