snow in the south?

'go'

If you follow blogs of people in the South East, particularly NC, I'm sure you've found, or will, that it's especially white right now. Fortunately, for most businesses, this snow fell on the weekend & there is a potential of it being cleaned off the roads by regular working hours...right now, life is at a stand still. People venture out for one reason--to prove they can.

Such was the case for us at the persuasion of my husband who enjoys a good challenge.

Yesterday

sledding with a lid a.k.a. scooching.

bundled Leviah & no-snow pants Da-Da

Today (Leviah & I stayed home--and warm)

sledding with an older boy makes a little girl MUCH bolder, result of which is injury.

short video of the long hill.

bees do not come out in the snow. neither do chickens.

something more colorful to end with.

riddle me this: What animal never plays fair?

answer to last riddle: Freeze it first! Good guesses though...

Feeling like Bird Brains

We don't choose themes--they choose us. Several things have come together this week leaving us with a flock of handmade birds.
First, we have started going to a Charlotte Mason homeschool group that is a terrific addition to our laid back waldorf-y style education; (very liberal arts friendly). The group meets every other week & there are loads of kids of all ages there. This is great for Naomi who thrives on the influence of well-behaved older children. (not saints, mind you, maybe just a little more mature). Anyhow, we learn traditional songs, study a major artist for a session, study & draw/paint different subjects, read poetry, etc. The first week we studied chickens--learned all about eggs, laying, life-cycle & someone even brought a hen to class--so neat!

The artist we're covering for this session is John J. Audobon, therefore birds. Most recently we learned about the cardinal.

Next week, the robin.

Several weeks ago we bought a Martha Stewart kit from Big Lots for $2. It's just pom-poms, felt scraps & a few pipe cleaners, but seemed like a simple thing for Naomi & I to do together. Well, I'm glad I did it because it came in handy & really flowed right in with the group study. Perhaps she'll want to bring her little Robin in to show next time.

& I've been meaning to pick up the needle-felting hobby for some time. & can I just say, it TOTALLY suits me. It's got everything--sculpture, natural fibers, danger, free-spirited material...thanks to the local yarn store I finally found the needles required & following a simple pattern from a mentor, ta dah:

i altered him a little from the pattern by making his wings & back black, which is more like a real penguin, right?

Having enjoyed the last riddle, here's another: What's the best way to carry water in a sieve? post your answer!

Vintage Find

I recently found this book at a local thrift store. I've really been enjoying it, not only aesthetically, but informationally speaking. Nice job Ms. Dana Newmann! Although published in 1973, some things just don't go out of date. The dust cover is torn nearly to shreds, but as with most books I am also torn...i just can't trash it! Even though the hardbound cover is quite attractive.

From the book

This day in history:

Wolfgang Mozart was born 1756-1791

Lewis Carroll was born 1832-1898

Thomas Edison was granted the patent on incandescent light: 1880.

Riddle: What is the best & cheapest light? post your guess!

There are crafts, activities, etc. much fun! & she wrote another book that I will check the library for as well.

Other things for the week, Tu B'shevat is on Saturday (New Year of the Trees). Nothing major about it, but we had a good time at the library where we made Fruit Kabobs last night & read stories about trees. For me it's just a reminder that religion & nature shouldn't be disconnected. Anne Shirley said her optimal place of prayer would be in an open field under an open sky with her hands raised--not kneeled by a bedside. There's room for both, but I have to admit a preference for her way.

the lure of asheville grows stronger

Back from a weekend of memories & discoveries. We'll soon update the farm blog with more information on why we went & what the seminar was all about; here I will share our extra-curricular explorations.

First, Drew found this amazing place in the latest edition of Our State magazine. Subscriptions to this publication are a little pricey, but we have discovered & enjoyed SO many things from it. Sticks & Stones, Canon Powershot Cameras, a Maple Syrup Farm we can't wait to visit, purple potatoes, communes near-by & now this. I will share with photos. (from my NEW CAMERA!! I'm so excited to have a little more freedom with settings & hope my knowledge will grow with practice--we love our Panasonic, but needed a few more manual options).

the initial drive-by.

there was an overwhelming decision to make & restraint=impossible.

before

after

water required

& there was a lot of head spinning & heavy breathing...

and no one even had this!

are you drooling? That's 2 chocolate entries in a row--what does THAT reveal about me? I didn't mention the nutty-crusted chicken, sweet potato fries & fried Okra from my favorite, or the stop by some of

my old stomping grounds

where i got

a small stash of my weaknesses

all in all it was a very good time. (i'm excluding the news on illness that kept & keeps my dear husband in bed).

& if you're keeping tabs on the progress of the 'no-spend month of jan.' we're still committed, but life is too short to be rigid ;)

black beans and chocolate tradition

I deem it to be a new habit. They were a little more effort than I generally agree to, but sooo worth it. my initial reaction wasn't so great--but these things cold are dreamy. & what a great way to feel sinless (ignoring, of course, the egg & butter content).

