Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Monday, June 27, 2011

Lagers yard, Lagers Ball...



 On Saturday I found this neat yellow ball for Lager at a Tack Shop. It is larger then his others and it is bananna sented .It was the perfect gift , because Lager LOVES his toys most of all, his rubber balls.
We play ball every day even in the rain and snow.


Lager has a red ball without handles and a blue ball with handles., he prefers the handles.
Watching Lager play ball is fascinating, he really manipulates it he looks like a world class soccer player.Can I just say Lager was NOT happy when I collected all his outdoor toys Sunday so that Bob could mow.

He sure was happy to have them back.

It is all about the critters being happy, at Hooves and Hounds Farm.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Reteaming

If you have been fallowing along, you know we've been resting Jake.

Today Bob teamed themwithout the heavy bar
just long lines and bail twine.

look how handsome! What a nice Team.


and gold polished hooves,for the fun of it!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Berr Cold

So I climbed into bed last night, and it was COLD!
Fifty two outside and sixty two in the bed room, with the summer sheets in place it was COLD!
I got to thinking about fall and winter, and then I thought about these stoves...
$3,949.00 with Soapstone Veneer




$6,950.00 with 2 3/8" Thick Soapstone Veneer and Wood Storage Bin




are they not beautiful?
Some women love to shop the boutiques and designer shops, they dream of fancy shoes and pricey hand bags. Me I like to walk the gourmet isle at the groceries store. I love to shop Stone Wall kitchen , and  read the King Arthur Cataloge like its a romance novel, I can not part with any of my cook books , and we have discussed the menu planning. I would so LOVE to own one of these stoves.

http://www.vermontwoodstove.com/chefs_corner.htm
from there web sight
"The Vermont Bun Baker is the newest innovation in the green revolution to take hold for wood heating and cooking at the same time. Whenever your wood stove is fired up, your baking & broiling oven with stove top, is ready to go to work for you. Temperatures are easily regulated.  It's fun to use and easy to clean"

Thursday, June 23, 2011

This Week End

Last year for Mothers day I was gifted a Lilac bush (from Bobby n Keri)

My Lilac is happy it has Tons of new growth , and a few buds.

Pumpkins are off to a good start

Friday 63 and Rain
Stuffed Quahogs
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,stuffed_quahogs,FF.html
Fried Clam Strip Rolls w South of the Border Slaw
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/South-of-the-Border-Coleslaw-with-Cilantro-and-Jalapeno-106833

Saturday 69 T-showers
Tylers Meatloaf
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/dads-meatloaf-with-tomato-relish-recipe/index.html
Green Beans with Caramelized Onion
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/green-beans-with-caramelized-onions-and-almonds-recipe/index.html
Velvet Mashed Potato
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/velvety-mashed-potatoes-recipe/index.html

Sunday 77
Open faced steak sandwiches
Grilled Veggies
Slow Cooker Tasty Taters
Recipe: Steaks On The Grill
1 Garlic Bread Sliced in half / grilled
2 Delmonico steaks
1/4 stick butter,melted
1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp garlic salt
pepper
Preheat grill to high seer then lower to grill
Put melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt and pepper in a bowl and mix. Reserve
Put steaks and veggies on the grill. Grill to just about done. Brush liberally with sauce and finish grilling.
Rest 10 min and slice thin
top bread with grilled
Grill veggies ( I use a veggie grilling basket
Recipe: Tasty Taters
4 Baking Potatoes
1 stick butter
1-2 onions, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper
Aluminum foil
Preheat oven 400 to degrees. Scrub baking potatoes. Place potato horizontally on a cutting board and make 5 evenly spaced cuts in the potato almost all the way through ( If you cut it through, don't worry, just stick it together when you wrap it). The potato will fan out slightly. Slice all 4 potatoes.

Place a thinly sliced onion and a pat of butter in each slit in the potato. Onion will stick out of the potato. Salt and pepper potato.
Wrap securely in aluminum foil. Put potatoes into crock pot and roast 4 hrs low . Potato should be fork tender.











Serve with foil intact and take off foil just before eating.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Did You feel it?



Yesterday was summer solstice, did you feel the tilt?
The summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere is the exact moment when the axial tilt of the Earth is at its most inclined toward the sun during its 365 day orbit -- at an angle of 23° 26'. That doesn't happen at midday, it doesn't happen at midnight, it happens at the exact same time for every country on the planet. It isn't like a New Year celebration when the clock strikes midnight across the timezones in turn -- this is a global time event, the solstice happens at the same moment.


in the Northern Hemisphere, summer solstice began on Jun 21 2011 at 1:16 P.M. EDT

in the UK June 21, 2011 at 17:16 UTC

Summer Solstice Fun Facts

from Chiff.com


Pagans called the Midsummer moon the "Honey Moon" for the mead made from fermented honey that was part of wedding ceremonies performed at the Summer Solstice.





