Modern Day Laura

New ride!

2012-02-27T06:50:00.005-05:00

After driving my 1990 pickup for nearly 9 yrs now, I'm finally getting another vehicle. It's a 2003 Ford Escape. I'm picking it up this Tuesday. I'm very excited. I even have a new Mary Janes 'Certified Farmgirl' sticker waiting for it. My hubby is going to take over the pickup, and he plans on getting a new truck next yr.

My old pickup:

The Prepper Spirit

2012-02-24T04:26:00.006-05:00

Well, with the hurricane last year that left us without power here on Long Island for 4 days, well it got me to thinking about being prepared.

I just placed my first order with Honeyville Grain. I bought a few food staples in bulk. My husband of course laughs because he thinks I'm preparing for doomsday. It's not about that. I look at it this way, who wants to run to the stores last minute, dealing with crowds when you know a major storm is imminent? NOT me. There's nothing more annoying than standing in a crowded grocery store on long lines.

When we lost power for 4 days I managed just fine. The farmgirl spirit in me cooked in the fireplace and heated buckets of water in the sun for bathing. I enjoyed it. I must of been a pioneer woman in my past life. The family even spent quality time together playing games at the kitchen table by candlelight. It was nice.

I look at it this way...I'm buying some food items in bulk for a couple of reasons. To save on costs and to be prepared in case another storm comes...and I'm sure it will. I even bought a solar water bag and privacy shelter to be used outside for showers the next time we lose power. That just came the other day. My boys laugh at me....but I don't mind, someday they'll get it.

I've been watching 'Doomsday Preppers'. Some people go to extremes, but think about it for a minute. WHAT IF a disaster like what happened in New Orleans or Japan happened to YOU? I don't see anything wrong with being prepared. When we lost the power for 4 days last October so many people complained about the power company taking so long to get the power back on, it annoyed me. Have people forgotten HOW to take care of themselves? We had SO much damage from the storm. Trees were down everywhere, power lines down everywhere. There was NO WAY the power company was getting it all done overnight. Even in the news, the power company was getting slammed by 'taking so long' to get the power on. I suppose in this era people are used to being catered to, dependent on so many things- like spoiled brats. I say, learn to cook over a fire, adapt and make do with what you have. There's NO reason not to.

If some terrible natural disaster were to happen or the economy collapses, we are going to be in trouble. People will do most anything when they are in a desperate situation. I say it's a very good idea to be prepared. Live wisely, learn some self sufficiency skills and learn to rely more on yourself because the only one who is going to think about YOUR needs in a disaster is YOU, not anyone else.

Next week I'm going to be placing an order from Mary Jane's Farm. Mary Jane has some bulk food. I'm looking forward to trying it...it all looks great.

The next time we lose power, I'll be eating a wonderful home cooked meal prepared over an open fire, content all the while.

Beef Jerky

2012-02-12T08:54:00.004-05:00

The beef jerky came out great! I used sandwich steak.

Here's how I did it:

• About 3 lbs sandwich steak
• 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 4 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 packet Nesco American Harvest Jerky seasoning
• 1 tsp liquid smoke
• 3 Tbsp Honey

I then marinated it overnight & put it up the next morning to dry.

It took about 8 hrs to dry, and everyone in my family LOVED it!...(even the dogs)

Valentine's Day Savings

2012-02-05T09:36:00.003-05:00

SHOP NOW

Let the drying begin!

2012-01-28T07:20:00.013-05:00

So this morning I started about 6am cutting up fruit for my new dehydrator. I am processing grapes, apples and bananas. Some of the bananas have been dipped in a mixture of honey and water, and some of the apples have cinnamon. I am going to start them at about 150 degrees for the first 2 hours and then turn it down to about 135 degrees for the reminder of the drying..maybe 8 hrs? We'll see. I am going according to suggestions in the book. The dehydrater sounds like a fan, not too loud, and it's getting warm. This place is smelling good with cinnamon!

Here are some pics of the process:

Starting with some beautiful grapes to make raisins:

Yummy bananas cut about 1/4" thick

Optional for the bananas: Wisk together 1/2 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of water and dip bananas in it. (Tip: I used some cooking spray on the tray before laying out the honey coated bananas)

Time to peel the apples:

OR...you could also use this awesome peeler, the 'Titan'...I love this peeler.

Put the peeled or cut up (however you want), apples into lemon juice to prevent browning for 5 minutes.

Place fruit on trays, do not let pieces touch, and do not layer the fruit or it may not dry completely. I sprayed some cooking spray on the tray with the bananas and honey.

Be sure to compost!

Stack the trays and make sure they are all aligned.

Set the temperature. I am setting it to about 150 degrees as mentioned before. After 2 hrs I will turn it down to about 135 degrees for the remainder of the drying time. Maybe 8 hrs. Will periodically check and figure that out later.

After about 3 hrs:

The apples are done and they are delicious!

The grapes are almost raisins!

The bananas are done and taste SO good!

We've got raisins!

My new chair!

2012-01-27T17:19:00.002-05:00

ok everyone, I cant believe how comfortable this chair is, and yes, it's my first new chair. I put the organizer on it that I made- because a girl has to have a place to put her Mary Jane's magazine! It's a rocker-recliner chair. It's excellent quality.

It was a good price and Free shipping! and it came fast. Here's the link. http://www.bizchair.com/am-9700-3977-gg.html

This is exciting stuff!

2012-01-25T17:46:00.005-05:00

Ok, so i got my new dehydrator! just a bit of bragging here. Wanted to share pics of it. I am going to start using it this weekend. It's the Nesco American Harvest FD-80. It comes with 4 trays and it upgrades to 8 trays. I got everything on amazon.com. This dehydrator has great reviews. I love the fact that the lid has info....makes it easier. I am going to start with drying fruit. it was a good price considering the other model i looked at (the gardenmaster) would of cost 500.00 buying the extra trays it needed..and it upgraded to 30. This model cost under 100.00

I will be back soon with results.

New Organizer

2012-01-23T06:50:00.000-05:00

My dear hubby ordered me a new recliner! So yesterday I made this pretty organizer for it:

Outdoor Cookin'

2012-01-23T05:46:00.003-05:00

I got this for Christmas!

You can buy it all at: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/guide-gear-campfire-cook-set.aspx?a=580340

Buy 3 or more soaps and get 1 Free!

2012-01-23T04:59:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone!

Do you like handcrafted Soap? If so, I have over 40 varieties! Buy 3 or more soaps and get 1 Free! http://www.naturemaiden.com/

Catching up

2012-01-23T04:55:00.000-05:00

It's been so long since I've written, I've been so busy. I started a new temp job at a hospital, and it's good money. My business has been very slow to my dismay. I know the economy is struggling.

I'm glad the winter has been mild because I hate cold weather and snow especially. It's the fastest winter has ever seemed to go- usually winter seems to take forever. Spring is 2 mos away, and in a matter of weeks, I'll be starting my tomato seed indoors. I'm also selling herbs this year, another little thing I'm starting on the side, because horticulture is my first love. It takes a while to get a crop ready for sale. I'm hoping for the best.

My husband and I ordered a fireplace insert...to heat the house more efficiently. Of course I understand his reasons, but I hate the idea because I LOVE cooking in the fireplace and most importantly, sitting in front of it, napping. BUT, my DH did buy me a wonderful outdoor camping cookset. As soon as this snow melts, it's going up.

My hubby also ordered me a new recliner chair. I just made a pretty organizer for it yesterday. Maybe the chair will come this week.. it's blue, my favorite color.

I made a wonderful barter with a fellow farmgirl- I received a great book of western stories, and i gave her a candle and soap in return.

I'm also working on stocking up my pantry with the essentials. We ordered a new freezer which is great. Now we can stock up on things on sale. I also have 5 gallon buckets for food storage. Now if we get a storm we dont have to run out to the store like crazy people. I ordered a dehydrator last week, and am excited to use it! Of course my hubby wants to make beef jerky- i'm sure the doggies will appreciate that as well. I want to dry fruits for snacks, and herbs from my garden.

All we need now is a generator. What a sin it would be to lose all the food in a power outage. With the hurricane last year we didnt have power for 4 days.

Just finished my 2nd cup of coffee. Almost time to get ready for work.

Have a wonderful day!

My sewing machine collection

2011-10-30T18:07:00.001-04:00

To date these are my sewing machines. They all work well. Think I have enough?

newest edition to my sewing machine collection

2011-10-29T13:22:00.001-04:00

I got an 1894 Willcox & Gibbs sewing machine off ebay and it sews great!

Cooking Cornbread

2011-10-27T05:29:00.003-04:00

I made cornbread in the fireplace..it came out yummy!

Comfort Food

2011-10-24T14:25:00.008-04:00

I LOVE cooking in the fireplace...there's something so primitive about it..simple, comforting. The food also tastes much better cooked over an open fire in a cast iron pot...the food just comes out so wonderful. The fire is burning nice...we need it to burn down for coals, because I will be cooking with the coals, not the fire.

This afternoon I put up a pork shoulder picnic. I rubbed it down with a spice rub, made slits in the skin side and shoved fresh garlic and herbs in them. A drizzle of veggie oil and it's ready for browning.

Here it is just put into the fire for browning. I need a lot of hot coals for cooking. Waiting for the logs to burn down some..then the real cooking begins...I hope the whole block can smell me cooking!

