la verte domestique

Yes.

2011-07-29T21:18:00.000-04:00

File Under: Free Family Fun

2011-07-28T12:44:00.002-04:00

I'll admit, I have always thought it was a bit cruel to keep caged birds as pets until I learned about the work of central Ohio's own Steve Hartman. Hartman opened a laboratory facility for study at the Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine and owns and operates the Hartman Aviary in Sunbury, Ohio where he continues his observations of avian evolutionary biology and behavior. I was surprised to learn that Hartman encourages companion bird owners to consider halting the practice of clipping wings and allow their birds to fly safely. Hartman has developed products including a flying harnesses, flight lines and perches that allow pet owners to take their birds out for fresh air, sun and flight time. What's really terrific for kids in the central Ohio area, is that the Hartman Aviary opens its doors to the public Saturdays through the summer from 12 to 4. Guests can see a very rare sight: Parrots in flight (maybe even let one perch on a finger or shoulder). You may also get to peek at the nursery in which several birds are available for adoption. The Hartman Aviary is located in Sunbury, Ohio just minutes northeast of Columbus. For more information visit http://theparrotuniversity.com/tour.php

DIY Inspiration...

2011-07-22T21:34:00.000-04:00

Simply brilliant.

Chapel House

2011-07-21T11:23:00.001-04:00

Chapel House, a set on Flickr.

We're elbow deep in our second Usonian restoration; The Weiss House in Rush Creek Village. I was feeling a bit disenchanted with the creeping pace of renovations in this unique home. But when I look back at the photos of the first... I am inspired to hang in there and not rush (Wilder House, aka The Chapel). The majority of work required in the new house is tedious... things like refinishing ceilings and woodwork and removing many established invasive plants and weeds. But the gardens are starting to shape up beautifully with many of the longtime owner's native Ohio plants emerging like Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Trillium, and Lily of the Valley. And though the vegetable garden has long been dormant for years, once the overgrowth was removed, Rhubarb sprang to life. I'm looking forward to sharing the before and after images. Soon, I hope.

Scioto Mile & Columbus Commons

2011-07-10T17:45:00.002-04:00

Scioto Mile & Columbus Commons, a set on Flickr.

Downtown Columbus has been upgraded to First Class. The new Scioto Mile and Columbus Commons parks are connected via the Olentangy-Scioto bikeway to the must-see Grange Audubon Center (with top rope climbing wall) to the south; Goodale Park and the Whetstone Park of Roses to the North.

To Love, Honor and Cherish... Steampunk

2011-07-07T12:51:00.000-04:00

Before I saw this, I would have cringed at the notion of a Steampunk themed wedding. But this couple managed to conjure their beautiful, timeless vision with impeccable style. They got everything right... from the bustles and corsets to the letterpress font.

The Bike That Gabe Built

2011-07-06T20:18:00.002-04:00

The Bike That Gabe Built, a set on Flickr.

I really can't say enough about the great volunteers at Third Hand Bike Co-Op here in Columbus. It's one of my favorite non-profit groups because their model is simple but provides many great benefits to the community.

My son outgrew his bike so we stopped by the co-op and picked out a frame. Co-op volunteers helped him outfit the frame with new tires and tubes. Then, ensured it was then in safe riding condition. He left with pride in a bike he built himself, a few new skills and confidence in diagnosing and repairing common problems. He also learned a valuable lesson: when something is broken it doesn't need to go to the landfill.

Kids bikes are priced between $5 and $40. Parts are donated (new and used) and are priced at a fraction of their value. Membership is (I think) $25 a year which gets you stand time and access to their great tool-filled garage. If you live in central Ohio I highly recommend donating your used bikes, helmets, etc to Third Hand or volunteering. If you don't live in the area, you should read about the good work they are doing and bring the idea to your community.

There's a second co-op in Columbus on the west side called Franklinton Cycle Works. Same model, same mission. Check them out here.

Nature's First Green...

2011-05-20T10:45:00.000-04:00

I Once Was Lost...

2011-05-17T11:17:00.000-04:00

This Earth Day Craft is For the Birds!

2011-04-21T00:29:00.001-04:00

Rainy Day Remedy

2011-03-09T16:06:00.002-05:00

Such a great moment from the Grammy Awards...

211213212512 by yardie4lifever2

Winter Reprieve

2011-01-23T19:05:00.004-05:00

Franklin Park Conservatory Koi Pond, originally uploaded by Tracie_Conner.

The thermometer has been hovering around 10 degrees and there's about six inches of snow on the ground. A little outing to Franklin Park Conservatory foiled the impending Winter doldrums.

Ahhh. All better.

You Were In His Dream...

2011-01-17T11:00:00.006-05:00

Winter Landscape in Reverse

2011-01-14T16:24:00.004-05:00

Landscape in Reverse, originally uploaded by Tracie_Conner.

A happy accident... the reflection of the trees in the water exhibits this incredible bark texture courtesy of the creek's rocky bottom. More HERE

What I Want Right Now.

2010-12-26T16:31:00.006-05:00

White Christmas

2010-12-25T21:10:00.005-05:00

A lovely photo for my west coast friends. Ohio under a nice blanket of white. Looks like it's a blizzard for my NYC friends.

doobleh-vay: Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T01:22:00.000-05:00

doobleh-vay: Christmas 2010: "the world looks different each year that passes like a little lens that I peer through and see a wider landscape my life spreading out I s..."

Bedtime Story: Tom Waits Reads Charles Bukowski

2010-12-22T23:51:00.000-05:00

How Much Do I Love You?

2010-12-21T16:14:00.009-05:00

Get it at YeeHaw on Etsy.

Everything is O.K.

2010-12-21T04:26:00.003-05:00

MartinReis_G20_June26_20101389, originally uploaded by Martinho.

A Box to Hold the Universe.

2010-12-20T07:03:00.000-05:00

Falling Leaves...

2010-11-10T12:48:00.007-05:00

This can't go without saying, the edible leaves from Andie's Specialty Sweets were a hit with my friends at our annual Halloween party. Perfectly perched atop dark chocolate mini-cakes with cinnamon buttercream frosting. My photos don't do Andie's fine work justice. Honesty, she is one talented lady. Please stop by her shop and say "Hi!"

More photos of Halloween goodness here and here.

Reconsider Columbus Day

2010-10-11T13:44:00.005-04:00

A Petition for a Holiday Honoring the Native Peoples of the United States of America:

Congress of the United States
Senate of the United States
President of the United States

We the undersigned come together before you to request that each of these governing bodies take all necessary action to bring about a Federal Holiday for Native American Elected Leaders, To include Congressional hearings on the racial exclusion of Native Americans in movies, television, sports advertising, music companies, etc.

With the special government to government relationship between the Indian Government of America and the Federal Government it is fitting for the Federal Government to enact this holiday, and conduct Congressional hearings.

Indian governments and the people they represent are requesting that the federal government bring about a National Holiday for Native Americans to be celebrated by all citizens of America and people around the world.

This holiday would pay tribute to Indian Tribal Leaders to include Alaskan Leaders and Hawaiian Leaders. This holiday would also pay tribute to those that endured the world's longest holocaust and most costly in human lives.

It is further stated that no Indian Government nor its people find reason to celebrate and pay for Columbus Day. Seventeen states do not recognize Columbus Day. The state of South Dakota has changed Columbus day to Native American Day.

Therefore be it resolved that the Federal Government should reevaluate Columbus Day by moving it back to its original day the second Wednesday of October and not be a tax paid holiday as is St. Patrick's Day and Octoberfest, and make the second Monday of October a Federal holiday for Native Americans.

The polls we conducted across the country show that the vast majority of Americans prefer changing Columbus Day as to creating a whole new holiday.

It is inappropriate for Indian children and children of America to celebrate Columbus discovering a nation of people and not having a holiday paying tribute to the people of those nations.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Roll With It.

