tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60679038742112329252024-03-12T18:01:23.904-05:00one by one by onesmall steps toward simple livingAmanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-59689299269051335282014-03-07T00:35:00.000-06:002014-03-07T00:35:05.644-06:00MissingI've been missing this.<br />
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It's been a while since I've shared anything here, but tonight, I felt like writing. Maybe it's with thanks to those of you who have checked in over the past 16 months to let me know you're thinking of my family; certainly it's helped by the gentle nudges of friends and family who ask when I'll write again. No doubt I have missed writing here and all it means for me (most especially, it means free time and energy enough to organize my thoughts, both of which are harder to come by these days). </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our days have been full and rewarding and a bit exhausting. In the hardest moments, I feel I've reached maximum capacity; four kids, two dogs, homeschooling, hockey, dance, rehearsals, teaching, attending births, keeping the house running, and keeping pace with my own expectations -- it all keeps me from having time to blog and brings me to ask some hard questions about the choices we make. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I've been hesitant to complain about how hard things can be; no one said we had to do it this way. Could it be easier? What am I missing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There are options available that, to outsiders, might seem to lighten the load a bit. But the upswing of questioning why we continue this way despite the challenges is a deeper connection to the values and ideals that brought us here in the first place. Beyond the real struggles of the daily grind is a powerful overarching sense of the real and tangible benefits these choices have brought; the closeness we share as a family, the satisfaction in a job well done, the lessons our children are learning, the never ending piles of laundry and housework... well, not that, really. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">What I'm hoping to express here is the real sentiment that yes, these days can be hard and tiring, but completely worth it. If I were to do it another way, I think that sense of satisfaction would be missing. I feel obligated to admit that it's hard, but that is not meant as a complaint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is one of my favorite times of the year; it's tapping time. It's become a tradition around here the past <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/03/sugaring.html">three</a> <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2012/03/tapping.html">years</a>, and I love the kids' genuine excitement for this work and their eagerness to help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Really, if I skipped this, what would I be missing? The work of cleaning the equipment, gathering supplies, tapping the trees; the hours of boiling down sap and the sticky, charred mess on my stove -- all for the sake of some syrup I can buy at the store or the farmers' market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But I would be missing this: seeing this little girl carrying buckets and spiles, getting caught up in her siblings' excitement. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I would be missing her first taste of sap from the tree, miss hearing her respond with a satisfied "mmm!" and excitedly saying "sap! sap!" over and over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's true; I have been missing uninterrupted sleep, a clean house, writing this blog regularly and hearing from those of you who read it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But I'm happy to say that I haven't been missing the moments of joy that are hidden in all this work. </span></div>
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Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-37118615820650942022012-11-01T11:10:00.001-05:002012-11-01T11:10:43.662-05:00for her<div style="text-align: center;">
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I must admit I was quite surprised to meet this baby and discover she was a <i>she</i>. I was convinced there was a boy rolling around in there (though, truth be told, I have been wrong every single time!). With two girls already in the house, I thought we were set for clothing this little one, until I remembered that the other girls were born in warmer seasons. I pulled out some outfits from our winter boy, and while I'm not set on the girls wear pink/boys wear blue division of things, I did feel this little lady deserved something a bit more fitting... which is how I found my way to the stacks of fabric in the sewing room and a few new pairs of pants for Hazel.<br />
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I hadn't sewn newborn clothes before, but I've clothed plenty of dolls, and since Hazel is only slightly bigger than most dolls I figured I could handle this one. I based the pattern on a pair of pants that I knew fit her and went from there.<br />
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Through most of the pregnancy, I felt my creative energy was directed elsewhere. Making "things" had taken a backseat to the making of one very small person, and so it felt very rewarding to find a creative spark and make something useful for this babe. While I was at it, I made a new diaper bag... not that it's really for her, and not that I needed any more bags, but I have enjoyed making these tote bags from <a href="http://www.supereggplant.com/?p=213">this easy tutorial</a> a friend shared a while back.<br />
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Made with a sturdy cotton duck cloth and lined with cotton, it's just the right size for a few diapers and a water bottle. I even added pockets for wipes, keys and a phone, which made me feel extra talented!
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It feels good to be making things again, and to have such a good reason to be doing it: for <i>her.</i><br />
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Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-7582532108754147782012-10-10T09:54:00.000-05:002012-10-10T09:54:10.197-05:00getting here<div style="text-align: center;">
:: spring ::</div>
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:: summer ::</div>
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:: autumn ::</div>
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:: here ::</div>
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<img height="426" src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/image/W0a3kssymub5bPs7rQMcNfAEeECAWuLWgSJLuyac18xN8CiQtlSPywmtoKug6n4_vWgJX930eKw/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" />
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Hazel Diane Holmes</div>
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October 4, 2012</div>
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Through this peaceful pregnancy that passed so quickly, through the seasons' work and play, we waited to meet this little one. With some important lessons on letting go, she made a dramatic entrance into this world, but has so smoothly found her place in this family (usually nestled in the eager arms of a big brother or sister).<br />
Welcome, sweet little girl. We're so glad you're here. <br />