In about an hour I'll add some sweet potatoes and carrots into the pot, and cook it up! I love meals where you can make your whole dinner in just 1 pot.

It feels great sitting here in front of this fire.

Changing Seasons

2011-10-17T07:54:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's October 17th already. The air is crisp and the breeze feels wonderful. Been getting a lot done the past couple of days. I did a lot of work in the back yard, potting up perennials for sales net year. Cleaning out the vegetable garden, picking the rest of the eggplant, harvesting flower seed. While I don't like winter, I welcome the rest.

We'll have to put away my outdoor tent room very soon, won't have much use for it much longer. I use it to take naps outdoors..it's so wonderful to do that.

Did a lot of house cleaning yesterday, with more to do today. I don't plan on spending the whole day cleaning again. This Saturday my friend is having a sewing bee at our church. We will be doing some sewing for the homeless. I'm excited! My good friend is coming along..I gave her a vintage sewing machine to learn on. Not sure how many others will be showing up.

Well, it's going on 8am..time to clean the bathroom. I'd Like to get the cleaning done early today....it just started pouring. I love rain.

I hope you have a wonderful day!
Connie

Chicken and dumplings

2011-10-15T06:18:00.003-04:00

made this yesterday..YUM!

coconut macaroons

2011-10-14T11:21:00.002-04:00

I made these today..it was fun making them different colors.

The challenge

2011-10-12T11:44:00.003-04:00

I was given this sewing machine by my mother inlaw. It was her mom's machine. Her mom's name was Ruth. That's my middle name! This is a 1949 Singer 15-91. I've worked on sewing machines before, but this would be the biggest challenge yet!

I've included a link after the picture so you can see it sewing.
Click on picture for a closeup.

Checkout the short Video

our first pumpkin

2011-10-12T08:08:00.000-04:00

our beautiful peppers

2011-10-12T08:07:00.000-04:00

we made compost!

2011-10-12T08:06:00.001-04:00

Some great vintage items!

2011-10-12T07:56:00.014-04:00

I LOVE things from the 1800's. I've often thought I was born in the wrong era. I'm sure farmgirls often feel that way. Here are some things I collect that are wonderfully vintage. Dont know how old the pump is. We have it in a barrel with plants. My husband works for the town at our local landfill/re-use center. He brings home all sorts of things. It's amazing what people throw out.

Ad's in local paper 1860

Sad Iron 1883

Local Paper from 1850

McGuffey Book 1853

The last of the Mohicans book 1872 (LOVE the movie)

Bible 1854

Mother Goose Book- dont see a date, but someone had signed it and wrote 1907

School Geography Book 1863

Arithmetic Book 1857

My Beautiful 1889 Singer Treadle Model 27-2 -it sews beautifully. Bought on Ebay.

Willcox and Gibbs 1894 chain stitch sewing machine. I added a new motor to it. It runs perfect. Bought on Ebay.

2011-10-12T07:46:00.001-04:00

New tomato variety

2011-10-12T06:19:00.003-04:00

This year we planted Reif Red tomato- an heirloom. They grew SO big! The flavor is incredible. I highly recommend it! This variety is comparable to the Brandywine- but I have no plans on giving up my brandywines.

Some past cooking pics

2011-10-12T06:17:00.000-04:00

I wanted to add some more pics of things I cooked.
Blueberry Dessert, it's like a 'french toast cream cheese blueberry delight!'

My french toast I made with my homemade italian bread

Rotisserie turkey and homemade bread

Banana cake

Little me

2011-10-12T06:12:00.002-04:00

I just love this picture of me when I was little. So cute with the pony tails and my cute little nose.

Fall is here

2011-10-10T14:31:00.000-04:00

My hubby is splitting firewood, and the montauk daisies are blooming so pretty...

Time for seed harvest!

2011-10-10T09:58:00.001-04:00

I love harvesting seed. Here are some scarlet runner string bean seed I just harvested, the coloring is beautiful! These seed will provide our bean plants for next spring.

A new soap idea

2011-10-10T09:25:00.002-04:00

For those who know, I am a soap and candle maker. I love it. I can remember sitting in my junior high social studies class and wanting to make candles. Even then I loved gardening, nature and the old ways of doing things. Who knew it was who I was meant to be.

I came up with a new soap variety while washing my filthy hands- I was handling a sooty cast iron dutch oven, after having been done cooking outdoors. I currently have a great mechanics soap that removed the soot well, but thought of a new variety with a few new touches for us farmgirls. Farmgirl Soap. I will not spill all of the secrets yet...but it is coming soon! This new soap variety will be all natural, remove grease and soots, moisturize your hands and smell earthy and wonderful.

I will announce it when it's released. In the meantime you can check out the over 40 varieties I currently have.

I wish you a wonderful day!
Connie

About me

2011-10-10T09:17:00.000-04:00

"Ever since I was a little girl I've been so curious about Nature.

I can remember being a little girl exploring the outdoors while I was in my backyard,
investigating the trees,
the flowers, the seeds, and everything I could get my hands on.

I'd often make trips into the neighborhood
woods all by myself, without fear, just to be amongst the trees.
I've always loved trees, and I've always felt as one
with Nature. I loved walking through the woods taking
in all that was around me- the sights, the smells, the
noises. And to this day, I continue to take it all in,
because I can't get enough of it.

..the birds singing, a flower blooming, the smell after a rain, the sunshine on my face...

and so my blog is centered around the simple
pleasures of my life...the wonder of Nature, my family,
our 2 beagles, some good home cooking, my gardens,
the birds, a quiet morning
& creating things with my hands.

I find peace in the beauty of a new morning,
the smell of the soil, the songs of the birds,
the bunnies running through the yard,

I long for a simpler life, and I aim for that everyday. If we could just remember to take 5 minutes
a day to revel in the simplistic gift around us.....
take a deep breath, and remember to FEEL the life we have."

Peace - Connie McCaffery

My Wonderful Sewing Machines

2011-10-10T08:48:00.013-04:00

For the past 2 years I've been collecting vintage sewing machines. I do all the work on them. Where my husband works many people bring their vintage sewing machines to throw away. I keep certain ones for myself and sell the others. I restore these machines to beautiful working order.

Brother VX 1120 My first sewing machine, given to me as a gift in 1996. Found out the gears were no good. I got rid of it. Thats when I bought the Singer 5528 on Ebay.

1980 Singer 5528 I bought on Ebay for 40.00 for my birthday in 2009. It is a metal machine, nice and solid.

1957 Singer 201-2(husband brought it home)..I didnt do much work on this..it was in nice condition, I just bought a new power cord for it. The cream of the crop for an electric machine. This sews beautifully! The most expensive machine singer ever made.

I was lucky this year to purchase an 1889 Singer Treadle Sewing Machine, Model 27-2 that I bought on Ebay. I bought the base separately. My husband made a simple table top for it. I love things from the 19th century.

1964 Singer Featherweight 221. I bought on Ebay.

1917 Singer 66 treadle. I bought this from someone on craigslist. I had started to redo the top.

1949 Singer 15-91 Given to me by my mother in law- it was her moms machine. I did all the work on it to restore it, and it sews beautifully!

2005 Singer 2662 (husband brought it home)

2000 Singer Lockstitch. I bought on Ebay. A kids machine.

SIGH- trying to stay positive

2011-10-09T09:15:00.001-04:00

What a trying morning! last night i was having so many issues with my computer...it was infected with something bad. I was not even able to restore it. I backed up everything on flash drives. I left it unplugged overnight to clear the memory on the motherboard and it worked! I was able to restore the computer this morning, re-install everything...and i'm happy again. whew!

SO, we are suppose to have summer like temps today. Not sure what I'm going to be doing. Well, the hubbys jeep seems to finally have bitten the dust. My truck is not far behind..we keep resusitating it, and it fights us back. Both vehicles are over 20 yrs old. Some luck may be coming our way, and I may be able to get a newer vehicle.

I know some people have it worse, and I have a lot to be thankful for...but I'd sure appreciate a break from the constant 'things going wrong' on a daily basis here. I had a bad bout of depression a month ago- it got scary and by the grace of God i came out of it. How much can a person take?

I will relish in this beautiful day, enjoy the last of the warmth we'll have, admire my flowers, pick the last of the eggplants and take a deep breath- and dream of our farmhouse that we will live on someday.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Connie

Cooking outdoors

2011-10-05T12:56:00.003-04:00

On Saturday Oct 1, 2011 my husband and I cooked some pork loin roasts outdoors. I had also added yukon gold potatoes from our garden later on. Boy was this good! I can only hope that the wonderful aroma waifing through the neighborhood made my neighbors jealous! Nothing beats food cooked over an open fire.

'Untitled'

2011-10-05T09:09:00.004-04:00

I want to write, but I'm not sure what to name it. Many feelings right now. I can feel the change of season. It's cool with a nice breeze. I have a pot of chicken soup going on the stove. We had a nice roast chicken last night with yukon gold potatoes and carrots from the garden. It's a beautiful thing. I proudly declared to my family how part of the dinner was from the garden. I want them to appreciate that. So with the leftovers I will make soup. Make due with what you've got.

