tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318490792024-03-07T02:06:20.890-06:00garden goddessSam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-72245793315842652432009-08-11T11:40:00.003-05:002009-08-11T12:01:37.455-05:00Slow food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH87IJJJ8o47JNfKSkvUsy43BgOzbUCvI-0JExXHOCW8h8TVudBjrcVZjJjribgcgEtqmk0ydoTQwEz5URqN4D6kI_vJT5p0UPqJQT1udW8oNoCWCt2LbeA4AW1P5-tMr8XXgfuA/s1600-h/eggplant.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH87IJJJ8o47JNfKSkvUsy43BgOzbUCvI-0JExXHOCW8h8TVudBjrcVZjJjribgcgEtqmk0ydoTQwEz5URqN4D6kI_vJT5p0UPqJQT1udW8oNoCWCt2LbeA4AW1P5-tMr8XXgfuA/s320/eggplant.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368751988073959874" border="0" /></a><br />The garden is taking its time this year. Here it is August 11 and the tomatoes are still green, the peppers have yet to appear and the garden monster of "August past," zucchini, is still just a twinkle in the dirt. Chicago has just completed a record-breaking cold July and these little guys like it hot.<br /><br />The good thing, I've had a steady supply of greens starting with arugula and baby spinach in April followed by green leaf, mesclun, bibb, romaine, Swiss chard. This along with green onions, shallots, cucumbers, eggplant, peas and the garlic I planted last fall and am now harvesting makes for some tastey and low cal morsels.<br /><br />So far I have been able to avoid the grocery store for the month of August for my 4th year in a row only supplementing with dry goods from my shelves and meat and fish from my freezer.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-22301193882090608432008-10-05T15:40:00.002-05:002008-10-05T16:00:24.988-05:00A Rainy Day in OctoberThe Chicago sky is shedding tears over the Cubs being booted out of their rightful path to the world series which pretty much the whole city--at least the north side--felt was destined in the year that marked 100 years since their last world series win.<br /><br />Defeat in Wrigleyville but Victory in the organic garden--still going strong after these many months. I've been true to my pledge not to go to the grocery store for the month of August and have continued to stay away through the entire month of September and thus far into October-- only supplementing my supplies with what I buy at the farmer's market--mostly bread, cheese, corn and peaches. Our local farmer's market is over for the season on October 10. Unless, there is a frost, I see my garden going strong longer than that. I had a cold frame construted for one of my raised beds that will extend the season for my herbs and serve as a birthing place for my garlic.<br /><br />I am still harvesting swiss chard, leeks, carrots, onions, lettuce, okra, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, several varieties of peppers, celery and all kinds of herbs and edible flowers. The tears for the Cubs are producing a series of produce and flavors that are out of this world.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-10778421600915372462008-08-01T11:22:00.002-05:002008-08-01T11:38:56.001-05:00Green AugustIt's August 1, the first day of my third <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">green August</span>. My rules have changed a bit but my goals remain the same. I will for one month try to live <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">green</span>. I will make meals from what's ready to harvest in my organic garden. I will bike, walk or take public transportation all month.<br />Since my garden is somewhat sun challenged, the beginning of August is a little spotty. My tomatoes are still green, the eggplant and cantaloupe are way in the future. So what's for dinner?Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-64948616010782728962008-05-06T10:33:00.004-05:002008-12-09T13:45:24.131-06:00Embrace Dandelions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44lQasT3BeHq5Onb2PTt6UPUwPIaefqY0wdhUTnz7uniSubwFRMheJEgQyvFMAfYKmxNovjB8Tl-Ly-oMvUvpCZrrBeneDv9mrzT5_H5nfzbNpoG6nycwd0Of1tlK9ADDog_4FA/s1600-h/dandelions.