Our Empty Nest

Just like my aunt, but for different reasons, we're celebrating our empty nest today!

Our young Mourning Dove has flown the coop. And our monogamous parents are gone too. I imagine they'll be back. They usually don't stray too far from their nest. At least that was our experience with Reggie and Marita when we lived in Rogers Park.

We haven't named this pair or their offspring.

We didn't get to see him/her leave the nest, but I did startle the youngster when I walked into the backyard this afternoon.

A Sophisticated Red Wine from the Hog Butcher for the World

So it turns out that when I bought some wine at my church's Winter Farmers Market, I actually picked up a couple of bottles from the folks at Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery that I blogged about recently.

We tasted the Chicago Midwest Red tonight. Excellent. Truly the best Midwestern red I've ever had. Very smooth and dry.

I still like the wines at Tabor Hill in Michigan, especially the Gewürztraminer. Say that 10 times fast.

BTW, as much as I enjoy my mother-in-law's fancy crystal wine glasses, I prefer to drink from my mini Mason jar while watching American Idol.

BTW, BTW, I thought David Cook rocked again and I disagree with Simon...Sayesha was fantastic. She and David both proved it's possible (who knew?) to modernize Neil Diamond.

Plus, I now love Neil Diamond. How sweet is he?

Looking for a Good Summer Craft Project

Hmmm. Week 5 of the Farmgirl blog-a-thon? Getting Crafty.

Garden Goose has tasked us e-Farmgirls to share something crafty we've done lately. I haven't been too crafty of late, but I certainly love to make stuff.

My annual holiday craft was handmade snow globes (thanks Martha Stewart) using antique Mason jars.

Here's a pic:



Then this spring, in homage to the fluffy marshmallow candy, I made this Peep Market diorama:



I have been looking for a new project to work on. I have a couple ideas. I've been saving up some old jewelry and have been trying to come up with an ornament I can make with the kids.

Over the holidays, I saw a great Christmas tree made from broken pieces of green glass and decorated with old, gaudy costume jewelry. But that's for the holidays.

I still need a summer project. I've been thinking of letting the kids go crazy with their coloring books. I've been re-using the paper to wrap gifts. It's been surprisingly popular, especially at kid parties. And no more expensive paper to buy!

To Curve or Not to Curve

At Urban Dweller's request, here's a bird's eye view of our raised bed in progress.

We're just experimenting with where to put the stones at this point. We will probably straighten it out a bit in front. But we're kinda likin' the curves.

I'm also probably going to shift this a couple more feet toward the back to maximize sun exposure to the bed.

When we've got the pavers in place, we'll line the beds and pile in the soil.

I got a tip from the Master Gardener to line our beds with black-and-white newspaper. We sure have plenty of those. She says the newsprint is great for killing weeds and nicely decomposes into mulch.

Brings back memories from newspaper tours in the '90s when one local publisher bragged about how we could shred his paper and turn it into feed because the ink was now soy-based. Farmers might just be thinking about it considering the jump in feed prices that we're expected to see ("Eat high on the hog while you can," Chicago Tribune). Gas is already $3.99 in Chicago. Let me know if you see it top that.

But I digress. Because I showed you the bird's eye view, I figured you should also see the bird. Here's the mama Mourning Dove and, if you look real close, her baby. Dad's never far off. Both are very protective of the nest so we don't know if this little one has a brother or sister.

Making Life Easier for 'Overworked Women'

Apparently everyone has seen my Napanee cabinet except me.

But I'm grateful because I got this report from the Master Gardener, who owns a Hoosier-style cabinet too.

She found the Napanee Dutch Kitchenette in a book, which includes a photo and an ad about a kitchen efficiency "study" that promoted my cabinet.

The study involved preparing a breakfast in an average kitchen, first without and then with a Napanee Kitchenette.

Without the Kitchenette, 466 steps were taken to prep the meal. The same meal prepared with a Napanee? Only 117 steps.

That means a Napanee Kitchenette saves "349 steps."

That's, as the ad says, "Good news for overworked women."