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Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-27800100463968840022012-04-09T09:15:00.000-05:002012-04-09T09:15:45.501-05:00growing things<div><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/TjCfLNcSBPMk6zxi2z62*quZVmwXzUxe.XWcWnIYO%25SWFtMCNW%26IieT.4jlwJzZ/item.JPG?rot=1" width="320" height="480" /></div><br />What a warm spring we've had here in the midwest. Everything seems to be blossoming and full, and despite my reservations regarding the cause of it all, I'm happy to be spending the days outside, feeling the sun and preparing the soil for all the growing things.<br /><br />Flats of seeds are beginning to sprout under lights in our laundry room, others are already tucked into the dirt. After our mild winter, it's surprising to see all the vegetables that overwintered -- leeks, carrots and onions were pulled throughout the winter months, and the kale and celery left from last year are growing strong again.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/EE5%3DFeLLw.393qB4nXjPNTI*z%25yn6yYQAQCnjMMieqvLsnqWfL6%3DviazMHA%26Yyc/item.JPG?rot=1" width="320" height="480" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/1y2w4mbk_la-K-p9UXxu3RnU-aQ4r9XQ7XPg4gcyodzXlMn1EQwlC3QoiMeC6B5/item.JPG?rot=1" width="320" height="480" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/UdXBoSJjEB-JEHjrcOx_8ArQaS2sE2tfRLiss-f1ZgwlVq8Aj%26IU72Ok-9vJf0C/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="426" /></div><br /><br />We're seeing the first of our asparagus, which is so tempting to pick. But if I follow the rules, we have to let the plants grow one more year before harvesting. The garlic we planted last fall is now sporting tall, green tops, and the fruit trees are taking turns showing off their flowers.<br /><br />I love the excitement of this season, the planning and working and looking ahead to what good things will come from all that is starting to grow now.<br /><br />And this year, we've got one more thing growing as we get ready to welcome another sweet baby this fall.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/Od2T*NMj3_iUyPJFrQi6E%25OUalVSUMGB4TEJHkK7cRMRZWP*PdSeH7Dm.hAclo9/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="426" /><br /><br />Yes, it is exciting to be growing things.<br /><br /><div align="center"> </div></div>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-42267604414941098362012-03-20T08:26:00.000-05:002012-03-20T08:26:58.306-05:00on the farm<div align="center"> <img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/7f.u%25GAR.-GOwc0XiGVqd216_VKwU4vZjSl2%25ql877T-e%3D6EYnIo*gRfnjhEp-Y/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/rLL8WB-17whu4U%26-XYnirZg3FBxUZqcLf%3DhtsPOvF.Nez3n.pU1bTk5dlxwZmMa/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/Oa%263ovOKDqrza54.9j3%259XgmERnMqKOa31%26CT-N2s-spZXg%3D3FyxNarIitP8k6W/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/stmmKNz5QYXhK-dG29FqAHpzxJUs*UIs32EucGR24t0L-lN68NDcocY%3D-Y2Isqp/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/3aORpN-pBEwApJoYd%3DPwLzC0XPejPtL.%25%25-TNHPtu-EuvXAoOTH0xJa8GuJv1MS/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/n9W4u*HWjunaKcVCos-7rteqNYUQcFNSHTCFs83VdQ9QJ_NQIaTmRsHC.TNxhSH/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/LEPzHiVZAhRLFqLw6ugqGdwu35lIN_%26HyV687K%265w9YDMMulGMnK%3D6uw-DgL-XP/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /></div><br /><br /><br />These days at the farm, there are spring flowers blooming, faces both familiar and new, favorite chores to tend to, and the unmistakeable feel of spring.<br /><br />Happy first day of spring to you!Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-86567727845644089822012-03-14T10:48:00.000-05:002012-03-14T10:49:19.326-05:00finished<div style="font-style: normal; ">The syrup season has come to a close this year. The early warmth has the leaves ready to unfold on our silver maples, and so the sap has stopped dripping, the taps have been pulled and the last of the syrup has been finished.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">But before we put it all away for the year, we hosted our first sugaring party. The boys were up early, splitting wood and keeping the fire going strong under the sap boiling outside. Friends came to join the fun, bringing plates of food to go alongside the piles of freshly flipped pancakes.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">Together, we emptied the last of the buckets, tasted the sap as it thickened on the stove, and drenched our plates with homegrown syrup. In a side-by-side taste test with a jar from the farmer's market, t<span style="font-size: 100%; ">he kids all declared our syrup the winner</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">.</span></div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/pP6sRNCXXLH1Hxsbbs%25h7cE2dFfIB%26_vFwDFASVD%26N.KkSwv%26*KrX0SMT*ynI%3Dj/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/GTIL0qlJWD%25Yc8ze%3DrNI_Y7%25gMs7g*IWusZRrRvIFh*SzkPeUIxn.8JCx.%26a%3D7M/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/QG%26zPUpWgEZTWOMwAkcDslPMkmO7GpXaIk7Ppl52-h3GNYv5hdtwkeFn%3DK2*Bv8/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/a6*%3DAVzhorQOU*aZNs53b5DCNn5rs43KOJvO8Mp5lm085CGr69d9-hmzLU%259bFg/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/g5-YvJ9CUwDBC*x6dzpOM5M-j%25YE%26PXjjWYIA.8xQW4ZKt4_Fx6oFGrRU%269q_QU/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /></div><br />This year, we purchased a proper evaporating pan for finishing the syrup on the stove. It made the final boildown a much quicker process. We finished two batches of syrup this season. Number one:</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/LZXPzSER_LXbb08GF9zkAgZoMlJSKJrGzY%25I4JLdQxw9n.iFxyUNJE6h%25x1._v*/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><br />And number two:<br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/7_kWsnIu_doqh-*FHhc%25tiQP%3Dqjg%3DMG.XNtdes9.arNTLvqfqWhZxy%26YyV8tHco/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Despite the extra taps this year, we ended up with just about the same amount of syrup as last year. To get a good sap run, you need nights below freezing and days above. Too many warm nights meant too little sap. </div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">For us, it's enough, really. We'll have plenty to get through another year's worth of breakfasts and baking. We might even have a little extra to give away, just not as much as we had hoped to share. </div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">And on those mornings when we top our breakfasts with the sweet stuff, we'll surely be remembering the joy of our first sugaring party, feeling gratitude for the way the whole syrup-making process pulls us out of winter, and looking ahead to the many sweetnesses next year's sugaring season will bring.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/O%3DdgkRMJvTpTo0RaPDJVs-ljzUoEXNg-gLq0rWXw67sxI%26ItMF-tSoa%3D7BiLMwB/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-66346018227230718422012-03-01T14:21:00.000-06:002012-03-01T14:22:00.725-06:00tappingThough it hardly feels like winter even happened, all signs are pointing toward spring these days. It isn't marked by green sprouts yet, or the return of favorite birds, or the unfurling of leaf buds. Around here, the coming of spring is now marked by running sap.<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/tImUB8%25tmR%26I.oW6W2DGMkxBYM6YFOnXaG-lveg_ZrN0GmSYwF6q*rtgq5J.XTH/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/xey_mHi%25RYPVC5%26IH*fBDGmBPluBjaqbbtMT2ZiF7lxs.XL6S3_PgJd5Y9qQ%3D6i/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/N3DYERoZLP9yxM%268jU%25EiDzg%25n_p.h6mTgJvZN%26hUJcbZycmUxanhSZCCF0mkoh/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/l49zhuFw5IvLX370OG_Q_Vk3O16.4F%25VIMB.7-goxFUVTHbmuY7k5XpxO54h0%26i/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /></div><br /><br />With tools in hand and all the new spiles and buckets that came my way this Christmas, we more than tripled the number of taps we had <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/03/sugaring.html">last year</a>. While I knew this would mean more sap, I don't think I was quite prepared for how fast those buckets would fill! Aided by the warm weather, we've gathered more than 70 quarts of sap since we tapped on Sunday and have already begun boiling it down.<br /><br />The kids are excited to help with this work, eager to check the buckets each day and taste the clear, running sap straight from the trees.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/9%3DbjSqsdFGhIin-PJpmaudrBY2RN2Re.A17tJE9j3B.G%25l4P_FRU1yPVY3%26N.82/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/BUuKz6*JaD-2CE2cBONyk%26Vr_sRLQjbhJVE4POd*q9lrTWsEeTu1Azi6AveN7bo/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Already the smell of the cooking sap has turned heavy and sweet, a good sign of what's to come, and a contributing factor to the sweet tooth we all have going on today. I think I just might go bake some cookies, to hold us over until there's syrup for tasting!