Homesteading, My Version

Today I planted the spearmint clippings that I have been rooting in glasses of water in the window for about two weeks. That was E-Z-E! I like to add fresh leaves to my tea.

I used my vintage tool to dig and spread because I'm afraid to toddle up the ramp and into the shed to get trowels that I know are there.

Then I proceeded to decant the chive vinegar that has been sitting in the dark cupboard for over two weeks. I used a plastic strainer with a funnel to put it in the small tall glass bottle and found a cork to fit. It is good to have for salad dressings and several other dishes. 

It is satisfying to watch the ferns, that my mother had planted so many years ago, grow. They sure are pretty. The hosta is also doing very well.

I'm finished with my projects and a little porch sitting is now in order. Please tap on image to view larger.   

Chives

Every year in June these come to full bloom. I have once before made chive vinegar with them. I seems such a waste not to use them all. The leaves can be snipped and used as garnishes on salads, soups, etc. There are sooooooo many here!

I am waiting for my new batch of vinegar to become ready. Couldn't help myself in plucking a few and making it again. I've posted about this before and the two different links below will lead you to more information.

*TWO YEARS AGO (click on link below)

First Try Blog

*TWO YEARS AGO (click on link below)

First Batch Result Blog 

Another Quick and Easy Project

Early this morning I found a container, got my kitchen scissors, grabbed my cane and went to reap some of those beautiful chive blossoms. I figured out how to mash the blossoms because I've lost my pestle. I scrubbed the handle of a 13 inch screwdriver!  A three cup plastic container of the blossoms mashed down to about 1/2 cup in the container. After transferring them into a pint glass jar, I poured 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar over them and put on the lid. It will take two weeks in a dark place for the infusion to be complete and then I'll strain it and re-bottle my chive blossom vinegar.  I borrowed three canning jars from a neighbor for my various projects. As I don't can anymore I had given them all away. I have many nice plastic containers that I use to freeze applesauce and soups, etc., but vinegar infusions need to go in glass containers. 

They make a nice bouquet for the counter too!

  Please click on image to view larger  

Chives Anybody?

It seems to be such a waste to have so many just growing and not being reaped and enjoyed by others. I'm always willing to share and can use only a few of these that my mother planted many years ago. I was VERY frustrated not to be able to capture the very large bumble bee as it was so busy pollinating and every time I thought I had him, he flew to another blossom. I did get another pollinator, though, but not nearly as pretty.

Did you know that this pretty, light purple, edible flower has a light onion flavor and that chive blossoms can be tossed in a salad or used as a garnish?

Did you know that they can be chopped and dried as an herb? Did you know that there is such a thing as chive vinegar? They also can be used in CAKES and DUMPLINGS! Well I could go on and on about many different ways to use them. You can go to google and be amazed at what you will find about this beautiful purple pom pom edible plant. 

Better yet - come on over and cut some for yourself! Please!

Don't forget to click on image to view larger

Motley Good Group

First you must see an old OLD tool that is still in use. It was hiding in back of the shed with others not so old. It makes me wonder how many hands have held it and guided it through the soil. It surely is a family piece passed down through the generations. Just look at those shapely tines and, if you held it you would feel its perfect and correct balance.

And who thought that chives would be so pretty, especially up close. The bees are busy pollinating them so be sure they will return again next year. I wish someone wanted some.

Oops! I almost forgot to show you our supper treat from yesterday. 

"Spiedies, (pronounced "speedies"), are marinated cubes of meat cooked on a skewer. Originally from Italy, this delicacy seems to be found only in the Broome County area of New York State. How and when spiedies came to this area, having never been documented, remains a mystery.

Traditionally, spiedies were made from lamb. Today, however, they are made from lamb, pork, chicken, veal, venison, and beef. The cubes of meat are marinated in a sauce as varied as the types of people that enjoy them."

Lupo's Marinades

We like chicken spiedies best of all. I cut boneless/skinless breasts into one inch squarish chunks and marinate in a zip-loc bag for four days in the refrigerator. I squish the bag well, once a day.  There are two main rules: grill SLOW & LOW and turn often. Don't over cook.

To view larger please click on image

Jumping Around Like a Crazy Woman

IF I could jump that is what you would say because there is no method in my madness!  First it was getting my little Portulaca into pots. That meant lots of bending and digging into the bucket of potting soil.

Then I had the "separation" talk with my baby beans and told them that they would be leaving the nest in a day or two. They are getting out of hand when they grow indoors.

There are SIX family member birthdays in May and I created cards. My firstborn turns 60! Wow I must be getting old, you think? 

My daughter brought me a tiny bouquet of her bleeding hearts and I put them in a very small shot glass, I never knew she had white ones! SO SWEET! (She will be 56!)

I took a walk up into the old "Rock Garden" that once upon a long time ago was a wonderful place as Mother had planted various and sometimes unusual varieties. Now most of those are gone and currently the Chives and Tansy have taken over just as soon as the Daffodils finished showing off their yellow beauty.  Oh my aching back!

The old birdhouse might be in use. It's too high to see into it and it hasn't been cleaned out in many years. (It doesn't come apart!) The design was poor, wasn't it?

Several years ago I threw some wildflower mix seeds into the garden area and today there is a white bloom. It isn't a Queen Ann's Lace and I think it is Yarrow. Or...maybe it is a survivor of Mother's plantings.

Perhaps I'll get to show you my big black tub flower, Henry's bouquet, some large Marigolds and Beans plus more papercraft soon. Gotta get those beans OUT! I think I'm on SC withdrawal -  beach and pool no more in May and June. I am here and I love it here.  

By the way, if you click on an image you can see the images larger.