sift

Refrigerator Pickles

2011-07-04T10:34:00.007-04:00

Many of you asked for my refrigerator pickle recipe. Despite my pension for being a fly-off-the handle, vicious liberal with extremist tendencies...I still like to share.
This is a super-easy, basic recipe that can be adapted in many ways.
Get creative and add whatever you like to flavor your cukes.

1 1/2 c water

1 1/2 c cider vinegar (no need to get fancy...the cheapest vinegar will give you the best flavor)

1 Tbsp Kosher salt ( I like Morton's, that other stuff just doesn't cut it)

3 sprigs fresh dill still hot from the garden sun

6 gloves garlic, crushed but left whole (squoosh them with the side of a chef's knife...make sure you know the chef)

1 Tbsp peppercorns

1 small onion, sliced thinly

cukes..little ones left whole or big ones cut into spears

1 cool, vintage Mason jar or something along those lines

.......

Stuff everything into the jar except the water and vinegar. It doesn't matter if you layer it or just manage to get it all into the jar. The pickles will look prettier if you use some form of rhyme or reason when placing all the ingredients into the jar.

Place water and vinegar in a small sauce pan. Heat until just before boiling. There is no reason to worry if the liquid actually reaches a boil. It won't make a lick of difference in the long run.

Pour the liquid into the stuffes jar. it should just fit.

Put the lid on the jar and leave it on the counter until it has cooled. Place in the fridge for 24 hours. Eat your pickles as needed.

Finally

2011-04-13T11:37:00.003-04:00

I finally took a day off and went to the garden. Today I planted radishes,Walla Walla and red onions and cabbage. The chives are abundant. Some garlic is coming up but it doesn't look so good. Oregano is spreading everywhere. The tarragon over-wintered and so did some English lavender.

Mud Season...

2011-03-01T10:09:00.002-05:00

The spring thaw seems to be coming and going and coming back and then going. Needless to say…we’ve got some mud out there. With mud season upon us it is easy to jump the gun and want to get the garden ready for planting cool weather crops. There are several that can be planted as soon as the ground can be worked.

I suggest waiting. The ground can certainly be worked. All I have to do is stand in my rubber boots and I begin to sink in. It is still too wet to do much in the garden. Tilling or turning of the soil too soon will result in poor conditions later. Wet soil will compact easily and plants will have a difficult time getting established when planted after the fear of frost has passed.

Brussels sprouts, onions, rutabagas, carrots, spinach, turnips, cabbage, peas and broccoli can all be planted two to six weeks before our region’s frost date but until some of this mud dries up you don’t want to get ahead of yourself.

Soil can only take in and hold certain amounts of water. Recent snowmelt and heavy rains have saturated my garden, yard, driveway and pretty much every surface I need to walk on. Even the deck and porches have a nice covering of mud thanks to the four legged creatures I so graciously allow to live indoors with us humans.

I don’t pay much mind to the groundhogs in captivity. They are just an excuse for men to don a top hat and get on television. I know spring is just around the corner as the musty, putrid scent of skunk is apparent every morning. Skunks don’t actually hibernate in winter but they do get very lazy. Once they emerge from their dens you know spring is near as they begin their breeding season.

So March brings us mud and skunks? Sounds like a winning month. It’s not as bad as it seems. There is much to be done to prepare the garden and armchair gardening is just a small part of it.

Indoors you can repot houseplants that will eventually make their way outside in two months. You can also start feeding houseplants at this time. If you overwintered any herbs indoors you can repot them unless, of course, you plan on putting them in the garden. Don’t despair if they look really lousy. I have a 13-year-old lavender topiary that comes in every winter, mutters insults under its softly scented breath all winter and then thrives the moment I put it back in the garden in May.

If you mulched the garden, now is a good time to start peeling that off. Pull any weeds you see now before they go to seed. Trust me, you’ll see some. Don’t walk in the garden while it is wet if you can help it. Tools have long handles for a reason. You don’t want to compact the soil.

Cut back ornamental grasses left from last year. They have proved to be great hiding places for wildlife all winter but it’s time to give them a haircut. Compost the cuttings or scatter them about the yard if you want to provide material for the numerous birds beginning their nest building season.

Finish pruning trees. Bring some inside for forcing. Pussy Willow, Crab Apple and Forsythia will bloom in short order when placed in a large vase of water. What better way to get in the spring mood.

Invest in a good boot scraper. Trust me, mud season doesn’t pass quickly.

You are What You Eat

2011-02-08T15:28:00.004-05:00

You may have read or heard about GMO or genetically modified organisms making their way into our food supply. GMO is the result of a laboratory process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another in an attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic. This process may be called Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM); they are the same thing.
GM food goes beyond selective breeding and grafting. Some plants are combined with animal and even human genes to produce desired characteristics. Imagine a frost resistant strawberry. The plant was spliced with arctic fish genes, yummy. No such product exists in your grocery store…yet.
No long term studies have been done to show that GM food is safe. The tests that have been done are done by the very corporations who create the seeds. GM foods are showing up everywhere. According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association up to 75% of processed food in the US contains GM ingredients.
Most GM food is consumed when we eat processed food. Processed food containing GM ingredients include cereals, baby formula, bread, mayonnaise, hot dogs, salad dressings and corn chips. It is impossible to list them all because our government does not require labeling of food containing GM ingredients. Only certified organic foods are GM free.
Meat and dairy can be included as GM food because animals we eat or provide milk for us have been fed a diet consisting of GM crops.
Farmers who choose to grow organic or non-GMO crops are fearful of cross contamination because crops are pollinated by bees that can carry pollen for miles.
Many countries are saying no to GM foods. European nations oppose GM foods. Companies like Kellogg’s sell products in the US that contain GM ingredients but they manufacture non-GM products for their European customers who have spoken loudly and clearly about their desire to stay clear of untested, potentially hazardous food.
Opposition continues to grow about the safety of GM food. The key traits that have been added to commercial GM crops are herbicide tolerance, which allows farmers to spray GM crops with herbicide to kill weeds while not killing the crop itself, and insect resistance, particularly through the expression of Bt-toxin (a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis). Some crops possess both traits.
Growing your own food or purchasing it from a farmer you know will allow you to consume healthier, safer food. Cutting out processed food will virtually eliminate your chances of consuming GM food. These so called convenience foods are not necessarily so convenient when you consider the lack of testing on the ingredients and the potential dangers associated with eating food that is engineered to outsmart nature.
Nature provides what we need to grow food. She also gives us challenges that we overcome like too much rain, too little rain, too much heat, too little heat, insects and weeds. Herbicides and pesticides do not contribute to the health or delicate balance we need to raise plants or animals for food.
Humans have been farming for thousands of years without the use of herbicides and pesticides. One third of the world’s workers work in agriculture, but this giant workforce produces less than five percent of the gross world product. Our food system is broken.
Try growing some of your own food and if you can’t, buy some from a local farmer who can tell you how he did it. I can guarantee he wasn’t wearing a lab coat and a mask when he planted, nurtured and harvested his livelihood and your supper.

Photo courtesy of picedit.blogspot.com

Inappropriate?

2010-12-22T08:05:00.003-05:00

Francesca wore her Jolly Roger gloves to school yesterday. She was told to turn them inside out because her teacher deemed them inappropriate. I fail to see how the gloves are inappropriate. Is it me? Am I missing something?

Olde House Parts

2010-12-22T06:34:00.001-05:00

The Tuscarawas County Heritage Home Association is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the documentation and preservation of the architecturally and historically significant homes, buildings, and neighborhoods of Tuscarawas County.

Their mission is to cultivate awareness and appreciation of this part of the local heritage, encourage interest in preserving historic structures within the community, and to educate those who are interested in preservation or are actively involved in the restoration of historically significant structures.

Olde House Parts is the association’s newest project to create an additional source of revenue to further their mission. It is an architectural salvage shop specializing in old and very old interior and exterior hardware, fixtures and accessories. Customers might find light fixtures, doorknobs, hinges, mouldings, pillars, staircases, windows, latches or sinks. Some days shoppers might find signs, corbels, mantels, gas lights or spindles. On other days, heating grates, drawer pulls, brackets, doors, shutters or slate roofing might be available. An ever changing inventory comes strictly from donations.

Members of the association staff the shop. Everyone who works in the store does so as a volunteer. A love of old homes and buildings brought this group together and they will be on hand to help each person peruse the inventory.

Olde House Parts held their grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 6. Volunteers who arrived early to ready the shop for the day found customers already waiting. Dealers, old house enthusiasts, artists, craftspeople and those just looking at the interesting inventory stopped by.

Nearly everyone made a purchase and walked away with a historical piece or part. By day’s end the inventory was drastically reduced.

Members of the association are constantly looking for new inventory to add to the shop. Donations from the public are encouraged and are tax deductible. Only items that date before 1950 are accepted at this time, during business hours or by appointment.

The shop is located at 123 W. Third St., in Suite 101 of The Galleria, in downtown Dover, and is open for business each Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. and each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. Contact them at 330-364-5757 or via e-mail at OldeHouseParts@tuschha.org.

For more information about the Tuscarawas County Heritage Home Association, visit their web page at http://www.tuschha.org.

