tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11456940393437116722024-03-13T13:24:40.715-07:00FINDING MY GREEN THUMBThis is a attempt to find my green thumb. I've always been fascinated with the idea of growing my own food, so i thought i would give it a shot.Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-66769646287122894282012-11-01T20:59:00.000-07:002012-11-06T21:02:17.360-08:00Lone Star Tick= Red Meat Allergy!?<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ6Auwoy3fXJVWRNEhvILNWOYdCRIKPKvSW72xw9bYlWqDfRRL9c9HBjg" height="224" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ6Auwoy3fXJVWRNEhvILNWOYdCRIKPKvSW72xw9bYlWqDfRRL9c9HBjg" style="border: 0px; clear: both; cursor: default; display: block; line-height: 1.7; margin: 0px auto 2px;" title="the lone star tick" width="224" /></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Apparently the Lone Star Tick, upon biting a person, can leave them allergic to red meat. As with most insect bites, when the tick bites you some of its saliva enters your bloodstream. However, this specific tick's saliva happens to carry a carbohydrate called "alpha-gal" that is also found in red meat, milk, and pet dander. When your body's immune system begins to heal the bite, it also works to get rid of the alpha-gal in your body.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Unfortunately, the next time the person eats meat, or drinks milk their body's immune system acts as if has gotten bitten again and tries to eliminate the alpha-gal being consumed. This causes an allergic reaction that can range in severity from person to person. The mildest being hives, and the most sever being anaphylactic shock. The thing is that it is a delayed reaction of 3-6 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">This is a pretty scary thing primarily for anyone that loves meat, such as myself. This allergic reaction has been nick-named "the cow's revenge", because it makes involuntary vegetarians out of people.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The ticks, at the moment, have only been sighted in the south eastern part of the united states, but who knows for how long? That is why it is better to be safe than sorry. When going into the woods, or anywhere that may have high grasses always wear a bug repellant on any exposed skin (it must have DEET, as many people say).</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">I'm curious if there is a bug spray out there that is safe, yet comparable to DEET?</span></div>
Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-88120970240108320842011-08-10T19:26:00.000-07:002011-08-10T19:26:36.360-07:00Wordless Wednesdays<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/Rqpvb2lnx2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Sdbofz1NS7k/TjoC8OmlkLI/AAAAAAAABHM/89fwN2JzmUc/s512/IMG_5458.JPG" /></a>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-74514660485572976422011-07-30T21:22:00.000-07:002011-07-30T21:22:11.506-07:00Park Officials Saying no to Foragers On July 29 the New York Times Posted an <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/30/nyregion/new-york-moves-to-stop-foraging-in-citys-parks.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1">article</a> on park officials dealing with foragers. This is a very touchy subject because on one hand- all the officials are trying to do is preserve the park and the plants and wild life they worked hard for. While on the other hand-people are trying to make use of the land provided to them, using the land to teach and identify edibles, and trying to enjoy the park(s) the way they know how. <div>
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Anyone, hopefully, can see both ends of each argument. It is true however, that these parks provided to the people, do not necessarily belong to the people. I am not going to lie, I often have identified wild edibles, in my strolls through the parks, but after thinking about it, decided to leave it untouched. The parks are meant to provide an aesthetic for the people, as well as to create a wild life habitat. Once this gets disturbed, all the hard work is lost, and the wild life, is left with nowhere to go. Not to mention the plants that are mishandled and left for dead, just to satisfy a person's needs.</div>
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Sandy Hook in New Jersey, apparently will allow foraging, but provide a limit. This is reasonable, and people should be understanding of it. Over Foraging, can result in a few different things, extinction of the plant in its natural habitat, harming the wildlife that thrives off of it, and costing the park officials extra money to replace it. You may be tempted to grab more than the allotted amount, but whats the point of getting fined, just return the next day, and do it all over again.</div>
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What's upsetting, is those that are taking foraging too far, and making this an issue to begin with. The Article states that people are over fishing, catching turtles, and taking trees. Several people love to fish, but if its not allowed, or theres a limit, don't do it, or just follow the rules. You know the fish (and Turtles) didn't just magically appear in the middle of these parks (surrounded by the city). They were put there by the officials. </div>
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Hopefully a compromise will be met, and it will not come down to fenced off areas in the parks.</div>
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What are your thoughts on this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/30/nyregion/new-york-moves-to-stop-foraging-in-citys-parks.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1">article</a>?</div>
