Domestically Inclined: July 2012

7/19/12

What Did I Do Today?

To all the young ladies who take motherhood seriously,

God bless you,

may He give you the strength to continue

to care for the little ones He has blessed you with!

What Did I Do Today?

Today I left some dishes dirty
The bed got made around 3:30
The diapers soaked a little longer,
The odor grew a little stronger.
The crumbs I spilled the day before
Are staring at me from the floor.
The fingerprints there on the wall
will likely be there still next fall.
The dirty streaks on those windowpanes
will still be there next time it rains.
Shame on you, you sit and say,
Just what did you do today?
I held a baby till he slept,
I held a toddler while he wept.
I played a game of hide and seek,
I squeezed a toy so it would squeak.
I pulled a wagon, sang a song,
Taught a child right from wrong.
What did I do this whole day through?
Not much that shows, I guess that's true.
Unless you think that what I've done
Might be important to someone
with beautiful eyes and soft hair.
If that is true... I've done my share.
-----Author Unknown

7/18/12

Lacto Fermented Cabbage Relish

Lacto Fermentation

I went to the store the other day and saw such a beautiful display of cabbage in the grocery store that I had to praise the produce people for doing such a fine job!

Of course I had to pick up a head and bring it home.

Unfortunately the smell of cooking cabbage disagrees with my husband

so I thought I would try my hand at lacto fermentation!

It turned out nice with out that sauerkraut taste, but more

coleslaw like texture.

(Even though I'm of German descent, I don't care for sauerkraut)

Basically mixed veggies in a jar with spices,

2tbls salt per quart jar, 4 tbls per 1/2 gallon jar, and fill with distilled water to completely cover.
I use the 2 quart/half gallon jar to use up more vertical space in the fridge.

Place all ingredients in the jar and let stand on the kitchen counter for 2-5 days,
gently shaking each day to distribute spices,

and then place in the refrigerator.

The fermentation creates a food filled with beneficial lactic acid, and digestive enzymes.

A wonderful way to keep the flavor of harvest alive in winter!

You can mix and match the veggies, or layer them,

as well as choose from many spices.

Possible veggie list

Cabbage

Celery

Red, Green, or White Onions

Carrots

Cauliflower

Zucchini

Green, Red, or Yellow Peppers

Lima Beans

Kale

Broccoli

Turnips
Cucumbers

Possible Spice list

Mustard Seed

Turmeric

Dill

Chili Peppers

Celery Seed

Peppercorns

Coriander

Mint

Fennel

Other Possible Additives

A tablespoon of ....

Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar

Whey (The liquid that forms at the top of yogurt,

this helps begin the fermentation process)

Be creative! Experiment!

Keep in mind, if you are not used to pro biotics in your diet,

go easy on lacto fermented foods at first, until your system gets used to them.

This is not a government approved method.

We need to educate ourselves, and be responsible for our own food choices.
The US government has their own suggestions
National Center for Home Food Preservation

7/5/12

Thankfulness

Independence Day was wonderful in the Northwest. Felt guilty for the beautiful weather since most of the United States were under such oppressive heat, and many without electricity. We did take time to ask God for His mercy on all ya'all's behalf, and thanked Him for all His blessings on this Nation, and asked for His care on our military and their families.

The day started out cold, with an overnight low of 46, but not to worry, we will be joining the ranks of the overheated by the weekend when the temps get into the 90's! Now that is summertime for us! We spent some time getting some odd jobs done around the house after a "Hardy" breakfast of spuds 'n fried eggs. Around lunch time we were gathering all our things for a bbq on the front porch and we were treated to the annual traffic jam in front of our home from all the cars leaving the downtown parade. We had such a nice time waving to all the passersby as they drove or walked past, as we sipped our iced tea and ate our first hot dogs in many years! Conversations were short but sweet as the townspeople went on their merry way. Downtown is still like a Norman Rockwell painting at times.

After taking a nap and packing food for a bbq at a friends, we ventured out to a friends home. It was a day to celebrate so we enjoyed fired chicken with all the trimmings and cheesecake! We had a lovely time visiting with friends and church family, and ran into some old friends on our way home. We made it home before being blocked out of our driveway by those parking to make it to the fireworks that night. Turns out the city changed things, and no one was parked on our street this year. So we watched Capital Fourth, with all the fireworks on the Washington DC Mall, and then got bundled up with blankets and hot tea to watch the fireworks from the Lake, while we were all cozy on our front porch. Through the years the trees have grown taller so our view is now somewhat hampered, but the fireworks are still beautiful and we are still close enough to feel the thump in our chest when the fireworks are launched.

Again we enjoyed watching the people make their way home, and watched the neighbors set off their fireworks. While we enjoyed the beauty of the lights, it did remind us all those who have sacrificed so much for this Nation in war. As I drifted off in deep thought of these matters, speaking and listening in my heart to God I asked Him one more thing. You see, we have been eating REAL food for many years now due to allergies, and after celebrating with so many store bought foods filled with chemicals and preservatives and high fructose corn syrup, not to mention genetically modified foods, ok I mentioned it......I wasn't feeling to well. Still not feeling 100% but it's my own fault. Thank God for His mercy! :)

© Monika Hardy