First Real Harvest

We had to clear out some of our crops today. I've been kinda picking out what I need when I need it but tonight we needed to actually thin things out. We completely cleared out our radish crop. We had a bit of a pest problem that ate about half of what was left out there, so we just pulled it all.
I have more lettuce then I know what to do with. J and I are both taking salads for lunch tomorrow. We picked a whole bunch of it and gave the leftovers to Muffin. There is still a ton left out there so if anyone wants some let me know.
Then there is the spinach. I pick and pick and yet the crop looks like it hasn't been touched. I pulled a bunch tonight so it's thinning a little. However the bugs are getting to it so there might not be too much left in a week or so.
There are some herbs in there too. I'm trying to trim some of them back. My dill, cilantro and oregano have completely taken off, it's almost ridiculous. But hey, herbs are delicious in almost everything.

Recipe: Baked Pasta Casserole

This idea came to me because I've been trying to use up my spinach crop before it goes bad. This recipe was supposed to be a sorry excuse for a dinner but it turned out to be delicious and I'll be making it again soon.

You will need:
- 4 cups spiral pasta (I would choose whole wheat but I went with the organic white stuff)
- 3 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 chopped onion
- 1 clove fresh garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 chopped basil leaf
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook paste in a pot of boiling water with salt and oil. In the meantime, chop the onion, spinach, basil and garlic. Grease the bottom of a casserole dish and mix together pasta, spinach, onion, garlic, basil, zest, salt and pepper. Top with mozzarella, then cover with foil and bake for 30 mins until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Snapshot Sunday

The oils I used to cook lunch.

Laundry to be washed and laundry to be put away.

The makings for a tart.

My sewing machine that I am still trying to figure out.

Cleaning the table for a dinner guest.

I am so enjoying...

Mama is..
It is a blog written mainly with comics that she does herself. Heather Cushman-Dowdee is the author and this particular series is based on her life with her 3 daughters (though from what I understand she has some other comics online too). I'm not even a mama yet and I love her! I giggle every time I visit. I think any mama, mama-to-be or female in general should give her comic a read (and hey, boys welcome too).
www.mama-is.com

Projects, so many Projects

The house in general is an on-going project. But here is a little summary of what is going on at our little house.
We are getting the exterior of the house ready to paint. It is currently an ugly robin's egg blue and white (but it's so dirty it looks a little grey) but come fall it will a calming shade of green with the same (freshened up) white trim.
We are continuing to landscape the front yard. We are expanding the middle garden and cutting out almost all of the trees that are currently growing against the house (they will be replaced with bulbs in the fall).
We are also re-doing our fences. The one in the backyard has been taken down because the posts were rotting. We have put in new posts (which are now secure since we've had the driveway re-paved) and will soon be putting up the panels. Yah, privacy!
We are also redoing the down-spouts and gutters on the garage. Of course that is after we have the roof on the garage redone.
Then the garage will also need to be painted. Then we are re-vamping our patio. We are putting in new fancy stairs and getting rid of the ugly blue "wall" (if you've been to my house you know what I'm talking about).
It is never-ending but maybe by this Christmas we might actually have the time to sit back and admire our work. But the summer for now is completely devoted to projects!

Green Tips: Think Global, Act Local

Some of the biggest changes in the battle against global warming happen on a local scale. It is like a puzzle, realize what the big picture is, then work on the smaller pieces.

1. Use local businesses for the major of your needs. Some of the biggest contributors of carbon emissions are big corporations. Local businesses are more likely to be geared towards conservations (if only to minimize expenses). If you are wondering about their environmental policies, don't be afraid to ask.

2. If you are worried about global greenhouse gas levels, cut back at home. Drive less, turn down the heat, turn off the lights and anything else that draws power, avoid propane and charcoal, fly less, etc. And make an impact: plant a new tree every year.

3. Eat local. There are going to be less emissions associated with cooling and transporting, if you buy your food locally. Plus, it's fun to plan recipes based on what is seasonally available.

4. Petition your local government to set an example to other cities by taking a strong stance on environmental issues. Have them offer subsidized transit passes, have tight by-laws regarding pollution and excessive watering, ask them to protect wild areas and parks, etc.

5. Support local charities that take action in your area by either volunteering or offering financial support. It will not only improve your local environment, but you will feel proud when ever you pass by your work (it's kinda like your legacy).

In Victoria:
Markets to buy food local: Moss St Market, Sidney Market, Root Cellar Market, Red Barn Market
Local charities: Habitat Acquisition Trust, The Land Conservancy
Where to send petitions: CRD, your local MLA and mayor
Local businesses to support: (this one is endless but start with) Bicyclitis, Fiber Options, Rooster Bakery, ReBar, West Coast Seeds....

Some Successes

My spinach has been wonderfully successful. I've added fresh spinach to almost every meal this week. My strawberries are doing awesome! The hanging basket has turned out to be a great idea. There are about 3 strawberries that look like they will be ready for eating this week. We have mason bees! I am so relieved to see bees. Apparently if we keep the tubes near the house they will keep coming back year after year!
I have been able to keep one of my basil plants for 1 week! I have a mini cauliflower head in one of my plants. It's a little yellow but it is growing really well. My russet potatoes that I sprouted myself are actually growing! I'm so proud that I got them to take. Finally, my lavender has flowers and they smell great! I'm hoping this is just the beginning of a string of successes.