tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59790116694429865642024-02-19T00:29:58.442-08:00Born BlondeReal life truly is funnier than fiction...Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.comBlogger1468125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-55834486631583059502023-09-15T05:00:00.001-07:002023-09-15T05:00:00.146-07:009th grade School Photos<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the things I try to do every year is get a 9th grade "school photo" of Rugrat. It may seem a little less fancy or something, but I really like just being able to use a franchised portrait studio. What's more, I can usually buy a Groupon for their studio and know exactly what I'm getting and how much it cost. Nothing unexpected hitting the budget means a lot less stress. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It also means that we're using some place that is familiar. And I've honestly not had a bad experience with them yet. Once, the photos weren't exactly stellar but I still didn't have an issue with them. I'm usually happy with them all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, once again, this year, I'm very happy with them all. And so was she.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD0YrsNVapKOXj9xgwdKnEibSN9iGzEFumsaEEb2iJtfIdnahSUjBCU6uOeCgG_h2-TmdI74K6FNHqoCx8T4YNU0L9uVSQjCBEc_R6qtdpCP6Y8BOXEHTQEnop9AqT_p9JJhn02kS_9e63N66Nl-ed1pNfF3oqLjQLoiBx0R3UwNQrVJI7Jg544zDr3E/s900/00-eRSjh3jNcqXOkImD0ZKarR4jkAn8HKjnvZ2oKgrRCRd_ts2Ts1Djmar0gWJMJbbpKwg5ydwHipy3aIZBf9dNYQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="900" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD0YrsNVapKOXj9xgwdKnEibSN9iGzEFumsaEEb2iJtfIdnahSUjBCU6uOeCgG_h2-TmdI74K6FNHqoCx8T4YNU0L9uVSQjCBEc_R6qtdpCP6Y8BOXEHTQEnop9AqT_p9JJhn02kS_9e63N66Nl-ed1pNfF3oqLjQLoiBx0R3UwNQrVJI7Jg544zDr3E/s320/00-eRSjh3jNcqXOkImD0ZKarR4jkAn8HKjnvZ2oKgrRCRd_ts2Ts1Djmar0gWJMJbbpKwg5ydwHipy3aIZBf9dNYQ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc_apnte0Xjz6lfNsmNObFC0sfBLNx6Puug0HmUf_uB6qJ7MkXApnSSyJVbZMo9M-tFzNxdVrabJ7zFEowRLWewpYUq2pizCbih37ptlyNlbRMqsjg4r5Yu7DWJjZwPPWKs2CVkcJgF3wxo9WUTF0BWEKDLvnpXx6yMTva2l2PyT1-3JpBBvdVCHtxLA/s900/00-eRSjh3jNcqXOkImD0ZKarR4jkAn8HKjnvZ2oKgrRCRevB6Uq9c9CaF5MERA8GUNT5cYdfB3jRoL_VZILaXEufg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc_apnte0Xjz6lfNsmNObFC0sfBLNx6Puug0HmUf_uB6qJ7MkXApnSSyJVbZMo9M-tFzNxdVrabJ7zFEowRLWewpYUq2pizCbih37ptlyNlbRMqsjg4r5Yu7DWJjZwPPWKs2CVkcJgF3wxo9WUTF0BWEKDLvnpXx6yMTva2l2PyT1-3JpBBvdVCHtxLA/s320/00-eRSjh3jNcqXOkImD0ZKarR4jkAn8HKjnvZ2oKgrRCRevB6Uq9c9CaF5MERA8GUNT5cYdfB3jRoL_VZILaXEufg.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lrnVDDP0ke_-WizLCwl15Dq82bdNozszBwQvseEeFgJvmknPGTTUb7UJGe4c6d09DqhHVQkWeaN1yOVlJ6ErAdb8_l8ayrkuZBiWiCD1iSeYVZXrvI7ZuQiOtvl9Ab-xCTx_738FYFeSPkJJDvc1RfU2KAko74rkWl9fZMSSIcLXvMwR-tdbaWutxgU/s900/00-eRSjh3jNcqXOkImD0ZKarR4jkAn8HKjnvZ2oKgrRCRfXxrayhpcgSrqIBhE7keoHrnHjCyIZu59oV2we_kMG9A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lrnVDDP0ke_-WizLCwl15Dq82bdNozszBwQvseEeFgJvmknPGTTUb7UJGe4c6d09DqhHVQkWeaN1yOVlJ6ErAdb8_l8ayrkuZBiWiCD1iSeYVZXrvI7ZuQiOtvl9Ab-xCTx_738FYFeSPkJJDvc1RfU2KAko74rkWl9fZMSSIcLXvMwR-tdbaWutxgU/s320/00-eRSjh3jNcqXOkImD0ZKarR4jkAn8HKjnvZ2oKgrRCRfXxrayhpcgSrqIBhE7keoHrnHjCyIZu59oV2we_kMG9A.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p><br /></p>I really don't know why but she thought this flower headband was beautiful and wanted to take a lot of pictures in it. She got to and I let her pick her favorite to keep. It wasn't really my thing and I'm still surprised that she ever let them put it on her head to begin with. But once it was there, she loved it. Go figure.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmXFNxJCI8_ZtNBnyjbTPWo1UZY066AfzU7GWvQHoAGp3PS-SjcV-DeEwmc2bWMImJOp4lh5KZkWxyQ_bZFwn3p8PxIgJry-ZBAJXXWgtfIYpAkSbj0xJUqAkLtam2y4VEu6wrQvbaSnP_USgVMhS5HccUIMehPamPHQQNigq70hPJwfXKXkERnKdjic/s2069/Emily9thgrade_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2069" data-original-width="1467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmXFNxJCI8_ZtNBnyjbTPWo1UZY066AfzU7GWvQHoAGp3PS-SjcV-DeEwmc2bWMImJOp4lh5KZkWxyQ_bZFwn3p8PxIgJry-ZBAJXXWgtfIYpAkSbj0xJUqAkLtam2y4VEu6wrQvbaSnP_USgVMhS5HccUIMehPamPHQQNigq70hPJwfXKXkERnKdjic/s320/Emily9thgrade_0001.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy-NT5lvzeN0DYYTBF2_F96Gepzx9e6XFY7B-Vi9qvw56J1XkHJUlEBGaQGsGIO8KhRYEnWmIGreik8fGfItydiey1VEYpTPFQckwIAed9hagtUftGd3AQCA-Ct0GfeHUjgAK_M1p7R9Jxlz-svOmi-iD3xCZTjiNLfogKzCKnqFgxzQOQQv2CYJxn4g/s330/Emilyupclose23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy-NT5lvzeN0DYYTBF2_F96Gepzx9e6XFY7B-Vi9qvw56J1XkHJUlEBGaQGsGIO8KhRYEnWmIGreik8fGfItydiey1VEYpTPFQckwIAed9hagtUftGd3AQCA-Ct0GfeHUjgAK_M1p7R9Jxlz-svOmi-iD3xCZTjiNLfogKzCKnqFgxzQOQQv2CYJxn4g/s320/Emilyupclose23.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-6293231382024112892023-09-14T05:00:00.001-07:002023-09-14T05:00:00.144-07:008th Grade 2022/23<p> As usual, we had a lot of fun in 8th grade. Despite the autism, adhd, and low vision, we keep on plugging away. </p><p>And we had plenty of adventures. </p><p>Her science this year consisted of a lot of individual units about different things. We actually really enjoyed doing science this way. For a couple of months, we focused on one general topic and learned a lot about it then went to the next topic. We also worked on a corresponding lapbook for each science unit so that she basically had one folder that told all of the interesting things she had learned. It was like having a little memory book that captured all the fun things we had done with that unit too.</p><p>Like this experiment determining what the best conditions were for yeast to grow.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7nvTt6x41AM6Sl01VAbGo2dUkqnpcVwNS6XLR5fQEQjzxabPzevSut7aZGvPS1REu2n1qXGzE3oG2_Ufo-LL4J_oJIbVUwV8rG5fy4WGlxoq4fJv9ScJeBZU92ersoPpihj90B_CY38KTrA65SULO2p9ClDVLcezREpoz3okGDBI3obd9Le68vav4YY/s4032/KnCyeast%20experiment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7nvTt6x41AM6Sl01VAbGo2dUkqnpcVwNS6XLR5fQEQjzxabPzevSut7aZGvPS1REu2n1qXGzE3oG2_Ufo-LL4J_oJIbVUwV8rG5fy4WGlxoq4fJv9ScJeBZU92ersoPpihj90B_CY38KTrA65SULO2p9ClDVLcezREpoz3okGDBI3obd9Le68vav4YY/s320/KnCyeast%20experiment.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We also dissected some owl pellets to see what the fellows eat. Rugrat was pretty disgusted by what we found not to mention the fact that we were basically cutting apart owl puke. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGQwHX9RoJN3GdgJ51qunrHQNHu7__hw2RYXroM23jaI3C_NsIZ3mgLWPSSBb_q21UOdR25iiu8-mRWv6H8537f8civlhu9ZjailH5rPkXvS7LNWsByE-h9rq6Nw40GAJKjxGzqTKpyqVBLx5-453HMykEHMtDXDNojvLIOTgQEdZbwQEj5c45HzeROY/s2048/dissectingowlpellet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGQwHX9RoJN3GdgJ51qunrHQNHu7__hw2RYXroM23jaI3C_NsIZ3mgLWPSSBb_q21UOdR25iiu8-mRWv6H8537f8civlhu9ZjailH5rPkXvS7LNWsByE-h9rq6Nw40GAJKjxGzqTKpyqVBLx5-453HMykEHMtDXDNojvLIOTgQEdZbwQEj5c45HzeROY/s320/dissectingowlpellet2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM2cPn2zqRZ902juy6P8w6Yn-57lM6cs1-aB37DUcu-Rm8bNyJ1lNXEoc__zjf1bJdjdjsGW6GElP_FeL55HU4pLFN2Ewn1Ydg8iKkdfnc9tSDY1hEwx4EhiW8Aqz8zFcS7IB6m3-C-x6tdED-ppOhtnNvNm7l4kJ6z9nQz5RioNUsAftVgmJgKwVJkg/s960/dissecting%20owl%20pellet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM2cPn2zqRZ902juy6P8w6Yn-57lM6cs1-aB37DUcu-Rm8bNyJ1lNXEoc__zjf1bJdjdjsGW6GElP_FeL55HU4pLFN2Ewn1Ydg8iKkdfnc9tSDY1hEwx4EhiW8Aqz8zFcS7IB6m3-C-x6tdED-ppOhtnNvNm7l4kJ6z9nQz5RioNUsAftVgmJgKwVJkg/s320/dissecting%20owl%20pellet1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>At the end of the year, we finally got the ants we had ordered. It had been too cold for the company to send them until late spring. <p></p><p>So we set up an ant farm. She proclaimed that it was like having her own little tv. We all enjoyed watching them work. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY4wHAZW5p28alDa1bmYQFlA1dhbgLP3qehbip-2Y4XV-amjLfbTDe7HhJLGu1jXOrXBSQ5w0AS6H50jFTcNOluQs1eBOVcFpOcXb99oxlSuQ4nOwKJIMl8JBdor7Hs-Fs905hfPw8CRoZ8FwZmFuc50sGk8Wp5yhdU-Vx65g9yPxCc2uAOZWt0qw6oE/s960/341700764_121092764285983_402516403345416514_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY4wHAZW5p28alDa1bmYQFlA1dhbgLP3qehbip-2Y4XV-amjLfbTDe7HhJLGu1jXOrXBSQ5w0AS6H50jFTcNOluQs1eBOVcFpOcXb99oxlSuQ4nOwKJIMl8JBdor7Hs-Fs905hfPw8CRoZ8FwZmFuc50sGk8Wp5yhdU-Vx65g9yPxCc2uAOZWt0qw6oE/s320/341700764_121092764285983_402516403345416514_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately, they passed because no queen was included and that is what eventually happens despite our best efforts to keep them alive.</p><p></p><p>At the beginning of our year, we went to the local park and gathered a sample of pond water to try out our new microscope and hopefully see some interesting creatures.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrQzLlMpOpLQune-v78Y9JaowHRAs3_M0VM7RDXXY1qRxA8SdGG4FLmUYlURbWUEdSxRTgRcMx8KEB_1jm9BjBvYb0mD_qrB2O3wxen-neszycsUSibyxG5Jp4ISb-08MkKEqyUhaumV62uZSNnBjq7-7Y6oILTZDo_uxs0M0LxZFc74PyGDf3ZtFMbE/s4032/20220818_112231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrQzLlMpOpLQune-v78Y9JaowHRAs3_M0VM7RDXXY1qRxA8SdGG4FLmUYlURbWUEdSxRTgRcMx8KEB_1jm9BjBvYb0mD_qrB2O3wxen-neszycsUSibyxG5Jp4ISb-08MkKEqyUhaumV62uZSNnBjq7-7Y6oILTZDo_uxs0M0LxZFc74PyGDf3ZtFMbE/s320/20220818_112231.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By far, her favorite "school supply" for the year has been this microscope. She loves looking into it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NrsZ65sp8nHazU9e5XKxIdWMiN4evlyfam1rvKCMVpeWPNLjmK35-hFcfR_AaIRClkcHTSX0E0CeHdC6sDB69z0TvoiCZUZR5gv8c5E9io7ZH_lWIrI7EUwX1p1jgsF_YYWNYeMxcWTE4jaiUTSlcIWYYYdRJczrF_eAHUvPEipX-wkIt0EQg-TrNyw/s701/microscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NrsZ65sp8nHazU9e5XKxIdWMiN4evlyfam1rvKCMVpeWPNLjmK35-hFcfR_AaIRClkcHTSX0E0CeHdC6sDB69z0TvoiCZUZR5gv8c5E9io7ZH_lWIrI7EUwX1p1jgsF_YYWNYeMxcWTE4jaiUTSlcIWYYYdRJczrF_eAHUvPEipX-wkIt0EQg-TrNyw/s320/microscope.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More messing with grossness. We took samples of different places in our home to see which ones would grow a colony. It was eye-opening, not in a good way either.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HiMSk_anF_AUCeFHS0i7QiNarkQvtsSAdmY6DNuHibUoMaqXBPRe1TV1_ZH03v3CWqKNwPU-WsZHhl4-rR7YHZ2OhYe4v3BmHqb6CPyZjI11Bx7StdRGfTNdheGf9d_IOzbunKjUpjLW_ZbcuhM6h21mBgeXdrKRNVLLkdS3dJouZu8JFF5FJeRgvuY/s4032/20220817_135003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HiMSk_anF_AUCeFHS0i7QiNarkQvtsSAdmY6DNuHibUoMaqXBPRe1TV1_ZH03v3CWqKNwPU-WsZHhl4-rR7YHZ2OhYe4v3BmHqb6CPyZjI11Bx7StdRGfTNdheGf9d_IOzbunKjUpjLW_ZbcuhM6h21mBgeXdrKRNVLLkdS3dJouZu8JFF5FJeRgvuY/s320/20220817_135003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Don't worry, though. We didn't just focus on science -- even though we were having so much fun. <p></p><p>This was a literature project where she made up her own tall tale.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LdEjgGoAY1GKZq9cjx28EjTpUIKT5jIeqqTRBa6LKOjFwQNCBEYD0m3WW-Ojh4EIeMLL-BDGDE-poO36vR-XE2vbYiXlToqy_ayLHQALlsykqnZBZfwC7i55cs84had0XJoeZUM7kCsCw7tlg_6ITJDnO6GiGMvL7DLM4vFoiRmcGMv53N8qQxK6Fh0/s1920/Tall%20Tale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LdEjgGoAY1GKZq9cjx28EjTpUIKT5jIeqqTRBa6LKOjFwQNCBEYD0m3WW-Ojh4EIeMLL-BDGDE-poO36vR-XE2vbYiXlToqy_ayLHQALlsykqnZBZfwC7i55cs84had0XJoeZUM7kCsCw7tlg_6ITJDnO6GiGMvL7DLM4vFoiRmcGMv53N8qQxK6Fh0/s320/Tall%20Tale.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p>In February, Daddy used some airline points and we had a fun field trip, just the three of us, to San Antonio. That, of course, included a trip to the Alamo. And also gave us a chance to see the world's tallest cowboy boots. :)<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vLSOeYNVFl3hhpfw1fosNrnG2O67N287lwYD2q43N7sqL0sD1rjoAAtm1pwGX2Owbfn7KCXXwjIwriPW6IsQYCXeQYB626_d18v__3MwZoEvRu0C6MlpuOxFJXormstIIe6HsMAodnziIfoH-0fCq8f-wcr594vSOLBetAEs2paYy-3tjCpdZbQe0ls/s2048/sanantoniotrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vLSOeYNVFl3hhpfw1fosNrnG2O67N287lwYD2q43N7sqL0sD1rjoAAtm1pwGX2Owbfn7KCXXwjIwriPW6IsQYCXeQYB626_d18v__3MwZoEvRu0C6MlpuOxFJXormstIIe6HsMAodnziIfoH-0fCq8f-wcr594vSOLBetAEs2paYy-3tjCpdZbQe0ls/s320/sanantoniotrip.