tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-286637232024-03-07T18:27:46.840-06:00A Homesteading NeophytePhelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.comBlogger2166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-1653915418050788962015-09-04T16:40:00.001-05:002015-09-04T16:40:33.451-05:00Not really homesteading<div><br></div>I haven't updated, because I have little positive to say. I know I have a history of telling everything, but when it is a daily in and out of awful, I am just to a point that I don't want to share it anymore.<div><br></div><div>I am not homesteading. I am hobbying. Garden and chickens.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9y1sRELq9fQ2FlM6-tFq6ru37gxattdXuX41gWIVBHVIvcf-QTWpnchmcZaXoUbeCriA1aRdK7HOfXraMCIciQ-QyHjfT5WsWjsiVoJzAd_wPdQBYOt15unL0q_8Sq8w8aGSC-A/s640/blogger-image--2127196586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9y1sRELq9fQ2FlM6-tFq6ru37gxattdXuX41gWIVBHVIvcf-QTWpnchmcZaXoUbeCriA1aRdK7HOfXraMCIciQ-QyHjfT5WsWjsiVoJzAd_wPdQBYOt15unL0q_8Sq8w8aGSC-A/s640/blogger-image--2127196586.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If the world ends, we will be alright.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Large is in college, Medium turned 14 today, and Small is learning to play the saxophone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the shop is doing very well. But I rarely see Husband. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As long as the shop continues to grow like it is, we will be ok. And maybe we can go back to homesteading. But for now. . . It is what it is.</div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-90142230433586995142015-05-26T09:16:00.001-05:002015-05-26T09:16:23.296-05:00Better days<br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuQRLSByTsTGPwyeG_jzPrC__IYfqC6SjgSa-Jt1kbmixp911yfW48QVItbuFZZLQI0SyXgl2CmFmvgLDzEmez6cqNMl_rmf4K1XPsB04uzxyLRA-9Luhyphenhyphen-BgirlwyAX81iduwQ/s640/blogger-image--1993228689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuQRLSByTsTGPwyeG_jzPrC__IYfqC6SjgSa-Jt1kbmixp911yfW48QVItbuFZZLQI0SyXgl2CmFmvgLDzEmez6cqNMl_rmf4K1XPsB04uzxyLRA-9Luhyphenhyphen-BgirlwyAX81iduwQ/s640/blogger-image--1993228689.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have never seen our back pasture mowed. A neighbor came down this weekend, and brush hogged it all down. He was tired of chasing his rouge cows through our thicket. No more scratches for him. Ha! He also had an auger attachment on his tractor, and decided to dig holes for our garden fence posts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A little driveway mowing and we found him up top, mowing that grass as well. Guess he was on a roll.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDd0Gzhx_6xSCwqTaIVDx6OODPNJUPrNb2JAaLiP-8IO_C5b_nzRDcpA3LMHXaFBt6u9bsTlr0k7ewilOI7o0VIFkZ9COUlNglcxalBsQbUBmlJKudOEl_BuJ9wjMohmQCIRVEPQ/s640/blogger-image-1362776396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDd0Gzhx_6xSCwqTaIVDx6OODPNJUPrNb2JAaLiP-8IO_C5b_nzRDcpA3LMHXaFBt6u9bsTlr0k7ewilOI7o0VIFkZ9COUlNglcxalBsQbUBmlJKudOEl_BuJ9wjMohmQCIRVEPQ/s640/blogger-image-1362776396.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On more personal news, Large has graduated High School! He starts in a University (on a scholarship) in the fall!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeUMfp62VCx718kyQbWpaM9qy6yDaeIViIc5bN4KJcJ3LmCXZYvYKOHZmyv4IikD1U4UuUmin77QFCvk2TqAkPSuMSLK7559qDStUG_JAyTRcsjpBRKv_zOZdlq4lWgfye333Zg/s640/blogger-image--29554853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeUMfp62VCx718kyQbWpaM9qy6yDaeIViIc5bN4KJcJ3LmCXZYvYKOHZmyv4IikD1U4UuUmin77QFCvk2TqAkPSuMSLK7559qDStUG_JAyTRcsjpBRKv_zOZdlq4lWgfye333Zg/s640/blogger-image--29554853.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE_VJh5jpZ3RGEsbzS1S49ZoAQH3bUG0e8qRjGxK43J59S2QserZ_zw2djGu0cffT_QHhAqsjGEJAgGhAPBwsZyCjLglmHxEeTfqLpM42NT5eHjI4Zmg7BWU5sR9kNXETEWvgTQ/s640/blogger-image--53249857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE_VJh5jpZ3RGEsbzS1S49ZoAQH3bUG0e8qRjGxK43J59S2QserZ_zw2djGu0cffT_QHhAqsjGEJAgGhAPBwsZyCjLglmHxEeTfqLpM42NT5eHjI4Zmg7BWU5sR9kNXETEWvgTQ/s640/blogger-image--53249857.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-6477683016259602432015-04-28T09:47:00.001-05:002015-04-28T09:47:47.897-05:00Having tea with LokiGreen has finally decided to grace us with his presence. It feels like it has been too long. <br />
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With Spring comes the wild foods I so enjoy. Friends joined us to eat our first bounty of wild onions.<br />
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The dish of wild onion, carrots and potatoes slow cooked in hard apple cider and minced garlic can out divine. We served it with pork ribs smothered in apple bbq sauce.<br />
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We have had a few people point out a bush to us. Mountain tea, is the only explanation I received. Someone said it was Ironwort. But I am not completely sure of that. It looks nothing like it. I thought elderberry, but the taste wasn't right.<br />
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What I do know is that is makes a wonderfully minty tea. I was told that when the berries come in and if I can get to it before the deer, it is even better. We made some fresh, and dried out more for later.<br />
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And we are of course super happy to introduce you all to Urth's Umbra's little bull calf.<br />
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Loki<br />
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He has been attempting to live up to his name, already.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Buckets is officially deaf. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgk9wKnfR2FC0FkVsD4ivYwU77QctA0svnv6DIT_dqMbyPLoEh-Mu1t5v-vgER-Amh9ptkOC8Nqf-njahHRR6u_o-8lGslL-4ex4991BHL5vfP_kphOypgtkmWTfF5drPm48HhA/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgk9wKnfR2FC0FkVsD4ivYwU77QctA0svnv6DIT_dqMbyPLoEh-Mu1t5v-vgER-Amh9ptkOC8Nqf-njahHRR6u_o-8lGslL-4ex4991BHL5vfP_kphOypgtkmWTfF5drPm48HhA/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Husband got me something to make my life a tad easier </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZWYPPXxFSm_kdVLRdStOLuWMKoRDwDXqo61Edl-IWpHNoaLijRLpBkEX50UzWZdf0quQsxayC079GrcRlF-OlUAJXSUIpSv15QLTDdk9lJz_Cs35aVKegBMo1cpTM5cXbkZhOQ/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZWYPPXxFSm_kdVLRdStOLuWMKoRDwDXqo61Edl-IWpHNoaLijRLpBkEX50UzWZdf0quQsxayC079GrcRlF-OlUAJXSUIpSv15QLTDdk9lJz_Cs35aVKegBMo1cpTM5cXbkZhOQ/s320/IMG_0102.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After egg dying, Medium and Small decided to use the rest on themselves. </td></tr>
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Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-58353812576286012092015-03-06T10:42:00.001-06:002015-09-08T07:48:10.376-05:00Sometimes the view makes it all worth it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYC-RPt5MBZ5gVvBt30mY6ZrfGaX92wqlEUJWcQHLsiaz1aR3QE2guVI9OPGKDWPInLBThL2oXgO4eLLSuS05cdS0-KJbR0esrm_YqEZjmAnd9bf-XlUOO0f2xmOnt3_7V4maaw/s640/blogger-image-2011015850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYC-RPt5MBZ5gVvBt30mY6ZrfGaX92wqlEUJWcQHLsiaz1aR3QE2guVI9OPGKDWPInLBThL2oXgO4eLLSuS05cdS0-KJbR0esrm_YqEZjmAnd9bf-XlUOO0f2xmOnt3_7V4maaw/s640/blogger-image-2011015850.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxTFQBoepFH_H3hpwETBbrR7iHhztJj1arRhwTjyhcZHsd-UeiQ1sdTk-qUqE8H0F85FVH71cMPcMrhL2RyID6XhASDK_GMgt5__6nQZPVVdHDQX8OHBrd-aKwtSEt6hLYfijsQ/s640/blogger-image-806789715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxTFQBoepFH_H3hpwETBbrR7iHhztJj1arRhwTjyhcZHsd-UeiQ1sdTk-qUqE8H0F85FVH71cMPcMrhL2RyID6XhASDK_GMgt5__6nQZPVVdHDQX8OHBrd-aKwtSEt6hLYfijsQ/s640/blogger-image-806789715.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-3AuHpFizmfVqMHULz2_ZwoSNq7PdvOhn64tsPES_rakSTQjusMaiPxFHh_emdK5Mxdc9__xKgF6vYZtdgtYB5gepXLJCwtvlxdxEJrK_URqLe0-Psfj-2UYePWlsPm9b85o9Q/s640/blogger-image--1571523773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-3AuHpFizmfVqMHULz2_ZwoSNq7PdvOhn64tsPES_rakSTQjusMaiPxFHh_emdK5Mxdc9__xKgF6vYZtdgtYB5gepXLJCwtvlxdxEJrK_URqLe0-Psfj-2UYePWlsPm9b85o9Q/s640/blogger-image--1571523773.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5XVdQHgNEclROWrvtWQHOdI5FOoUJP9TrSd-NqPLnlAhtomBhHX0WOLekLHCBwNTRre7L4EHeb7r2Kmku9VEjyZqvi-D9Qmw7MMOIa6jTmtsC3jV6oDsVEQnqcRKAfqXtk9P6w/s640/blogger-image--1997114392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5XVdQHgNEclROWrvtWQHOdI5FOoUJP9TrSd-NqPLnlAhtomBhHX0WOLekLHCBwNTRre7L4EHeb7r2Kmku9VEjyZqvi-D9Qmw7MMOIa6jTmtsC3jV6oDsVEQnqcRKAfqXtk9P6w/s640/blogger-image--1997114392.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SFTb8KvxG-yYtDRWqPskSVt8E8aL-nVPVtQ6jNj2oJmfKeWgyxD5xVTrsA49tT2XmiLpyjFTlYIKtwM-ElotBspagG47hxDSJ5_F-huUXUQcJ7OmtQJ62Yt5rA-Yy8cvO-LoDQ/s640/blogger-image-1502499369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SFTb8KvxG-yYtDRWqPskSVt8E8aL-nVPVtQ6jNj2oJmfKeWgyxD5xVTrsA49tT2XmiLpyjFTlYIKtwM-ElotBspagG47hxDSJ5_F-huUXUQcJ7OmtQJ62Yt5rA-Yy8cvO-LoDQ/s640/blogger-image-1502499369.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And sometimes, not so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVX2QB-7gHkWBpM0XOgod8bB6EWkw93zWelhrnu73dA0cf23k5xUb4iFyNtuX4KjDCDvVsA7yiNIG6ibWSuGPipvyEAeukqrg4A14Tv3oe67tnRUajthg8tKm2DXaFWAaVQIFBQ/s640/blogger-image-1962097792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVX2QB-7gHkWBpM0XOgod8bB6EWkw93zWelhrnu73dA0cf23k5xUb4iFyNtuX4KjDCDvVsA7yiNIG6ibWSuGPipvyEAeukqrg4A14Tv3oe67tnRUajthg8tKm2DXaFWAaVQIFBQ/s640/blogger-image-1962097792.