Do this!

http://www.yearbookyourself.com/

I can't write much more because I am laughing too hard!

My Giveaway

What's in the Box??

Tansy at http://fieldoftansy.blogspot.com/ had a Giveaway and Danielle won.

Danielle at http://touchtheearthfarm.blogspot.com/ had a Giveaway and I won!



So now I am having a Giveaway!!



This Giveaway will also celebrate my 6 month Blog Anniversary.

I can't believe it has been that long all ready. I am thankful that I started my Blog. It gives me a creative outlet and has allowed me to meet some wonderful people from around Blog World. I look forward to reading your blogs everyday!



So back to the giveaway.......... I have a box full of all kinds of goodies up for grabs. All you need to do to enter is do a post about my Giveaway in your Blog. Then leave a comment here on my Blog to let me know you completed the task. That's it!! Tell all your Friends and Blog Buddies. I want lots of people to enter!!

Deadline to enter is September 8th.

The winner will be picked the morning of Septmeber 9th.

Grandma's Recipes- Old Fashioned Custard Pie

Old Fashioned Custard Pie

MAKE: Pastry for 9 inch one crust Pie

BEAT WITH ROTARY BEATER: 3 eggs or 6 egg whites

THEN BEAT IN: 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 2/3 cups milk

POUR: into pastry line pie pan

BAKE: about 40 minutes (or until a silver knife inserted into side of filling comes out clean, center is soft but will set later) in hot oven 450 degrees for first 15 minutes, moderate oven 35o degrees to finish

How to Dry Tomatoes

Wash Tomatoes

Cut Tomatoes

Place Tomatoes on Drying Rack

Start the Dehydrator.

The process can take up to 24 hours to complete.

Depending on weather conditions, and moisture level of what you are drying.

Remember to rotate the trays and flip tomato pieces as needed.

The finished Product!

Garden at 95 Days

This Week's Harvest.......

Weird Tomato of the Week.......

The tomatoes are going strong........
The Japanese Beetles have all but destroyed the Pole Beans.
There are hardly any beans on the vines..........

The cucumber beetles have done in the Melon Patch ( in the background).

All the melons are eaten on or rotting.

Now they have moved on to the pumpkin patch........

Damn Beetles..........

Gurney's Seed and Nursery Company

I am pleased to announce an affiliation with Gurney’s Seed and Nursery Company.

Gurney’s supplies:
Vegetable Seeds
Vegetable Plants
Fruit Trees and Nut Trees
Small Fruit and Berries
Perennials and Roses
Flower Bulbs
Ground Covers and Vines
Shrubs, Hedges and Grasses
Trees and Windbreaks
House and Patio Plants
Flower and Grass Seed

If you are in the market for seeds or other gardening and planting supplies, Please click the link in the sidebar to be taken to the site.

I appreciate your support!

Old Canning Poster

Zeke

My Brother in Law Mike is a Sidney Police Department Canine Officer.

Zeke, Mike's K-9 Partner, Friend and Family Member, has retired from the Sidney Police Department with 11 years of service.

Zeke has been diagnosed with Leukemia and will not be with us much longer.

Please keep the Rosengarten Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

How to Make Dried Veggie Seasoning Mix

How to Make a Dried Veggie Seasoning Mix

Dry:

Onions,

Green Onions

Potatoes

Tomatoes

Mushrooms

Zucchini

Place all the dried ingredients in a food processor

Pulse a couple times until mixed well

Use as:

Vegetable Bullion,

Seasoning Mix

Stock Starter and More

Make Your Own Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise

Yield: 1 cup

1 cup Salad oil
1 Egg or 2 Egg yolks
2 tbsp Lemon juice or 2 tbsp Vinegar
Salt and pepper
Paprika

Beat egg or egg yolks with a rotary beater until slightly thick; add 1 teaspoon oil at a time beating well after each addition, until 1/3 cup has been added. Add a few drops lemon or vinegar. The mixture should be quite thick and perfectly smooth. If it isn't you added the oil too quick or didn't beat it enough. Continue to add the oil and acid alternately until it's used up. Add seasonings to taste.

Store covered in the refrigerator

To Water or Not?

The Dog Days of Summer are upon us. We have officially entered a drought stage with no rain in sight.

My dilemma is this..... to water or not? I entered the spring and summer saying that I would not water because it is just a waste of water. I would just let Mother Nature take care of it. We would save so much money on the water bill if we didn't water!

But now the flowers are looking a little dry and the lawn is about dead. I want the yard to look pretty but is it worth it??

Should I water or not? What are your thoughts or feelings on the subject?

What I am Reading

If you are interested in this or any of the other books featured in the What I am reading posts, Please see the sidebar for my Amazon.com Favorites. You can purchase a copy of the book there!