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-45708238242490214582012-02-05T08:24:00.005-06:002012-02-05T09:00:09.949-06:00a good morningWith thanks to a rotating cast of characters last night, I didn't get much sleep past 3 a.m. Sometime around 5 this morning, I moved from the bed full of little hands and legs down to the couch in an attempt to get more rest. I was soon joined by Charlotte, who has an uncanny ability to sense when I have left the bed, and shortly after her arrival, the <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2012/01/puppy-love.html">littlest member </a>of the household was ready to get up.<br /><br />Putting on my best morning attitude (which can be quite a feat, I assure you) I tried to enjoy watching the growing light in the sky, the happy playfulness of both pup and toddler. We're having people over for the game today, so I thought I'd get a head start on the last minute cleaning to be done. Puppy into kennel, toddler at my side, I headed into the bathroom to scrub, tired as I was. That's when the toddler scampered off to release the puppy who took advantage of an unguarded moment to go potty all over the floor I had already cleaned.<br /><br />Really? All this before 6:30 a.m.?<br /><br />Desperate to save the morning, I went in search of a pick me up, something to turn this morning around. And that's when I found the recipe for these:<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/J%3DeI%3D%3DF8D72j42VUQy%25YPr%25M2vu%25Qok%3D9fDvlEszem5Df2bXxTrR%3DRd%25xZb2Sge/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><em>Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Scones from <a href="http://chocolateandcarrots.com/2011/01/whole-wheat-lemon-blueberry-scones">chocolate and carrots</a>.</em><br /><br />These are the most incredible scones I have ever made. I'm a bit jealous that the recipe isn't my own, but with a grateful nod to the <a href="http://chocolateandcarrots.com/">original poster</a>, I am sharing this find with you.<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><u>Whole Wheat Lemon Blueberry Scones<br /></u></div><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/UiQCzgQa%26*%3D9.PzOhTjnDAW9KATcmNe2pmE7xqc40Gk%3D4*VdPzuWY2qgrAIx-k3/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Ingredients<br /><br />1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour<br />1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />1 Tbsp. baking powder<br />3 Tbsp. raw sugar (plus more to sprinkle on top)<br />1/8 tsp. salt<br />5 Tbsp. cold butter, cut into small pieces<br />zest of 1 lemon<br />1 cup blueberries<br />1/2 cup plain yogurt<br />1/2 cup milk<br /><br />Preheat oven to 425. Combine dry ingredients and mix well. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or knife until evenly distributed. Gently stir in zest and blueberries. Add milk and yogurt, mixing until the dough is thick enough to knead with your hands. On a lightly floured board, press the dough into an 8" circle. Cut into 8 pieces and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/nJ7jPdhzCHUkGwD2OEJEvLFwrDHLNy%3D1MW1%25Mlo_Ge5L.*3HW7b-MtPmt4gFo4A/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/a9AdXAi--O_l8kGvTq23kGZhIiDKNeBQNCOMAeJ2pj6qlyzu2IZ%3DVF-UXp*L4v7/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /></div><br /><br />These scones were quick to make, quick to cook, and with all whole wheat flour and yogurt, you could even call them good for you.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/IXv8vO1rn9muH092XCkV_GFWj%3DWhyoaH%3DFQ8LecbRcMBwPdGTP4kIC4Df5F5nPc/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />And they were just what was needed to make this morning a <em>good</em> morning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-90481959836613955082012-01-31T15:10:00.000-06:002012-01-31T15:10:18.562-06:00healthy homemade chipsIt's been a while since I've shared any recipes here, so how about a two-for-one? Today, I bring you some tasty snacks that are well loved by kids, and since they involve vegetables, they make this mama pretty happy, too. <br /><br />The first up: Seaweed Chips. The kids beg for these on a regular basis and love helping to make these quick, tasty snacks.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/Air884k0%3Dm*c%25o5p1yfNOBlt3V2rxrOsEs_zb7Q%25P.yNZ.zU6ZnVHFjhvXkzgoi/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640"height="428" ><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />Nori sheets (used to wrap sushi)<br />Sesame seed oil<br />Salt<br /><br />Heat a cast iron skillet (or pan of your choice) over medium heat. Lightly brush one side of a sheet of nori with oil. Sprinkle with salt and lay oil side down in pan. Brush the top side with oil, salt and turn the nori over. Thirty seconds a side should result in lightly toasted nori, but you can adjust the time depending on your pan and the level of heat. Break the crisps into pieces and enjoy!<br /><br />Next in line: Baked Sweet Potato Chips<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/kJyrCnNgH.wxwV3X%3DF45DA%3Da.w%3Dc-t%3D.tAj%3DbbA_E_ZV%25*ani%25Yg_5%26BwmxQex8/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640"height="428" ><br /><br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />2 sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced<br />2 Tbsp. olive oil<br />salt<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400. Place oil and potato slices in a covered dish and toss to coat lightly (you may want to work in batches depending on how large the potatoes or how small the dish). Arrange potatoes on one or more cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes a side. Let cool and dig in!<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/2R%3Db99%3DPtB6%3Do.cpKT16zoAoRV5jm%26S-s%256rX09xtF_oxuPdO%25MsvfBuU7q4YKq/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640"height="428" ><br /><br />And for a little more snack inspiration... remember the <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/03/snack-time.html">kale chips</a> I shared before? Try sprinkling them with nutritional yeast (as though they needed to be any better for you!) and garlic powder before baking, then top with parmesan cheese once they're done. It's worth it. I promise.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/IF15ljiycBj-CuInvTlcDXPzNcJkqN2dusRF*-a9hBHBbWAYJObaKW_SEe3VoZH/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640"height="428" ><br /><br />So there you have it. Give 'em a try and let me know what you think. If you have any favorite healthy snack recipes to share, please pass them along! We're always looking for new snacks to enjoy.<br /><br />Happy snacking!Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-58383839272547416322012-01-23T21:09:00.005-06:002012-01-23T23:03:52.660-06:00puppy loveThere's someone we'd like you to meet...<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/n4XRFzsEaAD3MLcMISih1mAOUOCDNaC.Ne7kCxvlkSOgu9n3OGUBtvO%3DB2PIGnY/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Hello, Lincoln.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/H8xYHxdTR-uzvts%25M%3DVsmJ-Qr%3DkUukIN1Kv.I54aZ9j*vK%260bx8L%3Dy%26l3_BCH4S/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />I wasn't sure about a new puppy. I love dogs, I do, but puppies are work. Nipping, yapping, peeing, toy-chewing, wake-you-in-the-middle-of-the-night work. Several of those issues are already well tended to in this house. And really, I didn't think I was ready to open up to another dog. The <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/06/saying-goodbye.html">last one's farewell </a>is still a bit tender for me. But things have a funny way of working out.