A day on the ranch, tending tomatoes, planting more cucumbers and squash, adding to the irrigation, feasting our eyes on all the pretty little things, and rinsing the sticky hot day off in the sprinklers.
And you? Do tell.
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A day on the ranch, tending tomatoes, planting more cucumbers and squash, adding to the irrigation, feasting our eyes on all the pretty little things, and rinsing the sticky hot day off in the sprinklers.
And you? Do tell.
Posted on 06/27/2011 in pretty little things | Permalink | Comments (2)
Sometime in the winter months, while day dreaming of the coming spring, I had a crazy idea to garden here at home on the coast, as well as on the "ranch", which is Travis's father's property, a bit further inland. I asked Gary if he had plans for the garden this year, he didn't so daydreaming began......acorn squash, pumpkins for carving and pumpkins for eating, butternut squash, birdhouse gourds and tomatoes!
Seeds were ordered and started in my seed houses, they grew and grew and were potted up a time or two before I decided to set them out into the big wide world, all on their own. All on their own in a beautiful garden with lots of sunshine and a nice new drip irrigation system to keep them company, while I am away.
Oh, that irrigation....it can be so tricky. My days of college irrigation design labs are just a distant memory at this point. Thankfully, Gary is a do-it-yourself type of guy and was happy to muddle through it all with me and the boys. What could be better than experimenting with sprinklers of all sorts on a warm summer afternoon?
I tell you, for a man who swore he had no interest in the garden he sure got roped in, but seems to be loving it! It turns out that the gardening bug is indeed contagious and I have infected Gary with quite a case, which is great, I can really use his assistance and enthusiasm.
(photo by Gavin)
(photo by Gavin)
So far we have planted fifty tomatoes, of many different heirloom varieties. The labeling of varieties was tossed by the way side in one session of potting up, so I am looking forward to the surprise each plant holds in store for me.
Fingers crossed for a great-big harvest and canning extravaganza later in the season. I also planted pumpkins for carving and eating, squash for storing and preserving, and gourds for bird houses.
Pie pumpkins are in high demand around here now as I have been baking the Flying Apron Bakery House Bread which uses a fresh starch opposed to starch flours.
The ranch is full of things to explore and space for young boys to roam. I am looking forward to spending some dedicated time there this sunny summer, tending the garden and just letting my boys be boys.
As we drove away Gavin said a bit sadly, "they're still our tomatoes, even if we wont see them that often anymore", I too, felt a bit like I was leaving something behind.
But marinara, salsa fresca, canned salsa, tomato paste, tomatoes popped in the mouth right then and there....warm tomatoes in the hot summer sun, tomatoes of all shapes, sizes and colors....oh my!
Posted on 06/24/2011 in family, garden | Permalink | Comments (7)
Papa loves pie! For father's day we have always made Papa a pie. This year marked the second year in a row that we dedicated a day to picking the berries for this special pie. It's perfect timing really, the Olallieberries at the barn, ripen just before Father's day arrives.
On the hay ride out to the field I was remembering last year when Chaz would not get on that tractor trailer, for anything, he cried big ol' alligator tears about it. As luck would have it, Gavin did about the same at the proposition of not riding the tractor. So, I walked, toddler in arms, behind the tractor as Gavin rode down the bumpy dirt road to the berry fields. you can imagine how thrilled I was this year when we all happily rode together, even tossed hay off the wagon and giggled about it.
As we all wandered off in our own directions, picking happily to the tune of little tweety birds and the gentle breeze, my mind wandered again to the picking of the previous year. It was hot that day, the boys were a year younger and not that excited about mama's determination to pick more that what could be immediately consumed.
This year I could see, really for the first time, my big boy has my love of berry picking brewing in his soul. He sees the adventure as a treasure hunt of sorts and knows well the tasty things that await as treasure at the end; confident on his own now, he ventured quietly a good distance from my side and I think enjoyed every moment of the picking with only his own thoughts to run about his mind.
Chaz is still at my side, for the most part, his basket only ever holding enough berries to satisfy the next few nibbles. As for me, I could pick all day long. It's meditative, in a productive sort of way. I love it. I will say that when trying to pick for a 3 year-olds munching (just to buy me more picking time) and a pie, this mama had to pick a bit faster than I used to, but I enjoy it just the same and probably more.
Peaches are also ripe and grow close by. unlike berry picking, this is just the thing for my little monkey child, climbing, many peaches in arms reach, shade to cool off and a juicy treat.
The pie was a hit, even with it's new gluten free crust, and after a days worth of picking it felt like a true gift from the heart, for the Papa of this house!