Canning Basics

Canning Basics

Pressure Canner:
-Cook food according to specific canning recipe.
-Run two to three inches of hot water into the canner.
-Arrange packed, lidded jars on the rack and secure the canner’s lid.
-Heat at the highest setting until steam rushes from the uncovered vent or petcock.
-Maintaining top heat, vent steam for 10 minutes, then close the petcock or place the weighted bobber on the vent.
-Begin timing when the dial gauge indicates the correct pressure is up or when the weighted gauge begins to rock or jiggle.
-Regulate heat to maintain pressure at or slightly above the recommended gauge pressure. If it drops below that point, bring the pressure back up and begin timing from the beginning.
-When the time is up, switch off the heat and let the canner depressurize at room temperature. --You’ll know it’s depressurized when its dial gauge returns to zero or the canner doesn’t hiss when its weighted gauge is gently nudged.
-When depressurized, open the petcock or remove the weighted bobber. Wait 5 minutes.
-Unfasten the lid and lift it away from you so out-rushing steam doesn’t singe your face.
-Remove jars with a lifter and arrange them on towels or a rack (never a cold, bare surface) to cool, allowing at least an inch between jars.

Water Bath Canner:

-Cook food according to specific canning recipe.
-Fill the canner halfway full of water.
-Place clean towels in the bottom if you’re not using a canning rack.
-Heat to 140 degrees for cold-packed foods, 180 degrees for hot-pack.
-Arrange packed, lidded jars on the rack and lower it into the water or use a jar lifter to place jars into the rack or submerged towels, one at a time.
-Add enough boiling water to cover the jars by at least one inch. Don’t pour it directly on the jars.
-Turn heat to its highest setting until water boils briskly; cover the canner and begin timing according to your recipe.
-Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle boil throughout processing. Add more boiling water as needed.
-When time is up, switch off the heat, remove the lid, and fish out the jars using a jar lifter. Place them on towels or a rack (never a cold, bare surface) to cool, allowing at least an inch between jars.

Storing home canned food:

-When fully cooled (12 to 24 hours later), remove screw bands, leaving only flat lids on the jars. -Wash, rinse and dry the bands before storing.
-Test the lid seals by gently thumping them with the back of a teaspoon. A clear, ringing sound indicates a good seal, as does a concave lid.
-Remove lids from unsealed or dubious jars and check their rims for nicks and irregularities. -Transfer the food to another jar if necessary and fully reprocess it within 24 hours. Or refrigerate and freeze or eat it within 24 hours.
-Wash each sealed jar and lid, rinse and dry. Label and date them.
-Store canned food in a clean, dark, dry spot away from heat sources such as water heaters, furnaces, kitchen ranges, hot pipes and direct sun. Avoid attics and storage buildings.

My Sunflower

I noticed something growing in my front flower bed. I wasn't sure if it was a weed or not. So I let it grow. Soon I realized it was a Sunflower and decided to let it grow. Now is it blooming!

Can you see the Bee?
Hubs thinks it is "ghetto" to have it growing out front.

But I think it is beautiful and like to think the birds planted it just for ME!

My Health Food Store

I support Health Alternative Natural Food Markets

Healthy Alternative Natural Food Markets offer the finest quality nutritional supplements, organic and natural groceries, fresh organic produce and eggs, gluten-free foods, organic & free-range meats, vegetarian and vegan alternatives, cruelty-free health & beauty products and skincare, premium pet foods, health information, PLUS a caring and knowledgeable staff - all in a warm and friendly environment.

There are 2 local locations:

Dayton, OH - 8258 N. Main Street (937) 890-8000
- 1/2 mi south of I-70 on S.R. 48 (North Main)

Beavercreek, OH - 2235 N. Fairfield Road (937) 426-7772
- just past the Mall at Fairfield Commons (corner of Kemp & N. Fairfield)

or visit them online at http://www.healthyalternative.biz

Garden at 88 Days

This week's harvest

Dr. Bronner's Magic 18 in 1 Soap

   




Dr. Bronner’s Magic 18 in 1 Soap



*Completely Biodegradable and Vegetable-Based
*Made with Certified Fair Trade and Organic Oils
*Multi-Purpose: 18-in-1 Uses
*No Synthetic Foaming Agents, Thickeners or Preservatives
* 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Cylinder Bottles and Paper Labels
*Simple, Ecological Formulations Based on Old-World Quality and Expertise
*#1-Selling Natural Brand of Soaps in North America


Some of uses for the Soap:
Shaving
Shampoo
Hair Conditioner
Massage
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Bath and Body Wash
Fragrant deodorant
Facial pack
Facial mask
Wash for insect bites
Insect repellent
Laundry Soap
Dish Soap
Hand Soap
Fruit and Veggie Wash

**You will have to play with the dilution of the product for each use. The product is very concentrated.

I have used it as a Body Wash and loved it.  Iused it to shave my legs..... and loved it.I used it as a shampoo. I like it ...but it weighed down my hair a little. I would not want to use it everyday. It would be a good clarifying shampoo for occasional use. I used it as a mouthwash....it was OK. It was a little soapy tasting. But I think that was my fault.....I may have not diluted it enough.

I plan to try it as Laundry Soap. I read somewhere that the performance is enhanced by a sprinkle of Baking Soda. And because the soap is oil based, you need to watch out for oil spots on the clothing. But with careful dilution and the right amount of baking soda it works very well.

