Monday, April 30, 2007

Eastern Market a Sad day indeed!

Besides loving DC well before our daughters took up residence there, on our visits I became an Eastern Market-aholich. YUP and with our soon to visit time I said gleefully, “Don’t forget a visit to Eastern Market! “ Now this news~ A sad, sad day Historic Capitol Hill Marketplace Burns By Howard Schneider, Debbi Wilgoren, and Allison Klein Washington Post Staff WriterMonday, April 30, 2007; 8:24 AM Fire coursed through the shops of the historic Eastern Market on Capitol Hill early Monday morning, gutting the southern half of the 134-year-old landmark.

Fuzzy Butts

OOPS I tripped over that flower!
MOM Slow down I am wobbling!

Sunday, April 29, 2007

A Quintet at 4 p.m.

Up to Three and counting~

10:30 a.m. update

Announcement

News from the Nook Early morning sounds state publicly the beginning of the arrivals. A birthing proclamation is being sent down the creek and into the meadows. It all begins with the turkeys as they Gobble the news back and forth, then the Wood peckers drum out the notice. While the cats sit tenuously watching with wide-eyed wonderment, perchance thinking about snatching a meal. The rest of the Goose Clan form the vigil posts.
We have two goslings so far. Mom G number 1 is adjusting her sitting positions to accommodate the eager babies.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Runners On your Mark ~

It’s the Twenty-third year of the General Lightburn 5K Run and And “One Mile Lightning Run” Saturday, April 29, 2007 – Jane Lew, West Virginia. Scenes from April 29, 2000! Some background on why we chose this name twenty-three years ago. Thanks to the efforts of Linda and Joe Turner as well as Valerie Richards and many other support volunteers I was able to kick off this annual event. Joe Lightburn, the great grandson of General Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn lives in our town. One picture in this Blog is a picture of Joey Lightburn. He still owns and operates a Hardware store in our fair town.
September 21, 1824 in History September 21, 1824 in History Born: Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn, Brig General Union volunteers 4th West Virginia Infantry was organized August 1861, with the following field officers: J.A.J. Lightburn, colonel; Wm. H.H. Russel, lieutenant colonel, and John T. Hall, major. was organized August, 1861, with the following field officers: J.A.J. Lightburn, colonel; Wm. H.H. Russel, lieutenant-colonel, and John T. Hall, major.
Lightburn was also known as the Fighting Parson. He ministered at the, still exiting, Broad Run Baptist Church. On August 8, 1874 Rev. J. A. J. Lightburn met with the church and accepted the call as pastor. Rev. Lightburn was a noted General in the Union Army during the Civil War. Rev. Lightburn was employed for half time and paid an annual salary of $30. "Jackson's Boyhood Friend" "Joseph Lightburn was a childhood friend of young Tom Jackson. As boys, the two shared their interests in books, history, and Christianity along the banks of the West Fork River at Jackson's Mill in Lewis County, Virginia (today West Virginia). According to several historians, and the Lightburn family's oral history, it was Lightburn who was one of the major influences impacting Jackson's Christian faith. Lightburn would return to Weston, West Virginia after the war and pastor Broad Run Baptist Church, where I, along with my family, had the privilege of worshipping last Sunday. Also present in the services were several members of the Raddy Jackson family whose oral history claims they are descended from one of Jackson's slaves. "
"The image on this post is of Union General Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn's ceremonial sword scabbard. The inscription reads: "Brig. Gen. J. A. J. Lighburn from the Citizens of Lewis County West Va As a Testimony of their appreciation of his Gallant Services in the suppression of the Rebellion of 1861, Weston Va July 4, 1865." Check the post dated 10 November 2006” Jackson’s Boyhood Friend” Race Registration Information! See you on Race Day! Come on out and Run through our town!

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Gratification is…

Our refrigerator SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO clean it looks new! Improperly stored foods, leftovers, spills, and neglect can turn your refrigerator into a nightmare. Mold, mildew, and bacteria commonly invade refrigerators through simple use. To keep your refrigerator running properly and your family safe from food borne illness, a thorough refrigerator cleaning is recommended at least once-per-year. ALAS I forgot to loosen the refrigerator light bulb so that it is off. Refrigerator light bulbs were intended for only short-period uses and will likely burn out if left on during heavy-duty cleaning. For extra tough stains and spills, try: TOOTHPASTE [does this come with a dental Hygienist?] Non-abrasive toothpaste helps to cleanse and brighten refrigerators without the scratching properties of most household cleansers. Apply liberally with a sponge or rag and scrub until stains disappear. Rinse with a clean rag and warm water. Another article said: Make cleaning second nature and… Let me GAG here a moment… I do better outside, but I am pleased the Fridge is clean…I have been admiring its INNER beauty all afternoon! HA HA! Tomorrow the Range as is HOME HOME ON THE R ANGE???

