Farm Life In the 'Burbs

They're Here...They're Here...They're Finally Here!

2011-06-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting with great enthusiasm for my package to arrive. Everyday I've been checking the front porch and the mailbox... waiting... waiting... waiting! (Who would have thought 7-10 working days would take so FLIPPIN' Long!?) And today was FINALLY the day! I was so excited when I walked in the door and Husband asked, "who got all this bulk mail?"

I love opening up packages, don't you? Especially when you know that something you've ordered is IN THE PACKAGE! I found myself so anticipating opening up the packages, that when My #3 asked if she could open one, I automatically said "no, these are mine" without even thinking. Does this make me a "less-than-ideal" mommy? Well if it does, I guess I'll have to learn to live with the guilt.

My newest additions to my gardening library.
I just LOVE used books!

So I opened them up and laid all my new treasures out on the table...

Oh, there is nothing like the smell of a book... the potential of what is to be discovered... the anticipation of what knowledge is just laying in wait, waiting to be claimed, learned and shared.
I'm so excited about the new information I'm going to learn. =0)

Gotta go now... dinner's done, dishes can wait until tomorrow morning (I promise I'll get up early and do them before heading out for school drop-off and work). Besides, there's a cup of tea calling my name!

I See the Light at the End of the Tunnel!

2011-06-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today, just like last weekend, I worked outside attempting to reclaim our yard from the overgrowth of weeds and other invasive growing things (read "nasty blackberry vines!"). Last year was such a wet and cool summer that I completely ignored our side yard. We were so busy with sports and work, that I pretty much ignored the rest of our yard too. Had it not been for Hubby mowing the lawns, and the children pulling just-enough-weeds, I think the weeds would have swallowed the house!

Oh where, oh where are
my raised flower beds?

The last part that I needed to reclaim was our side garden area. Our children have always referred to this area as the "Secret Garden" and has been home to some wonderful, imagine-filled times outside as they played together. So I pulled all my garden tools and gloves and got to work. Some of these weeds were over 5' tall...must be all that Oregon rain!

When I finally got out to this side of the yard, it was already 76 degrees outside - which is sweltering when you consider we haven't yet hit over 70 degrees and it's already June!

Going...

Gone!

Going...

But it was beautiful...the sky was a gorgeous blue, there was a nice breeze and I had my hands in the dirt. One benefit I did find in ignoring your side garden for two years is that all the extra plant material and potting soil I'd thrown (read "added") to the raised beds, composted really nicely.

Nature's health meter!

I was completely tickled every time I pulled up some weeds to find these beautiful wigglers everywhere. And some of them were quite large!

It confirmed that my adamant stance on NOT using herbicides (or pesticides against the spiders) has paid off. The quality of the soil in my beds is far better than anything I could purchase.

It also explains why this seems to be a banner year for nests. All of a sudden our yard is "the" place to raise a family. It's quite entertaining to see how the different finch, hummingbirds, robins and the other birds carve out which tree is theirs and where they go digging for bugs and worms.

Who says you need a
trampoline to have fun?

So after working for 5 hours, I realized I'd filled not just our yard debris but our neighbors too (thank you Yai-Yai!)! But alas, I found a tool to get the last of our weeds into the bins. This is what I call the "#3-blond-smasher!"

With 60 lbs of jumping energy, my #3 managed to compact the debris enough for me to get the remaining piles in - YEAH!

So now my yards back under control, and I can begin to focus on building raised beds, getting my greenhouse and organizing my vegetable garden. If I persevere I may still make this growing season (read "if my back and legs hold out").

Volunteer Lavender - the visiting
bees LOVE it!

Columbine

I do have to admit, there is something about physically working hard, feeling tired at the end of the day, and stepping back and seeing what you've accom-plished. Here's hoping my back holds out!

The Sweet Smell of Spring!