It's Only the First Day of Winter

2010-12-21T06:33:00.000-05:00

My brother lives in Lemoore, California. The weather there is a little different than it is here. I just checked the weather report for his region. He’s suffering in 56 degree weather right now with light rain. He made a point to let me know he just received an heirloom seed catalog and is very excited about it. He, like me enjoys gardening. He’s always been resourceful so growing food for himself and his family is a given.
I love my brother but right now I am saying things under my breath. While he is tending his winter garden probably filled with cool weather crops like spinach, lettuces, herbs, carrots and radishes I am lucky to be getting baby carrots from a diligent farmer in Big Prairie whose season extension methods far surpass my own.
My mailbox is yet to be filled with seed catalogs. They usually arrive in February just as madness begins to set in. They will pull me out of my doldrums rather quickly and I will dream of warmer days and green things.
I walked to the compost bin this afternoon to drop off several days’ worth of kitchen scraps. There’s not much activity at the top of the pile but I managed to open the bottom door with a few gentle steel-toed kicks. Delight filled the nineteen degree air as I saw a bit of steam rise from the lower part of the pile…I did have to poke it with a stick. The smell of earth and the sight of worms was enough to make any gardener smile.
Winter is difficult for gardeners. We sit around thinking about all the things we could be doing. It’s too cold to fix the fence. It’s too cold to do much of anything outside. As I watch the birds, squirrels and barn cats I realize what a wimp I am. Granted, I do adapt and don’t complain too much about the cold. In fact, I really love the snow and how it blankets the Earth with its whiteness. Still, winter is long and I long for dirty hands, muddy boots and perhaps a new shovel this spring.
Christmas is coming and it helps to put a lot of woes out of my mind while I fill the house with cheer and watch magic appear in a wide-eyed little girl who is probably as anxious as I am to get outside. Her hula hoops and pogo stick are put away for the season. I reluctantly brought her bicycle inside but it doesn’t cruise well amongst the furniture and throw rugs.
Sled riding is certainly in order and the fresh air will do us both some good. Fashion and winter do not exist in our home so we will don our ear flap hats and the extra long scarves my mom made for us. It’s so much fun going down and so much working coming up but its winter. What are you going to do?
Before long February will arrive and my letter carrier will be faced with the mountains of seed catalogs she must stuff in my mailbox. So what if my brother has tomatoes months before me. So what if he can garden all year while I must wait patiently for my spring to arrive. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven.

Being in Hot Water is Not So Bad...

2010-12-15T07:58:00.002-05:00

Here's a piece I wrote for a weekly newspaper. After the fact I spoke with a plumber friend who said even this routine maintenance will not do much good and a typical water heater will last about seven years. I bought the nine year warranty with this new one so at least I did THAT right.
...
My water heater died. It died a long-drawn-out death because I paid no mind to it. I mean, who actually looks at their water heater? I had no idea, and by the time I discovered it had serious issues, I had no hot water…for days. Come to find out, a smart homeowner does look at their hot water heater…about every six months.

Routine maintenance of systems and appliances keeps your home running smoothly. You can spot problems before they get too big to fix and in some cases prevent the problem from starting at all.

No one ever told me a water heater had to be maintained. I suppose I believed it to be a self-sustaining system that would, of course, eventually need to be replaced due to age but not my own inadequacies as a homeowner. Looking back at high school math, I see I really don’t need to know too many equations or theorems but I sure wish somebody would have filled me in on basic, biannual water heater maintenance.

My new rule is this: if it plugs in, is connected to a gas line and subsequently costs me money to maintain through one utility or another, it requires a biannual checkup of sorts. I will follow this rule come heck or high water…or in my case, cold, very, very cold water.

My plumber had several tips to help keep your water heater in optimal condition:

To maintain your water heater, begin by determining if it is gas or electric. Gas heaters will have a knob on the gas valve and electric heaters will have a thermostat behind a panel.

Turn down the heat. Most of us keep our water heaters set too high. A temperature of 115-120 degrees is suitable and will save you money on your utility bill. Keeping the water any hotter is a waste of energy.

Next, check your temperature and pressure release valve. This valve is very important in allowing your water heater to function safely and efficiently. If the temperature or pressure in your water heater tank gets too high, this valve releases a small amount of water. If your temperature and pressure release valve is defective really bad things, including explosions, can take place.

To check it simply lift up the valve lever a bit and allow it to snap back into place. You will hear a gurgling sound as the valve releases a small amount of water into the drain tube. If it does not, consult a plumber who can replace the valve.

Sediment develops at the bottom of your water heater over time. It is important to remove it so it doesn’t cause rust and corrosion to slowly eat away at your water heater tank. Water heaters have a drain valve near the bottom of the tank.

Depending on the make and model of your water heater, the process in opening this valve may vary. Consult your owner’s manual (there is a reason to keep those pesky manuals) to see how to open this drain valve. Drain a few gallons into a bucket. At first the water may appear dirty. That is OK.

The whole point of doing this routine maintenance is to get that dirty, sediment-filled water out of the tank. Close the valve. Empty the bucket and give yourself a pat on the back. You have just fulfilled your duties as a homeowner.

They're HERE!

2010-07-30T07:50:00.002-04:00

They have finally arrived.

Here's a column from a few weeks ago...

There’s an old Guy Clark song from the ’70s that epitomizes how I feel about homegrown tomatoes. If you haven’t heard it, you ought to. If you have, then you know what I’m talking about. When I was a kid, my dad played that song over and over again on a jukebox in a local restaurant, much to the embarrassment of me and my brothers. I can’t imagine the other patrons liked it too much either. When you’re passionate about something, however, you don’t mind how it might annoy others.

“Ain’t nothin’ in the world that I like better

Than bacon & lettuce & homegrown tomatoes

Up in the mornin’ out in the garden

Get you a ripe one don’t get a hard one

Plant `em in the spring eat `em in the summer

All winter without `em’s a culinary bummer

I forget all about the sweatin’ & diggin’

Every time I go out & pick me a big one

Homegrown tomatoes homegrown tomatoes

What’d life be without homegrown tomatoes

Only two things that money can’t buy

That’s true love & homegrown tomatoes

You can go out to eat & that’s for sure

But it’s nothin’ a homegrown tomato won’t cure

Put `em in a salad, put `em in a stew

You can make your very own tomato juice

Eat `em with eggs, eat `em with gravy

Eat `em with beans, pinto or navy

Put `em on the side put `em in the middle

Put a homegrown tomato on a hotcake griddle

If I’s to change this life I lead

I’d be Johnny Tomato Seed

Cause I know what this country needs

Homegrown tomatoes in every yard you see

When I die don’t bury me

In a box in a cemetery

Out in the garden would be much better

I could be pushin’ up homegrown tomatoes”

Well, they have arrived. They are out there in the garden. Sure, they’re green but they won’t be for much longer. They get a little bigger every day. There’s not a bug or a blight on them. The waiting is killing me.

I’ve enjoyed some local tomatoes already from the farmers market. They were delicious. They were, in fact nearly perfect. Big and red, a few heirlooms too, of various shapes and shades. Only trouble is they weren’t from my own garden.

In my own garden I can tend a little, pull a few weeds and gently tie the tomato vines to their stakes with pieces of old, torn T-shirts. In my own garden I can watch little seeds turn into little plants. I can watch the sun and the rain turn those little plants into big healthy plants that develop pretty yellow flowers. I can get that weird itch you get when you touch the leaves of the plants. I can water the plants with water from the rain barrel when it doesn’t rain enough.

When I was a kid, my dad always walked the garden with a salt shaker in his pocket, waiting for the first homegrown tomatoes to never make it to the kitchen.

Soon I’ll be complaining there are too many and we’d better get to freezing and canning them before it’s too late. Soon I’ll be leaving them on my neighbor’s porch when he’s not home.

In the meantime I’ll wait, salt shaker in hand, humming that silly old song about homegrown tomatoes.

Turn off the TV and Get in the Kitchen

2010-05-17T15:35:00.004-04:00

I did not learn to cook by watching television. I learned to cook by not watching television. I know there are a lot of cooking shows on TV these days and they seem more a marketing platform for cookbooks, cook wear, pre-packaged processed food and the not-necessarily talented celebrity chefs that star in them. Since when is a chef worthy of celebrity. It's food people, we all need it and some of us are pretty good at taking the right ingredients and creating near works of art...but the celebrity thing puzzles me. Celebrity is never more admired than by the negligent. Real chefs don't have time to show the world their creations between advertisements for Stove Top Stuffing and Hot Pockets, they are in their kitchens. Most people who watch cooking shows don't even know the difference between a food mill and a mandoline. Granted, there are exceptions and some people who really like to cook get inspired by these shows. I'm sure some people who want to learn to cook might also get inspired and actually give it a go. Watching Tyler Florence chop ingredients and then pull a beautiful blue cheese souffle with figs and honey out of the oven is not going to teach you to cook. I could not even find one recipe on his web site. I don't care how good he looks in a sweater, I am not going to buy his over-priced zinc cheese tins. When I saw Mario Batali's pasta sauce in a jar available at the local grocery store I nearly gasped. No, I did gasp. At nine dollars a jar I really had to wonder, are there people so stupid they would buy this? For nine dollars I could make enough pasta sauce to last a month. Even though Mario's line is made in small batches (sure) with no added sugar (who puts sugar in pasta sauce?) in a certified green facility (just what does that mean anyway?) I'm going to make my own. Nine dollars? Are you kidding?

The Pound

2010-05-03T20:34:00.003-04:00

Mom and I went to the dog pound today. We had agreed to foster an abused dog named Sophie. She is nearly eight months old. She was living with a crazed hoodlum who "disciplined" her as he saw fit. He threw her against the wall and fractured her leg...more than once.
They euthanize dogs at the pound after they have been there for too long, sometimes as soon as three days. Sophie needs surgery to fix her leg. Had we not stepped forward to foster her while she recovers they would have euthanized her. Members of the community donated money to pay her medical bils.
She had a housemate who is also at the pound. She may not be as lucky as Sophie. Her name is Brownie and she is a playful beauty.
Mom cried and had to leave the building...who can blame her. I held back tears.
I saw each of the dog's faces, and there were a lot of them. I saw their tails wag with hope as I passed their kennels. I touched as many as I could. They all touched me...my heart.
I cried hours later while I made Francesca and Clint's lunches for tomorrow. We have a tomorrow. Sophie has a tomorrow...and hopefully a forever family will find her. She will be healed and ready to start her life over with people who will love her. She will be disciplined with a raised eyebrow and not a raised fist.
Several of the dogs we saw today have no tomorrow. Time ran out for them.
How I wish I could help them all.