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

A Dandy Wednesday Day

Some think this is an invasive WEED. I have always enjoyed seeing them ever since I would gather a fist full and present them to my Mom or my Grandmother. I remember their delighted ohhs and ahawssssssssssss. I also remember as the season went toward later spring and then the dandelion changed from a brilliant yellow tuff into its mature stages. When the slightest wind would distribute the seeds. I am sure many of you remember picking them at this stage and helping distribute the seeds even more. I snicker now as I recall back in the day so to speak, when I would pick the mature dandelions and purposefully blow them onto perfectly manicured lawns. Then forget to check the following spring to see if my efforts panned out! Some people say Dandelion greens are wonderful in salads, sautéed or steamed. They taste like chicory and endive, with an intense heartiness overlying a bitter tinge. You can also eat dandelion flowers, or use them to make wine. Collect them in a sunny meadow, just before mid-spring, when the most flowers bloom. Some continue to flower right into the fall. Use only the flower’s yellow parts. The green sepals at the flower’s base are bitter. Dandelion Wine · 1 qt. dandelion blossoms · 1 gal. hot water · 3 1/2 lb. sugar · 2 lemons, cut up · 2 oranges, cut up 1. Pour hot water over dandelion blossoms. 2. Let stand for 24 hours. 3. Strain in a jelly bag. 4. Heat juice again and add sugar, lemons and oranges. 5. Reheat, then put in a stone jar. 6. Let ferment. 7. Skim everyday for 6 or 7 weeks. Then bottle. For more Dandelion Recipes click here!

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

The 4 a.m. drip

OR ~~ Yes Judie I found your Voice mail message!” Who know why I awoke so early, perhaps it was the sounds of the geese outside rallying to support the sentinels guarding the Moms from the raccoon’s and/ or opossums. It could also be the spring is the time of sinus or the gentle sound of the rain dripping off the limbs of the trees as the frogs sing heartily through the night. Fully settled in the nook with the first cup of coffee my thoughts run about. These last three days have been successful in allowing Falcour out during the day while I worked in and about the yard. His coming in seems to be no problem in the evening. It seems he is a bit more content. He would sit in the windows seeing his buddies outside and I swear his eyed, as they would look at me, were saying “Ah come on just for a little bit can I go out and play?” You see Falcour belongs to our youngest son; we have been assigned temporary baby-sitting rights. He named his cat after the Luckdragon in Michael Ende's novel The Neverending Story. Only one luckdragon by the name of Falkor appears in the book (although five others are mentioned in passing); nevertheless, it is described with precision and detail. Good book, good movie and the cat is a dear too boot. My thoughts ramble to the upgrading of my cell phone and the query of “ why did I do this?” Well in this early morning reflections I am going through that process. To the best of my recollection the first mass use that I saw of them was when I was in Japan in 1998.I remember many restaurants, hotels and the like having signs that forbade the use of them in certain areas. I remember a couple of the men in our group even bought one to use, some people were in a great deal of wonderment why that was done. They feared it would not work back in the States was one persons opinion. I frankly wondered why about all of it. I really do not remember when my Sweetie got one. I do remember it seemed like a big deal. But then I was not really interested in that particular part of technology. HA I had my hand full with the computer for school use and pleasure. Judie and I went to Greece and Turkey I had read that there was little to no Internet available on the ship and any calls were going to be quite costly. We rented a mobile phone for the trip so we could stay in touch with our MEN! [Movie thought remember "ET Call Home"?] It was then I realized how out of sync I was in this form of wireless communications. I owe all I know TO DATE, to Judie, she taught me how to use the Cell, and buy the 7th time I was able to do it ALL BY MYSELF! So here I sit trying to figure this thing out! So far I have a greeting on the phone, I have entered family numbers, I found how to use the speakerphones and to do the calling by voice recognition simply by saying “Call Home”! I hear you all laughing heyya give me a break this is still new to me. Next on my agenda is to figure out how to take a picture then download it to my PC and to play with text messaging. On the Blue thing, the Jury is Still Out. Heyya it’s early in the week. Not to fear though, I do not believe I will be addicted, better put~ I shan’t allow that to happen. I think there is a rebel in me that does not want to conform to what everyone else is doing just because everyone is doing it. Practically speaking, the cell has it place in the car for emergency use. I see many people abuse it, but then who am I? There is rudeness in many areas… Now back to the Nook and a fresh cup of coffee and contemplate this new THING and the Proc and Cons. Its time for the BBC on NPR… Happy Tuesday! TTFN [(Ta Ta For Now) - A shorthand appended to a message meaning good-bye. Taken from Winnie the Pooh. Ummmm is that in my quick Texting options? PS: Don’t call me I’ll call you! I am still locating all the buttons! ;)