2010-09-13T09:32:00.007-04:00

Remember when you were a kid and you wanted that sweet sparkly-silver banana seat? No? Maybe you just added a bell or a few playing cards to your spokes. But, even now... *ahem* decades later... I love retrofitting my bike to suit my needs (or make it sparkle). Etsy abounds with cycling goodness...

Should You Find Yourself in Columbus, Ohio...

2010-09-05T15:06:00.007-04:00

Should You Find Yourself in Columbus, Ohio is a fabulous (and, personally, I think accurate) read. But, I would definitely make one addition... be sure to stop by Cafe Brioso at Gay and High Streets, Downtown (one block from the Statehouse) for the best coffee in town. If it's top shelf whiskey you're looking for in a great neighborhood bar, stop by Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails (also on Gay Street, downtown) and be sure to try the eggplant or sweet potato fries.

(Photo taken during (Park)ing Day 2008)

Kickin' Around on a Piece of Ground in Your Hometown...

2010-09-05T12:45:00.003-04:00

The Farmer Wears a Daft Punk Shirt...

2010-08-29T18:38:00.002-04:00

Elusive Hen, originally uploaded by Tracie_Conner.

This year, he mastered beekeeping, bread making, canning and still managed to outpace the nasty rooster. Another Farm Camp success.

Blog Neglect

2010-08-01T20:36:00.004-04:00

I haven't been here because I've been HERE! Inside of 7 months Flaming June Vintage moved from possibility to reality. Be sure to stop by and say "Hi!"

Dutchman's Breeches and Morels.

2010-04-16T14:08:00.006-04:00

I feel like I'm beginning to wake from a long winter hibernation. I think this may have been the longest, grayest on record. I spent much of the dreary days getting Flaming June Vintage off the ground and settling into the new space.

But now, as plants begin their climb through rich midwestern soil to the surface, I am ready to head to the woods in search of the first signs of Spring... Dutchman's Breeches and Morel mushrooms.

Not long after Easter each year, my Grandmother would take us for a small trek into the woods to search for Dutchman's Breeches, a tiny little native Ohio flower that looks like a pair of Dutch breeches or pantaloons. If we found them then it was soon time for Morels to appear.

If you've never had one, a morel mushroom is the filet mignon of the vegetable world. And every year my Grandmother would clean them, dredge them in flour (just a bit) and fry them in butter. We would go through the lot in one night and then regret that would would have to wait a year for our next mushroom supper.

While I never see Dutchman's Breeches in the ravine near my home... there are a few morels. And where there is one... there's sure to be more.

Songbird.

2009-09-16T16:36:00.002-04:00

Cute Loot...

White Bright.

2009-09-16T13:19:00.004-04:00

Bless you, white paint. Oh, and, myhomehardware.com has outrageously low prices on cabinet hardware. Similar stainless brushed nickel for a fraction of Ikea's going rate. So, I updated the colonial hardware and coated the fruitwood and walnut stained cabinet and wainscoting in gloss white. Also, replaced the mysterious exterior light fixture with an inexpensive light bar and added a wall cabinet (there was no existing towel rack or cabinet... not even a toilet paper holder???). Swapped out the dated faucet with one I had saved from an old remodel project. Works well I think.

Before:

After:

More Photos Here

White Lies.

2009-09-15T22:31:00.007-04:00

I'm not a fan of painted wood. I have invested countless hours to the stripping of paint from baseboards and antique furniture to reveal natural grain. That said, sometimes it should be done. The pine doors and trim in my new place are stained with an unnatural fruitwood finish reminiscent of 1979 (colonial hardware completes the look!). This, combined with painted walls, wood floors and mixed trim is the opposite of cohesive.

The mixed dark woods overpower the small space. However, the obvious trim and frame lines that chop a room into sections disappear and become neutral with a couple coats of gloss. The only problem with deciding to paint trim and wood is... well... like pulling a loose thread in a hand knit sweater... It's hard to know when (where) to stop. So, it becomes an all or nothing proposition I suppose.

I'm pretty happy with the end result in the foyer. The fresh coat of white creates the illusion of an open airy space and offsets the dark wood of the floor. Not bad for $17 and a days work.

Weeds.

2009-09-08T22:21:00.008-04:00

Well, settling into the new place has been a bit difficult. Moving from a half acre of mature trees to, well, no acre for starters. Instead of calling birds and squirrels scampering across the roof, I wake to the hum of the #2 CoTA bus. But, still, this city brownstone has potential.

I felt a little more at home after getting my hands dirty in the courtyard pulling weeds and relocating plants to the sunnier side. I scored a $3 gallon of exterior paint from Lowe's 'rotten paint' bin (aka mis-tints). A huge improvement in the look and feel (see 'after' photo below). My trusty firebowl and benches fit but, without trees, I doubt Mother Nature will provide much kindling for my once nightly fire-making ritual.

The first weekend project complete... Voila! (More photos HERE)

Rule of the Roost.

2009-08-07T17:10:00.008-04:00

Another Farm Camp success!

After spending a night under the stars 'cowboy style' (no tents), campers awoke this morning to a big pancake breakfast then helped prep a Farmer's Market for arriving parents and guests.

There were baskets of leeks, carrots, and blackberries, but Gabe was eager to demonstrate improvements in his hen-keeping skills in lieu of shopping.

I followed him to the orchard where he quickly wrangled Roadrunner, world's fastest hen (really quite impressive) and gave me a tour of the coop. After catching and introducing me to every hen and the only nice rooster, Gabe hurried me off to meet the new lambs, goats and piglets. I was informed there were even new ducklings this year but he had helped release them this morning.

This year marked Gabe's first ever participation in beekeeping at the farm. From using the smoker, to removing honeycomb... he set aside his fear of being stung (which he has yet to experience) and went to work... loving it. Another first... this year he made a rooster friend (pictured). It seems they're not all nasty after all.

Ahead of His Time.

2009-08-05T13:19:00.001-04:00

"If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen."

- Henry David Thoreau

Goodbye Cottonwood.

2009-07-30T22:01:00.006-04:00

Going....

Going...

Going...

Gone...

The five story cottonwood that graced Chapel House with its shade for over half a century... will be missed.

A Little Luck.

2009-07-28T07:32:00.001-04:00

FOUR-LEAF CLOVER
Ella Higginson

I know a place where the sun is like gold,
And the cherry blossoms burst with snow,
And down underneath is the loveliest nook,
Where the four-leaf clovers grow.

One leaf is for hope, and one is for faith,
And one is for love, you know,
And God put another in for luck, -
If you search, you will find where they grow.

But you must have hope, and you must have faith,
You must love and be strong - and so,
If you work, if you wait, you will find the place
Where the four-leaf clovers grow.

The Dandelions Remain.

2009-07-17T10:29:00.009-04:00

My restoration work at the Chapel is complete and I have recently placed the house on the market. Because I intended for the house and gardens to look their best for showings, I opted to forgo installing an unsightly pest (deer, rabbit) barrier around my patch of vegetables.

Last week, I weeded the garden a bit and admired the zucchini, sunflowers, peppers and pumpkins before leaving on a quick errand. I returned to find a doe and her three fawns grazing. Sated and unstartled, they stood among sunflowers stripped to their stalks and barren vegetable stems. In the passing of an hour, my garden was decimated save for the pumpkins and tomatoes. It was difficult to be upset because the trio of speckled fawns, no larger than pygmy goats, were so adorable and... well fed.

This morning I found a healthy buck with five velvety points grazing among my plants. He was beautiful and let me approach within ten feet before thinking better of it. He darted off with the alert of my camera's opening shutter but, I was able to snap one photo before he made his getaway.

Though my work here is done, it is difficult to leave this special place.

Inside and Out.

2009-07-16T13:37:00.002-04:00

New interior and exterior photographs of Chapel House.

How the West Was Saved.

2009-07-02T12:36:00.005-04:00

A recent visit to Muir Woods inspired me to take a closer look at the life of John Muir and the beginnings of the conservation movement.