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/EbugmU4ZDt*SweWhMM630TFQxLG*9Q*1k7%26XWwL95XQBf75GS2eW%25n%269FyDEmd8/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />One evening, I saw a lovely german shepherd in the background of a news clip, a dog pretty enough to send me back to the pet adoption sites I've tried to avoid. We knew we wanted to adopt our next dog, preferably as a young dog, and hopefully with a bit of shepherd in him. I searched, and there he was.<br /><br />His mama was a shy white shepherd, rescued from a bad breeder by the fantastic <a href="http://www.echodogs.org/">Echo Dogs White Shepherd Rescue.</a> Echo Dogs is a nationwide, volunteer run, not-for-profit organization that does an incredible job caring for and placing these beautiful animals. There aren't enough superlatives to express how thoroughly impressed we were with this group and its volunteers at every step of the adoption process.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/KgPuQ.fl9dnya_%3DkNls-JRgGDPGngTzsz7l1V1FPzRj.ai5Oqe_7ynWyZ7CQeaZ/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />On that Wednesday evening, I sent out a hopeful e-mail to inquire about these pups, not knowing where in the country they were or if they were still available. That night, I received a response and a link to the application, which I immediately filled out. Bright and early the next morning, a call came in from New Hampshire to follow up on our application. There were still pups in need of homes, and they were a mere 30 minutes south of us! Families were flying in from far away places to adopt these dogs, but all we had to do was hop in the car.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/hLQF4-bJxBMZ8S_SVlyDJg8EigQzjY4flqP%25VzDwTrNJcorMiMUsYdLJqvAJtVG/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />By noon, the representative had spoken with our vet and our three personal references. Less than 24 hours after submitting our application, another volunteer from Echo Dogs was in our living room, carrying out the home visit required for adoption approval. The next morning, we met our pup.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/uFw7%3D9Xu_sayqpZ2GPo5.1RxQjw1i%3Dmkhfr.1MhlLASmqH%3DSK9K9aptFyh3D-zg/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />Everything came together so smoothly it's easy to believe this was meant to be. Everyone is adjusting here. The pup is settling in, the children are ecstatic, Matt and I are taking turns tending to the pup's middle of the night needs. As for Mickey, our lab, well she might just be the happiest of all.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/zci8wmQhb2d93%25hR9q3u6jRhNAQIDP5uoE04YFIU2RSy9AuqnnhO9vSBFcIGg9x/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/79gSHJhE*JRG6ULvGF7wGS6Tn%3DHUp26qACJYXKvX55CBI89vDqa%25BA%258EZb%25BZm/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Ah, puppy love!Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-32861142683456130402011-12-29T15:47:00.000-06:002011-12-29T15:47:42.019-06:00joyful<div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/EiQRv54qv7rsQeKDRFUlNPCPK%3DFD.%25p6P%26OnH%3DOvHwPYBMV.hvbLV_Tx6aGxcw5/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/VzJTUis4EBWixF%26U1Ghw_RSEF6u%3Du_%26GIVYsNxtZ_mLLwdAS72.M_OLuQCPe%3Da6/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321"height="480" ></div><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/i3ixMkzKZyQoexS123tXLizif01%26.OOH5oF*UJ_krAHqveuRPUkgpOyRgg7OHW_/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/kWwhezAdG53Ciu*zP_B.Y_Uajq5%25u8twEMq_52*RZQ9tcK0L2jv*E1nBX4pDX3V/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/A9Z9zEiS09aSzYKK.LADBoADHN.lmUeV41srM3_iVeU02D*w%26U0G0*Dl%25YQuujo/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /></div><br /><br /><br />A little late, but sincere as ever... Here's hoping your celebrations this season, whatever they may be, have been full of joy, warmth and light.<br /><br />I'll share more soon, but for now, I'm returning to my spot buried under blankets on the couch, waiting out this nasty virus that's got me down.<br /><br />Here's to a happy, healthy start of the new year!Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-10919652183347073812011-12-21T12:44:00.000-06:002011-12-21T12:44:55.888-06:00in the making<div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/%254wTuBR24JNlPZWejPYp8v%3D53sG-JbB8fX.%3DZY3Fhdv.0uUiY0Nc2Z_%25tJ4RUga/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321"height="480" ><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/ryIpLOpD.s0RQCj%3DFFAUUk%3DKQBOwduIiW5qWuvnFDliCkhZPBnmffl9qEwsZBxk/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/1QSn3NmBLZ6GPtb.KZ2AXQqcZK0w*5ZUFyj3NH_Re3v9CKiEU9Qpm%26t*x%3DFJegz/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/osXNINSKOdTM_gbQJ8tulGev9rjWiDBdUmpTE%3D6ddJ9uj7hAc-%265wDwjcF-CNu0/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/25f-hdrWn%3DGyrn*oThZg8NszC8Ac5ZLnM%3DUtZNPk%26tFgP18ldeN*V6mx3ZHx%3Dwe/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/-2EBMaBe%26%25zXJ%3DZK0Z7NABdqe8Md.%25%3DTAA1__b69Vdtq-3.N%3DwHXO4q%3DazVg4Ir/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/.THxdu-pdrDQWZtMVa.MIQ%25jJK.2gKPWPt_MvVslx7dL9Y7H%3Da_G_CEdtTD6mWC/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/eDhNVHzpEVR%25-mlxPDBCOd4g9_kr9D6qABs07Ao.EXIaCycKO6%3D0UTlDGx4.6ak/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/v9R7ehLmXmnp%25ajfe89GegmU9A%25Z%26t2LeAUP2u%25qCoov5Q7X1KUR9KRL3RDoRmh/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/YQYE%3Dv6GiRjobIidjdM7wRCdhprHM_HO%3DE1v%25HBk3w.Etr1VObTSrnpS6Qb*xcs/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /></div><br /><br />Strands of lights... pencils, paper and glue... yarn and needles... dough and batter... pots of stock and plates of muffins... gathered odds and ends... fabric, thread, ribbon and a whole lot of imagination are all busy in the making of these days. <br /><br /><br /><div align="center">What's in the making for you?<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/hc4.ZMFLa%25Hgm%26%3D1we2MXfrzV-r2cfchDFQc%25WCh%3DxokW24%26J718JQ14GmkHG0y/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321"height="480" ></div>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-87718818744611520812011-12-13T08:39:00.000-06:002011-12-13T08:39:46.396-06:00homemade ornaments<img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/m%266tImHq4ZyAkb*glcsaulROfxBkX%25MufterhU8I_w0XjJQ-xr_Az%3DD9C.Vy9Be/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />These lovely little ornaments are one of our favorite holiday crafts. Using homemade playdough, cookie cutters and presses the kids create simple ornaments to give as gifts and add to our tree.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/NDHL0bCnUM3r3wxPWJiL2SQx7okJTQ7T2klPHhMTj_ZzTOmQ%25%26_%3D8Wno7FNI39m/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><u>Play Dough Recipe<br /></u><br />2 cups flour<br />1 cup salt<br />1 Tbsp cream of tartar<br />2 cups warm water<br />2 Tbsp oil<br />food coloring</div><br /><br />Combine the dry ingredients and place in a heavy pot. Mix the water and oil together before pouring into the flour mix. Whisk to combine and heat over medium-low heat, stirring as the mixture thickens. In a few minutes, you will have playdough! Press a bit between your fingers to test the consistency. If it's still too sticky, stir and cook a little longer. Separate into as many pieces as colors you want to make. Roll the dough into a ball, make a well in the middle, add your food coloring and knead the color into the dough.<br /><br />Once you have your dough colored, you can get to work rolling out the dough and cutting the shapes. Using a small point (such as a toothpick) make a hole for stringing the finished ornament.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/Cix40iT1p*35cknOEK4IwKO2_By2xM%26DC%251QZ9NHw2BxxACvAK_nGYWr8eXCj4e/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/EhHIQmbsp1kpswcGWX9IBwa8DX%26k%25ve9J53U%3D9iHHkGp4cyWGU01AG05.*EwuYv/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/*%3DSbY0x2O3%25HtZzn5Fdk%256%25A1nHzcrvlPaLVuNoMW*AaLCc%26%25%25O3ad%3DW%3DvinZlH/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 300 degrees for one hour. When the ornaments are cool, you can decorate with glue, glitter, paint, ribbon and more.