Monday, April 23, 2007

Happy Birthday to the Bard

William Shakespeare was born to John Shakespeare and mother Mary Arden some time in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. There is no evidence, alas, to support the popular belief that William Shakespeare was born — as fifty-two years later he was to die — on 23 April, the date celebrated in England since 1222 as the feast day of dragon-slaying St George. As the poet's posthumous fame grew, securing a unique niche for his country in the cultural history of the world, it was a natural enough temptation for posterity to unite the birthday of England's national poet with that of its patron saint. But the tradition is based on a false assumption, that Elizabethan baptisms invariably took place three days after the birth. He is often considered to be England's national poet[5] and is sometimes referred to as the "Bard of Avon" (or simply "The Bard")[6] or the "Swan of Avon".[7]

Sunday, April 22, 2007

All I can say is WOW

And thanks again Sarah!
I spent most of yesterday cruising in my mobile tanning bed with my iTrip. WOW! I had a blast. After I get more tasks accomplished today I am going to do it again. We got the Koi pond empted and cleaned. Finally a day when the temperatures were above 40! We managed to winter over three of the original 8 fish and I was able to save a frog…! Now that was a stinky operation. The upside of the slimy, primordial ooze it is great fertilizer for the garden.
Do believe I will be looking at Biological Filters as well; I need to get more barley straw, which deters algae growth. Ummmm A trip tee hee and the I Trip I am really liking this. I suppose an incidental gift for Mother Earth! Today as I had mentioned 50 trees will be planted as well as some crowns of Crown Vetch for the west side of the farm pond dam. Crown vetch is a member of the Pea or Fabaceae family. This low growing vine is commonly used throughout the United States for erosion control, roadside planting and soil rehabilitation. The ducklings have grown vigorously this week and are in larger quarters. As I was approaching their cages it sounded like muted drumming as their feet were paddling around on the wire as they feasted on their feed and water. The male Call ducks were fascinated by the sounds of soon to be buddies. I still have not been able to get a picture of the Mom Call duck on her nest. Pictures on April 11th!
Silver Appleyard White Crested due to arrive in June White Muscovy due to arrive in June Assorted Muscovy due to arrive in June Black and Blue, Swedish Cayuga Khaki Campbell The Koi were hiding near some rocks and I was unable to get a clear shot of them either. Now back inside to prepare a Farmer Breakfast for my Sweetie. Then I can prepare to personalize my new Cell phone. Judie started the urge for me to actually use my Cell while on our trip to Greece. Gee an iTrip now a new Cell goodness what could be next? A Blue Tooth perchance? That would be funny actually, not sure I am ready to be attached to a phone 24 – 7! Fact is I think many cell phone users are rude. But then who am I?
Although the idea of shopping, lets say, and I see something that maybe my daughters might like I could send a picture and be sure they liked it before I bought it! Now that is a neat idea, useful as well as quite practical! Ummmmmmmmm! Now to ponder what Ring Tone…any ideas?

Friday, April 20, 2007

Earth Day/Earth Trustee

This Sunday (April 22nd) is Earth Day Founded 37 years ago, Earth Day has always been about celebrating the rich natural heritage that we’ll leave to future generations. I remember our children bringing home from their school small pine trees for us to plant for this day. The trees made it and we continue to plant trees every year. This Sunday we will be planting 50 trees. What will be your gift for the Earth?