It's going on 9am...my friend wants me to come over later and show her how to use a sewing machine. I'm so excited. I gave her a vintage singer touch n sew- all serviced, with a brand new case, and a basket of sewing notions as a gift. She's eager to learn. I have my singer featherweight in it's new tutto carry case ready to go! I gave her a gift subscription to Mary Janes Farm magazine and she LOVES it. There are no other Mary Jane farmgirls that i know of out here..though I know there are many farms where I live..i just dont know all of the owners personally.

I keep daydreaming of the day my husband and I move upstate NY onto property. I want a farmhouse with acreage. I want an outdoor tent room, a cooking pit and a bread oven. I will continue to grow my own food. I will cook eggs and bacon outdoors and perk coffee. I want to learn how to can. My home will be big enough for when my sons come over with their families to visit me. I want it to be a getaway for them. My boys are already 23 and 17...I'm 42, and my husband cant make this move until he puts in a certain amount of years at his county job (for retirement purposes). I say at least 10 yrs from now we can move. It's not a long time...so I'm taking advantage of this time to learn what I can about the process. I just got a book: 'home buying for dummies'. It is a GREAT Book! no kidding. Got it cheap on ebay, 5.75 incl ship!

We'll have our debts way paid off by then, and will be ready to go. I want peace, privacy and to be surrounding by the beautiful outdoors. My husband thinks we should open an outdoor cookery. Yeah, like I want to be cooking everyday like that!

I already garden, make butter and bread, some foods from scratch, cook in the fireplace (which I LOVE!!), make soap and candles, am learning to sew clothes, try and reuse most everything I can, collect vintage 19th century items.

I just want to live a simple life, with less stress, less noise, less polution.

The days and nights here have cooled here quick. 50's during the day..husband cleaned the fireplace yesterday so we can use it soon. I have to bring in the last of the eggplant, harvest flower seed, and plant up perennial transplants for selling next year. The screen room will have to come down and be packed away :(

My house is so dusty...i have no ambition to dust it. I will though soon. I have pumpkin spice candles to make later. They smell delicious!

I changed the name of my blog from 'life in the garden..' to 'modern day laura'..because thats who i feel like, Laura Ingalls. Last halloween i dressed up like her, it was fun. I like to fish and do everything that laura has done, and what she represents. Some people give me a strange look when i say i make butter or cook in the fireplace. I'm proud to say it and feel bad that they havent experienced it. Mary Janes Farmgirls understand..many of them do more exciting things than just make butter!

We are a rare breed, and I'm proud of that.

Garlic

2011-07-30T06:16:00.001-04:00

It was so exciting this year to harvest garlic! I planted it last fall using store bought garlic.

Potatoes!

2011-07-30T06:12:00.002-04:00

How exciting this year that we finally have potatoes! We planted Yukon Gold.

I needed this

2011-07-01T13:46:00.006-04:00

Finally, I'm alone. Dropped off one of my boys to work. The husband will be home in several hours, as well as my older son. SIGH, time for total silence.

I love them, but need my time alone to recharge. To just stop being a wife and mother for a little while. Daisy and Ollie are sleeping. Just had their afternoon meal. It's quite a beautiful day today. The temp in the mid 70s, sunny and blue sky. Planes going overhead. The birds singing non-stop, and I love that.

The hum of the computer. Boy. this pina colada is good.

You should see the garden. Flowers blooming everywhere. Many that I started from seed- and it's nice to finally see the blooms after sewing that seed.

150 perennials in pots on my back patio. Growing them on to sell next season. Always wanted to sell plants, but didnt turn out like I wanted. Some i started from seed, some were cuttings I took and others were plugs I ordered from a wholesale grower. Going to do it this way for now. I figure that next season if I decide to do this as a business, I will get a growers license. My dream was to always have a greenhouse, but the greenhouse part will have to wait.

I can see myself, older, getting up in the morning, having my coffee and making my way to the greenhouse out back. Feeding the chickens along the way. Then I'd walk around to see how big everything is getting. I love seeing the process, it amazes me. Nature is amazing. I'd invite people into my greenhouse- because I think it would be something wonderful to share. I'd sell my plants, and take orders for special vegetable plants for peoples home gardens. Everyone would admire my property because of the beautiful gardens I'd create. I'd call them, 'The Secret Gardens'...because I loved that movie!, and also because there is indeed something magical about gardens.

Here's where I take naps outside: it's my 'farmgirl outpost'

I will go for now but will be back. Have a great day!
Connie
www.NatureMaiden.com

A New Day

2011-06-24T04:50:00.003-04:00

On my 2nd cup of coffee - been up since 4 am- thanks to my beagles. They cant help it. It's dark out and i hear the crickets. The birds are starting to sing their songs. How lovely. Other than that it's so quiet. I love mornings. I'd prefer to get up at 5, but it's ok.

It was actually chilly last night- it's been raining the last couple of days. It felt great to put on a pair of sweats and relax. It's suppose to be another rainy day. I dont mind, I dont have to run the soaker hoses for the gardens.

Every day I look outside and see how my plants are growing. Tomatoes are starting to appear, and string beans, little zuchinnis- it's so exciting!! I keep taking pictures of my beautiful flowers.

I think about Mary Janes Farm- she has a Bed & Breakfast- I'd LOVE to stay there but she's far away. I cant afford to go or have a way of getting there right now. It must be So wonderful though to be there on her farm. Maybe one day. I've been so inspired by Mary Jane Butters and the Farmgirl Connection. It has added so much to my life.

I have many sewing machines. Seriously. Some I own and some for sale. I want to make clothes. I have to buy the right material for clothes. I'm excited about making clothes- how great would that be?

Not sure what I'm doing today. Maybe I'll go into my sewing room and see what I can do. It's one of those days.

I wish you all a wonderful day! Happy Summer!
Connie

Vintage Sewing Machines for Sale

2011-03-29T08:11:00.004-04:00

I have several wonderful vintage sewing machines for sale. You may see the listings here.

All of these machines have been cleaned, oiled, adjusted, some parts replaced, and tested. All are ready to use. I work on all of these machines myself.

Please see each individual listing for item details.

All will ship expertly packed.

Thank you,
Connie McCaffery

Belonging

2011-03-12T05:05:00.001-05:00

I am hoping this year will be a good one for business. I'd like to see more orders come in. I am so excited to be a part of www.Farmmade.com On this website farmgirls can list their products for sale. I love the idea! There are many great products. They are all very talented women. I never knew that there were so many other women out there like me. Women who want simpler way of life. Women who are not afraid to get her hands dirty. I now have some of my products on Farmmade. Here is my profile: http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&vid=11

Deja Vu

2011-03-11T17:37:00.002-05:00

The past 2 days I have experienced deja vu. The birds are singing, the gardens slowly coming to life, the smells of the air- I was a little girl, and all I ever did was spend time in the backyard. I loved exploring the plants. I loved the peacefulness of the outdoors. It made me feel calm, it brought me joy. I felt innocent and alive.

That's the deja vu I had yesterday and again today. I went outside to see if anything is starting to grow. Sure enough several things are growing!! This pleases me SO much...once again I feel like my spirit has been brought back to life.

I just came inside from spending the most wonderful time out in the backyard. I puttering around my gardens, pulling back the dead plant parts from last season to uncover new life. This brought a smile to my face....and all the while the birds singing all around me. What sweet music!

My husband pointed out that the maple trees are budding up, goodness I hadnt noticed that before. I gazed up at them, with the grackles sitting up in the maples chatting away. I just sat there with my eyes closed, listening to the birds and enjoying the warmth of the sunshine on my face. How wonderful it is.

It revives my soul to be outdoors. I feel so connected to Nature. It is very therapeutic to me. I cant wait to set up my farmgirl sleeping quarters when the weather warms up some.

delphinium plant coming to life

Yesterday I started some veggie plants. I still have more seed to sow indoors. I am trying some new varieties this year. Too many to list. We have a medium sized garden. It's about 33' by 8'. I wish it were bigger, but we are only renting. If it were my house I'd make some changes. I'd have a sunroom- something we could stay in all year long, but enclosed so I could sleep in it. I'd have a huge garden and root cellar. An outdoor pit for cooking, maybe 6 chickens, and my kitchen would be BIG! I'd have the nicest gardens in the town!

I have big farmgirl dreams. My boys are 22 and 16 yrs old. When my husband retires (maybe sooner), we would like to move off long island. I want to either move upstate NY or to Pennsylvania. I want an old farmhouse. I want a big garden. I want chickens. I want quiet, and a simple country life. For now I'll settle for my pop up sleep tent, my barbeque, and my potato bin as a 'root cellar'- it's ok because it's great!

Thought of the Day

2010-12-20T06:16:00.001-05:00

"Not money or status or material things can define a persons being- but their character and how they treat others"

Free Shipping

2010-11-29T11:55:00.001-05:00

The Butterfly

2010-10-18T06:26:00.005-04:00

Oct 17, 2010- I get so excited when I see a pretty butterfly fluttering around my plants. This one in particular kept flying in circles around me, and landed on my butterfly bush. I could'nt believe it when I was able to touch it! SO beautiful and graceful. I will sure miss them during the winter.

Fall Treats

2010-10-17T06:10:00.007-04:00

When the weather cools down, I start cooking. I absolutely love the smells of breads and sweets in the oven. I made gingerbread, a Laura Ingalls Wilder recipe, some biscuits for my stew, and cinnamon buns...oh my! I made icing for the cinnamon buns but let everyone add it as they wanted it, because I find it a bit too sweet.