I doubt it'll save me 100 steps, but I do hope it means a more organized kitchen. And I'm hopeful that the extra workspace will be just right for my little helpers.

In the Garden, Day 1

I'm beat. All I did was some weeding, clean out the garage (evicting a mouse in the process) and position paver stones for our new vegetable garden. Plus we spent a small fortune at Costco, stocking up on basmati rice and getting some good meat for the grill.

I really like our design. Now we just need to line the bed and fill it with soil. I would be more hot to plant, except the weather predictions are for SNOW and frost in the next few days. I shouldn't be surprised. But really? Snow? When will it finally be spring?

This Weekend...In the Garden

Garden Goose has picked another rockin' theme for week 4 of the Farmgirl Blog-A-Thon: In the Garden.

The timing is just right because I plan to work on my raised beds this weekend. I'm shopping for paver stones to create the walls. I'm going to attempt to steer clear of a rectangular bed and try to add some curves to my garden.

No matter what we do, I'll have to move some of the perennials in the backyard. They're too beautiful to trash. I just haven't figured out where to put them yet.

As for what to plant...my list is longer than my planned space or time to maintain. For sure, I'm going for herbs...chives, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary and some garlic. For the kids, carrots and cherry tomatoes. Future Farmboy will eat those right off the plant. And for the iFarmer, seranos and jalapeños.

We'll see if we have any room left for salad fixins. I'm not sure those will make it anyway. I spied a rabbit this morning on my way to work.

Plus, other than for herbs and peppers, I don't have much of a green thumb. In fact, recently, Future Farmgirl called me out midst plant rescue. She said, "Momma, why is that plant so dead?"

Anyway, it did look dead. But with a little water and some more direct sun, it's looking better than ever now.

Photo credit: Future Farmboy. These are the chives from Master Gardener's herb cache.

Learning About Chicago's Only Winery

Thanks to Urban Dweller for passing on this great story in the Neighborhood Star about a Chicago vintner who distributes honey bee boxes along the lake front in Hyde Park to support his mead production.

Gary Fisher, who owns Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery, is apparently only one of two mead vintners in the Midwest. But amazingly, his is one of some 200 wine-making operations in Illinois. Wow. I've got a lot of wine tasting to do.

Interestingly, Fisher doesn't grow his own grapes. Too hard. He tried it once, but decided to buy from others. But he does use his five acres of land in Kankakee to house his honeybees.

Up Before the Rooster Crows

I've been keeping farmgirl hours...up at 4:30 a.m. to begin work at 5, before my morning paper hits the door.

I like the commute, just a stumble down the stairs. But I don't know if I'd be able to keep this up long term.

It's too tough for me to take an afternoon nap and have much energy after 6 p.m.

Working From Home This Week

I'm working from home this week and learning a few things about myself. Here's a few personal insights after one day...

- Being alone in the house with chocolate cake is very bad news...for my figure, or what's left of it since I've had children.

- A floor puzzle box makes an excellent computer monitor stand if you need about 4 inches more height to get the workstation ergonomics right.

- I'm kind of a people person, so I felt a little isolated. It's probably why I chattered away to anyone who answered my calls.

- I can get in a zone with work and keep working as long as I have a steady flow of coffee and a nearby bathroom.

- My kids love it that I walked to pick them up from school...then took them to the playground. And I loved that they were completely worn out at bedtime and didn't get up once. I've had a request to do it all over again tomorrow. I think I will.

Good Clean Mud

I finally got a chance this beautiful Sunday afternoon to plant the lilac start that the River Runner delivered from the Master Gardener's collection a couple weeks ago.

The iFarmer and I plopped it into the ground, while I moved some of the bulbs...first carelessly, then more carefully as we went.

The iFarmer asked me when it was all over if I had a problem with the fact that I was muddy and my nails were caked with dirt. The farmgirl in me has no problem getting dirty...but, I would love a manicure this week.

I also planted some of the Master Gardener's chives and finally got those pussy willows into some water. I'll need some instruction on what to do after they root. [BTW...Master Gardener...if you see that I've done something wrong with the start...please comment or shoot me an email.]