This month, Vanity Fair magazine features an excerpt from Douglas Brinkley's soon to be released book The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America.

An article worth reading, it can be found online here:
How the West Was Saved

Big Shoes to Fill.

2009-07-01T21:54:00.009-04:00

Arguably, the best gift I have given my son is my love for the natural world. And trust me, it's difficult to compete with the allure of video games, television and Bakugan (or whatever other latest fad is marketed to the under 10 set). Thankfully, most days he's happy to unplug and explore the outdoors.

Today, we cracked open a geode, picked four-leaf clovers, observed a young doe grazing under the neighboring apple tree, washed our farmshare bounty, then headed outside to weed the garden. He swapped his sneakers for my size 11 wellies, then joined me... though not for the weeding.

He walked the grounds with his bug catcher in hand and soon returned with the spoils from his adventure... two bumpy toads with major 'ick' factor. He named the pair (Bob and Helen), declared them a couple, and moved them into the fountain garden where they would live out their days and make more toads so whatever was eating our cauliflower would be toast.

He's going to fill those boots nicely soon enough.

Fascinating Flash Patterns.

2009-06-30T07:31:00.006-04:00

This morning I read this piece about nature's little sparklers in the New York Times. The article highlights the work of evolutionary ecologist, Dr. Sara Lewis.

Studying the mating rituals of fireflies, Dr. Lewis reports... 'females are sitting and observing. They look for flash patterns of males of their own species, and sometimes they respond with a single flash of their own, always at a precise interval after the male’s.'

It's all about the flash pattern.... and, we humans have our own. There was some fascinating research on this featured in the BBC docu-series "The Human Face" and the A&E Series "Love Chronicles" (check your library). But, if you prefer to know more about insect romance... Microcosmos (which I watched with Gabe nearly a dozen times) is absolutely fantastic.

Meet You There.

2009-06-23T23:33:00.008-04:00

'Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field.
I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass,
the world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase each other
doesn't make any sense.'

Essential Rumi, by Coleman Barks

iLike.

2009-06-23T20:12:00.003-04:00

Check out the great repurposed found wood offerings at Woodtec. I'm rather fond of the iPhone/iPod docking station.

Collision Course

2009-06-23T13:19:00.008-04:00

I entertained a new-ish friend on the patio last night. Great weather, music, and St. Gingers facilitated deep conversation about spirituality, what defines us as women, what we believe about ourselves, and our perceived limitations. Ultimately, we concluded in agreement, we have the power to manifest happiness and the life we choose. With that, the evening seemed suddenly more beautiful. I noticed the surrounding leafy understory was twinkling with fireflies and broke just above the treeline to make way for a sea of shining stars. There I sat... small and grateful.

I awoke this morning still appreciative and optimistic. I enjoyed listening to Gabe excitedly rattle off his plans for camp over breakfast. No doubt, he was determined it would be a good day. And, so was I. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and I felt empowered to make it so.

I soon headed to the office and enjoyed a productive and positive meeting... maybe because I had decided it would be? I wrapped up and headed toward home. I was about one mile into my trip on a straight stretch of road when, seemingly out of nowhere, a car turned left in front of me. I didn't have time to slow or stop for the resulting collision. Fortunately, aside from being stiff and in need of some front end repairs... nothing serious.

After everything was wrapped up at the scene I got back into my car with a smile on my face. In some funny way, I realized I can only control so much. Every now and then something comes from left field (this time, literally) and alters the course. What I can't control... I can choose to manage with a smile on my face. And that was my little fortune cookie thought for the day.

St. Ginger

2009-06-21T10:02:00.003-04:00

Dan Guaydacan of Denver's Vita has created the perfect summer cocktail. Mottled fresh ginger, cilantro, and lime... refreshing!

St. Ginger

2 nickel-sized slices of fresh ginger
4 to 6 cilantro leaves
Dash of lime juice
1 1/2 ounces vodka (try Prairie)
3/4 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
Ginger ale
1 lime wheel, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the fresh ginger, cilantro, and lime juice. Add the vodka and St. Germain. Fill the shaker with ice, shake well, and then strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top off the glass with ginger ale and garnish with the lime. Makes one St. Ginger.

And When I Breathed, My Breath Was Lightning.

2009-06-19T18:40:00.004-04:00

Chapel House is surrounded by mature trees... nearly one of every species native to Ohio. The tallest of them is an old cottonwood. I often joke about my love/hate relationship with this tree. It retains an incredible amount of water which puts it at great risk for splitting and weakness from interior rot. I have paid hundreds, upon hundreds of dollars to keep this six story tree healthy. My arborist has trimmed, fertilized, and even cabled.

Two weeks out of the year... I regret the expense and effort. Those weeks my lungs are thick with pollen, my eyes swell and itch, and my gardens are blanketed in a drifting sea of white. Oh, and there are complaints from the neighbors... whose patios and air conditioners are clogged with evidence of the tree's abundant fertility. Still, I have worked diligently to keep this tree alive and thriving.

Raised on bits of Native American wisdom and texts, I must say I harbor some superstitions which have prevented me from cutting it down (though it precariously hovers over the flat roof section of the house). When explaining the cottonwood's importance and prominance in Native Americans rites, such as the Sun Dance, Sioux holy man Heȟáka Sápa (Black Elk) explained: "It was the cottonwood who taught us how to make our tipis, for the leaf of the tree is an exact pattern of the tipi, and this we learned when some of our old men were watching little children making play houses from these leaves. This too is a good example of how much grown men may learn from very little children, for the hearts of children are pure, and, therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss. Another reason why we choose the cottonwood tree to be at the center of our lodge is that the Great Spirit has shown to us that, if you cut an upper limb of this tree crosswise, there you will see in the grain a perfect five pointed star, which, to us, represents the presence of the Great Spirit. Also perhaps you have noticed that even in the very lightest breeze you can hear the voice of the cottonwood tree"

Hopefully not an omen, this morning my cottonwood was struck by lightning. It now bears a wide scar down it's side and pieces of bark shrapnel are spread in a twenty foot radius around its base. Soon my arborist will visit to survey the damage. If it is to come down, I'm seriously considering Lakota rites... just in case.

Deus ex Machina.

2009-06-17T15:32:00.010-04:00

Saying "Goodbye" to a loved one is tough. Whether uttered prior to a brief separation, permanent move, unexpected break-up, or near death, it seems we cannot know the depth of our love or appreciation for another without experiencing the contrast of pain, loss, absence or separation. Too often, our cherished are taken for granted until we are faced with departure, demise, or mandated geographic distance.

I have had to say a few too many Goodbyes of late. Bittersweet moments that make me appreciative and sullen at once. Today, as if some mechanical savior dropped it from above, I stumbled upon a little quote that brightened my thoughts a bit.

"Can miles truly separate you from friends.... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?"

Its author, Richard Bach, intervened in my life twenty years before via one seriously worn and dog-eared paperback copy of Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Cool It.

2009-06-12T10:34:00.002-04:00

Grist... "Join us in the fight for a cooler climate. Get up to speed on the issues, track what lawmakers are up to, make noise, and -- dare we say it? -- change the world."

Buying the Farm.

2009-06-11T15:41:00.011-04:00

When discussing summer plans with my son he had one request, "Can I go to Farm Camp again this year?"

Stratford Ecological Center's Farm Camp obviously made a lasting impression. He again looks forward to caring for the glossy red hens of the orchard, gathering their speckled eggs, and chasing off the nasty rooster. And though he would pretend to find it "gross" when sharing the experience with his friends, he was quite proud when he mastered the art of milking.

Stratford organizers maintain "Learning is the pleasant consequence of play" and place emphasis on conservation and appreciation of the natural world. Each day of camp, children perform their "chores" before gathering for their zero-waste lunch. Children escape the afternoon heat with hikes in the cool, shady creek bed and reflect quietly upon moss-covered logs. The capture of newts and toads produces many giggles and children gain a newfound respect for other farm workers such as bats, worms, and honeybees. Each day of camp ends with the children circled under the shade of the mighty oak where they are encouraged to share their observations and experiences with peers.