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44lQasT3BeHq5Onb2PTt6UPUwPIaefqY0wdhUTnz7uniSubwFRMheJEgQyvFMAfYKmxNovjB8Tl-Ly-oMvUvpCZrrBeneDv9mrzT5_H5nfzbNpoG6nycwd0Of1tlK9ADDog_4FA/s400/dandelions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197290685637421490" border="0" /></a><br />After a long brown, gray and white Midwestern winter dandelions are a beautiful sight. A lawn filled with dandelions has not been sprayed with pesticides. It is healthy and natural as nature intended. Young children pick dandelions and make beautiful bouquets. It is only as one grows older that prejudice develops and the lovely yellow flowers are maligned.<br /><br />Toast Spring with a glass of Dandelion Wine.<br /> <br /> Dandelion Wine<br /><br /><br /> 2 qts dandelion flowers<br /> 3 lbs granulated sugar<br /> 4 oranges<br /> 1 tsp. cloves <br /> 1 gallon water<br /> yeast and nutrient<br /><br /><br />This is the traditional "Midday Dandelion Wine" of old, named because the flowers must be picked at midday when they are fully open. Pick the flowers and bring into the kitchen. Set one gallon of water to boil. While it heats up to a boil, remove as much of the green material from the flower heads as possible (the original recipe calls for two quarts of petals only, but this will work as long as you end up with two quarts of prepared flowers). Pour the boiling water over the flowers, cover with cloth, and leave to steep for two days. Do not exceed two days. Pour the mixture back into a pot and bring to a boil. Add the peelings from the four oranges and cloves and boil for ten minutes. Strain through a muslin cloth or bag onto a crock or plastic pail containing the sugar, stirring to dissolve. When cool, add the juice of the oranges, the yeast and yeast nutrient. Pour into secondary fermentation vessel, fit fermentation trap, and allow to ferment completely. Rack and bottle when wine clears and again when no more lees form for 60 days. Aging longer improves flavor.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-34998344570614031672008-02-19T08:32:00.003-06:002008-12-09T13:45:24.299-06:00Winter Garden Week 8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FNDUIXqBrVKZQ3oJ9bnwvOjRczTHPx-WV38nct8KIX_Chh13zQ_tH-fKdhTaSzpAM2wE9l7DUJkSeqQdKqC8QRvpeXA77I0ttpLpZa214bUslytD1D7Gu4SnZu1oLLfqyd3orw/s1600-h/wintergarden+week+8.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FNDUIXqBrVKZQ3oJ9bnwvOjRczTHPx-WV38nct8KIX_Chh13zQ_tH-fKdhTaSzpAM2wE9l7DUJkSeqQdKqC8QRvpeXA77I0ttpLpZa214bUslytD1D7Gu4SnZu1oLLfqyd3orw/s320/wintergarden+week+8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168699568617413682" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Harvest Continues--fresh herbs inside--zero degrees outside.<br /></div>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-49137926806557218692008-02-11T08:15:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:24.417-06:00Take a Break from Chicago Winter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue8bXZhd6ns8EkkiujwgTMNYdE0d1fXMKOwGw7dPHU51BSKIpddkfKzKffQir5O3GGx6jNWcYGPXWrXsmrMYQ3QpXogFPOOxAQjA9-kKdFOJvCikyuAFo8xon56dEWwMBDC8BBA/s1600-h/tulip+yellow+pink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue8bXZhd6ns8EkkiujwgTMNYdE0d1fXMKOwGw7dPHU51BSKIpddkfKzKffQir5O3GGx6jNWcYGPXWrXsmrMYQ3QpXogFPOOxAQjA9-kKdFOJvCikyuAFo8xon56dEWwMBDC8BBA/s320/tulip+yellow+pink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165726918672636962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>2008 Chicagoland Flower & Garden Show</strong></span></div> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td style="padding: 0px; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" valign="top" width="100%"> <span style="font-size:100%;">March 8-16, 2008</span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td style="padding: 0px; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" valign="top" width="100%"> <em>Donald E. Stephens Convention Center</em> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td style="padding: 