I adore this song....

2010-04-28T08:09:00.000-04:00

French Breakfast Radishes

2010-04-27T12:37:00.003-04:00

This morning's harvest was exciting. It marks the season of eating food we grow! We've been eating herbs like chives, oregano, tarragon, thyme and green onions but radishes, these radishes, we can really sink our teeth in.
French Breakfast Radishes are longer than the typical radishes you see in the grocery store. They are red with a white tip and have a milder, almost sweet flavor. They can be eaten cooked or raw. We prefer them raw. The greens can be blanched and eaten as well but none of us seem to like furry leaves so they will go to the compost bin.
Harvesting the radishes left an open spot in the garden so I planted more. This time a variety called Violet de Gournay. They should be ready in about 35 days.

Making Crafts

2010-04-26T18:17:00.005-04:00

I am writing a feature for a local newspaper about inexpensive crafts for kids to make for Mother's Day. I had been experimenting with the ideas prior to picking up Francesca from school including tissue paper flowers and thumbprint flowers. When she jumped in the Jeep she immediately said, "Why is your thumb red?" I explained I had been testing crafts for my article. She wanted to make something too. When we got home she went straight to work. She made a lovely picture.

Climbing Trees

2010-04-07T15:01:00.003-04:00

Francesca climbs trees. In fact, she climbs most things that can be climbed...grocery carts, counter tops, cars and trucks, deck railings, her dad, desks and occasionally, the dinner table...filthy feet and all. I don't often mention this to our dinner guests and I do make a habit of washing the table often.

No Ordinary Meal

2010-04-07T14:42:00.005-04:00

Asparagus-Leek Frittata

Spice-Broiled Tofu Fillets

Here at the Compound we tend not to prepare traditional meals like Turkey for Thanksgiving or Ham for Easter. For Easter this year the meal was mostly vegetarian with the exception of salmon for the three carnivores in attendance.

Spice-Broiled Tofu Fillets with Jade Pesto (to even call tofu a fillet is somehow funny to me)

Asparagus-Leek Frittata (the Pièce de résistance)

Mushroom Rockefellers (yes, a variation on a theme, Rockefeller would not have approved)

Baked Potatoes with Butter and Panko

Spice-Broiled Salmon

The tofu looked great but had a custardy texture I am not fond of. I will not make it again. If there was a way to make tofu crunchy I might like it. The frittata was delicious and never have I been so proud of the poof these eggs performed at 400 degrees. The Mushroom Rockefellers were good and I will make them again with a few minor adjustments. The potatoes were, like all potatoes, potatoes. Not much to like or dislike. The small amount of salmon left over made its way onto a salad that I packed in Clint's lunch. I expect it was well received.

Sleeping in Tents

2010-04-07T09:30:00.003-04:00

For the last three nights Francesca and I have been sleeping in a tent. I want to kill a bit of grass to make way for a new perennial bed and putting up a tent seemed to be the most enjoyable way to do it...plus the weather has been so fantastic, who wouldn't want to sleep outside? We had rain the first night but we weathered the storm. We had rain, thunder and lightening the second night and found ourselves somewhat wet in the morning. The third night was perfect. The temperature never went below 69 degrees. The wind was perfect. Today I wash the linens as the whole campsite is starting to lose its freshness. I'll put it all back together this afternoon in anticipation of another night under a glossy moon and the sounds of Earth's beasts.
For some people in the world, this might be the only shelter they have right now. They might not have the ugly orange extension cord to light the reading lamp or the pretty paper lantern as we do. They might not have an indoor bathroom a few steps away as we do. They might not have a glass of wine while they read Maurice Sendak's Little Bear to their children. And they probably aren't trying to decide between duvet covers while their linens are on the spin cycle.
There is something to be said about sleeping outside.

Spring Planting-The Beginning

2010-03-16T11:31:00.003-04:00

On Sunday I put in a row cover for the radish and carrot bed. I used PVC pipe and steel rods to make the frame. Plastic or frost fabric works well to keep the seedlings warm. The fabric is nice because you can water through it. The row cover also keeps out deer and bunnies, my Spring-time arch enemies. They too, want fresh food. The temperature is just right for planting cool weather crops. I put in two rows of French breakfast Radishes and a row of Danvers Half-Long Carrots. I am waiting on a seed order from Le Jardin du Gourmet www.artisticgardens.com/. When the seeds arrive I will add spinach, Spring garlic and lettuce to the bed. The soil is warm enough to work. I am ready for fresh food. Radishes take 25 days.

Goodbyn

2010-02-28T19:24:00.004-05:00

We got the greatest lunch box. It's called The Goodbyn. It has several sections to keep food seperate so your cucumber romaine wrap never smells like a banana. It has a reusable drink bottle that actually holds the amount of beverage a kid will drink at lunch. It's cute and I will never have to buy evil plastic baggies again. It comes with tons of stickers so it can be personalized. Kids like stickers.

There is a grown up version available too. It has no ears...and no stickers.

You can order one here: http://www.goodbyn.com/goodbyn/default.aspx

Grant Me a Wish

2010-02-22T16:04:00.002-05:00

I have spent the better part of the winter writing grants for the farmers' market. One might not think it costs much to operate a farmers' market but is is surprisingly costly. Most of the cost is for advertising and marketing, which in the market's infancy is vital to getting customers to break their super market habits and make the market a part of their weekly routine.

Last season we opened The Market Grill, a stand alone portable kitchen where we make ready to eat meals using ingredients sourced from our vendors. The concept has proven to be a challenge. Food is seasonal...and vendors are not always reliable. If the cheese vendor doesn't show up...we have no cheese. If the pork vendor doesn't show up...you get the point. Despite the challenges, The Market Grill has proven to be a nice revenue stream. In addition to serving healthy meals, we are also show casing the ease of cooking with local ingredients.

We hope to make improvements to The Market Grill that will allow us to serve a more varied menu and to serve more patrons who choose to eat at the market or carry out. With a little extra effort...and a lot more customers, The Market Grill could allow us to be self sustaining and not have to rely on grants so much.

Down and Out and Face Down

2010-01-29T13:31:00.002-05:00

A gentleman came into the deli last night. I hesitate to call him a gentleman as he was far from it. Gentle, yes. A man, yes. But combining those two words does not help to describe the sad state this young, Mohawk sporting, tattoo laden, toothless fellow was in. At first glance he appeared to me a transient sort in search of a warm place. He asked to fill out a job application. I was obliged to allow this so he could take fifteen minutes away from the cold and wind. He asked for a pen and sat down at the booth closest to the cash register. Within five minutes he was face-down on the table, pen still in hand. I was unable to stir him even with my best, hey buddy, ya gotta wake up bartender voice. Numerous attempts were made but he was out cold, as it were. Fearing the worst, I checked for signs of life from a distance. He was indeed breathing and an occasional lip twitch reassured me he was not dead. Lacking any alternative, I telephoned the police and asked for assistance in removing him from the deli. The police were quick to arrive. Several attempts were made to rouse him and eventually it worked. They asked the usual question, who are you, do you know where you are, etc. He seemed to know who he was but he was not willing to give up much more information. The police questioned him for at least a half an hour, asking him to remove items like a candle and very clean, white shoes from a satchel he had in his possessions. They questioned him about the candle repeatedly, asking if he stole it from the Christian book store. They even asked if the candle had a scent. One officer went so far as to bend over and smell the candle and remarked, "Ah, yes, it does smell good." He never did return the application or the pen. I also believe he stole two chocolate chip cookies. The police officers put him in the back of their car and drove off into the night under the biggest, whitest, brightest moon I have ever seen. And I continued to clean the sneeze guard with white vinegar as we were out of glass cleaner.

I Like Dogs

2010-01-24T20:26:00.002-05:00

And I like people who go out of their way to help dogs. I was asked to create a custom piece for the humane society benefit auction. It was a joy to do.
This is Grace...and hopefully someone will buy this light box so that dogs without love, homes, food and behind the ear rubs might have a chance.

Casablanca: Overlooking Atwood Lake

2010-01-12T08:10:00.004-05:00

If you've never been to Casablanca in Delroy you really ought to go. It is a husband and wife team, the wife is the chef, the husband the maitre d'. Their restored 1860's home serves as a restaurant by reservation only. The menu is eclectic and includes steaks, seafood and pasta. The food is typically American with a hint of Mediterranean. They do not accept credit cards and something about that sits right with me.I am thinking of taking Clint here for Valentine's Day. In all the years we have been together, we have never gone here together. It was a favorite place for me and my Dad. I think Clint will love it.

Lunch?

2010-01-08T12:38:00.002-05:00

BUCKEYE: Monday- Chicken parm.; bread sticks; salad; peaches. Tuesday- Chicken nuggets; dipping sauce; parsley rice; fruit; green beans; homemade cookie. Wednesday- Coney; mac & cheese; veggie; apple crisp. Thursday- French toast sticks; syrup; sausage links; hash browns; OJ; muffin. Friday- Pasta supreme; augratin beans; bread sticks; fruit.

CLAYMONT: Monday- Hot dog; corn; peaches; Twix bar. Tuesday- Mustang burger; pickles; hash browns; peas; mandarin oranges. Wednesday- Fish sandwich; tartar sauce; mac & cheese; green beans; fruit. Thursday- Spaghetti; meatsauce; salad; apple/cherry crisp; bread stick. Friday- Pizza; cheddar cheese wedge; celery stick/dip; applesauce; bread stick.