Farm Camp is very affordable and the drive to and from quite scenic. It isn't for everyone though. Aside from interacting with animals some may find scary, poison ivy is abundant and so are stinging and biting insects. Stratford Ecological Center's location (approximately 40 minutes from downtown Columbus) may be somewhat prohibitive so carpools are ideal.

Stratford has programming year round for visitors of all ages. Visit their site for more information.

The Birds & The Bees...

2009-06-09T09:20:00.007-04:00

For years the nearby athletic field has been treated with chemicals to keep "weeds" at bay. Funny how concerned people are with clover and dandelions when grass isn't a native species. I digress.

This year, in an effort to cut expenses, local officials have apparently decided to forgo the expense of chemical applications. As a result, clover is plentiful and I have observed a dramatic increase in honeybees. Certainly a good sign considering we would starve without these little workers.

I spent a recent sunny day at a favorite spot... and found a few other pollinators along the way. Have a look.

Time for Me.

2009-06-01T08:36:00.007-04:00

I hit the bike path that follows the Olentangy around noon. Sunshine and blue skies accented the scenery along this route. I paused along the bank of the river around the 11 mile mark. So still, I was unnoticed by the waterfowl that moved within arm's reach. A Snow White moment of sorts. Nearest me, a pair of mallards reminding me of the couple, I dubbed Harry & Sally, that once nested in my juniper each spring.

I had such a wide smile on my face as I biked the path home that each passing jogger and fellow biker exchanged winks and smiles too. Joy is highly contagious it seems.

After returning home to Chapel House I set to work ridding weeds, mowing, and sweeping. Satisfied with my work, I decided to put the finishing touch on this sanctuary. Most nights I sit outside with a little fire but, rarely do I look to the glittering veil of stars that so inspired me as a child. It was time to purchase a hammock and shift my focus upward. And, so I did.

Instead of staring into the glowing embers of a dying fire, I gazed upon the waxing gibbous and the cast of stars competing for my attention.

Vintage Steal.

2009-05-30T10:53:00.001-04:00

Etsy is a virtual treasure trove of vintage finds... like a child's bavarian leather jacket for under $30 bucks.

The Road Not Taken

2009-05-23T21:59:00.008-04:00

I walked the cool ravine as the sun was rising and streaking the air around me with threads of light. I navigated the sunbeams as not to break their fall. My sight seemed exceptionally acute and I could smell the sweetness of the honeysuckle. At my feet were small patches of wildflowers and the remnants of Lily of the Valley, Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Trout Lilies past their hour. The redbuds, shagbarks and sycamores were wearing new crowns of green. And the decaying forest floor was covered with a carpet of green marsh marigold no longer in flower.

I found myself drawn into the green and separated from the path. I began to climb over felled trees and follow the stream to its source. The birds were alert to my presence but, gave no call. Using my phone I snapped a couple of photos. One of the light as it fell and another of an odd root that reminded me of a triceratops.

I have traveled the gravel path through this wood every day for four years. Such a routine trip that I rarely venture into the eastern section. Because I am alone, and a woman, fear has stopped me from exploring this stretch. And perhaps there's something to be said for making safe bets. Sadly, I think more than fear, it's simply that I have fallen into a sleepwalking pattern of getting from and going to.

But, not this morning. I left the worn path and walked the creek. Explored. Breathed the air. Admired with gratitude.

I was disappointed to only have my cell camera to document the adventure. By afternoon though, I had a new camera in hand. And every day from this forward I'm certain life will look a little more vibrant and alive through its lens.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken

The More Things Change... The More They Stay The Same.

2009-03-03T10:05:00.004-05:00

When I was a little girl I looked forward to summer days spent with my Grandmother. Her days were so routine. Morning breakfast, hand-washed dishes, chores, lunch, and more hand-washed dishes. At 1 o'clock she would tune in to her favorite soap opera and await the arrival of the postman.

The arrival of the daily mail was an exciting thing in my young life and I was always eager to see what tumbled through my Grandmother's mail slot each afternoon. Together we would collect the pile from the floor and carry it to her writing desk (a prominent feature in most homes until the 70's). I would watch as she sorted catalogs and bills from correspondence. Each day she received hand-written letters from her cousins in Missouri, postcards from vacationing friends, and notes of thanks or well-wishes from nieces and nephews. All were opened carefully with a silver letter opener and placed in a tidy stack. She would then read each aloud and provide a running commentary. She would note how I was related to the letter's sender or provide me with important details from past installments. Then, while I perused the latest Sears and Roebuck catalog, she would pull a stack of fine paper from the top drawer and craft lengthy written replies to each.

In the 70's, long-distance telephone calls were quite expensive, so written correspondence was an affordable way to keep in touch with those important to you. My Grandmother, fearful the telephone would replace the pen, encouraged me to sign up for "Pen Pal" program at my school. She also encouraged me to stay in touch with a family friend that had relocated to Chicago. With her help, I exchanged letters with a boy in Italy and my friend in Illinois. One I had never met, the other I didn't want to forget.

These days, some complain that texting, blogging, and facebook are "a waste of time" but, I see them as a generational method of correspondence. The brevity of facebook 'status updates' and twitter entries reflects our over-scheduled, busy lives. However, growing use implies personal connection is still a comforting necessity and priority. While I am busy with deadlines and responsiblities, I can keep up with my childhood best friend (now in San Francisco) and stay in touch with accquantances at my convenience and theirs. And, the only thing that has really changed is that today's writing desk is a portable machine called a MacBook Pro. No paper, envelopes, stamps, or gas-guzzling delivery truck needed.

And now, like my Grandmother, I sit down at my "writing desk" (often while watching my favorite television show) and correspond via facebook. I scan entries, browse photographs of children, weddings, and vacations, and in a very real way... feel connected to the people important to me.

Thrift Store Bounty.

2009-01-07T13:06:00.016-05:00

Only I would point out to the thrift store clerk that the wool tweed blazer she just rang up at $1.99 was actually 99 cents. One second later, I was apologetic and red-faced when she noted that she had actually entered the next item in my pile of goods... correctly. Was I actually going to bicker over the $1 versus $2 price of this vintage wool fitted beauty? Apparently so. I'm classy like that.

Self-deprecating aside, there are few things I enjoy more than to spending an early January morning browsing the after Christmas closet-clean-out thrift store racks. I have a penchant for wearing anything that was once worn by someone else, especially if it has the previous owner's name on it. I mean, what's better than a bowling shirt with Eunice embroidered upon its chest? I mortify a certain Neiman-Marcus loving relative but, am usually satisfied to point out when she *loves* my outfit that it cost me three bucks... TOTAL. Smug, I'd say, is the correct adjective.

Where else can you find great vintage riding jackets, tuxedo pants, letterman sweaters, or bazillion dollar worn-once Born shoes for $5? Shopping thrift is like raiding the closets of a friend or eclectic aunt. Ultimately you are recycling goods others would have thrown away plus, you can take home an entire wardrobe for $50 and benefit a charity that does good work in your community. It's a win-win-win.

Mop Love.

2009-01-05T11:23:00.004-05:00

I loathe shopping. So, the idea of actually shopping for a mop truly imposed a feeling of dread. My last sponge-on-a-stick purchase lasted me years but in the end, it was jerry-rigged together with duct-tape and a make-shift replacement head after the manufacturer "updated" their product.

I tend to gravitate toward industrial use cleaning tools because with a dog, a cat, and a kid that goes out of his way to walk through the mud... our concrete floors require almost daily cleaning. My broom has held up just fine but, the mop is a different story.