I think the price is very good for all the products it could potentially replace. But we will see about that........

Does anyone have any experience with this product? Any tips or hints??


 

What I am Reading

If you are interested in this or any of the other books featured in the What I am reading posts, Please see the sidebar for my Amazon.com Favorites. You can purchase a copy of the book there!

96 Hour Kit

“When the emergency is upon us, the time of preparation has passed.”

96 Hour Kit
A 96 hour kit should contain all the essential things your family would need to take you through 4 days of being on your own. There’s a reason behind the length of time the kit’s contents should last. It generally takes the disaster relief agencies at least 3-4 days to move in and set up before offering assistance. Generally speaking, you’re on your own during this time. Depending on how bad the situation is, it could even be longer. Whether you start with our kit or put one together yourself from scratch, it’s important for your family’s welfare to have one. In any type of disaster things will be bad. Not having the necessities to sustain your life and the lives of your family members could turn an otherwise manageable problem into a personal cataclysm you could never recover from. Prepare now for life’s surprises.


First Aid
􀂄 Personal First Aid Kit
􀂄 Family First Aid Kit

Preventative Aid
􀂄 Foot powder
􀂄 Body powder, medicated

Emergency Gear
􀂄 Signal flares, night
􀂄 Signal smoke, day
􀂄 Signal die, water
􀂄 Signal mirror
􀂄 Strobe light
􀂄 Whistle
􀂄 Space blanket
􀂄 Hand warmers

Clothing Maintenance and Repair
􀂄 Sewing Kit
􀂄 Spare shoelaces
􀂄 Biodegradable detergent
􀂄 Woolite
􀂄 Small scrub brush
􀂄 Clothes pins

Cash
􀂄 $100 in small bills
􀂄 $10 in Quarters
􀂄 Credit Cards
􀂄 Debit Card
􀂄 A few blank Checks


Communication
􀂄 Pocket radio, battery/solar power
􀂄 Cell phone ... or
􀂄 Two way radio: CB, GMRS, FRS
􀂄 Spare NiCad batteries
􀂄 Solar battery charger

Bedding
􀂄 Foam pad, closed cell
􀂄 Sleeping bag
􀂄 Air pillow

Water
􀂄 Poly canteens, 1 quart
􀂄 Sierra cup
􀂄 Water purification tablets
􀂄 Water purifier & extra filters
􀂄 Water bag, nylon
􀂄 Water bag liners, plastic
􀂄 Solar still
􀂄 Rubber surgical tubing

Clean Up
􀂄 Scouring pads, soap filled
􀂄 Sanitary tablets & dunking bag
􀂄 Dish towel

Pack and Pack Frame
􀂄 Pack
􀂄 Frame
􀂄 Clevis pins
􀂄 Stuff bags
􀂄 Compression straps
􀂄 Plastic garbage bags
􀂄 Twist ties

Food
􀂄 Personal daily rations
􀂄 Energy bars, tablets
􀂄 Trail snacks

Shelter
􀂄 Tent
􀂄 Tent fly
􀂄 Tent poles
􀂄 Tent pegs
􀂄 Ground cloth
􀂄 Ultra light weight tarp
􀂄 Visk clamps
􀂄 Nylon line, 50 ft. 2 ea

Clothing
􀂄 Hiking boots
􀂄 Trail sneakers
􀂄 Socks
􀂄 Underclothing
􀂄 Thermal underwear
􀂄 Shirts, short sleeve
􀂄 Shirts, long sleeve
􀂄 Shorts, hiking
􀂄 Trousers, long
􀂄 Belt and buckle
􀂄 Sweater
􀂄 Vest
􀂄 Jacket
􀂄 Parka
􀂄 Poncho
􀂄 Gloves, leather
􀂄 Mittens, wool
􀂄 Scarf
􀂄 Balaclava
􀂄 Bandanna, large
􀂄 Hat
􀂄 Moleskins
􀂄 Swimsuit

I WON!!

I won a giveaway from Danielle at Touch the Earth Farm!!!

http://touchtheearthfarm.blogspot.com/2008/08/and-winner-is.html

http://touchtheearthfarm.com/

Jack

Sleepy Jack

Grandma's Recipes- Corn Bread

Corn Bread

1 cup sifted flour
1 cup yellow corn meal
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
5 tsp baking powder

Sift together into Bowl

Add:
1 well beaten egg
1 cup milk
1 tbsp shortening

Bake in well greased tin in 375 degree Oven for 30 minutes or till done

Garden at 81 Days

Still battling the Japenese and Cucumber Beetles

Here is Miss Sara with the first Carrot we picked

This weeks harvest

What I am watching

Lars and the Real Girl

Ryan Gosling plays the title character in this oddball comedy about a delusional young man who buys a life-size sex doll over the Internet -- and then falls in love with her. When the besotted young man starts telling people that the doll is his girlfriend, his brother and sister-in-law decide it's time to intervene in this film co-starring Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer, Kelli Garner and Paul Schneider.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It may sound dirty and riddled with sex...... But it is not. It is an unexpected lesson on love and how we should treat people.

Try it...... I think you might like it!