Photo credit goes to Future Farmboy. He's co-opted our old digital camera and is having a blast with it. So far my favorite shots are his "secret photos" of us, unawares, while he snapped pix through the stair slats.

On the Road to Indy

Fantastic news this morning...IRL phenom and honorary Farmgirl Hero (she's from Beloit afterall) Danica Patrick won her first Indy race, the Japan 300!

It was her 50th IRL start. I certainly hope this finally quells all the sexist thinking that women can't race.

I sometimes think Danica is shallow...She advertises that her favorite show is Regis & Kelly. Of course, I'm an American Idol fan, so I'm in no position to judge.

But what I admire about Danica is that by simply pursuing her passion for racing, she is transforming Indy Racing, bringing it into the modern age, with her style, youth and enthusiasm. Check out her super cool flash-based site: DanicaRacing.com

I also admire her for being a girl who knew what she wanted and went for it. She moved to London when she was 16, yes, SIXTEEN, to further her racing career. I had no real idea what I wanted when I was 16.

We're headed to Indy in a few weeks to celebrate May birthdays. We're hoping to take the kids to the track to watch the Time Trials. I haven't been since I was in high school. Can't wait. And I hope I get to see Danica in action.

Domestic Bliss...In the Kitchen

Three cheers to Garden Goose for orchestrating the Farmgirl Blog-A-Thon. It's great to connect with other farmgirls, wannabes (like me) and the real deal.

I was too distracted with UFO sightings and Midwest earthquakes to check until this evening. But this week's theme is fantastic: Domestic Bliss - In the Kitchen. It should be right up my alley. I live in my kitchen (when I'm not watching American Idol).

The kitchen is where I wind down at the end of the day. Where I find comfort (too often of late) in rich family recipes. It's where I can experiment and create, then see the final results on the faces of my husband, children and good friends.

Tonight, I'll share one of my favorite farm-style recipes: Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie. It's one of Hoosier Outsider's favorites.

I have to admit, before I had one prepped by the iFarmer's cousin, I didn't like the translucent store-bought versions I'd had before.

But this recipe has always been a big hit, even when you pour it into a pre-made crust.

Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie
(to fill one 9-inch pie crust)

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3 tbls unsalted butter, cut into dots
1/4 tsp fresh grated nutmeg (must be fresh)

Preheat oven to 425.
Whisk cream, half/half, sugar and flour in medium bowl.
Pour filling into pie shell.
Dot with butter. Sprinkle with nutmeg.
Bake 15 minutes.
Remove, reduce temp to 350. [This is important] Wrap crust edges with foil.
Bake 45 minutes.
Cool on rack for 10 mins.
Serve up to smiley family and/or guests.

I've never had to throw an ounce of this away!

The photo is of the recipe in one of my old notebooks. I used to get tons of these for Christmas. Apparently, I'm tricky to buy for. Anyway, I finally found a good use for them...besides re-gifting...I use them to write down recipes and paste in recipes I find in newspapers and magazines. I only paste in recipes that are worthy...that have passed a preparation and taste test.

VFG Tech Note

In addition to all the Webby icons, ABA Journal news feeds and FineTune player, I've now added a new element for Twitterheads.

For those who Twitter, you can now follow VFG here: http://twitter.com/VirtualFarmgirl.

This is what I did while sitting at home sick on the couch watching 1959 Perry Mason re-runs (I watched 3..."The Case of the Glittering Goldfish" was my favorite).

Have cyber-fun!

Another Local Gem

Before I picked up the kids today after school, I checked out a new grocer, Turco's Italian Deli on the Oak Park side of Roosevelt Road.

I haven't tried the stuffed shells I bought, but I did get a homemade cheese pizza for four bucks. Fantastic. Maybe one of the best pizzas I've ever had. Perfectly crispy crust, sweet but tangy sauce, and loaded with fresh cheese.

The kids loved it too.

I haven't tried the other stuff I bought, artichoke salad, homemade marinara sauce and grated Romano. So far it's cash only, so I had to dig deep. I made it with all my items with a quarter to spare.

