Roses and berries

This is the first rose off of my husband's new rose bush. It's had several since this one and they are all as gorgeous. Yellow roses were my mom's favorite so we can't see this bush without thinking of her. This is also very similar to the rose I had tatooed on my back last year.
The garden is doing awesome. It's getting huge and taking over the yard. I have lots of little tomatoes and peppers. We have enjoyed many salads and tons of peas. They are sooooo sweet. My herbs have done especially well this year. Yesterday I made a yummy bruschetta with tons of basil. Ssoooo good.
I still have no pics of the garden. I keep forgetting to take the camera out there. I'm a slacker and I'm ok with that.
The kids and I picked nearly 30 pounds of strawberries again the last 2 weeks. I put up 15 jars of jam and another 8 of freezer jam. I also froze 2 gallons of whole berries. I'm completely sick of strawberries. That's ok because it's almost time to pick blueberries!!!

Still on the planet

Lest you think I've fallen off the face of the earth, here I am. If you think I'm going to give a lovely post with pics of my ever growing beautiful garden, you're smokin' something.
It's not my fault! I dutifully and enthusiastically started many seeds in March. Leeks, grape tomatoes, all sorts of herbs, zinnias and morning glories. All of course, with the intention of planting them. However, I did not take into account that right about the time my seedlings would be growing strong, my puppy would be also. Ya see, my darling Toby is nearly 9 months old. This time of puppy hood, in case you didn't know, is hell. She's obnoxious and into everything. The least of which has been my seedlings. (the most of which is some brand new carpet. Need I say more)She destroyed them. First, while they were still in the house, she would reach up and grab a few pots and drag them all around my living room. Did I mention that I have cream carpet?? Then, in order to spare the ones that remained, I moved them to the fenced in raised beds. Foolishly, I thought they were safe only to come home one day to what I can only describe as a massacre. All I salvaged were a few leeks, that I doubt will make it, and a few unknown plants. No, I did not fail to label them, Toby took those out!! As if that were not enough, she also dug up the newly planted lettuce and broccoli on the same day.
So, I now have no choice but to purchase my plants yet again. If you recall from last year, this is especially dangerous for me. Well, to my pocketbook, really. Still, I'm compiling the list and planning my trips. Yes, trips. I have already purchased the above mentioned lettuce and broccoli, again. Today I got a few tomato plants. I bought three that I've never heard of before. I'll give the full rundown later. This weekend is the Crowne Point Plant Sale!!! Yeah!! I thought I'd missed it. I'll get my peppers, a few tomatoes and maybe some squash.
This sale tends to be a bit more expensive than the standard nursery. All the plants are organically grown. Which, of course, I do also. However, last year it seemed that the tomatoes I purchased elsewhere, and for less, did better. I think it's because the heirloom tomatoes that I love to get require more care than I like to do. Lesson learned, so I'm doing more variety this year and will not get all my tomatoes from one place.
I have not slacked entirely. Nor has Toby destroyed all my efforts. I have peas that are several inches tall,lettuce,radishes,spinach,rapini(grown for Cappuccino) and some more broccoli. Not a bad start.
Normally, around this time of year I'd be antsy to plant more. Not this year. Here in Ohio it's freakin' cold!! It's still going into the 40's at night and some of the recent highs have been in the 50's. My heat is still coming on, for Pete's sake!! Global warming my arse!! (I'm just kidding, I'm very environmentally concerned)
Speaking of the environment, I've actually become much more aware and active in doing my part to decrease my carbon footprint. Most of the produce I purchase is organic, as is all my dairy and eggs. (local and free range!!) We purchased a grass fed cow again this year. And I get naturally raised whole chickens instead of the 10 pounds of frozen breasts I used to get. I also switched to enviro-friendly laundry products and am making the switch to other cleaning alternatives as needed. Feeling a little "holier than thou" lately. I still have a long way to go, but we're getting there. Oh, and we're buying the family bikes so we use the car less. Two down, two more to go.Bikes, that is. Nothing earth shattering, but I really believe that every bit helps.
In our next installment...Plant purchses!! ooohhhh I can't wait.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

My morning started with green scrambled eggs and scones topped with green sugar! A fitting way to start the day, I think. I then prepared my corned beef brisket. I decided, after much deliberation, to make it in the Crock pot. In it went with a little water, 1/2 an onion, a few chopped carrots and topped with cabbage. I also added some freshly ground pepper. I alternated between low and high for about 8 hours. What emerged was absolutely scrumptious. My DH says it's delicious. I've never had corned beef before, so I don't know what it's supposed to taste like. However this was the perfect amount of salty and seasoning. Sooooo tender and just plain yummy. I served it with a traditional Colcannon(at least that's what I hear) and an Irish soda bread. All in all, a really good dinner. It needed a dessert, but I never found an Irish dessert recipe. Just green ones.

