Pick a Peck of Pickles

Four weeks ago, I ran into the farmer’s market and grabbed a whole lot of pickling cucumbers. I had a fresh cukes, some dill, garlic, salt, and most importantly, a gorgeous crock.

A few years ago I tried a recipe for crock pickles that used cider vinegar. After carefully tending to them for a five or six weeks, we were all giddy with anticipation… and sorely disappointed. They were terrible. The cider vinegar seemed all wrong, harsh, even bitter. So I was a teeny bit trepidatious when setting up my lacto ferment with the baby cukes this time around.

Have you heard of half sour pickles? You might know them as barrel dills or deli style pickles. They aren’t actually “pickled” per se, but are fermented. The cukes, other flavoring ingredients (peppercorns, garlic, and dill head), and grape leaves (the tannins help retain crispness) are placed in a water tight container, covered with a salt solution which prevents bacterial growth that will lead to spoilage, and allowed to ferment with the naturally occurring lactobaccili, which turns the vegetable flesh into a tangy, slightly salty treat. It is the same method used to produce sauerkraut.

Here you can see the cukes are contained under a glass pie plate and a glass jar filled with the brine solution. You can use food-grade plastics, but glass is non-reactive and  leaves me with no worries that anything may be leaching into my brine. Of course, you have to be super careful with glass; if it should break into your crock, well, you’ll have to throw the entire batch out.

I check on them almost daily, or at least every three or four days. There is some surface mold to deal with, but otherwise they are pretty low maintenance. You just have to make sure the cucumbers stay under the brine (air is the enemy of lacto ferments!). Finally, after four or five weeks, mine are ready. This week, I have to place them in clean jars with new brine, give a bunch away to neighbors, and place what’s left in the fridge.

I might add that these pickles, along with a nice cold beer, make an excellent dinner! For me anyway… the kids get cereal… and milk.

I Wasn’t Kidding…

… I truly love this pattern of Cosy’s.

Here’s my second and third.

Yeah, I’m not one of those knitters who only knits things once.

Necessity, Inventions, and Revisions

Guess what? We now have four kiddos (and a mama) down with fevers. We revised our little medicine bottle label craft.

One kid is old enough for chewable tablets, so she doesn’t get her own set of bottles… everyone else does. I’m still using the chalkboard labels, but I added names, dosage info, hours between doses and the name of the medication with color coded permanent paint markers. The time of the last dosage is marked extra large with chalk. It isn’t perfect, but it’s working for now.

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Linking to the fabulous sites ::

http://todayscreativeblog.net/crafting-projects/

http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-6-19/ 

Departures and Returns

These days, I can not seem to get my hands out of the mud. The spaces between my fingers and nails are constantly grubby and I think I’ve now managed to place an old toothbrush near every sink in our house in hopes that I might somehow get ahead of the dirt. I can’t really say that it’s helped, but it does give me hope, and who can’t use a little bit more of that in their life?

Starting a few weeks back, I’ve dedicated one night a week to an open studio at the local art center. It has been years since I’ve pushed around clay, but it’s been a welcome return.

Way back in the day, waaaaay back—actually, it hurts to realize how long ago it was when really it only feels like yesterday—I finished the work required to receive a BFA in Art. I’m not sure that I was ever meant to be a studio artist… actually, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am not. The program I completed was a commitment that required a singularly-focused and intense dedication that was beyond my interests, possibly my abilities. I did not eat, sleep, and breathe creation as did some of my talented colleagues. In fact, I was quite in awe and a touch envious of their drive. I loved the thinking, and the exposure to new ideas, the production methods, the community itself, but I had so many other interests that I wanted to pursue in those limited years between the freedom of adolescence and the responsibilities of adulthood. Early on It was clear I was on a different path than the one I was supposed to be pursuing, one that would keep me in my studio until the wee hours pulling and pushing and making and exploring, one that would introduce me to the pressures of producing for gallery shows and commissions and grants.

There have been times in my life when I look back to the years I spent in the art school and think they were wasted, that my energies would have been better matched in another program, possibly in the design school where I eventually worked for my Masters and then taught for a few years. Those are the bad days, and thankfully, those thoughts return less frequently as time progresses. My life took a departure from the original internal script I repeatedly so religiously, the script that led me to a certain number of decisions, which created experiences that helped to redefine the story and shape the person I am now. Isn’t it true for all of us, that the life we lead now is quite different somehow—richer, more subtle, maybe more meaningful, possibly even painful—than the life we originally imagined?