Last Bouquet

2010-10-05T17:50:00.002-04:00

It's rained for the past couple of days. Finally the sun briefly made an appearance this afternoon. It was nice to go outside and look around at what's left in the gardens. I picked some flowers, perhaps the last bouquet. It makes me sad. At least the temperature has returned to a pleasant state. It has been damp and miserable, and now, at least I can sit outside.

Fall

2010-10-03T10:22:00.002-04:00

The Montauk Daisies are starting to open- Fall is officially here. It is amazing how we had tropical humidity just about 2 days ago, and now you can barely keep the doors and windows open because it is so chilly out. What a difference. I love the outdoors, and I love when I can keep all of the windows open- especially when I first wake up. I Love to hear the crickets early in the morning, to feel the cool breeze, to smell the soil and fresh air, to hear the birds sing just before the sun comes up. I love to sit outdoors having that first cup of coffee- looking up at the stars, how it is SO quiet in the morning. I just LOVE that.

I love taking a cat nap in the evening on my outdoor cot in my sun room. I enjoy sitting in my sun room reading too. When I can't be outside, because of rain, I try to bring the outdoors inside, that is at least when I have to be inside. Though I do not enjoy cold weather, I enjoy the change of seasons. What I miss the most will be enjoying the outdoors when it is freezing out. I feel couped up when the winter is here. Maybe I will learn to make jam this winter.

The house smells good today- I cooked a chicken, and I will strip the meat off, divide it up and freeze it for when I want to make casseroles or something different. I think I will make some bread today as well, because it is one of those days for something homemade.

Aerogarden

2010-10-03T10:18:00.003-04:00

Oct 2, 2010 - I am going to grow some yellow cherry heirloom tomato plants, and some herbs under my aerogarden light. I will plant them in regular growing mix, instead of hydroponically. The aerogarden light is a special grow light for the plants.

Trying something new

2010-10-03T09:07:00.014-04:00

October 3, 2010 - As I get older I find myself yearning for a quieter, more self sufficient lifestyle. I love gardening, but often find it hard to find the time or energy to get out of it what I'd like. I am going to try something new this Fall. I will try and grow winter greens and carrots for the winter. I am SO inspired by Barbara Damrosch and Eliot Coleman. I have several of their books, and Eliot grows food throughout the winters in Maine. Then again, he has the land and the room to build a better system than I currently can. Not sure how it will turn out- but I am devoted on giving it a try. I am also going to try storing potatoes in our garage or basement this year. I will make a potato bin out of a plastic garbage can...but something that will also keep the mice away.

The arugula and some of the lettuce seed has already germinated. I should of really planted that a couple of weeks ago- but I didnt have the beds ready. So we'll see how it grows. Hoping to have most of the lettuce growth complete before frost comes. Lettuce like cool weather- it's about 60 degrees under the hoop this morning.

I planted garlic about a week or so ago, and that is already sprouting. We've had a lot of rain so it's no wonder. The spinach seed is coming along slow. I wanted to take more butterfly bush and carpet rose cuttings, but it is suppose to rain for the next several days- i must get out to do that asap.

How to make Newspaper Pots

2010-09-20T15:13:00.002-04:00

Newspaper pots are a great alternative to using plastic pots. They are free, they biodegrade and are friendly on the planet. Here is my short video demonstrating how to make these paper pots

Growing Vegetables and Flowers in Containers

2010-09-19T14:18:00.002-04:00

GROWING VEGETABLES & FLOWERS IN CONTAINERS

CONTAINERS- You can use just about any container for growing vegetables
or flowers as long as it has at least 3 or 4 drainage holes.
You may choose to consider your colors and/or style of containers
to coordinate with your home or outdoor theme or style.

LOCATION- Choose a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun
each day-(for sun loving plants).

SIZE- Size is an important factor to consider, as plants such as
tomatoes & squash grow very large, and therefore would benefit
from a large container –perhaps a half-whiskey barrel.

SOIL- You can either ‘make’ your own soil recipe, or buy a
commercially prepared mix. Garden centers now offer a range of mixes
that now contain slow releasing fertilizer and water holding crystals.
This makes growing your plants easier!

PLANTING- After danger of frost has passed, (see the last frost dates for
your zone) you may plant your plants outside in your chosen containers.
Support plants as needed-as with tomatoes, beans and squash.
Use a strong trellise to support these plants.

MULCHING- You may add a 1-2” layer of mulch inside the container to
maintain moisture. It will also look nicer!

INSECTS- Scout (check) your plants weekly for pests. Look
under the leaves as this is where pests love to hide.
Remove and kill with insecticidal soap -this is safe to
use on vegetable crops.

DISEASE- Scout once a week and watch for signs of disease or
a nutrient deficiency.

FERTILIZE- If you have a slow release feed already in your soil,
you may want to give a ½ strength dose of a water-soluble
feed to your plants as well –OR you can give ‘manure tea’.
You may apply these as a foliar feeding (apply with a sprayer
to the leaves) to boost the plants.

WATERING- Containers will dry out faster that plants planted in the
ground. Keep a close eye on them in the heat of the summer. I
recommend watering your containers very well in the morning.
Water them until the water comes out of the bottom of the pot.
If it‘s a hot day, water them again thoroughly about 3:00 in
the afternoon-or when you get home from work. Avoid wetting the
whole plant as you water, as this could cause fungal disease-
Try to just water down into the container.

HARVESTING- Pick vegetables as they become ripe to encourage
more veggie growth.

CUT FLOWERS- Pick flowers as you'd like for flower arrangements.
It is best to cut flowers in the morning before the sun is up.
Place all cut flowers immediately into water, and place out of direct
Sun and in a cool spot. Change water in the vase every 2 days, and make
a fresh slanted 1" cut on the end of the stem.

SEED HARVESTING- You can collect seed all summer. If you like to
collect seed as I do, watch for the flowers that fade and die.
Instead of 'deadheading' (removing the spent flower), leave the dead
flower head intact and let it go to seed. Once it has grown large,
and has dried and turned brown, you may harvest the seed.(free plants
for next year!)

SEED STORAGE- Store your harvested seed in envelopes, labeled and
put into a tupperware container. (tupperware keeps out moisture
the best)Store the container in the fridge. *I have had seed for
YEARS that germinated very well by storing it this way.

DEADHEADING- Deadheading is the act of removing spent flower heads.
If you do not deadhead, your flowers will go into seed production
and stop flowering. Deadhead weekly to ensure continuous flower bud
growth. *If you'd like to let a few flowers go to seed for collecting,
that's ok. Letting a few plants go to seed will not stop the whole
plant from flowering. I generally deadhead most of my flowers, and
let a few spent flowers go to seed. The quantity of seed I still
collect is incredible and I still get A LOT of flowers! Plus,
you get to share seed with others :)

ADDING OTHER PLANTS- You may add flowers to your mini vegetable
garden to brighten it up. Add a large variety of marigolds
to your tomato container(to repel pests), along with a couple of
bunches of basil plants. Maybe you can even fit a pepper plant
in as well! Experiment and have fun!

“When I lived in an apartment I always had gardens of some sort.
I used a lot of containers, hanging baskets and railing planters.
I would stuff them with all kinds of flowers. When midsummer came,
the containers overflowed with plants! What a beautiful site! I also
planted vegetable garden containers for my neighbors. They always
came out beautiful. Experiment with plants you like, whether it’s
veggies or flowers. There’s NO reason why you can’t create a
beautiful garden from a collection from containers. Even the
way you arrange the containers together can be incredibly beautiful.
Add a chair or two and a small table, a few palm trees, and you
have a mini garden getaway spot to retreat to after a long day at work!"
-Connie

4/26/08

Garden Calender

2010-09-19T14:09:00.002-04:00

JANUARY

1.Plan garden layout

2.Order seed & plants from catalogs

3.Start slow germinating seed indoors

4.Start Chives outdoors

5.Prune fruit and shade trees

6.Inspect bulbs in storage

___________________________________________________________

FEBRUARY

1.Sharpen shears, loppers and shovels

2.Inspect all tools

3.Indoors start: mint, thyme, oregano, dill, parsley, lemon balm, sage & cilantro

4. Near end of month, plant: peas, mint & potatoes. Direct sow nasturtiums.

___________________________________________________________

MARCH

1.loosen & turn soil

2.Prune winter damage from shrubs, trim low tree branches

3.Apply slow acting fertilizers

4.Apply dormant oil spray

5.Start indoors: morning glories & moonflowers

6.Transplant herbs, start: radishes, parsnips, turnips, carrots, artichokes, lettuce, kale & cabbage

___________________________________________________________

APRIL

1.Watch for weeds that appear

2.prune rose bushes, remove protective cover

3.Fertilize lawn, add slow release feed. Seed bare patches

4.Plant bareroot trees & shrubs

5.Plant perennials

6.Prepare beds

7.Incorporate 3" of manure and 3" of compost to beds, add a granular feed 5.10.10 to replenish nutrients. Rake smooth. Add 3" loose organic mulch to inhibit weeds, insulate soil.