2011-05-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

Common traffic vehicles

Each day as I head out to work I have the joy of driving through the rural part of my community to the next connecting city. It's a drive that I thoroughly enjoy and purposely drive just at or slightly under the speed limit. There are no stoplights or stop signs on this main thorough-fair through the valley. As I drive I take in the surroundings and watch through the seasons as the landscape changes from the browns and dark greens of winter (usually through a curtain of rain) to bright pinks, yellow, greens and blues as spring and summer push their way through.

Cover crop near home...there are LOTS!

The last several weeks I've patiently
awaited the first of the cover crops to bloom...CLOVER! Today I stopped by one of the fields anticipating the picture that I might capture. As I opened my door the scent of the clover was intoxicating. The air was warm and the breeze was gentle and the fragrance of these amazing flowers was simply wonderful! I fully understand why the bees are so busy this time of year.

After taking my pictures and climbing back into the car, dreaming about how good honey tastes, my thoughts wandered to the bee house I needed to replace (darn those curious raccoons!). This bee house isn't for our honey-producers, but for a gentle, solitary pollinator the Orchard Mason Bee (Osmia Lignaria) - check out Knox Cellars for houses and instructions. There's a lot of concern over hive collapse throughout North America and in parts of Western Europe. Regardless of whether its the honey bee or mason bee, hive collapse is an important issue.

Honey is used as a natural alternative to people allergic to cane sugar (the key here is "natural"). Yes, there is always agave (which is one of our family's favorites) but sometimes you simply hanker for some honey.

And our little sting-free pollinators are key to our food production (although I'm sure Monsanto is working on a self-pollinating frankenseed if it doesn't already exist). If nature's little pollinators are missing, that's a major loss in the food-chain, and EVERYONE will feel that one. There are two items that are ensured to increase in value as the scarcity increases - FOOD and WATER. If we don't have pollinators, our food chain will collapse.

So do yourself a favor, buy a bee house. Don't use pesticides in your yard. Plant flowers that have bright, variegated blooms. Then pour yourself a nice glass of wine, sit back and enjoy the symphony of sounds as pollinators and honey gathers flit throughout your yard. I know that's what I'll be doing!

Kindred Spirit Found!

2011-05-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

I came across a new-to-me blogger last week and felt like I found a kindred spirit! She is a lot like me...married mother of three (although her bambinos are a bit younger than my brood) trying to figure out how to best feed her clan the healthiest, most nutritional and tastiest food. And she's not perfect and admits it - a character trait I truly appreciate as I try to successfully juggle activities, commitments, obligations and events of my three chicks.

So if you're interested in a real, down-to-earth, recipe-testing resource, check out her blog: Learning to Live Organically. I also love the fact that she posts information about our food chain. It's important to know where your food comes from, and if possible who's growing it or involved in the harvesting/packaging of it.

Some of my favorites...

About 18 months ago I made a conscious change in how I shopped and what I eat, and what I fed my family. Yeah, it was difficult at first...changing habits is never easy. And it's been a progressive effort...increasing my knowledge and sharing with others. I'm very excited by the increase in availability in organic options...and that the prices are beginning to (slowly) come down. I'm most excited by the behavioral change in my children. They've always been good eaters (loving their fruits and veggies), but I've noticed their preferences are leaning even more towards the healthier options.

...also some of my favorites!

About 5 weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers. Man, it amazing how working a stressful job and juggling family really aided in packing those extra pounds on! Who would have thought?! (Okay, I'm sure moving down the chronological trail of life is also helping...) Well, I'm officially 11.4 pounds down and feeling amazingly better already. I felt so much better when I changed our food sources, and I feel even better after dropping those first 10+ pounds. I can't wait to see how I feel when I reach 15 and 20 pounds!

The Passing of an Era

2011-05-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...t'was not too long ago when our little bambinos ran around the yard, climbing on the play structure...swinging...sliding...climbing some more. We have officially closed a chapter in our family's history book...and started a new one.

The Play Structure & were it has sat for almost 10 years!

The play structure was sold, broken down (with some help from the ever-patient husband and the two youngest) and toted away today. A wonderful young family with a little almost-2-year-old little cutie pie is now the proud new owner of the former Roe Clan Play Structure.