Note: we used the gluten free pie crust, Pate Brisee, recipe from Karen Morgan: Blackbird Bakery Gluten-Free Cookbook
the pie filling was my own concoction:
6 cups Olallieberries
1-1/2 Tablespoons fresh squezed lemon juice
3 Tablespoons Arrowroot powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Served with hand-cranked home-made vanilla ice cream. yum!
A Happy Father's Day it was indeed. I'm already looking forward to picking for next years pie!
Posted on 06/21/2011 in excursion, family, in the kitchen, recipes | Permalink | Comments (2)
Today: a few wishes and words for my fantastic father! Happy Father's Day Dad....
"We Love You Grandpa!" (that's what the banner says)
~Wishing you:
blue skies and time to fly,
~a moment to fish and hopefully catch,
~tasty wild berries (maybe later in the season),
~all the beauty of Alaska and more....
~wishing we were there...
~ wishing you the very best Father's Day. I love you Dad!
Posted on 06/19/2011 | Permalink | Comments (0)
With Father's Day weekend upon us, I have been thinking a lot about all the fathers in my life. I have a little something planned for my father, here in this space, on the actual day. I will likely share a bit of our celebrating the father of this little family, next week. But today, it seems fitting to get warmed up with a few words about my Grandfathers, they did come earlier in the line of these wonderful fathers after all.
My Grandpa Earl and my Grandpa Joe were very different men, one quite tall, one not quite, one on the soft spoken side one really not. But for all their differences, that made them unique characters, there were some traits they had in common. Both were bright, inventive, nature loving fishermen, and wonderful dedicated fathers of three, and both hold very special places in my heart.
My Grandpa Earl loved ice cream. I remember my small child-size self gazing into the extra freezer for what seemed like a long time, freezing air billowing out and around me, while I tried to decide on a flavor for the night. Grandpa's freezer was always well stocked and I don't think he ever went a night without his ice cream for dessert. I, too, love ice cream!
My Grandpa Joe loved to make pancakes, I think he loved to eat them as well, but that is not the memory. The memory is Grandpa making the pancakes, with Grandma by his side of course. When visiting, I would lay sleepily waiting for the sound and smell of pancakes cooking, before I would stumble down the hall in the morning. Grandpa always chuckled, in his boisterous way, about how I waited until breakfast was cooking to rise and shine. I can still smell the frying pan cooking and hear the sizzling pan and a loud "morning Toot!" as I entered the kitchen looking for my pancakes.
I, too, love pancakes! When the boys were a bit younger, and our days a bit slower, I would make pancakes almost every morning. Gavin would help me mix and baby Chaz would fall asleep on my shoulder as I fried and flipped the cakes.
It seems to me that I have connected to those I love through food. Through food I keep so many wonderful memories close at heart, and active in my daily life. I can hear the voices of my Grandfathers, smell their kitchens, taste their creations, and transport myself back to a special time so easily, all with a scoop of ice cream or bite of pancake.
Some special recipes have changed or been temporarily discontinued until a gluten free modification can be created, but the intent is still alive and well. Today, I want to share a recipe for a nutritious buttermilk pancake recipe I cooked up just the other day. I hope you enjoy it with someone you love and create memories of your own right there in the kitchen.
Buckwheat Buttermilk Pancakes:
-3 Tablespoons melted butter
-2 cups buttermilk
-2 eggs
(mix above wet ingredients together in a large bowl)
-1 cup buckwheat flour
-1/2 cup teff flour
-1/2 cup rice flour
-2 teaspoons baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon guar gum
-1/2 cup organic cane sugar
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
whisk the dry ingredients together and combine with wet ingredients. Take care not to over mix. Fry on medium heat, turning once. Makes approximately 8 - 6" cakes! Serve with strawberry jam in the spring, applesauce in the fall or maple syrup any time. Enjoy!
Note: these are by no means a gluten free version of "Grandpa Joe's Pancakes" for those who are familiar, I will have to share that re-creation once I am able to dream it up. For now, may you enjoy wonderful memories, and create new ones in your kitchen this weekend.
Posted on 06/18/2011 in gluten free , in the kitchen, recipes | Permalink | Comments (0)
Monday night..what to do, what to do? Make ice cream of course; and cones too! Get on the horn and call up some friends, pick the berries and have a good old fashioned dessert party.
The cones are a traditional Scandinavian cookie called Krumkake; this batch is, of course not traditional at all due to its gluten free adaptations, but they are lip-smackin' good.
Krumkake is loaded with nostalgia for me, as are the tools to make it. My cousin stayed up till wee hours in the morning, the night before my college graduation, making these sweet, delicate, crisp cookies for the celebration. My Dad, sat beside this Krumkake iron of mine and cooked countless batches the day before Travis and I were married, not to mention all the holiday cookie platters they graced while I was growing up.