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p>One field trip with our co-op that we really enjoyed was to the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa. Not only had I never been, but I had never even heard of it. So that was a first for both of us.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHUqJrfyXRJalzot1_AdJeZ6usDdoPP3JasILBB6Ua_DBNisy0YTyKWRmKUFXqnrlkMtgSCtARMPLDU2w7CXLE1zIJD9Q8FbEC0P-heU34EsICqBIPZFxaAILZa9zNLYNUm6KP5QmIHRMLWAfZwO3_mvlNlEpZsFSqtoUj7UonFFQxhOu3lct5h1O0H4/s960/philbrookmuseumof%20art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHUqJrfyXRJalzot1_AdJeZ6usDdoPP3JasILBB6Ua_DBNisy0YTyKWRmKUFXqnrlkMtgSCtARMPLDU2w7CXLE1zIJD9Q8FbEC0P-heU34EsICqBIPZFxaAILZa9zNLYNUm6KP5QmIHRMLWAfZwO3_mvlNlEpZsFSqtoUj7UonFFQxhOu3lct5h1O0H4/s320/philbrookmuseumof%20art.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p>8th grade was a fun time and we got to do so many things. How will 9th grade ever top it? <p></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-4062890121387044992023-09-13T08:24:00.005-07:002023-09-13T08:24:59.328-07:00Another Memory Quilt<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> You may remember that I made Chick a <a href="https://born-blonde.blogspot.com/2014/08/memory-throw.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Memory throw </span></a>some time ago. Well, I finally had some time recently and was able to get to work on Rugrat's. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I decided to go all the way and make an actual quilt this time, especially since I had plenty of shirts saved up from her adventures.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotZ2-lOqiHVGXPC-HP1vN2S2V8QMN5VfnH3kjtk08wngSsbSvj56e0r3B03WCtykhpx9XOZwbCwFHreczB09kCIxcnLjQnEWBO1RohpjEAkA9lSOPl6euzDX9Osb2T45L3azGG7QfLVvlyrU1GUrKARv7P77cIU4cIyzjdASBlmY68Uz-KewPTjyEvDM/s2048/emilymemory%20quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotZ2-lOqiHVGXPC-HP1vN2S2V8QMN5VfnH3kjtk08wngSsbSvj56e0r3B03WCtykhpx9XOZwbCwFHreczB09kCIxcnLjQnEWBO1RohpjEAkA9lSOPl6euzDX9Osb2T45L3azGG7QfLVvlyrU1GUrKARv7P77cIU4cIyzjdASBlmY68Uz-KewPTjyEvDM/s320/emilymemory%20quilt.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you've known little miss in the 12 years we've been here, you might recognize one of these. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am NOT a quilter but this is still one of the best ways to keep those memento shirts that I know. It isn't perfect. There's lots of crooked lines, an off center corner, and even a pucker on the back. One reason I say it isn't a quilt, it's a keepsake. But she seems happy with it, so there's that.</span></div></div>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-58811259727635081982023-06-23T12:18:00.004-07:002023-06-23T12:39:32.625-07:00Chocolate Icebox Trifle<p> I was called on last minute to make a dessert for Bunco not too long ago. I wanted something I had not done before but I also wanted something light and spring-ish/summer-ish. </p><p><br /></p><p>I decided to do a <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://sugarspunrun.com/chocolate-icebox-cake/" target="_blank">Chocolate Icebox cake I had found online</a></span> but I needed one special ingredient. Chocolate graham crackers.</p><p><br /></p><p>I have seen these before. I assumed it had been at a Walmart or major grocery store chain. However, when I made a special trip that day to get them, my local Walmart didn't carry them nor had the grocery I had stopped at the day before.</p><p><br /></p><p>I was getting a little stressed because it had taken me forever to decide on this one. And I was running out of time.</p><p><br /></p><p>But, after having a little freakout, I pulled on my apron (figuratively - I never think to actually put it on) and made some changes to the recipe.</p><p><br /></p><p>Since my biggest problem was the graham crackers, I worked on that first. They were to be the "cake" in this no-bake recipe. So, I figured why not make actual cake. I made a chocolate sheet cake and cut it into small cubes instead.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p>I also decided, since it was in layers anyway, to just make it a trifle. And who couldn't stand the addition of some chocolate ganache.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOzivy-Z8pZ4K26se1Z4kq0WAaJIYCLzd5adalbBx78mRk52quJVhcTIAR0h5h1y6iShDBZ4yTYVZjS6H_zPGfBntUxZ_TQD0fEc26wpJfMUDa5QyEnlQkFT11B8ZAUzxgI07aHb2UjKBt4dm_XuNGa3C6DTHzB0Yr8cToYu58f8p7pVwC1b44VvcLF4/s1920/Chocolate%20icebox%20trifle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOzivy-Z8pZ4K26se1Z4kq0WAaJIYCLzd5adalbBx78mRk52quJVhcTIAR0h5h1y6iShDBZ4yTYVZjS6H_zPGfBntUxZ_TQD0fEc26wpJfMUDa5QyEnlQkFT11B8ZAUzxgI07aHb2UjKBt4dm_XuNGa3C6DTHzB0Yr8cToYu58f8p7pVwC1b44VvcLF4/s320/Chocolate%20icebox%20trifle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I had finished making it, Rugrat complained that they might eat it all and she really wanted to try some. I assured, though, based on the volume of the container, she would be sure to have some leftover to try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I carried it in, all of the ladies there oohed and aahed. Several of them gathered around it in a circle and salivated over it, asking what was in it and talking about how good it looked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to agree. It was pretty darn good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I wasn't the only one who thought so. One lady told me it was fabulous and then alternated between wanting to know how to make it and telling me not to tell her because she wouldn't do so good having it in her house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cake part stood up well even to the next day when we finished off the leftovers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I actually think I like it better than the original recipe (which I've had before at potlucks). Here's to necessity being the mother of invention. Worked for me anyway. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/d/1oH2lf0VgaBtYsFV0BTfHOsSY0YQuFzFj/p/1W_We8ohSmeRSfu5hCNWjKTPQCO0smPOb/edit" target="_blank">For a printable version of this recipe, you can go here.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Icebox Trifle</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><u>Cake</u>:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1 cup all-purpose flour</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1 cup sugar</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">3/8 cup unsweetened cocoa</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">3/4 teaspoon baking soda</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1/2 cup milk</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1/4 cup oil (I use olive oil because I don't do vegetable oils)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1 egg</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1 teaspoon vanilla</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1/2 cup boiling water</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><u>Ganache:</u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">2 cups semisweet chocolate chips</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">3/4 cup heavy cream</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><u>Cream filling:</u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">16 oz. cream cheese, softened</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">3 cups heavy cream</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1 3/4 cups powdered sugar</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, optional</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">1<b>. Prepare the cake part.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Preheat oven to 350ยบ F. </span><g class="gr_ gr_204 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim gr_inline_cards Grammar multiReplace" data-gr-id="204" id="204" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Prepare one 9x12 baking pan by either lining with parchment or greasing and flouring the pan.</g></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk thoroughly to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Pour cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of the chocolate </span><g class="gr_ gr_180 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim gr_inline_cards Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" data-gr-id="180" id="180" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">cake</g><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> comes out clean.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. <b>Prepare ganache.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remove from heat and set aside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. <b>Prepare filling.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In mixer, stir cream cheese until smooth. Gradually stir in half of the cream, stopping to scrape down sides. With mixer on medium speed, gradually add the remaining cream. Increase speed to high and beat until mixture begins to thicken. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stop mixer and scrape down bowl. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Gradually increase speed to high again and beat until stiff peaks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4.<b> Assemble in trifle bowl.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut cake into small cubes (or crumble it if you wish). Sprinkle a layer of cake in the bottom of the trifle bowl. Make sure it touches the sides so that the layers can be seen from the outside. Layer in cream filling. Drizzle with ganache and mini chocolate chips, if desired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Continue layering with first, cake, next, filling, then, ganache and chocolate chips until you have filled the bowl to your desired size. If you want the layers to be seen, make sure they touch the sides of the bowl. End by drizzling lines of ganache across the top and sprinkling with mini chocolate chips.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Refrigerate until time to serve (preferable at least four hours to allow filling to set). Store in refrigerator.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note: You will probably have cake left over, although is that really a bad thing?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note: I imagine this could also be made in custard dishes for individual servings but you would want to decide how much of everything you would need.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-30558345524268843202023-06-21T11:24:00.001-07:002023-06-21T11:24:29.777-07:00Rough Start<p> I have been working hard on the garden these last couple of months. It's been rough going. Buying more of the weed plastic turned into an incorrect purchase, misplaced trust, and no less than 3 days weeding and replacing it.</p><p>So, frankly, I'm kind of tired. </p><p><br /></p><p>I'll show you some pictures later and share what happened. Right now, I think I'll rest though. Peace out.</p><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-89350946571547770862023-03-06T08:16:00.004-08:002023-03-06T08:20:34.340-08:00Small Beginnings<p> I decided to try a little tip I have seen for sprouting seeds this year. You can cut toilet paper tubes in half and put a little soil in each half. Then plant a seed in each one. When ready to transplant, you simply place the whole thing in the hole. The toilet paper tube will decompose in the ground but it will keep you from disturbing the roots when you transplant it.