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Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-28794322543401268652011-02-27T01:01:00.000-08:002011-02-27T01:01:07.470-08:00Propagating a Japanese Maple...i think? part 2<div><div>Well as stated in the prior post, I made the first and biggest mistake by leaving the cuttings out in the open in my apartment, I believe this caused them to dry out a little too much. Being that the suggested is to plant immediately or to keep the cuttings Moist. The purpose of keeping the plant moist is to keep the plant alive, so that in the rooting process it will retain the necessary energy to provide nutrients to the roots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7z_BDwu1RoA/TWoRmM8Gv-I/AAAAAAAAARs/w-2q5ydZ6cU/s1600/2011-01-24+03.44.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7z_BDwu1RoA/TWoRmM8Gv-I/AAAAAAAAARs/w-2q5ydZ6cU/s320/2011-01-24+03.44.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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After finally having had the free moment to purchase the rooting hormone i wounded the cutting to expose an opening for the roots to come out of as well, then I applied the rooting hormone. Rooting Hormones not only increase the possiblility that rooting will occur but most of the rooting hormones also have a fungicide which protects the cutting from getting a disease and molding. I then inserted my cuttings into a growing medium and have kept them moist. At this point it is best to keep the cutting in a partially sunny but mostly shady location at 60 degrees temp.<br />
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But still no results, this could be one of two options. the first is that I let the cuttings dry out and die.<br />
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The second is that the plant is naturally in its dormancy meaning that there is a possibility it will root when spring comes along, but we'll see.<br />
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</div><div>Quick Recap:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Propagating a Hardwood Cutting</b></span><br />
1. have a cutting of the prior seasons growth at least 6-8 inches in length from a healthy plant.<br />
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2. make cutting on a 45 degree angle just above the node and wound to promote rooting<br />
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3. apply rooting compound<br />
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4. plant in a growing medium that is well aerated.<br />
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5. keep moist<br />
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6. Keep in a primarily shady location at 60 degrees until roots begin to form<br />
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7. Enjoy<br />
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</div><div> The first attempt to propagate the Japanese Maple with one of the Gel 2 Root packs as predicted was a failure. After a week or so of the cuttings being in the solution, there wasn't any change. As the end of the second week approached the solution began to turn cloudy and mold began to develop on the cuttings...that is when the white flag was thrown in.</div><div><br />
</div><div> My second attempt is where the delays in posting this came to play...( Here's where the excuses come to play, so feel free to call the "<i>waambulance</i>" on me) </div><div><br />
</div><div> The First and most important, is that my apartment is in a "pre-war" building and the heat is controlled buy the super through a radiated system, and being that the apartment is so old my radiator has been painted over and over again, meaning that i can't adjust the dial so there's only one setting...HOT</div><div><br />
</div><div> The second is that I work insane hours regularly and hadn't the time to make it to the local garden center.</div><div><br />
</div><div> And the third and final, is that i wanted to make this post worth writing and worth the wait.</div><div><br />
</div><div>........Unfortunately most of my research on how to propagate a semi-hardwood to hardwood cutting occurred after my attempt to remember what i learned from my horticulture class in H.S. ( 7 years ago) off the top of my head. ...........</div><div><br />
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</div></div>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-2800038428285543282011-01-04T23:11:00.000-08:002011-01-04T23:11:36.386-08:00Propagating a Japanese Maple...i think? part 1On the way to and from work there are a few Japanese Maples that have been tempting me to buy my own, or possibly try to convince the owner to let me have a cutting. Working in a kitchen you go to work early and get out of work late, so i never really found time to ask for a cutting, and just figured I'd add it to my list of wants and needs. Well on the 29th of december one of the particular Japanese Maples I usually pass by had two large branches ( what seemed to be ) pulled off, and I couldn't help but think of it as an opportunity to attempt to propagate it. Then naturally it bothered me that someone carelessly tore the branches off.<br />
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Apparently my ambitious excitement has gotten me a little over my head, as I researched propagation from cuttings, I began to realize that I didn't know much about Propagation at all. the first mistake I made was that its not exactly the season for propagating. Most if not all propagation is done in mid to late spring when things naturally grow. The second was that I just neglected the branches in my hot apartment for a few days - luckily they don't look dried out. And finally third, I have horrible lighting in my apartment...<br />
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With all these things working against me, I'm still going to give it a shot.<br />
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My first attempt:<br />
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I grabbed a branch that looked lively cut the smaller branches that were on it and cut it to be about 8 inches and stuck it in a gel 2 root pack... not to sure if it will work..im doubtful, but im also hoping im wrong.<br />
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My second attempt:<br />
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The one I have more confidence with, but involves me having to buy stuff is going to involve soil, rooting hormones, and a pot.. this will be part 2<br />
