Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Butterfly Fun


A good portion of our days are filled with caring for and observing the many black swallowtail caterpillars we've brought in from the garden. (Many remain in the garden as well.) Some are already in their chrysalis and three gorgeous butterflies have already emerged - one male and two females. These photos are the boys releasing the females into the "wild".



Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Outdoor Wednesday - July 8, 2009


Some random photos from a zoo visit in April...






Please visit A Southern Daydreamer to join Outdoor Wednesday or find links to participating blogs.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Blueberry Bread


2 cups organic whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. aluminum-free baking soda

Combine all and set aside.


2 T. organic unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup boiling water
1 organic egg
1 cup organic evaporated cane juice crystals
1/2 cup organic orange juice
1 cup organic blueberries

Stir water and butter together until butter is melted. Add egg, cane juice crystals, and orange juice; stir well. Add to dry mixture. Gently fold blueberries into batter. Pour into a greased loaf pan (I use Pam organic olive oil spray) and bake at 350* for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for about 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Outdoor Wednesday - July 1, 2009


A told B, and B told C, "I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree."
(from Chicka Chicka Boom Boom byBill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault)




Please visit A Southern Daydreamer to join Outdoor Wednesday or find links to participating blogs.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Outdoor Wednesday - June 24, 2009


This week's Outdoor Wednesday is just a mish mash of things. First is a great egret perched in the top of one of our slash pines. I've never seen one do that - usually they are in or around our pond...


Thyme in the container garden...


Oregano in the container garden...


All he needs is a good stick to chew and he's the happiest dog in the world...


Don't dare think of trying to snatch his stick away though! He's always on guard...


Please visit A Southern Daydreamer to join Outdoor Wednesday or to find a list of participating blogs.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Homemade fries


These are so simple it's ridiculous!

Peel potatoes and cut into wedges (as thin or thick as you wish). Place wedges in a large freezer baggie or container with a lid; drizzle with organic extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with organic sage, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. (I generally have a Pampered Chef large round baking stone completely covered in potato wedges so I use a teaspoon each of the herbs.) Seal the baggie or place the lid on the container and shake well to coat the potatoes evenly. Place the wedges on a baking stone and cook in a 425* oven until the fries reach your family's desired doneness.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Make your own crossword


My oldest has shown a liking for crosswords through our use of Wordly Wise for vocabulary studies. As I prepare lessons for this coming homeschool year, I'm incorporating them into his history studies. I created the crossword pictured above using this site. It was very simple and straightforward to use - something every busy homeschool mom appreciates!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

What & Why - Crofter's

We don't consume a lot of jelly at my house, but for the occasions when someone wants jelly toast or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich I use Crofter's Organic. I started buying this brand a few years ago when I discovered sugar is not the first ingredient listed on the label. A listing of Crofter's organic jellies, fruit spreads, and conserves for both the United States and Canada can be found HERE. We've tried several of the jellies and fruit spreads and have been pleased with all, but good old grape jelly is our favorite. You can also find many recipes using Crofter's products HERE.

Previous What & Why blog posts can be found HERE.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Outdoor Wednesday - June 17, 2009

It's that time again - Outdoor Wednesday!

Let's take a wee bit of a nature walk around my yard.
First up are apple snail egg clusters that can be found on duck potato plants all around our pond...



And here is a lovely duck potato...



Leavenworth's tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii)...


Fern spores...


Fleabane...


I honestly don't know what this is. There are only a couple of these in one particular spot by the pond. If anyone knows the name, I'd be thrilled to find out...


Wild blackberry plant...


Lichen...


If you'd like to join Outdoor Wednesday or find other participating blogs, please visit A Southern Daydreamer.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Oat Muffins


2 cups organic whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup organic quick oats
2/3 cup Rapadura (or organic evaporated cane juice crystals)
4 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1 tsp. sea salt
2 T. organic ground flaxseed meal + 6 T. water (or 2 organic eggs)
1 cup organic milk (I use skim)
1/2 cup organic extra virgin olive oil

Blend all ingredients together until just moistened. Line a muffin tin with unbleached baking cups (such as those made by If You Care) or use a stoneware muffin pan. Fill cups about three-fourths full with batter. Bake at 400* for 20-25 minutes.