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-33287996413040100862015-02-13T09:52:00.001-06:002015-02-13T09:52:43.931-06:00Another Casting CallI received this email last night, though I declined, I offered to pass the info along. (Thank you for your emails and comments. I will be able to post a full report of going ons soon)<div><br></div><div> </div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>My name is Felicia and I am a casting researcher for a new family docu-series we are currently casting, and I just came across your blog. We are looking for hardworking couples & families throughout the U.S. I wanted to reach out to see if you and your family were interested or if you knew any families who would be. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Below is some more information about the show. </span></div><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/s/?view=att&th=14b80b401e4c3242&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=ii_14b7241c6f94ea2d&zw&atsh=1" alt="Inline image 1" height="190" width="266" style="border: none; margin-right: 0px;"> </span></div><p></p><p align="center" style="text-align: start;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">MAJOR TELEVISION NETWORK CASTING IMMEDIATELY </u></b></p><p align="center" style="text-align: start;"><b><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">FOR A FAMILY/ FEEL GOOD SHOW!</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(Applicants must be at least 18 years old and US Citizens to apply)</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Are you a hardworking family living paycheck to paycheck? </b><b> </b></span></p><p><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Has your work life kept you from spending quality time with your family? </b></p><p><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do you ever have a hard time making financial decisions together as a couple? </b></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b> </b><b>Is Dad the “saver” and Mom the “spender” or vice versa?</b></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If so, we<span lang="FR">’</span>d love to talk to you and help you in a fun and creative way on a new television show!</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">From a MAJOR TELEVISION NETWORK, comes a new television series looking for <b>outspoken, opinionated and dynamic couples and/or families</b> nationwide who don<span lang="FR">’</span>t always agree on everything, but are willing to talk it out on a new creative new television series!</span></p><p><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Email CARRIE IMMEDIATELY: <u>FamilyShowCastin<wbr>g2015@Gmail.com</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Name & ages of both you and your significant other & length of relationship</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Occupations of both of you</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. How many kids you have</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. City, State you live in</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Contact info (please include phone numbers and email addresses for both parties)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Recent photo of your family AND a clear photo of you and your significant other.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7. Write a brief description about your family and why you are excited to share your story with America. Describe why you answered yes to any or all of the questions above. Describe your personalities, struggles and triumphs over the years together. What are your dreams and what is holding you back from achieving them?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(Where did you see this post?)</span></p><p><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If selected, you will be paid for your participation.</b></p><font style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank you so much!<br><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Felicia Rogers<br></span></div><br>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-67802822853842431502015-01-11T11:15:00.001-06:002015-01-11T11:15:12.385-06:00Not much to sayI really don't have too much to share right now. Though I do miss writing to you. The winter is, luckily, easier than last. We have food, we have friends, we have plenty of heat. No real snow fall yet, so the driveway of doom has been easier to navigate. However things have been freezing. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGAFF2yQbVIhiJrI5vEsFaC3OR7UU3jKkco-3U-SCseB3IijEiP3nMqRd489BFE_3FLppxVwSeuaz62ytrp-PDa8vTLNRjpk-zirw8q2nJBmRSPFNZ5wzgJ9oCdC6xAQ5ZbFNVg/s640/blogger-image-480883486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGAFF2yQbVIhiJrI5vEsFaC3OR7UU3jKkco-3U-SCseB3IijEiP3nMqRd489BFE_3FLppxVwSeuaz62ytrp-PDa8vTLNRjpk-zirw8q2nJBmRSPFNZ5wzgJ9oCdC6xAQ5ZbFNVg/s640/blogger-image-480883486.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So we must take water to the cows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdtTUuNnR_h-sdvLWeH_J8Mo0oWjJG4HoAv-Bb-ukMBu44M7AWoEmPtjwHJlEDvCbHfzFa0k7ZKpJl7I9z-gjDprwjaoElCOw3Ro423kHls5tiRexEP-OE0xjS7G6156bMFhcQg/s640/blogger-image-1793936958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdtTUuNnR_h-sdvLWeH_J8Mo0oWjJG4HoAv-Bb-ukMBu44M7AWoEmPtjwHJlEDvCbHfzFa0k7ZKpJl7I9z-gjDprwjaoElCOw3Ro423kHls5tiRexEP-OE0xjS7G6156bMFhcQg/s640/blogger-image-1793936958.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XhcUXcHMiSzShqV4vTdQRweK9D9y_4C9pyAXThdZFA-CTp_hRpD06j9-l6yid9vcLB_60ZbWSL1RupxUKfc7TJiysBD4DMeN2oWr5wHPdu932jQEfzbQKhniDHuEqNU7hpyzdw/s640/blogger-image-1023364847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XhcUXcHMiSzShqV4vTdQRweK9D9y_4C9pyAXThdZFA-CTp_hRpD06j9-l6yid9vcLB_60ZbWSL1RupxUKfc7TJiysBD4DMeN2oWr5wHPdu932jQEfzbQKhniDHuEqNU7hpyzdw/s640/blogger-image-1023364847.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKob3gvz3FWYOjI-gVNODjICx1-qvRjBo1PbXsP4J7uCEyf2lUbTmohv3JgDPD2rLVyOlKVwIWUcQ3Wb3wFHRRzhRRc2swMvZ3gxDU4OAGabxkeNc597g1VmBXt_ep9svrudBS8Q/s640/blogger-image--788807024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKob3gvz3FWYOjI-gVNODjICx1-qvRjBo1PbXsP4J7uCEyf2lUbTmohv3JgDPD2rLVyOlKVwIWUcQ3Wb3wFHRRzhRRc2swMvZ3gxDU4OAGabxkeNc597g1VmBXt_ep9svrudBS8Q/s640/blogger-image--788807024.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>And that makes them happy. We did lose Xuxi however. Her calf is doing well. Our new year has started out on some very sour notes. But joyful things have been pushing in on us. I have several laborers coming out to do many things. They are some wonderful men. In exchange for their work, I will be showing them some things, canning and gardening are on their list of must learns. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I could list out all our plans, but I thought it would be better to wait until we are actually doing these things. So much has been pushed back as it is because of circumstances, as they are. We are taking baby steps and building community. That's important to us right now. And that means soon I will be introducing you to more characters in our ever changing story. I think you may enjoy them as much as we have been.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Until the next time I am able to write. . .</div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-3038513305885162082015-01-10T09:36:00.001-06:002015-01-10T09:39:10.621-06:00Casting callI received an email yesterday from a production company I have worked with via phone calls in the past. I thought I would pass the info along to you.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReNfCd1Bj9qMwA73GwIXwym6-3nj6dYxjfu8LSA7K4KOFL3wCwn_CCkPP7b8dft6NvRvXkHt5HIYo3kpGRzEHknXGWKaVKzG2eTtC4m52c1HnA4Nw_IcStTPralfys_BQFyJvMg/s640/blogger-image-691261417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReNfCd1Bj9qMwA73GwIXwym6-3nj6dYxjfu8LSA7K4KOFL3wCwn_CCkPP7b8dft6NvRvXkHt5HIYo3kpGRzEHknXGWKaVKzG2eTtC4m52c1HnA4Nw_IcStTPralfys_BQFyJvMg/s640/blogger-image-691261417.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you have questions, and would prefer to go through me, email me. I do have her phone number and can get those questions answered anonymously.</div><br>
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</div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-28714966110890096542014-12-26T15:34:00.000-06:002014-12-26T15:34:50.110-06:00Best of 2014; in pictures<div><br />
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Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-48916528750759703902014-12-24T07:15:00.000-06:002014-12-24T09:26:32.587-06:00A Visit From Saint Nicholas by Clement Moore<center>
(Been a bit sick. This was published on this blog in 2012. So if you see a comment by you, I just updated the time stamp. Merry Christmas!)<br />
<br />
ILLUSTRATED FROM DRAWINGS By F.O.C. Darley.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83366319@N00/8302944701/" title="Fwd: by EMPhelan, on Flickr"><img alt="Fwd:" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8302944701_ecbccf6c6e_m.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