One of my professors patiently explained to us once that we will never again have the unrestricted time and unfettered access to materials and talent than we did while we were in college. Although I’ve always remembered his words, it has taken me years to understand exactly how true they really were. Of course it’s not as if that time didn’t carry its own set of pressures, and the resources we had then are not ones that are readily accessible now. But I’m happy to discover, even though the time and energy is different, there is a focus I have now that wasn’t present back when the world was seemingly wide open and limitless. Maybe that’s part of what it means to be a grown-up; recognizing the ideas and thoughts as the opportunities and distractions they are, and limiting yourself, by the choices you make, in order to progress.

This post as I originally wrote in my head was supposed to be about how fun it was to get back in the studio and get my hands dirty. But once again, I found a metaphor in the work and words that I wasn’t aware of until I began writing and it ran away with my attention. Another step away from the plan as I envisioned, only to come back to the task at hand with fresh insight and a different energy. Just as the studio called to me after all those years, as I’ve worked through the wee sma’s with the drive I used to miss…  I’ve circled back.

It’s funny, isn’t it, that what we consider a departure is also a return.

 

 

Metamorphosis

On Sunday, for Mother’s Day, we spent the majority of the day pottering around in the yard. And while we did, look what we found!

A chrysalis of some variety hanging out in the ground directly below our new blueberry bushes. I do believe it is a moth—Sorry Janet!—but no worries for us here. We are all still amazed at what we found and what it may become, especially the older two kids. Nature never seems to disappoint.

Our newly found friend needed a habitat, of course, so out they all went to find the choicest bits to make her or him comfortable.

I have to admit that as far as temporary shelters go, I wouldn’t mind the accommodations in which our new guest has been happily (we hope) ensconced.

And now, as with so many other things in our lives, we wait and see what happens.

Decorating with Humor

I found a few things a few weeks ago. They’re, um, quite bright, yes? But they were kind of cute and I thought with a little bit of good old fashioned spray paint and a few plants they could fit in on the shelves in the living room.

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So this is how the right shelf looks as of today…

… and here’s the left shelf. What do you think?

I’m up to four shelves done now… I’ll take this as good progress. The terrarium thing has worked out pretty well, although I’ve had to replace a plant or two here and there. Sticking with plants that do well in indirect light has been key. And it only took me a few weeks to figure it out! Look, even more progress!

I think the swan is looking a little bit more classy in her coat of white (please don’t look too closely or you’ll see all the spots I missed that glow just a touch blue!)

And how about these little vases?

I’m trying not to think about them as brainless beauties, but rather as lovely ladies with awesome hats. But the bad seed has been planted I’m afraid.

These three little plants—two in the vases and one as the lovely lady’s hat—are all the air plants from Brimfield. One is already blooming, and the two pictured here are getting ready to flower in the next few weeks.

I used to have a pair of these peacocks, but the baby managed to get a hold of one of them and then smash it to smithereens within the two seconds we had her eyes off of her. I may or may not have held on to the pieces for a few weeks thinking that maybe somehow it would magically be glued together again when I came down for my morning coffee.

I really hope these plants do well. This curly spiral leafed Begonia is something else!

But I have to admit my favorite part is this…

Yeah, definitely my favorite.

Terrariums are popping up everywhere these days, and I’ve enjoyed figuring out how to pull in a few more on the shelves. The thing is, there are only so many glass jars and vases that I felt I could fit in, so finding these goofy little containers seemed like a fun way to fill more space and add more plants.

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Linked to these fine and fun DIY sites ::

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The Loot

In case any of you were worried, I didn’t leave Brimfield empty handed. As a matter of fact, I had spent the majority of my budget three hours after we arrived around 6 am.As hard as it is to believe, even that early we came across several tents absolutely covered with SOLD tags. But I persevered!

Firstly, a set of muffin tins, waiting to go up on the wall in our kitchen.

Then I found a huge number of crocks, and I brought four of them home for me. Perfect for all those pickled veggies I’ll need to put up should the garden work out!

And the set of drawers in one of the images from yesterday just jumped right off the display and into my car. I have to test it for lead paint before I bring it in the house… fingers crossed!

There was a gentleman from New York who had exactly 100 of these hard wood trellises that he brings to every Brimfield show. 100 only, not one more nor one less. Five of these guys came home with me and will be put in the garden to trellis the beans and cucumbers (once I get the other beds built that is… really gotta work on that!)

I found these blocks in a tent filled with rugs from India and Pakistan. I have big plans for these guys, hopefully I’ll be able to get to that this weekend.

This Jenny Lind bed will be painted and put in the girls’ room once I begin that project. Now if I can find two more I’ll be set!