It's almost spring...sort of

Well, last week at this time, I was trapped at home by about 18 inches of snow. This week it's warmer, rainy and extremely soggy. So, of course, my thoughts turn towards my garden. You may recall, last fall DH built me a second raised bed. YEAH!! Today I plan on pouring through my seeds and starting a plan. We have already obtained 2 seed starting kits. I pray that I have better luck than last year. My Dh was given a huge selection of seeds from a few ladies at work. We are extremely excited to see how they do. One of the packets is OKRA. I'm not even sure it can be grown her in NE Ohio. We'll have to wait and see.
I have several changes to make since last year. I'm not a big fan of beets. I know this now. So, I will not plant as many. The only reason I'll plant some is because the bunny likes the greens and DH loves them. He doesn't eat very many though.
Definitely need more beans and peas. Also, I've decided I'm not a big fan of mesculin mix. I thought I was, but I was wrong. This years lettuce selection will be more along the lines of Romaine, and leaf lettuce.
Another lesson learned from last year, plant the cabbage family early!!! We didn't get nearly enough brussel sprouts and we all love those. Especially, Toby, our puppy. I can't remember if I mentioned her or not. I'll post pics though. My son also has a Guinea pig now, who loves the sprouts. I didn't think the cauliflower did well last year, but it cold just be because I planted too late.
In other news, I have converted my darling husband to a foodie. With the help of Jamie Oliver. DH has started cooking and now is very interested in what I plant. We have also obtained an Imperia pasta roller. He plans to make fresh pasta weekly. I'm all on board. The pasta that we purchased at the WSM changed our lives. I'm back to making our bread. I love my new pans. Chicago Metallic. They rock!!
Oh, and in honor of the 25%of me that is Irish, I'm making corned beef and cabbage for the first time this year. I'll post evidence on Monday. I'll also make my traditional, green scrambled eggs with scones. The kids would be crushed if I didn't.
So, stay tuned for actual news and regular posts again.

West Side Market

I know...it's been forever!! It's also been forever since I visited the WSM. This is a travesty of geography. Ya see, many years ago, I lived a mere 20 minutes away. Now, it's closer to an hour. Still, the time had come to make the trek.
My desire was stirred by a recent article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer regarding new vendors. The one I was most excited about was the crepe maker!!! So, when DH and I set foot in the building, I immediately started searching for any sign of the "crepe man". When, through the forest of meat guys I spied the sign I squealed and started dragging DH towards the other side of the building. As I neared the crepe man's stand (conveniently located next to the coffee vendor) my heart sunk. There was no man there. Tears formed in my eyes as I read the sign. "Closed on Monday". I whined for several minutes while ordering a mocha.
I perked up quickly when I spied an apple fritter the size of my head at a near by bakery stand.(I'll try and find out the name next time I visit) To say it was the best fritter of my life would not be an exaggeration. It was light and appley with the perfect amount of cinnamon. All others pale in comparison.
We made many trips around the many stands before deciding on some great looking stew meat and beautiful butterflied pork chops. The meat we purchased makes our local grocery store selection look like slop. I can't wait to make a lovely stew this week. DH will be making his newly famous, Jamie Oliver inspired chops. mmmmmmm
The highlight of our trip was the fresh pasta stand. I don't even remember which flavors we purchased but they are amazing!!! I have never experienced pasta like this before. We made it as directed with just a bit of garlic infused EVOO. The flavor was mild, but still stood out, if that makes any sense at all. I'd like to try a very light alfredo sauce next time, not that it needs it. The stand next to the pasta is Urban Herbs. Here we stocked up on all the whole herbs that we've been seeing in recipes and haven't had. I can't wait to try them.
Still...the highlight of my trip was when I happened to spy the dried fruit lady. She has a produce stand outside with the rest. However, she devotes a little section to dried fruit. What's the big deal? you ask. Kiwi, cantelope, peaches, strawberries for Pete's sake!!!! I don't even like dried fruit. Or at least I didn't. I can't say that anymore. I stopped in my tracks at the site of dried up kiwi. I couldn't even fathom the idea. I asked for a sample, as I took a bite, she handed me a straweberry and said "Try them together". Dried fruit perfection, I say!!! SO I bought a pound, and also included the afore mentioned cantelope and peaches. Delightful, I tell you. I must now go eat some...
I'm back. My fingers are sticky. MMMmmmmmmm
I told you all that, to tell you this. You must go to the West Side Market. No excuse is acceptable. Save your pennies. Dig under the couch cushions!! And for the love of Dorothy... try the dried kiwi!!
Oh, but if you want crepes, don't go on Monday.