Twas the night before Christmas,when all through the house <br />
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; <br />
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, <br />
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; <br />
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,<br />
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;<br />
And mamma in her kerchief,and I in my cap,<br />
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap—<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83366319@N00/8302945081/" title="Fwd: by EMPhelan, on Flickr"><img alt="Fwd:" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8302945081_05562e062c_m.jpg" height="161" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter,<br />
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter, <br />
Away to the window I flew like a flash,<br />
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.<br />
The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow, <br />
Gave a lustre of mid-day to objects below; <br />
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, <br />
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer, <br />
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,<br />
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.<br />
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, <br />
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83366319@N00/8303996960/" title="Fwd: by EMPhelan, on Flickr"><img alt="Fwd:" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8303996960_5a3282f7b3_m.jpg" height="156" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!<br />
On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blitzen— <br />
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall! <br />
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!" <br />
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, <br />
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, <br />
So, up to the house-top the coursers they flew, <br />
With a sleigh full of toys—and St. Nicholas too. <br />
And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof, <br />
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83366319@N00/8302943949/" title="Fwd: by EMPhelan, on Flickr"><img alt="Fwd:" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8364/8302943949_6e73114392_m.jpg" height="156" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, <br />
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.<br />
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, <br />
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;<br />
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, <br />
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack;<br />
His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! <br />
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry; <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83366319@N00/8303996402/" title="Fwd: by EMPhelan, on Flickr"><img alt="Fwd:" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8303996402_5fa6e90a0e_m.jpg" height="218" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
His droll little month was drawn up like a bow, <br />
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; <br />
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, <br />
And the smoke,<br />
it encircled his head like a wreath. <br />
He had a broad face, and a little round belly <br />
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83366319@N00/8303995380/" title="Fwd: by EMPhelan, on Flickr"><img alt="Fwd:" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8303995380_9d6e3c501a_m.jpg" height="157" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
He was chubby and plump—a right jolly old elf; <br />
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. <br />
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head, <br />
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. <br />
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, <br />
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, <br />
And laying his finger aside of his nose, <br />
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.<br />
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,<br />
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle; <br />
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,<br />
<b>"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/83366319@N00/8302943153/" title="Fwd: by EMPhelan, on Flickr"><img alt="Fwd:" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8302943153_a3c59ac0ef.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Christmas_%28Bookshelf%29">more Christmas stories available free at Project Gutenburg </a> <br />
</center>
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<br />Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-76253531498511296252014-10-28T09:02:00.001-05:002014-10-28T09:03:52.411-05:00Cobwebs in my eyes<br><div><br></div><div>This weekend some friends voluntarily came over to help put in fence posts. Yes, you read that right, voluntarily! It was nice to see an Irish boy working with a Scotch. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBIG1yNk6iIxM8UKTyHqCHXjP8h7wqq-M3KDW9wEApOBe09pahMEm_8ojaN17C-BAe6-iznWrachkIJbenOE8kgk0LgFOSv2QjU_UW2UGPizWubsfy8vIh-rWJxHla-2JL1X_Vw/s640/blogger-image--1729569998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBIG1yNk6iIxM8UKTyHqCHXjP8h7wqq-M3KDW9wEApOBe09pahMEm_8ojaN17C-BAe6-iznWrachkIJbenOE8kgk0LgFOSv2QjU_UW2UGPizWubsfy8vIh-rWJxHla-2JL1X_Vw/s640/blogger-image--1729569998.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Well, until that moment when things went terribly wrong. Small, medium, myself and Irish boy's wife ( should give her a nickname as they might be appearing in the blog regularly) headed into town to grab some lamb at the shop and a couple of ingredients for dinner at the grocery. On our return, Husband's head was bleeding, and Irish boy smugly walked up to the truck. "I beat the crud out of him." Irish Boy's wife and I sat there, our eyes as round as saucers. Husband says "he took the tamping round and swung it at me like a bat." For those of you that don't know, a tamping rod is a 6' pole of heavy gauge metal, (aka pike, sucker rod or spud bar) with a flattend end for tamping down dirt, and a spaded end for breaking rock</div><div><br></div><div>Photo is of the next day. Big ole knot!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEUCr5vE3nZ5OOl7zgYiSGZRMwELDdWJch9pYgS4sCTHHgr7wobzL61UidJ_gRUB6_XZA-0sAELMOPIM1RLM0MMu4Es7Qc10b_tyK25YOMntpVBtw-ok6Ur-XzdgHwR_chIw9eg/s640/blogger-image--1544469669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEUCr5vE3nZ5OOl7zgYiSGZRMwELDdWJch9pYgS4sCTHHgr7wobzL61UidJ_gRUB6_XZA-0sAELMOPIM1RLM0MMu4Es7Qc10b_tyK25YOMntpVBtw-ok6Ur-XzdgHwR_chIw9eg/s640/blogger-image--1544469669.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Suddenly they both start laughing. Husband with a knot and blood in his right eye, giggled. "No, I pulled a stupid, did it to myself." It was that moment that I realized that these two were not only going to give me trouble, but they are fast becoming thick as thieves. Needless to say relief flooded us both. Silly boys.</div><div><br></div><div>They managed to get all the posts into the ground. My job today will be to use that tamping rod to secure the posts. Once that is done I can soon start on the barbed wire. I am actually looking forward to it. I have missed being able to do so much physical labor. The last few years, with the leg issue and all, had basically put a stop to many of the things I use to do. I still do not have full flexibility nor strength, and some days it aches so much that I do resort to using my cane. But I am alive, I can use it much more than I did a year ago, and for that, I am grateful.</div><div><br></div><div>Update (even though this isn't yet published) I tamped down the poles and set kickers. Barbed wire is now being placed. Come-along is a girl's best friend. As I was tamping, eyes wide open, I would literally get cobwebs in my eyes! It was a disturbing feeling. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ws-WBnpNO4j7wmV-on4T9w6vzMkaV4hiW5J-hXyEwVQauTRMF0UW_NKqpDJbGLCioI-WSyXKODfzrQzA-5rQygipaoPONUd4j-ST_6zikqhVpyUaV-nU8T5VXoiBUIvNuR68Eg/s640/blogger-image--1634800019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ws-WBnpNO4j7wmV-on4T9w6vzMkaV4hiW5J-hXyEwVQauTRMF0UW_NKqpDJbGLCioI-WSyXKODfzrQzA-5rQygipaoPONUd4j-ST_6zikqhVpyUaV-nU8T5VXoiBUIvNuR68Eg/s640/blogger-image--1634800019.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> I made dinner for our new friends. (Told you I would be back with mutton recipes). They happened to crash here, so I made two mutton dinners. The first night I decided to go traditional Autumn.</div><div><br></div><div>Let's call it Fall of the Mutton</div><div><br></div><div>2 sweet potatoes (the call them Southern Yams here)</div><div>1 medium sized butternut squash</div><div>1lbs mutton meat</div><div>2 cups chicken broth (plain)</div><div>4 red apples</div><div>1 1/2 cups heavy cream</div><div>Butter</div><div>Salt</div><div>Pepper</div><div>Sage</div><div><br></div><div>Peel and dice up sweet potatoes. Place them in a pot with the chicken broth. As that heat over a medium heat, peel and cut the butternut squash into larger, yet manageable pieces than the sweet potatoes. You do not want your squash to get too mushy. Add to the pot. Dice up the mutton into bite sized pieces, add salt and pepper to taste and place into the pot. Cover and reduce heat. Cook until your squash is just tender. Remove from heat and drain.