0px; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" valign="top" width="100%"> <em>5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL</em> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td style="padding: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" valign="top" width="100%"> <br />Saturday through Wednesday: 9:30am-6pm<br />Thursday and Friday: 9:30am-8pm </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">Admission: $12 weekday and $14 weekend<br /></div>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-48544605862569575112008-02-06T15:47:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:24.535-06:00Seasonal Effective Order<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd71fpBd1ecRfcmNW1kfEjzofMWWXnvsEUlR5CJmUSllYBLF7wuLwl0Kv938naPdjKMG2NlW4XYjI2I3Nxi3HruDIZfr-iJ-UxFhoYUFDHd1pBkyQwdry2rqrDgrc8mcSO1VYgMQ/s1600-h/snowfeb6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd71fpBd1ecRfcmNW1kfEjzofMWWXnvsEUlR5CJmUSllYBLF7wuLwl0Kv938naPdjKMG2NlW4XYjI2I3Nxi3HruDIZfr-iJ-UxFhoYUFDHd1pBkyQwdry2rqrDgrc8mcSO1VYgMQ/s320/snowfeb6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163987642329428546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Indoor Harvest</span></span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I'll be picking fresh herbs from my garden tonight. Tortilla soup with cilantro , cucumbers with sour cream and dill, and fresh mint for my strawberry shortcake. The goddess has outsmarted winter with a little help from her aerogarden. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div></div>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-63110029117238025872008-02-04T11:28:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:24.815-06:00Winter Garden Week Six<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkh6C4IADsHB7YQuTjIj9OdPfYtke8a03-i2hfIwD3MnsM-14niJreHry_E1aXha44MMxRBWY00RxZ6KHRVjgXbA6J3YwiySMp4mAnulw8h7NxBIpdA4TTDS46jen27qcz4Tnquw/s1600-h/wintergardenweek6ver.2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkh6C4IADsHB7YQuTjIj9OdPfYtke8a03-i2hfIwD3MnsM-14niJreHry_E1aXha44MMxRBWY00RxZ6KHRVjgXbA6J3YwiySMp4mAnulw8h7NxBIpdA4TTDS46jen27qcz4Tnquw/s320/wintergardenweek6ver.2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163179015951708722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">First Harvest<br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span>It is really amazing how much the herbs have grown in the past two weeks. I have began to snip small amounts to add to various menus. It is a treat to have fresh organic herbs available on my kitchen counter during the cold, snowy days of a Chicago winter.</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div></div>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-52454152252863047692008-01-24T09:32:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:24.979-06:00Dorothy Hyde Kuhrt--100 Year Birth Anniversary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkx3Vn5mYNakyZewkIJMLkBeSqthp_n735A4YcuEhoiZbIfOSM3tFrFF0ybOu0_xDxlnImaQEQVseullAJ_-RUTGpzVieUfQ14kE6le9A4FUiWyk1Ys3fm2vG5jMdXBvzeRZuiw/s1600-h/Mom+and+Carole.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkx3Vn5mYNakyZewkIJMLkBeSqthp_n735A4YcuEhoiZbIfOSM3tFrFF0ybOu0_xDxlnImaQEQVseullAJ_-RUTGpzVieUfQ14kE6le9A4FUiWyk1Ys3fm2vG5jMdXBvzeRZuiw/s400/Mom+and+Carole.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159066954132976162" border="0" /></a>Pretty as a movie star, my mom could have held her own in the Hollywood days of Joan Crawford and Bettie Davis. Lucky for me, Dorothy chose to be a mom and a "housewife." No, Mommie Dearest, fortunately--but the dearest and most loving of moms. Her baking gene produced award worthy treats which were gobbled up by friends and family. She was a perfectionist--our house was always super clean and beautifully decorated. She paid the same attention to my wardrobe. I was always dressed in the latest fashion of the times. She would spend hours taking me to stores to find just the right outfit--whether for the first day of school, Christmas, a new coat for winter or an Easter outfit. I especially remember times