Monthly Archives: November 2011
Your Hobby- Fishing
I have many great memories of going fishing as a kid. I think that spending time with a friend or loved one out on a lake or walking along the shore of a river is something that every child should have a chance to do, and it’s pretty much a perfect past-time. It provides an opportunity to be outdoors, there’s the constant anticipation of the catch, and, if you’re lucky, it also provides a few mouth-watering meals.
I’ve shared several of my own fish stories with you: My Biggest Fish, Tom’s Biggest Fish, Mom and the Boys. Now I want to hear from you…what’s your favorite fish story? Continue reading
Your Hobby- Kite Flying
Who hasn’t flown a kite at some point in his or her life?
If you haven’t been fortunate enough to actually grip the string as you watch the thin membrane of your kite float into the sky, surely you’ve watched someone else running through a field, face alight with joy, and kite trailing along behind. Continue reading
Foodie Friday-Homemade Belgian Waffles
Today’s recipe is my own modified version of the recipe for Classic Belgian Waffles that came with out Waring Pro Belgian Waffle Maker. One thing that I love about these waffles is that it works with any type of flour (at least the ones I’ve tried). I have made them with hard red wheat flour, soft white wheat flour, sprouted wheat flour, and spelt flour; they all turned out equally delicious! Continue reading
Your Hobby- Beekeeping
My husband and I started our own apiary in April 2011. We have just two hives, but can you believe that “just two hives” have the potential to produce enough honey each summer to provide for our family for a year?
Before we got started my husband read, and I browsed, Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture by Ross Conrad. This book is well written, nicely laid out, and full of valuable information on honeybees, their current struggles, and how to care for them as naturally as possible. Then my husband ordered the bees. Continue reading
It’s a Girl: The Birth of Our Jersey Heifer Calf
Jasmine the Jersey joined the farm on Monday May 30, 2011 at approximately 8:30 P.M. She was our first live birth on the farm!
It was a perfect night, warm with a light breeze. The sky was clear and full of stars. The lightning bugs were so numerous in the dark pasture that it felt like we were walking through the stars. Then we crested a hill and there was a very wet and wobbly-legged calf trying to stand and a very helpful momma mooing softly and licking her little baby. Continue reading
Foodie Friday-BBQ Cajun Shrimp Recipe
The best shrimp dish I’ve ever had! This one is not for the weak of stomach.
Start with two dozen fresh and unpeeled shrimp. In a large saucepan mix: 1 stick plus 5 Tbsp of butter (yes, 13 TBSP of real butter), 1/2 C of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 C of beer (drink the rest or give it to your significant other- my husband loves BBQ shrimp night because it’s the only time I serve him a beer), 1 1/2 tsp of minced garlic (I usually use two large or three medium cloves- minced), 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/8 tsp oregano.
Heat all ingredients until butter is melted, then turn on high and add shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they all turn a bright pink color. Dish servings into individual bowls and enjoy! Make sure you have 1) a really good chewy bread to soak up excess butter and spices 2) lots of napkins 3) an extra bowl for the shrimp peels.
*recipe given to me by my Mother-in-Law! Continue reading
Your Artistic Outlet- Glass Blowing
On a recent trip to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, I took a picture of the beautiful blown glass centerpiece in their lobby made by the artist Ludek Hroch. This piece, in its entirety, is called “Resurgence”. I’ve given you a small close-up sample.
Shaped glass plays a prominent role in the new novel that I’ve written (and have almost finished editing, yay!). While writing this story I had a great time searching the internet for information about blown glass and browsing some amazing on-line galleries. Continue reading
Foodie Friday- Veggie Pizza Recipe
This family favorite combines two great recipes from two great friends.
For the crust you need: 2 tsp. yeast, 1 C warm water, 1 tsp salt, 2 Tbsp oil, 2 1/2 C flour.
Mix all ingredients and then knead dough lightly. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. If you’re making round pizzas divide the dough into two portions, roll each on a floured surface and transfer to your pizza stone or pan. I leave my dough intact and roll into a large rectangle, then transfer to a cookie sheet. Bake the crust at 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Add toppings and bake for another 10-12 minutes. Continue reading
Your Artistic Outlet- Stained Glass
This beautiful piece of artwork was made by my very talented Mother-in-Law. It is a precious reminder to me of the importance of hope.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was time to pursue every hobby? I can vaguely remember making a stained glass vase in girl scouts many years ago, and I remember really enjoying the whole process. Continue reading