Luck was on my side though. I was in The Container Store mid-December and while I wasn't there to find a mop, I did just that. In the aisle that features four million gadgets guaranteed to clean, the Casabella Floor Mop caught my eye. Sleek, black, with chrome polished to a mirror shine. It was more than I wanted to pay at $24.99 but, from the Casabella font to the happy bee logo... it found me, a sucker for design and clever marketing.

After one month, this mop has proven to be worth its sticker. The sponge is tough. I have mopped every few days (thanks to December showers!) and the head shows no signs of wear. Plus, the thing wrings out thoroughly which means more clean, and less streaks. I don't know much... ok, anything... about the Casabella company but they do promote Cleaning Green on their site. There seems to be a lower price-point model available as well, though it's blue instead of black. I'm not sure if there are any other differences between the two.

Since I'm sharing my mop love experience, I'll hand over my Grandmother's "recipe" for cleaning floor tile, linoleum, and now, concrete:

To a bucket of warm water add:
1/4 C Borax
1 T Ammonia
1 tsp Liquid Dish Soap
5-10 drops essential oil (my addition, I like Aura Cacia's Rosewood)

For the Birds.

2008-12-29T12:43:00.008-05:00

Mama Runs With Scissors make these really adorable Kool Kid Legs. Inspired by the little retro bird print, I created a free-hand pattern and appliqued to an inexpensive color-coordinated Circo dress from Target. The last of my handmade gifts to be finished...but, I think it's my favorite.

By the Chimney, With Care.

2008-12-24T12:41:00.000-05:00

Imagination's End.

2008-12-23T09:57:00.009-05:00

Maybe a more suitable title for this post is "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait." Two years ago, I posted the following...

September 7, 2006

A couple of days ago The Kid asked me to buy him a machine gun. Not a real one of course, but a plastic, all-too-real-looking version. Optimistically, he held up the toy catalog pointing to the model so that I could log onto givemewhatIwantrightnow.com and have it delivered before dinner. My first response to him was "No." So he made sure to point out the toy's bright orange tip, which distinguished it from its deadly counterpart, and it's competitively low Walmart-like price. So, I left him with "No. Final answer." He came back with..."But, I really like this. It has a long string of ammo...." "Again, refer to my last final answer...which was no."

He went to his room. All was quiet. Twenty minutes later he came back out and said, "Nevermind, I made my own."

Last night, oblivious to the Holy Month Cease Fire implemented at Chapel House, Grandpa really came through for our imaginative youngster. Enter the Nerf Vulcan EBF-25. 8 pounds of flashy plastic fashioned into a machine gun of sorts, complete with a long string of ammo and powered up by 6 earth killing D-cells. After a late night celebration with family, I was shaken from my slumber at the crack of dawn by a kah-thunk-kah-thunk-kah-thunk-kah-thunk ruckus in the living room. Reluctantly, I crawled out of bed and followed the sound to an impromtu bunker made of the finest Kilims under the Christmas tree where I found one very happy boy soldier.

Clean Conscience.

2008-12-22T16:13:00.005-05:00

Baskets are finished and ready to give. Homemade laundry powder, lavender dryer sachets, bar and shaving soaps, and a little white vinegar (for use as fabric softener). Easier than cookies, I think.

What's Shakin'

2008-12-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

Little Alouette's Maple Shakey Block Set is the perfect partner for the new baby quilt I just finished. It was supposed to be a shower gift months ago but, turned into a Baby's First Christmas gift when I didn't complete it in time. It's finally done and under wrap which means my To Do List is getting smaller.

Thankfully.

Baby Wrap.

2008-12-21T00:45:00.005-05:00

Just finished knitting a sweater for my new nephew. Since I'm still somewhat of a knitting novice, and only have one week before Christmas, I gave the Five Rectangle pattern a try. If you can knit-stitch a scarf, you can make this sweater. Honestly, the challenge is sewing the pieces together.

I used color # 687 in Plymouth Yarn's Suri Merino. This yarn is so soft, if it didn't state "55% alpaca and 45% merino wool" on the label, you would swear it was a silk blend. Sadly, my photo doesn't do the deep irish-y green color justice.

In place of the contrasting yarn edge stitch the pattern calls for, I was planning to weave thin rawhide through the edges and create a tie-closure but, in the end settled on a single leather-covered button at the neck. Also, I wanted a looser gauge than recommended so the sweater would have a little added stretchiness. I just upped the needle size a bit and am quite happy with the result.

Not-So Queen of Green.

2008-12-19T23:00:00.002-05:00

The First Gift of Christmas, compliments of my good friend Suzanne, surely would have been yanked from my grasp if its giver had stepped into my office and taken one look at the mountain of cardboard boxes stacked Jenga-style. My cardboard tower surely represents the destruction of 40 square miles of rainforest... the corrugated cartons even proclaim "AMAZON" in bold print right across their sides. Oh, and they were delivered via a gas-guzzling, black smoke spewing UPS truck.

I just hope she doesn't make me relinquish my title and tiny crown... cause I love them sooooooo much.

Hear This.

2008-12-18T10:37:00.004-05:00

I've always pulled together my own music mix for holiday cocktails but couldn't help myself when I saw this at the Starbucks counter for $8.99. Smooth and mellow standards from Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Martin and Lena Horne, with revamped classics from K.T. Tunstall, Goldfrapp, Diana Krall, and Beth Orton's awesome take on What a Wonderful World. 15 songs for almost half the price of downloading tracks individually via iTunes.

Holy Month Cease Fire

2008-12-17T14:09:00.006-05:00

Truly, my most prized possession is the oversized, papier-mache Italian nativity I inherited from my Grandmother. Rest her soul, she saved to purchase the fragile pieces from Woolworth's during World War II. As a small child, each December I would help her remove each piece from its box and carefully uncoil the delicate lengths of dressmaking tissue wrapping them. Always the first Christmas decoration, it's a tradition I hope to continue with Grandchildren of my own.

Last week I found a pile of spent Nerf darts peppered around my heirloom nativity's present location. In light of this discovery I'm imposing a Ramadan-esque Holy Month.

Each December hereforth Holy Month will begin at sundown the eve before Jesus, Mary and Joseph are removed from their deteriorating 70 year old boxes. During the their monthlong display, mischief-makers must resist their desires and refrain from everyday evils. That means the Nerf-packin' rowdy underagers that have overtaken the interior (due to below-freezing outdoor temps) must lay down foam arms and honor the holy law. It also means that whatever new, super-power, battery operated Nerf monstrousity Grandma gifts the grandson will remain at her house until Holy Month's end when the antique trinity returns to storage... safe and sound.

Getting Off The Soapbox.

2008-12-15T09:02:00.003-05:00

I decided to skip the cookies this year and instead cook up something a little different for family and friends. I have been experimenting with DIY laundry products and found a "recipe" for laundry powder that is pretty simple but, manages to get the job done. Turns out, making your own laundry products is not just good for the environment, it makes good economic sense too. The ingredients can be difficult to track down but, try hardware stores or an organic grocer and you should find what you need.

I'm giving loved ones a little basket of goods containing my Lavender Scented Laundry Powder, a bottle of white vinegar (which replaces fabric softener with great results... hat tip to KJames), some of Essentially Naked's Lavender Bar and Shaving soaps, and some handmade dryer sachets (just sew a cupful of lavender buds into muslin squares).

The laundry soap is easy to make, as follows:

DIY Laundry Powder
3 cups Borax
3 cups Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
45 drops Lavender Essential Oil (or your favorite scent)
1- 7oz bar Colgate Octagon soap, grated (you can also use Fels Naptha if available)

Place Borax and Washing Soda in large bowl. Mix by hand to keep dust down. Add essential oil and mix thoroughly for a few minutes so scent is evenly absorbed. Add grated soap to the mix and stir until soap flakes are equal throughout powder. Add to airtight storage container(s). To wash clothes, add one Tablespoon (really, that's it!) to washing machine for a full size load. To pre-treat. Add one tablespoon and 2 cups of water to a spray bottle. Shake well, allowing mixture to disolve. Spray on spot and work into fabric prior to washing. This laundry soap and pre-treat is not recommended for wool or silk.