spent at Marshall Field's State Street Store and Gilmour's in Oak Park--trying on coats, hats, dresses and more. Happy 100th Mom--I know you're out there somewhere in the Internet. Love and thanks for all you did, CaroleSam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-59036082292222930832008-01-21T16:28:00.001-06:002008-12-09T13:45:25.192-06:00Winter Garden Week Four<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzJrgw52ys8R11Xm7bYwKrafOblryA00K3ga46yAGYpABi23gchTXj2TE59_nxIjFjMZZ4gzM0ResfTRYYmFlwv0c7Pigeo056oN153JfGwJG9b7WptvKj3hVjOwL3G3KVwdrcA/s1600-h/wintergardenweek4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzJrgw52ys8R11Xm7bYwKrafOblryA00K3ga46yAGYpABi23gchTXj2TE59_nxIjFjMZZ4gzM0ResfTRYYmFlwv0c7Pigeo056oN153JfGwJG9b7WptvKj3hVjOwL3G3KVwdrcA/s400/wintergardenweek4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158060674029601698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Getting Bigger</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"></span></div>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-47676168950187951362008-01-14T08:43:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:25.277-06:00Winter Garden--week three<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtxN1O9-t8FY-GLX3XzefaOt2JNkiX-YuBFQcw7EOjK1sjfZksnv3LwrhtZF8scFNu21LyFcPBCRpNciwhYbKDYf1cJI9DFn-uh3BTi9x07aLmLpPoytr8m0Kk5uu5XEdGWrkTw/s1600-h/Wintergardenweek3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtxN1O9-t8FY-GLX3XzefaOt2JNkiX-YuBFQcw7EOjK1sjfZksnv3LwrhtZF8scFNu21LyFcPBCRpNciwhYbKDYf1cJI9DFn-uh3BTi9x07aLmLpPoytr8m0Kk5uu5XEdGWrkTw/s400/Wintergardenweek3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155343591818806162" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Looking Good.</span></span><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"></span></div>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-14466077447789034172008-01-07T07:28:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:25.443-06:00Winter Garden--week two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzgkfD_DfwxOeoPSIMYUZcoM2D2NMgv4AwkbyljyRnpY4PCFZZOEDB_TCoedmh92Yy-Fy1nd3S1PLolAPVlH7qXpsQgAivEx_7TKquQhAVcVCH7haa8HIDF2etT9DsWwbf8FbBg/s1600-h/winter+garden--week+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzgkfD_DfwxOeoPSIMYUZcoM2D2NMgv4AwkbyljyRnpY4PCFZZOEDB_TCoedmh92Yy-Fy1nd3S1PLolAPVlH7qXpsQgAivEx_7TKquQhAVcVCH7haa8HIDF2etT9DsWwbf8FbBg/s400/winter+garden--week+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152726449202021250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Little Sprouts...</span></span></span><br /><br />The chives are winning with dill in hot pursuit. The basils and cilantro are hanging in with parsley and mint just starting to sprout.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-20963651797691032542008-01-01T14:56:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:25.633-06:00Under the Covers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8DW5ZGqzfl1eZqq2U9vPB4nXGWQ98W8b8EGG3eXdNDFsiKm7BWUvKEnN2WT2j17W5upJxGsFvWOLUm4ZLjSAUqBBVIJjado7DIFhbgD8-G8_i2DaLoI9Y6qkSNlAhPvF1QicUA/s1600-h/gardenjan12008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8DW5ZGqzfl1eZqq2U9vPB4nXGWQ98W8b8EGG3eXdNDFsiKm7BWUvKEnN2WT2j17W5upJxGsFvWOLUm4ZLjSAUqBBVIJjado7DIFhbgD8-G8_i2DaLoI9Y6qkSNlAhPvF1QicUA/s400/gardenjan12008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150616108431197042" border="0" /></a>Protected by a fluffy white comforter of snow the outdoor garden hibernates. Indoors, the garden under lights begins to sprout. <br /><br />It's the first day of the New Year--a time for resolutions. My resolution for this year is to learn to make bread. Not the bread machine variety that comes in a package but the real thing. This is not my first attempt at bread-making. I spent the summer of 2006 pursuing this noble goal. My creative efforts were flat at first but as I continued I was able to produce a tasty loaf of white bread. Although I was never completely satisfied with the results--too dense, uneven, too yeasty--not quite right. <br /><br />This year