</p><p>It also occurs to me that even if it takes quite a while to decompose, the bottom is still open. That's why you want to put them together in a bowl or shallow dish to fill them. As a result, though, the roots can still grow out of it without having to wait on the decomposition. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsqw-i06AVExTpTxQ2uVgoC0-QRpSSBAZn86EQPLfquSpvYGxry87pRp4edVMOxZuGcZS00OqopdFjtz8ZK_uw7G-kxhhQSS5QzztvYjo1i5nADoHJe1WJqJWyUVgqPZvDp_4cf5P_d0srDN2X__jBZ5oCW6LizKEkB846Skn2MdfWIkUJ1Pln2U1/s1280/sprouts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsqw-i06AVExTpTxQ2uVgoC0-QRpSSBAZn86EQPLfquSpvYGxry87pRp4edVMOxZuGcZS00OqopdFjtz8ZK_uw7G-kxhhQSS5QzztvYjo1i5nADoHJe1WJqJWyUVgqPZvDp_4cf5P_d0srDN2X__jBZ5oCW6LizKEkB846Skn2MdfWIkUJ1Pln2U1/s320/sprouts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sorry for the poor lighting. It is my plant light causing it to look purple.</i></div><br /><p>It is also a very inexpensive way to start seedlings without having to buy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FBNJKKC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">more of these nifty silicon ones that I love but do not have many of</span></a>. </p><p>As you can see above, I already have several sprouts starting. So far, so good.</p><p>Have you started your gardening journey this year?</p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-66059048617855760102023-01-19T09:27:00.002-08:002023-01-19T09:27:20.022-08:00<p> Hope your Christmas was wonderful and that you have had a good beginning to the new year. </p><p>I am just beginning to come out of my Christmas season coma so I will have more posts up soon. </p><p>Do you do that? Get overwhelmed by everything going on and let some things fall by the wayside that you really don't intend to let fall there? </p><p>I think it must happen a lot in December. And I think a lot of people must kind of slowly climb out of the seasonal stupor that envelopes you and get back in the swing of things.</p><p>So here's to climbing. </p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-62127034639293636212022-11-25T13:17:00.003-08:002022-11-25T13:17:25.943-08:00Luffa Closure<p> If you've been reading any of my garden posts, you know that one of the things I was excited about this year was my luffas. I planted them for the first time ever this year, albeit a little late. </p><p>Fortunately for my late planting self, the weather here was very unusual. It stayed warm enough until a few weeks ago that I didn't have to harvest them. Covering them for the two days in October that it got around 32 degrees was enough to keep them going until this month.</p><p>I had initially thought I would only get 2 or 3 luffas from my three plants (one of which was not doing so well). I ended up with 6 decent sized -- although I will start them on time this year so I can get them a little larger -- and 2 babies that had just gotten going.</p><p>One was already starting to yellow when I had to cut them all off the plant. A hard freeze was coming that night. I had a pole hanging at the side of the garage that we use for clothes when we have yard sales so I just hung them from that with some yarn.</p><p>Today, I got my first dried one off of the pole.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI1EN2r_KhufFrPpaTxTjMQmVBjS2VT1Jly9oGvX4E32_M4IKaAGsalKN7JwEodvud86axEzoAOHKSox6Nk_l-YI_VcaF1KY-p6vkxNnyE_db60EXyEHpH-hDc2Lu2hO3IBtwWpc_JabvfFNrkHj4D66NLZJ9fbXf6L01ysBiy4qoqutEBskckejx/s4000/20221125_144234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHI1EN2r_KhufFrPpaTxTjMQmVBjS2VT1Jly9oGvX4E32_M4IKaAGsalKN7JwEodvud86axEzoAOHKSox6Nk_l-YI_VcaF1KY-p6vkxNnyE_db60EXyEHpH-hDc2Lu2hO3IBtwWpc_JabvfFNrkHj4D66NLZJ9fbXf6L01ysBiy4qoqutEBskckejx/s320/20221125_144234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It looks like something that should be thrown in the trash, doesn't it. But not so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew what to do with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I broke off the end and started peeling away the dried up outer skin. And behold... luffa appeared.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHn7j6JJhMv_ktjjScDJO-vhZ5qwPrqFPpBJQGLv3VsWGGg2b9yy3oqGcsHD9Rr7c4sLkfHBY0flEU1nMc8--5m1QYg6i3yTbdVtWQvbme6dZp448G29XJ4K9fC6GiXH6yT_EZMGRjZQ0nOV1szttNAAt7yqCkMnE5RTdo9Fy0LU2rQ4mhATVnM0S/s4000/20221125_144520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHn7j6JJhMv_ktjjScDJO-vhZ5qwPrqFPpBJQGLv3VsWGGg2b9yy3oqGcsHD9Rr7c4sLkfHBY0flEU1nMc8--5m1QYg6i3yTbdVtWQvbme6dZp448G29XJ4K9fC6GiXH6yT_EZMGRjZQ0nOV1szttNAAt7yqCkMnE5RTdo9Fy0LU2rQ4mhATVnM0S/s320/20221125_144520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I got too much further, I shook out all the seeds. One way you can tell they are ready is if you hear the seeds rattling around. Look at all those seeds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOukM_gG7QhNiofFnnH7y8EY461pIygwB4R6itlCfDDgc-s-RlhaeYuAAJqY3gIvTNpvTfhMhKJ2iXInqkZbFUvLQyeMUi9yLw3EU8677g8q19xkRa5OPDPp20_27WIgSD_30eFZWIvG5Af5WFV1r3GW2-QL2p0guZkfTJxuwRFUpbg7LfcW8bwhSf/s4000/20221125_144629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOukM_gG7QhNiofFnnH7y8EY461pIygwB4R6itlCfDDgc-s-RlhaeYuAAJqY3gIvTNpvTfhMhKJ2iXInqkZbFUvLQyeMUi9yLw3EU8677g8q19xkRa5OPDPp20_27WIgSD_30eFZWIvG5Af5WFV1r3GW2-QL2p0guZkfTJxuwRFUpbg7LfcW8bwhSf/s320/20221125_144629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was a little shocked at the sheer number of seeds in just this one (by the way, any of my local friends who would like some just need to let me know). I think the seed packet I bought probably had less than this in it. Crazy!<div><br /></div><div>I could still hear a few rattling around in there but, after getting most of them out, I finished peeling off the papery outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a little like peeling a hard boiled egg, except very, very dry. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, suddenly, there was my new luffa.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPn_mlISAq74ADTwWDwJsnx0GbuElYgVUuSeAJQfNjiKw_4OL_ZEfkpql95Sk4XKtc1wUgOaNHbFlzdiVft0lIQoBhH8J0MpwYOGv6HRNHFfA-dtv3r0PmNQu369ABh87y4IFzk2tPoyLjZgU3mQ4-bDv-owRxl0rY9aSnvgHBiw9yHSiLTqO21vQ/s4000/20221125_144825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPn_mlISAq74ADTwWDwJsnx0GbuElYgVUuSeAJQfNjiKw_4OL_ZEfkpql95Sk4XKtc1wUgOaNHbFlzdiVft0lIQoBhH8J0MpwYOGv6HRNHFfA-dtv3r0PmNQu369ABh87y4IFzk2tPoyLjZgU3mQ4-bDv-owRxl0rY9aSnvgHBiw9yHSiLTqO21vQ/s320/20221125_144825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I will soak it a few minutes in a little bleach water to kill any yuckies, rinse it very well, and let it dry. Then we should be ready to go. </p><p>I'm so excited to have grown these. And I'm hoping to make a few into gifts next year when I get some larger ones.</p><p>Even if I don't, it's an awful lot of fun to grow them!</p></div>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-12847515369770025792022-11-21T17:35:00.001-08:002022-11-23T18:01:17.148-08:00Monday's Menu<p> One of my favorite holiday desserts is pecan pie. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMeAW0FiFoAmih5WjSlr2tqpQ91NPOQJI6Am6yY8m-XEqjzALJFXCIye_di7FWKBPIJmNYavXKU4COUzfr1rH8E_sHGEkyP-1zccPZ0xRNYMdFG1plVDFV5b6CSdCyVJRWYqHWtuNxW2GMdlpVCUgQxvVaxI2gEAz_DUhKNXBtXEKnnuks1qUpMoe/s4000/20221123_193125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMeAW0FiFoAmih5WjSlr2tqpQ91NPOQJI6Am6yY8m-XEqjzALJFXCIye_di7FWKBPIJmNYavXKU4COUzfr1rH8E_sHGEkyP-1zccPZ0xRNYMdFG1plVDFV5b6CSdCyVJRWYqHWtuNxW2GMdlpVCUgQxvVaxI2gEAz_DUhKNXBtXEKnnuks1qUpMoe/s320/20221123_193125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Most recipes, though, call for corn syrup. Corn syrup is not exactly real food.</p><p>I've tried a couple of recipes that don't use corn syrup but they weren't that great and I was rather disappointed. <a href="https://www.azurestandard.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Azure</span></a> does have an organic corn syrup that brings it a step closer to real food. </p><p>But it doesn't help much if you don't think of ordering it until after your order arrives. Oops.</p><p>However, I found this recipe this year to give a try. I think it's a winner.</p><p>It uses real maple syrup in place of the corn syrup and thickens with some flour mixed into the butter. I think I'm in love.</p><p>Be aware that real maple syrup is not the Aunt Jemima stuff. That is just corn syrup (high fructose or not) with brown coloring and fake maple flavor added to it. Sooo bad for you.</p><p>Real maple syrup (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coombs-Family-Farms-Robust-32-Ounce/dp/B0083QJUL8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=36ALKEHT22W2P&keywords=real+maple+syrup&qid=1669254302&sprefix=real+maple+%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">kind of like this one</span></a>) is thinner, almost like water. It has to be refrigerated after opening. And it actually came from a tree at some point in its life. So don't accidentally add in the wrong thing if you decide to try this recipe.</p><p>I love that I don't have to buy anything special to make this pie. I usually have all of these ingredients on hand. And I really love knowing that the ingredients aren't scary. I hope you enjoy it.</p><p><a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/maple-pecan-pie/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The original recipe came from here</span></a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Maple Pecan Pie</u></b></span></p><p>1 pie crust</p><p>2 1/2 cups pecans</p><p>5 Tablespoons melted butter</p><p>1/2 cup brown sugar</p><p>1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour</p><p>2 teaspoons vanilla</p><p>1/2 teaspoon salt</p><p>3 large eggs</p><p>1 cup pure maple syrup</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Par-bake your pie crust by rolling it out and lining a greased pie plate. Place a piece of parchment paper in the center and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Use egg wash on the crust, if desired. Bake 15 minutes. Remove the pie weights/dried beans and parchment paper.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #212121; font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Carefully spread pecans evenly inside warm pie crust. Set aside. Whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and flour together in a large bowl until combined and thick. Whisk in the vanilla extract, salt, eggs, and pure maple syrup until combined. Pour evenly over pecans.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #212121; font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. After the first 20 minutes of bake time, if desired, place a pie shield or circle of foil around outside edges of pie to prevent browning. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #212121; font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Remove finished pie from the oven and sprinkle sea salt on top. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. The pie filling will set as it cools.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #212121; font-size: 17px;">C</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #212121; font-size: 17px;">over and store leftover pie at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.</span></span></p><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-868295101474931172022-10-17T04:00:00.001-07:002022-10-17T04:00:00.200-07:00Monday's Menu<p>We eat a lot of muffins. They are a quick and easy breakfast option that I can throw in the oven and shower while they bake. </p><p>They are portable. They are serving sized already. And there are a LOT of options for kinds.</p><p>One that my mom made frequently when I was younger was blueberry muffins. She didn't do much from scratch so they were always those little packet things that you add milk and an egg to. They always had the little blueberry flecks in them. I now know that those packets usually don't have anything blueberry in them except for some artificial flavoring. And that those little flecks, if they are fruit at all, are usually artificially colored dried apples when they aren't some other artificial thing.