Sustainably Stuffed.

2008-12-12T10:05:00.011-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things. Forget stuffing stockings with the same old, same old. These gifts are worthy of giving and getting...and they help protect the environment too.

For the eco-conscious travelor or IT Geek, check out Moixa's USBCells (pictured left). Charge batteries conveniently from any USB port.

Give a gift that keeps on giving... a toothbrush or razor from Preserve. Preserve recycles Stonyfield Farms Yogurt cups into useful household and personal care items. When you're ready for a new one, return your used toothbrush or razor to Preserve in the included mailer. Preserve will recycle into a new one all over again. Good for you, good for the planet.

Great gifts for babies and kids can be found online at Little Alouette. They have awesome maple Teethers (like the keys pictured left), eggs that shake, and blocks that rattle. No worries about melamine or lead. These toys are made of natural, unfinished hardwoods right here in the U.S.

Forget things. Put a sheep, chicken or goat in your loved one's stocking. It's possible with a gift from Heifer International. I gave my Mom a sheep and a gaggle for her birthday and she LOVED it. There are some people that just don't need more stuff. If you have one on your giving list, consider wrapping up a little charm (a ewe, for instance) and attaching their adoption certificate.

Rethink diamonds. Just a little bit of research online will reveal the devastating impact of the diamond and gem trade on developing countries. Instead, check out World of Good. Fair trade jewelry and goods that lifts people out of poverty and... that's sure to lift your spirits. Also, check out Global Gallery, Novica, and Ten Thousand Villages. There are also tons of repurposed and recycled items on Etsy plus with Etsy you can shop local and, in many cases, arrange pick up.

The most impressive gift you can fit in a stocking? A farm share. Support local agriculture and gift someone you love with months of fresh produce. With a small annual investment, you support local agriculture and share in the risk. Your CSA share recipient is rewarded with the growing season dividends... armfuls of fresh produce. Check out Local Harvest to find CSA's in your area.

Never underestimate the gift of your time. Handmade gifts, homemade baked goods and sweets, or notes promising community service are great ways to show you care.

Knock It Off

2008-12-11T10:23:00.009-05:00

Hopefully I can replicate myself soon so I can complete all of the projects on my "to do" list. I had hoped to make handmade gifts for the youngsters on my "nice" list this year but, alas I will be standing in checkout lines next week for sure.

I purchased a Kathe Kruse Christmas Advent via the FAO Schwarz post-holiday clearance a couple of years ago. Because they would make great gifts, I should have purchased a few more at 75% off, but didn't (*kicking myself*). This year, I thought I would attempt to knock-off the Kruse advent and gift it to a family on my list. The project was time consuming but made good use of materials I had on hand (scrap felt, ribbon embroidery floss, etc.). I loosely used a pattern I found on HearthSong but skipped the sequined, bedazzled ornaments and opted for a 'skates and mittens' theme (repurposing a few Starbucks and Target gift card holders).

The finished project (pictured) took me a few evenings to complete by hand which, I think gave the piece a more folksy look (next time I'll use the sewing machine). I filled each pocket with little treasures like seashells, starlight mints, tokens for the zoo carousel, glass gems, and the like. To keep little eyes from peaking ahead, I wrapped each gift in newspaper and marked it with the corresponding pocket number (perhaps the most time consuming part). I am so pleased with the result that I hope to get an earlier start next year and make one for every family on my list. If you don't have time to do it yourself...check the after Christmas sales (FAO Schwartz, Magic Cabin, etc.) in late December and early January for bargains and start saving little bits of treasure.

Opening Scene

2008-12-09T09:46:00.003-05:00

There is still something exciting and childlike about waking to the first snowfall of the year. I hurried to open the dusty wood blinds, allowing sunlight spill into the dark house. Everything brown and rot in the world is seemingly clean and new, covered in a blanket of white.

As if on cue for the opening curtain, I found four doe grazing fifteen feet from the window. Just like a panoramic scene in a film you never tire of, it's a reminder that just beyond the walls of every day routine and hum-drum existence there are little surprises waiting to be revealed.

Off the Bottle, Into the Bar

2008-12-08T13:24:00.003-05:00

Most of the eco-friendly changes I make are stealthy and go largely unnoticed. But when the pump soap dispenser disappeared and bar soap appeared in its place, there was an uproar.

My husband complained that bar soap is "unsanitary" and my son simply murmered "gross." I had to scour the web to produce data in support of the switch. Not only is liquid soap chock full of harmful sudsing agents, like DEA, packaging is environmentally damaging. Production of packaging alone contributes to loss of natural resources (fossil fuels) and waste is a problem due to the limited availability of recycling programs. Bar soap on the other hand, can be purchased in bulk and usually comes in paper packaging which, in most cases, naturally biodegrades.

My favorite bar soap supplier is Essentially Naked. Indie proprietor Marsha Williams produces beautiful organic soaps with high quality standards. I am currently using her shaving soap, bar soaps, and shampoo bar with excellent results. Her Lavender Shampoo Bar (pictured, bottom) along with Basin's Macaroon Shampoo Bar (top, my son's favorite) are highly recommended if you want to eliminate shampoo packaging as well.

Enchanted Chapel

2008-11-07T21:27:00.007-05:00

Autumn is a busy season at Chapel House. Every weekend from September's end is full of raking, mulching, pruning, and planting. Our back-breaking exhaustion is eased by the sounds of giggling and laughter that fill the air as children play in the sky-high piles of leafy confetti.

The leaf pile is a tell-tale sign that Halloween is just around the corner. With the fall of the first leaves, preparations for our annual Halloween party begin. While we celebrate most holidays with family, our Halloween Party was born out of a love for our friends and community. So every October, before we prepare for a long, cold Ohio winter in hibernation, we invite everyone over to our place to warm the spirits a bit.

I think from the time I dust off the first box of decorations, to the tapping of the keg, there is an excitement in the air that is palpable. I suppose that I love Halloween because it is the one holiday that celebrates the imagination. There is the decoration, the planning and making of the costumes, the bare trees bedecked with billowing ghosts and of course, talk of spirits. Once you start thinking about spooky things...it seems the imagination runs wild. A squirrel rustling in the leaves outside is certainly a maniac released from the asylum. Or, the black cat that crossed your path this morning is quite possibly a witch's familiar.

Mending Our Ways.

2008-09-14T10:10:00.008-04:00

Etsy is my favorite online stop. Full of indy-crafters and up-and-coming designers, I can find everything from earth-friendly baby gifts to re-purposed tees.

I recently stumbled upon an Etsy seller that borders on genius. The reasonably priced SweaterHospital saves funky sweaters from the trash, makes obvious petri-dish looking repairs, then resells with new names like "M Gangrene" (pictured left). Clever and cool...perhaps you can send your sickly woolens their way? And, what's more sustainable than breathing new life into an existing garment?

Native Americans, The First Environmentalists

2008-09-08T16:41:00.006-04:00

Man's heart, away from nature, becomes hard;
[the Lakota] knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too.

- Luther Standing Bear (c. 1868-1939)

I highly recommend reading Luther Standing Bear's book, My Indian Boyhood.

Farm Share Tuesday

2008-09-02T21:27:00.002-04:00

It's Your Lucky Day!

2008-09-01T12:34:00.002-04:00

In an earlier post I mentioned the mysterious patch of clover that appeared very near the door of our new garden resident. Each day, if you search carefully, you can find a new lucky charm. As you can guess, mowing this square-foot section of lawn is strictly prohibited. Our close friends and family, having plucked their own lucky mementos, walk around this plot of green when approaching the house.

Yesterday I picked a four-leaf clover to give to my son's friend for his birthday. I had to comb through the tiny patch, but I found one. This morning there were three in its place.