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/EQEii2ciEA4dEi-Muriev4AXE-XUnlMItdVepEri8qT-z57Cs85.exWn0SAUFud/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/0UTV0p6daoh%3DHcMnFZqW32X2ny3atV3JhJkPENuWNosB7HHCNORaBNRrD5SNjVI/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Once dry, they're ready to add to your holiday cheer!<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/GEaHMoJF%3DRbwFIETcSYf8.C8UI8R5iNSAWWmy-a3E.UaZB.AomaM30vwF.2BTMY/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" />Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-72309017487475959552011-12-09T15:31:00.000-06:002011-12-09T15:31:53.649-06:00back at itWell, hello there. A few weeks go by and, what do you know, it looks like the holidays are upon us! <br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/ZvyUOVM**r%25_u0%3D2GlCU*3LIAp3UKWywL9IR-hy1P1CiF6vY%3D%25Y3uHI4njZ.9HX/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640 height="428" /><br /><br />We've been enjoying plenty of holiday celebrations these days, with parties and holiday faires all around. The winter festival at the farm is perhaps my most favorite of all... warm meals cooked in the farmhouse, woodsmoke in the air, Father Christmas at the cabin. This year's celebration was even more enjoyable as the kids and I were invited to join in the fun -- authentic period costumes and all.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/u1TZb1fRICJGlRlDBpjjsc.3._NP%26HwiWy3jCm29ax-IOrnpkAPAHbepGQo4OlL/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />Daniel's post was at the wood workshop in the upper barn, helping demonstrate the old fashioned toys made by a talented woodworker at the farm.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/*5sZyTgB%25Af1j3RZu8%26FFTRfYpkdwj4l%3DTPjMLc%3D9f5ocAFB8_8t1q.L90XQfG./item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/ndl5s29HWezUqlnFcH5bUiXda-lRJxTxZoxujAs0jmJXPUF.DSQnwGNo*1hN4ka/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Sophia and I were in the farmhouse, where the kitchen was full of busy hands making a traditional Christmas dinner. In the parlor, carols were being played on a pump organ (Sophia and Daniel even played a few) and the tree was being decorated with ornaments and strings of popcorn garland. <br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/IUwnfRTIPQp-rCLDbOJUGLV8QFs.nNneys-a01U*CMP7ferEhARbewTsDeQ3f%26%25/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/AtDqNfGyy*4hb*Coych%3Dx%3DRCfmJ4OqULR7gb9r.N9.0*votVzMxN%3Dzf5ia*usDe/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />When the work was done and the visitors gone, we all settled in to share the warmth of the farmhouse and the results of all that busyness in the kitchen. Really, it was the culmination of a good year in many ways. Among the dishes served were leeks fresh from the farm garden, pork roast from the autumn's butchering, apple cider pressed from the apples we picked together on a cold, rainy fall day. Around all that was the comfort of the friendships that have grown in this place.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/3MyKmeBAfE.weZg.x%3Dh-eEbIbOcq4v0.Y2-Rhk6IR%25b%3DF9hRFxXzV5JTH33PjLK/item.JPG?rot=0" width="640" height="404" /><br /><br />This season is full of so many reasons for celebration and reminders of gratitude. I'm looking forward to sharing more of them with you here in the coming weeks!Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-59280908476035337902011-11-14T23:18:00.006-06:002011-11-15T08:29:44.777-06:00in search of stillness<div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/3Z6FJ7Iai.%26jME_f7MuGxXGsrNUeytEb%3DP*PUa3QmRutJ.%3DT2GEznsrbcIHEIE%25/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />It's been quiet over here on the blog, and I've been seeking a bit of the same in our day to day lives.<br /><br />Oh, but that is hard to find in the daily grind, moving from laundry and cooking and cleaning to classes and appointments and obligations. I've been longing for some stillness amidst the trying two-year-old (any advice on weathering tantrums would be so gladly received; I swear the first two kids were never this challenging!) and the growing list of things to be done before the snow sticks. And just as my youngest child is challenging me in new ways, I am finding parenting in general to be a bit more demanding.<br /><br />I can usually find space to rejuvenate among the constancy of young children, but then again, I've never been at this for so long before. Each day feels like a new effort in finding peace in the moments. I've had the desire lately to be without the kids for an extended time, something I've never had or felt before, and something that isn't likely to happen anytime soon. (Oh, I almost feel like a bad mom for admitting it, but we all need a break sometime, don't we?) Instead, I am working at remembering <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/08/simple-reminders.html">what I know </a>about slowing down, letting go and creating the moments of serenity I crave.<br /><br />As we drove through the woods on our way home from today's field trip, the children, who had been quiet in the back seat, suddenly asked for me to turn the car. Turn the car! And so we found ourselves with a much needed break from the demands of the day and an open expanse of stillness and beauty to enjoy. The children must have needed it as much as I did.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/BUPlRCpF7r*Wur6M..zpZ28KKrucEJVwvcF%25Q_J7en.3NnX3-KL6K0p-2M_bnh%25/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321"height="480" ><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/ThAyS5Z%25QUpDtA*FfnduqmvtaHrd*xJZmll12McE9HE%25TuQQDBz7bToxpccAhHh/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/rJHCRXhX0Is0zhMrUfUDDD2%25kuUFqBJX8G4DB5-159uz-1c8Hhq12T%260uVHXQhe/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640"height="428" ><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/6t7T.k_RPD3R%3DppE*CBDbJatDjJ3gvFq-62NWPTEAU1T.iRVwRo07v4lawF810*/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640"height="428" ><br /><br /><br />I know so many of you feel the busyness of these days, whether it be with young children or demanding jobs or both (and more). How is it that you find stillness in your days? <br /><br />However it may be, I hope you're finding all that you need...Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-19147948195919780052011-11-05T10:29:00.000-05:002011-11-05T10:30:09.148-05:00in tributeFor a while now, I've been meaning to write an update on our sweet chickens.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/.rIPJSieEctG-sWsue75%3D5m*gp%256dV06uPRrNNdu-Z7X%26pZ_Aud7Gk0HQrzE9jE/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />The post I planned to write would tell you of the place these birds have occupied in my family's hearts; how each morning, they would greet us with their sweet cluck-clucks as we let them out into the yard and brought them their breakfas; how they would perch on the deck at dusk, waiting for us to carry them back to their coop and tuck them in safely for the night.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/*WrwmDm9BCCW16*8nM7*V5VICShI3yrz2e6GqEDezmUSiGi_9OHextGnG%25HRE%265/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />You would hear of how the chickens tapped their beaks at the back door when they wanted us to come out to play and would eagerly follow us about the yard, especially interested in any digging that took place in the garden, happily eating worms and seeds out of our hands.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/MyMXoQCUI_HzuSTd9yfQbX3uB%26RXzRV.hsLCh5Yc_p%26O7.Mxh00q-Wca.XtI%26Ah/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/6_*43%26KDOvip3YbD-Z%3DZB25k3-yiKABWD%3D%25C%26OjSO-HhBlOt4jS_vuotQxy%25Xoq/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/GGVAV4bIv9ONw6tx%25Va6bx-cjE7piThGJKyICd7qWECui9MSOPOEizHNV-Vi-zw/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />It turned out that of our five hatchlings, three were roosters. We held on to them as long as we could, but eventually they became too noisy for our suburban lot (though the neighbors swore they loved the sounds). Oh, but those roosters did their jobs, keeping their hens safe and letting out a distinct "bawk-bawk-bawk-bakawk" that signalled the presence of the hawk who would sometimes swoop down on them. The language of chickens is compelling. I never imagined they would be so complex, have so much personality or become so dear to us.