</p><p>A few times she bought the kind of mix that comes in a box with a little tin of blueberries in it. Of course, those were more expensive but they did actually have real fruit in them however pitiful it might have been. And none of us really knew how deceptive food manufacturing really is so we all just thought that was what a blueberry muffin was supposed to be like.</p><p>Imagine how frustrated I was then when I tried making my own from scratch. I discovered I didn't really like them much because the blueberries would get hot and burst while baking. That essentially meant that each muffin was pockmarked with spots of wet, blue bread.</p><p>Wet bread makes me gag. I'm fighting the urge right now just typing about it.</p><p>No recipe I tried helped. They all did that. I decided I must not really like blueberry muffins if that was how they turned out. </p><p>I stumbled across a tip that I was able to use later though. You simply have to chop a few up and leave them on the cutting board to 'dry' for a while. </p><p>That seemed to work better but it kind of killed my "easy, quick breakfast" vibe. </p><p>A couple of years ago, I came across this recipe. Since all my blueberries are the frozen variety now, I can't say for sure that it is the recipe but we all love them (well, those of us who will eat blueberry anything love them).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkrzygJ-JSpwP3gK1sCyKGzh-vHuUcMrMpdM0zKBLo_Epdjtxi5FRPoegDd3Tl46tpnEZ8NbIBqAvLTPVDv3zkOZ_iWQDBT-L_ji1sP2ft3fnFAcyH5ejfXnxppyU4XmqL4rx095QW4JPzoAiwF094P-8WWWQEDASR-KlEcYIQGO4Motjg5W1tWcA/s1657/muffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1657" data-original-width="1655" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkrzygJ-JSpwP3gK1sCyKGzh-vHuUcMrMpdM0zKBLo_Epdjtxi5FRPoegDd3Tl46tpnEZ8NbIBqAvLTPVDv3zkOZ_iWQDBT-L_ji1sP2ft3fnFAcyH5ejfXnxppyU4XmqL4rx095QW4JPzoAiwF094P-8WWWQEDASR-KlEcYIQGO4Motjg5W1tWcA/s320/muffin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I have no idea who the 'famous department store' is and was unaware that any department store made muffins. I have a vague memory of a candy counter (that also had soft drinks and such) in our Sears when I was little but that disappeared before my teens.</p><p>Nonetheless, these are pretty darn good and no soggy spots to be found. Works for me. :)</p><p><a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/famous-department-store-blueberry-muffins-recipe?RID=5035&radio=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">original recipe here</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Famous Department Store Blueberry Muffins</span></b></p><ul class="list--bullets" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: brandon-grotesque; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.56; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1.25rem 0.313rem; padding-left: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">8 tablespoons butter, softened</li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">1 cup sugar</li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">2 large eggs</li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">2 teaspoons baking powder</li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">1 teaspoon vanilla</li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">2 cups f<a class="" data-name="All-Purpose Flour" data-price="$6.95" data-sku="01050" href="https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/unbleached-all-purpose-flour" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;">lour</a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">1/2 cup milk</li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">2 1/2 cups blueberries</li><li style="box-sizing: inherit; break-inside: avoid; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; position: relative;">1/4 cup granulated sugar, for topping</li></ul><div><ol class="list--numbers" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; counter-reset: a 0; font-family: brandon-grotesque; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.56; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1.25rem 0.313rem; padding-left: 1.75rem;"><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin; or line the tin with papers, and grease the papers.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until well combined.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl and beating well after each addition.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Beat in the baking powder, salt, and vanilla.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Add the flour alternately with the milk, beating gently just to combine. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Mash 1/2 cup of the blueberries. Add the mashed and whole berries to the batter, stirring just to combine and distribute.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Scoop the batter by the heaping 1/4-cupful into the prepared muffin pan; a <a href="https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/scone-and-muffin-scoop" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;">muffin scoop</a> works well here.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon granulated sugar atop each muffin.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Bake the muffins for about 30 minutes, until they're light golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the middle of one of the center muffins comes out clean.</p></li><li class="field__item" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.016rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.625rem;">Remove the muffins from the oven, loosen their edges from the pan, and after about 5 minutes transfer them to a rack to cool.</p></li></ol></div>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-73991745524869656132022-10-14T08:55:00.003-07:002022-10-14T08:55:21.488-07:00Mini Garden Comeback<p> I had pretty much come to the conclusion that my garden was done when I posted last about it. Well, shut my mouth! I should have known better.</p><p>The watermelons were finally done and I had cut the last big one off last week. I went out the next day and pulled up the vine. </p><p>And found this hiding in the corner. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe3Zb3vAaxTRxfSL0eiyEcODq1Uz_TW-aEchigFJUeBnQbQ5xBA0RX1zl7FkbFYPrnG9knaPQmCMd-Ve61Q3amuaTLohx-KctLFoo0wk7hJEKhAZ-CedJUzauh9j-NALOlUfopNw2rtVPkzDfInWhewxzKgg6UEzD6QjGcZEbb_sGn5n6IdXIXJqy/s4032/20221004_190123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe3Zb3vAaxTRxfSL0eiyEcODq1Uz_TW-aEchigFJUeBnQbQ5xBA0RX1zl7FkbFYPrnG9knaPQmCMd-Ve61Q3amuaTLohx-KctLFoo0wk7hJEKhAZ-CedJUzauh9j-NALOlUfopNw2rtVPkzDfInWhewxzKgg6UEzD6QjGcZEbb_sGn5n6IdXIXJqy/s320/20221004_190123.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Like the other small ones, it had taken a hint from the cooler night air and ripened early. So, the last (literally this time) of our watermelon is in the fridge.</p><p>The cucumbers are trying to make me enough for another small batch of pickles, I guess. It has small ones all over it. We aren't expecting a hard freeze yet so I am just letting it go as long as it can.</p><p>By far, the biggest producer right now is my laying-on-the-ground tomato bushes. I have had enough to make a batch of salsa and still load up our salads and sandwiches. Every day when I go to take a look, I have brought in several tomatoes. </p><p>The cherry tomato plant made so many that I actually told Rugrat to go to town on them. It had filled up a little custard bowl and was getting to be too many. She pretty much eat cherry tomatoes like other people snack on nuts or chips so she was pretty happy with that.</p><p>And then there's my luffa. My last post mentioning them said I had two (one for each plant). Well, it's not surprising to find they are related to cucumbers. They certainly have that whole camouflage and hiding thing down.</p><p>First, I found a second hanging down from the vine that had produced the first luffa and it was every bit as big as the first. Then I noticed that a vine had taken advantage of the downed tomato bushes and climbed a tomato cage. So, right in the middle of a bushy tomato, there hangs a quite long luffa gourd that was a beautiful shape since it had nothing but air and gravity working on it.</p><p>Since then, I have found a few small ones formed and getting ready to 'hang' down. Looks like I'll have a few more than I thought.</p><p>For now, I will just have to watch the weather forecast. If it looks like we'll have a frost, I will have to cut the luffa off and find some place inside to hang and dry them. I'll also pluck all the tomatoes and lay them out on newspaper to ripen. </p><p>I'm hoping for a few more late season goodies before I have to clean it all up and get it ready for next year.</p><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-64941681054709744972022-10-05T09:10:00.001-07:002022-10-05T09:10:46.670-07:00Anniversary<p> It's been 31 years today for us. Longer even, if you count the 4 years we dated. And I think we both still say marriage is a blessing. Of course, you have to be married to the right one. I'm grateful to God for bringing the right one to me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs5p6W8N8aR8XGmGAu2g_RPk58Tlqzv39d2WHmy4NT8Ukv3ZveRF6ADUnby0vAD3IA0PoDbGdfTlzp_FkscJ2-G74pWzifslBiF0Nlg98Mh7IePePKXt5008J51GVWHGxZl7haQ5MgKvGZzLFmUW73TllwtCvRgp7kgvo6Jm_qq8ANrXSj5bQE213/s2042/snbfamphot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="2042" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs5p6W8N8aR8XGmGAu2g_RPk58Tlqzv39d2WHmy4NT8Ukv3ZveRF6ADUnby0vAD3IA0PoDbGdfTlzp_FkscJ2-G74pWzifslBiF0Nlg98Mh7IePePKXt5008J51GVWHGxZl7haQ5MgKvGZzLFmUW73TllwtCvRgp7kgvo6Jm_qq8ANrXSj5bQE213/s320/snbfamphot2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsF83TmFc4PFF6-jJ0IaUrkbXSz2iC26cHuh0zZQT_p-TS9H0s0DregcY94M99P7MlNS33nYO1hh3sF9aAIB5VJlhDcHAbjosCSW_EnTZDBnaqlO0c2WISFfwdDhNx_og63z_v-We24Q3MMaQRcZEwTZd5j3IQWf3_ps7w6aRnWNT5Z3niDQddKi8/s604/prom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsF83TmFc4PFF6-jJ0IaUrkbXSz2iC26cHuh0zZQT_p-TS9H0s0DregcY94M99P7MlNS33nYO1hh3sF9aAIB5VJlhDcHAbjosCSW_EnTZDBnaqlO0c2WISFfwdDhNx_og63z_v-We24Q3MMaQRcZEwTZd5j3IQWf3_ps7w6aRnWNT5Z3niDQddKi8/s320/prom.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH2aiGcHXOE4irWuMRi6IAQeUoOGS3cDP7VEgeQRHB83IZg1L5rwucngZyAoWqQF4zwCLZ6lvQihz3TY9I_AlJVa7G-zdFj72CgEGWRuwLg14dSt69TNKntdI_RUJhCVFAVxkuV8KQmQ9gFlkjN4S9ORzo_SZkRAx5leohK3SqplACEjSfIz1fjgl/s416/weddingpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="416" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH2aiGcHXOE4irWuMRi6IAQeUoOGS3cDP7VEgeQRHB83IZg1L5rwucngZyAoWqQF4zwCLZ6lvQihz3TY9I_AlJVa7G-zdFj72CgEGWRuwLg14dSt69TNKntdI_RUJhCVFAVxkuV8KQmQ9gFlkjN4S9ORzo_SZkRAx5leohK3SqplACEjSfIz1fjgl/s320/weddingpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_EiWj4NsWgWa17BGVupterZzhdwQvpLR8P1bybIEX4BLXVGKIFFIVzgPJUECmFBaRM76SnFjc9WxcgYyx_2Hd6iLfB_rjjkAeNeCUQKiWkOeO30MWIbMoSjFyLmtvqPTlA5InL3kZVtFnFTt5Pr46UFwPEjH78UkDpbnXDnjaRQkxXfGAxot8wYi/s1735/wedding2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1735" data-original-width="1162" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_EiWj4NsWgWa17BGVupterZzhdwQvpLR8P1bybIEX4BLXVGKIFFIVzgPJUECmFBaRM76SnFjc9WxcgYyx_2Hd6iLfB_rjjkAeNeCUQKiWkOeO30MWIbMoSjFyLmtvqPTlA5InL3kZVtFnFTt5Pr46UFwPEjH78UkDpbnXDnjaRQkxXfGAxot8wYi/s320/wedding2.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-8192418587947811392022-09-29T12:17:00.000-07:002022-09-29T12:17:00.270-07:00Reaping the Last of It<p> Pickins' have been slim lately from the garden. You can definitely tell it is autumn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKFtgX03MX5A8XOrWE5dhVbUDD9s5N1KXMTGk0bORDyFa7px6d10KZs3GJ0-AnzcUcwdhUxz8r1FeVS-pX7rmZqbLGXA7Lcul_Q-ND0mHKW3m1xMKD7XeY4VsxC2WYzT7NPzRap_nb35jD9qoXEmum2D6ngr89m1IuZqeMu2xzyEkDcnuMezgZ5CK/s4032/20220928_164713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKFtgX03MX5A8XOrWE5dhVbUDD9s5N1KXMTGk0bORDyFa7px6d10KZs3GJ0-AnzcUcwdhUxz8r1FeVS-pX7rmZqbLGXA7Lcul_Q-ND0mHKW3m1xMKD7XeY4VsxC2WYzT7NPzRap_nb35jD9qoXEmum2D6ngr89m1IuZqeMu2xzyEkDcnuMezgZ5CK/s320/20220928_164713.