Ancient Pagans celebrated Midsummer with bonfires, when couples would leap through the flames, believing their crops would grow as high as the couples were able to jump.





Midsummer was thought to be a time of magic, when evil spirits were said to appear. To thwart them, Pagans often wore protective garlands of herbs and flowers. One of the most powerful of them was a plant called 'chase-devil', which is known today as St. John's Wort and still used by modern herbalists as a mood stabilizer.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Boot Camp aka Hay Day



This week end our hay man , cut the first hay crop of 2011.
To say hay is important to us would be an understatement.
We have very finicky eaters, who love their hay.
Each of the Belgians average a bale of hay per day, the Minni's get served a flake each in the am and a flake each in the pm.
From this cut we purchased 386  bales. The actual purchase is less painful then the process of getting it from field to barn.
Getting the hay from the field to the barn is allot of work, but a relief when done.
Last year hay cutting fell in line with the July 4th holiday so we had help from Bobby and Keri.
 Hay cutting is scheduled around the Growth, sun, wind and any threat of rain.
This years cut happened over the week end with the harvest falling  on a Monday. Bob and I  had a Monday that resembled Boot Camp. Bob had commitments in Massachusetts, and I in the retail world.
We both got up early and tended to breakfast for all the four legged, cleaned paddocks and stalls and hit the road Bob drove Hundreds of miles round trim with a work day sandwiched in the middle. I worked my local commitments, we gathered back at the farm and did another round of critter meals and clean up before heading to the hay field. We finished gathering hay bales just as the evening dew was hitting the field first cut safely tucked away we crawled into bed. I am so thankful to have a husband that is as committed to taking care of this farm as I am, he has given up more than I can list to see my dream come true !

PS. After I wrote this post above, Iread this post below and I thought, ya they get it . We are not alone in loving this crazy life. Here is one line of the post"

"Why we would rather spend money on our horse’s hooves, than go to a fancy restaurant."

Read more: http://www.grit.com/Russ-Stick-Ramblings/Parallel-Friends.aspx#ixzz1PvUxLXzKhttp://www.grit.com/Russ-Stick-Ramblings/Parallel-Friends.aspx

Spirit Of America

Spirit in America Hot Air Balloon Festival


June 24 - June 26, 2011





On the Beach - With Street Bazaar

Old Orchard Street

Old Orchard Beach, ME United States 04064

June 24th through June 27th

Number of balloons: 11

Year began: 2010

Friday, June 17, 2011

TGIF!

I am very much looking forward to the week end ! Here is some of my random thoughts.

First:
 Did you see the huge full moon this week, it was awesome. This time of year I enjoy doing barn chores early in the morning. I like the moments as the moon is setting and the sun is rising. The birds and peepers sing and the air is just cool enough to make you want to keep moving. The moon this week has been so full, its been like having flood lights on, lighting my path. The picture does not do justice because I do not have a try pod, and don't stand still enough.


Gardening by the Moon Calendar from the Farmers' Almanac

June 2011

17th-18th Plant Late Beets, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, And Other Root Crops.

19th-21st Poor Days For Planting. Kill Plant Pests, Spray, Fertilize, Do General Farm Work.

22nd-23rd Favorable Time For Planting Late Root Crops. Also Good For Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants. Good Days For Transplanting.

24th-25th Cut Hay Or Do Plowing On These Barren Days.

26th-27th Good Days For Planting Root Crops. Good Days For Transplanting.

28th-29th Seeds Planted Now Tend To Rot In The Ground.

30th Best Day For Planting Root Crops. Excellent For Sowing Seedbeds And Flower Gardens. Good Day For Transplanting.

Second:
I "tweaked" the menu a bit. id week they were predicting rain today and it is beautiful so the fish chowder will be Fish Taco's   http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/fish-tacos-recipe/index.html  I will serve the crab cakes as well.
Last : Jenna over at Cold Antler has challenged her self with 30 days of eating local (see side bar). I did a Eat Local Challenge last year, I like the reminder.
I told you they were random Friday thoughts.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

This Week ends Menu

The Big Boys Yesterday In The Paddock

The Edible Window Boxes

The Side Of The Big Run In( a wreath I made)

What are you making for dinner this weekend? Do you plan ahead? Do you drive home stressed and wondering what is in the freezer ? Or are you somewhere in between?