No website yet that I could find either. But we'll be back.

All Shook Up...Earthquake at The Farm

I couldn't believe the Trib headline this morning about a 5.2 magnitude Midwest earthquake centered in southern Illinois. We didn't feel it at our house. But I've heard from someone further out in the burbs that her husband told her to quit shaking the bed.

There was similar rumbling at The Farm.

Here's Hoosier Outsider's report:

The quake woke us... 3 of us. [Photo Farmgirl] came downstairs to find out why her bed was shaking. I heard strange noises from the old house, nothing scary. It sounded like the wind was rising in a sudden gust for several seconds... after the first rattling --- I really thought we were getting a big blow, then nothing. Haven't read about it but noticed the headline. [Alto Farmgirl] didn't stir.

More from the Indy Star about Indiana's long history of earthquakes...or as Future Farmboy calls them, "earthshakes."

Kokomo UFO Mystery Solved

This morning we were reading in the Indy Star that residents were rattled last night by a loud boom that shook houses and left fire streaks in the air.

Speculation ranged from an airplane crash, UFO sighting and meteorite shower. The comments section in the paper even included offers to anyone who could recover space materials. And there was one theory that the boom was caused by space rubble hitting ground.

But it turns out...it was a plane. In fact, it was an F-16 National Guard trainee who "mistakenly" accelerated too quickly and caused a sonic boom. And the flashes of light? Yep, the F-16 was responsible for that too.

The Star notes: "The F-16 chaff flares and looks like a fireball – and are meant to emit a heat signature. They burn up in the atmosphere."

Here Chick, Chick, Chick

Two-day-old chicks at the farm...






I'll update you to see how long it takes to turn them into broilers. Maybe in time for summer BBQ.

Farmgirl or Urban Princess?

Since my family offered some insights into what makes me a farmgirl, I'll note a few things about me that would make it hard to abandon urban life.

Here's a start:

-- I love the concrete jungle, especially the rich architecture that makes up Chicago and the Prairie home styles in Oak Park.

-- I don't know if I could live without public transportation. If I have to wait more than 20 minutes for a train or bus, I'm a very unhappy person (except this glorious morning when a broken down train forced me to enjoy a long walk to work).

-- I like being a stone's throw from world-class museums and art galleries.

-- Even though I don't exercise it enough, I like the option of being able to walk to the grocery, to a hip coffee shop in the morning and to a lively arts district.

-- Unless rural America hops on the information highway, I couldn't spend more than a couple days without wifi and wifi hot spots. When will McDonald's get over its pay-only Internet access? I'm not lovin' it. Haven't they learned from Starbucks' bad example?

-- Can you say 20 minutes from Costco? Ten minutes from a Super Target? My choice of three favorite supermarkets (all with excellent selections of peppers) and my pick of dozens of ethnic grocers?

More examples at my Urban v. Rural tag.

Love is in the Air

I was about to flip the channel on American Idol tonight...an hour of Mariah Carey?...but I stayed long enough to see the talented David Cook and enjoy Carly Smithson's "I Can't Live if Living is Without You" probably because Mariah didn't make it popular.

Thankfully, that honor goes to Badfinger and Air Supply. Who doesn't love Air Supply? One of the greatest soft rock love song bands ever.

Speaking of lovey things, I have to give a shout out to the iFarmer, who had the best (no offense to anyone else) comment on my Farmgirl at Heart post.

Coming Soon...A New Global Ag Vision

Expect to hear/see media reports this week about a report that is coming out of a key international agriculture summit in South Africa.

I'm seeing tidbits in the African ag press and energy news sites about an International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development report that will be released on Tuesday.

Expect also to see plenty of debate.

I see that, according to African Energy News Review, that the IAASTD is taking a stand against biofuels and pushing agricultural science to place "greater emphasis on safeguarding natural resources and on ‘agro-ecological’ practices, including the use of natural fertilizers, traditional seeds and intensified natural practices, and reducing the distance between production and the consumer."

Sounds an awful lot like what I hear organic farmers and buy local enthusiasts talking about.