8.Plant peas,onions, leeks, lettuce, radish, chervil, swiss chard, spinach & chives

9.Decide where to place flowers. *yellow, orange & red in front-*blues & silvers towards middle-*all other colors in the back.

___________________________________________________________

MAY

1.Trim back perennials as new growth is beginning

2.Set out annuals

3.Cut back ornamental grasses

4.Pinch out tips of new growth to encourage branching & for compact plants

5.Dust roses

6.Prune butterfly bushes hard (down to 18") before new growth begins

7.Harden off transplants on a cloudy day with little wind

8.Plant evergreen hedges

9.Prune OLDER(dead) canes of wood from hydrangeas. Keep in mind that they bloom on new shoots growing off last years wood. If you prune the wrong canes, you lose the buds and blooms for this season.
*The more acidic soil, you get blue flowers, the more alkaline, you get pink.
*Give weekly intervals of aluminum sulfate

10.Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they have finished blooming

11.Plant azaleas while in color

12.Perform a soil test to determine soil requirements

13.Prune russian sage down to 18" from soil

14.Divide overgrown clumps of sedum

15.Feed all perennials

16.Divide perennials if needed

17.Prune evergreens just before growing season starts

18.Prune vines

19.Check plants for early signs of insects

___________________________________________________________

JUNE

1.Support tall perennials as needed

2.Check plants for signs of mildew

3.Do weekly weeding

4.Scout plants weekly for insects & disease

5.Keep plants moist

6.Dead-head blooms as needed

7.Water deeply every few days

8.Check plants for signs of mildew. Use 1 gallon of water :1 tbsp baking soda w/ 3 tbsp of oil and apply to plants

___________________________________________________________

JULY

1.Trim & pinch annual herbs

2.Hill potatoes

3.Feed clematis

4.Dis-bud dahlias

5.Harvest parsley

6.Add compost to base of all repeat bloomers: roses, salvias, butterfly bushes, etc

7.Cut off pinch date for: montauk daisies, tall asters, helianthus, mums

8.Scout weekly for insects & disease

9.Prune & shape any narrow-leafed evergreens

10.Take pointsettia cuttings

11.Water deeply once a week if no rain-use soaker hose.

12.Let tomatoes ripen on vine

13.Dry herbs

14.Thin vegetable garden

15.Take perennial cuttings for plants for next year

16.Harvest onions, garlic & shallots when leaves are yellowed, and stems have bent over

17.Lift & divide overcrowded japanese & siberian iris

18.Take pictures of the landscape for evaluating plantings and planning changes

19.After fruiting, prune out old raspberry canes

___________________________________________________________

AUGUST

1.Remove weeds weekly

2.Remove all annuals that have stopped flowering

3.Seed new lawns

4.Prune climbing roses

5.Renovate lawns, do not feed

6.Keep up on harvesting vegetables

7.Feed clematis

8.Do not fertilize or divide plants

9.Keep garden clean & well watered

10.Sow fall vegetables: radish, spinach, lettuce, etc

11.Scout for insects weekly

12. Harvest seed as it appears

__________________________________________________________

SEPTEMBER

1.Divide perennials as needed

2.Do not cut basal foliage of scabiosa

3.Water deeply weekly

4.Pick apples & peaches

5.Aerate lawn

6.Harvest last of parsnip

7.Scout weekly for insects & disease

___________________________________________________________

OCTOBER

1.Plant spring blooming bulbs

2.Clean up garden beds, compost dead plants *do not compost diseased or infested plant material- throw those away

3.Divide perennials (as needed if overgrown), Cut back perennials to within 6" of ground

4.Cleanup vegetable and annual beds

5.Wrap clematis in containers with bubble wrap, fill with mulch

6.Cut catmint to ground after several killing frosts

7.Water evergreens liberally until freezing weather sets in, this prevents winter sun scalding

8.Add compost to cleaned up garden beds

9.Add lime & other organic supplements to soil

10.Harvest Seed (make sure seed is dry for storage). Package in envelopes, label and store in tupperware or in freezer bags in freezer

11.Plant any new perennials you have ordered

12.Houseplants- if you have any houseplants outside- clean them up well by removing any dead foliage/flowers. Water well, rinse off plant itself. Let it sit outside for the day, and then bring the houseplants indoors

13.Bring Rosemary indoors- in a garage as it will not survive the winter outdoors

___________________________________________________________

NOVEMBER

1.Mound rose bushes with soil to protect from freeze-thaw cycles

2.Group outside pots together for protection

3.Wrap evergreens to protect from wind, sun & snow damage

4.Look over vines & cut back as necessary

5.Drain hoses & sprinklers, store in shed or basement

6.Clean & oil tools before storing

7.Apply 4" of mulch to protect plants

8.Use row cover cloth to protect tender shrubs & plants *any plants planted in fall need extra protection for their 1st winter

__________________________________________________________

DECEMBER

1.Rest :)

Seed Harvesting and Storage

2010-09-19T14:08:00.001-04:00

SEED HARVESTING & STORAGE -for vegetables and flowers
**Harvest seed on a dry sunny day**

SEED HARVESTING FROM FLOWERS- You can collect seed all summer.
If you like to collect seed as I do, watch for the flowers
that fade and die. Instead of 'deadheading' (removing
the spent flower), leave the dead flower head intact and
let it go to seed. Once it has grown large, and has dried
and turned brown, you may harvest the seed.
(free plants for next year!)

SEED HARVESTING HERBS: Once herb flowers fade, they will turn brown.
Take a small brown lunch bag, or a large plastic drink cup,
place under flowers and tap the seeds into the cup or bag.

SEED HARVESTING FROM VEGETABLES: Vegetables like peppers can
just be cut open, seed scooped out, and dried on a paper
plate for a week. From lettuce and radishes, just use a cup
(as with the flowers), and tap seed into the cup from the
dried flower heads. With string beans, leave a few beans on the
plants to dry up and turn brown. Once dry, pick off the plant,
open the pods and harvest the seed-same with peas.

SAVING SEED FROM ‘PULPY’ VEGETABLES- Pulpy vegetables would be
tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, squash etc. After picking these
vegetables, cut open the vegetable and scoop out the seed.
Remove as much of the pulp from the seed as you can. Place
the seed in a jar with about 1 cup of water(depending on the
amount of seed). Cover the jar with a cap and shake very well.
Leave the jar to sit for about 1 week. Please note: the
water will get smelly as the seed ferments- YUK! If the water
gets a little moldy, don’t worry- you just let it sit too long.

After several days, pour the stinky water and the seed into a strainer.
Rinse the seed very well and place on paper plates, or newspaper
to dry for about 1-2 weeks. After the seed is completely dry,
place in envelopes, label and place into Tupperware and
into cool storage.

SEED STORAGE- Store your harvested seed in envelopes, labeled and
put into a Tupperware container. (Tupperware keeps out moisture
the best)Store the container in the fridge. *I have had seed for
YEARS that germinated very well by storing it this way.

4/26/08

Re-Potting Plants

2010-09-19T14:05:00.000-04:00

REPOTTING PLANTS

Repotting plants is an easy task that is required from
time to time to keep up the health of the plant. Some plants
need to be repotted every year, most often in the Spring as new
growth starts. Re-potting may also be done in the Fall. Other
slower growing plants may require repotting maybe every other year.

Always research your plants needs, and how it grows in order
to provide the best care. Also, I recommend labeling all
plants, with their name, and the date you repotted.

*Repot only as needed during spring and fall while the
plant is actively growing.

*Do not repot sick or dormant plants, or those beginning to flower.

SIGNS THAT YOUR PLANT NEEDS TO BE REPOTTED:
Stunted foliage, smaller leaf growth, plants wilting between watering,
lower leaves are yellow, roots appear at the soils surface or
growing through the drainage holes; or if the plant requires
frequent watering.

SELECTING SOIL:
You have several choices when you go to a garden center
for soil. These days you can buy a potting soil complete with
water absorbing crystals and slow release plant food! I prefer
this mix myself. Just make sure that the plant food included in
the mix is appropriate for the plants you are re-potting.

SELECTING POTS:
Please note:
*Clay and unglazed ceramic pots allow the plant's roots
to breath, but also lose their moisture more quickly than plastic
pots, which are not porous. For plants that need to dry out between
watering, like cactus and other succulents, a clay pot would be a
better choice.

*Plastic and glazed ceramic pots hold moisture longer and are
preferred for plants that need a lot of water and like even
moisture, such as miniature roses. They should have a drainage
hole or a layer of rock or pebbles in the bottom of the pot to
hold the extra water that is unable to drain. Plastic pots are
easy to sterilize and tend to accumulate fewer salts.

RE-USING POTS:
All used clay or plastic pots should be washed to
remove soluble salts and sterilized by immersing in a solution
of 1 part liquid bleach to 9 parts water. Rinse well with hot
water. Re-using unwashed pots can spread bacteria and fungal
diseases to your newly potted plants.

RE-POT YOUR PLANT:
1.Remove the plant from its pot. If the roots are too tight
to loosen, score the root ball with a knife to loosen them.

2.Select a pot that is 1 or 2 inches larger in diameter than
the current pot. You can place a small piece of broken clay
pot or a coffee filter over the drainage hole to prevent soil
from washing out.

3.Add enough dry potting mix in the bottom of the pot so that
the top of the root ball is within 1 inch of the container top.
Do not add soil above the original level on the root ball. Fill
around the root ball with mix. Do not pack the soil to firm or
settle it; gently press the soil with your fingers.