My New Ride.

2008-08-19T08:52:00.002-04:00

Open Source Sewing.

2008-08-19T08:40:00.001-04:00

I don't know why someone didn't think of THIS sooner.

OSHA Approved.

2008-08-16T12:30:00.007-04:00

While washing dishes, I heard my son run into the house through the front door. He rushed past me in a blur and made a beeline for his bedroom. I then heard him rifling through toys, closet and dresser drawers. Apparently finding what he was looking for, he ran back down the hall and out the back door.

Moments later I caught a glimpse of him through the window. At the mere sight of him, bug catcher in hand and bedecked in gardening gloves and astronaut helmet, I ran for my camera.

I snapped a photo through the screen and asked "What are you up to?" His reply, "I caught a stinkbug. It's OK because I have on protection."

Pet For a Day.

2008-08-12T16:39:00.003-04:00

Food Wisdom.

2008-08-08T12:00:00.007-04:00

I started cooking when I was ten with a simple white sauce recipe from Betty Crocker's Cookbook. I still have the book and refer to it for roasting times and conversions. The Betty Crocker book is a great starting point for anyone that is easily overwhelmed by cooking, roasting and baking. There are three other books that come to mind that are easy to use but can serve as lasting reference.

A couple of years ago, a friend gave me "The Art of Simple Food" by Alice Waters (of Chez Panisse fame). Waters provides a virtual checklist of items and equipment found in the prepared chef's kitchen in the first chapter "Getting Started."

Another fantastic book is "Farmer John's Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables" by John Peterson ("Farmer John"). Since joining a CSA, we are receiving vegetables I would never have purchased in the produce section. Some of which I couldn't even pronounce. "The Real Dirt on Vegetables" has first rate recipes and storage tips. There is loads of funny little anecdotes throughout the book and stories about Anthroposophy, Biodynamic Farming, and reflections on farming. John Peterson is the founder of Angelic Organics in Chicago, an accomplished writer, artist, filmmaker and rock star of the farming world. He is the star, writer and director of the film "The Real Dirt on Farmer John." A must see.

Lastly, a friend let me borrow her copy of "Nourishing Traditions" a couple of years back. The author, Sally Fallon, also writes from the Anthroposophical perspective and provides an extensive 62 page overview of food culture and the state of modern nutrition, farming and production. The book is about as close as you will ever come to having a family heirloom cookbook explaining the proper and traditional preparation of grains, stocks, meats, etc., and focuses on using food to nourish body and soul. There are plenty of recipes in the book that I won't consider...most of which involve organ meats. But even still, Fallon explains why these items should be a part of our diet. Recipes range from classic to exotic with no single "theme." This book is not for everyone so I would recommend checking your library first. I liked it so much I bought my own copy.

Farm Share Tuesday

2008-08-05T20:59:00.005-04:00

Just Like Heaven.

2008-08-04T18:33:00.005-04:00

My son and I explored the creek yesterday, walking farther than ever. We haven't had rain in the past few weeks so the water was shallow and barely moving, but still cool. I don't know why we don't hike this shale-bed creek more often. There are spots where the fine, papery layers of shale climb three stories high. It's truly as awe-inspiring as St. Patrick's Cathedral and so peaceful that if not for the distant whir of a chainsaw we would have forgotten we were inside the outerbelt.

During rainy seasons it's nearly impossible to hike this stretch of the Olentangy watershed. The moss covered shale bottom is treacherously slick with even a slight current. Too, when rain-swollen, the rushing sound of the creek fills the shale halls and overpowers the songbird soundtrack in the overhead canopy.

I am so grateful to have this piece of earth in my own backyard. Exploring this hidden sanctuary reminds me to appreciate and take the time to pick up Daddy Longlegs, wriggling worms and sail a leaf boat in the stream with my son. I relive the simple childhood joys of skipping stones and catching (or not catching) crayfish and minnows. And like a child, I still can't help but line my pockets with little treasures of rusted cogs and smooth stones which allow me to keep a tangible bit of this place with me.

Wood Marinade.

2008-08-02T20:15:00.021-04:00

While I still haven't concocted anything that cleans my windows as well as Windex, I have found a basic wood polish recipe that is superior, in my opinion, to store-bought formulas. I used this simple two-ingredient mix on my thirsty wood surfaces with great results (Before: Left, After: Bottom Right).

I use 1/2 c Olive Oil and combine with 1/4 c Lemon Juice (strained, if fresh) in a clean, dry spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray polish onto a thick cloth (I use a piece of felt) and work into the wood with the grain. Using a clean, lint-free cloth, polish to a dry shine. For obvious reasons, this polish is not for use on floors. Avoid contact with carpets and fabrics, and be sure to test your wood surface in an inconspicuous area 24 hours before applying to ensure the finish won't be harmed. It's probably worth saying..."Keep out of the reach of children."

The Sierra Club of Canada published a similar brew in their brochure, "Safe Alternatives to Hazardous Household Products."

Flashback Friday

2008-08-01T18:26:00.004-04:00

Enchanted Summer

2008-07-31T08:24:00.006-04:00

We seem to have a new tenant in the garden. Though we haven't met our guest yet, the neighborhood children are eager, leaving seashells filled with berries and nuts wrapped in leaves as little 'welcome' gifts. To date there has been no 'thank you' note from our visitor, just empty leaves and shells at the doorstep.

We recently noticed a small stack of firewood to the right of the door and just a few inches from that, a large patch of toadstools has emerged. Oddly enough, an outcropping of clover nearby has produced six four-leaf-clovers and one five-leaf-clover since the mysterious tenant took up residence in our hackberry tree. The patch of clover has been cordoned off so that I don't accidentally graze it with the mower. Our son has also been making sure that Jack the Cat is in the house at dusk every night since the resident is seemingly nocturnal and no larger than 8" tall.

Children pass by daily sometimes meeting to devise clever plans of capture. One such plan involved slathering the door and knob with pine sap. Another involved creating a snare trap and leaving a piece of pie in its center.

One thing is for certain. This little door is magical.

Behind Closed Doors.

2008-07-30T12:40:00.013-04:00

Our little Usonian is short on space by design. There is one full bath and when we initially purchased the house, it also served as the laundry room. This 'bathroom as laundry' practice is not uncommon in European design. I however, found it increasingly difficult to start my day, toothbrush in hand, faced with a pile of laundry. The washing machine next to the basin was like a persistent reminder that there were things that needed to be done.

Due to electrical and space limitations, the only unit that worked in the space was a washer-and-dryer-in-one unit made by Thor Appliances (seen in the before photo, top left). It washed and dried a load of clothes in about three hours which really wasn't working for our family. I found that I had to do laundry every day, sometimes twice (due to the small load capacity) to keep up. We wanted to relocate the unit but the bathroom and kitchen were the only locations with hot water line access.

After some thought, we decided to go cold. We would move the washer/dryer to an oddly shaped utility closet in another part of the house. The closet housed our water shut-off and electric panel. There was access to water and a drain....but, no hot water. I rarely use hot water to wash clothes so we decided to make the commitment to cold-water-washing and free up some space in our full bath. When we pulled the Thor unit from the bathroom we discovered some water damage. We knew we needed to replace the fifty year old leaking wall-mount service faucet so we decided to tear out and replace the drywall. Once the drywall was removed, we discovered why the previous owner had attached a pipe-warmer to the water lines. The only insulation in our bathroom wall was R4 originally placed during its mid-century construction. R4 is basically paper and tin foil. We removed the pipe warmer, insulated the walls, ran new plumbing, added an incredible faucet and freed up some floor space.

We then turned our attention to the laundry installation. We reinforced an existing platform in the closet and decided to upgrade to an energy efficient stackable washer and dryer. We had water service installed and decided to run the lines as though there was hot water just in case we want to add an on-demand unit at a later date. We then added lighting, shelving and storage so the space can house the ironing board, sewing machine, fabric and art supplies. When not in use, the new laundry center disappears behind the mahogany closet doors (pictured right).