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>The cooler air at night has started making all of my watermelons ripen. I had five on the vine. I took in the small one I had broken the vine on so I could cut it open and see if it was ripe. </p><p>Surprisingly, it was. I guess it had enough notice from the cooler air to get ripe before I accidentally broke the vine before leaving for Girl's Weekend. It was so small that we ate it within a day or so. </p><p>But when I went out to look around last night, this little one had a dried up tendril too. So I carried it inside and cut it open to see. </p><p>Sure enough, it was ripe and ready too. So we are eating it now. It didn't have a whole lot more than the first.</p><p>So I was down to three. Well, I walked out there today and noticed that both of these also have dried up tendrils.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSVFn3LFFL1A7vADs8qSVNnT2jfJvvnKVz1vH6hnQ_xKWTIZCvsG8ekeW7eLGNOwjLKnxN3lJJRAZRvi2mEFvTzFYF2JLZwE7F1ExKMUI4s3AzkFpmzaGmF08nv50lQq18_t9a-0DftPDKOkVDyHDUjaSdSKNevkbXJ5LP9VZFCQSpmBfoSGUdasS/s1080/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="485" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSVFn3LFFL1A7vADs8qSVNnT2jfJvvnKVz1vH6hnQ_xKWTIZCvsG8ekeW7eLGNOwjLKnxN3lJJRAZRvi2mEFvTzFYF2JLZwE7F1ExKMUI4s3AzkFpmzaGmF08nv50lQq18_t9a-0DftPDKOkVDyHDUjaSdSKNevkbXJ5LP9VZFCQSpmBfoSGUdasS/w189-h377/image.jpeg" width="189" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I brought them in and will cut them up later and check to see if they are ripe. That just leaves the biggest one. It's tendril has begun to brown but it isn't quite there. Maybe without the four littles pulling energy from the plant, it will put a little more into the the big one and give it some more time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think my cucumber plant is done as well. I got the last cucumber off of it when we got home this weekend and I haven't seen any more babies. There does seem to be a flower though so we'll see if that becomes anything before I pull it up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My luffa have 2 gourds that are pretty good size on them, at least in my opinion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one was the first to appear and it outer skin is pretty scuffed up from trying to grow over the trellis. When I finally got it hanging like it was supposed to, it filled out pretty nicely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhXuvpOy0Mx7qggZwwAw8C1UXYsQ-E9GrE2useulTWqF1zBLzfSXTqppN_qp5hr91WExQP893Tw_6JYLwLE59FQyE4v3e57RJFn1tMU5KDrAITGcAi6erf9gOlncwjWG0NNPrdOwhYY6ve9Pl4obJ9NFQ3XsbbawMWAntGGtevb-mgSW2ZbYEKq2h/s4032/20220929_140423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhXuvpOy0Mx7qggZwwAw8C1UXYsQ-E9GrE2useulTWqF1zBLzfSXTqppN_qp5hr91WExQP893Tw_6JYLwLE59FQyE4v3e57RJFn1tMU5KDrAITGcAi6erf9gOlncwjWG0NNPrdOwhYY6ve9Pl4obJ9NFQ3XsbbawMWAntGGtevb-mgSW2ZbYEKq2h/s320/20220929_140423.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <div>The other has been hanging from the start and doesn't have the 'dents' and scrapes this one does.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKC3Dm2QSu4EXONtaFqEPkhpzKOQzEebmtdOikN0jo7Ds-oE6dWmOd6imwUnXYnVNWk6qXwguOq9lBzdaeMQ4-iXn20eXL7WVYgNflL2xuBeIt-of2QTfxWAipZn_sCqf-uQ9k7kxuFQwPbPhc94zAVe658UwLTXaJNxdpYMlXY55AwLsTcCDcZ_r/s4032/20220929_140436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKC3Dm2QSu4EXONtaFqEPkhpzKOQzEebmtdOikN0jo7Ds-oE6dWmOd6imwUnXYnVNWk6qXwguOq9lBzdaeMQ4-iXn20eXL7WVYgNflL2xuBeIt-of2QTfxWAipZn_sCqf-uQ9k7kxuFQwPbPhc94zAVe658UwLTXaJNxdpYMlXY55AwLsTcCDcZ_r/s320/20220929_140436.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br />Each plant only has one. I am assuming that if I had started them when I should have rather than so late in the summer that I would have quite a few more. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am okay with that. It's been a fun experiment learning about them. And that learning should contribute to a nicer harvest next year.</div><div><br /></div><div>My tomatoes and my one lone red onion are pretty much all that are left. And they are doing well still. My tomato plants are all about my height but had not done much of anything all summer. Then a storm came along a few weeks ago and blew them over so that they were laying on the ground. I tried to stand them up but they were too heavy so I left them alone and figured I'd just pull them up later. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lo and behold, they are now loaded with tomatoes. Like loaded!!!! I told Chick next year I would just wait for the plants to grow tall and then go out and kick them over if that's what it takes. We may have some salsa and spaghetti sauce to can yet.</div><div><p><br /></p></div>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-33817413450028574662022-09-28T08:35:00.002-07:002022-09-28T08:35:56.069-07:00Annual Girl's Weekend 2022<p> This year we went to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. While it was fun, we had thought that it was more for families with tweens and teens. Turns out it is mostly for families of toddlers and young children. </p><p>So we were a little old to be there even with my teen in tow. </p><p>I also didn't realize that people who were not at the hotel could purchase a pass and go in. Part of the appeal to me was that it would <b>only</b> be people in the hotel so I was a little disappointed that wasn't the case. It tended to make for a very busy, very loud place.</p><p>Oh, well. It's good that we enjoy each other's company anyway.</p><p>A couple pictures we managed to get shortly before my sister-in-law made it and then we just spent time together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD02CNGwt7VZo5qEpD76LTEjmMGdkif2usStgSFwDFqYvezoKEDknit_NElKcH01DUi4dhITVP9FA6N0B9o-g7Ih7yBu1daaj2vGZscr_6dYkPPEiFOO709JMO78CGdtrWWIxFyP50Bw3kUd5j3ulVD6gKWPwuZ6rSEVk6bvDFbDPxx5vumeknlPNy/s1008/great%20wolf%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD02CNGwt7VZo5qEpD76LTEjmMGdkif2usStgSFwDFqYvezoKEDknit_NElKcH01DUi4dhITVP9FA6N0B9o-g7Ih7yBu1daaj2vGZscr_6dYkPPEiFOO709JMO78CGdtrWWIxFyP50Bw3kUd5j3ulVD6gKWPwuZ6rSEVk6bvDFbDPxx5vumeknlPNy/s320/great%20wolf%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmVW3v7MviRS76hBeMvu7ZMqcRg92UNFG3mgLqFyxRSNuTt6rp7_YRimWlwi2M4Y739Ka-GNgrNmMCskBkiElP9_RT2MeqAfkzUMaOlV3BVDlRdZ2JkQgPJfXvYPQe5oUb5RKefGEUiixIAVQ6taILIZfuOA47lWTcVGWqv3MIwgUV3Clour3zC_X/s1008/great%20wolf%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmVW3v7MviRS76hBeMvu7ZMqcRg92UNFG3mgLqFyxRSNuTt6rp7_YRimWlwi2M4Y739Ka-GNgrNmMCskBkiElP9_RT2MeqAfkzUMaOlV3BVDlRdZ2JkQgPJfXvYPQe5oUb5RKefGEUiixIAVQ6taILIZfuOA47lWTcVGWqv3MIwgUV3Clour3zC_X/s320/great%20wolf%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW6w9V6RtVmLJYaCRXakOF5twrSJJYT60her39Q_4p-HEkjJGJHurrfERoy0Nt8axBuUEqCuGcDY6p87kKuN3kHL97-Bgww0sUn-8OVUyv98mzYSMHzrz_LRtd9Xbl2xbUDsgIrL0no4I0TMvTETzka167LSmnT7Wegxwm0ThX1ASmYzau3zmG7bO/s1008/great%20wolf%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW6w9V6RtVmLJYaCRXakOF5twrSJJYT60her39Q_4p-HEkjJGJHurrfERoy0Nt8axBuUEqCuGcDY6p87kKuN3kHL97-Bgww0sUn-8OVUyv98mzYSMHzrz_LRtd9Xbl2xbUDsgIrL0no4I0TMvTETzka167LSmnT7Wegxwm0ThX1ASmYzau3zmG7bO/s320/great%20wolf%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-24390574989434866642022-09-19T04:00:00.001-07:002022-09-19T04:00:00.229-07:00Monday's Menu<p> This is a handy recipe to have on hand. Growing up and even in my young adult years every time someone mentioned bread and butter pickles, I wanted no part of them.</p><p>As far as I remember, I had never tried them. I guess they just didn't sound good to me so I refused them.</p><p>In more recent years, some of my favorite restaurant burgers have used them on their burgers rather than the traditional dill pickle. I have since decided that they are my favorite on a burger...</p><p> or a sub...</p><p>or pretty much any other sandwich.</p><p>Yep. Complete turnaround on bread and butters. </p><p>I think it was the name. I looked up why they are named that though. It has nothing to do with the flavor. And, frankly, the origin of the name seems a little mixed up too. The first thing I read said it came from a Depression era sandwich: buttered bread with pickles as the filling. Cheap ingredients that would provide your "bread and butter" for the meal.</p><p>The other story (and probably more likely) is that cucumber farmer family, the Fannings, traded their family recipe pickles with the grocer during hard times for bread and butter. So bread and butter pickles were born.</p><p>Either way, they've been a favorite since the day they came on to the scene. </p><p>I have been canning quite a few myself. But today's recipe <b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">doesn't</span></i></b> have to be canned. You can make it with only a few ingredients. And they are yummy!</p><p>Why did I bother trying it? Well, I may have mentioned that cucumbers are masters of camouflage. I found a couple of monstrosities hidden quite well a few weeks ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuF70vZYVenInLA5HehTAVkVpdFFY08kru4m3O_3qZV1mOWlgw5Fukg5cAeBH880ovnD9e1YMP_umZTQ7Ho_rl1-QX14QX2okyA91VV_RH9R5UkIn6BMz-TpG7hUYvbIp9IOEwdcHf0uvY6bUjJ0Rf8YGQ4PkqIonPBQSiYq1uNZcwfsLNBE4tA1s/s4032/20220820_105904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuF70vZYVenInLA5HehTAVkVpdFFY08kru4m3O_3qZV1mOWlgw5Fukg5cAeBH880ovnD9e1YMP_umZTQ7Ho_rl1-QX14QX2okyA91VV_RH9R5UkIn6BMz-TpG7hUYvbIp9IOEwdcHf0uvY6bUjJ0Rf8YGQ4PkqIonPBQSiYq1uNZcwfsLNBE4tA1s/s320/20220820_105904.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I had two that had gotten humongous. The problem with that is they pretty much turn to mush when you try to can them once they get that big. They have too much water content and it just doesn't work.</p><p>Well, I had two of them. So it occurred to me to just make them into refrigerator pickles and see if that made them usable. So I gave this recipe a try.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvcsIajaFWrachLKweZTsa6tE9Q3FvpFAIC8QMNsp5qFql1Lisb6VKRr9AFlH2cwQjuvP_hLWzRGfVYk9obo34Vp0jtgVp8A-GTaU8-XmNgpXeiVkiYHAqW3tgjiyQYClEtkhrQ14mgfGR1S0tvCRZD2M_8asKRkiJwfjFr44xT5E0U4sDy-fP3VE/s4032/20220915_170653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvcsIajaFWrachLKweZTsa6tE9Q3FvpFAIC8QMNsp5qFql1Lisb6VKRr9AFlH2cwQjuvP_hLWzRGfVYk9obo34Vp0jtgVp8A-GTaU8-XmNgpXeiVkiYHAqW3tgjiyQYClEtkhrQ14mgfGR1S0tvCRZD2M_8asKRkiJwfjFr44xT5E0U4sDy-fP3VE/s320/20220915_170653.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The larger ones are literally hamburger patty size. And while they did soften, it was not mush but rather about like a jar of the ones you might buy at the store. <p></p><p>The regular sized pickling cucumbers I had made up the rest of the jar with are perfectly crunchy enough that my eldest commented that she could hear me bite in to it at the other end of the dining table.</p><p>When I used to buy a cucumber for something and couldn't use it all, I would slice it up and add it to the leftover brine from our store bought pickles. After several days, they would have become pickles too.</p><p>I could definitely see making a smaller amount of this liquid and doing the same with your leftover cucumber here as well.</p><p>So, give it a try and let me know how it turns out.</p><p><a href="https://www.browneyedbaker.com/bread-and-butter-pickles/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This recipe originally came from here.