Farmers Guardian (UK) notes that the report, by 400 scientists from 63 governments, could "transform the agenda for global food production."

The group's goal was impressive, to in part, answer this question: How can we reduce hunger and poverty, improve rural livelihoods, and facilitate equitable, environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development through the generation, access to, and use of agricultural knowledge, science, and technology?

Grist previews some of what is expected to come from the report:

* Focus on "agroecological" strategies to address environmental issues.
* Create opportunities for poor farmers and rural laborers.
* Do more to involve women to advance toward sustainability and development goals.
* Integrate formal, traditional, and community-based knowledge.
* Create space for diverse voices and include social scientists in policy.

The IAASTD report was commissioned by the World Bank and the United Nations to assist poor farmers throughout the world.

Farmgirl At Heart?

The theme for this week's Farmgirl Blog-a-Thon -- Farmgirl Heart...What Being A Farmgirl Means to You -- is perfect because I've been thinking a bunch about what it means to be a Farmgirl, or an aspiring Farmgirl.

Garden Goose, who's running this a-thon, suggested posting a photo of us Farmgirls, our collections or our farms. I chose one of our family's farm in winter. It's a beautiful sight.

I'll mull over a bit what being a Farmgirl means to me. First I'll ask you all, what is it about me that you think makes me a Farmgirl? Or...not?

We Love Visitors

We were sad to say goodbye to River Runner. He kicked it back to the Land of Enchantment tonight.

He and I had a very nice day yesterday.

I had an early shift at work, so I got to take the afternoon and give him a guided tour of the city. That whetted his appetite for another visit...and some pretty good Middle Eastern food near Lincoln Park. I'm blanking on the name of the place on Broadway.

We could have spent hours in Reckless Records, where I learned about Record Store Day on April 19. We don't have to go back into the city to celebrate it because we can just walk on over to Val's Halla.

River Runner went on his way with a fresh Ann Sather's cinnamon roll. Yum. He'll definitely be back after tasting that.

It's always great to have visitors around. We eat better and get to be tourists in our own city.

Celebrating & Gathering Tools of the Farmgirl Trade

I am so excited...not just because my favorite legal site, ABAJournal.com is up for a Webby (have I not mentioned that) and not because my favorite publisher was named one of the Folio40 for being one of the most influential "doers" in magazine media.

No, I'm excited because we took delivery today of a completely restored Napanee double wide kitchen cabinet. I've still only seen it in pix, but Hoosier Outsider tells me it's in excellent condition.

We've been on the hunt for a Hoosier Kitchen for quite some time now. My mother-in-law had a very beautiful one that's been in the family for ages. And, of course, Reba had one in her TV kitchen.

These cabinets were essential Farmgirl tools, helping to keep a Farmgirl's kitchen organized and always ready for heavy use.

Indeed, according to Napanee lore, Harrington Emerson, the “father of efficiency engineers,” found that if the average housewife had Napanee Dutch Kitchenet cabinets installed in her kitchen she would reduce her meal preparation time by more than half.

That endorsement followed by positive press attention supposedly propelled the cabinetmaker's operation into the national market, with department stores including Macy's and Gimble's selling the time savers.

So anyway, I have a new piece of furniture and I hope it will mean less clutter in my kitchen! And, bonus, I get more counter space.

Now if I can only get it to my current abode. It's at The Farm now, where I dare not leave it long, considering the ooo's and ahhh's it's getting there.

Accessorize With Aprons

Since the theme this week is still "Tie One On" for the "Farm Girl Blog-a-Thon" I thought I'd post a photo of another apron favorite.

This one belonged to my mother-in-law (or one of her aunts). I wore it to our Tree Trimming party.

Garden Goose is keeping track of the Farmgirls who are participating in the Blog-a-Thon. It's great to see so many other women enjoying some apron accessories.

Tying One On at the Farmgirl Blog-A-Thon

I learned about a "Farm Girl Blog-A-Thon!" in progress through May 7. This week's theme is "Tie One On" to celebrate the utility and art of the apron.

Love it.