The GOOD thing is now Momma has the start of her new garden area. Ahhhh...what to do...and how to do it... I think with a sigh. I'm giddy with anticipation of what I can do and how I'm going to set everything up! (Yeah me!)

All broken down and partially loaded into the truck.

First, I want to figure out how to incorporate a little greenhouse. Not a big one, but one large enough to start my seeds in and grow some veggies into the fall and maybe even into winter. I could do a few shelves...have a grow light or two...out will goes the "heavenly" bamboo...we'll reorganize the plastic, corner shed and figure out just how to set up the raised beds and where to put a little greenhouse. And of course, I'll be incorporating a rain barrel...along with my little compost bin...or maybe I'll just get a little worm compost bin and let the worms do all the work. This will help in my overall organic approach to gardening, PLUS reduce the amount of water I'll need.

Sigh...I'm one step closer to my farm life...even if it is in the 'burbs. =0)

You Are What You Eat!

2011-03-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

How long have we heard this little ditty about what we put into our mouth?

I recall reading it the first time (late teens) as I was chompin' down on a bag of regular flavor Doritos dipped in cream cheese. (Yes you read correctly...and YES this basically went straight to my butt. It would have been faster to just spread it there directly, but definitely NOT as much FUN than eating it!)

As I became a mom and survived my 30s, I realized that what I was eating—and even more importantly what I was feeding my growing family—really would affect us in ways we never imagined. So, as I’ve blogged about in the past, I’ve been moving us to more organic, locally grown, all-natural foods. I’ve been reading a lot of labels and researching what the h*%# those 15-letter words are and whether they really need to be in the food we’re consuming.

I came across an article on Mitch Lipka’s site Consumer Ally and thought, “this is too important NOT to share!” So here is a listing of the “Dirty Dozen” which according to the Environmental Working Group are the 12 worst unconventionally grown fruits and vegetables in our stores. This list is determined after extensive produce tests.

(NOTE: The public relations and marketing “spin doctors” (can you hear the irritation and disgust in my voice?) like to refer to foods grown with genetic modification and pesticides as “conventionally grown.” Whereas food grown naturally as Mother Nature intended needs to be labeled as “organic.” I've coined this logic as "political-logic" because only a politician and lobbyists can justify and see the logic in this one. And, I feel completely compelled to call these idiots out and label them as “spin doctors” as I am a PR/marketing person by profession…and have ZERO tolerance to those in my profession who like to spin the words to confuse consumers. It’s similar to my girlfriend the attorney who likes to call out others in her profession who should have stayed under their rocks and not taken the bar exam.)

Okay, I’ve stepped back down off my soapbox for the moment…so for those of you trying to prioritize your food dollars (and who isn’t?), here’s the list of foods you should try to buy organic if you want to reduce the amount of pesticides you consume each day. And just remember, if you cannot **yet** afford organic, hold on. As more consumers demand organic, the “big guys” will get onboard and start offering it, competition will heat up and prices will go down.

Buy these foods organically (aka the “Dirty Dozen”) if at all possible to reduce the amounts of pesticides you consume, sadly, scrubbing them will not remove the pesticides.

1. Celery

2. Peaches

3. Strawberries

4. Apples

5. Blueberries

6. Nectarines

7. Bell peppers

8. Spinach

9. Cherries

10. Kale/collard greens

11. Potatoes

12. Grapes (imported)

If your budget allows for more, add these to your organic-only list:

1. Lettuce

2. Blueberries (imported)

3. Carrots

4. Green beans (domestic)

5. Pears

6. Plums (imported)

7. Summer squash

8. Cucumbers (imported)

If you want a pocket guide to download onto your iPhone or to print out (for those of us who have yet to drink the Apple^®-flavored koolaid), click here for a more extended guide.

So while nutritionists and the government still agree that each unconventionally grown fruits and veggies is still better than high-fructose corn syrup (another ingredients the “spin doctors” are rebranding as “corn sugar”…you can’t fool me I tell you!) or my fav high-school snack of Doritos and cream cheese, this is the type of information we as consumers need to arm ourselves with.