I resolve to make bread worthy of a French boulangerie--with me the boulanger. I will be studying the science of making bread in my kitchen. I will test recipes under various conditions and methodically record the results until I have perfected Pain Francais--the perfect loaf of French Bread. <br /><br />Bonjour,<br /><br />From the future Bread GoddessSam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-46955967676053785882007-12-24T14:43:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:25.866-06:00WINTER GARDEN DAY ONE<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7A42RT6Ko2FssE21_h1yNqBcmUgFOiu3H4pfaEg5TCB5t9vHgFMDavI0QDJyoRNAcCu4TbsJloUnl1ttEbYuuaK3vO6c1H4bdgDk8V58xIDcpUxJfLk5gGz7SP10qjGNe0IN0g/s1600-h/wintergardenday1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7A42RT6Ko2FssE21_h1yNqBcmUgFOiu3H4pfaEg5TCB5t9vHgFMDavI0QDJyoRNAcCu4TbsJloUnl1ttEbYuuaK3vO6c1H4bdgDk8V58xIDcpUxJfLk5gGz7SP10qjGNe0IN0g/s400/wintergardenday1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147644274530206562" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Mint, dill, chives, parsley cilantro, purple and green basil.<br /></div>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-19228064636625831132007-11-23T12:19:00.000-06:002007-11-24T16:49:19.551-06:00Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;"><br />The fall garden...</span><br /><br />is gentle,<br />is hardy<br />and is most definitely a survivor.<br /><br />After countless frosts and some light freezes the survivors stand ready to serve. So on this day after Thanksgiving, I give thanks to those who have camped out in the cold so that they could warm our hearts and feed our souls on this special holiday.<br /><br />Broccoli...for the vegetable tray and the broccoli souffle.<br /><br />Celeriac roots...for puree, remoulade and a delicious addition to the mashed potato casserole.<br />Celeriac tops..for straws in our Bloody Mary's.<br /><br />Parsley, rosemary, thyme and sage...for seasoning the turkey and stuffing.<br /><br />Butternut squash...for the butternut squash au gratin with goat cheese.<br /><br />Beets, spinach and kale for just being there.<br /><br />Leeks for their subtle flavor in the turkey soup.<br /><br />Thanks.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-10203452610310056242007-11-06T12:33:00.000-06:002008-12-09T13:45:26.065-06:00Record for Chicago Area?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5D4YsZk555mTt5F7rsgOtTSKabKrasc27OUJrN-htmW7Be7yGOpTxtobQ7pv3u7Hdxr-2IWyaRStCtgXgDXI-AEiInih4j22D6V8WMI1OLMe9idD3ijsxfDhuaDiYMjg1_8Diw/s1600-h/ggnovtomato.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5D4YsZk555mTt5F7rsgOtTSKabKrasc27OUJrN-htmW7Be7yGOpTxtobQ7pv3u7Hdxr-2IWyaRStCtgXgDXI-AEiInih4j22D6V8WMI1OLMe9idD3ijsxfDhuaDiYMjg1_8Diw/s400/ggnovtomato.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129798607883734674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">November Tomatoes...</span></span><br /><br />I've only been at this organic vegetable gardening thing for two years so maybe I'm easily impressed. But tomatoes riping in the garden on November 6th without a cold frame--isn't that a bit unusual?Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-32090793712834952692007-10-09T08:57:00.000-05:002008-12-09T13:45:27.001-06:00Oh What a Beautiful Morning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdeQ_r-r_Yp7DeTVBNLfYzxw5RPi8GguoxqC4WomaX60UhmMpgASAkUwOppTObKd45cCd2ibrZPr2LChc39APIj5P3akM9nL0zKEpZyjHx3okGIKmEVsF16neSMQcmnyUFauWKQ/s1600-h/morningglories2007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdeQ_r-r_Yp7DeTVBNLfYzxw5RPi8GguoxqC4WomaX60UhmMpgASAkUwOppTObKd45cCd2ibrZPr2LChc39APIj5P3akM9nL0zKEpZyjHx3okGIKmEVsF16neSMQcmnyUFauWKQ/s400/morningglories2007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119337841292121010" border="0" /></a><br />Oh what a beautiful day. Everyday starts with these blue beauties greeting me on the way to my backyard green grocer where I harvest the fresh chives, tomatoes and basil to throw into my breakfast omelet--such big rewards for so little effort.