I also liked this rundown of what it means to be a Farmgirl. My answers are in all caps. From Garden Goose:

Do you love having that little flock of back yard chickens (even in the city?/or dream of having chickens in your yard one day?) YES.

Do you love growing your own food items? YES.

Love being thrifty and frugal? YES.

Love wearing an apron, or simply collecting them? ABSOLUTELY.

Love a "dirty manicure" from planting seeds in the soil? NOT REALLY, THOUGH I DON'T FEAR DIRT.

Do you love bringing the simpler ways of living into your life and home? YES. Love cooking good old home style meals? YES. Love canning your own foods? HAVEN'T TRIED IT YET. Or dream about one day actually having a bit of land to stretch out on? ALREADY DO.

Then you are a Farm Girl!..(or Farm Girl at heart!) YAY!!!

As always, there's more Farmgirl news and discussion at MaryJanesFarm Farmgirl Connection.

In honor of this week's theme, I'm posting a photo of my current favorite apron. I bought it from the Farmgirls who sell on Etsy. It's super cute and so were the ones I bought for iFarmersTwin and 4HChamp.

My other fav is a lacy dealy that was passed down in the family. It's so nice I actually can't imagine wearing it...unless I there are absolutely no red sauces or wines on the menu.

Dream Come True

Hoosier Outsider has always dreamed of working a real live tractor. And he got his wish this weekend, thanks to a buddy who's been guiding him along in all things small farm lately.

No word on what he's learned, though I hear there's been some changes in the old orchard. And I hear that the house is still standing, so he must've figured out how to use the brakes.

This is certainly one beautiful International Harvester (circa early '80s, you think?):



BTW, did a farmgirl take this shot? Most of the e-pix from The Farm are easily credited to Hoosier Outsider. But I'm thinking he had help with this one.

Finally...Spring!

The crocus is coming up, close to bloom in the backyard. We have a Mourning Dove in our balcony nest and the tulips are pushing through the dirt. [Still no sign that any birds have settled into the nesting boxes that Hoosier Outsider made for the kids to assemble, but it's early yet.]

So while the iFarmer plowed through our taxes this morning, the Future Farmkids and I headed to the park to enjoy this glorious morning. It was so warm we actually stripped off our jackets down to short sleeves after biking to the park.

The FFKs were so excited about the sunny day that they skipped breakfast. I got to tell that story as another neighborhood mom and I played a game of "I'm a bad mom because." I love commiserating and was also glad to learn she enjoys a frozen concoction every now and then. We'll definitely have to have them over for a meal at some point.

We were at the park for three hours. I really want a nap...but there are errands to run and groceries to buy. Hopefully the iFarmer will surface at some point so he can join us.

Aqua-Basil to Die For

I learn something new about my spouse almost every day. I'm amazed that's true even after 10 years.

On Sunday, I learned that the iFarmer doesn't like Tilapia. He's made no mention of that a number of times that I've purchased it as we try to add more fish into our diets. But when I tried to buy a few frozen fillets, raised without antibiotics, at the Winter Farmers Market at our church, he balked.

Still, I was impressed with the AquaRanch that was selling the fish, so I bought some of the aquafarmer's signature Basil Vinaigrette. Fantastic. OMG. That stuff is addictive. I'm told the aquafarmer's wife dreamed up the recipe. I need to get to know that farmgirl and see if she'll share.

Even the River Runner, who we forced to watch American Idol last night (even though he hardly ever watches TV), loved it.

It's apparently made with basil grown via Aquaponics, a system that combines growing fish, herbs and vegetables in the same water system.

If you have a good Internet connection, check out the AquaRanch's step-by-step at building a massive greenhouse.

Idol Goes Dollywood

Thanks to DVR we got to catch up on two nights of American Idol, sans commercials tonight.

I'll say it again, David Cook rocks. His original arrangement of Dolly Parton's "Little Sparrow" was outstanding. That boy gives me chills.

What the heck was Michael Johns doing wearing an ascot? I agree with Paula that he looks gorgeous...except for the ascot.

And Brooke White was excellent. Everyone else, not impressed this week.