Our latest addition, Charlie, loves to chase our chickens. (I think they secretly like it.) I might add, I’ve never had such a playful calf. He’s constantly on the go.
First he stalks them, moving only inches at a time—the two girls are just walking along, visiting about the latest American Idol winner—when …
Pounce! (Auntie Etta Jane stands by, shaking her head, “Kids.”)
“It’s him again!”
“Run for your life.”
Meanwhile, auntie watches patiently.
I recently used up the last of the “herb cubes” in my freezer. Here’s the recipe again—an oldie but a goodie!
Preserving herbs in oil is a quick and easy process that adds convenience to cooking and reduces waste. Whether you buy herbs from the market or you grow your own, it always seems like there comes a time when you have more than you need. Rather than let them sit in your fridge with the best intentions of using them before they spoil, try preserving them.
First, gather your ingredients …
To properly preserve whole sprigs of hardy herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme for later use, place a sprig in the bottom of a small jar and cover with olive oil, butter, or a combination of both.
Place in the freezer and remove when ready to use.
For convenient portions of minced herbs, mince any extra and fill ice cube trays about ¾ of the way full with herbs. For our cubes, we used parsley rosemary, sage, thyme, and basil.
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Nikki Hurlbut!!!
Nikki Hurlbut (#5131) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Aprons Merit Badge!
“I used a pattern to cut out my apron and then trimmed it to size. I had to sew each pocket on, then each strap to the apron. Then I sewed ribbon around the length of the apron for added color.
It was my first apron, so I cannot be too upset. However, I am going to need a lot more practice if I hope to make a hobby of this one day!”
By now, we’re all pretty familiar with the fact that CSA means Community Supported Agriculture.
Check?
Okay, moving on …
Now, what about CSG?
Any ideas?
A CSG is a “community solar garden,” which can be installed in urban garden plots alongside the peas and potatoes. It’s all green!
Photo by Rolf1981 via Wikimedia Commons
As explained by Katie Marks on Networx, “Individual members of the community invest in the solar garden and receive a return in the form of a rebate on their electrical bills, reflecting the energy generated in the solar garden installed and managed by community electricians.”
A CSG is an economical option for people who can’t invest in their own solar panels or who are restricted by property regulations, and it’s a small, yet hopeful, step in the direction of energy independence.
“The solar garden represents an indirect method of alternative energy generation, in that people aren’t powering their homes with solar power using their own panels, but it does reduce the demand for electricity in a given town by feeding solar power through the grid,” continues Marks. “Power companies, in turn, provide rebates to the solar garden just like they would individual consumers, and these rebates are distributed amongst those who are partnering in the initiative.”
Photo by Mathieudu68 via Wikimedia Commons
Colorado is a prominent (and sunny) leader of the solar garden movement, with cities like Fort Collins already on board.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Westminster-based Solar Gardens Community Power is helping organize communities to pool their resources and go solar, developing workshops and certification programs for solar panel ownership, and advocating community-based energy development through legislation in several states. Founder Joy Hughes has said, “Now everyone can go solar. For the first time, low-income homeowners and renters will be able to go solar. Solar gardens are sprouting up everywhere!”
Check out Solar Gardens’ nationwide map to see if there is already a garden near you and find out how you can get connected.
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