4.Water well so excess water drains out of the pot. Repeat
again –That’s it!

*For plants in large containers that are nearly impossible
to re-pot, just remove the top 3 inches of soil and replace
this with fresh mix every other year or so. This is called topdressing.

4/29/08

About N-P-K

2010-09-19T14:03:00.001-04:00

ABOUT N-P-K

BASIC FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTS:
Apply 2-1/2 to 3 pounds of a complete fertilizer, such
as 10(N)-10(P)-10(K)per 100 square feet of garden area.
Work the fertilizer into the soil about 2 weeks before planting.

*ABOUT N-P-K:
For example: A bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 10 percent
nitrogen, 10 percent phosphate and 10 percent potash. You will
have to determine your plants needs in order to select
the correct fertilizer. For example, a foliage plant that
does not produce fruit or flowers would not need a fertilizer
high in phosphorous, but would need a feed high in nitrogen
(for the lush green growth) Ex: 20-10-10. A plant that produces
many flowers would need a higher phosphorous ration, for ex: 10-20-10.

NITROGEN- Nitrogen is the first letter N on a bag of fertilizer.
Nitrogen is required for vigorous green tissue growth. This is
what makes plants green. Yellowing leaves on plants is an
indication of nitrogen deficiency, plants will eventually die.
Nitrogen is probably the most widely recognized nutrient, known
primarily for its ability to "green up" lawns. Nitrogen mainly
affects vegetative growth and general health. Chlorophyll, the
green substance in plants responsible for photosynthesis, is largely
composed of nitrogen. It is also used heavily in new shoots, buds,
and leaves. Air contains about 78% nitrogen, but atmospheric
nitrogen is not readily available to plants. They must absorb
it through the soil. Ammonium and nitrate are both readily
available forms of nitrogen, but they are common in chemical
fertilizers and leach heavily and quickly out of the soil.
Nitrogen can be applied organically in many ways, including
composted manure, blood meal, canola meal, fish powder and various
liquid organic fertilizers. Keep in mind that many organic dry
fertilizers are slow-release, helping the long-term nitrogen
content and building up organic matter in the soil.

Nitrogen deficiency is recognized by the yellowing of older
leaves, slowing or stopping of growth. Leaves may drop sooner
than expected. Excess nitrogen is recognized by extremely fast
growth, resulting in long, spindly, weak shoots with dark green
leaves.Sources of nitrogen: manure, blood meal, cottonseed meal,
fish emulsion, manure tea or a commercially prepared fertilizer.

PHOSPHATE – Phosphate is the 2nd letter on a bag of fertilizer.
Plants need this to stimulate good strong roots. It also aids in
the production of fruits and flowers. Symptoms include stunted
growth and extremely slow growth rates. Phosphorus is important
for healthy roots and is used more heavily during blooming and seed
set. Phosphorus is easily rendered unavailable to plants when the
pH is slightly unbalanced. It is released in soil through
decomposing organic matter.

Phosphorus deficiency is recognized by dull green leaves and
purplish stems. The plant is generally unhealthy, sometimes yellowing.
Lack of blooming with lush green foliage may also indicated a lack
of phosphorus. Organic phosphorus can be found in rock phosphate,
bone meal and various liquid organic fertilizers such as fish
emulsion. Sources of phosphate: bone meal, rock phosphate or
a commercially prepared fertilizer.

POTASSIUM – Potassium is the 3rd letter(K) on a bag of fertilizer.
It helps promote less water loss in plants and helps their roots
take more water into the plant. It also aids in making plants more
disease and insect resistant. Symptoms include dry leathery leaves
and brown curly edges. Potassium, sometimes known as potash, is
important for general health of plants. It is key in the formation
of chlorophyll and other plant compounds. Potassium is also known to
help with disease resistance.

Potassium deficiency is hard to symptomize, but plants are
generally sickly, with small fruit, yellowing from the older
leaves upwards, and sickly blooms. Sources of organic potassium
include sul-po-mag (sulfate of potash magnesia, quick release),
greensand, and liquid fertilizers such as Earth Juice's Meta-K.
Sources of potassium: wood ashes, leaves, greensand, or a
commercially prepared fertilizer.

4/26/08

Starting Seed indoors

2010-09-19T13:58:00.001-04:00

STARTING YOUR SEED INDOORS

There is nothing more wonderful your own plants from seed. Growing them is easy. It is also less expensive to grow your own than buy from the store. Here I will give you the steps needed to start your seed indoors. It’s a fun and educating experience; especially for children.

What you’ll need:
• Clean 4” pots for starting your seed (or make your own from newspapers)
• Labels
• A light source such as a fluorescent light
• Fresh seed (not over 5 years is recommended, if you’ve stored them properly)
• Seed germinating mix

Here’s what you do:
• Read your recommended start date for your planting zone – and at the appropriate time before your last frost date, prepare your containers by filling them ¾ full with soil. Do not press the soil down compacting it, but lightly press down; or tap the pot against the table to settle the soil a bit.
• Prepare your labels by putting name of seed, and the date you are planting them.
• Place the seed in the middle of each pot, and push it gently bury them as deep as they are wide- into the soil.
• Water just a little bit, you don’t want to soak the whole pot, as this will only rot the seed. You want just enough so the seed can absorb some moisture.
• Keep this pot in a warm place, to aid in germination.
• Every other day, check the moisture content of the pot. Add a tiny bit of water as needed…maybe once per week.
• Some seed needs light to germinate, others don’t- check the requirements for your seed. Once seed has germinated, which can be in several days; place the pot under a fluorescent light. This will help the seedling grow strong. Without light, the seedling will eventually wither away and die.
• Be very careful watering your seedling. Too much water will rot it. Water sparingly. There is no need to fertilize at this point, as the seed provides the nutrition to the seedling at this point.
• Once the seedling gets it’s 2nd set of leaves, and they are fully emerged, you can fertilize with a weak solution of a water soluble feed. Feed it at a strength of only ¼ of what you normally would. Again, be careful of how much moisture you give, as too much wetness can cause damping off disease.
• A couple of weeks before you are able to set plants outside, put them outside for several hours a day to harden them off. This simply means to acclimate them to the outside temps, lessening the shock they may feel if you were to suddenly place them outside instead.
• Also, prior to placing your transplants outside permanently, do a soil test. Work plenty of organic matter into the soil to ensure proper nutrition for big healthy plants.
• Be sure to place your transplants in a location where they will get at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
• Feed your plants every 2 weeks with a plant feed of your choice. Side dress your plant with cow manure a couple of times throughout the growing season is also recommended. Be sure to provide consistent moisture to produce a nice crop. I like to run a soaker hose with a timer, on my plants every day, for about an hour. It is a healthier way to water, without getting the leaves all wet, causing fungal diseases. I just set my timers every morning before leaving work. It is simple, and works excellent.

That’s really all there is to it. In the end you will be rewarded with a bountiful crop that you’ll be proud to show off to your friends. My friends and family are amazed by the food crops I grow. I love harvesting dinner right out of my backyard. I also love sharing it with my family and friends.

Tomatoes are going for $3.99 a lb in the store; and on top of that, offer little to no taste. I am motivated even more to grow my own tomato plants from seed, which costs pennies in comparison to buying those tomatoes, and tastes 100% better
If you are interested in purchasing other seed from me, send me an email and I will send you a list of what else I have available. Refer a friend, and get free seed with your next order!

Connie McCaffery

Storing Seed

2010-09-19T13:39:00.002-04:00

The time is here to start harvesting seed from your gardens. Marigolds are plentiful in the seed they produce, and the butterfly bushes' seed pods are busy forming as well. Take a walk around your gardens and take a good look- you may just be surprised at all the seed that is out there. Why save seed?...because it is free food and flowers for next year! You'd be silly not to go get it. Perennial Hibiscus also put out a lot of seed.

Here is my tip for storing the seed after harvesting:

Using a regular envelope, be sure to write down the plant name, variety and date. Close envelope well and store in a cool dry place inside of a tupperware bread keeper container. I have used these for years with much success. I do not recommend using anything other brand, I tried that too, and the seeds got moldy.

..and that's it! The following February, depending on your last frost dates, just start the seed indoors.

Seed for Sale

2010-09-19T13:19:00.027-04:00

I have the following seed for sale. I grow and harvest my own seed. Shipping is free! Refer to the pictures below so you can see what you are getting.These pictures are from my gardens. Please note: some seed is not ready for harvest yet, but will be soon.

_______________________________________________________

Seed available and amounts you will get in the packet:

1. Marigold- orange-30+ seed
2. Butterfly Bush- purple- (COMING SOON)- 1/4 tsp seed
3. Iris Candy yellow Heirloom Cherry Tomato- 15 seed
4. Chocolate Morning Glory- - 8 seed
5. Corkscrew Vine- - (COMING SOON) -10 seed
6. Pink Hibiscus-perennial – 10 seed

_______________________________________________________

I love this...