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-31804503275616058682007-10-08T20:38:00.000-05:002008-12-09T13:45:27.163-06:00Dateline: Chicago, October 8, 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZCbT6RJPR3E4-2nWi5Ow_vWmkHkHJnzzQff9gteftm5vs0g6i14s8Ycbrk3MAZrxr_WTCbwoFP6S5UC0tkivvaIXorHlAFnXS3E4lWxy4cWatrqmygQE-jNIzcUAXbxiKsL_Rw/s1600-h/gglegs.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZCbT6RJPR3E4-2nWi5Ow_vWmkHkHJnzzQff9gteftm5vs0g6i14s8Ycbrk3MAZrxr_WTCbwoFP6S5UC0tkivvaIXorHlAFnXS3E4lWxy4cWatrqmygQE-jNIzcUAXbxiKsL_Rw/s400/gglegs.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119345361779856322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It feels a little bit surreal to be walking barefoot across my patio hoping to catch a cooling breeze on October 8th in my zone 5 local. My garden still thinks it's summer. The tomatoes are literally bursting at their seems, the green peppers glow with sweat and the basil stretches skyward. The irony--my just arrived Martha Stewart Living is awash with Thanksgiving perparations. Yesterday, the Chicago Marathon had to be stopped after 3 hours and 45 minutes due to the heat. Who knows, maybe that was the Cubs problem on Saturday. But, I know, in spite of global warming, this most likely will be a short lived respite from Chicago's long winter. I'm thinking another day like today won't happen again for seven to seven and a half months so I'm loving it and will worry about the Thanksgiving turkey tomorrow.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-27841946764037578872007-09-18T10:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T13:45:27.337-06:00Food Glorious Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YDQxU2UlhO2lCNkkiIJRppARAo8Cw2S4SGihc2gvNv8FehOediLB8Pm2ZkBne6a9SRpWXSWSKrcGYL53PiOZ8bxFrCbz7m48w5hbCXyq8YJk839O3XxTH7WaWdBy-1xq0JIF6Q/s1600-h/harvest2007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YDQxU2UlhO2lCNkkiIJRppARAo8Cw2S4SGihc2gvNv8FehOediLB8Pm2ZkBne6a9SRpWXSWSKrcGYL53PiOZ8bxFrCbz7m48w5hbCXyq8YJk839O3XxTH7WaWdBy-1xq0JIF6Q/s400/harvest2007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111573001007132274" border="0" /></a><br />A short walk to the yard, no gas, no bags...just a wicker harvest basket. How easy, how satisfying, how green.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-65110886059555995032007-08-28T09:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T13:45:27.661-06:00When Life Gives You Lemons<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpG_BMAyf1Ox_G08_ERQodRhKUalrDTpVeuNJtNyguQPyi3-eqYyZvIPxZCfYAzzeoZBJO3QIEW9Pz34RLNl-B9aH4KcZw0gaV-mW3itEYEIIk0xDNg5rm9kDHgyrgrAWrHZMQg/s1600-h/butternut+squash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpG_BMAyf1Ox_G08_ERQodRhKUalrDTpVeuNJtNyguQPyi3-eqYyZvIPxZCfYAzzeoZBJO3QIEW9Pz34RLNl-B9aH4KcZw0gaV-mW3itEYEIIk0xDNg5rm9kDHgyrgrAWrHZMQg/s400/butternut+squash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103770782025304514" border="0" /></a><br />Surprise, surprise...someone at my local garden center must have either been confused or decided to have a good time at the expense of naive gardeners--as several of the six packs I bought last spring were mismarked. So instead of cucumbers, I got butternut squash--instead of zucchini, I got acorn squash. The leaves are similar and I was duped. The finished product is not similar--and now I have more squash than I know what to do with. Squash soup anyone! The good thing, squash is a good keeper--so I'll be able to enjoy food from the garden on Thanksgiving--maybe even Christmas.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-50169911818556200712007-07-05T09:46:00.001-05:002007-07-05T10:34:10.388-05:00Cool Idea for a Warming Situation<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >On 7/7/07 Live Earth concerts to raise awareness and demand action to find solutions to global warming will be held in Johannesburg, London, New Jersey, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;font-family:Gill Sans,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br />The performances will feature classic acts such as the Police, Madonna, Smashing Pumpkins, Bon Jovi and Metallica as well as contemporary artists including Kanye West, Wolfmother, Rihanna Akon and Kelly Clarkson. In addition people </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;font-family:Gill Sans,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;font-size:85%;" >will be asked to sign the climate change pledge.