Thanks dear friend, for sharing the recipe from here. We've always agreed on sweets...

And did you remember how easy it is to be creative? all you need is paper & scissors--maybe less. Anyway, i dare you to make a snowflake & i bet you'll feel a little giddy at the simplicity of creating something sweetly & satisfyingly adorable. What a delicate way to decorate January windows (even if it's 60 on the other side).

added disclaimer 1.21.10: I just got this article about Agave Nectar from a friend...

MLK day

Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech (Dec 1964)

I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive goodwill will proclaim the rule of the land.

Most of these people will never make the headlines and their names will not appear in Who's Who. Yet when years have rolled past and when the blazing light of truth is focused on this marvelous age in which we live -- men and women will know and children will be taught that we have a finer land, a better people, a more noble civilization -- because these humble children of God were willing to suffer for righteousness' sake.

King, Abraham Heschel & others marching--arm in arm.

Just a quick pic & quote. Naomi needed an explanation of why there was no dance class today, and I benefited from the reminder myself. Recently i felt the sting of exclusion on account of my beliefs, not the first time, but the strength of this man reminds me to push forward & ignore ignorance ;)

thrift store formal

I just posted yesterday...but i'm excited!

Several years ago--during my first round of college education--a friend & I held a Thrift Store Formal. It was awesome. As most of our gatherings (in Boone), it was a potluck. Each invitee was asked via invitation to bring a specific item (i.e. entree, appetizer, dessert, drink). The thrift-store-formal identifying factor was guests had to wear formal but only second hand apparel. Why do I bring this up?

2 reasons. (seems a common number around here).
First, a close friend gave a photo cd in a gift to Drew for his 30th birthday & we (for no good reason) just looked through them & low-n-behold:

so here's an outdated picture for you!

The dress just sold. Foreseeing no future events in which this dress would (fit or) be appropriate attire it had to be done; it NEEDS to be enjoyed--seriously. So, hopefully Blair will do just that at her upcoming promenade...

Today's learning & some local cuisine

the letter M search

This is our morning 'lesson'. Letter M was the center, along with the Miss Moppet story by Beatrix Potter. We also retold the story (naomi is still playing) with a felt board. Recently I've seen a lot of info on how to make & enjoy these fun numbers on your own; like here & here. I was fortunate enough to find this big set of boards & innumerable characters at a thrift store several years ago, convenient storage bag included. What was probably over $100 of investment was only $3.50 for me--awesome find; Granted, it is embroidered with 'Olivia' prominently on the front... We did cut out our own mouse & have spare sheets of felt to make anything we need for future story-telling.

miss moppet via felts

Some of you may know 2 things about us, 1. We recently watched Food, Inc. & now are committed to attempting to eat as locally/organically as possible. 2. Drew started hunting this year & got his first in early December. Although he may not come across as a 'killer', we both feel it our responsibility to not only be aware of where our food comes from, but to be responsible for it as much as we can. So, he killed, gutted & butchered for 3 long days. So, venison is a regular part of our diet.

I don't have pics but, I wanted to share 2 meals we've had this week with these 2 things as key players:

• meal 1: Swiss Steak with sides of sauteed Kale & sweet potatoes. (the veggies are what's in season & available from local farmers) Swiss Steak is simply thinly sliced steaks breaded with flour & herbs, 'fried' in olive oil until browned, add in about 3/4 cup water & some (homemade) salsa, cover & simmer until sauce thickens & enjoy! (beef could be used as well). This is a meal my mom always made when I was a kid & drew literally can't stop talking about it, & it was REALLY simple & whatever you have can be added--mushrooms, onions, green peppers...
• meal 2: last night Drew made beef cabbage hash (with venison) that was utterly delightful. SUCH a good meal for a cold evening. I don't like cabbage & I'm picky about venison, but I couldn't taste a difference. We topped it with cheddar cheese...
• Farmland Cookbook: We haven't made any of these yet, but the recipes look so great, I've been wanting to share. They're all veggie-friendly! The harvest-bisque looks especially yum.

quick recipe & about the new layout

Since I started blogging a 3 column layout seemed more efficient...so i did a little research & took a plunge into the self-taught school of hard-knock html. While my eyesight has not yet quite recovered, I want to ask your opinion! Is it suitable for you?

And, since I'm here, & because I mentioned to someone today, here's an easy recipe from Martha Vader--watch her; you can never be too certain--dark side? ;) i glean far too much from her self-branded products to complain...seriously.

Anyway. If you're looking for a simple cookie, that tastes delicious, remains semi-nutritious, requires no oven, involves chocolate--all on a day when there is no butter in the house, you've come to the right place. These quick fixes are surprisingly tasty & you could add things like flax seed or wheat germ to up the anty. A no-guilt (well, low-guilt) way to quench the it's-cold-outside-give-me-sweets feeling that I'm constantly trying to flee. Not to mention they're reminiscent of the Peanut Butter Treats our school cafeteria used to serve. If anyone knows THAT recipe, do tell!