CONOTTON VALLEY: Monday- Pizza/Taco sticks; corn; fruit snacks; fruit. Tuesday- Mini corn dogs; potato chips; sherbet cup; baked beans. Wednesday- Chicken patty; noodles; carrots; apple crisp. Thursday- Fish; fries; cheese chunks; pineapple. Friday- Pizza; broccoli/cheese; corn chips; jello.

DOVER: Monday- Chicken/ranch snack wrap; lettuce & cheese; pears; pretzel rods. Tuesday- Pizza; corn; peaches. Wednesday- Sausage patty, egg, & cheese english muffin; tater tots; banana. Thursday- Shredded turkey sandwich; green beans; applesauce. Friday- No School!

GARAWAY ELEM.: Monday- Hot dog -or- Coney; baked beans; pears; cheetos. Tuesday- Popcorn chicken; butter bread; green beans; fruit turnover. Wednesday- Hamburger gravy; mashed potatoes; roll; corn; baked apples. Thursday- Toasted cheese; tomato soup/crackers; baby carrots/dip; applesauce. Friday- Stuffed crust pizza; peas; peaches.

INDIAN HILLS: Monday- French toast sticks; sausage links; fruit. Tuesday- Chicken on salad; crackers; tomato soup; cinnamon roll. Wednesday- Pizza; carrots/dip; munchies; treat. Thursday- Walking taco; Gold Fish; applesauce; cookie bar. Friday- Turkey sandwich; potato soup; fruit; dessert.

The local newspaper prints the school lunch menus complete with misspellings. I am appalled at the amount of processed, canned, frozen, artificially sweetened and just plain unhealthy food being served to our children. There are no whole grains, no fresh fruits and everything seems to have some kind of breading on it. If carrots are served they come with dip? Most kids believe carrots are just a vehicle for dip anyway.
60% of Tuscarawas County residents are over weight. Hmmmm?

Girlfriends

2009-12-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

In my life I have had several best friends. Each holds a special place in my heart but none of them are really in my life anymore. None of them were there when my daughter was born. None of them were there when my dad died. None of them were there when my cat, Napoleon died at the age of twenty. None of them even called. I miss that feeling of knowing there is a person out there who will stop what they are doing to share sorrows and joys with you...no matter what. I miss having that person to call every day just because that is what best friends do...It's rather lonley without a girlfriend...a best friend.

erata or eratum?

2009-12-23T07:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is the question....

Soy Nog

2009-12-20T20:06:00.002-05:00

Typically I would never intentionally advertise a product, mostly because humongous mega-corporations do that all by themselves, and also because endorsing a product, one might believe I believe in the entire mission statement of that humongous mega-corporation. I usually do not.
I avoid dairy products as much as possible. I believe once we are weaned from the breast it is time to move on. Cows and goats don't continue to drink their mother's milk once they reach a certain age and I for one, do not want to force an innocent animal to lactate for me to enjoy the creamy, viscous liquid we call milk.
Each year I look forward to certain seasonal treats like pumpkin pie, chestnuts, fruitcake (yes, I really do like it) and egg nog.
There are a few varieties of soy nog available but in my neck of the woods, Silk is the only one readily available, probably because I am the only person who actually purchases it.

Salted Onion Loaf

2009-12-20T12:02:00.000-05:00

I used my traditional boule dough for this recipe...

6 1/2 c flour
3 c warm water
1 1/2 Tbs yeast
1 1/2 Tbs kosher salt

Seriously, that's it. Put it all in a mixing bowl. Mix with an electric mixer, mine is a Kitchen Aid, with a dough hook for about three minutes. Cover the bowl with something, not air tight and let it rise in a warm spot. My house, especially the kitchen, is a little on the chilly side so I let it rise under the halogen lamp on my counter top. It is ready to use when it falls naturally, usually two hours.

Pull off a one pound chunk and form it into a ball. Place on a whole wheat covered peel or baking sheet. Sprinkle it with dehydrated onion and a generous amount of kosher salt. Let it rise again for 20 minutes. Make a few slashes across it before baking at 475 degrees for 30-35 minutes. I use a baking stone in the oven but it is not required.

I bought a new kind of flour, I love trying different flours. White, all purpose works best with this recipe. I tend to only use organic flour but it is not required. Today I used a higher gluten flour. The results were spectacular.

Refrigerate the rest of the dough and use within two weeks. Refrigerated dough will take longer on the second rise for obvious reasons...it's cold.

Custom Piece

2009-12-19T19:14:00.003-05:00

I recently made a custom light box for my friend Trish. Her parents have been married for 61 years and coincidentally live just up the street from me. She wanted to give them a special gift for Christmas and thought original art might be nice. Her dad loves to paint and likes art in general. She emailed me a photo taken on their wedding day. This is what I came up with. Trish loved it.

Tour of Homes

2009-12-14T07:48:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we let 200 (mostly) strangers into our home for The Tuscarawas County Heritage Home Association Christmas Tour of Homes. Most of the guests made comments about the unusual amount of original art in our home...unusual to them, I suppose but not to us. One of the guests was the paper boy in our neighborhood 40 years ago. He said the house had changed but it was still like he remembered it, big and warm. The guests were asked to remove their shoes or wear booties. It seemed odd to see so many people with blue booties on their feet. One guest was dismayed that we did not have a real Christmas tree. I tried to explain to her we didn't like cutting trees down and a tree that could be planted would seem too small in our high-ceiling library. Francesca impressed the guests with her knowledge of the history of our plaqued heritage home. One guest attempted to remove a piece of my art from the wall so she could see how I had made it. I stopped her before she could actually take the art off the wall. I was a bit shocked she would do such a thing. This morning our driveway is nothing but mud due to the number of cars in and out.

Something from Nothing

2009-12-04T08:08:00.010-05:00

Last night we attended a fantastic exhibit Something from Nothing at The Canton Museum of Art. The show was curated by Patrick Buckohr, a painter I have worked with in the past. The show consisted of works by thirteen artists living and working in The Rustbelt, a region that stretches from Minnesota to New Jersey. The art was made from salvaged materials like metal, fabric and wood. My friend, Daniel Horne (pictured with me) had three pieces in the show. He makes kinetic sculpture using metal he finds at scrap yards and various other places metal tends to collect.
You can see Daniels work at his web site scrapheapsculpture.com.
Paul Werner, another artist whom I know had the piece pictured above in the show.
In addition to the great art, Rust Belt Brewery of Youngstown was on hand offering samples of their micro-brewed beer. I tried the stout and enjoyed it very much. It had hints of licorice and Earth, two of my favorite things.
The show hangs until March 7, 2009. Please take the time to see it.

Weird Things I Have Found at Work

2009-11-29T14:50:00.003-05:00

1. Poop stained wife-beater style t-shirt in men's room bathroom garbage can

2. An enormous amount of hair from a beard (perhaps) in the men's room toilet

3. Very dirty blonde wig with glitter on it in the dumpster

Christmas Doesn't Come from a Store

2009-11-27T06:26:00.005-05:00

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?"

Maybe Her Jaw is Broken for a Reason

2009-11-19T08:17:00.004-05:00

While at work last evening a call came in from a local, big box office supply store. A group had decided to order food for pick-up. Included in their order was a bowl of soup. The caller explained she had a broken jaw and would need me to puree the soup for her as she was unable to eat it otherwise. Several thoughts crossed my mind.

1. How was it the caller could talk so well yet not be able to mash up some overcooked broccoli to the point of being able to swallow it?

2. What shift would one have to work to get a lunch break at six o'clock in the evening?

3. How did the caller break her jaw? Did a giant box of printer ink fall and hit her square in the jaw or did some other person do this to her?

4. Why didn't the caller bring her own lunch to work?

Needless to say, I pureed the soup as I was not so busy that it was inconvenient. I wonder, how far does one have to go in customer service? Did I do the right thing by pureeing her soup? Should I have told her, "You HAVE got to be kidding?" Is minimum wage worth the trouble? Should we be nicer to people when we make more money for doing so?

Leeks

2009-11-08T19:09:00.002-05:00

I had never grown leeks before. Late winter I decided to plant leek seeds indoors under lights. They were pathetic little things and I was certain they would never make it to the garden. They did...and they thrived. Once thin strands of green poking out of the soil became robust, sturdy leeks. They were not difficult to grow but they took a long long time. I started the seeds in late February and harvested the first leeks today.
I made soup and it was fantastic.

6 leeks sliced thin
3 carrots peeled and diced
3 shallots sliced thin
3 stalks celery sliced thin
3 small potatoes peeled and diced
4 c vegetable broth
1 cup cream
sherry
salt
pepper
bay leaves
parsley

Saute the first four ingredients in a little olive oil until tender. Add potatoes and broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat. Add sherry, salt, pepper, bay and parsley. Allow to simmer for an hour or as long as it takes to put all the laundry away and leaf blow the deck. Add cream. Puree in food processor. Serve with thin slices of baguette topped with goat's milk feta and roasted red peppers.

Photo #14

2009-11-08T10:03:00.003-05:00

I found this photograph in a picnic shelter along the Mahoning River just outside of Downtown Youngstown. I have no idea who these women are. I've decided to name them and create a portrait of each.

From left to right...

Agnes Johnson. Agnes is married to Robert Johnson but everyone still calls him Bobby. He is a fire fighter. Agnes owns a nail salon. She has far too many purses and believes one should never wear white after Labor Day. Agnes has three children, Stella, 30 lives in Tuscon, Jimmy, 28 lives in Gerard and Felix, 26 lives nearby in Youngstown.