Thursday, April 19, 2007

I trip

How to wile away the time while the car is being taken care of Or thanks to the worlds greatest Sarah Martin… What fun I am going to have with my new iTrip. I love my iPod, which is almost a year and a half old, now I can have all the music I want when I want it and where I want! I was reading about this technology and found something that could be a lot of fun. “Ever get stuck at a stop light for like 10 minutes and the dude in the next car is blasting the radio? With the super easy iPod interface you can quickly get to the station he's on and send over whatever you want, a couple gentle ocean waves or birds usually works out great.” Now that sounds like entertainment personified! So tomorrow after I have done my assigned chores I shall play with my new gadget! Ummmmm makes me think about Inspector Gadget!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

The Seven Sisters are out of this World

Out of this world as well as what colleges make up the “Seven Sisters”? The "Seven Sisters" nickname came about when the schools self-organized in 1927 in order to promote private, independent women's colleges and the premise of "separate but equal" liberal arts education for women. Although these highly regarded women's colleges were all founded in the 19th century, it wasn't until 1978 that all Seven Sisters had women presidents. As the temperatures here begin to moderate to more seasonal warmth, we might in fact be outside tonight gazing upon the sky. Three of the most beautiful sights in the night sky are the crescent Moon, the planet Venus, and the Pleiades star cluster. And when they all get together, the view is unforgettable. That’s just what’s happening for the next few evenings. Many a night I saw the Pleiads, rising thro' the mellow shade, Glitter like a swarm of fireflies tangled in a silver braid. - Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1837-8, Locksley Hall Venus, the Pleiades, and the Moon are some of the most important feminine symbols in the night sky. The Pleiades are known as the Seven Sisters. The skylore of many cultures saw a group of women or girls in these stars -- often trying to save themselves from marauding men or monsters. Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

My New Book recommendation

Before I went to the dentist today I began reading this book. Not as great as having notorious oxide but...It is just so funny. Here is a sampling! What Snot Is Not! An excerpt from Susan Kelz Sperling, author of Poplollies and Bellibones: A Celebration of Lost Words, talks about words that have been lost from the English language. What is snot? Snot is the burned part of the candlewick. Snotty candles would nicely illuminate supper in a cosh. What is a cosh? A cosh is a small hut or cottage to retire to after doing your daily darg. What is a darg? Darg means a day’s work. Part of a farmer’s darg would be spent preparing mung. What is mung? Mung is a combination of ingredients mixed together to make chicken feed. After a fine meal of mung a chicken might keak from pleasure. What is keak? To keak means to cackle. Roosters who keak too much get yerded into submission. What is yerd? To yerd means to beat with a rod. Logs in a fireplace sometimes need a bit of yerding to get the fire going so that a person can beek in peace and quiet. What is a beek? To beek is to bask before a fire or in the sun. Beeking too long in the sun can make your pash red and painful. What is pash? A pash is a forehead. A church attendant in charge of lighting memorial candles spends a great deal of time with his pash over snots.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Muddy Waters

Ha HA The floodwaters have receded thank goodness, mud and chilly temperatures remain and when you walk outside it sounds like a million frogs in accompaniment…PLUS soggy Tennis shoes! Then again I am drawn to the name, MUDDY WATERS. Who was an American blues musician and is generally considered "the father of Chicago blues". He is also the actual father of blues musician Big Bill Morganfield. Muddy Waters is generally considered one of the greatest bluesmen of all time. Check it out on I Tunes! For more Monday Fun: 1. Go to google.com 2. Go to maps 3. Go to get directions 4. Type in New York, New York departure and the Paris, France as destination 5. Go down and read #23 6. Also check out how many days it will take you to make this trip...this is just funny Answer if you are too busy is: Swim across the Atlantic Ocean: 3,462 mi 29 days 0 hours

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Flood Watch

April Showers and SNOW?

If April Showers bring May Flowers as the adage goes…maybe we should open a greenhouse. But then it goes on, If April Showers bring May Flowers what do May Flowers bring? PILGRIMS! "Earth laughs in flowers...." Ralph Waldo Emerson Stay Dry!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

My Own Jewelry Store?

It appears on Megan’s Blog that there is a Jewelry store named after me in Belfast. How kewl is that? Thanks Tyler and Megan you made my Day! So the question is did my store have the GOOD STUFF in it?

Friday, April 13, 2007

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Just silliness today, but it is SPRING!