The completion of this project has improved our home's traffic-flow and added to its value while keeping our energy costs down. The relocation of the laundry to its new (discreet) location makes the most of our square footage while enhancing our home's unique features inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian design.

Farm Share Tuesday

2008-07-29T20:11:00.001-04:00

Think Tank

2008-07-29T10:43:00.000-04:00

Two months ago we noticed a decrease in hot water and an increase in our natural gas usage. We suspected that our 40 gallon hot water tank was on its last leg.

For various reasons, we had long wanted to make the switch to tankless hot water heating. The most obvious benefit being hot water on demand. With a traditional tank, the water is reserved and heated continuously until you need it. Our second consideration was space. Our little utility closet only had a space for a tall, thin tank and because space is a premium in our Usonian, we liked the idea that a wall mounted unit would free up enough floor space for say, the vacuum, broom and mop.

The tankless unit and installation was somewhat cost prohibitive. The quotes we obtained for traditional tank installation was about 60% of the price of the installed tankless unit. But, we decided that the tankless unit was the responsible choice with few working parts and an anticipated twenty year lifespan. We finally opted to install a Rinnai 5.3 gallon-per-minute unit. We only have one full bath so it was a good fit. We obtained quotes from four local contractors which varied wildly, the lowest being two thousand dollars less than the highest.

The unit was installed mid-May and we just received our first natural gas bill that includes a full month of tankless use. Compared to the same 29 day, June-to-July period last year (when our traditional tank was still functioning), we used 18% less natural gas. Apples to Apples:

2007: Actual Meter Reading 17 ccf Average Temperature 73.7 degrees
2008: Actual Meter Reading 14 ccf Average Temperature 73.7 degrees

So, I guess the tankless unit is doing something the traditional tank could not. On demand hot water helped cut our consumption and saved us money. Maybe it will pay for itself?

The Giving Tree

2008-07-28T13:10:00.000-04:00

Our son was a happy baby. That is, as long as he was upright. This minor prerequisite presented a few challenges. Well, okay, really just one big challenge. No one in our house slept for four years. If you accused me of exaggerating I would understand, but God as my witness (and countless doctors, sleep experts, and four Gradparents)...it's true.

He didn't cry or fuss unless you were putting him down to sleep. He would eventually fall asleep only to wake minutes later (at nap time) or four hours later (at bed time) completely rested and rejuvenated. At around 8 months of age, I took him to the doctor and said sternly, "One of us is leaving here with a prescription." Fortunately, our seemingly omniscient pediatrician deduced, "He's just in this category of one-to-five percent of the population that doesn't need much sleep." I left that appointment feeling like I had crossed a vengeful gypsy. How could I have a baby that doesn't need sleep when sleeping is my favorite pastime?

The skeptic in me was doubtful of the doctor's diagnosis. So, determined to create a champion sleeper, I scaled a mountain of books in search of a solution. After a few months of reading, a pattern began to emerge in the advice. It seemed that every armchair expert or 'proven technique' focused on parental behavior control rather than the individual needs of the child. Of course, it's good marketing to focus on parental responsibility. After all, a wakeful toddler certainly isn't going to walk into Barnes and Noble and drop $24. 95 on the counter for the latest in expert advice. No. It's the sleep-deprived, over-caffeinated parent that creates the bestseller. And just like them, I 'Ferberized' and suffered through countless 'cry it out' sessions only to find I was still stuck with a 'Sleepless-in-Seattle' bundle. The whole exercise left me feeling like a failure.

It wasn't until I found a little gem of a book at the library called "Trees Make the Best Mobiles," that I changed my strategy. The authors, Jessica Teich and Brandel France de Bravo, remind that babies needs are few but, they are conscious, thinking beings that crave input and calm. The book didn't offer advice so much as grounding. The authors suggest that parenting can be accomplished without the use of fancy plastic activity tables or Barney DVDs. We soon started spending more time on a blanket in the park looking into the treetops instead of in our living room stressing about the naps that weren't being taken.

Apparently, less than five percent of the breeding population share our sleepless experience, but the content of "Trees Make the Best Mobiles" is applicable to all. Cherish every waking moment (see page 66) and use it as an opportunity to build lifelong trust. Encourage observation and natural play. Don't rely on toys and television to pacify, instead use what nature already provides for free.

Also, trust your observations. For instance, around age four we noticed that swimming exhausted our sleepless wonder. We immediately purchased an annual pool pass and spent every day thereafter poolside.

The Greening of Chapel House

2008-07-27T16:45:00.000-04:00

In search of our "inside the outerbelt" home a few years ago, we found the perfect candidate in a neighborhood we had been driving through longingly for almost a decade. The house, a one-story Usonian, was designed by two Frank Lloyd Wright students. Built in 1956, the mid-century dwelling with no garage, no basement, and loads of mature trees was ideal. This same house had been on the market twice in ten years. We had interest each time it hit the MLS but the work necessary to rehab the house was beyond our expertise and budget. As luck would have it though, the third time was the charm. The recent owners had completed structural repairs such as shoring up the sagging roof and updating the heating and cooling systems. Six weeks after seeing the improvements we were the proud new owners of "Chapel House."

We have spent the past few years updating mechanical systems and plumbing, replacing R4 insulation (the equivalent of tin foil), repairing leaks, battling invasive honeysuckle, and decreasing our home's environmental footprint. In future posts I hope to share the unique challenges we have faced to "green" our historic home, plus helpful tips and useful innovations which have enabled us to save save money and the planet at the same time.

Locavore

2008-07-26T13:06:00.000-04:00

Few relationships are more rewarding than the one you have with food. This relationship nourishes you in infancy, heals as you age, and with proper choices, prolongs your life. Though we require food to survive, our society has very little interest in the journey from seed to supermarket and sadly undervalues the importance of agriculture in our lives.

A few years ago, my husband and I began to search for an ideal location to raise our family... within the outerbelt. The fact that we would be relegated to the suburbs presented its own challenges. I had a few (too many) requirements. One of which was access to a Farmer's Market or Co-Op. Of course, I also wanted to be within walking distance of a public school, library, park and the post office. After a tiring search, I'm happy to say that we didn't have to settle and found exactly what we were looking for.

I love our little house, neighbors, and corner coffee shop... but the weekly Farmer's Market was the selling point. My Saturday morning walks to the market are the highlight of my week. As a matter of fact, I was quite relieved when our youngest son gave up Saturday morning soccer in favor of a weeknight sport. Those Saturday early morning games were cutting into my ability to get fresh eggs. (note: eggs go fast!)

It is quite wonderful to be in touch with food and growers again. I browse the stands at the market and marvel at the squash and sunflowers and praise their proud cultivators. I have developed honest-to-goodness friendships with the salt-of-the-earth people that feed my family. I know the man who raises our grass-fed beef, the family that taps the maple trees that produce syrup for our waffles, the Amish family that grows the finest potatoes, and the farm that raises pastured hens that lay the best omega-3-rich eggs you'll ever find.

Though I had hoped to, I do not live on a farm. I am however transported weekly to the pumpkin patch and barnyards of my youth.

Peter Rabbit

2008-07-25T14:12:00.000-04:00

"You may go into the field or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden." - (Peter Rabbit's Mother) Beatrix Potter

Our cat was very sad when I didn't let him keep the bunny he found in the garden. My son was very sad when I didn't let him keep the bunny that I had just taken away from the cat.

But, he was ours for a day.

Give Me the Splendid, Silent Sun

2008-07-24T20:32:00.000-04:00

GIVE me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling,
Give me juicy autumnal fruit ripe and red from the orchard,
Give me a field where the unmow’d grass grows,
Give me an arbor, give me the trellis’d grape,
Give me fresh corn and wheat, give me serene-moving animals teaching content, Give me... Walt Whitman, Blades of Grass