Louise Simpson. Louise is divorced. She used to be married to Phil Simpson. Phil worked for King Tool and Manufacturing but is now laid off. Louise works at Macy's in the shoe department. She is famous for her southern cooking which she learned from her mother who is from Alabama. Louise has a daughter, Meredith, who works as a lobbyist for the pharmaceutical industry.

Karen Hawthorne. Karen is married to Bill Hawthorne. Bill works as a car salesman at Fred Martin Ford. Karen is a librarian at a school for kids with special needs. Karen loves gold jewelry and bowls every Wednesday with a group from her church. Karen has two children, Paul, 29, lives in Boardman and Mark, 26 lives in Cortland.

Angela Reynolds. Angela is married to Joe Reynolds. He is a veteran of the police force. Angela is Agnes' sister. Angela plays the organ for her church and loves jazz. She won 1st place for her canned okra at last year's fair. Angela has two children, Donald, who lives in Rhode Island and Danielle who lives in Gerard.

Celia Montgomery. Celia is married to Allan Montgomery. Allan is an assistant prosecutor. In between hosting dinner parties and fundraisers for needy children, Celia also teaches piano lessons and knits. Celia gets her nails done at Agnes' salon every Thursday. Celia has a son, George, who she named after her father.

Remotely Peculiar

2009-11-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

A man came into the deli and asked if I had a ladder. "Why, yes I do. Why do you need a ladder?" He went on to explain to me he had been in the parking lot the night before flying his remote controlled airplane and it got stuck on the roof of the building that houses the deli.The ladder we have in the deli is not nearly tall enough to allow someone to gain access to the roof and I explained this to the man, who at this point seemed rather agitated. I apologized and suggested he use the remote control to get the plane off the roof. The next day the same man returned to the deli this time carrying a telephone, not a cell phone but a telephone, a land line as it were. He again asked for a ladder and we had to go through the whole process again about the ladder being too short and all. I suggested he call someone who might have a taller ladder. He said he did not have a telephone. "But, you are holding a telephone at this very moment, yes?" He said, "Yes, yes I am." The plane remained on the roof of the building that day.

Crack Head Perfume Sales Person Incident

2009-11-07T07:19:00.003-05:00

I work in a deli in the town just across the river. It is generally a fast paced atmosphere as the business of feeding the hungry is as important a thing I can think of. I had prepared sandwiches, bowls of soup and apple crisp for a family of three and was ready to take on the next customer. I asked, in my loud enough to hear over the ovens, compressors and country music radio station, "May I help you?" She did not want a sandwich, a bowl of soup or even apple crisp. She wanted to let me know she was having a 65-75% off sale on designer perfume. My first thought was she was a crack head, although she was a bit chubby to be a crack head. She could have been a new crack head, yet to shed the pounds. My second thought was where does such a crack head get enough designer perfume to fill the trunk off her car. I did not see a trunk filled with designer perfume but images of Giorgio and Estee Lauder that had mysteriously fallen off the back of a truck did surface. "Do you wear perfume?" asked the crack head. Without hesitation, I explained I was AT work and could not participate in her bizarre solicitation. She promptly left albeit a bit embarrassed. I suppose this is no different than an insurance sales person cold calling or a window cleaning service stopping in because we have lots of windows. Somehow it bothered me and continues to bother me.

I'm Just a Liberal Fool

2009-11-02T16:05:00.008-05:00

I got to know a lot of farmers this summer as they participated in the market. I was under the impression they had thoughts similar to my own where food production was concerned. All of the farmers were what we'd call small, family farmers, farming between 1-80 acres. None of them were big, industrial farmers who see food as a commodity. None of them practiced monoculture, the one farming method I believe is destroying our environment and safety of our food supply. And yet most of these farmer's think it's OK to factory farm because it is our God-given right to eat animals so who cares what conditions they must live in during their short time on Earth. It's OK to put a bunch of suits in charge of livestock standards because otherwise some evil group from the Humane Society is going to shut down the agricultural industry as we know it and we're all going to be forced to eat hummus and falafel which we would buy with our food stamps because we will all be broke. I am beginning to reconsider my role in the county's agriculture landscape. Both the producers and the public seem to be on a very different page than I am. For the hundreds of thousands of acres of corn and soybeans, meant to feed animals that will later be turned into food, I say...what a waste of space.

Marble Cutter Soup

2009-10-19T13:27:00.006-04:00

My great grand-
father was a marble cutter and sculptor in Carrara Italy. Carrara is well known for its marble and has a rich history. The current town originated from the borough built to house workers in the marble quarries created by the Romans after their conquest of Liguria in the early 2nd century BC. He eventually moved to Vermont to work in the stone quarries there. He has a sculpture at Union Station in Washington D.C. and he was asked to work on Mt. Rushmore but declined as he did not want to plummet to his death and leave his children without a father.

In Italy there is a soup named for the marble cutters.

2 medium red onions
1/2 medium carrot
1 small stalk celery with leaves
4 branches Italian parsley
Robust extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tightly-packed cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 to 3 pounds delicious ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, or one 28-ounce can and one 14-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained
Water
12-ounces (about 3/4 loaf) rugged country bread of mixed grains (without fat or sweeteners), sliced and left to dry for a day
More olive oil
About 6-ounces Pecorino Toscano, Pecorino di Pienza, Toscanello, American sheep cheese (like Trade Lake Cedar), or young Asiago, shredded (optional)
2 tightly-packed tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
1. Mince together the onion, carrot, celery, and parsley until very fine. Film the bottom of a 6-quart pot with oil and set over medium heat. Stir in the minced vegetables, with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper. Saute to rich golden brown in about 8 minutes. Blend in garlic and basil, and cook another minute. Add tomatoes, crushing them with your hands. Boil 10 minutes, or until thick and flavorful.

2. Stir in 6 cups water, or a ladleful for each diner. Simmer 10 minutes, uncovered, or until soup is only slightly reduced. Taste for seasoning. Just before serving, break up the bread into bite-sized pieces and add it to soup, or place the bread in the soup bowls. Ladle the soup into the bowls and serve hot. The soup is also good at room temperature.

3. Sprinkle each serving with a teaspoon or two of olive oil and generous black pepper. A little chopped fresh basil is a modern touch, and a very good one. Pass the cheese if desired.

Light Boxes

2009-10-19T12:23:00.003-04:00

SMARTS is an educational organization that promotes art and literacy in Youngstown. They have asked me to make them some lightboxes to sell in their shop. I met Becky, the director of this very cool organization, at an art show last month. She saw my boxes and thought they would sell well in her shop. We'll see what happens.

4x6 inches

2009-10-19T10:19:00.003-04:00

I am participating in an art challenge, as it were...a contest for a grant. The idea is simple enough...

1. Sign up and complete your 4x6 piece of art work. It can be anything. A painting, drawing, sketch, photograph, or just about anything that can fit on the drawing paper we send you.

2. We will hold an exhibition in Brooklyn, NY of the drawings we get back and allow the viewers at the show to vote for the 100 best.

3. We will put the 100 with the highest votes on the website where the art house community will vote on the 50 best.

4. The 50 artists with the most votes will create a larger painting, photograph, drawing, whatever and submit it for a 2nd exhibition. (We will email more info to those artists that were selected.)

5. The person with the most votes will win the $1000 dollar artist grant!

Keep in mind this is a 4x6 inch piece of paper. What can I draw, paint, smear, print on such a small piece of paper that will be noticed in a sea of other small pieces of paper? Any ideas?

You can read more about it here
http://arthousecoop.com/projects/spacebetween.

Somebody shoot me...

2009-09-18T19:02:00.002-04:00

I have been very depressed. Things are going well...Francesca is surviving first grade and has yet to tell Father Matt to go to "h" "e" double hockey sticks. The market has been great especially with the addition of The Market Grill. I have an art show in Youngstown next week. Clint is touring with Sweany for eight days beginning next week. The trouble is this ridiculous minimum wage job...the only one I can find. I can make art, raise a child, cook a fantastic meal...many fantastic meals as I do at the grill, write and receive grants, help manage a weekly farmers market, give speeches, garden, serve as a village council person and all I can do to make money is work for someone else serving mediocre food and using more plastic disposable items than I can even believe. There has got to be another way...another alternative to this fresh hell. Does anyone have an extra 50K laying around so I can turn The Market Grill into a for profit business? 20K? Anything. Save for hope...I got nothin'.

Late Blight

2009-09-05T19:31:00.004-04:00

It was a sad day. For weeks I have been wondering why our tomato plants were developing dark spots on the leaves and the fruit. It turns out they are infected with the fungus-like oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans, the same disease that caused the infamous Irish potato famine. Our potatoes seem fine so Francesca and I harvested them. The tomato plants are in the dumpster. The pathogen can over-winter so we did not put them in the compost. The disease can be prevented if healthy plants are sprayed with a fungicide containing chlorothalonil. We choose to use organic methods in our garden so this was not an option. Next year I will spray the plants with neem oil once a week to prevent a repeat of this year. The perils of gardening...ah...such is life.
So far this year we have lost two cherry trees, the Minnesota Midget melons, Longfellow cucumbers, peppers, gourds and now the tomatoes.

The Market Grill

2009-09-02T08:12:00.002-04:00

We had not expected to open The Market Grill at the market until next season. One thing led to another and here we are on opening day. Our temporary kitchen is primitive but should prove to provide a plethora of tasty food for customers and vendors.

Today's menu includes:

Green Fields Farm Burger
1/3 pound premium aged beef from Green Fields Farm of Tuscarawas and Harrison County with your chioce of toppings on a Flat Top Bakery Bun

Walnut Grove Egg Sandwich
Fresh, free range egg from a variety of heritage breeds raised at Walnut Grove Farm in New Philadelphia grilled with your choice of toppings on Yoder's white or wheat bread.