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This isn't going to exactly be an overnight project so updates will be done..wish me luck, and look for part 2 very soon.Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-13354295299182815242011-01-01T07:02:00.000-08:002011-01-01T07:02:26.420-08:00Happy Year!!Happy New Year!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/TR9B0JKmVNI/AAAAAAAAARg/R3eJkYi_o6M/s1600/2010-09-28+19.35.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/TR9B0JKmVNI/AAAAAAAAARg/R3eJkYi_o6M/s320/2010-09-28+19.35.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> As Promised I will be updating my blog more regularly this year. I have strayed away from it momentarily because, I felt I had been losing the main focus of this blog, which is Gardening, followed by the results of vegetable gardening. Moving to New York mid growing season, put me in this loop, but it has also helped me expand my thoughts and ideas for this blog, as well as possibly another. Thanks for all those who have helped to motivate me to continue to blog, who have read my blog, and who i will meet this year because of this blog.<br />
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Thanks!Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-1689817520432277292010-05-31T19:31:00.000-07:002010-05-31T19:31:09.264-07:00NYC Day 1: BreakFast w/ Cookie<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">After getting situated on our first day (grocery shopping, checking out our surrounding area and relaxing for a bit.) We realized it was time for bed...Having only slept 15 hours in 3 days it was definitely necessary. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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I wake up the next morning and all I could think is..<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Breakfast!</span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/TARvn_KjSNI/AAAAAAAAAQw/LvGmFjB2IF8/s1600/IMG00550-20100531-0920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/TARvn_KjSNI/AAAAAAAAAQw/LvGmFjB2IF8/s320/IMG00550-20100531-0920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What should I make?....Again I began to think about our pantry and what was in stock.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Oatmeal with Honey Caramelized Peaches, and Bananas</b> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/TARvT0p6mpI/AAAAAAAAAQs/JsRuMmCDffE/s1600/IMG00546-20100531-0910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/TARvT0p6mpI/AAAAAAAAAQs/JsRuMmCDffE/s320/IMG00546-20100531-0910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Oatmeal:</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1c Oatmeal</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2c Milk</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1ts Honey</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just throw these ingredients together and gently stir occasionally until the Oats are cooked.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Honey Caramelized Peaches:</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Peach peeled and cut into segments</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1ts of honey</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is really simple..turn your flame on to a bit above medium, add your Honey, heat until it begins to smell caramelized and the bubbles have begun to slow down. Add your peaches and cook until the peaches have begun to breakdown.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Banana</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 banana cut into thin rounds</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All together this took maybe about 10 minutes. It was a great start to the day. </span><br />
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</span>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-77620278497189138892010-05-18T08:16:00.000-07:002010-05-18T08:16:18.871-07:00Making Pasta: Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_KkiMD8OZI/AAAAAAAAAQE/S2rOoC9xHAs/s1600/IMG00340-20100427-1319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_KkiMD8OZI/AAAAAAAAAQE/S2rOoC9xHAs/s320/IMG00340-20100427-1319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_KkwT8oIDI/AAAAAAAAAQI/CNIYM10EF6I/s1600/IMG00341-20100427-1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_KkwT8oIDI/AAAAAAAAAQI/CNIYM10EF6I/s320/IMG00341-20100427-1320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is the part that's a little trickier, and will take some time to get it just right. I currently use the Kitchen Aid attachment, because it is the quickest way to roll the pasta out at work. However, when i'm at home, I use the hand turning pasta machine/ tool.<br />
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The best way I find to get this started is to manually roll out the dough to about a quarter inch keeping the width of the pasta machine in mind. Once achieved, lightly flour the pasta dough on both sides and pass the pasta through the largest setting (1 usually), and fold the ends in (again keeping in mind the width of the machine).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_KoXsNMDqI/AAAAAAAAAQM/oiL68MvFSy8/s1600/IMG00343-20100427-1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_KoXsNMDqI/AAAAAAAAAQM/oiL68MvFSy8/s320/IMG00343-20100427-1320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_Koh6B9mDI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/_Y8aXXbHyXo/s1600/IMG00344-20100427-1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_Koh6B9mDI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/_Y8aXXbHyXo/s320/IMG00344-20100427-1320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Roll the pasta dough with a rolling pin to a quarter inch again and pass through the machine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_Kty1te1vI/AAAAAAAAAQk/0L_iLoorplE/s1600/IMG00346-20100427-1322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_Kty1te1vI/AAAAAAAAAQk/0L_iLoorplE/s320/IMG00346-20100427-1322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