The streak~~~~~~~~~
Ray Stevens song, a novelty hit about the guy who's "always making the news wearing just his tennis shoes". The song peaked at #1 on the sales charts in April 1974. The fad soon became a symbol of the decade. In response to streaking, some jurisdictions would charge streakers with indecent exposure, but one Maine town voted to pass a law specifically targeted at streaking. For some reason I started to think about this for sure aided by the Windex comment thanks to Margaret. So here is a 70’s thing… Enjoy it is finally feeling like SPRING here!
If you sometimes get the sudden urge to run around naked? Drink some Windex. It will keep you from streaking. Fastest thing on two feet! Check it out on I Tunes! OR You Tube~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

If we did not have animals

Or Arrff, Meow, Quack, honk, Cluck Cluck, Cockle Doodle Do, Oh and Gobble gobble!
We could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.
Our house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
All flat surfaces, rugs, corners,clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair and or paw prints.
When the doorbell rings or someone drives into our driveway, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
When the doorbell rings, we could get to the door without wadingthrough fuzzy bodies who beat us there. Or be in fear of who might get attacked.
We could sit on the couch and my bed the way we wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable. We would not have strange presents on the porch/yard or in the house.
We would have no guilt to go on a real vacation. The inside/outside garbage can/pet food containers/ feed storage containers would not be raided. The squirrels, deer, raccoons and groundhogs would be thinner.
We would not be on a first-name basis with veterinarians and groomers , as well as borders, as we put their yet unborn grand kids through college.
The most used words in our vocabulary would not be: out, sit,down, come, no, stay, back, and leave him/her/it ALONE.
Our house/deck/yard would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
My pockets/car would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
We would no longer have to Spell the words C-O-O-K-I-E, F-R-I-S-B-E- E, W-A-L-K, B-A-L-L, OR CAR.
We would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside. [Well maybe on that one]
We would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much.
I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading "mud" season. [Again a maybe]
We would not have to answer the question "Why do you have so many animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get. How empty our life would be. PS We have twenty-two new ducklings as of 6 am this morning. Twenty more due soon and that is not counting what is under the three geese and one Mom Call duck nesting!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Paraskavedekatriaphobia

OR the fear of Friday the Thirteenth Ummmmmmmm So what is the big deal here? My Birthday is on a 13th…sometimes it is even on a Friday as it will be in 2008! Superstitions? Look out ~~ there is another one in July this year. Also consider Friday the 13th, 2029 when Asteroid 2004 MN4 will come scarily close to Earth on April 13, 2029, but it will not hit. Happy early Friday, April 13, 2007!

Monday, April 09, 2007

Before and After

The AFTER! March this year was unusually warm then the brief Cold and Snow of April hits and demolishes many of the tender blossoms. Sigh!

The BEFORE!