Heirloom Tomato and Onion Sandwich
A variety of heirloom tomatoes and onions served hot or cold on Yoder's white or wheat bread.

Starfire Peanut Butter Sandwich
Homemade peanut butter by Starfire Foods of Sugarcreek and your choice of locally produced honey or jelly.

Toppings
Tomato, Red Onion, Grilled peppers, Onion Marmalade, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Hot Pepper Butter and Cheese from Heini's in Bunker Hill

Sides by Starfire Foods
Potato Salad, Pasta Salad or Macaroni Salad

The Things I Did Not Plant

2009-08-15T18:57:00.005-04:00

As much as I enjoy my garden, the planning, the preparation, the tending and the harvesting, I also enjoy the things I did not plant, the things that just grow because that is where they decided to take root. Some of these things are obvious...a bird or squirrel left a seed behind or the wind carried it. Others are more mysterious and beg one to wonder, how did that get there? Rather than pull up every stray sprout, I leave them in their new found home and watch them grow. This year there were many marvels, the mysterious pumpkins on the deck, the impatiens in the hibiscus planter and the tansy and sunflowers. Everything happens for a reason, I suppose.

A New Belt in Tae Kwon Do

2009-08-10T15:33:00.003-04:00

Francesca earned her white belt with black stripe on Friday. She decided, with the coaxing of her friend Shayla, she would go to Tae Kwon Do camp. The camp allows the kids to earn a belt in one week as opposed to the two months it normally takes. She is now the highest belt level in her group called the minis. At the end of August she will test again and graduate from the minis and become a mighty. Here is Francesca and Shayla with another friend, Antonia on the day of the test. Silliness was abundant.

Sunflower in the Silver Maple

2009-08-10T12:48:00.004-04:00

We have a Silver Maple that is nearly hollow and a home to many creatures. A most wondrous thing occurred when one of those creatures, probably a squirrel placed sunflower seed in the tree. The sunflower is growing...thirty feet up. It's quite charming.

Perfect Marinara

2009-08-10T12:04:00.004-04:00

Italians didn't start cooking with tomatoes until the 1850's. They were introduced to the Italians by the Spanish in the 1500's but they weren't very popular. It is difficult to imagine Italian cooking without them now. My family is from Northern Italy where the food differs a great deal from the Americanized versions we commonly see in the U.S.
I like meatless sauces.

Perfect Marinara

2 small onions diced
2 carrots peeled and diced
2 stalks celery diced
1/4 olive oil

Heat the olive in a stock pot until hot. Add onions, carrot and celery and saute until golden about 15 minutes.

1/4 dry white wine
2 28 oz cans diced tomatoes
1 tsp salt I always use Kosher
5 basil leaves
3 bay leaves

Add the wine to the vegetables and stir until evaporated on high heat. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for a good hour. You can puree the sauce for a smoother consistency. Various herbs can be added. This is a very basic recipe and can be personalized with oregano, marjoram, hot pepper flakes...as you like it!

I serve this sauce over brown rice pasta as I do not eat wheat but any pasta will do.

Last Chance Pancakes

2009-08-02T08:29:00.002-04:00

I never like the term starving artist. When I was in art school 20 plus years ago, I was poor...but I was never starving. None of us were starving. We took care of one another. Sundays were the best. All the art students living in cheap apartments in Olde Town East and Franklinton gathered, usually at Randy's place just across the alley from my apartment, for Last Chance Pancakes. Everyone brought an ingredient... flour, nuts, berries, bananas, maple syrup, butter, eggs, whatever we had, whatever we could afford. Randy would mix it all up and we shared the pancakes, ideas, opinions and fellowship.

Amanda...Light of My Life

2009-07-16T19:32:00.003-04:00

Amanda is one of my favorite people. We share many of the same ideas regarding environmentalism and sustainabilty. She is the founder of The Tuscarawas County Sustainability Network.
We met at a local rally to protest BIG COAL a few years ago. Seems our local leaders didn't see things our way and are now locked into a 50 year contract with a company that doesn't care about poisoning the water or the air. This fight isn't over and Amanda and I are very passionate about it.
Amanda sells books and zines and also has a lending library. You can borrow a book for $5 and when you bring the book back she gives you your money back.
Amanda went to school in Montreal. She earned a degree in International Studies.She speaks fluent French and is now attending massage therapy school.
Amanda organized an art show called Art Pals. School children from one of our local districts made art and then sent it to countries like Senegal and Japan where the children there responded with their own art. All this art eventually ended up back in the states and was hung as a show at the local art center. I learned a lot from this project. And sadly, American children are quite shallow and superficial.
Amanda chooses her bike more than her car. She also helps people in need. I am proud to be her friend.

Chocolate Mint Tea

2009-07-16T19:25:00.003-04:00

Ruth is our only certified organic grower at the market. She owns a local greenhouse and grows herbs and produce. I appreciate the heirloom varieties she brings to the market. She often brings tea for customers to sample. This week she brought chocolate mint tea sweetened with Stevia. I can't say I have ever had a finer iced tea in all my life.

Chef Cameron

2009-07-16T19:07:00.004-04:00

I invited Chef Cameron Krahel of The Inn at Honey Run to be a guest at the farmers market. We scheduled a meeting to discuss ideas. He invited me to his home just outside of the neighboring town. I made my way down a long gravel driveway and quickly noticed a large garden and chicken coop. When I knocked on the door of the red-metal roofed house a delightful Dalmatian appeared. It seemed Cameron was not yet home so I waited.
Cameron arrived a few minutes later. He let Gracie, the Dalmatian out and then we walked to the chicken coop where he opened the door for an assortment of outgoing heritage breeds. He showed me his garden and we strolled about the property while he gave me some history. Gracie insisted I throw the tennis ball over and over and over again and I was happy to comply.
At one time a previous owner was so paranoid his neighbors were going to cut down his trees, he cut them down himself and buried them. Cameron is still dealing with this as he digs in preparation of an orchard.
Cameron's home is new but has much character. The kitchen, as you might imagine, is the heart of the home and looks like Mario Batali's set kitchen.
Cameron agreed to come to the market every other week to do cooking demonstrations using products provided by the market vendors.
Week one was a huge success. Cameron prepared a delicious cheese soup, a vegetable fritata and a zucchini pasta with tomatoes. Samples were given away for free and most took a recipe print-out home.
In addition to his culinary skills, Cameron has also been know to win small town versions of American Idol type contests. Who knew?

Toys

2009-07-09T20:23:00.002-04:00

My house is over run with toys, toys of every variety, toys that I must admit, I bought. How did it come to this? I trip over them. I step over them. I kick them. I sit on them. I sleep with them. I even play with them. Simply put, Francesca has too many toys.
Don't get me wrong. Play is good and she does play...constantly. Legos, dolls, castles, fairies, barbies, stuffed animals, cars, guitars, hats, boas, houses, trucks, costumes, puzzles, wizards, James Brown rubber ducky, drums, kitchens, play doh, buses, scooters, games, nesting boxes, James Brown dancing doll, mega blocks, keyboards, xylophone, James Dean with a cigarette doll, Frank Sinatra with a fedora doll, Dr. Doolittle doll from the seventies, markers, crayons, paper, paper, paper, paper, magnetic paper dolls, paper paper dolls, and Gib.
Gib is Francesca's favorite bear. He goes everywhere with us.

Soap, Cotton Candy & Body Piercing?

2009-07-02T10:20:00.003-04:00

My friend Tricia makes soap. You can buy her products at the market. Most of her soaps are vegetable based with added herbs and essential oils. They make your bathroom smell delicious. Tricia also makes cotton candy and does body piercing.

Gourds

2009-07-02T10:14:00.001-04:00

Mom nearly sold out of her hand drawn gourds at the market this week. It is nice to know people want to have beautiful things.

Miss Spelled

2009-06-28T18:54:00.002-04:00

Poor spelling bothers me, especially with resources like dictionaries and spell check at our disposal.I find most people spell poorly. When we write we leave something behind, something that can be viewed again and again. If part of that is misspelled I feel like one would if they went outside without their pants on, exposed, perhaps vulnerable. Maybe it is laziness. I still manage to put my pants on.

Sometimes Spaghetti Likes to be Alone

2009-06-27T19:34:00.003-04:00

I am an American. I have always been an American and yet I do not eat like an American. When I think of American food I think of some of the most vile, detestable food in existence.

2009-06-27T18:16:00.001-04:00

Sara Boo

Tae Kwon Do Belt Test

2009-06-27T18:10:00.002-04:00

Francesca doesn't like Tae Kwon Do. She doesn't hate it. Once she gets there she has a great time. When she asked to sign up Clint and I decided she could do it if she committed to two years. That WAS asking a lot of a four year old but we thought it would be good for her. Her two year commitment will be up in September. Today she had a belt test. She earned her brown belt.

Guess What?

2009-06-27T18:02:00.002-04:00

Guess what these are and I'll buy (or make) you lunch...

Night and Day

2009-06-21T20:19:00.001-04:00

This is night...and this is day...or so Francesca says.

A Play in Four Acts

2009-06-21T12:45:00.002-04:00

This morning Francesca staged a play for her dad.

Act 1: The Cleopatra Romeo Story

Act 2: Angels and Fairies

Act 3: The Firemen

Act 4: Santa and How the Elves Helped Him, the Musical

I must admit, I did need to remind Clint more than once that she would only be little once and he'd better sit still and watch the play in its entirety, or else.