</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles</b></span></p><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredients-container wprm-recipe-ingredients-no-images wprm-recipe-44857-ingredients-container wprm-block-text-normal wprm-ingredient-style-regular wprm-recipe-images-before" data-recipe="44857" data-servings="4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #382e28; counter-reset: wprm-advanced-list-counter 0; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "segoe ui", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "helvetica neue", sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; list-style: none; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5ยฝ</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cups</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">731.5</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">g</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">about 1ยฝ pounds thinly sliced (about ยผ-inch) pickling cucumbers</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1ยฝ</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">tablespoons</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1.5</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">tablespoons</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">kosher salt</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cup</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">160</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">g</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">thinly sliced sweet onion</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cup</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">200</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">g</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">granulated sugar</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cup</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">255</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ml</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">white vinegar</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ยฝ</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cup</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">119.5</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ml</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">apple cider vinegar</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ยผ</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cup</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">55</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">g</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">light brown sugar</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1ยฝ</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">teaspoons</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1.5</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">teaspoons</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">mustard seeds</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ยฝ</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">teaspoon</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">0.5</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">teaspoon</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">celery seeds</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; line-height: 1.5; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 30px !important; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">โ </span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">teaspoon</span> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit-system-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">0.13</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">teaspoon</span>)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ground turmeric</span></li></ul></div></div><div class="wprm-recipe-instructions-container wprm-recipe-44857-instructions-container wprm-block-text-normal" data-recipe="44857" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #382e28; counter-reset: wprm-advanced-list-counter 0; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "segoe ui", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "helvetica neue", sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 35px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h3 class="wprm-recipe-header wprm-recipe-instructions-header wprm-block-text-uppercase wprm-align-left wprm-header-decoration-none wprm-header-has-actions" style="align-items: center; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; font-family: "DM Serif Display", Palatino, Baskerville, Times, sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.1; margin: 30px 0px 15px !important; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combine cucumbers and salt in a large, shallow bowl; cover and chill 1ยฝ hours. Move cucumbers into a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Drain well, and return cucumbers to bowl. Add onion to the bowl and toss with the cucumbers.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combine the granulated sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds and ground turmeric in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">P</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">our the hot vinegar mixture over cucumber mixture; let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 month.</span></span></span></span></h3></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-75336106750055224552022-09-16T07:33:00.002-07:002022-09-16T07:33:08.400-07:00It's that time of year...<p> Canning season is in full force now as gardens start to wind down for the summer. Our house is no exception.</p><p><br /></p><p>Probably surprising given the number of apples we have every year, but this year was my first attempt at canning apple juice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fXFyG2-F4pWXHOYA2hiAaBeg2zhOnVMxAtikxeXa6PNBWXMpc2GnrtPrLgpfTQdwB0Gn1GwwUSM7TUGM7Yz172bqL16szV6ldqAQgN_31wJfIYFjuRaKGum7Nx-1QOg_KYRyT6pt2-mKD2DPptWYCqJxbN5Ti0r-uTTsjoJeGN5lZoZ5IUkvT7XV/s4032/20220915_170537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fXFyG2-F4pWXHOYA2hiAaBeg2zhOnVMxAtikxeXa6PNBWXMpc2GnrtPrLgpfTQdwB0Gn1GwwUSM7TUGM7Yz172bqL16szV6ldqAQgN_31wJfIYFjuRaKGum7Nx-1QOg_KYRyT6pt2-mKD2DPptWYCqJxbN5Ti0r-uTTsjoJeGN5lZoZ5IUkvT7XV/s320/20220915_170537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>It turned out pretty well.</p><p><br /></p><p>With the overabundance of our cucumbers, I also gave relish a try this year. This is actually the second recipe I tried. I think I like this recipe better than the previous one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMPKxGVqxIV2zo853mec2IzqnU6LS80wusJ5-dXKK61_rhEhUIhltW4L5s8va8qyGM0IiXdrXGiSdVTjeIVXWjNma6E7NkzLU0qDWweKew-rdMH8kV62sytUEMXml7Qqo0WQHcgw3mBnoA1QuWLs_Tu9wGuKALauDVARxOZjFT-GzGftR9H9qFv4m/s4032/20220807_074617%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMPKxGVqxIV2zo853mec2IzqnU6LS80wusJ5-dXKK61_rhEhUIhltW4L5s8va8qyGM0IiXdrXGiSdVTjeIVXWjNma6E7NkzLU0qDWweKew-rdMH8kV62sytUEMXml7Qqo0WQHcgw3mBnoA1QuWLs_Tu9wGuKALauDVARxOZjFT-GzGftR9H9qFv4m/s320/20220807_074617%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This year was also the first time I had tried a few jellies. We don't eat jelly. As a result, I have not really ever been too concerned with making it. I have used my bread machine (most have a jam/jelly setting) to make strawberry jam for Rugrat many years ago and, more recently, a a half-pint of grape jelly to use up leftover grape juice from when we had to worship at home. </p><p>After joining a canning group on facebook though, I wanted to make a small batch of these for someone else since I had never heard of this kind before.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUEN5hIr1s8cY5P8jMdi4flzTEUS77HNa5G3KgMDbyJpIW-H8pmZQzslwyB4CpriFKbJ1oZRjhsOZo1WaWHjhmx4lVoEDSduJmGvLU3yF9W-GfGAK_XV8NFSwvOMpw0OvMSGZVy1YOtNP9fgVDvdg0ne_aqVy5MtvESsn7_GcrGELK2AV9jeNLwFn/s4032/20220914_163047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUEN5hIr1s8cY5P8jMdi4flzTEUS77HNa5G3KgMDbyJpIW-H8pmZQzslwyB4CpriFKbJ1oZRjhsOZo1WaWHjhmx4lVoEDSduJmGvLU3yF9W-GfGAK_XV8NFSwvOMpw0OvMSGZVy1YOtNP9fgVDvdg0ne_aqVy5MtvESsn7_GcrGELK2AV9jeNLwFn/s320/20220914_163047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div>They're so pretty I almost wish I did eat jelly. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was the second time I made a unique jelly for someone else this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not sure what's up next but I sure love seeing all those jars of preserves sitting in my pantry waiting for winter.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-26803729719270481742022-09-14T08:39:00.002-07:002022-09-14T08:39:14.569-07:00What's Growin' Wednesday<p> Even though fall is usually a time when gardens fade out, mine is still kicking albeit a little slower than before and in smaller quantities. </p><p>I actually have one luffa growing. I wasn't sure if any of those would actually grow. Look at the pretty flowers it makes too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3P3dpMoaIZdjfFiVzUm-7G_Gk9wEuF5-tUAoIHAvi7MQhF-lzMh6mVEC-E9pBei90JszLl_fVGLN9K5mpi785Nu_LsB1E4cLbYZDp9EGIFsxe3kBgIgv29NKI0rnxDzB5we-K1yqqkzsdFvOdJ3ZzNM1mNVH661F12s0q9zq1r8ZWQDMW-ZyD6mq/s4032/20220914_102047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3P3dpMoaIZdjfFiVzUm-7G_Gk9wEuF5-tUAoIHAvi7MQhF-lzMh6mVEC-E9pBei90JszLl_fVGLN9K5mpi785Nu_LsB1E4cLbYZDp9EGIFsxe3kBgIgv29NKI0rnxDzB5we-K1yqqkzsdFvOdJ3ZzNM1mNVH661F12s0q9zq1r8ZWQDMW-ZyD6mq/s320/20220914_102047.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>This is the biggest of the watermelons and it's still coming along.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NrzYeH6p7x-iABqVoSIynNNZg4Kum7Kx4yO-SzfE1-STslZqUFH63dFJ5HivY1qwhaCjuNzkzPv_UQ7qUv9UDDQBFEk0vddi7x4kOA_kKopjvvulp641KfJbGSRrjyK_Q2knN9-o_WhkDYDrzuRzKpr0UVHTNAERSh2jlF7p-Yne5dZEfYkdjhTL/s4032/20220914_102123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NrzYeH6p7x-iABqVoSIynNNZg4Kum7Kx4yO-SzfE1-STslZqUFH63dFJ5HivY1qwhaCjuNzkzPv_UQ7qUv9UDDQBFEk0vddi7x4kOA_kKopjvvulp641KfJbGSRrjyK_Q2knN9-o_WhkDYDrzuRzKpr0UVHTNAERSh2jlF7p-Yne5dZEfYkdjhTL/s320/20220914_102123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although there are still quite a few cucumbers showing up in waves, they mostly tend to look like this upside down raindrop shape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqX1slwCYz4bjHah3aKN6bapmwn1nLxlvboPwxTVkSp_Cs034TgV4xYBIA7uMUvscl4Wg22Myfl9pPYxtK3ZOI7HlXyGHd1T5Wq5CWpLIXF4l2uZVpd4nY5vl3CJG8HtK0C9ZSIKrDZWM2ZMsF52d_V96GjtpA7W2vDZJ81xlD3UY4R1SZV5mgBsZ/s4032/20220914_102111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqX1slwCYz4bjHah3aKN6bapmwn1nLxlvboPwxTVkSp_Cs034TgV4xYBIA7uMUvscl4Wg22Myfl9pPYxtK3ZOI7HlXyGHd1T5Wq5CWpLIXF4l2uZVpd4nY5vl3CJG8HtK0C9ZSIKrDZWM2ZMsF52d_V96GjtpA7W2vDZJ81xlD3UY4R1SZV5mgBsZ/s320/20220914_102111.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I'm not sure why exactly and they are certainly still usable. Just not as pretty as they were. I would guess it has to do with how they grow on that part of the plant. They always seem to be 'interfered' with by something, like another heavy vine or the fence or the trellis. Doesn't make a difference though. They're all just pickles to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unless they are tzasiki sauce.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-71300568972557088142022-09-12T07:13:00.006-07:002022-09-12T07:17:49.898-07:00Monday's Menu<p> I tried this recipe recently with a little apprehension. I had never made a pork loin before. Not only was I pleasantly surprised at how easy it was but my family all loved it too. If they notice that I've bought one now, they can't wait to have it for dinner.</p><p>My picture is not as good as I would have liked but don't let that stop you. This is pretty good stuff. <a href="https://realhousemoms.com/perfectly-moist-pork-loin/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The original recipe is here.</span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy8sdWp7sHeegBuinUlKcUsSs5BoJpBmt0_b8N7pgU3muTpFYee1UJ-pAn0knCMEjzzjBD1csDriqZHl9N9ImHzE8KfLifdv3sqP7Qrw8SbHUlMRaFXOoLeloxC2zuX-wXHTdpbxcLWFw0rXK9R4fEj65fx2KvXlIjHDUfBlLYrbtd3xrskTK955A/s4032/20220908_171211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy8sdWp7sHeegBuinUlKcUsSs5BoJpBmt0_b8N7pgU3muTpFYee1UJ-pAn0knCMEjzzjBD1csDriqZHl9N9ImHzE8KfLifdv3sqP7Qrw8SbHUlMRaFXOoLeloxC2zuX-wXHTdpbxcLWFw0rXK9R4fEj65fx2KvXlIjHDUfBlLYrbtd3xrskTK955A/s320/20220908_171211.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="Normal tm5"><strong><u><span class="tm6">Perfectly Moist Pork Loin</span></u></strong></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7"> </span></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7">4-5 lb. pork loin roast</span></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7">2 Tablespoons olive oil</span></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7">1 Tablespoon salt</span></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7">1 Tablespoon pepper</span></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7">1 Tablespoon garlic powder</span></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7">1 Tablespoon onion powder</span></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7"> </span></p>