</div><div><br></div><div>Peel and dice the apples. Add 1 Tbls butter to your pot, stir in the apples. Over a medium high heat, slightly brown the apple pieces. Add the cream, and fresh sage (2 mince leaves fresh, or 4 crumbled pieces dry). Stir until it begins to thicken, reduce heat to low. Add 4 Tbls butter and the mutton/squash mixture back into the pot with the apples. Stir well. The sweet potatoes will purée itself as you stir. It should not be the texture of soup. If it is, slow cook uncovered until the cream sauce thickens.</div><div><br></div><div>Salt to taste, and serve hot with fresh bread.</div><div><br></div><div>Mutton and Fall Rice</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPoEzQBQHHbXShQHBSpgf9TR4VawXE9TUpotf_oRHvsOdNF1Pq6vTGnq9jHfLAtra1u_1WdVOl70FXW0jQa5y0WpIrgFLUjE4EHAWUdfUvzkzwWtHyihIRtXSHeejxGHygxaVew/s640/blogger-image-645505279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPoEzQBQHHbXShQHBSpgf9TR4VawXE9TUpotf_oRHvsOdNF1Pq6vTGnq9jHfLAtra1u_1WdVOl70FXW0jQa5y0WpIrgFLUjE4EHAWUdfUvzkzwWtHyihIRtXSHeejxGHygxaVew/s640/blogger-image-645505279.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I was cooking for 7 people.</div><div><br></div><div>You will need, 1 cup rice for every 2 cups chicken broth</div><div><br></div><div>1 small butternut squash</div><div>1 lbs mutton meat</div><div>Spinach</div><div>Butter</div><div>Grated Parmesan cheese</div><div>Mushrooms (we used puff ball shrooms)</div><div>Fresh garlic</div><div>Salt</div><div>Pepper</div><div>8oz cubed cheddar cheese</div><div>Sage</div><div>Parsley </div><div><br></div><div>Place broth in a pot and bring to a boil. Add 2 fresh sprigs on minced sage (4 crumbled if dry) and as much parsley as you like. Peel and dice up the butternut squash, add to the broth. Pour in the rice and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook until rice is tender. </div><div><br></div><div>Slice the mushrooms and mince 1 clove of garlic. On a skillet, melt 1 Tbls butter and begin to brown the garlic. Once golden in color, add the mushrooms, and lightly brown. Add the lamb, and cook for a few moments. Remove from heat.</div><div><br></div><div>Add as much butter and Parmesan as you prefer to the rice, tear up the spinach and stir. Add salt to taste. Stir in the cubed cheese then serve before the cheese fully melts. Add the mushroom and lamb to the top, serve with fresh bread. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Irish Boy's wife caught the mushroom hunting bug. She left here with 2 grocery sacks full of wild mushrooms. She was the one that found the wonderfully sweet puff mushrooms. All in all it was a productive weekend with some really good people. Only spoiler was that someone had tried to break into their car that sat at the top of the driveway. Nothing stolen at least. </div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-38540901857840267152014-10-24T07:53:00.001-05:002014-10-24T08:42:35.086-05:00Mutton AwesomenessThe last few days I have been offline. Instead spending some time with Husband. I won't be seeing him very much over the next month, or so.<div><br></div><div>I have been experimenting with food. I miss doing that. But with the windfall of lamb and mutton at my fingertips, something has to be done to keep everyone's palates happy.</div><div><br></div><div>Unfortunately I do not have photos.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4S790RXGTQnqNza-wFOw3hyphenhyphen20gx6Xh4pOkZjKTKYjSZwL_8p565CDHTTPDyCVn-kbgyDb-YgM6c0LctrFwdKSnG5NHp7dTESF8jm4WgNGrrHUdSRDPwDVr2ZMxCvp3G9z3kwDg/s640/blogger-image--193815728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4S790RXGTQnqNza-wFOw3hyphenhyphen20gx6Xh4pOkZjKTKYjSZwL_8p565CDHTTPDyCVn-kbgyDb-YgM6c0LctrFwdKSnG5NHp7dTESF8jm4WgNGrrHUdSRDPwDVr2ZMxCvp3G9z3kwDg/s640/blogger-image--193815728.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">However I do have two awesome mutton recipes. (For now)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My sheep were a bit over two years old. Ideally mutton is preferred over 3 years old. I don't like mutton. It can be too tough and too flavorful. Yet my 2 year olds came out perfectly flavored. I know that the image above says Dorper, my sheep were Black Belly Barbadoes and Desert Paint mixes. The lack of laniolin tends to help keep the meat from being "greasy" flavored. Similar to Spring lamb (3 months of age) that you tend to find in American Supermarkets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lemon Pepper Mutton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Leg cuts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dried lemon zest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pepper Jack cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took about a 1 lbs leg cut, and sliced it into bite size pieces. Melt 1Tbs butter in a cast iron skillet. Over medium high heat, add the mutton cuts, around 2 tsp dried lemon zest, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir. The butter and the juices from the meat will rehydrate the zest. You can use fresh lemon zest if you want. Once the meat is about medium rare (takes only a few minutes) reduce heat and crumble the pepper jack cheese over top. Do not strain the juice. Mix together and allow the cheese to melt. Serve hot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(I served it with fried potatoes with lots of fresh onion and garlic, and scrambles eggs.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mutton Roast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Roast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mushroom gravy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Very simple, place your roast into a pot or slow cooker, add gravy and allow to cook all day. I served it with mashed potatoes and green beans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Homemade mushroom gravy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3 Tbls unsalted butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">6 oz fresh mushrooms (I actually used the dried wild mushrooms. Because the flavor intensifies once dried, I did not use as much)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ground pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1/4 cup flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1/4 cup dry white wine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2 cups beef broth (or stock)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Over a medium heat, melt butter until it foams. If using fresh mushrooms, add. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, allowing the mushrooms to "brown" a bit. About 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring as you do so. Toast the flour for 3 minutes. Pour in the wine, scrapping up any bits stuck to the pot. Mix for 30 seconds. Slowly add the broth, using a whisk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If adding to a roast, stop now and pour into your slow cooker. (Add the dried mushrooms here if using) You do not want it to thicken up just yet. While cooking, add a bit of wine or broth (whisking around the roast) to keep it from firming up too much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If wanting to use as a gravy only, bring to a boil, stirring constantly for two minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream. Salt and pepper to taste. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More recipes to come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-7963715452500891032014-10-21T09:26:00.001-05:002014-10-21T09:57:29.035-05:00Our Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9bdryQEtKVdd9Nw3UNMgY4pn9oOMB7znbD0q4znVHDUcrGNdUZ0fXKE_04YWFpW94HTBUB6ybhCG-rEZlMgpc1YpRCZ7iMMVBqNa7IkBMRqzT3WRDsDmazBlhIqqE0SJTrt1qw/s640/blogger-image--1640311135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9bdryQEtKVdd9Nw3UNMgY4pn9oOMB7znbD0q4znVHDUcrGNdUZ0fXKE_04YWFpW94HTBUB6ybhCG-rEZlMgpc1YpRCZ7iMMVBqNa7IkBMRqzT3WRDsDmazBlhIqqE0SJTrt1qw/s640/blogger-image--1640311135.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Warning; a few of the photos at the end are considered graphic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLzVwFYjiAzD3d5O2Jqsn49gAbv4fC_fgFvs_NxsKsmAKglpolhSeEP8kpZfVMSnLkrS_4Mtu6YAdEq8ZE71zHGIT3bVIh8Qrt70fqbQZPHt1vW9jA66YElzWtbvP3xYfj_iWUQ/s640/blogger-image--2115432519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLzVwFYjiAzD3d5O2Jqsn49gAbv4fC_fgFvs_NxsKsmAKglpolhSeEP8kpZfVMSnLkrS_4Mtu6YAdEq8ZE71zHGIT3bVIh8Qrt70fqbQZPHt1vW9jA66YElzWtbvP3xYfj_iWUQ/s640/blogger-image--2115432519.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Husband pieced together a smoke stack. It won't last all season, but will give us time to get something else.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwoE4li7JjCK434y2Pv25qiICm3Rnu7cX6FT5eC-Z27KQnftO7qQzKwfamm53BoY0G7ZqGp_7L4RP7RCdiBGYvALWHVQhyphenhyphenoLC-F1oVDoDc1Ghj-nmMVSJ6tf2VnqURs7EB1UHdA/s640/blogger-image-2107301642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwoE4li7JjCK434y2Pv25qiICm3Rnu7cX6FT5eC-Z27KQnftO7qQzKwfamm53BoY0G7ZqGp_7L4RP7RCdiBGYvALWHVQhyphenhyphenoLC-F1oVDoDc1Ghj-nmMVSJ6tf2VnqURs7EB1UHdA/s640/blogger-image-2107301642.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Medium took this picture as we drove into town for Doctor appointments, and then off to school.