Traveling Man

2009-06-21T12:36:00.004-04:00

When my dad was 16, his parents sent him to Italy. It changed his life. I believe it connected him with his roots, his beginnings. He spoke of the trip often.
It gave him an opportunity to see the world beyond his own backyard, which was in itself, pretty interesting.
He used to say he left as a boy and came back a man and I believed him.
Today I remember my dad. I think I would have liked him even before he was my dad.

Bread Winner

2009-06-20T07:57:00.002-04:00

I stopped eating wheat for health reasons about four weeks ago. It has been excellent for my health but terrible for my spirit. I miss it so. No more bread, pizza, burritos or naan. I still bake it for the rest of the family. Here are two mini loaves and a fougasse stuffed with olive oil, garlic and roasted red peppers. To make the fugasse you roll out the dough and make slits in it, folding it over the chosen fillings. It's easy and impressive. It's rather like the French Version of Calzone. Fougasse is typically made in Provence. Often times it is made to look like a tree with the bottom being the trunk and the top the branches.

Suki Found a Home

2009-06-20T07:47:00.002-04:00

The Humane Society has been coming to the market each week to promote their cause and to find homes for homeless pets.
The rules of the market do not allow for the selling of live animals but it is the perfect venue to introduce prospective owners to these wonderful dogs.
Suki was fortunate. He found on a home after spending the day at the market.

Kids Like the Market

2009-06-19T19:30:00.002-04:00

I have been impressed with the number of kids who visit the market. They come wide-eyed and ask lots of questions. Some are country kids and know where food comes from. Most are not and are fascinated that carrots have green tops and are not born in a plastic bag.
I have been trying to come up with ideas that will keep the kids coming back.
The Skiffle Band Workshop is next week and the Bookmobile is coming. Can't say I have ever experienced the Bookmobile. It seems odd to me there are people with no books in their homes. I suppose a mobile library is pretty good.
All kids like face painting or body painting as it were. Girls pick butterflies and kitties. Boys pick skulls and sports.
I remember getting a strawberry painted on my face when I was six at The Strawberry Festival in Bolivar. I thought the artist was the coolest person in the whole world.

It it wasn't for the Weavers

2009-06-19T19:18:00.003-04:00

The Weaver's are a local Amish family that has decided to become regulars at the market. They farm in a sustainable manner with three Weaver families tending to the responsibilities.
They brought tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, squash, green beans, peas, lettuce, bread and maple syrup, all produced on their family farm.
As they don't want photographs of themselves taken , I asked if I could photograph their products. They kindly agreed and seemed delighted I was impressed with their food.
Mrs. Weaver and I discussed lettuce and its ability to bolt overnight. She was generous in sharing her knowledge of growing, harvesting and preparing meals. She explained her family ate seasonally and was just about tired of strawberry pie and strawberry jam.

Daddy and Me

2009-06-12T20:00:00.003-04:00

As Father's Day approaches I have been thinking about my dad a lot. I have noticed I am more like him than I ever thought I could be. I use all the dumb one-liners he used. I would rather entertain then be entertained. I become obsessed with my passions. I try to be my daughter's best teacher.

The last father's day gift I bought him was a radio controlled boat so he could play with Francesca without having to physically exert himself. He died two months later and never got the chance.

I am still learning to live without him.

Bartender

2009-06-12T19:33:00.002-04:00

I was a bartender for a million years before I decided to work my butt off at things I care about receiving no paycheck whatsoever.
It wasn't always so bad, in fact, sometimes it was downright enjoyable.
I worked in nice places and hole-in-the-wall places and usually made decent money that went into my pocket and not the corrupt governments. I evaded taxes like crazy because, well, I could. I feel no shame about that either.
I was performing a customer service. I listened to peoples joys and sorrows and pretended to care. There were times when I did care. I saved marriages and ruined even more. I cleaned up vomit and feces and urine and some other substances I still have not identified. I was forced to listen to music I hated at volumes that are incomprehensible. I called cabs or dropped off drunks at three in the morning just so the customer wouldn't get their fifth DUI. I mostly listened and for most people that is all they needed beyond the drink or the beer.

My Favorite Childhood Cookbook

2009-06-12T19:12:00.003-04:00

I learned to cook mostly from watching my parents and grandparents but this book played a big roll in gaining my independence in the kitchen. It is a Betty Crocker cookbook for kids that my mom bought me when I was about five. I had graduated from the Easy Bake Oven and was ready to move on to the real kitchen. The recipes in this book are things I would never consider eating now but at the time it taught me about proper measuring and oven temperature even if it meant making canned pears look like mice. I was especially fond of the sugar cookie recipe and the pancakes shaped like circus animals. Today I refuse to make any recipe that calls for a can of cream of mushroom soup but back then I followed the instructions to the letter.

Opening Day

2009-06-11T08:35:00.003-04:00

The Tuscarawas Valley Family Farm Market had a terrific opening day. I was shocked at the number of people expecting more produce and had to explain how food is seasonal. I was also shocked at how many people came before the market had opened and expected to be permitted to purchase items while the vendors were setting up. This is going to be an issue. While we don't want to turn people away, we do want to allow enough time for vendors to set up their booths. We are still in the red but with hopes, this market will be self sustaining. We have received two grants but it might be sometime before that money actually lands in the TVFFM bank account. Hundreds of people showed up for opening day and I thank each and everyone of them for their support of our local farmers and producers.

Counter Coalture Coalition

2009-06-09T07:56:00.003-04:00

I don't like coal. I don't like relying on it for electricity. I don't like the mining required to bring it to the surface and I don't like the burning of it to generate power. I don't like coal.

http://www.countercoalture.org/ is a great project where one dedicates their garden to counteract the hideous destruction of the planet caused by the coal industry.

Lavender has been known to symbolize Love, Protection, Happiness, Peace, Purification, Sleep and Longevity. I dedicate my Lavender to this cause.

The Last Day Of Kindergarten

2009-06-07T19:06:00.002-04:00

This is the last year St. Joseph will be called St. Joseph School. Next year it will be called Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School.

We attended a wonderful prayer service and ceremony for the kindergarten class and yes I cried. I was proud of Francesca but also saddened at the changes taking place at our school.

Father Bill suggested we embrace the change and know that all will be well in God's hands. Give up on trying to control things and let God move us forward in a direction that He intends.

Father Bill has been reassigned to a parish in Columbus.

The kids will start the new school year with Father Matt.

The name is changing, the uniform plaid is changing, the priest is changing.

It's a shame the school lunches aren't changing.

The Dumb Hillbilly & The Cherry Tree

2009-06-07T18:50:00.003-04:00

We have a patch of pokeweed on the northwest corner of the property. Over the years I have tried to get rid of it. Pulling, cutting and smothering hasn't worked and I have accepted that it is there for a reason. It provides nutritious berries for the birds and bunnies in late summer. The owner of the adjacent property wants it gone as it tends to come up in his yard as well.

He took it upon himself to spray it with toxic chemicals even after I asked him not to do so. We have well water and the idea of drinking or cooking with Roundup doesn't sit well with me.

He sprayed the pokeweed and the wind must have carried it across the yard.

The cherry tree is where it landed.

A friend who is an arborist suggested mulching the tree heavily with compost and watering deeply once a week. The tree will probably survive, I hope.

The dumb hillbilly way of life is to kill anything you don't like and if you don't kill it the first time...kill it again.

I wore gloves to remove the brown, curled pokeweed and placed it in the back of the pick up. I'm not really sure what I will do with it. It will grow back. All the Roundup in the world won't kill it.

I have considered purchasing some Roundup myself and using it to write Dumb Hillbilly in the lawn of my neighbor.

Do you think he would suspect it was me?

The End of an Era

2009-06-02T19:48:00.003-04:00

The end of school is bittersweet. It is great...summer vacation...get to spend lots of time with Francesca...no more waking up at 5:30 am.

I'm not going to get a damn thing done this summer, am I?

She actually made it through kindergarten without telling Father Bill to go to hell.

She learned how to read for Pete's sake.

She had perfect attendance.

I am so proud of her.

I'm not going to get a damn thing done this summer, am I?

Well, she graduates from kindergarten on Thursday.

Cold Soup

2009-05-31T07:52:00.003-04:00

I have been seeing recipes in all the magazines that reflect the upcoming season of summer. Cold, pureed, vegetable soups continue to catch my eye. There is the ever popular gazpacho, cucumber yogurt and avocado. Nope. Can't get on board here. I don't like cold soup. Soup should be hot. Why puree cucumbers and avacado when you can just make a salad? And isn't gazpacho just salsa?

Artmatism

2009-05-30T20:07:00.002-04:00

Francesca started her own blog. She said she wants to write and show her drawings to others so they might send her emails. She named it Artmatism. I rather like the name. She has asked me to share this with all of you.

http://artmatism.blogspot.com/

Drum Circle

2009-05-30T15:24:00.006-04:00

Friends met at Deis Hill Park to play drums and percussion instruments this morning. I had baked fresh bread and made strawberry jam. The sounds of the drums and shakers and birds was delightful.

Meat Issues

2009-05-28T19:50:00.004-04:00

I have been a vegetarian for 26 years. Francesca seems to be taking the same road, perhaps because she sees me eat no meat, although her dad and her Nana eat it daily. Perhaps she has her own reasons.

I received a note from her school requesting the children not pack a lunch on the last day of school because there will be a cookout for the kids that will include hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans (with bacon) and some kind of processed fruit that hung on a peach tree in 2005. This is an issue as Francesca will have nothing, save the fruit, to eat. Peachy...

Any suggestions?

I could show up unexpectedly and say she has to leave school early due to a family emergency. I could send her to school with a cucumber and green pepper sandwich anyway. She could just eat the hot dog.

I have a week to figure this one out.

What are They Thinking?