<p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm7">Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash and dry off pork loin. Rub surface of entire pork loin with olive oil. Mix together spices and then rub on outside of pork loin. Place pork loin in
greased roasting pan fat side up. Cook for 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees and cook for 20 minutes per pound or until internal temperature reads 145 degrees F. Remove from oven and place a piece of foil loosely
over roast. Let meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.</span></p><br /><p></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-79722806717862588792022-09-01T08:04:00.001-07:002022-09-01T08:04:17.656-07:00What's Growin'<p> My luffas surprised me by coming along pretty quickly. I was shocked to find some pretty yellow flowers growing on them the other day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0JswNVztUFbp2VtePgNk1bEoA7WLIEbNa_BURSAjg51CTzPoAYJGxcuvzTI5_1fsAyoyTwl2e5pFgN9jx28_WJeVAbcn5ro3X58Sm2FvXce8Pr3HSB2V8RnxgW6HpNapcYqkQHN9lZunf17z2Q3_-0v85_gxFRiI95Y6DqN8d-UmFz2rmgylaMrC/s4032/20220831_122009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0JswNVztUFbp2VtePgNk1bEoA7WLIEbNa_BURSAjg51CTzPoAYJGxcuvzTI5_1fsAyoyTwl2e5pFgN9jx28_WJeVAbcn5ro3X58Sm2FvXce8Pr3HSB2V8RnxgW6HpNapcYqkQHN9lZunf17z2Q3_-0v85_gxFRiI95Y6DqN8d-UmFz2rmgylaMrC/s320/20220831_122009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p> I appear to have 2 gourds growing. They are still quite tiny but maybe they'll get big enough by the first frost.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiojpyA-sF6JJXnjfv3RODYo00xYq-YQxLpPu2_gOt27LL2MHdzXKJt0j__JxkiG7HhDtFTB2rv07STAbknFPRZzFlzFR-byuVz1OX25MopRHKKoUElpusBx9EmrvKqyTfgz9tMNG-zu85CGD8kK6gk-Yq7Ytde_LhiUydhl7xrWiw6Hpa1eVdFZZ/s4032/20220826_181709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiojpyA-sF6JJXnjfv3RODYo00xYq-YQxLpPu2_gOt27LL2MHdzXKJt0j__JxkiG7HhDtFTB2rv07STAbknFPRZzFlzFR-byuVz1OX25MopRHKKoUElpusBx9EmrvKqyTfgz9tMNG-zu85CGD8kK6gk-Yq7Ytde_LhiUydhl7xrWiw6Hpa1eVdFZZ/s320/20220826_181709.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBIsUJoWsPs7urc2cqDIEviuWc5oGa-Wa1l0dvzRIVQA9llRo-dHUif6Bf4k3djFUQR1JhWkmxdud-DFk86iEahXJpdYjGLTjS8ao4s1EizGx415oXBIyGMRqJ_Tc-NUTFjcD5ysY6CVmDgznq0bdsgx5aqbgs92k4_FWLdpNjq8vjFO09UXQR7go/s4032/20220831_121951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBIsUJoWsPs7urc2cqDIEviuWc5oGa-Wa1l0dvzRIVQA9llRo-dHUif6Bf4k3djFUQR1JhWkmxdud-DFk86iEahXJpdYjGLTjS8ao4s1EizGx415oXBIyGMRqJ_Tc-NUTFjcD5ysY6CVmDgznq0bdsgx5aqbgs92k4_FWLdpNjq8vjFO09UXQR7go/s320/20220831_121951.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-83629668103184872062022-08-29T08:21:00.002-07:002022-08-29T08:21:11.883-07:00Monday's Menu<p> Normally, now-a-days, I prefer to use things that don't come from boxes and cans but rather from basic ingredients. But there are times when you need something quick and just haven't had time to do it justice in the way you want. Or make it from scratch (which in my humble opinion always tastes better).</p><p>Baked beans is one of those things. You can look at the homemade recipe I have here and see that it is (at least, in my case) a multi-day thing or, at the very least, a half day endeavor. So, if I am called upon at the last minute for a side dish like baked beans... well, it ain't gonna happen using my usual recipe.</p><p>This one is a little quicker. And, while I would say its claim that they taste like homemade is exaggeration, they still taste better than right out of the can. This is a good one to have on hand for those last minute situations like I mentioned above though.</p><p>I will say that I am looking at a couple of canning recipes right now where I could have my own handmade baked beans ready to go. But I haven't given them a try yet.</p><p><a href="https://feastandfarm.com/make-canned-baked-beans-taste-homemade/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">This recipe originally came from here.</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How to make canned baked beans taste homemade</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 28-oz. can baked beans<br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">3 Tablespoons brown sugar, packed<br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">1 Tablespoon yellow mustard<br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">2 Tablespoons ketchup<br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">3 slices bacon, if desired</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>Preheat oven to 375. In a 9-inch oven proof skillet or greased baking dish, mix together the beans, brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Top with the bacon slices and bake until bubbling around the edges and hot in the center -- about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.</div>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-92005289755577240822022-08-25T07:45:00.006-07:002022-08-25T07:45:59.101-07:00Apple Picking<p> Hubby and I picked the apples off of our Granny Smith last night. Even with the drought and heat this summer it still made a lot of apples. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkkGJyqy9WiTT9eUElhBnkEBbJuYgd_x9uL6U4WhOaFbIbasX-w-bWHznhMwLLO9R-wH1DvsqMOPIi6YWcMEfAX3g4o0X7e_y0xtWhj21lOQ_ILM29tCGe3EYMy0Vah_i8U09923TVMBnWixyYyqJE378lgn2hwTk3I5ANxVOusnRweNBwLFOt0Ht/s2048/2022apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkkGJyqy9WiTT9eUElhBnkEBbJuYgd_x9uL6U4WhOaFbIbasX-w-bWHznhMwLLO9R-wH1DvsqMOPIi6YWcMEfAX3g4o0X7e_y0xtWhj21lOQ_ILM29tCGe3EYMy0Vah_i8U09923TVMBnWixyYyqJE378lgn2hwTk3I5ANxVOusnRweNBwLFOt0Ht/s320/2022apples.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Not nearly as many as usual though. Not even close. And they weren't as pretty or large as they usually are either. The weather definitely hit hard this year.</p><p>Honestly, though, it would have been fine if the tree had taken a year off. I still have about 40 jars of applesauce and apple pie filling from last year so I think we're good for now. Just thinking about trying to put up all of those makes me want to run fast in the other direction.</p><p>I'm guessing that my mom's horses will end up getting the majority of them. Ones that I don't find someone else to pawn them off on. lol</p><p>And Hubby's been pruning the tree some so we may not have very many next year either. Again, that's fine. That little tree does more than its share of apple making. It deserves a little break. :)</p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-55911626464567169932022-08-24T08:40:00.002-07:002022-08-24T08:40:11.198-07:00What's Growin' Wednesday<p> I guess having about 40 lbs. removed from their vines made my watermelon plant pretty happy. I noticed two more growing on the ground shortly after. </p><p>Two more watermelons sounded good. Hey hey!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPRfLBrYk5H3Sn1dYHO377jCSN3EldyRbmAwuswHQ16eODEA0VfW29QbUpSfMGFrNSBQMWcqZuCeh0ZkO-DCd2A_tm9v6WSwRluGfnYZSGCTd2TybeGl1u1WUbeb6w8tloGLoDbffj9Oxv8R8yJ3qVHxCIqiYT3PUEcPfSj8G389K2fKBczNVRw_/s4032/20220824_083521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPRfLBrYk5H3Sn1dYHO377jCSN3EldyRbmAwuswHQ16eODEA0VfW29QbUpSfMGFrNSBQMWcqZuCeh0ZkO-DCd2A_tm9v6WSwRluGfnYZSGCTd2TybeGl1u1WUbeb6w8tloGLoDbffj9Oxv8R8yJ3qVHxCIqiYT3PUEcPfSj8G389K2fKBczNVRw_/s320/20220824_083521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Then I noticed two hanging from vines that had traveled along the top of our fence. Hubby unraveled one and lay it on the ground with the two others. When I asked if he had done the second one, he said he didn't realize there were two hanging. So I went out to unravel the other and lay it on the ground.<div><br /><p></p><p>But I saw four already laying on the ground. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZUuAb2xLmtac3CoYvRklJ-YhfSrC_uuXiUEBttY8sf4MNpKqXkAYXCPkuaSmmEJ43HzT8kX8FNlPEQzl2pO0HbPegc-BL3XuZWEOtIWWoekYXuoVqjwl2YW-cBBdV9VgG12dDDIRPlTfUewTvZ8HXc3BYM3Q4TvIXfGMO_R8HdM2DoyRdk4XjqLa/s4032/20220824_083527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZUuAb2xLmtac3CoYvRklJ-YhfSrC_uuXiUEBttY8sf4MNpKqXkAYXCPkuaSmmEJ43HzT8kX8FNlPEQzl2pO0HbPegc-BL3XuZWEOtIWWoekYXuoVqjwl2YW-cBBdV9VgG12dDDIRPlTfUewTvZ8HXc3BYM3Q4TvIXfGMO_R8HdM2DoyRdk4XjqLa/s320/20220824_083527.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Wait a minute. The other hanging one had been at the opposite end of the others. Hmm. A little investigating and I found her. So I unraveled it and lay it on the ground.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oMMAUjkqgNhVYXUnoUPo3aSjiy_aCGKQjRWOgzk6XD98ervif_0y8i9CzggbEJ2OTkLSzHNuSC_tL0RXPn5x7yf9Fh9zqtC8wsfrK6bYc3ImlYqoZ2YnXgV-wgvEt0pamliHXtFjhEFApJXeA0rwlcx8Ag5KTkkBAmzvYOHTEdJ1L9OVsjP2q--c/s4032/20220824_083447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oMMAUjkqgNhVYXUnoUPo3aSjiy_aCGKQjRWOgzk6XD98ervif_0y8i9CzggbEJ2OTkLSzHNuSC_tL0RXPn5x7yf9Fh9zqtC8wsfrK6bYc3ImlYqoZ2YnXgV-wgvEt0pamliHXtFjhEFApJXeA0rwlcx8Ag5KTkkBAmzvYOHTEdJ1L9OVsjP2q--c/s320/20220824_083447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p> One had been hiding from me with the first two I saw growing. So I didn't see it until it got a little bigger. So, yes, if you are counting, I now have five more watermelons in the works.</p><p>Possibly six. When I was weeding, I thought I might cut off a vine that was just stretching out into nowhere it seemed. When I lifted it, I saw one about the size of a jawbreaker at its end. I'm not counting on it yet though because the vine made a crunching noise when I lifted it so I may have broken it. </p><p>I think we'll be okay though.</p><p>What on earth will I do with five watermelons? (Shaking my head in wonder)<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p></div>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-74557099471998733022022-08-22T07:45:00.005-07:002022-08-22T07:45:58.362-07:00Monday's Menu<p> I love Chinese food but really don't do such a great job making it. This, however, has been a pretty popular recipe since we tried it. My son even took it for one of his classes when they were doing some sort of potluck thing. </p><p>While I don't ever remember actually seeing this dish in a Panda Express, I can't say it isn't a copycat because, to be honest, we just don't go there that often and haven't been going there much over the last several years. </p><p>But it is quite good. And a nice variation from the usual thing. So give a try.</p><p><a href="https://dinnerthendessert.com/panda-express-black-pepper-chicken-copycat/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The original recipe came from here.</span></a></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><u><span class="tm5">Copycat Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken<br /></span></u></strong><span class="tm6"> <br /></span><span class="tm6">1 lb. chicken breast<br /></span><span class="tm6">2 stalks thinly-sliced-diagonally celery<br /></span><span class="tm6">1/2 medium white onion, chopped into 3/4-inch squares<br /></span><span class="tm6">1/4 cup soy sauce<br /></span><span class="tm6">1 Tablespoon vinegar (chili vinegar if possible)<br /></span><span class="tm6">1/4 teaspoon ginger<br /></span><span class="tm6">1 1/2 Tablespoons COARSE black pepper OR about half as much regular grind pepper<br /></span><span class="tm6">2 Tablespoons corn starch<br /></span><span class="tm6">4 Tablespoons oil<br /></span><span class="tm6"> <br /></span><span class="tm6">Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and marinate with 2 Tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 Tablespoon vinegar, cornstarch, and ginger for 30 minutes.<br /></span><span class="tm6"> <br /></span><span class="tm6">Using 2 Tablespoons oil, heat pan until oil ripples when moved. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove from heat and add celery and onions with remaining 2 Tablespoons oil. Cook veggies