From this point you would pass the pasta twice at each setting beginning with one. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_Kqb_FRCvI/AAAAAAAAAQc/P6RV4MQdgI4/s1600/IMG00350-20100427-1325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_Kqb_FRCvI/AAAAAAAAAQc/P6RV4MQdgI4/s320/IMG00350-20100427-1325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At first this will seem possibly easy but once you get the the middle of rolling the pasta through the machine it might feel a bit overwhelming because the pasta begins to thin and get longer and longer. This can be a hassle sometimes, being that if you do not keep an eye on the pasta it can feed into the machine wrong, messing up all your hard work. The best way to get around this is to cut the pasta at a reasonable length and keep an eye on it. If for some reason the pasta does feed into the machine wrong (and it will) just stay calm and turn the machine off, turn the setting on the pasta machine to a larger setting so that you can remove your pasta and save what you can.<br />
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(If you choose to cut the pasta, lightly flour on both sides and cover with a towl. This prevents your pasta from sticking to each other and drying out)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_KtnO1n6VI/AAAAAAAAAQg/BYS06iAHLxg/s1600/IMG00351-20100427-1350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S_KtnO1n6VI/AAAAAAAAAQg/BYS06iAHLxg/s320/IMG00351-20100427-1350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After you've managed to pass all this pasta through the machine its time to cut it to your liking. For this I prefer to use a pizza cutter, does the job just right.<br />
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<span id="goog_1297764160"></span><span id="goog_1297764161"></span>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-62051470600758912862010-04-18T23:04:00.000-07:002010-04-18T23:47:03.619-07:00Making Pasta: part 1I got to work early one day and decided I would document my daily pasta prep, so that I could share with everyone. This is a basic Egg based pasta recipe, that can be used for all sorts of dishes. The last picture shown here is the pasta sheet that we will then cut and turn into papardelle.<br />
<br />
Making pasta:<br />
<br />
300 grams Semolina flour<br />
125 grams "OO" flour<br />
3 egg yolks<br />
3 whole eggs<br />
<br />
<i>(This recipe should make enough pasta to feed at least 5 people very well)</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vxaTyZMxI/AAAAAAAAAOM/XxVSsDrxTqk/s1600/IMG00287-20100411-1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vxaTyZMxI/AAAAAAAAAOM/XxVSsDrxTqk/s320/IMG00287-20100411-1225.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Using a bowl, combine the dry ingredients, then using the classic well method create a well in the center of the flour and put your eggs in the center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vxjCk_xpI/AAAAAAAAAOU/AXOi04aH3cg/s1600/IMG00289-20100411-1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vxjCk_xpI/AAAAAAAAAOU/AXOi04aH3cg/s320/IMG00289-20100411-1227.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">incorporate all ingredients by gradually bringing the dry to the center</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vxtQAimuI/AAAAAAAAAOc/ja2h9MGwgpU/s1600/IMG00290-20100411-1229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vxtQAimuI/AAAAAAAAAOc/ja2h9MGwgpU/s320/IMG00290-20100411-1229.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After you have incorporated as much as you could with your fork, bring the dough together with your hands. When you are finished, it should look like this. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vzmzUpf1I/AAAAAAAAAO8/cobOPxqXhrs/s1600/IMG00294-20100411-1235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vzmzUpf1I/AAAAAAAAAO8/cobOPxqXhrs/s320/IMG00294-20100411-1235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At this point its time to knead the pasta dough on a clean table with your hands for about 10-15 min. The goal is to just fully combine all the ingredients. Developing some structure but not too much. Some say a good rule of thumb is to knead the pasta until it feels like the outside of an eggshell. Then let rest for at least half an hour. Making sure to wrap it up in plastic and store it in the refridgerator. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vx-BXOV8I/AAAAAAAAAOs/haxXaZpVMcg/s1600/IMG00295-20100411-1333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vx-BXOV8I/AAAAAAAAAOs/haxXaZpVMcg/s320/IMG00295-20100411-1333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After your pasta dough has had time to rest, knead it for another 5-10min. At this point begin to roll out your pasta into as much of a rectangle as possible (the width being that of the pasta machine, and the thickness of the largest setting on the pasta machine). Using your pasta machine on its largest setting (on mine its 1) pass your pasta dough at least twice, and continue to do so until you reach to the 7 where you would only pass it once. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vyLM4PcpI/AAAAAAAAAO0/EWskyrEZpkM/s1600/IMG00300-20100411-1434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8vyLM4PcpI/AAAAAAAAAO0/EWskyrEZpkM/s320/IMG00300-20100411-1434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finished sheet.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This takes some practice, but its worth it. I will post another blog on passing the pasta through the pasta machine very soon. As for now, I hope this post at least sparked interest into some to try to make homemade pasta.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-39802583397848830812010-04-17T23:34:00.000-07:002010-04-17T23:37:20.319-07:00Gardening Mistakes<div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.tumblr.com/images/input_bg.gif); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat-x; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; margin-top: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Assumptions are indeed the mother of all F ups ...<br />
I planted all my seedlings this year in the little black cells, but didn't label the individual seedlings because I made a an exact replica of where everything was at on paper....BIG MISTAKE....after having to switch and rotate my seedlings (because I only have two grow lights, and am too cheap to buy more) and having to transplant some of the seedlings that outgrew the cells. I have now completely confused myself as to the original placement of everything.<br />