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvi11N3yGhHhTX1a7VBdjoLQyfhikyolHye7I4x5Nct2QOtK47ybhxJnKPYWOR6pJCPjVd5Ze16LUHlyZI2_QLm1p16ma0JCRNpWkNvXGbJ_wyhXQ9jMfzMVLE4PO72zMCufw7rA/s640/blogger-image-1383485529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvi11N3yGhHhTX1a7VBdjoLQyfhikyolHye7I4x5Nct2QOtK47ybhxJnKPYWOR6pJCPjVd5Ze16LUHlyZI2_QLm1p16ma0JCRNpWkNvXGbJ_wyhXQ9jMfzMVLE4PO72zMCufw7rA/s640/blogger-image-1383485529.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Photos not in order of happenings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After dropping the boys off at school, I returned home to find Husband lounging outside. All three sheep hanging from the trees. We can't afford meat this week (long story and hope to share with you all soon, it isn't bad even though it sounds like it right now. Sacrifices must be made! Giggle)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now the story turns into "My Monday"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPTSz5FfFmAymSKRQOouUM3-ZpIG2HmIhD36cVlndtlluHeoPRCN9FmT80gcZ8XEW-iOntOxk9U0w-yyeuG9UhwkZFzxRP2zPbft4EpGCjagwyJLXI_D4W9oJxLainWo1bsQYpQ/s640/blogger-image-1030047600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPTSz5FfFmAymSKRQOouUM3-ZpIG2HmIhD36cVlndtlluHeoPRCN9FmT80gcZ8XEW-iOntOxk9U0w-yyeuG9UhwkZFzxRP2zPbft4EpGCjagwyJLXI_D4W9oJxLainWo1bsQYpQ/s640/blogger-image-1030047600.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Husband went a little psycho on the throat, but the head will come off anyhow. The picture is deceptive. The creek is further away than what it looks like. All three gutted and skinned as darkness fell. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgL3hFLRnhzq-ODxlpIkiGm6zYk9B-uJPz9C2RqsRC-3EkkjjYNZSU2HhPZ-c_xDinHNfBgPwjAb2R-uZKuPJib5-AEw8NVBiUXxddCIqovsizj_VId9bbjJ0tp7NDxRtRede2g/s640/blogger-image-2135594651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgL3hFLRnhzq-ODxlpIkiGm6zYk9B-uJPz9C2RqsRC-3EkkjjYNZSU2HhPZ-c_xDinHNfBgPwjAb2R-uZKuPJib5-AEw8NVBiUXxddCIqovsizj_VId9bbjJ0tp7NDxRtRede2g/s640/blogger-image-2135594651.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unfortunately the ram; getting his revenge, perforated bowel, fun times. Though I made really good friends with our new hay guy's dogs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The boys got home and Small asked if he could help skin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHkNWaUKw3OmLIxcNxXMghOpfqSJdnth6t7SATtPsvzqnrSwEwQjIm38eCEQx3ZDq6L0IBKenwlAGyisr8PyfSt342jL50nUZsV43nXrHwKTgcDaMZDnL04qQnMuNCOIng7odfg/s640/blogger-image--587016995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHkNWaUKw3OmLIxcNxXMghOpfqSJdnth6t7SATtPsvzqnrSwEwQjIm38eCEQx3ZDq6L0IBKenwlAGyisr8PyfSt342jL50nUZsV43nXrHwKTgcDaMZDnL04qQnMuNCOIng7odfg/s640/blogger-image--587016995.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He is pretty good at it, though there was a small knick in the hide, and he got upset. I told him not to worry about it. He is so fascinated about animal anatomy. I think Small will be a wonderful vet. He is deeply caring for all the animals, he tends to wounds, helps us with any bigger wounds. He is careful, fascinated, and sympathetic. Hopefully I can get him some books on barnyard animal anatomy, and simple vetting books. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the night wore on, I had to finish butcher by truck lamp. Between all the posts I put in the day before, and butchering out all three sheep, my hands hurt. My fingers so swollen that I could barely remove my rings (just telling you this so you will feel sorry for me. Am I too old to do the teenager eye roll?)</div><br></div><br></div> </div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-9747063915040368692014-10-20T07:56:00.001-05:002014-10-20T07:59:17.833-05:00Our Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85x7GYJ28-FGASZjb5GvBmo8oDpu0IHONZE_3bOoKx7VwfnGMbFsL-wzWCk3EJI3HcAxHiJ42PfoWr9P8VpB-BvoSrUsciBr9Vreu7amTRO8pfcSWA2A9nePfWpPJS0M1OZp-Fw/s640/blogger-image-382709812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85x7GYJ28-FGASZjb5GvBmo8oDpu0IHONZE_3bOoKx7VwfnGMbFsL-wzWCk3EJI3HcAxHiJ42PfoWr9P8VpB-BvoSrUsciBr9Vreu7amTRO8pfcSWA2A9nePfWpPJS0M1OZp-Fw/s640/blogger-image-382709812.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYqDI29CXkRmQp1FRAQjOoHyR18vSQk8AbaeFcWBRBKpr0zxNISqgEsQSLldR8rHnZaxCcE39tFoMl0iGDfV2EmlpP8TOcgJJW4glrcZQS8vXoxpKbf4X-GBtrDdePFN-1JnNjg/s640/blogger-image-1505963318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYqDI29CXkRmQp1FRAQjOoHyR18vSQk8AbaeFcWBRBKpr0zxNISqgEsQSLldR8rHnZaxCcE39tFoMl0iGDfV2EmlpP8TOcgJJW4glrcZQS8vXoxpKbf4X-GBtrDdePFN-1JnNjg/s640/blogger-image-1505963318.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmds4pfU183zFCWIVyUTrYsGYbL9p58YvILNeC89NaQFDGNILWqcAj9xjhXc16-QhgEhZVKa36gocT3-7tyk1exKAWQXG0XJFvELnyXb5_N4fbXO38OWvbpuOYtNBaCiltTi12g/s640/blogger-image-1193989726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmds4pfU183zFCWIVyUTrYsGYbL9p58YvILNeC89NaQFDGNILWqcAj9xjhXc16-QhgEhZVKa36gocT3-7tyk1exKAWQXG0XJFvELnyXb5_N4fbXO38OWvbpuOYtNBaCiltTi12g/s640/blogger-image-1193989726.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1RhQtEK60rnE4g9JDnGj-SmYdcyd2EyiUlnEJSwWqcwg82d_74q0VQF5WWzIPJAisYYJa9paViq5laNaCPyU7PgEgAgY_gpM9X5Yc0bMWBPq3QH9Ov_qWSFLllWi66nCW4f-Og/s640/blogger-image-2090930478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu7zzZ-Wx-Bg4y2XDtBUSxYNUZHvaux5FcPtBaN1uvNPy-6O3tv37W1hkgLG-y0F_2ZQD_aLcR-ixPmAhIjd8OpN43iF9BcoxOgeSHhV0wKg4odEbPMO2sQfEF-FIzi-TQnaz-g/s640/blogger-image--2080944740.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We know that we will be lucky to get two years out of these posts. However, that is more than enough time for what we are doing.</div><br></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-34051781867770784022014-10-16T13:36:00.001-05:002014-10-16T13:36:48.222-05:00It's Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hNHKIisoP3QfPAPUl7osA19j59Vf9LHrlzG3tQMVnh3mBu6dSniuWrpMSXQCzX069l_88o-YiBrVxbPYkQPN9MonLsUHkrR0VJWFzw3xjQ92L_WChfReJSZflemthiVMxM6ehQ/s640/blogger-image--686659670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hNHKIisoP3QfPAPUl7osA19j59Vf9LHrlzG3tQMVnh3mBu6dSniuWrpMSXQCzX069l_88o-YiBrVxbPYkQPN9MonLsUHkrR0VJWFzw3xjQ92L_WChfReJSZflemthiVMxM6ehQ/s640/blogger-image--686659670.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh76BHQr8GiCLUtfF8IsbTw8aBVCH_kwxRPrR8yQkJY4VJkUGZ4c1EcsukdQxDogWg0VH51sFHV7DBCl768ef_zY-saHIVS4P2-bcXFlZtrhlLwLz9cqyqNeo05yl3zY_67ydXA/s640/blogger-image-231410785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh76BHQr8GiCLUtfF8IsbTw8aBVCH_kwxRPrR8yQkJY4VJkUGZ4c1EcsukdQxDogWg0VH51sFHV7DBCl768ef_zY-saHIVS4P2-bcXFlZtrhlLwLz9cqyqNeo05yl3zY_67ydXA/s640/blogger-image-231410785.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0eAYoWNYBqS9IqkyvPkY3n4myo8W7XfO8aRyyOR9f7-euAIrbW0dlnT-PaHbqXYbQ_Z-EZLpJ2OoElJjK7ciYUQkkG1wwwUVkRc1anz1qflr6ckkpgKmvAf76j3foBPaBeFcgA/s640/blogger-image--1882079351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0eAYoWNYBqS9IqkyvPkY3n4myo8W7XfO8aRyyOR9f7-euAIrbW0dlnT-PaHbqXYbQ_Z-EZLpJ2OoElJjK7ciYUQkkG1wwwUVkRc1anz1qflr6ckkpgKmvAf76j3foBPaBeFcgA/s640/blogger-image--1882079351.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAsQfrTd-It2KY8jkFBVZMNqNXX73DMZdMzx2zzIC5lzuVUOedURJdsOISYHojv9AH2iidCYPJUFhO_-JzgLfpywfLluWJ_EXQNzKtWFhSzxqaGPEV6Nu7Lx-0y3uy-QQvAoC7A/s640/blogger-image--906642316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAsQfrTd-It2KY8jkFBVZMNqNXX73DMZdMzx2zzIC5lzuVUOedURJdsOISYHojv9AH2iidCYPJUFhO_-JzgLfpywfLluWJ_EXQNzKtWFhSzxqaGPEV6Nu7Lx-0y3uy-QQvAoC7A/s640/blogger-image--906642316.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AEJWuTSLtYD188eePNaSGruNOzt356Qt1qCOvZJe4g6goPAFzE68HMnSe8nYEOd_k81RSlNwXTUB3DxDekKV727kFK4snGH2crSdc3HGhWAwgg61tDwFIsNRY5-7Z4og9Lg5Nw/s640/blogger-image--963618847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AEJWuTSLtYD188eePNaSGruNOzt356Qt1qCOvZJe4g6goPAFzE68HMnSe8nYEOd_k81RSlNwXTUB3DxDekKV727kFK4snGH2crSdc3HGhWAwgg61tDwFIsNRY5-7Z4og9Lg5Nw/s640/blogger-image--963618847.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw0BHGCXVeuG-2CCCVtq9eOcI2dI8e17Zf6MW32QpSP2VdssHpKW5kLvHRvOfelnVi-MiVOWkOGiKOQYwVEn8VpqKraVZjhd0iEWc9hI_biXoES_KbkujFzAiYlE3GliXcEaYrQ/s640/blogger-image--1367787061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw0BHGCXVeuG-2CCCVtq9eOcI2dI8e17Zf6MW32QpSP2VdssHpKW5kLvHRvOfelnVi-MiVOWkOGiKOQYwVEn8VpqKraVZjhd0iEWc9hI_biXoES_KbkujFzAiYlE3GliXcEaYrQ/s640/blogger-image--1367787061.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-74774147671880821932014-10-15T10:19:00.001-05:002014-10-15T10:19:33.404-05:00He wants to be a large animal vet<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglne2HBdQoq_KPLMOcv3hpfde-UO0k_RjBxoajpzDSN1_DlQgVK8iium_3I-A_VvBgm_fqDFm410Wnhu_KAJmhyphenhyphendxt6FxAbxNH3kGhBk8yFOOeD2yiXMRzIOAHJ1YDTSdKLAsFhQ/s640/blogger-image--822158164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglne2HBdQoq_KPLMOcv3hpfde-UO0k_RjBxoajpzDSN1_DlQgVK8iium_3I-A_VvBgm_fqDFm410Wnhu_KAJmhyphenhyphendxt6FxAbxNH3kGhBk8yFOOeD2yiXMRzIOAHJ1YDTSdKLAsFhQ/s640/blogger-image--822158164.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Because cow groomer doesn't pay enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJEcwo6Bc73qQOS1d8p9oY2NmPZIBeV2i8Y59wHtfxAfuOZNVLpmdHJJvDuKlgfMDFqcqh40M2-brViys-3gNTZEE4y1GurmJEgyiw08N7ybFjzuSsRiMseETOBIeV_lTU9_mzA/s640/blogger-image--537976656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJEcwo6Bc73qQOS1d8p9oY2NmPZIBeV2i8Y59wHtfxAfuOZNVLpmdHJJvDuKlgfMDFqcqh40M2-brViys-3gNTZEE4y1GurmJEgyiw08N7ybFjzuSsRiMseETOBIeV_lTU9_mzA/s640/blogger-image--537976656.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-75992397444975876712014-10-06T11:54:00.000-05:002014-10-06T11:54:02.900-05:00A wonderful visit<a href="https://www.blogger.com/profile/16943663153016717921">Longtime wife</a> and her husband came out this weekend. It was wonderful meeting them. We had a great time, showing them around, and talking.<br />
