Homestead Ramblings - May 29, 2014

I made the most delicious soup earlier this week.  It had been raining all day and I was chilled to the core.  A good hearty soup is just what I needed to warm up.  So, Shaye's Chicken Tortilla Soup was the one I chose to make.  It was AMAZING.  Even the kiddos both tried it.  They didn't eat it, but they tried it.  I wish I would have taken a picture of it as not only was this soup tasty, it looked pretty too.   But I just gobbled it up instead.  Definitely a keeper!

The lettuce is growing.  I need to thin it out a bit!

The grass is growing like crazy at our house.  I bet we could mow two or three times a week and keep up with it, but who wants to do that?!  Hopefully, someday I will have more gardens and less lawn.  A girl can dream!

I weeded the garden again last night.  The majority of the weeds that are growing are seeds from the trees that are closest to the gardens.  I need to remind myself that at my next house, don't plant the garden close to trees if at all possible. 

I am having some troubles finding one small straw bale to use as ground cover in the gardens.  No one seems to have straw.  Do farmers not use straw for bedding anymore?  We always had straw bales growing up on the farm.  Maybe no one has small balers anymore and only use ones that make huge rectangle bales or round bales?
 

The Pole Beans.  These ones I will dry in the sun and use the beans inside the pods for soup this winter.
 

It is Eddie's birthday this weekend.  Little man will be two years old.  We are going to have a very small party for him with immediate family.  Simple food, laughter and play always sound like a good way to spend an afternoon.  I am hearing it may storm that day, so I am hoping it hits early in the day and we can be able to spend time outside or go to the park after the party.  No fun being stuck in the house when you want to go out and play!

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Garden Progress - May 23, 2014

I know there has been a lot of garden stuff here lately, but I just can't help it.

After the terrible winter we had in Wisconsin, I am so excited to see things growing!  Plus when I look back at the blog posts during the winter, these ones are some of my favorites, so I am excited to add a bunch to the collection to look at during the next freeze.

Took these photos this morning before heading into the office and I am so very excited that I get to spend three days at home this weekend tending to the garden, yard and house.  It has been neglected and it needs some care.  Plus, that kind of work is my absolute favorite.  I am happy when doing it and refreshed when it is completed.  That is exactly how I think you should feel after a good days work.  Just wish it was that way for my paid job!

Big Boston Lettuce

Merlo Nero Spinach

Blue Curled Scotch Kale

Ching Chang Bok Choy - A small variety that is ready to harvest when it is only 5" tall.
So yummy in stir fry and Cashew Chicken.

Alaska Peas



Lily of the Valley - Coming up nicely along the back of our garage!
This is my Grandmother's favorite flower and I think that once they bloom, I should pick a bunch and take them to her as a surprise.  She would love a visit anyways!!!

The Peonie is starting to fill out nicely and even has tons of buds.

The Lily of the Valley was given to my by Susie (Bill's step-mother) and every time I see them now, I think of her.  So nice to have wonderful reminders of family and friends that have passed on.  I will always associate her with this flower now.  I think if we do end up selling this house, I may try to take some with me.  If I can't, I will just make sure to plant some at our new place.  They are such beautiful and delicate flowers. 

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