This crate, also featured on yesterday’s post, was from a bottling factory in my mother’s childhood home. Neither one of us had heard of the company before. The man who we purchased the box from had twenty five of them all told, and of course, now that I’m home, I wish I would’ve picked up two or three more.

And last but not least, right before we left we found a tent selling nothing but air plants. I can’t wait to show you what I’ve done with these… hopefully by tomorrow.

Growing Things

Today we spent nearly the entire day outside planting and weeding and tearing up and moving about. After ten days of rainy, foggy, cold coastal spring weather, the bright spot of sun that came out ever-so-briefly in the morning gave us all the push we needed to get out of our pj’s, down the last bits of coffee, and get into the yard for some fresh air. After a few minutes, the fog came back and stayed for a few hours before the sun broke through later in the afternoon, but that freshly washed spring air was something I’ve craved and needed.

We all needed it.

Although it seems as if Spring was stalled for all the cold that April held, things have been growing all around us. Some inside on our windowsills…

And some outside waiting for their chance to be put in the bed…

I’m afraid my cucumbers aren’t going to make it, but it’s OK, I have others germinating right now. To be quite honest, I fully expected the seedling project to utterly fail, so I planted things so much earlier than I should have. The tomatoes are still doing OK, although they need to be transplanted and out into some sort of greenhouse, but the cucumbers haven’t enjoyed the cold, windy weather we’ve been experiencing.

The peas, radishes, sorrel, leeks, beets, lettuce, escarole, bok choy, and tat soi are all doing well, although growing a bit slower due to the colder temperatures.

It was cold outside without the sun, and after an hour or so, the kids went back inside to warm up and grab some lunch while I stayed outside and planted the big bed. It took me five hours, but I got it done.

After many years of planning and dreaming, it is so gratifying to see it start coming together.

I am a little scared it’s going to fail miserably… I’m trying to work the bed with companion plantings which is entirely new and a little bit, well, uncomfortable for me, but I’m hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that it may just work.

And now we wait. It’s time for the roots to take hold. Because, of course, the dream was not only about a garden, but for a wish for a strong family, and a home to shelter us, and a community to ground us all. Watching a physical manifestation of that metaphor not only grow but thrive… well… it means so much more than a plate full of tasty vegetables doesn’t it.

But tasty vegetables would be awesome too.

Making It Yours

Slowly, but surely, I’ve been making progress on my son’s room. The girls are getting itchy for me to start on theirs, but I need to get his room a bit more situated before I start on another.

For instance, maybe I could find a chair for his desk?

I mean Geez Louise! Poor kid! He was upstairs using this little foot stool as a kneeler for two days before I noticed what he was doing. So I went and grabbed him a chair from the little desk up in the library to hold him over while I explained that we’ll find him something nicer when I refinish his desk.

It’s a great desk that just needs a little love and attention. I’d like to remove the little scrolly-peice of wood above where the chair would be and I want to paint it red with some sort of nice wax finish, maybe something a bit metallic. I need to play around and see what I get before I decide, but I have a few ideas I’d like to try (of course, not before the hutch is finished!). Overall, though, the little guy was pretty excited to hear that this is the next piece I’m planning to work on, or “decorate” in his words. Well, if he manages to keep his room tidy… part of the deal I have to admit, his excitement at getting a new red desk has really helped focus his energies on keeping the room pretty acceptable.

So imagine my surprise when I walked in today and saw this spread out all over the desktop. Not quite what I meant by “tidy”…

Well, until I saw this!

LOOK MA! It’s all decorated!!

That kid went to TOWN!

He made it his own.

You go little dude! Use all the tape and paper we have. I don’t mind one little bit.

The urge to make it your own is something that seems to run all through this family. Not to be out done, his little sister also decided to do some personalization today by decorating her pants…

with scissors…

“accidentally.”

Next up… how to make it your own with a needle and thread!

Another Project

A few weeks ago I found four wooden chargers in our local consignment store, just waiting for a good home. Far be it from me to leave them waiting, all alone, covered in dust, under a table.

I had a plan.

Took me a while to get to it, but stage one is now complete! Three coats of Rub n’ Buff, first applied in Antique Gold, then in Silver, then hit again very lightly with a bit of the gold. Those three coats took me less than twenty minutes to complete for all four chargers. When I think of how long it would’ve taken me to spray paint them, with all that cut work, and all those light, steady coats! Oy! So happy I used the wax!

I love how it left some of the dark in the crevices, making it looked antiqued with an aged patina with really no effort on my part. I think it’s going to work well for the next part of the project, to be completed tomorrow! Can’t wait to show you!