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/LQCJ%25MU%25V%25%26gU%3Dvu2fCY1wMMKQXk1FjGcwH%3DyYF.pPcIz4fkMy1%25sy5625BB%3Dli/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Recently, the hens started laying -- the most perfect, tiny brown eggs you ever saw.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/R8-yBBtQZR6tpc5kGh_4QeXxIRQdxjg77K_ANi62nRfzyt8DYDIS-njt%255%3DLmkT/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/AAnXtAzEH.6YE%25Aa3azBal_x%3DqZaFoL-%25YcGW35xK5.qbW6xYIGgyRG9Ii3L_3W/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />It was almost like Easter in our yard each day, as the hens were a bit confused about where to lay.We'd search them out, sometimes finding eggs on the ground just outside the coop, sometimes on the side of the garage, even in the shed. One was laid on our front porch. The larger hen had the habit of disappearing, going off on adventures to lay her eggs where we would not find them. We took to calling her Louise (like the main character in <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Adventures-Chicken-Kate-Dicamillo/dp/B002EQ9LSA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320469248&sr=1-1">Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken</a></u>). Naturally, the other hen became Thelma, though the children preferred the names Henny and Henny Penny.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/gWtGPOWPOA2wZWSNF7EriV736ZCXPHORsRWCCmUx4qNJhsrqFuw1VV5Cw5lcjcG/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />But this post is not the one I wanted to write about our chickens. This post has a different ending. We returned home the other night to be greeted by our neighbor, who sweetly told us (out of earshot of the kiddos) how she ran out of her house and tried to stop it. She did her best to save our hens, but that hawk was swift and successful. In our front yard we found Louise, there but no longer with us. Thelma is nowhere to be found, having either run off in fear or been carried off by the hawk.<br /><br />It all made me feel so humbled. I feel as though I failed these birds, who required so little of us but brought us so much in return. For some reason, the roosters meeting their end at our hands didn't bother me, but failing to protect the sweet hens seems an unforgivable error.<br /><br />There will be more chickens, I am sure. We will likely wait until the spring and try it all again, hopefully with a bit more wisdom and experience gained along the way. But these birds -- the first birds we hatched and raised and fell in love with -- will always have a special place in our hearts.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/KtvRn__jm_qpQSYC8KUSvHnuNK%26Vo%26DXXY3Q0x4cnxvKxa_hEy%26nuPBhz*u12wE/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" />Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-70227759293946590012011-10-30T10:09:00.003-05:002011-10-30T11:03:34.493-05:00in the spirit<img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/09GhIvnBOeIcLhpUPnx0665KvX4OyC5.zbKpmOczoSS7CBIn9%25stKbU%3DtT9Wd7j/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><div align="center"><em>blueberry jack o'lantern <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/01/favorite-breakfast.html">pancakes</a></em></div><br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/D4gq8AZo27*iZw9-OT452LKpm%25drZJOa9Z5GMmvsIhhC4yJN%3D%26RKX3Rzl.CSzmO/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><div align="center"><em>hand-made decorations</em></div><br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/wwX*7Csz8FzNHJM%3Dhksv01CWk%26oBi50.53-bhr5MZBlPcqXMnXx0b2%25GvK6tdsN/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/kvYjWJ-YS5gd%3DzOdIjRvNb7Ji3CKpX%3D%3DLW_KM5Kx_j-nJn%26aLPIaPN8UkCN*w%3D2/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><div align="center"><em>carving pumpkins</em></div><br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/kP7U0u5iDBUnP1PrzyK_mMlLYTfTONu9X2-TT5sL7I.aGjDjVF4aI_ye4JEeHZ3/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Happy Halloween!</em></div>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-13314757380975041852011-10-27T09:47:00.000-05:002011-10-27T09:47:00.157-05:00apple muffinsThree times we've picked apples this fall, and there's not a decent photo to show for it. How did that happen? But, for our efforts, I do have this tasty muffin recipe to share.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/5EZUOnrVp*2K*WAGwkWH-0O6nCtnvtQ%3D-ZMy6rxEupClvsuD.yfADkIbv8HQfJf/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><u>Apple Muffins</u><br /><br />1 cup whole wheat pastry flour<br />1 cup all purpose flour<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1 tsp. cinnamon<br />3 tsp. baking powder<br />1 cup plain yogurt<br />2 Tbsp. vegetable oil<br />1 egg<br />1/2 cup applesauce<br />1 apple, peeled and diced<br /><br />Topping<br /><br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />2 Tbsp. flour<br />3 Tbsp. oats<br />pinch of salt<br />1-2 Tbsp. butter, softened</div><br /><br />In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients, mixing well. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just mixed. Fold in diced apple. In a small bowl, make the topping by mixing the dry ingredients and cutting in the butter until the mixture is coarse crumbles. Pour the batter into greased muffin tins. Sprinkle with topping and bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/nJatOvTThauPy%3DrdGv7%25BGn_u5BysuIAc1dxpTKSu1Zgai7JCeGtPsa6kVx9uEh/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />The rest of the apples have been turned into jars of <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2010/11/all-work-we-do.html">applesauce</a> and have made for perfect snacks for autumn walks in the woods.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/%26XxO*pKTXgZALsswCYPMHOr6Dig07alxkGsr*qYHvX%257825Zs%3DI.5xnplbwhLYz/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640"height="428" >Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-23513783026120100942011-10-19T11:09:00.000-05:002011-10-19T11:10:05.861-05:00soup's onOne of the things I most enjoy this time of year is the opportunity for soup to take center stage at mealtimes. Oh, soup, usually relegated to a small role, pre-meal. It comes into its own on crisp fall days. This hearty soup makes the meal, served up with some warm bread and a fresh salad.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/ZZE4t6iMxqtv2W%3D7y7JyrCyqUoyeMMw%26iOXhM3Dc%3DG9on8PXCqqR.IsjNbThRA*/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><u>Barley Lentil Soup<br /><br /></u>1 Tbsp. Olive oil<br />1 large onion, chopped<br />3 large carrots, chopped<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />2 1/2 tsp. cumin<br />10 cups chicken or vegetable broth<br />2/3 cups barley<br />2 cups fresh diced tomatoes with juice (or one 15 oz. can diced tomatoes)<br />2/3 cups lentils (yellow or green)<br />1/2 bunch chopped Swiss chard</div><br /><br />Saute onions and carrots in olive oil until onions are golden. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Sprinkle in cumin. Add broth and barley; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes. Add tomatoes and lentils, cover and simmer until barley and lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Add chard to soup, simmering 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Depending how much broth has been absorbed, you may want to add a bit more. Serve topped with parmesan cheese.<br /><br />A little bit of warmth for these cool, autumn evenings!Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-73669263375565530252011-10-16T09:08:00.000-05:002011-10-16T09:08:35.633-05:00signs of the seasonThese days, I find myself warming to the thought of autumn more than I expected I would. Summer seemed to fly right by, with so many things done and what seemed a good deal of others fallen by the wayside. I felt a sort of urgency to hold on to what remained of the energy of that season, as if I could steady the slowing down of the season to come. I must have forgotten how fall helps me to find my place, how the quiet and introspection bring me back to where I am most at ease, how in the slowness, we find our rhythm. With the traditions that mark this time of year, it is all falling into place.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/4QdTxK7TtmQweLt2Q9%3D-Q2Z5cK19UPT4mP-XsPkH*-DbI%26z6KW2TCqJhjQ*yA4I/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/-nOHJcU4.sOVxwn1HM3bMSjDHyXJMsERwPT2RtGqOXCbzc*to_5U%26EU66QCGsd3/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/2my0F4Ywv%3DAWMLy_LCzR46LJYpTId%3DTLDKr%3DcO2r0%3Do.ICx_yWh7J6jXBbP7xOu/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/U*Yq5f-dTckZnsp_FxjSQkYyBR*Ju%25f.keX4M5dbQ%266X9lY%3Dnx.vhxHWfYeypF8/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/_W.FGxG%25kuGngAty7zO%2655hbWa0jN%26-S3jtIX6OYhFU%26LK-wqn*SZVxaT-SvT9S/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><em>pictures from the farm's harvest festival</em><br /><br />At the farm, in our garden, in the woods and in our home, the changes of the season are abundant. Slower days, pots of soup, apples and pumpkins and cups of tea... <em>What are the signs of the season in your days?</em><br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/8zcuYS%26Zouu44O5I3GlegxU%26hNJwT3Z_GrfhvrV0v5yu4VkV%25Nh7zHczop%3D-6sf/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" />Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-28053919998144531312011-10-05T10:53:00.000-05:002011-10-05T10:53:24.759-05:00indian summer<div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/wCfvr._TOmOCoMboIFmTknJldu%26uOIrwxPmZ.Cdz4EvuAl.O9NjuEIozywzdLaK/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />Here's a fun project for those warm autumn days that call us out among the changing leaves. The kids love these fun streamer toys, especially since they are quick and easy to make and bring hours of enjoyment. They're simple enough for children and beginning sewers to create and small enough to use up scraps of your favorite fabric!<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/GSnNnOKDu4CY4BmNtlN%25y.awOf.wlv4T30bhkQN4BJ4goGU%3DLJvdRvno4Q4olPl/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640"height="428" ><br /><br />You will need:<br /><ul><br /><li>Fabric</li><br /><li>Three lengths of ribbon, about 12" each</li><br /><li>Scissors, needle and thread</li><br /><li>Pen or pencil</li><br /><li>Funnel</li><br /><li>Rice or beans to fill the ball</li></ul><br /><br />Begin by selecting and preparing the fabric for cutting.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/KpcRPy8ms%3DA154vj4aniZk-.8IrS6pgMAjhIwc%26f1cr6FurHt437zoe7Lt4%3D8mU/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Fold your fabric in half and trace a circle on the wrong side of the fabric. You can use a jar lid or any other sized circle as a guide (unless you are better than I am at drawing circles freehand!). Cut out your circles.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/G2*AJ5foNUMTZr-6BoUlvfB_Q%3DxcEoma%25B4bNulPL8EHczFOInl_o8bwupVfIVj/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />Stitching by hand or machine, sew the edges of the circles together, right-sides facing, leaving a space large enough to turn your work right-side out.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/tJbwImDUSnvwIilrmeL%3D%3DT1PBFe*RXH*MeObIcbHSgsVOOEETLqVtrsK8N3%3DRSO/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Turn your work right-side out. Using a funnel, fill your bag with rice or beans.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/SId3%3Da25ulCKd_RIVJwB%26S4dR*WEscrmyL3nB2.APoNApjX5INioBDYdCHC3mkd/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />Cut your ribbons and place them inside the opening in your ball. Fold the fabric of the opening in and pin the ribbons and fabric in place.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/Txc3JmNfC9fkM-8B0%3Dz25pHDdM1L2SF9tlECR*VMpsN-rfGY4J0J_S8PP2n%25Nnu/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />Sew the ribbons securely in place, making sure to catch both sides of the fabric to seal the opening. A few extra stitches here will ensure the rice stays inside the ball!<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/nOlZOLiFtzPfhs_GQ%26%3D6x0BJc5pu%3Di_Ow099%3DNXF27Q-i%3Db9%25MO2ctqIdW8pvEm/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />It's done! Swing it by the ribbon tails and watch it fly...<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg3mFs_Sc4g/Tox7xsOY7ZI/AAAAAAAABCs/N5MgajuiSrk/s1600/streamer%2Bball.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 268px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660034925313191314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg3mFs_Sc4g/Tox7xsOY7ZI/AAAAAAAABCs/N5MgajuiSrk/s400/streamer%2Bball.jpg" /></a></div>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-23221049161596320032011-09-29T10:09:00.000-05:002011-09-29T10:10:09.601-05:00off the vines<img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/OQE6iksDIBY3rG2*xH0BEA%3DXOJpLa16%26OgGn2_F4%26OUV_xYPCmO64i.vs_ApxRl/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />On our way back from Michigan, we stopped at an orchard for some apple picking fun. We were excited to find that grapes were also ripe for the picking! We picked a variety of marquis and concord grapes. As we toted them home, I wondered just what we would make with them. There have been <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/08/their-market-and-more-jam.html">so</a> <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/08/all-on-summers-day.html">many</a> <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/05/flavors-of-season.html">jams</a> <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/05/spring-in-jar.html">and</a> <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/05/seeing-red.html">jellies</a> already this year that the thought of more was a bit overwhelming (though I suppose it isn't too early to begin thinking of holiday gifts).<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/pr0Ait86Jpm9yifnw9BWL5K9aGH3dwI.taHRT%25rQD2EHCzjQ3Q_27Rm9UObVI%26q/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />Off the stem, washed and into a pot they went to simmer away. The lovely ladies at <a href="http://www.bebybaby.com/">Be By Baby</a> recently gave me a <a href="http://www.oxo.com/p-1019-baby-food-mill.aspx">baby food mill</a> to demo for my baby food <a href="http://www.bebybaby.com/PRODUCTS2classes.CFM?ID=2864">class</a>. I thought I'd give it a spin with these grapes.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/BBkEYAVBQJT8BJQI9knrHpAa4ZwTy0vPU3y5mFaqo*HgioHzz8W*JUs0.dQCchQ/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />While I'm not one much for promoting products, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this gadget. I've used a variety of food processors and kitchen gadgets over the years, making everything from baby food to apple sauce, soups and sauces. I was impressed with how smoothly this food mill pressed the grapes. It was easy enough for the kids to use and cleaned up quickly, without any sharp blades or electrical cords to worry about. We used it to sauce the apples we brought home, too, and the texture of the applesauce is perfect!<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/3Rr42DPL3Qdhd9x3uLkaqZ3pSAXq%3DxO%26AZ8p0FFxpQ0UcmeK2ZjdaHaYDcgSN%26U/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><br /><br />We pressed out several quarts of grape juice, and the thought of making jelly returned. But the kids are enjoying the fresh, unfiltered juice so much that I don't think there will be enough left for canning!