Get Growing!

 I'm so excited to announce that are garden is growing! Our peas, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, potatoes...they are doing just fine.  I've planted some tomatoes, pumpkin, and watermelon with less enthusiasm knowing they need a lot of sun, but here's hoping!

Look at those lovely rows of green!

Tea with the Parlor Maid

I am a huge fan of Downton Abby so when my mother told me we were going to a themed tea, I was really excited.  We tried to dress the part as best we could.  The service staff at the tea house were all dressed as parlor maids.  I wasn't able to snap a good picture.

Blossom, my sisters dog, just had to get in the picture!

tea sandwiches are always so lovely

I forgot to snap a picture of the desserts before I started digging in.  The Rosemary Madeline was already eaten as was the Charlotte Russe.

Soap Nuts

Soap nuts are the fruit of the Ritha tree found primarily in Nepal.

The shell contains "saponin" which is known for it's ability to clean and wash.

Place 5-6 soap nuts into cotton sack and soak in warm water for 10 minutes.

Place in washing machine with soiled clothes. You can use the same nuts up to 3 times.

Hang clean clothes on the line for 100% natural laundry 

Go Big or Go Home

 When making sushi at home, it's hard to choose what to make, so we make a little of everything.  When I say we, I mean "he" of course.  I am more of the sous-chef around here.

Starting Herbs from Seed

 Did you know most herb seeds need soaked anywhere from 6-48 hrs prior to planting?
I had no idea, normally I just purchase potted herbs from the farmers market, but I was feeling ambitious this year.

 The seeds were so pretty floating in the water.

The basil seeds got this strange protective gel shell after soaking, like Chia seeds.  So far cilantro, mustard, dill, savory, thyme, and basil are all popping up from the soil.  The parsley and chives haven't made an appearance yet.  I blame that on the squirrels.  They kept digging in the garden looking for buried nuts!

May 5th!

Mixed Greens with Black Beans and Salsa.  

Making my bed

The first garden bed has been planted with broccoli, onions, lettuce, spinach, peas, basil, and thyme.  We shall see how everything goes.  I have three more garden beds to plant.  I hope something grows this year.  Some things are hit or miss with our limited amount of sunshine.  We did do some clearing in the fall, so that should help maximize the light.