2009-05-28T19:37:00.002-04:00

This is an article I wrote for the Columbus Free Press. I hoped it might have changed some minds...made people think, etc. It seems our little town is moving backwards.
Please take the time to read it...
http://www.freepress.org/columns/display/18
And react...say something, do something.

Health Department?

2009-05-28T11:41:00.006-04:00

Last night's market meeting went well. The rain stayed away and Francesca was more than helpful. There was an excitement in the air that can only have come from a community coming together to help one another, what an array of talented and hard working people trying to make a difference. Attendance was excellent. It looks like we have a real market on our hands. The farmers and producers are as excited as we are about making this a reality. The vendors were thrilled with the meal we served.The health department, on the other hand, wants to make it difficult. Foodborne illness does not come from small family farms. It comes from factory farms. I'm going to trust food that was produced by a guy named Clay way before I trust food produced by Tyson. We are the only market in the county who is following the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code. We are also the only market in the county being targeted by the health department. Shame on them. The health department representative had no problem wolfing down a hamburger. She must have known the meat was kept at or below 41 damn degrees.

Feathers and Mouths

2009-05-28T11:38:00.002-04:00

The five blue eggs in the nest behind the barn are now baby starlings.

Cat Myths

2009-05-27T10:44:00.003-04:00

I have a low tolerance for certain things...stupidity topping the list... if you ask people that know me.

1. Cats can suck the breath from a baby. Who in their right mind would believe such a notion.? How can a person's brain actually allow them to believe this?

2. Pregnant women should not scoop the litter box. So, do you just get rid of the cat? Perhaps a respiratory mask and gloves, Einstein, might do the trick.

3. Cats cause schizophrenia. I'd rather say they comfort the mentally ill.

4. Cats can see ghosts. Don't we all?

5. If you have multiple male cats, they will spray and mark. Cats are animals. They might do this. Have your cat neutered before he is sexually mature unless you are one of those sick people that breeds animals.

6. Cow's milk is good for cats. Milk is good for cows. Period.

The Tuscarawas Valley Family Farm Market

2009-05-27T08:55:00.002-04:00

The farmers' market is becoming a reality. With the help of dedicated friends and volunteers, we will soon have a real farmers' market in this little town. Nearly two years ago we all sat down and decided this was a project that had to come to fruition. We were all tired of driving to Wooster or Akron to get fresh food when we were surrounded by growers and producers right here in our own county. Even the local producers had to make a long trip to sell because there was no venue available in the area.

Tonight is our first vendor meeting. We will welcome them with a cook-out at the fairgrounds. We will be serving burgers made from fresh, local beef, beans and potato salad. I'll sneak a few veggie burgers on the grill to satisfy my own desire for carbon coated goodness.

The market will be held at 259 S. Tuscarawas Ave in Dover each Wednesday starting June 10, from 3-7 PM.

Currently our vendors will be selling...

beef

pork

cheese

eggs

honey

produce

herbs

artisan bread

dog treats

soap

arts and crafts

fresh-cut flowers

bedding plants

A Time to Every Purpose...

2009-05-20T16:19:00.002-04:00

It took my dad four days to die, well actually it took him 64 years. The long, slow, miserable part took four days. As I watched him fade away I experienced anger, denial, misery, loneliness and felt cheated for not having been able to spend any time alone with him. It was not exactly the time to demand his attention. Everyone needed him...or more accurately needed to comfort him, to let go of him. I remember wishing it would happen faster so I could get on with trying to live without him. I wandered hospital halls, slept in uncomfortable chairs, smoked Marlboro's and ate only when forced. I felt so alone within my own self-constructed walls even though I was surrounded by my family and friends. Visitors came and left...to say goodbye, to show respect and they each had the right. They had all been touched by my dad and that was important. How was I going to live without him? I kept asking myself that question and then it dawned on me...When I first found out I was pregnant with Francesca I told my dad first, even before Clint. I was so scared and so worried Clint would not be happy because he was too old to have any more children. My dad was thrilled beyond belief and knew Clint would be too. And he also knew that the little girl growing inside me would help carry me through a life that would no longer include my best friend, my dad. Francesca was two and a half when he died and she doesn't remember much but I fill in the details. I still have days like this filled with tears and memories and wish that I could have just five minutes, just five more minutes.

I Make Light Boxes

2009-05-18T19:49:00.004-04:00

This lightbox is from a series of twelve. It was a study on the twelve most commonly used verbs in the English language. It so happens they are all irregular. In no particular order, these are the twelve from the series...

think

come

have

take

know

make

Tea Cup Swap II

2009-05-18T19:28:00.002-04:00

This didn't turn out quite like I expected.

The Bunnies and the Garden

2009-05-18T19:03:00.008-04:00

The bunnies have made themselves comfortable and quite at home in the garden, feasting on lettuce, radishes, tomato starts, peppers and even onions. They've done a significant number on my future harvest. A trip to a local farm store and 18 dollars later, problem solved. I had no choice but to put up a fence, albeit temporary as it rather prevents me from weeding and tending.

The Baby Groundhog

2009-05-18T18:54:00.005-04:00

My friend JoAnne is a fantastic woman in many respects. She is kinder to animals than most people are to each other. On Friday she found a baby groundhog in the middle of the road. She brought him home, fed him organic yogurt and gave him a stuffed moose. She was able to find an animal rescue group in Massillon who knew how to properly care for him. With hopes, he will do well and be released in the wild when he is about 14 weeks old. He's one lucky groundhog.

Hungarian Bakery

2009-05-14T10:20:00.003-04:00

The town where I live does not support businesses that do not involve cars, beer or meat. How delighted I was to discover a Hungarian bakery in Wooster, about 40 miles away.

I Chose This Cup

2009-05-14T10:13:00.002-04:00

I mailed my package containing a tea cup and saucer and a selection of five teas to my partner in the tea cup swap. The name of my partner is ambiguous like mine. One cannot tell if it is a man or a woman. This is the cup I chose to send to Rochester, NY.

Nest VI

2009-05-14T10:04:00.002-04:00

The baby doves have left the nest. They are still staying close to their former home. They are ready. They have had good teachers. I plan to leave the basket in place. Perhaps the nest will be used again. I was able to get this picture before they took flight.

Paula Thomas

2009-05-09T19:52:00.004-04:00

Whatever happened to Paula Thomas? She was a chubby girl I knew in elementary school. She wasn't especially bright and she was tom-boyish in appearance and attitude.
She often told me of her family's visit to Ocean City Maryland. She loved the ocean.
Her parents had little money and her older brother, Donald, I think, was mean.
I remember her in a panic on the first day of fourth grade. Her hands had mysteriously turned blue. She was afraid to ask Miss Zingg what to do so she asked me. I asked her, "Paula, what have you touched?" She responded, "Nothing, nothing. I have just been standing here with my hands in my pockets." It was then I realized she had dye on her hands from her new jeans. I don't think she had ever had a new pair of jeans as she always wore her brother's hand-me-downs.
She was so relieved and so grateful I did not laugh at her.
What ever happened to Paula Thomas?

All-Natural Beauty Workshop

2009-05-09T19:34:00.003-04:00

Today Francesca and I attended an all-natural beauty workshop hosted by The Tuscarawas County Sustainability Network, a group I am actively involved with.

Our teacher, Emily was quite wise for her years.

She uses a skin cleansing regimen that utilizes caster oil and olive oil...no soap...no chemicals. Simple. My skin felt better after one session.

She explained that our skin is best maintained by what we put in our bodies.

We all brought fruit and juices and made smoothies after the lesson. Francesca and I brought strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, peach nectar and pear nectar.

French Fingerlings

2009-05-08T16:27:00.002-04:00

Wonderful, rose-colored skins cover the creamy yellow flesh. These potatoes are rumored to have been smuggled into America in a horse's feed bag in the 1800's. I wanted to get them planted sooner. I ordered them from Iowa and they wouldn't ship them until the danger of frost had passed. You can order some too...
www.seedsavers.org

Nest V

2009-05-08T14:44:00.003-04:00

The doves are here! We aren't quite sure when they were born as we have been trying not to bother the birds. Today I checked and lo and behold, babies. What a joy it has been to host this family. They have found a home to happen in!

Wine and Song in Amish Country

2009-05-08T12:00:00.002-04:00

Erin Sax Seymour, a NYC native is travelling the US playing music with Lorenzo Bertocchini, an Italian singer songwriter from Varese, Italy. We were fortunate enough to hear them play at a local market last night. The evening was complimented with fresh pasta and Putenesca.

The musicians were late getting started as they were taking buggy rides in Amish Country and nearly decided to drop out of their own lives to live a a simpler life.

Thanks to latte from Java Jo they snapped out of it and played us some songs.

Breakfast

2009-05-04T19:44:00.002-04:00

I don't go to restaurants often because I like to cook and can usually prepare a meal that is tastier and healthier at home. There is, however, something to be said of the restaurant breakfast. It's nice to relax and let the wide-hipped (and in this case) middle-aged waitress bring you hot plates of food and pour coffee perfectly into cups. I like restaurants that have waitresses or waiters, not servers. I like bus boys in all white and cooks you never see.

Bird Hike

2009-05-04T19:27:00.004-04:00

Francesca and I attended a bird hike last Saturday. It was a lovely, moist morning. There were pictures of birds in various trees along the hike. We were given a list of birds and were required to match the names with the numbered pictures. It turns out we don't the names of too many birds. In fact, we were pathetic. As we walked along the wooded path near the Tuscarawas River I began to wonder if any of the birds on the list were native to the area. One in particular, was a water bird called a Coot. I have never seen such a bird.

The ruins of the former canal system were even more exciting than the pictures hanging in the trees. There is the perfect amount of moss on everything. This system, at one time so vital to industry and commerce, is melting back into nature in a slow, sad, beautiful way.