2010-09-06T08:56:00.001-04:00

There is in every American, I think, something of the old Daniel Boone, who, when he could see the smoke from another chimney, felt himself too crowded and moved further out into the wilderness.
Hubert H. Humphrey (1911-78); U.S. Vice President

My place of Zen

2010-09-06T07:02:00.006-04:00

I LOVE this screen room. It is a pop up screen room by coleman. I love a sun room,and since we rent, it's not like we can add one to the house. I love being outdoors, so when I found this screen room, I jumped on it. I LOVE laying down outdoors in the evening- listening to the birds, staring at the flowers, smelling the flowers, the feel of the cool air on my skin. My husband calls my screen room my 'place of zen', and he's right- it is.

I've taken plenty of naps in it, I find that being outdoors totally relaxes me. I feel as one with the outdoors. Even as a small girl I felt the same way. I made some pillows and a blanket for when I am napping outdoors. I also made organizers for the cot and chairs to hold some of my favorite things.

If only we owned our own home, i would turn it into a wonderful place of peace and contentment for all. Of course I do what I can with the house we rent, but it's not the same. It it were our home, I would build an outdoor firepit, a larger vegetable garden, a root cellar, a small greenhouse, put up a fence, create a massive garden display in the front to wow the neighbors (and myself of course), a small stand to sell heirloom veggie plants & flowers, and more. When you rent though, you are limited.

Everyone should have a place of zen, a place to recharge their mind, body and spirits.

The Seasons are changing

2010-09-06T06:47:00.003-04:00

Labor Day is starting out quite cool and comfortable. Everyone is asleep. The temp is cool, cool enough for a sweater and slippers. The dogs are asleep. It's just me, and that's ok.

Hurricane Earl was a dud. I am glad for the rain though, the plants needed it. Soon the gardens will be cleared out, and prepared for next season. I think I will plant another batch of lettuce, radishes and carrots first though. The lettuce this Spring was delicious!

I must plan better for next year. More organization and less plants. The ground should be very fertile next year, as we have compost going and almost ready to add.

Soon we'll be hauling in firewood and cooking in the fireplace again. I'll be sitting in my rocking chair in front of the fireplace, comforted by the warmth of the fire. How wonderful.

My goal is to try new recipes this fall and winter. I'm tired of making the same old things, and I'm sure my family is too. I have so many cookbooks. May as well use them.

As much as I hate Winter, I will appreciate the lack of yard work, as it can sometimes be overwhelming. A mini vacation of sorts.

Can't believe school is tomorrow already. At least Andrew will no longer be up playing xbox 24 hrs a day.

Going to see my friend Bella's artwork today. Other than that, don't know what else I'll be doing. (though the house could use a good cleaning), dont know what i WANT to do, not HAVE to do.

Getting older

2010-07-25T07:28:00.004-04:00

I turned 41 on July 11th. It was just me, my husband, kids,joes friend and girlfriend... and that's ok. Here are some pics from my birthday.

My older son Joe and I, Joe is 21 and will be 22 on Aug 29th.

Valentina and I- Val is my younger son, Andrew's sister (Andrews dad had her with another woman after we split). Val is a sweet girl.

The 'gang' and I- (from the top left): my younger son Andrew, who is 15, will be 16 on July 26th, Ben (joeys friend) and Brooke and Joe (joes girlfriend, and of course Val and I. My husband took the pics so he is not in any of them.

Me time

2010-07-25T07:01:00.011-04:00

It is a quiet Sunday morning. It is breezy out today, suppose to be another hot one. As much as I hate cold weather, I'd love a crisp cool day right now. I have not been able to write as much, my days have been filled with one thing after another, and I've hardly had time to sit. Yesterday I got a great picture of a butterfly in my garden though.

I bought a 'screen room'. I love being outside. I decorated the screen room with solar lighting on the outside, and a few solar lights on the inside. I made a pillow, and small patchwork blanket, and bug canopy as well. I added old outdoor cushions for the dogs to lay on as well. I made an organizer for the cot to hold my personal belongings when I sleep outside. I added some sheer curtains to provide some privacy. I bought a nice wicker table at a thrift shop for $5 which I placed between the 2 chairs. I bought an outdoor carpet for it. I just love this space. We will take it down for the winter though so it does not get ruined. It is so peaceful to curl up on my cot, smell the flowers around me, a gentle breeze on my skin, and to feel as one with nature.

A Nature Maiden

2010-06-08T18:26:00.006-04:00

I am 7 yrs old in this picture.

I was very little when I discovered the wonders of Nature. I planted a Maple Tree Seed- not knowing what it was at the time; and it grew. I never forgot that experience. My love of Nature has only intensified as I got older.

To this day I go outside amongst my gardens with a child-like curiosity and check on everything. I touch everything, smell everything, observe it all and smile. It brings me such joy and love. Yes...the beauty of Nature fills me with joy and love. The sound of the birds singing as I walk around...it is so sweet. When I am in my gardens is it only then- that THAT feeling comes over me- the same feeling I had as a child when I was outside exploring. I am so grateful that out of all the suffering and misery of my childhood, an endearing feeling of love remains. It's the ONLY love and joy I knew as a child.

I wonder if the rejection of my presence, the withholding of love towards me, or the brutal happenings to my being --caused me to mentally 'run away' if you will- and into another world of peace and quiet. As a young girl, I would go into the neighborhood woods alone and explore. I think today, how vulnerable I then was, because a predator could of been anywhere- yet I went unharmed.

For me, the woods were a safe place, a quiet place, a beautiful place. All the smells, the plants, the beauty- I thrived in it. Today, I still thrive in that same enviornment. When I was little I was pretend I was an indian when I was in the woods. I was always interested in indians, and to find out now- there are some in my family tree. How cool is that? To run free in the woods, like an indian was a cool concept to me as a child.

I don't know how or why, but I was strong, even as a child. I knew the bad stuff was not my fault. Yes it hurt my self esteem, but I am ok. I think God gave me the gift of Nature to heal my soul. I was a Nature Maiden, even then.

My Farmgirl necklace

2010-06-08T16:21:00.003-04:00

I LOVE my Farmgirl Necklace!

Hello!

2010-05-29T05:38:00.008-04:00

Well, it has been over a month since I have written. I have been SO busy. IN the meantime I have captured images from my gardens. I can't believe it is the end of May!

Snapdragons

Sunsprite Rose

Stock- I love the scent!

Columbine

Bleeding Heart

Things I love....

2010-04-11T17:22:00.016-04:00

Here are some wonderful images from my gardens. I am so happy Spring is back!

Snapdragons!

A birdhouse my older son Joe painted years ago.

A sure sign of Spring!

The Phlox is blooming!

Rosemary, an herb I love to cook with

A little greenhouse I made to keep the seedlings in during the day. It's working out very well.

The Radishes are coming up!

Lilacs I made from cuttings in 2008

Daisy

2010-04-11T07:40:00.000-04:00

Sweet Daisy in bed for the night

Family Moments

2010-04-11T07:36:00.001-04:00

Here is my husband Bobby and Oliver. Oliver is always in need of attention.

Shepards Pie

2010-04-11T07:31:00.001-04:00

Here is another recipe I tried, Shepards Pie. It came out good.

Homemade Biscuits

2010-04-11T07:27:00.004-04:00

My homemade biscuits. It took a lot of practice for me, but they came out perfect! Wish you could smell them!

My Chicken Cutlets

2010-04-11T07:25:00.004-04:00

I made these chicken cutlets with flour instead of bread crumbs. I added my own spices to the flour and cooked them in olive oil, YUM!

Bring in the flowers

2010-03-25T15:06:00.001-04:00

I was in the supermarket yesterday and noticed a wonderful aroma as I was walking by. A quick glance back brought these wonderful flowers to my attention. I just had to treat myself.

Signs of Spring!

2010-03-07T11:07:00.003-05:00

What a nice surprise to see these daffodils emerging from the earth this morning. The pussy willows are also swelling on the branches. I am SO excited about the coming of Spring!

Apple Pie ready for the oven

2010-03-07T11:04:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful day today! The sun is shining, and while it is breezy out, I can feel Spring in the air. Here is a pic of the Apple Pie I made this morning. It is almost ready to come out of the oven now. Boy does it smell nice!

Fireplace cooking

2010-02-22T18:01:00.002-05:00

Here is what we are cooking tonight...a pork roast and potatoes.

Recharging

2010-02-21T07:57:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful, sunny quiet Sunday! Bobby and Joe are at work, Andrew and the doggies are sleeping, and the only thing I hear are the birdies singing. What a pleasure to see them eating at the feeders. I can also hear the chimes gently blowing in the wind. I really enjoy seeing the birds when i look out the window.

I spent the last 4 days making soy candles for my business. I am so pleased with them! I have over 30 varieties and will make a few more and then stop. I need to order more jars. Anyhow, no luck on finding employment yet. I sent my resume to so many places. Many pay cheap, too cheap to even bother. I am working hard on finding ways to advertise my business. How wonderful it would be to never have to work for anyone else.

I have to clean this house. What a mess I've made while making candles. Supplies are everywhere! The house needs a good vacuuming as well. Dust everywhere. A Spring cleaning is a coming!

I was suppose to be featured in Mary Janes March magazine for the fireplace cooking, but I think I was told they are not doing it now? Unless I misunderstood, I think I was told something else was going in the mag. Oh well, if that's the case, I am disappointed. I told everyone, and they were excited, as was I. Now I feel dumb. I wish they had a better idea of what they were doing before they get peoples hopes up. I'm not mad, just let down I suppose.