Most home cooks make the same dishes in some rotation.
Personally,I get a little bored cooking the same dishes. I read and collect cookbooks .
I write Menu Plans ,if I am not in the mood to eat what is on the menu I switch days around.
For me, menu planning is a wonderful way to reduce stress.

Menu planning is a discipline, a habit and a tool. This discipline is something I developed, I was one to purchase the same list week after week and stress at dinner time about what to make.

Friday : Crab Cakes and Fish Chowder
Some of the guys I work with went fishing this week , one was kind and brought me fresh haddock.
For fish chowder I start with bacon and onions and build on that
 Crab Cakes

1 lb lump crab meat / pick clean
2 slices of fresh white bread, torn in pieces
2 TBS mayonnaise (I like Cains)
1 tsp mustard
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 TBS melted butter
1 tsp fresh from the garden parsley
1 farm fresh egg beaten
Put crab meat in a bowl and pick over for any shell or cartilage. Add torn bread and toss. Add the rest of the ingredients and incorporate, being careful not to break up crab meat. Form into 5 large cakes.
Heat large oven proof skillet over medium high heat.( I use cast iron) Add 1-2 TBS cooking oil, let heat. Cook crab cakes in skillet for 5 minutes each side until golden brown. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Serve with tartar sauce.

Recipe:  Tartar Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
Juice of 1/2 lemon
3 TBS home made Piccadilly
Combine all ingredients and serve with Crab Cakes. Refrigerate leftover tartar sauce

Saturday: Chicken Salad Wraps
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1625,148186-252203,00.html
Sunday  AKA Fathers Day : Green Salad topped with Cheese Burgers
Make a fresh green salad and top with
Serves 4
1.5 pounds Ground Beef

1/2 Onion, finely chopped

 4 pieces American Cheese

1 teaspoon Olive Oil

4 Large Eggs

1/2 teaspoon Margarine



1.Saute the finely chopped onion in the olive oil. Saute until the onion is soft, translucent and starts to caramelize. Then take off of heat to cool. 

2.Place ground beef in a large bowl and season with Salt, Pepper and Garlic Salt. Pour in the caramelized onions and mix into the meat with your hands, making sure the onion is disbursed evenly.
3.Separate the meat into 4 patties, roll into balls and flatten. Season the outside of the meat with some salt and pepper. They are ready for the grill, place on a BBQ grill till cooked as desired. Place the cheese on the patties to melt 1 minute before the meat is done

Top with Special Sauce from Full Bellies Happy Kids (see side bar)

Mix all these ingredients in a bowl,

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

FUNK

So I've been in a funk.
Sometimes, I get stuck in a funk and can’t figure out why.

This time I have decided to blame the weather. 
 A month or so ago, we had two gorgeous weeks of spring. The temperatures were in the 70s, the birds were singing, the daffodils began to bloom. I caught myself singing as I was working in the paddock.



But, as usual in Maine, cold weather has returned. Last night it felt just like winter. The temperatures were low in the 50s. For days it has been overcast and raining. Last night, for no apparent reason, I caught myself in a funk.
Truth be told lots of things can get ya in a mood, not eating and sleeping well, not taking time for what you love...

I know I have lots to be thankful for so I decided to write a plan to get out of this funk.

1. More music, less news
2. House cleaning , less mess = less stress for me
3. More time grooming the horses, less time rushing around them
4. Day trip , and yard sales
5. Light more candles
6. Longer walks with the dogs
7. Write a menu and invite friends for dinner
8. Take more pictures
9. Buy a new book or magazine
10.Less hurried showers, more long baths
11. Eat better, even when dining alone
12. Excuse myself from negative conversation, lots of this at work
13. Date night with my husband

I've only just started my list and just writing it down helped. What gets you in a funk, and what gets you out?


 

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

UNACCEPTABLE

The grass is green and the ice cream shops are open, but 52 is unacceptable!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

This Weekends Menu

Over at "Happier Than A Pig In Mud
http://happierthanapiginmud.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-03T05%3A00%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=7
I found a recipe for Oven Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic with Pasta it sounded wonderful, and gave me an idea.
I am going to try to make a version of this tonight with grilled tomatoes, hope it works. Its just too hot to run the oven for 40min. I will serve with a salad, still have lots of lettuce.