It was obvious which herbs were which and what not...but where i'm totally stumped is the peppers....I had cayenne, shishito, fatali, serrano, jalapeno, thai, and bell.....and can't seem to distinguish them. My other problem was the tomatoes...but was able to more or less figure it all out..<br />
Normally I would just take this and stride with it, plant it and be surprised, but because my intention was to sell/ give some of these away...I pretty much just shot myself in the foot...<br />
Lesson learned here: ALWAYS LABEL YOUR SEEDLINGS<br />
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This is more than just a cookbook, it is almost like a manual. Jamie Oliver did something pretty cool in this book, he not only shares his recipes, but also shares his secrets on how to grow the vegetables.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8K_xaWHJyI/AAAAAAAAANk/aXdprYFh6M0/s1600/IMG00278-20100409-0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8K_xaWHJyI/AAAAAAAAANk/aXdprYFh6M0/s320/IMG00278-20100409-0345.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8K_4eqEx5I/AAAAAAAAANo/X9d5uUaotB4/s1600/IMG00281-20100409-0348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S8K_4eqEx5I/AAAAAAAAANo/X9d5uUaotB4/s320/IMG00281-20100409-0348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> He divides the book into seasons then chooses a specific vegetable or protein as subdivision within the season. One of the many things that I enjoyed about Jamie at Home is that it appeals to everyone, as opposed to just chefs or home cooks. It is a book that in my eyes will be frequently revisited and has rightfully deserved a place in my bookshelf.<br />
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I have yet to come across a recipe that have not wanted to try.Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-34078760074221919112010-03-09T00:28:00.000-08:002010-03-09T07:46:18.843-08:00Shady Swap Recap: At the Chicago Flower and Garden ShowSo as it turned out the #shadyswap ended up not being as Shady as initially intended, They were nice enough to allow us to use the press room as well as a table. So that we could all sit comfortably and talk seeds. To be honest it almost gave it a school lunch effect, where the kids swap different lunch items until they get what they want. Which in a sense gave it a feel all of it's own, everyone seemed comfortable and as if we all had known eachother for quite a while. The shady swap had a great turn out; in attendance was <a href="http://ourlittleacre.blogspot.com/">Kylee</a> , <a href="http://washhands-settable.blogspot.com/">Xan</a> , <a href="http://snarkyvegan.wordpress.com/">Julia</a> , <a href="http://twitter.com/MelissaSchuler">Melissa</a> , <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-garden/">Mr. Brown Thumb</a> , <a href="http://twitter.com/Blue_Hydrangea">Auntie Cara</a> , <a href="http://ktownhomestead.blogspot.com/">Abbie</a> , and <a href="http://gardengirl-lintys.blogspot.com/">Linda</a> . With special Appearances by: <span id="goog_1268117648120"></span><a href="http://myskinnygarden.blogspot.com/">Gina</a><span id="goog_1268117648121"></span>, <a href="http://www.thecasualgardener.com/">Shawna</a>, <span id="goog_1268120251446"></span><a href="http://mcgarden.bintgoddess.com/">Diane</a><span id="goog_1268120251447"></span> , Kylee's Wonderful Mother , and <a href="http://joegardener.com/">Joe L'ampl.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S5TGhPfgPLI/AAAAAAAAAMs/1BWnRq4qGCA/s1600-h/IMG00171-20100307-1052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S5TGhPfgPLI/AAAAAAAAAMs/1BWnRq4qGCA/s320/IMG00171-20100307-1052.jpg" /></a></div>Everyone brought great items to the table. To see everyones individual Seed lists <a href="http://mrbrownthumb.blogspot.com/p/seed-trade-list.html">click on here</a><br />
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The Seeds i walked away with!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S5YBaVwMF1I/AAAAAAAAAM8/41_lVKZFHbs/s1600-h/IMG00177-20100309-0159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S5YBaVwMF1I/AAAAAAAAAM8/41_lVKZFHbs/s320/IMG00177-20100309-0159.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scarlet Runner Beans..been wanting to grow these, and now I can.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S5YBQ80MyGI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Ppxs9KCQoRc/s1600-h/IMG00173-20100309-0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S5YBQ80MyGI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Ppxs9KCQoRc/s320/IMG00173-20100309-0158.jpg" /></a></div>These are the seeds that i got from the swap, most of these will be put to use in my own garden and others will be given away as seedlings to friends and family. To hopefully inspire them to garden.<br />
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One of the greatest things that I enjoyed regarding the seed swap was that after we were done, any seeds that weren't taken, were left for others to try.<br />
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In my experience Seed Swaps are fun, and they should be, being that it is a method to give/ receive seeds that will have otherwise gone unplanted. It is also a great way to try and grow something new that you might not have been willing to try otherwise. To Start a Seed Swap in your area these <a href="http://myskinnygarden.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-organize-seed-swap.html">guidelines</a> have seemed to have worked perfectly as well as <a href="http://lifeonthebalcony.com/seed-swap/seed-swap-etiquette/">Fern Richardson</a> who has also has posted great in depth information on seed swapping.Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-57291490498064116902010-03-07T23:59:00.000-08:002010-03-08T00:01:04.224-08:00Seedlings!!!!!One of my favorite things about gardening has arrived!! The time to start your seedlings! This for me is more than anything a sigh of relief, a way that I know spring is not too far behind. There's something about planting seeds and watching them grow that just makes me feel great! However, there is some ground that needs to be covered before putting a seed into the dirt.<br />