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:Gill Sans,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(254, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span><span style=";font-family:Gill Sans,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Here's the text of the pledge:</span></span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 254);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I PLEDGE:<br /><br />1. To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next 2 years that cuts global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth;<br /><br />2. To take personal action to help solve the climate crisis by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become "carbon neutral;"<br /><br />3. To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2;<br /><br />4. To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship and means of transportation;<br /><br />5. To fight for laws and policies that expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal;<br /><br />6. To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests; and,<br /><br />7. To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crisis and building a sustainable, just, and prosperous world for the 21st century.</span></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family:Gill Sans,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><span style="font-size:14;"><span style="color: rgb(254, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you are interested in signing the pledge you can do so at</span><a href="http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_pledge/j.php/?cl=12901315" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"> http://www.avaaz.org/en<wbr>/climate_pledge/j.php/?cl<wbr>=12901315</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Keep your cool. gg</span><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 254);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span></span></span></span>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-39271198961363984492007-07-01T09:36:00.001-05:002008-12-09T13:45:27.998-06:00Fruits of My Labor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ8Yn7ASC042tAmlERkSGfICjVuXfIrp63uq2JsdZv6WMz2uKiN0GYKAg06unMCdVFYf7cYXcJ0fcELci7Y82uNmTLuPszS-R-TTbWjr5OieZwl6myNEwlQDbd8RsCEm2bKLiQg/s1600-h/potato+first.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ8Yn7ASC042tAmlERkSGfICjVuXfIrp63uq2JsdZv6WMz2uKiN0GYKAg06unMCdVFYf7cYXcJ0fcELci7Y82uNmTLuPszS-R-TTbWjr5OieZwl6myNEwlQDbd8RsCEm2bKLiQg/s400/potato+first.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082237637081901842" border="0" /></a><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> First Blueberry</span></span>....... <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">First Potato......</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I couldn't be more delighted. It's almost like giving birth again.</span></span></span><br /></div>Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-41202564650611957322007-06-19T09:25:00.000-05:002008-12-09T13:45:28.183-06:00The Original Green Gardener<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0-zvfdN1KcjDRNZCFXhh15GP5pCToXJfadlWyCPrOXAQXSYxtSsHOm0eEqV3AIWcVVXRo_gfTaHaW1CllZpO4jlSKTK5gsobP6OhELSFFyAhXJuT_lD6wPufNMb44fbi8ba4Cg/s1600-h/Jerry+Kuhrt,+Sleeping+Bear+Dune+1954.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0-zvfdN1KcjDRNZCFXhh15GP5pCToXJfadlWyCPrOXAQXSYxtSsHOm0eEqV3AIWcVVXRo_gfTaHaW1CllZpO4jlSKTK5gsobP6OhELSFFyAhXJuT_lD6wPufNMb44fbi8ba4Cg/s400/Jerry+Kuhrt,+Sleeping+Bear+Dune+1954.