My Grandparents, who mean the world to me, gave me a collection of family recipes and the tools to make them one year. Krumkake, though not intended to be an ice cream cone, is the recipe that gets made the most since we discovered how well it holds ice cream.
For all you gluten intollerant Norweigians just dying to know how you, too, can make Krumkake, here is the recipe:
3 eggs beaten + 1/4 cup water
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup melted butter (cooled)
1-1/4 cups sorgum flour
1 cup tapioca flour
1/2 cup potato starch
1/4 teaspoon xanthum gum
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cardamon if desired (some do, some don't, I don't)
The consistency will vary. To adjust add a bit of flour if too thin, if too thick a bit of cream. I found, with the gluten free recipe, that chilling the batter for several hours improved the finished product quite a bit.
I use an electric Krumkake iron like this one. I believe my Grandma and my Dad still use a stove top iron like this. I use a wooden cone, to shape the cones as they come off the iron, but fingers work too...ouch!
Store, as soon as cool, in an airtight container as they will become soggy very fast if there is any moisture in the air. When we lived in Hawaii, I simply could not make a good batch of Krumkake, as they would be soggy before they had a chance to cool.
Eat just the way they are or be creative and fill with something fun and yummy.
It's so easy, all the hand cranking.....when you have two eager boys.
We used a recipe for vanilla ice cream and added fresh strawberries from the garden.
I'm pretty sure we all indulged in three cones that night, one right after the other!
Posted on 06/09/2011 in family, gluten free , recipes | Permalink | Comments (1)
It rained, in June! Not so impressive, I know, for many parts of the country but here......novel. I love it, every tiny drop, love it! My early childhood was in the northwest. Forever I will cherish the pitter-patter sound of rain, the fresh smell outside after it has passed, the feel of good sticky mud caked onto my boots, a deep puddle to stomp in, a well watered garden and always - I sleep so well inside while it rains outside.
On this rainy weekend we:
~ admired the drops lingering on branches and blossoms,
~ watered my seeds in the seed houses (yes, they still need water - last time it rained I forgot this)
~ played in the mud puddles (thank goodness for dirt roads and puddles!),
~cozied up to the sewing machine for some birthday dress making,
~ enjoyed a day mostly at home, inside,
~ chased raindrops and watched little tweety birds with a precious, just-turned-two-year-old girl and loved every second of her giggles and silent wonder,
~loved the altfits my boys picked out for themselves to wear to the party (check out the home-made tie)
~ baked more bread
~ sent my hubby out to sea, to fetch some delicious fish for dinner!
Sweet simple dresses, made in a fast and furious sewing day, with two eager helpers (sorry no time for in-progress pics). I used Heather Ross / Martha Stewart smocked sundress tutorial found on-line here, it is very easy to follow and so much fun. The boys were, as always, thrilled to gift something that they helped create.
Posted on 06/07/2011 in craft, family | Permalink | Comments (4)
Today, I am pleased to bring you "sunny side up mama" sponsor, Mary Kelting Photography and the Summer Soiree and Showcase event. Mary is a dear friend, wonderful mama and talented photographer who has captured my growing family, in several stages!
I have long admired Mary for the magic she weaves, bringing people together, specifically mama owned business owners. I am happy to share a bit of that magic here in the announcement of the next collaborative Summer Soiree and Showcase. Read on for details and a preview of a few businesses that will be attending. Consider this your very own, invitation to a great evening!
Lisa Story ~ The Conscious Health Coach
In the words of Lisa: “What is a Health Coach?” A Health Coach is a wellness guide and a supportive mentor. I work with my clients to help them create a happy, healthy, and well-balanced life in a way that is flexible, fun, and fulfilling. As a Health Coach, I offer a safe place for my clients to explore their health and wellness needs, set goals, and achieve a deeper understanding of the nutrition and lifestyle choices that work for them. Together we design a lifestyle plan that assists them in improving their overall sense of well-being, peace, energy, and radiant health. I work with clients privately and also offer a variety of classes and wellness activities each month through my practice.
Next Friday at the Summer Soiree in Los Osos, I will be giving away FREE 50-minute Health History Sessions to the first 15 people who stop by my table. I will also be giving away in the event raffle a free entry into one of my 3-hour Blending & Juicing for Radiant Health group classes. Stop by my table to pick up recipes, wellness tips and to sign up for a free 50 minute Health History Session. I would love to meet you!