I am going to be featured in the email cluck for my products...i think. I am not sure anymore what is going on.

I wish I could find a way to get the Nature Maiden name out there. I've done everything I can think of. I sent a media kit to so many newspapers. No one is interested, I suppose newspapers just want to focus on scandal and murders instead of wholesome news. Oh well. The world will never change. I hate watching the news because I am so sick of listening to negativity, especially when they repeat it over and over again. I suppose it takes money to get the name out. Money I dont have, especially since I dont have a job, it's a catch 22.

well, I am going to take a shower and relax. I also have to pack away these candles I made and straighten up some.

Have a wonderful day!

Pot Holders

2010-02-03T08:08:00.003-05:00

Potholders I made:

Making things with beads

2010-02-03T08:00:00.012-05:00

I love beads. Beads are beautiful!Here are some of the things I have made:

Hippie ankle bracelets:

Beaded curtain tieback:

Gardener's charm bracelet:

Key chain- i just have to add the ring:

Mother's kid's birthstone bracelet with swarovski crystal beads:

other bracelets i made:

Pork Roast in the fireplace

2010-02-01T15:53:00.013-05:00

We are preparing another wonderful dinner tonight. The fireplace is going, and the pork roast is ready for browning. Here are some pics. When it is done, I'll post another. yummy! I had a request for a pic of the fireplace...

Here I made slits in the skin and into the meat and added pepper, fresh garlic and sage. The sage is from my garden, i harvested it, dried it and stored it. This flavor will cook into the meat, YUM!

I then flip the meat over, and make more slits to add more ingredients, then I rub sage all over the roast. I then drizzle some olive oil over the roast and put it in the fireplace to brown the roast- turning frequently. After it is all nice and browned, I add a little water & cover dutch oven and cook for about 3 hours. I am making sweet potato fried and veggies with this roast. I will post another pic later when roast is done. ...i wish you could hear the sizzling

Now it is browning nice, i will cover it in a few minutes and slow cook it for a while.

....and the finished roast, and oh my, the flavor is wonderful!:

Another project

2010-02-01T06:34:00.003-05:00

I made this in late 2009, embroidery is very relaxing and simple. I used twigs from the yard for the frame. I love birds.
Connie

I can't believe I made this!

2010-01-31T12:44:00.003-05:00

I made this today for a friend who collects dolls and wanted a skirt made for this doll bassinet. I made everything you see on the bassinet. I can't believe I did it, because I never made anything like this before. I can't wait to give it to her tomorrow.
Connie

My Pizza

2010-01-24T11:49:00.009-05:00

Pizza is my favorite food, so I couldn't help posting a pic of one I made. The dough is from scratch, and I added dried oregano and basil from my garden. Though I do make homemade sauce, I used jar sauce for this pie. Wish you could smell it!
See Recipe below pic...
Connie

MY PIZZA (MAKES 1 PIE AS PICTURED ABOVE)

(FOR DOUGH) MIX:
4 CUPS FLOUR
4 TSP YEAST
2 TSP SALT
1/2 TSP SUGAR

MIX & HEAT IN MICROWAVE FOR 1 MIN, 45 SEC:
3 TSP OLIVE OIL
1 1/4 CUPS WATER

•COMBINE WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS, MIX WELL
•DRIZZLE SOME OLIVE OIL IN BOWL AROUND DOUGH
•KNEAD ABOUT 5 MIN
•SET ASIDE IN WARM AREA FOR 15 MINUTES
•SHAPE PIZZA (you will need to add a sprinkling of flour while working the shape of dough because dough may be a little sticky)
•FOR BASIC PIE- (in the amounts you like) ADD SAUCE, PARMESAN, MOZZARELLA, GARLIC, BASIL & OREGANO

BAKE AT 425 FOR 18 MINUTES

Ollie

2010-01-18T12:17:00.002-05:00

one of my beagles, he is so sweet, little oliver

Beef Stew

2010-01-18T12:15:00.001-05:00

Even though i am sick, I made some beef stew on the hearth last night.

Goals

2010-01-11T05:18:00.003-05:00

Though my life is so full of activities already, there are several things I still want to learn to do. Like learn to knit, can preserves and make a few items of clothes. I want to be more self sufficient. I want to learn how to cut back on bills, stock pile food, use solar energy, and live on less. I'll be back with more thoughts, i have to get Andrew up for school..and make homemade pancakes........

...ok, so I am back. Andrew insists that he is not feeling well. He did cough a lot last night, and complained of a stomach ache. I know something is going around. He usually doesnt insist like that. Well, no pancakes just yet..maybe in a little while.

Cooking on the Hearth

2010-01-10T07:22:00.011-05:00

Ok, so I am so hooked. If you've never tried cooking in the fireplace, let me tell you, the flavor is SOOO much better than cooking in the oven.

Here is what I made yesterday...

Jan 9, 2009 -Herbs I harvested from my garden in 2008. Rosemary and Sage. I am grinding them in the mortar and pestle to add to the chicken. Growing your own herbs and drying them is SO much cheaper than buying them in the store. In 2008, I harvested 17 bouquets of herbs, including teas.

Jan 9, 2009 - So I added the Rosemary and Sage, some garlic powder, sea salt and pepper. I also added fresh garlic and inserted it into the slits that I made in the chicken. I also poured some olive oil on the chicken, and a little water in the pot. It's ready to put in the fireplace!

Jan 9, 2009 -The chicken is ready! the aroma is heavenly! I flipped it over halfway during the cooking.

My Husband's Christmas Village

2010-01-09T12:29:00.004-05:00

Here is video of my husband's Christmas Village. He has over 60 buildings. We initially took pics, but they did no justice. I told him to do the video, sorta like a 'birds eye' view of it instead. Listen for the music too!

Cooking in the fireplace

2010-01-01T17:51:00.005-05:00

New projects

2009-12-26T07:35:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I got a new camera, since the flash in my other one went. Anyway, I made a camera bag for it yesterday, and posted a pic of another project i did- a 'draft stopper' for my basement door.

Our Tree 2009

2009-12-22T06:49:00.001-05:00

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

2009-12-20T09:45:00.007-05:00

What we are eating this morning: Homemade Chocolate Chip Pancakes- YUMMY! Here's the recipe: (for family of 4): 6 Cups flour, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp baking powder, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 cup milk, 1 stick or 1/2 cup butter melted,- stir all well, then add water to finish batter to desired consistency. Finally, fold in 1/2 bag (at least) of chocolate chips & add some love. Drop onto ungreased griddle by the 1/2 cupfuls- , and enjoy when done!

The Blizzard of 2009!

2009-12-20T08:00:00.006-05:00

Well, it sure did snow! I hate snow, but at least we'll have a white Christmas. It adds more magic to the holiday. Thank goodness this happened on the weekend, so none of us have to worry about driving in it.

Here are some pics my hubby took this morning- he had to make a path for the dogs or they would of been lost in it. I was brave and let my hubby take a pic of me in my pj's and of course without makeup, lol.

Dutch Oven Diva

2009-12-15T06:15:00.005-05:00

In my adventures in cooking in my fireplace, someone suggested to me that I was a 'dutch oven diva', lol. All I can tell you is that I am loving it. I made a pork roast in my cast iron dutch oven yesterday, and it was incredible. I have cooked in my crock pot for years, and of course in the oven. There is no comparison to cooking in the dutch oven, in the fireplace. The meat is more tender, has better flavor, and saves a lot on the electric bill. Of course i have to have my husband lift the darn thing because it is so heavy when filled with food.

What a wonderful feeling to do something so primitive. When i tell people i cook in my fireplace, sometimes i get weird looks, and some people really think it is cool. I dont mind being different, it would be no fun being like everyone else. The one place I really feel at home is at Mary Janes Farmgirl Connection. Here there are so many women like me who have similar interests, who enjoying creating with their hands, living a rustic and simple life- as best as they can anyway.

I have met so many girls who have impressed me with their gifts, whether it was with sewing, cooking or any of the various skills they have. It is so wonderful! I always thought i was alone. I always felt i was born in the wrong time. I've always longed for a simpler way of life. I don't care who thinks I'm silly. (as far as the non-mary jane girls are concerned, lol) As this crazy fast paced world is concerned, with all it's drama and noise- I will continue to have my quiet place, where the simple joys of life will have a safe place to reign.

Holiday Pet Pic

2009-12-12T10:17:00.005-05:00

Here is a wonderful pic our our beautiful beagles, Oliver & Daisy. We adopted them both in 2006.

Thanksgiving Pies

2009-11-27T16:25:00.004-05:00

I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. Ours was great. I made an Apple pie, 2 pumpkin pies and a cheesecake. The flash went in my digital camera, so my son took a pic with his cell phone, it's a little blurry. Here I am with 2 of my pies, wearing one of my new autumn aprons from Grace

Fireplace Stew

2009-11-22T07:01:00.002-05:00

I made the most wonderful beef stew in the fireplace yesterday. I added some herb dumplings too. It was so good. Guess what we are having for dinner tonight?

Me

2009-11-17T06:37:00.001-05:00

Frying Pan Bread

2009-11-13T15:46:00.005-05:00

I am making frying pan bread, or Bannock in the fireplace. I added butter and cinnamon and sugar as well. Can't wait, it's almost done!
Connie