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They also brought us a housewarming gift.</div>
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We will soon have walls! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4NFANkDCmFqfDdq6LWivEIFEyvml3LHTML3xpfC71zTGv1VKDQAOELuhX9EDmDW8sgl_9-JcooZZMpEg8z5nbC1ekxrtMZ9OdZOrtqEo3A48elvdnde5L4LYwXBtKoW1k6vXGg/s640/blogger-image-1651744272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4NFANkDCmFqfDdq6LWivEIFEyvml3LHTML3xpfC71zTGv1VKDQAOELuhX9EDmDW8sgl_9-JcooZZMpEg8z5nbC1ekxrtMZ9OdZOrtqEo3A48elvdnde5L4LYwXBtKoW1k6vXGg/s640/blogger-image-1651744272.jpg" /></a></div>
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Longtime wife told me to stop beating myself up over my bad decisions of this past year. And I am trying. I huge part of me wants to go back to Kansas. Another part of me is spiteful, and hardheaded, and determined to make this work. Even though it has been the hardest time of my life. Even through the homelessness, I never felt the despair that I have felt now. But. . . I have an awesome support system in place, people I trust, adore, and admire for what they have done in their lives. </div>
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Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-23754994176238197502014-09-25T14:15:00.000-05:002014-09-25T14:16:07.553-05:00Picante Sauce using unripped tomatoesReader has requested the recipe once again. This is a medium spice recipe. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahHZE0KfZpdH1SFXB1S4dA7CzC19DPbRI-2rX_ZzjRbKHoMUpVd66yn5IZarsy9mZiY5YLEQdOWRjRMRKz5lgWyXrJXCJYvaLt3kpm6XCw_xDDluTepi6oU0qBs6wuK4ChWuEpw/s1600/PA290004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahHZE0KfZpdH1SFXB1S4dA7CzC19DPbRI-2rX_ZzjRbKHoMUpVd66yn5IZarsy9mZiY5YLEQdOWRjRMRKz5lgWyXrJXCJYvaLt3kpm6XCw_xDDluTepi6oU0qBs6wuK4ChWuEpw/s1600/PA290004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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2 lbs unripe tomatoes, quartered and skin on <br />
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1 large onion<br />
4 bell peppers<br />
13 jalapenos<br />
1 garlic clove, minced<br />
2 tablespoons salt<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper<br />
1 tablespoon sugar<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons salad oil<br />
pinch of hand crushed fennel seed<br />
dash paprika<br />
dash chili powder<br />
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Using a food processor (or your amazing knife skills) finely chop the onion, bell peppers, and jalapenos. Add everything to a medium size kettle.<br />
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Since unripened tomatoes have little juice, you will need to stir this constantly over a medium heat until the liquid at the bottom begins to boil. Remove from heat, cover and place in a slow oven (200F) for 1 hour. Remove and carefully chop the ingredients in a food processor or blender (too hot for your mad knife skills) get those tomatoes finely chopped. Return to kettle or a new one, and place in the slow oven for 2 more hours.<br />
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jar and can in a hot water bath for 5-10 minutes.Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-74742476615731666422014-09-24T09:15:00.001-05:002014-09-24T09:15:25.230-05:00Seems like a losing battle to me alright.You ever been so sick that you wiggle your fingers as you sink into a vat of toxic waste, then get your super villains confused and mutter "what a world. What a world"? Yes, that ill. I am that ill. Yesterday I wanted to separate from my body, shake my head, and inform it that it was dying. You know those nights where you soak the bed in sweat and drool, then freeze to death in the wetness once the fever breaks? When 70F degrees puts you in sweat shirts because of the bitter cold? At least a can breath a bit this morning. The fact that I am no longer considering cinching myself up in a corset just to help reduce the amount of pain my chest and abdomen are in, should be a good sign. Still unable to take any deep breaths however. And now this monstrosity has attached itself to the children. Luckily with forced insurance (that denied Small's recent ER visit) they can go to a doctor. However I hear this is viral, not much can be done for that. Hot teas for all! <div><br></div><div>I did allude to a losing battle, maybe I should get to that subject. </div><div><br></div><div>I have loved homesteading for the last 13 years. The rewards have always outweighed the horrors. However I have met my match here in the Appalachian Foothills. I have found misery. Everything that can go wrong, has. I think I would like to stop now. However we gave up everything to be here. We have no choice but to continue on, even if we are on pure survival mood.</div><div><br></div><div>Last night I awoke to a very loud metallic noise. My brain being on sleep mode and recently oxygen deprived due to the illness, mumbled stupid cat. I assumed that the cat hadn't realized that the wood burner was once again in use, and had jumped up top per usual summer days, only to discover that cool metal wasn't there to meet his tender paws. With the lack of painful howls, I then decided that the wood merely shifted and in dream mode it sounded louder than it was.</div><div><br></div><div>(Speaking of cats. Those of you that have been with me for awhile, know the story of my cat, May Maybe Maynard or Maynard for short. He has been gone three months now, and I have mourned his loss. He was an important player in my life)</div><div><br></div><div>What actually happened was that the stove pipe exploded!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0m7KV0yOlpB4003Rk57HJAoj2TC8zPi3hdR1jMpnFuSTV4p4ZvhHcU_45qDLHjc6ldfTlEOJTUmaWKgPDFJFr1U0pJr814YmLqzRirxcc1PzgNG-AI12Oi7j3z4Z6uL0_mo6FQ/s640/blogger-image--862157827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0m7KV0yOlpB4003Rk57HJAoj2TC8zPi3hdR1jMpnFuSTV4p4ZvhHcU_45qDLHjc6ldfTlEOJTUmaWKgPDFJFr1U0pJr814YmLqzRirxcc1PzgNG-AI12Oi7j3z4Z6uL0_mo6FQ/s640/blogger-image--862157827.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOORdsxbRHj2qC8fK-lNnLR5C6el5Jsceo7R8UBm-NhFqeNBMCAJUZjxO9CAepBN28K4ag4YUizd9KqUglJQT6iLi63CK8juxUSSMYpqsuIR_L5tyr_2mB5djZmJpoRKdmGe6Rtw/s640/blogger-image-1289309818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOORdsxbRHj2qC8fK-lNnLR5C6el5Jsceo7R8UBm-NhFqeNBMCAJUZjxO9CAepBN28K4ag4YUizd9KqUglJQT6iLi63CK8juxUSSMYpqsuIR_L5tyr_2mB5djZmJpoRKdmGe6Rtw/s640/blogger-image-1289309818.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4DNS_1GXti5Djy5cG64S3VX-pio-MbAGNK4FsOApHLhFgsOqXybP-iTcHNIiBMietKG3SLeRhHjkj_3J_1nbN79Sz1kQJxx1aAmL1JfuM7Tp40gqbCLZYS5bTPNRACqC0jY3Hw/s640/blogger-image-145780185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4DNS_1GXti5Djy5cG64S3VX-pio-MbAGNK4FsOApHLhFgsOqXybP-iTcHNIiBMietKG3SLeRhHjkj_3J_1nbN79Sz1kQJxx1aAmL1JfuM7Tp40gqbCLZYS5bTPNRACqC0jY3Hw/s640/blogger-image-145780185.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NIygur0yWtBlJC9ftT6kYaDeBmXLefewBrmTral_j2-huzOMcLEpLsbigL2D-pEbdKckxyk5f8sexN1ze1Q67vGwEKo9jjizeF1F1n-kAmeBj8-2Cx8PRb7TTWDGb1g3xSUdvQ/s640/blogger-image-954088526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NIygur0yWtBlJC9ftT6kYaDeBmXLefewBrmTral_j2-huzOMcLEpLsbigL2D-pEbdKckxyk5f8sexN1ze1Q67vGwEKo9jjizeF1F1n-kAmeBj8-2Cx8PRb7TTWDGb1g3xSUdvQ/s640/blogger-image-954088526.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Luckily nothing worse, like the house catching fire, happened. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not a thing I can do to fix that right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On to bamboo and cows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I dislike my cows. Once upon a time I adored them. Now they have caused a community to dislike me (shrug) and a stomach ulcer to form. They will not stay in their pen! Every day is a battle. (Right now I am waiting for a text informing me my cows are somewhere). No matter what I do, they break the barb wire (which is now so stretched out due to them and trees falling on it). This is an unneeded stress in my life. Even unable to breath, I am forced to hunt them down, chase them down hills (ok, well more like a zombie shuffle with the sound of death rattle emerging from my chest) and repair fence. Which I have started using the bamboo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5_XS4zIzZeNKeNl83_ewRVWJcy2G_cTwKwxUxsaNTVBoR-3F3SirSt7hoiZSXAyrWF5FEkBs2ry6_wyehJoMz4AQtvWv-joacYoSR1QoJhK-880G_ZO0t67oZuL2SMbFmw-t6g/s640/blogger-image-1067283084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5_XS4zIzZeNKeNl83_ewRVWJcy2G_cTwKwxUxsaNTVBoR-3F3SirSt7hoiZSXAyrWF5FEkBs2ry6_wyehJoMz4AQtvWv-joacYoSR1QoJhK-880G_ZO0t67oZuL2SMbFmw-t6g/s640/blogger-image-1067283084.