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Shopping is FUN

What a glorious weekend. My Flu/cold/aches and pains are gone, but then the snow and cold weather came, so no reason to over exert myself. All in all a good thing!!! In some respects not coloring eggs or getting a plethora of candy and stuffed animals is a good thing. I do miss the Egg hunts though, so many good memories there. The Joy of the HUNT as it were! Our East Egg hunts had to be somewhat modified since we have been raising ducks and geese for many years. It is rather obvious that this time of year the ducks and geese are planning additional progeny. Case in point the POST about the Raccoons. When the kids were into the HUNTING we used plastic eggs and for sure NEVER close to an actual nest. That would FOWL things up! ARKKKKK! This Easter we had half of our kids here and the weather, as mentioned was lousy. Fact is the weather is still LOUSEY…BUT when the weather is lousy we women know what to do WE SHOP! New shoes, hand bags silly gifts for the sons and hubby what fun we had. Of course gathering with Jean, James, Lisa and Great nephew Young “FRED”…is always fun. Oh I am to tell the WORLD that Sarah is the coolest Sarah Martin around. Just ask her! Fact ask her parents! Now what to do with leftovers? Had a few ideas. Ham and Potato Brunch Pizza 6 servings Prep: 30 minutes Bake: 32 minutes Ingredients 1 16-ounce loaf frozen bread dough, thawed 2 medium potatoes, finely chopped (2 cups) 1 medium red or green sweet pepper, cut into bite-size strips 1/2 cup sliced green onion 2 tablespoons margarine or butter 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing 1/2 cup dairy sour cream 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1- 1/2 cups diced fully cooked ham 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese Directions On a lightly floured surface, roll bread dough into a 16 x 12-inch rectangle. Press dough into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan. Prick generously with a fork. Bake in a 375 degree F oven about 20 minutes or until light brown. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick or well-seasoned skillet cook potatoes, sweet pepper, and green onion in margarine or butter over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender, stirring often. In a medium mixing bowl stir together mayonnaise or salad dressing, sour cream, parsley, and pepper; spread over hot crust. Top with potato mixture and ham. Sprinkle with cheddar or Swiss cheese. Bake about 12 minutes more or until cheese melts and pizza is heated through. Makes 6 servings. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Omelet Crepes 4 servings Start to Finish: 30 minutes (if using purchased crepes) Ingredients 8 6-inch crepes, purchased or homemade (see recipe below) 6 eggs, lightly beaten 1/3 cup water 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 6 ounces Black Forest ham or smoked ham, diced (1-1/4 cups) 1/2 cup chopped green and/or red sweet pepper 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 ounces Tillamook cheddar cheese or cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup) Bottled salsa Directions 1. Prepare homemade crepes, if using. (Extra crepes may be stacked, with waxed paper in between, placed in freezer containers and chilled up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.) 2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine eggs, water, salt, and pepper; set aside. In a large nonstick skillet heat butter over medium heat. Cook ham, peppers, and onion in hot butter for 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 3. Pour egg mixture over ingredients in skillet. Cook over medium heat without stirring until mixture begins to set on the bottom and around edge. Using a large spatula, lift and fold partially cooked egg mixture so that the uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking and folding over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until egg mixture is cooked through but is still glossy and moist. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let stand 2 minutes until cheese melts. 4. To serve, divide egg mixture into 4 portions. On each of four plates overlap two crepes, browned sides down. Spoon 1 portion of the egg mixture onto overlapped crepes. Roll crepes around egg mixture.* Top with salsa. Makes 4 servings. Crepes: In a small mixing bowl combine 1 beaten egg, 3/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cooking oil, and a dash of salt; beat with a fork or whisk until smooth. Heat a lightly greased 6-inch skillet over medium heat; remove from heat. Spoon in 2 tablespoons batter; lift and tilt skillet to spread batter. Return to heat; brown on one side only (Or, cook on a crepe maker according to manufacturer?s directions.) Invert over paper towels to remove crepe. Repeat with remaining batter, lightly greasing skillet occasionally. Makes 11 to 12 crepes. *Note: If crepes are difficult to roll, warm them for a few seconds, one at a time, in an 8-inch skillet over medium heat.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Bandit at Four O’clock

These past several days have not been easy, what with a combination of a sinus infection and the aches and pains from two days of weed eating and mowing on a lawn tractor as well as other outside spring needs. You see men invented lawn tractors, it must be so, and there are no shock absorbers. Therefore the brunt of that is distributed to the body of the driver. This past “sleeping” night I again found myself jockeying between several sleeping quarters, depending on my restlessness as well as several naps during the day so my body would refresh itself. I honestly think I feel like a human bean this day, about time, I do not do sick graciously. As quietly as possible George and I go downstairs to begin the “routine”. The coffee is perking; Falcour has been fed while George is now nestled in the Nook with me. The snow is piercing the greenness of the newly budding trees and the delicate and gentle remaining blossoms of the daffodils. I sit in total quiet absorbing what is around me when out of the corner of my eye I see one Feather fly far from the ground. The sky is cloudy and the only light is from the security lights that hamper a clear view as the shadows weave in and out. It appears that something has caused Mom Goose to suddenly take flight from her nest beside the front steps. I see the ominous dark, HUGE hulk of a raccoon. I quickly run to turn the porch light on and NEVER thinking that the varmint could still be on the porch I bound out to save Mom G barefooted and all. No raccoon on the porch, none in the trees and worst of all no Mom G. It is way to early to alert my spouse, besides once he got down the raccoon will be long gone. I resume my observation back in the Nook. Mom G has gone to rally the flock as in minutes I see and for sure hear them as they begin their investigations. One egg was pulled from the nest, hard to say if it is ok, knowing what raccoons do to eggs. I will have to wait for daylight to inspect it more closely. It appears all is ok for the moment. The other Mom G is sitting under the low pine bushes the flock is casting onward looks toward the creek and issuing their fierce warnings. In all the years we have raised geese they never cease to amaze me.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007