Broccoli in the hoop house

and lots of lettuce


Friday Grilled /Toasted Maine Lobster rolls

and Cucumber Salad
Recipe: Cucumber Salad
2 cucumbers, peel removed and cut very thin
1/2 small onion, peeled and sliced very thin
1 1/2 TBS salt
water
1 TBS plus 1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp sugar
2 TBS mayonnaise
Put cucumbers and onions in a bowl and add salt. Toss to coat. Just cover with water. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Drain off water and rinse 1 time.
Mix vinegar, sugar and mayonnaise in a bowl. Add to cucumbers and toss to mix. Make ahead for rich flavor
Saturday Bob's niece and her husband are in town , I thought this Mexican Salad would be fun to serve them with Margarita's and Grilled stuffed Jalapenos
Saturday: Mexican Salad
Recipe:Mexican Explosion Salad
I will be using garden lettuce.
1 bunch romaine salad
1/2 cup canned Mexican corn, drained
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed well and drained
1/2 sharp cheddar cheese
1 tomato, diced
Mexican ranch dressing, recipe follows
Nachos, crushed
Place salad, corn, beans, cheese and tomato in a salad bowl.
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 bottle of ranch dressing, 2 tsp pkg. taco seasoning, and 2TBS salsa. Mix well.
Dress salad and add crushed nachos.
Dressing In a small bowl, mix 1/4 bottle of ranch dressing, 2 tsp pkg. taco seasoning, and 2TBS salsa. Mix well.

Sunday: Grilled Flank Steak Home Made Potato Salad

Recipe: Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak
flank steak
2/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, pressed or chopped finely
2 tsp mustard
juice of 1 lemon
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
pinch of salt and pepper
1/4 cup basil cut very thin.
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Put flank steak and marinade in a zip lock bag. Marinade for at least 2 hours.
Grill  Let rest for 10 minutes and cut across the grain.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Crap

I came across this photo today and it made me smile so I thought I would share. 2010

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

One of the two resident Bloodhounds on the farm, Elvis Presley. Elvis is a Black and Tan.
As a self proclaimed expert (previous owner of 4) I would define Bloodhounds as Cute as Heck but, smelly, strong, full of energy difficult to house break a challenge to walk and did I mention some what stubborn.

Dog Breed Info Defines as follows
"The Bloodhound is a kind, patient, noble, mild-mannered and lovable dog. Gentle, affectionate and excellent with children. This is truly a good natured companion."
"This breed has been said to successfully follow trails over 100 hours old. He is so determined that he has been known to stay with the trail for over 100 miles. The Bloodhound is such a sure tracker that the breed is used worldwide for rescue and criminal searches. "

Monday, June 6, 2011

Smart Boys

I am (almost) never too hot. I like hot sunny days ans sunshine. I don't  like central air, and rarely put on a fan. My boys on the other hand run hot. Bob loves central air, just yesterday he said we need an umbrella, over our yard chairs. Lager has figured out that the barn, is a nice cool place to chill. Nick and Jake run very hot, they are happy to rest in front of this fan Bob installed. Thank you Daddy!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

This Week ends Menu

This week ends weather forecast is looking very promising, so the menu calls for outside cooking.


Friday: Panzanella
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/panzanella-recipe/index.html

Saturday: Steamed clams
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/panzanella-recipe/index.html
Sunday: Check out the photos of this, yumm.
Steak Sandwich Kabobs and a Big Green Salad
http://fullbellies.blogspot.com/


Monday Pasta w left over steak and fresh spinach

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Sounds Like Fun

I am not often tempted to leave my farm, when I have a day off.
This event sounds to me like loads of fun. Thinking of attending


Event Description.


GET YOUR GARDEN ON!

The second annual Gourmet Garden Crawl will be held on Sunday June 12th, 2011 from 1:00-6:30pm. This delightfully innovative fundraiser supports Rippling Waters Organic Farm's school garden projects in Maine School Administrative District #6. The Crawl kicks off with hors d’oeuvres served at the farm. Guests will feel like students as they board propane-propelled school buses, courtesy of MSAD #6, to visit three of our school gardens. They will be met at each location by students, teachers, and staff members who will give tours and speak about how the gardens have affected their schools. The afternoon continues back at the farm with a gourmet dinner of seasonal fare prepared by local chefs. Indulge in drinks and desserts, jive to the music, and take part in our exciting live auction!

Tickets are $35 per adult, $20 per student/ Americorps member, $10 for ages 12-17, and free for ages under 12. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone at 207-642-5161. For more information contact education.ripplingwaters@gmail.com

Tickets are also available at Rabelais Books, Aurora Provisions, Whole Foods in Portland, and at our farmer's market stand.

Some notes on time: Buses will leave promptly at 1:45pm! Dinner begins at approximately 4:15pm and the live auction will take place from 5:00-6:15pm