Critters around the Homestead

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Deborah

Every day is different here on the Homestead. You just never know what you will encounter at any given moment. Sometimes I am lucky to have my camera with me, sometimes not (like when we were driving in one day and a young bear cub was in the middle of the dirt road as we rounded a bend, missed that photo op), but the majority of time I have been able to drop whatever I was doing to snap a shot or two…or three…or….

Well…..You get the idea.

Here in no particular order, are various critters taken over the course … Read more...

Healthy Blueberry Muffins?

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Deborah

Believe me, it is possible to make healthy, low fat, low sugar muffins. I know you may love your Timmy’s Muffin in the morning, but they are so full of fat (even the so-called ‘low-fat’ ones are not what they are cracked up to be) and sugar, you can literally watch the scale move up after you eat one. After eating one every day for a week, you are pretty much guaranteed to see the ‘Wide Load’ appear on your backside….

I must admit, I had a good time this past summer. Lots of fun in the sun, good food … Read more...

Tomatoes by the BOATLOAD….

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Deborah

I think. Just maybe. I planted too many tomato plants. For one person. Me.

NAH……Impossible….

I have just cleaned off everything from all the plants (both regular and cherry toms) and sorted them by level of ripeness…..

A nice, pretty rainbow of tomatoes gracing my countertop.

The Cherry Tomatoes are representing the colours of Italy…or Mexico even.

I now have lots, and lots, and lots of tomato recipes to look through…. and use.

First up, roasting some more cherry tomatoes for the freezer (they are great as a topping on pizza, or tossed into an omelet).

Once the larger tomatoes … Read more...

A Biscotti Tutorial

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Deborah

Apparently, there is a rumour going around that some people are actually AFRAID to make these wonderful Italian Cookies… Pfft! The word “Biscotti” need not strike fear into the heart of a fledgling or even seasoned Baker. These luscious cookies are so easy to make you will be on your way to becoming a Biscotti Queen (or King) in no time.

The actual making of biscotti cookies is only just a wee bit more time consuming than making regular cookies, and believe me, I have made plenty of “regular cookies” that are HARDER to make than Biscotti (Belgian Cookies come … Read more...

The Incredible Mr. Limpet

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Deborah

Who remembers this movie from 1964? Yes, I am showing my age going back that far….but this was one of Don Knotts best film roles…..even if he does turn into a fish after the first 10 minutes of the movie….

With the assistance of Crusty the Crab, ‘Das Limpet’ (as the Germans named him) seeks out Nazi U-boats for the American Navy to sink in the months leading up to Pearl Harbour. One of Warner Bros. best Live Action/Animation films and is a close second on my all-time list of favourite movies.

I have always liked the live action/animation films … Read more...

September is National Sweater Month

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Deborah

No really, I think we should have Parliament designate September as National Sweater Month here in Canada. Seeing as we will be seeing the white stuff fall soon, what other month could you possibly designate that would do the sweater justice? I think I will be starting a petition, right after I save the world from the dang aphids…..

Can you tell I love sweaters? Sweaters are perfect for those days where a heavier coat isn’t quite necessary, but you need that little bit of warmth a sweater provides (plus they look really COOL).

I have been cruising the … Read more...

Attack of the Aphids!

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Deborah

One day your plants are all happy and healthy with their flowers smiling towards the sun…the next day, they are droopy, with yellowed leaves and hanging their flowers like a dejected teen who has had his first go round of asking out a girl go horribly awry.

Upon closer inspection….. APHIDS!

Millions of the little suckers ALL over the leaves and stems sucking the life blood out of your hard earned efforts. Plus, here I was at the Homestead, 30 minutes from the closest store and I was refusing to jump in the car wasting precious gas and spending money … Read more...