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's not what I wanted to use it for, but it is all I have to work with right now. I don't have the reliable connections here, as I did in Kansas, yet. Luckily I have access to more bamboo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is more woe is me to be shared. But I grow tired and must venture to the shop shortly, where I will hide away only emerging when a parts order is demanded of me . I also realize I have not returned all your emails yet, I will attempt to do that today. I plead illness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-73744816858480771172014-09-22T13:46:00.001-05:002014-09-22T13:46:56.641-05:00I seem to have a bacon stealing, rooster problem.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qs5Qe31bCyyGYr-u5eVdeXSxHHiqZVMaXKsiblgH_maxrlGHsKkrplJfkHRVnenKwi-kYo0vJqQkwhmLtHDZ1vVJnuLAEkyiW5Or2w4Gs0p8qarztz6zkk1uVHtYj3KCI6BZcw/s640/blogger-image-982614476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qs5Qe31bCyyGYr-u5eVdeXSxHHiqZVMaXKsiblgH_maxrlGHsKkrplJfkHRVnenKwi-kYo0vJqQkwhmLtHDZ1vVJnuLAEkyiW5Or2w4Gs0p8qarztz6zkk1uVHtYj3KCI6BZcw/s640/blogger-image-982614476.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I caught him red beaked!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-20545769298092953052014-09-05T10:04:00.001-05:002014-09-15T14:25:26.636-05:00No, I am not ready.The past few days have been filled with love. Oh, I can feel it. I have received numerous emails, comments, messages, and texts asking if we are ready for winter.<br />
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I know you are worried, but just remember we survived last year, and we will survive this year. Albeit the only thing that will have changed is the amount of food on hand.</div>
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Turns out August is mold season here, unlike Kansas. That means my drying options are limited. </div>
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My house and my Ford's dashboard give me a bit more time to dry. </div>
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I have plenty of canned goods from my garden.</div>
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I have puréed goodness in the shop freezer, waiting for me to turn them into awesomeness.</div>
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One the weekends the boys and I hike out, marking dead standing trees for Husband to down. We do need to get propane, however, I have a wood stove that I have become very acquainted with, and am able to cook on.<br />
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Even though we are not where we had hoped to be at this time, we aren't as bad off as we were last year. We will still have to walk up the driveway of doom,</div>
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I've accepted it, and will perceiver. I appreciate your love and concern. Your care packages have been sanity savers, as have your comments and emails. </div>
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Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-21025946833781700042014-09-03T10:48:00.001-05:002014-09-03T14:01:28.914-05:00Not those kind of shroomsWe decided to go mushroom hunting this Labor Day weekend.<br />
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Husband, Medium, Small and I (Large wasn't interested) had a great time hiking through the woods. Small's mushroom finding abilities are truely supernatural. I called him a truffle pig at one point. He didn't take offense, merely snorted. The hike was good for Small as well. Two weeks ago I had to run him to the ER for stitches. He was playing in the creek and fell, cut his knee open and required stitches. He had just gotten them removed. He was a brave one rough the entire ordeal, however Medium didn't take watching his little brother get stitched up too well. A nurse had to take him into another room. I digress, we are talking about mushrooms.</div>
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Medium called down to me, "found shrooms!" Then started singing on odd little ditty he made up. "You can't eat those" Small yelled in reply. "Not those kind of shrooms!" Medium laughed. I could only shake my head, what are they learning on the bus? </div>
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Suddenly aliens invaded! These puff mushrooms are too late for eating, however we did find a couple more that were just right. </div>
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I deemed this one poisonous. Firstly I was unable to ID it in my book, and secondly, when I pulled it there was a volva surrounding it. In the book, only the poisonous ones showed having such a thing.</div>
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Another one I was unable to fully identify. The top was very slimy, however it had gills, not matching anything in the book. As much as I like "The Pocket Guide to Wild Mushrooms" I need another book.</div>
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Husband made me hustle when he found these Straight Coral Fungus. Never seen such a thing above water, and edible too.<br />
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Didn't pick this one, due to it looking to much like a no-no.</div>
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Now this Chanterelle got me excited. I know these mushrooms, and I know the difference from the false ones. And we found many of the trues.</div>
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No, this is not a mushroom. It is a corner stone to an old road that use to go through our property. Found it with a mess of Bay Boletes and what looked like (in the book) to be Summer Cep.</div>
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I can hear the laughter from my conversant shroomers. We will get back to that in a bit.</div>
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I think this one is called Old Man of the Woods. Was unable to fully identify though.<br />
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We also plucked The Gypsy and Corrugated Milk Caps.</div>
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Once home, it was my job to reexamine the mushrooms, to be sure of what they are. </div>
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Now back to the laughter.</div>
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I picked up the Summer crep. The book says that there are no poisonous look-a likes. However. . .</div>
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I broke off a small piece and chewed. Dear all that is holy! I spit it out as soon as it touched my tongue. Husband uproarious laughter followed me as a swished out my mouth with the water I had handy. It was Bitter Bolete. And it just wasn't bitter. It was so peppery that it burned! I heard Husabnd explaining the old bitter beer face commercials to Medium and Large, and their cackles shortly followed. Was I brave enough to do that again with a different type of Bolete?</div>
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You bet.</div>
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The Velvet Bolete was Devine,the Bay Boletes turned out to be red cracking Boletes. And the taste was to die for. Small helped me prep them for drying, he loved the way the yellow flesh turned bright blue when cut.</div>
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And though you take a risk drying out Chanterelles, I find it is worth it. They work beautifully ground up and added to dips.</div>
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The milk caps and (found both Saffron and corrugated) were canned. I added a bit of dill to help bring out the shellfish flavor. </div>
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Oh, and mushrooms shrink when canned. I really should have cooked them for 20 minutes first, before canning, but it was starting to get dark, and I was exhausted.<br />
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Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-52708255336203522112014-09-02T11:16:00.001-05:002014-09-02T11:16:13.116-05:00Our first year.Our first year in a new homestead, in a new State has come and gone. No fan fare from us of course, it's been much more difficult than expected.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVkz4AeMicyu_UyYF4pWuqt81iEKpKZwXeZiXgnZUWW-RkKM0zm1PTSxRyZUNw5HpU-Uy2Efn44CqG6uNFCcnGtPoXuKlAFSAzPgKQKLZ3gyLxGirD-m_gIgl53BkOgs3TTVA8w/s640/blogger-image--475171179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVkz4AeMicyu_UyYF4pWuqt81iEKpKZwXeZiXgnZUWW-RkKM0zm1PTSxRyZUNw5HpU-Uy2Efn44CqG6uNFCcnGtPoXuKlAFSAzPgKQKLZ3gyLxGirD-m_gIgl53BkOgs3TTVA8w/s640/blogger-image--475171179.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We arrived with great expectations. We became the ant trying to move the rubber tree plant. But we have high hopes. (For those of you old enough, you are welcome for the ear worm).</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f1bi0-CYcx8Y3Ysypx6FfReBnRYhZQ5hFkTlix5AfNUbG8zEpDzu-2EfIQjFO-TQEncCNoBEiKG9_v0YyIAgBxtDQCZAqE14xOPygYwP_1qx4o82IqsYPKM2Pk7MX85JrWNIRA/s640/blogger-image--1613754809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f1bi0-CYcx8Y3Ysypx6FfReBnRYhZQ5hFkTlix5AfNUbG8zEpDzu-2EfIQjFO-TQEncCNoBEiKG9_v0YyIAgBxtDQCZAqE14xOPygYwP_1qx4o82IqsYPKM2Pk7MX85JrWNIRA/s640/blogger-image--1613754809.