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</div><div><ul><li>The temperature (depending on the plant of course) needs to be between 60-70 degrees with a preferable 10 degree drop. This helps speed the germination process.</li>
<li>Lighting, Florescent lightbulbs that are made to replicate sunlight. </li>
<li>Space, a nice space for your seedlings where humidity isn't a problem. </li>
<li>Some method of airflow, this allows the seedlings to build strong stems, as well as it helps to prevent damping off.</li>
</ul><div>The Fun Part:</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Planting the seeds!!</span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div> Follow the directions on the back of the seed packet ( Very Important!..unfortunately I didn't do this for my parsnips, and assumed the directions would be the same as carrots. As it turns out the Parsnips need a longer cold period, and I might not be able to grow them to their full potential now.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Watch them grow...and good luck!!</div></div>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-5803691348351633022010-02-26T02:27:00.000-08:002010-03-07T23:36:19.022-08:00Quit Damping Off!!As Gardeners, it is our job to nurture our seedlings and make sure they grow nice and stout. Tending to their every need in hope that if you do a great job, the once seed, turned seedling, then plant will eventually produce for you. Whether it be sustenance (such as vegetables, herbs, or fruits) or Aesthetically ( being flowers, shrubs, and so forth).<br />
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Before you get to this point though you need to make sure that the seedlings grow strong, and don't fall victim to Damping off. Which is when a seed or newly emerged seeding is attacked by a fungus in the soil. Causing the seed to either rot and become mush, or a seedling to become weak and fall over.<br />
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some ways to prevent this are:<br />
<ul><li>to use seed starting, either homemade, or store bought, as opposed to reused soil, because there can be left over fungi in them. Some people sterilize the soil. </li>
<li>Same goes for pots/growing containers, make sure they have been cleaned properly.</li>
<li>have good air circulation</li>
<li>watering just enough, and never overwatering</li>
<li>not crowding space between seedlings..less space equals less air flow</li>
</ul>Remedies:<br />
<div><div><div>just recently Lisa, of <a href="http://Getinthegarden.com/">Getinthegarden</a> mentioned that Chamomile tea around the base of a plant will help to take care of Damping off ( trick she learned from an Herb farmer she use to work with), I tried it this evening, and well so far so good.. thanks for the tip!!<br />
<ul></ul><br />
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</div></div></div>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-84895511569102491272010-02-26T01:50:00.000-08:002010-02-26T01:50:14.869-08:00Double Coconut Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S4eYwuc0tzI/AAAAAAAAAMI/dZxtIMPW_QY/s1600-h/IMG00109-20100212-1425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S4eYwuc0tzI/AAAAAAAAAMI/dZxtIMPW_QY/s320/IMG00109-20100212-1425.jpg" /></a></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> On a recent trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory I came across The Double Coconut Tree (Lodoicea maldivica) which isn't really even considered a Coconut tree. it is Extremely rare, and can Primarily be found in 2 of the 115 Seychelles Islands, which are on the South coast of Africa. Often called Coco de mer because the seed was often found floating in the sea by explorers. The double Coconut tree has male and female plants, and cannot be germinated without the other. It is said that The fruit of the tree is very sweet and jelly like, as opposed to a regular coconut which is firm. The germination of this seed is said to be difficult taking anywhere from a few months to a few years. The Leaves of the palm are also fan shaped as opposed to the regular coconut tree. The tree itself can grow up to 150 feet, but the most fascinating thing about this plant has to be the seed, weighing up to 50 lbs, being the "largest seed in the plant kingdom".</span><br />
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</span>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-78978967978965303002010-02-26T00:30:00.000-08:002010-02-26T00:30:20.127-08:00(Shady) Seed Swap ListHere is a list of what I will be bringing to the table during the Shady Swap:<div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://botanicalinterests.com/">Botanical Interests:</a></span></b></div><div>Flat Leaf Parsley, Rosemary, Danvers Carrot, Bodacious Sweet Corn, Lolla Rosa, All American Parsnip,</div><div>Ruby Red Swiss Chard, Florence Fennel</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://rareseeds.com/">Bakers Creek Heirloom Seeds:</a></b></span></div><div>Shishito Peppers, Cayenne Peppers, Catskills Brussels Sprouts, Thai Chili Peppers, Katanya Watermelon,</div><div>Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans, Lao Green Stripe Eggplant, Extra Dwarf Pak Choy</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.seedsavers.org/">Seed Savers Exchange</a>:</b></span></div><div>Blue Poppies, Blue Lavender</div><div><br />
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</div><div>I have to say, the Shady Swap at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show is going to be one of the most interesting ways that I have ever met several new people. This will sure go down in what <a href="http://www.gardenpunks.com/">gardenpunk</a> has often referred to as #yearoffirsts for me. </div><div><br />
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</div>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-36019114658365634682010-02-21T12:04:00.000-08:002010-02-21T12:04:10.102-08:00Garfield Park ConservatoryAbout a week ago, Carolina and I decided to take a trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory. We had never been and decided that taking her niece would also be a fun experience. She loved it!!! When we arrived at the entrance she was given a sheet that was very interactive, almost like a scavenger hunt..she just wanted the stickers that came along with it...She could not wait to see the chocolate tree,<br />
