Random Five Friday

This week we are really getting into the groove of Fall routine.

1.  Confession:  I love to bake treats.  I think it is fun to have fresh cookies for the kids after school.  I bake often.   I made the commitment to myself a long time ago, that if we were going to have cookies in the house, then I would bake them versus store bought.  But mostly, I have a horrible sweet tooth, and if I want a little confection then I need to bake.

2.  Recipe:  Along with the above confessed sweet tooth, I found this recipe.  I was intrigued with the herb infused brown butter in the base.  It was absolutely amazing, it made the flavors of the cookie just sing.  I can not wait to try other infusions!

3.   Wildlife around the farm:  We have had a mama and now not so small baby deer living here all year.  At least, they are frequently here and have been seen anytime of day; morning, noon or night.  As we were taking our evening walk last night, one of the flower beds (more weeds a natural garden), had two distinctly matted down areas that were not there the previous day.  I think our little friends are bedding down closer to the house.  I love our silent companionship.

can you see the matted down spot from our visitor?

4.   To Market:  We have made two deliveries of garlic to our local market, and today they have asked for us to bring in bunches of Dinosaur Kale and a sample of our Rainbow Swiss Chard.  Such an exciting new relationship is developing, I can not wait until next season!

5.   Generosity:  We are absolutely floored and humbled at the kindness of family members.  The ability of such overwhelming generosity of spirit is a trait that we strive for every day and hope that we can emulate for our family.  (more later)

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Random Five Friday

This week has just flown by, with the holiday Monday, school and fall sports in full gear, I can honestly say that I do not know where the week went....but I am happy that it is Friday!

1.  We have one of B's veterinary school roommates staying with us this week.  He is in town for a certification class.  It has been about six years since we saw him last, so it has been fun!

2.  B attempted an eradication of the troublesome ground wasp nest late last night.  Several of the extension services recommend pouring soapy water into the nest as a natural way to rid yourself of them.  It was both amazing and a little intimidating that the seemingly small area easily took up 18 gallons of soapy water last night.  Yikes!  We will see what today brings!

3.   School began Tuesday for Charles.  Last night he came home and informed me that he wants to join band this year.  He has never expressed any interest in the instrument opportunities that he has had in the past so I am excited for his enthusiasm.  His instrument of choice....the oboe!  I asked him why and he said that it just sounds awesome....and he could blow the longest into it!  He did make me aware that I had to be very careful of the mouth piece....because if I broke the reed it would cost $30 to replace.  I can not wait to see him tackle this new challenge!

4.  I wrote my second assignment for our Blog Camp goes to MIT class.  It has been a really great feeling to be 'back in school' again.  It is amazing how immediately reminiscent it felt while reading the assignment and then converting my thoughts into a mini term paper.

5.  After several months on the programs committee for the Eco-Justice Center, I was invited to apply for a board seat.  Yesterday afternoon, myself and a friend of mine were both oriented on our responsibilities.  A new adventure beginning.

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Random Five Friday

1.  We are officially in the midst of soccer season.  What could be better than to watch his dedication coupled with pure enjoyment.

2.  These brown sugar oatmeal cookies of PW Woman, are fantastic!!

3.   Remember our bumper garlic harvest??  Well, I sold 60 heads of garlic to a local organic grocery store this week!  So exciting!

4.  Our larder is filling nicely with beautiful canned goods.  My hope is that we can keep our energy high through mid-fall to increase this exponentially. 

5.  One of the first things that we did when we moved to the farm was have a big party and to give it a twist, we made it a chili cook-off.  Over the years it has taken on a life of its own and tomorrow is our 6th installment.  We are running around finishing last minute preparations for around 80 people (almost half of who are children)!   This year we have 7 chili entries and 5 pie entries for their respective competitions.  Who will get to keep the chili pig and the golden rolling pin this year??  What better way to spend the final weekend of summer!?

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Random Five Friday

1.  Bird Houses : We bought one of those bird houses that you suction cup to the window this spring.  I was feeling a little frustrated because we have never seen any activity through the glass viewer, and I realized that just maybe it was a silly purchase.  If I were a bird, I would not want to see large shadows constantly peering in at me, so why set up housekeeping?.  Last night B opened it up to peek inside...lookie at these five little beauties!

2.  National Zucchini Day:  Yep, yesterday was the day and with our squash plants producing like crazy, I have been searching and searching for new recipes.  This quiche was. the. bomb.  The kids are asking for more and it was so easy!  Do not worry, you have not missed out.  Remember if you garden, everyday can be a day to randomly gift your neighbors with zucchini! (aka adult ding dong ditch em :)

3.  Note To Self:  When you are mowing and disrupt some sort of nest, after the first sting, give up.  Even if you go outside 30 minutes later, one of the angry little buggers will gun for you.  Just wait it out and have your husband put the mower away later...trust me on this one.

4.  School Days:  We have officially finished school supply shopping.  Whew!  The summer is winding down way too quickly and we are already trying to balance fall schedules that are seeping out for both school and sports.  Sid has 13 days of summer left and making the most of all of them.  Charles is gloating that he has 25 days, but I am guessing he will feel differently come the end of the year when she is still  sleeping as he heads out the door!

5.   Motivation:  We have decided to start running as a family.  The kids are both interested in track, and B and I are looking to ease our way into running.  Of course I made this decision on fair week, which was ridiculously busy and it was never going to happen then.  I have researched healthy ways to ease into running to avoid injury and build up stamina and with the purchase of running shoes this week, I am set to go.  Now, it is setting aside the time to make the first venture out.  Now that I have written it, I can't hide from it, this weekend it shall be!

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