Lisa has a B.S. Degree in Health Science and a M.A. Degree in Spiritual Psychology. Her life’s work for more than 20 years has been devoted to how we can best create a whole-istic life, radiant health, and vibrant wellness. She is a published author of the short story “A Dream Come True”, and her new book Conscious Nourishment of the Family is due out in September 2011. Lisa lives in Shell Beach, California with her husband, 20 year old daughter, and her 10 year old son.
(photos by:www.marykeltingphotography.com)
Lisa Story ~ The Conscious Health Coach
phone: 805.801.4495
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Tina Crozier ~ Mirror Mirror
When designing the ‘Mirror Mirror’ line of dress-up wear, I was inspired to create clothing that would look similar to what a child would create using their scissors, construction paper, glitter and glue. In order to stimulate imaginative play, I keep the details limited … adding just enough to help jump-start their adventures.
To further enhance the child inspired designs, I use black stitching reminiscent of color book drawings. Edges will fray, showing evidence of the adventures your child has taken and the fun they had on the way.(Don’t worry, the edges are all secure!) Look for up-cycled fabrics in future designs. Creating is an adventurous journey for me as well!
(photos by:www.marykeltingphotography.com)
Tina Crozier: e-mail [email protected]
I am available for custom orders or my goodies are also located at:
EcoBambino in downtown San Luis Obispo, Ca.
863 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo
805.540.7222
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Paula Fryer ~ A Little Gratitude
A Little Gratitude's owner, Paula Mathias Fryer, makes simple, affordable and beautiful jewelry and gifts that include meaningful messages about living life with gratitude and thoughtfulness. Paula has also embraced social media to evolve A Little Gratitude into a business encompassing not only gifts and jewelry but also blogging, Facebooking and articles. Paula was recently featured in an article for the June issue of "Woman's Day Magazine."
With sincerity and humor, she hopes to influence other women to follow their passions while maintaining balance in their life. She simply wants women to "slow down, have a giggle and embrace each moment."
Be inspired by Paula’s blog, join her on Facebook, and Twitter. "All you need is a little gratitude to change your life."
(photos by:www.marykeltingphotography.com)
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Los Osos Valley Nursery
301 Los Osos Valley Road. in los Osos Ca.
805.528.5300
http://losososvalleynursery.com
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Kimberly Nico ~ Morro Bay Story Tree
In the words of Kimberly: I decided to sell books because I think they are beautiful - wonderful, uplifting stories, gorgeous, artful illustrations, and I love the informative end-notes at the back of many of the books. It is a fun "hobby" (both me and my husband are employed elsewhere) but we love to share these wonderful books with others and help charitable organizations raise money. We also like to feel the community involvement in local fairs and festival events.
I am a seller of Barefoot Books, but my business is separate from Barefoot, and I carry books that are not published by them as well. Barefoot's emphasis is on storytelling (which is a wonderful, rich resource) but I also wanted some environmental and science titles as well. I have also tried to start filling a void in open, welcoming religious and Catholic books for young readers, and I hand-pick those titles that I choose to carry. My non-Barefoot offerings are in-person only, not viewable or browsable online.
For the Soiree, I'll be bringing a nice selection of board books, singalongs, and environmental titles such as The Beeman. They will all be for sale on-site. I'll also be donating to the raffle.
Kimberly Nico
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Thank you all for sharing your inspiring businesses here today!
Posted on 06/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments (0)
In the whirl of normal life - cooking, cleaning, playing, learning, gardening, teaching, comforting and so much more....
it is easy to get swept away, caught in the non stop, go, go, go.......
In these moments, days, that catching ones breath is too much to ask,
I am comforted, amused, cheered and inspired by pretty little things!
garden roses that can scent a house with just one bloom,
first of the year, fuzzy pink peaches,
a medley of beautiful beets from our garden,
dessert......in pretty little bowls,
surprise-volunteer blooms,
evening sun through golden petals,
delicate textures loaded with daydreams of river excursions; the silence of a fly line hovering above the water,
citrus, maybe today is the day I will actually squeeze it?
What makes you smile in the fullness of life?
Posted on 06/03/2011 in making me smile | Permalink | Comments (4)
This one is like his mama in that he wakes ready to eat, first thing!
I miss his (previous) first word of the day...."faffee?" stating Mama's obvious needs and asking to rise.
Sweet morning sunshine.
Intent focus while crafting his way to wakefulness.
Hunger satisfied.
Ready to greet the day.
The first loaf of bread (gluten free that is) YES! There is bread in my house, once again!
Dark Teff Grain Bread from Flying Apron's Gluten-Free and Vegan Baking Book by Jennifer Katzinger
A simple moment, of quiet stitching with my boys. Hot Coffee. Homemade bread and jam!
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Posted on 06/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments (3)