Here it is:

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup (about 2 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread oatmeal in an ungreased baking pan, and toast until it is lightly browned, about 11 minutes, shaking once. Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter and nonfat dry milk. Stir in toasted oatmeal, and set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in honey. Pour the butter mixture over the peanut-butter mixture, and stir until well combined. Allow to cool slightly.

Shape into about forty logs, each about 2 1/2 inches long. Place the logs onto a wire rack or a parchment-lined baking sheet, and set aside.

Place chocolate morsels in a small heat-proof bowl or the top of a double boiler, and set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir occasionally until chocolate is melted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and transfer melted chocolate to a pastry bag fitted with a #3 plain round tip. Pipe chocolate onto the cookie logs. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container, refrigerated, up to 1 week.

We made balls instead--having no picture to follow, & our dollops of chocolate are on account of a breaking ziploc bag. neither of these seemed to effect the flavor ;) &, to please a sweet tooth, a little extra honey might not kill anyone...

our farm blog

the road to: Round House Farm

there WAS a picture of Grims here, but I was feeling self-conscious. i know...i know...

This is just a note--in case you haven't noticed the link to the right--Drew & I have started a blog dedicated just to the updates on our farm progress. There's not much to it yet, & I'm certain changes will be made, but I wanted to make sure you all know you're officially invited to chime in at any time. Thanks for your support already!

un-committal schooling

Thank you blog-society. I suddenly feel the urge to make a decision--you all are responsible. Well, not entirely, but we've been pushed off the fence we've been dancing on for years.

The school issue has been one we've swayed on--only with the option of a local Spanish Immersion school that seems like an opportunity worth taking advantage of, however, the teaching methods are still the same, just in a foreign tongue. If there's one thing I know about Naomi it is she does NOT learn, or even listen for that matter, sitting still. She is an up-n-at-em girl & no matter how amazingly awesome it would be for her to learn Español now, we just can't cramp her style like that. (also, if we do find some rural place to call home soon, driving 30 minutes every morning seems silly if there's a classroom right outside our door).

SO. What do we do? How do we effectively make sure she's fed a nutritional education diet? Research. Fortunately, in recent months I have been following & delving more & more into this online blog community of moms--some homeschoolers--that have led me to Rudolf Steiner & the Waldorf style education based on hands-on & natural experiences--SO our style. It's more about setting a tone of learning--of taking advantage of experience as a means of 'getting-it'. EVERYONE wants to learn.

What is our plan? While we're also fans of an "un-schooling" style we found a MOST delightful curriculum that reassures us: pressuring our child to know such 'n such by such 'n such time doesn't always lead to success. It is based on some of the "Steiner" ideas & they ask each parent to closely look at approach & emphasize the rhythm of the home as the crux of learning & open-heartedness. The pattern & repetition helps us all be successful with our time & states of mind...Even if you're not interested in homeschooling, reading this book is so enlightening.

Back to the blog-influence. I believe now we feel supported. Through blogs like this, this up & coming online magazine, & this blog which really couldn't be more of what we envision for our future, we are now relieved & excited to have an idea to roll with--to have some guidelines in our minds-eye.

Anyway, this decision is not one made lightly, by any parent, and this alternative is the right fit for us. It is something we are in a place to do, and so...we do. ;) Is this something you've considered? how did you find what was right for your family?

pics are from today's lesson about the number 4. we talked about the 4 elements, the 4 seasons, squares & patterns--as much as Naomi wanted to do today. The #4 remains the constant through the week & our "curriculum" holds more crafting, activities, songs, & even exercises we can incorporate if we so choose. The verse is our own addition. Oakmeadow has a simple verse that they suggest for pre-learning warm up, but we find that prayer & scripture is more suitable for our family.

the do without month of January & a W.I.P.

Recently Drew & I began discussing the world's need to cut back. Not just them, but us too--for sure. We are JUST as guilty as anyone. We get drive through coffee when we're too lazy to make our own. We swing into Target for groceries & leave with toys. We get bored and visit REI...surely there's a better way to pass the time. So, for January, no unhomemade lattes, or even going out to eat. Groceries & necessities only for 1 month. No movie theaters, un-free parks, or random day trips.

Plus, we should save. Anyway, we ARE coming up with resourceful ways to spend our time/money & are tightening our reigns on frivalities. (do you understand that word)?

So...what picture can I include to demonstrate this? Well, a while back I mentioned something on my to-do list--a braided rag rug. Today Naomi & I began this project.

1. gather rags (like these sheets with holes given to us as a wedding present--soooo soft).
2. Measure 3 inches & snip.
3. Rip.

or assign the task to a willing assistant.

Here is what we have now:

This commitment to not consume is in response to the One Small Change Project going on here. Join in!