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unfortunately there weren't any pods, but that didn't deter her, we moved right along. She loved all the little paths and ponds and really enjoyed the fish, and turtles.<br />
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Next up came the Banana tree, which she didn't really grasp, most likely because they weren't ripe, and because there was so much going on..<br />
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To our surprise She actually had given thought into this scavenger hunt and was finding some of the things all by her self! Finding the Double Coconut Tree seed all by herself. Amazing by the way..being the largest seed in the planet, weighing up to 50 lbs.<br />
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She then took us on a hunt for the Orange tree,<br />
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which happened to be in the children's section where there is a slide and somewhat of a play pen, for lack of a better word. So she didn't really pay any attention to the tree because the tunnel slide kept calling her name.<br />
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She had a great time and so did we. Can't wait to go again..and neither can she..just this Friday she asked if we could go again..Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-10452572607519538282010-02-21T01:22:00.000-08:002010-02-21T01:34:45.870-08:00My First Seed Swap Even though Twitter and Facebook are great ways to meet other gardeners, I've always been more of the traditional type, where I like to meet people in person, prefer writing letters than email, and talking as oppose to texting. So when I seen the open invitation by <a href="http://snarkyvegan.wordpress.com/">SnarkyVegan</a> (on Twitter) I instantaneously accepted. Not knowing what I was getting myself into- insecurities running throughout my head ....<br />
We arrived at the house and <a href="http://digityourself.blogspot.com/">Snappyjdog</a> welcomes us in, and right away all my worries and concerns were left behind with the cold winter breeze as the door was closed behind us.<br />
Introductions were made <a href="http://snarkyvegan.wordpress.com/">SnarkyVegan</a> was the host, <a href="http://digityourself.blogspot.com/">Snappyjdog</a> was the coordinator/ Birthday girl, <a href="http://forum.gardenfork.tv/profile/Stuccolow?xg_source=activity">Stuccolow</a>, <a href="http://www.myskinnygarden.blogspot.com/">MySkinnyGarden</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=590082052&ref=ts">Debbie </a> and Michelle were all in attendance and drinks were offered as well as snacks ( and I sure love snacks!) everyone mingled talked shop and had a blast. Debbie brought great home made salsa, SnarkyVegan made this amazing pesto that had pistachios in it, and Snappyjdog brought these ridiculously tasty cupcakes from Swirl.<br />
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On to the nitty gritty... If you want to organize a seed swap following the Guidelines <a href="http://myskinnygarden.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-organize-seed-swap.html">here</a> should lead you to a nice clean swap.<br />
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I don't think that my first seed swap experience could have gone any better, I can't wait for the ones to come. Thanks to all who made it great.Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-81760470815806317652010-02-03T01:08:00.000-08:002010-02-04T00:29:23.606-08:00Dealing with WinterOn these days when Winter begins to tease us and Seed Catalogs start showing up at our doors, getting us ready for Spring. I begin to feel like a little kid again, anxiously awaiting the dreadfully long car ride, to get to the park and just run and play and eat Elote's and Poncho's Paletas. Getting dirty but not ever really caring.<br />
<div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iconeon/494806967/" title="Paletas Poncho by 24gotham, on Flickr"><img alt="Paletas Poncho" height="200" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/494806967_5b91079a0e_m.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">(this pic was found on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iconeon/494806967/">24Gotham</a>'s flickr, thank you for the wonderful pic)</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The worst part about getting to the park was indeed the car ride (a.k.a. winter now a days) , because it always felt like it took forever! </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S2k62T7S98I/AAAAAAAAAKY/KGyRtFwqhDY/s1600-h/SNC12773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S2k62T7S98I/AAAAAAAAAKY/KGyRtFwqhDY/s320/SNC12773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As winter takes its corse and it's time doing so, I'm very tempted to start seeds.. but I made that mistake last year and ended up praying for the time when I could start to gradually take everything outdoors because I didn't have space indoors anymore.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This year in the mean time, i've been working on plotting everything out as well as making educated decisions on when to start everything. I've also been doing a lot of reading as well. So hopefully this year will provide greater success as well as failures to learn from.</div></div>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-89775590769528218182010-01-28T23:49:00.000-08:002010-01-28T23:53:05.373-08:00Life at the Lincoln Park Conservatory<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S2KTFCjt8sI/AAAAAAAAAKM/HqslnYmn8IA/s1600-h/IMG_2874.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_igrDOWg7Zrs/S2KTFCjt8sI/AAAAAAAAAKM/HqslnYmn8IA/s320/IMG_2874.JPG" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I found these two little guys at the <a href="http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/">Lincoln Park Conservatory</a> in the Orchid Room.