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077782888691021218" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Happy 100 Birthday Anniversary, A. Richard Kuhrt (alias,Dad), born June 19, 1907<br /><br /></span></span></div> When you were born, who could have imagined a blog that could be written in the comfort of one's home or backyard and appear instantaneously around the world. You would have loved it because you were always forward thinking. In addition to your love for nature, you were a techno geek--the first of your friends to own a wireless (radio), a "wire" recorder, a television, and a Polaroid "Land" camera. You carried no prejudice. You treated everyone with respect no matter what race, religion or class.<br /><br />Your garden and lawn were your pride and joy. You made your own compost. You loved using your push mower. You hated the noise of power mowers and only as you got older gave into an electric mower. You refused to use pesticides. Instead you would hand pick the weeds or get me and all the neighborhood kids out in the yard to pick dandelions for a penny a piece or a nickle if we got the whole root. We would fill up bushel basket after bushel basket--raking in the money and then riding our bikes to Angies to buy baseball cards and candy.<br /><br />You were way ahead of your time and taught me well.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-15955547754013184642007-06-12T09:40:00.000-05:002008-12-09T13:45:28.399-06:00Endangered Species?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOmGPlreqmBOHxZ2gXn1iN39xKaIOyoBl_XUguYrMPV822FR5p9N-nfyKAuKMaLqRT8pTDfORxgO5Z3Sn5gs8LdHR7P4VIR1SGSQEG-h_sOT3jCwzWxdtmWPeO_9XmYVeou0c1Q/s1600-h/cicadaonbush.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOmGPlreqmBOHxZ2gXn1iN39xKaIOyoBl_XUguYrMPV822FR5p9N-nfyKAuKMaLqRT8pTDfORxgO5Z3Sn5gs8LdHR7P4VIR1SGSQEG-h_sOT3jCwzWxdtmWPeO_9XmYVeou0c1Q/s400/cicadaonbush.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075188805753648530" border="0" /></a><br />Are the 17-year periodical cicadas endangered? Looking at the photo above, one may think, no way. But my non-scienctific observations make me wonder. Having lived in the same location in 2007 as I did for the 1990 invasion, I have observed a smaller number of cicadas. I remember the 1990 cicada's were so thick on the screens of our porch that we could hardly see out. I also remember it being almost impossible to go for a walk or sit outside because of swarms of the 1990 cicada's flying at my face. According to various reports, certain areas, including the nearby outdoor Ravinia Music Festival grounds, have not experienced the expected onslaught of the Brood. As an organic gardener, I am concerned. I am wondering if the huge amount of pesticides that have been put into the ground in the name of keeping lawns "green" and weed-free are claiming lives of many of these amazing critters. I hope not, I hope they will return in all their glory in 2024.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31849079.post-29118955547930826912007-06-07T20:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T13:45:28.670-06:00Bad Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3wDEGCSRJr4VAJmzW8yrADl5iqRC-JMfdloKgw6haEeIPoNavZ02oWTNHZ7dsHzrJFaNilWfwDQwQvNHHyoRV31gb42ATwBVAs0uwIanGbXwS_zj_GXdV4s-Ar0toubDQZd14g/s1600-h/Doggonecute1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3wDEGCSRJr4VAJmzW8yrADl5iqRC-JMfdloKgw6haEeIPoNavZ02oWTNHZ7dsHzrJFaNilWfwDQwQvNHHyoRV31gb42ATwBVAs0uwIanGbXwS_zj_GXdV4s-Ar0toubDQZd14g/s400/Doggonecute1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073511097038550402" border="0" /></a> Frightened red eye cicadas are taking over my house. They arrive on a wing and a prayer-- hitching a ride on whomever enters. Unlike their constantly roaring outdoor counterparts, these indoor bugs speak in stops and starts, screeching in fear of their unknown surroundings. It's a race between my black lab and I to see if they will be returned to nature or become a gourmet dog treat. The lab usually wins. Bad dog.Sam's translatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949415967537524831noreply@blogger.com1