<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/uqc2*TFhQxBbnOYdq%3D%3DZRgFVFiNiLwrRfct_%259aKk_OD9Hp2j69V5KGQrwKsTZI/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-30626534388993175182011-09-23T10:20:00.000-05:002011-09-23T10:20:33.061-05:00in the change of seasons<img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/TOzjYofAgCie9S1TJmjGTyscfyrUWRz12KA-1B8qv%3Dpl90ZCprGL9V2dSoCnFHC/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />We spent last weekend with family along the lakeshore in Michigan. We passed the time cooking, eating, wandering through the markets and shops in town, eating some more, and visiting the shore for the respite it brings. The beach here is just a bit north of our <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2010/08/camping-by-beach.html">usual</a> <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2010/08/camping-by-beach.html">destination,</a> but is becoming just as <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekend-away.html">familiar</a>.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/pDIQrPa2xbPNF9h_QVi73R6H4qRSx%25XEEAJ8BP%26zFtQvZ-h1ZU%25aO2FyMQcyA.L/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/yZJROWH2MUoPU%25Myt9nBND386Mb2DnhiMsIXayfjqtN7sL19487sTG%3DgoQP%26T%26K/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/%3D5XP6y5Au1BV%3D%3D3t5rwh7WUwmVvaoYts%26uOBlrG5YLpk*dPYGxaXWybuX7T7iwu/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/QXLMscmqE-A-o-tYjjliM0SsrZTb-XkhvSe5%3DKJiyeva5co-_hOgTzeFjSNc%256r/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />In these familiar places, the children are learning the marks of the season. From our garden, to the farm, to the orchards and this shore, they see the shifts as the days march forward. The slants of light, the flowers in bloom, the fruits that ripen, all move with the months. I see these, too. But even more, I see the shifts the seasons bring in the children.<br /><br />Looking back through the pictures, there are footprints in the sand that seem to grow with each step, hands that can hold even more than before, a smile full of baby teeth that are no longer there. So many ways to mark the changes; no way to slow them down. Wrapped up with it all is the gratitude that comes with watching it unfold. It is bittersweet. But mostly sweet.<br /><br /><img src="http://blg.mypicturetown.com/cache/fiDdwR3CGy4*%268uQn_CB*n3e_x_6ldU8cRfsHYCz8jMZcgWhCSp9TtiICFmMw4e/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here on the doorsteps of another season, we tuck away summer and roll out a welcome to autumn and whatever changes this season will bring.Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-52441770700923607012011-09-20T15:21:00.001-05:002011-09-22T10:02:20.728-05:00keeping us runningSome of our classes this year find us out the door early and away from home for our usual meal and snacktimes (<em>usual</em> mealtimes? really, it's an all-day long affair, this eating we do). I rely on <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2011/01/favorite-breakfast.html">this</a> pancake recipe on mornings like these, avoiding the sleepy fog of figuring out what's for breakfast by setting it up the night before. Homemade staples fill the lunch sacks, and these easy no-bake granola bars are perfect for a little extra energy between classes, or when we're running out the door to swimming lessons or sports class or the dance studio or the farm... (you get the idea).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z1U5cE1z_A/TngNc6wOmAI/AAAAAAAABCc/iIUiaeFpmv4/s1600/DSC_0517.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654284122622695426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z1U5cE1z_A/TngNc6wOmAI/AAAAAAAABCc/iIUiaeFpmv4/s400/DSC_0517.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><u>Oat, Rice and Nut Granola Bars<br /></u><br />1 3/4 cups rolled oats<br />1 cup puffed brown rice<br />1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds<br />1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds<br />1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes<br />1/2 tsp. salt</div><br /><div align="center">1/4 tsp. cinnamon</div><br /><div align="center">1/4 cup walnuts<br />1/8 cup flax seeds<br />2-3 dates (pits removed)<br />1/4 cup honey<br />1/4 cup barley malt syrup<br />1/3 cup <a href="http://onebyonebyone.blogspot.com/2010/10/with-push-of-button.html">peanut butter<br /></a>1 tsp. vanilla extract</div><br /><br />In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients, salt and cinnamon. In a food processor or blender, process nuts, flax seeds and dates until combined. Mix honey, barley malt syrup, peanut butter and vanilla (these mix better if warmed up a little). Stir the date mixture into the honey mixture and add it all to the dry ingredients. Work the granola with a spoon until everything is moistened and sticking together. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a 9"x13" pan. Cut bars and place the pan in the fridge to set. Wrap the bars and store in the fridge.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9aST10mw6U/TngOZOQgleI/AAAAAAAABCk/fnzgVu_ZeY0/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 268px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654285158650516962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9aST10mw6U/TngOZOQgleI/AAAAAAAABCk/fnzgVu_ZeY0/s400/DSC_0507.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br />This is another recipe I appreciate for how quickly it comes together, full of wholesome ingredients, topped off with tastiness. I enjoy these easy bars more than the storebought varieties, and they are a hit with the kids. Best of all, they help keep us running!Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6067903874211232925.post-43551422871816280962011-09-15T13:55:00.000-05:002011-09-15T13:56:18.896-05:00in the swing of thingsFrom a lazy summer where nothing much was demanded of us on any given day (save the obligation to soak in the sun) comes the return to routine. Violin lessons, writing class, reading groups, art, dance, swimming, and more. Family and festivities have also been in the mix, as we gathered to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday, and a bit more somberly, to celebrate the life of a woman my children and I came to know and love as "Grandma."<br /><br />Amid all this, there have been picnics in the yard, with special guests attending.<br /><br /><img src="http://img.mypicturetown.com/cache/HF_i8Nhm5zCtr.mp9lvpC2HM%25gDlDzWnBGxT37_IJY7%26u.i4CzqlopV3GkF2Vrp/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://img.mypicturetown.com/cache/LR3c7ZjFZLr*neZS.td3xlBGSmz_-9bO-r6nUi*B1xL_ONJ0%260YNGss58r.vwU5/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br /><br />There are the waning fruits of the season, as the last of the late strawberries and raspberries grow red, and the first-ever peaches ripen on our tree.<br /><br /><img src="http://img.mypicturetown.com/cache/4ZikQQ0bVR%25RS3hpXkKh3jI%26MZZNZH.EB17rFfDqITnYomG3kIAzDjSLqx*ESDL/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><img src="http://img.mypicturetown.com/cache/h6y2Z%25Ph9fZhGDNidhz%3Dw9Nk5QlqPetwa0%26%25vGKZlX6ipBMUdtSukL4NwoatcZ8/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />There are the onions, pulled and dried, and the melons and squash readying on the vine.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://img.mypicturetown.com/cache/qdYInP%3DaAeJa.v93yZaUW1K%26wBuHhtzfGzbr*ErHYnBNBhEkBWSdVd2pxXQeoWk/item.JPG?rot=1" width="321" height="480" /></div><img src="http://img.mypicturetown.com/cache/AuRDkgTtY3s%3DPJKVcpkwqArXTrycrXvlHu_XcY_jLWFx*wTamPbYrI9MooX%26ri_/item.JPG?rot=1" width="640" height="428" /><br /><br />And there is more to share with you... recipes, a fun tutorial, some pickling and experiments with fermenting, and more updates from out back. But for now, we are taking a long weekend away with family, in a last attempt to capture all that remains of summer.<br /><br />I might be a bit slower to post these days as we find our pace, back in the swing of things!<br /><br /><br /><em>**I'll be teaching a new session of <a href="http://www.bebybaby.com/PRODUCTS2classes.CFM?ID=2864">Starting Solids:101 </a>at <a href="http://bebybaby.com/">Be By Baby </a>in Chicago next Thursday, September 22nd. If you're local, please feel free to join us or spread the word!**</em>Amanda Greco Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953608409309602678noreply@blogger.com1