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Much to my surprise, I asked the nearest employee If he knew anything about them, and whether or not they had been placed there. The Gentleman was as surprised as I was, and then came to the conclusion that they must have been brought in with one of the flowers, and decided to make themselves comfortable. They were no bigger than a penny..never in my life had I seen such a small frog. Just goes to show you, there's alot more life in the Lincoln Park Conservatory than we possibly will ever see..</div></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div></div>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-81461212010466155232010-01-27T00:49:00.000-08:002010-01-27T00:49:14.924-08:00More Than Meets the Eyes It seems that over the course of a few years, gardening has become the latest trend. Mostly due to the downward spiral the economy has been going through. Everyone wants to "Be Green" and "Eco-Conscious". So, just like myself, they start to garden, and attempt to reduce their Carbon footprint. Educating themselves, attending seminars, doing research, and possibly even trying to educate others. Shunning the use of "unnatural" items, such as styrofoam and plastic. There's nothing wrong with this, by any means. Let's just hope that it isn't the latest trend, that will end up yesterday's news like <a href="http://pzrservices.typepad.com/vintageadvertising/images/2007/11/07/mc_hammer_pants.jpg">Hammer Pants.</a><br />
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Gardening will never fade away, it's a necessity. However, the people's interest might, which is a concern. When you start to garden it can definitely be overwhelming, causing some people feel like a failure because they weren't an instant success, when recycling seems too much of a hassle, or a person stops caring (or for some, never cared) what he/she puts into there mouth, a true crisis, will have evolved. That is why Gardening has become something that is more available to the public. Chef's are and have been writing books about gardening/ cooking. Gardening books themselves are geared towards the people and not just other Gardeners or Horticulturalists. The President even agreed to have a vegetable garden in the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/20/spring-gardening/">White House</a>.<br />
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I personally fall under this "trendy gardener" title because I began gardening two years ago. The first year, I felt like a failure. No matter what was done, I could not get anything to grow, and became very disenchanted with the thought of gardening. The Second year, there was an opening at the Crepe stand at the <a href="http://www.chicagogreencitymarket.org/">Green City Market</a>, and knew it would be a great way to meet farmers that would be able to give me some tips on growing vegetables, and keeping them alive. I gathered all the info that was shared and used it as fuel while I gardened, keeping everything in mind and doing extra research on my own. I gave it another shot, and the rewards were great! Not knowing that I then would be consumed by gardening. Taking care of the soil, making plans for the following growing seasons, recording the success and trouble with some of the vegetables I tried to grow. Then looking for ways to improve them for the following year.<br />
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Gardening will be a part of me from now on, becoming something that comes across my mind more frequently as I realize there is MUCH more for me to learn.Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1145694039343711672.post-71098274959386768522010-01-18T17:47:00.000-08:002010-02-01T09:37:07.601-08:00Carbonara For DINNER!Lately, because I have been gardening, I've become very conscious about what I've been eating, now that doesn't mean eating healthy by any means. Instead, I've been trying to eat locally, meaning eating food from a Farmer's Market, Made by a friend, such as sausage or bacon, or grown by me in my Garden.<div> By all means, I'm not saying I only eat local, but it is something that I strive for, I'm just not there yet. </div><div> A couple of my friends have been working on making sausages, and recently bacon, it's a hobby currently, but they are working on starting their business, in order to be able to (officially sell their product). I was lucky enough to be able to try this bacon, and it was good. So I convinced them to let me have some (for a small donation).</div><div> Dinner time came around, and the thought of pasta came to mind, but what to make? </div><div>Here were my options:</div><div><ul><li>Canned Corn</li><li>Canned Peas</li><li>Cranberry Jam (made by me)</li><li>Grits</li><li>Pasta</li><li>Bacon (made by friends)</li><li>Onions</li><li>Garlic</li><li>Butter (bought at the Green City Market)</li><li>Milk</li><li>Organic Flour</li><li>a can of PBR</li><li>Eggs</li><li>Tortillas</li><li>Chihuahua Cheese</li><li>Cereal</li><li>Peach Vanilla Preserves (from Seedling orchards)</li></ul>I know, I know, I should keep a better stocked refrigerator...but I'm hardly home, I cook for a living. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Instantly, I began to think..what can I make that everyone will enjoy.. Pasta was gonna be the star but what to accompany it with? There wasn't anything to make a tomato sauce with, which its always a winner if A fallback is necessary. An emulsified garlic and butter sauce would have been to simple and not really appreciated. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> That's when it hit me! Carbonara!!</div><div style="text-align: left;">So I grabbed the Bacon rendered it down and reserved it, cooked half an onion small diced it and sliced two cloves of garlic, sweating them down, getting slight color and then adding a touch of flour creating somewhat of a roux . While this was happening, I heated up three cups of milk and added it to the bacon onion mix, and heated it until slightly thickened, and it was the right consistency. Right before serving, I added peas, and tossed it in pasta.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And there you have it!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Make-Shift Carbonara </div><div></div>Finding My Green Thumbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15502237740503478314noreply@blogger.com0