for about 45 seconds. Add in remaining 2 Tablespoons soy sauce, remaining 1/2 Tablespoon vinegar, chicken, and black pepper. Cook for 15 seconds to combine and warm through. Serve immediately.</span></div>
Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-29572738326571214822022-08-19T04:00:00.003-07:002022-08-19T07:55:09.462-07:00Feudal System Projects<p> We finished up a fun project recently. Rugrat has been learning about the feudal system in History. Or as our resident history degree called it -- the "pyramid scheme." </p><p>I found some projects<a href="https://angelicscalliwagshomeschool.com/feudalism-in-the-middleages-and-the-four-alls/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> on this site</span></a> that we decided to do too. I think it really made this chapter of our History book a lot more interesting.</p><p>The first thing we did was this fun fun tower.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzBwPu-EPQOAaXQ8MylalSnhlXZDFr1q7Yo1SfmL7obxIFAskcNzVnCbeZxmAsYuUMk72nDA1gTXPM6gyjfnbH6AWk5VZbyWJ6ORxfy8NvHLg3J780XY8Nsw5ZA7ibGXM6CtwC5dbxGLoNmzABXyh3TCJX-0P6Mer65tmYvPwgCWY9bCbIP3u9uJ0/s4032/20220817_134644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzBwPu-EPQOAaXQ8MylalSnhlXZDFr1q7Yo1SfmL7obxIFAskcNzVnCbeZxmAsYuUMk72nDA1gTXPM6gyjfnbH6AWk5VZbyWJ6ORxfy8NvHLg3J780XY8Nsw5ZA7ibGXM6CtwC5dbxGLoNmzABXyh3TCJX-0P6Mer65tmYvPwgCWY9bCbIP3u9uJ0/s320/20220817_134644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It is based on a poem called "The Four Alls." It didn't really hit the nobles, except that I mentioned them while we worked on it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We worked our way down from the top. Starting at the church who "prayed for all."</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iti5vduaDQlBMyWr1Km9ZFudybvG0KAXR9milo7pxgbgmwoO2cfNee_6BbCchCfTERYTewMSuhETo4P_qvrZ88cvpdVHjTT4gaWPhIsL-Xd6PwoxR90slemXvfAifb28GUUcPebPxaPyLPeTEo505i8vgWV7RJP9VNufUl2smFbOg1uqGS68J2b9/s4032/20220817_134721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iti5vduaDQlBMyWr1Km9ZFudybvG0KAXR9milo7pxgbgmwoO2cfNee_6BbCchCfTERYTewMSuhETo4P_qvrZ88cvpdVHjTT4gaWPhIsL-Xd6PwoxR90slemXvfAifb28GUUcPebPxaPyLPeTEo505i8vgWV7RJP9VNufUl2smFbOg1uqGS68J2b9/s320/20220817_134721.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Then came the king who "ruled all."<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZE7lm6yZVhcF9UIQ97qTtMgVhBMOszkxFdkkShlFGD58NqLau-ItGbDfjZO-4ZJpdaDMVH7cVdeKZ9Qz5_my8TBwHQG3xHXsY10gyWOmBuXg_rvtn1gfbTxvmzJ-YafV8cQTVZn5WtGhbbC-tm_8x7Nj8WBVMeot2iRPZTv1rPyFSpxnQ1IRdf6W/s4032/20220817_134726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZE7lm6yZVhcF9UIQ97qTtMgVhBMOszkxFdkkShlFGD58NqLau-ItGbDfjZO-4ZJpdaDMVH7cVdeKZ9Qz5_my8TBwHQG3xHXsY10gyWOmBuXg_rvtn1gfbTxvmzJ-YafV8cQTVZn5WtGhbbC-tm_8x7Nj8WBVMeot2iRPZTv1rPyFSpxnQ1IRdf6W/s320/20220817_134726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Next were the knights who "protected all."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarvNOryX7y5YObQNfpIqZzS0eCAvvGNOeNlLCeE7-x67MnNsPmkHR-0uCszLuTixIii6sgX8UhHyHAWJ6c_fl21P5VsAVUWZSlXCzYerI8cycfZ-iVxKm7qdpfQRHVKE3NqqsnOm5oo0CZurzTuUr4zl8NDK3rcOY8u0-EkQNMxPEf5pNg6NiNnK_/s4032/20220817_134731.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarvNOryX7y5YObQNfpIqZzS0eCAvvGNOeNlLCeE7-x67MnNsPmkHR-0uCszLuTixIii6sgX8UhHyHAWJ6c_fl21P5VsAVUWZSlXCzYerI8cycfZ-iVxKm7qdpfQRHVKE3NqqsnOm5oo0CZurzTuUr4zl8NDK3rcOY8u0-EkQNMxPEf5pNg6NiNnK_/s320/20220817_134731.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And finally the serfs (or peasants in the poem) who "worked for all."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQBT56dt_Lblcp4eUsOCStdT2TZ6pqBU0-ieSKNmUJrpQp0uDw-cz2YeMjp03pwSSridEvxIQ3VyUZCT6XEmlMTQsTI0SNjv6FVyMjkhwJHIWUE-KSxVYkxWMShwqou05iwu1TYFlXqyWOYhITLmULJrzd1B4v8dIz4soUr8gVHyRRrVjkC3ksclP/s4032/20220817_134735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQBT56dt_Lblcp4eUsOCStdT2TZ6pqBU0-ieSKNmUJrpQp0uDw-cz2YeMjp03pwSSridEvxIQ3VyUZCT6XEmlMTQsTI0SNjv6FVyMjkhwJHIWUE-KSxVYkxWMShwqou05iwu1TYFlXqyWOYhITLmULJrzd1B4v8dIz4soUr8gVHyRRrVjkC3ksclP/s320/20220817_134735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><p>It was fun and required some creativity coming up with what to use for the various things in the boxes.</p><p>I still wasn't sure she understood just how uneven things were though so I used some M&Ms and an illustration from the same site I found the idea for the tower on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISOua5mKxM-1AgTE_OErQmmvQxsZIS6AeichdlcPoT3vnxRXclOSoTDycNHZ-BDDiktN-QsFUrhWJOE0KRNAacB4EmZGJlWbolxYQ8HMr6mk4_aQisRtTlg0u7EEBajGUneAbUfex-kwKUhv1mfFo98WG6YqycBdZLGw3RriueHk0FQ2rdR-ZKBje/s4032/20220818_151752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISOua5mKxM-1AgTE_OErQmmvQxsZIS6AeichdlcPoT3vnxRXclOSoTDycNHZ-BDDiktN-QsFUrhWJOE0KRNAacB4EmZGJlWbolxYQ8HMr6mk4_aQisRtTlg0u7EEBajGUneAbUfex-kwKUhv1mfFo98WG6YqycBdZLGw3RriueHk0FQ2rdR-ZKBje/s320/20220818_151752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made this little graphic then we put some little cupcake paper liners down - one for each person represented.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everyone started with an equal share of the 'profits' so 10 M&Ms each. Then they started making their payments of fidelity: 6 of each serf's to the knight over them, 5 of those per serf from the knight to his noble, 6 per knight from each noble to his king. I just followed the directions for the illustration on her site. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we were done distributing, we counted them and wrote the numbers on the graphic sheet I had put together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQDIJfQRGyYC6stGHiSaCKHQujp0Zk-STzIKaMm_Qn99cdflH2mIGkg8CrdSgsUCgDHzXo_T5DgmT1xyTjvlOq4xFwdRc4RAmkRMHqP7KEihpAongnguMi30bvmiHd8d1fY2onQv2lcfaMzbTNbOOMGRPcKrADBoKhnGWl5BNfH3zAc6AXPVfgZvV/s4032/20220818_130647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQDIJfQRGyYC6stGHiSaCKHQujp0Zk-STzIKaMm_Qn99cdflH2mIGkg8CrdSgsUCgDHzXo_T5DgmT1xyTjvlOq4xFwdRc4RAmkRMHqP7KEihpAongnguMi30bvmiHd8d1fY2onQv2lcfaMzbTNbOOMGRPcKrADBoKhnGWl5BNfH3zAc6AXPVfgZvV/s320/20220818_130647.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The inequality became quite a striking visual with the M&Ms, particularly noticeable when comparing the king's 46 to the serf's 4. Rugrat was thoroughly put out about it, especially since she knew who had done all the work to earn that 'profit' in the first place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I feel pretty satisfied that she got it. And it was a lot of fun too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plus, she made sure to share some of the 'profit' with her older brother so he helped us clean it up too. LOL.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p></div></div>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979011669442986564.post-58407284105053114262022-08-18T04:00:00.001-07:002022-08-18T04:00:00.187-07:00A Different Way to Do Book Reports<p> Rugrat recently finished an abridged version of War of the Worlds. I wasn't sure how well she'd like it but she was pretty invested in it to my surprise. </p><p>I've been wanting to incorporate more book reports in her literature this year. But she has a hard time getting her thoughts onto paper. What's more, knowing that she is going to have to fill a page or two just completely overwhelms her until she is not capable of doing anything.</p><p>So, I had mostly avoided them up to this point. Admittedly, not the best way to deal with it, but I still tried to throw one in here or there ... usually just hoping at some point things would click and make it easier.</p><p>This year, however, I stumbled across another way to do book reports. It seemed slightly less intimidating so we gave it a go as she finished up this first book. </p><p>These are called <a href="https://hiawatharoom430.weebly.com/book-in-a-box.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Book in a Box</span></a>. They are supposed to be put together in a shoebox but I decided to make them a little smaller for storing. So we used a file folder that has been folded in the center to be a little wider.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5UIDErkyPeC6A56RjQRE70li21ADRTaGcfaXhEox3nyXyAFEAczzoQmMBThz3m2IMRUhPfUJqLNYKgVRxmzD-Lpf5-LFE18aOeJ36-7mk0gnW9MzxIOOL99F0UO5XEggrF78WUKyQJ3hdnrpzqWjMNhVAh5oYJ5S-p_dCoNyYZB-Oo55zowMoU4V/s4032/20220817_160639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5UIDErkyPeC6A56RjQRE70li21ADRTaGcfaXhEox3nyXyAFEAczzoQmMBThz3m2IMRUhPfUJqLNYKgVRxmzD-Lpf5-LFE18aOeJ36-7mk0gnW9MzxIOOL99F0UO5XEggrF78WUKyQJ3hdnrpzqWjMNhVAh5oYJ5S-p_dCoNyYZB-Oo55zowMoU4V/s320/20220817_160639.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I took this picture at a slant hoping to make it easy to see how wide the spine is but it didn't cooperate. </p><p>The way you do it is to pick five things about the book - representatives so to speak - and then write a small paragraph about each and tag them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PNIzzBP_UZWWDqVMkEEJsyPuHJ7oPcsGsbsK5xsxK0taY0LCqQL5gSAGgF_rfSS6LQzAwjQ2Yhp0U7_mIWSBz9B1i0ctysZJTiTj8wwbs1h5HX5wKNyXOzd1lsdCNhq3MSw6a5SOTkFB7vO87QcKYlBs10xSHP114gt-ssb2OSg4JG5E-bZOrunP/s4032/20220817_160646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PNIzzBP_UZWWDqVMkEEJsyPuHJ7oPcsGsbsK5xsxK0taY0LCqQL5gSAGgF_rfSS6LQzAwjQ2Yhp0U7_mIWSBz9B1i0ctysZJTiTj8wwbs1h5HX5wKNyXOzd1lsdCNhq3MSw6a5SOTkFB7vO87QcKYlBs10xSHP114gt-ssb2OSg4JG5E-bZOrunP/s320/20220817_160646.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmoG0GObutvewV2C9RQXkzmm1J5GiWACsFejJUVzYVZwgdmTWzMtUtpjRTz1MaR8bag_vJNmBVVsqoUHKq8N0B2e6VBKGF07Y20mlh2JiI1o_Y4L8ImAxQArtgBoSOvQa9jpEO9vLLFCD1XcqlM7AUvRgZeNEkk1G_0Vtgp03QlSAWez0hVjp-FCr/s4032/20220817_160651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmoG0GObutvewV2C9RQXkzmm1J5GiWACsFejJUVzYVZwgdmTWzMtUtpjRTz1MaR8bag_vJNmBVVsqoUHKq8N0B2e6VBKGF07Y20mlh2JiI1o_Y4L8ImAxQArtgBoSOvQa9jpEO9vLLFCD1XcqlM7AUvRgZeNEkk1G_0Vtgp03QlSAWez0hVjp-FCr/s320/20220817_160651.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>The initial paragraphs were stilted and these are certainly not on grade level yet. But it is essentially a 5 paragraph basic book report. The main character is there and a summary of sorts without giving away the ending but including events in the book. </p><p>She never balked at any of the paragraphs, only the occasional sentence I pointed out that needed some editing. I may have her do a couple more of these and then use one to show her how she can take those paragraphs and combine them into a proper book report.</p><p>I've tried before to teach her to break these things into bites and then combine them but she has always had a hard time doing even that. This broke it down while distracting her with the crafting.</p><p>And it was pretty fun too.</p><p>Definitely an add to our curriculum for the better.</p><p><br /></p>Born Blondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03368081527366573271noreply@blogger.com0