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We settled in as best as one can without a ceiling, walls, or electricity, and a rotting floor. At least we now have a ceiling. We made the best of what we had, still I found myself scared and alone during the harshest winter seen here is 20 plus years. We were unable to drive up our drive way, and had to walk the half mile in snow and ice. The last time we drove up on ice, we went flying backwards at 20 mph to a blind curve, one side a 75 ft drop, the other a steep hill. It was eerily calm in the truck, as though we accepted out deaths. Nervous giggles erupted once the truck stopped moving and we were safe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The boys kept my spirits up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMBShydqj5Sw9XhflwNamwuaHs-q03DQNlxt_uwqK3xPaxr4KlJu7fm1_8odQKKj6CimJ5e48PCyPqR_Fehe_BFmwFliBEyLygDxu2gmUcJ59EGSDfu38dM5GHnFcBgIKbR-5mQ/s640/blogger-image--564562347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMBShydqj5Sw9XhflwNamwuaHs-q03DQNlxt_uwqK3xPaxr4KlJu7fm1_8odQKKj6CimJ5e48PCyPqR_Fehe_BFmwFliBEyLygDxu2gmUcJ59EGSDfu38dM5GHnFcBgIKbR-5mQ/s640/blogger-image--564562347.jpg"></a></div><br></div>It felt hopeless. Husband gone back to Kansas for work. Me unable to prove I lived here. Our budget so tight that I didn't eat for several days just to make sure I had enough for my growing boys. </div><div><br></div><div>Spring came and I tried to find the happiness that had initially brought me here. Business picked up and I no longer had to sacrifice meals. I could also proved I lived here. Husband took on a 2nd shift job that is making him miserable. But we all make sacrifices. We did, once, love the land.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezQM2XpeTiCqCLPPDIscrM8ZO-rpBpR04PKLIIhgY0xudZ-wrBZo4j8tjLSraxyHfEmY1eL45oP4plMzHsRmJWRx0MEElQahG6SvlSUvlgpQBBi-EXvjg-4tBZzB3Ei3USasuaw/s640/blogger-image--82882728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezQM2XpeTiCqCLPPDIscrM8ZO-rpBpR04PKLIIhgY0xudZ-wrBZo4j8tjLSraxyHfEmY1eL45oP4plMzHsRmJWRx0MEElQahG6SvlSUvlgpQBBi-EXvjg-4tBZzB3Ei3USasuaw/s640/blogger-image--82882728.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With spring came planting. Our tiller broke, so we worked the soil by hand. It was trying work, and I was unable to plant all that I wanted. As summer encroached, I stopped worrying about feeding everyone this winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitt02CrDikt-drviv9Ituj1MYdbD5yj-Exk4x5SXJPXuk1j7d5yg9rwp9BXUEMrYm9hpESA20dXAPefEIO-RrUJGS8Vj51kXJtSoaI_h7FUT-KljE-vejmbfSKkJvK18vfV-QLLQ/s640/blogger-image-1350464639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitt02CrDikt-drviv9Ituj1MYdbD5yj-Exk4x5SXJPXuk1j7d5yg9rwp9BXUEMrYm9hpESA20dXAPefEIO-RrUJGS8Vj51kXJtSoaI_h7FUT-KljE-vejmbfSKkJvK18vfV-QLLQ/s640/blogger-image-1350464639.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Summer is rapidly coming to a close. My cows still escape, my fences are patched daily, I still do laundry in the creek (except Mondays when I can catch up at the laundromat). The hens have begain to lay eggs. Nuts are almost ready to harvest, and mushrooms are being gathered. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's sort of looking like the life we had hoped it would be here. Maybe in the next five years we will find our way, find the love, and not be so stressed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Time will tell.</div><br></div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-37050664774351738472014-08-26T11:43:00.001-05:002014-08-26T14:21:40.230-05:00We WakeTradition dictates that I wake when someone close to me dies. I have had two good friends die this month, and my three days (six total) seems to be lasting much longer. <div><br></div><div>But I don't have the time, nor the people to properly Wake my dear friends. Instead I have been working in my garden. Canning and drying, and prepping for my fall garden. My hands are blistered, sore, and stiff. My tail bone bruised, as I still can't crawl. </div><div><br></div><div>In a way, I feel like I am punishing myself, rather than honoring anyone. Yet as I lay at night, listening to bull frogs croak, cicadas hum, and a lonely wolf howl, I know that this is the best way I can work through my grief, and find peace. My mind, however, is still in turmoil. And I apologize to those I should have contacted personally. </div><div><br></div><div>Death is common on a homestead. Yet we never grow use to it. We mourn over our livestock, but we never expect to mourn over the homesteader. To us, they are immortal. They must be. We love them, we are proud of them, we are astounded by them. To lose one of our own isn't merely difficult, it feels twisted and demented. </div><div><br></div><div>The last few days I have had wonderful conversations with fellow homesteaders. Our stories of how these people have touched our lives, the joy and frustrations they wrought, the profound idiocy we found ourselves in, has help us with our Wake. We cry, we laugh, we tattle on our deceased. The stories of their lives will continue on not only through blogs, but through us. </div><div><br></div><div>If you have a story of Sci you wish to share, to help us all celebrate the amazing life she lead, feel free to comment or email me. </div><div><br></div><div>My other friend is not known. He was a brilliant story teller, and an accomplished man. He showed me that you are never too old to live Rock and Roll. And I miss him greatly.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-48102066052474586542014-08-25T12:25:00.000-05:002014-08-25T14:43:51.403-05:00With an aching heartI told <a href="http://baconandeggs-scifichick.blogspot.com/">Sci-fi chick</a> last week, that no one has too much rabbit or cantaloupe. She argued with me, as she tended to do, then laughed and told me I was right. And to stop sending her smilie faces, they mess up her computer.<br />
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In her revengeful playfulness, she posted two cows standing in front of a burning barn for me. She knew my paranoia, and played on it to the fullest. </div>
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She has been one of my closest friends for years. Back in the day when the American Preppers Network was just coming into its own, Sci, <a href="http://framboisemanor.blogspot.com/">Kymber</a>, and I would take over posts, or threads, treat it like our personal living room and told the world what we thought of it, and to stick it. We debated on anything and everything, subjects that make the general public cringe we turned into mock battles, playfulness and education mingled together. We had each other's backs, we made our mistakes in public, then solved the issue together. Sometimes our advice to each other didn't work, but we still loved each other for our stupidity. I believe that one of the reason we bonded was the fact that we weren't afraid of our mistakes. And that in reality we had the minds of 12 yr old boys. Always great to have in a relationship. </div>
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She taught me so much about dehydrating. I think I just gave her recipes. I don't know what I really contributed, besides being her friend and allowing her to gritch when needed. </div>
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Tuesday, 2 days before she passed, she told me she was proud of me. She talked me down from bowing out of homesteading, which I was close to doing. I gushed over the outdoor kitchen Mars had built her. </div>
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Small farm Girl texted me yesterday to tell me the news. Sci had died from a heart attack. I didn't have time to cry, Sci would have told me to suck it up. I rushed into town to call Kymber, not knowing if she knew yet or not. I cried a bit then. I couldn't sleep, thinking about her and Mars. I cried again this morning when I read the tributes from some of our closest friends. </div>
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Sci wouldn't want me to blubber, she would want me to tell you that <strong>a volcano was about the explode in Iceland and that we need to prep. It could cause mass havoc, world wide</strong>. She would want me to tell you that just because my life is difficult, I haven't gave in yet. She would want me to tell you<strong> not to waste things, find a way to use it all! </strong></div>
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I did have the honor of meeting her and Mars in person. My Clan went to Ok last year, before the move. <a href="http://oklahomatransient.blogspot.com/">Sandy</a> and her husband were here as well. We had a wonderful time, and awesome food. My boys remember it fondly, as we talked about it yesterday. Sci's garden was gorgeous. And she was a brilliant hostess. I will always remember that day fondly. If you haven't yet, read her story, "<a href="http://baconandeggs-scifichick.blogspot.com/">Bacon and Eggs".</a></div>
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But I will always remember our last conversation, and how proud I was of her as she was of me.<br />
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( <em>I am sorry. I have an unpublished comment from Sci, I was distracted by it when approving your comments, and accidently deleted your comments. I will try better</em>.) </div>
Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.com15