‘Cause remember…we ultimately hold the power…it’s that money in our hand every time we go shopping. No matter how small your income is, you have a vote and it’s up to you to determine how to vote. If you don’t vote, it’ll be determined for you and then you’re NOT allowed to b%@#ch when the outcome is not what you wanted.

I’m just saying…

Note: I give credit to the Environmental Working Group and Consumer Ally for some of the content I’ve shared on my blog.

How Blessed is the New Year!

2011-01-15T00:49:00.000-08:00

Oh crazy days! I cannot believe we're already halfway through the first month of 2011! Up coming events:

Business trip to The Netherlands...in February no less! I guess I'll get some snow in my winter season yet.
Birthday for the youngest of the Roe Clan.
Sewing Expo! YEAH! (If there was an organic farming expo, I'd probably go to that also!)
Spring break in Disneyland -- is there any better way than spending time with your children in the land of make believe? I think not!
Prepping for spring planting. I'm already thinking "how quickly can I pass on our play structure so I can expand the garden and maybe even add a greenhouse?"

As we move into the beginning weeks of 2011, I look at my family and listen to the household activity and think "wow...is this really MY family? What did I do in my past life to deserve such a wonderful family? How lucky and blessed am I?"

I continue to dream about being an organic blueberry farmer...with an organic garden large enough to sustain my family's vegetable needs. Maybe with a few farm animals like chickens (LOVE fresh organic eggs) and a goat. I've always wanted to learn how to make cheese...
Maybe this is something I'll drag one of my sisters to learn with me...or maybe my teenage daughter? Hmmmmm.....

I believe that I am meant to be (back) on a farm...it might only be in my dreams and imagination, but that's where you'll to find me...moving through the garden, picking produce and pruning plants, followed by a few of my feathered "girls"...sitting on the porch, watching the birds at the feeders...going through the hen house gathering up eggs for tomorrow's breakfast or getting them ready to sell at the farmer's market.
(*sigh*) Such a sweet dream... =0)

An Overwhelming Sense of Community....

2010-11-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

As many of my friends and family know, I've recently intensified my focus around living greener and creating a safer environment in our home. Sometimes this new commitment comes up naturally in conversations -- whether at the groceries store, in line at the local coffee house or out at lunch with friends -- the most common response has been, "that's great...that's something I've been meaning to learn more about."

Sharing this information has been something that I've done openly, the caveat being that I'm always learning, correcting many of my own misconceptions as findings change, evolve, and science makes greater strides. But I have felt like I'm somewhat removed and a little alone in this endeavor...like a bumble bee looking for a hive to join forces with and add a my passion to the greater effort. Don't get me wrong...my husband is incredibly supportive of my hording problem with plastics (just until I can get them down to the recycling center...I promise). And he hasn't yet once slapped my hand away when I reach over and calmly turn his water facet off when he's shaving or brushing his teeth. If fact, he's been changing his habit, and I now hear him in the bathroom shaving...turning on the water (swish, swish of the razor)...turning off the water ("shaving sounds")...turning on the water...turning off the water. I'm so proud of him! (*sniff sniff*)

I recently made a discovery of an amazing site called Healthy Child Healthy World and I felt like I had walked into a room of people that were long-lost members of my family. I found people who shared the same concerns over the safety of the place we all call home. People who were interested in reducing the amounts of chemicals in their homes, food, playgrounds and buildings. I was so moved by the "Wake Up" video, that I had to stop the video twice because my eyes were "sweating" and I was worried someone would walk into my ~~office,~~ ~~desk with walls and a walk-thru hole,~~ cubical, see me ~~crying~~ sitting there with sweaty eyes and think I had ~~big problems~~ really bad allergies. Besides, it doesn't matter what you're watching during lunch, you still have to explain the sweating eyeballs!

One book on my library list is Healthy Child Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home. Boy, I wish I had had this book 10 years ago. Imagine how far ahead of the learning curve I'd be! Imagine how many fewer chemicals my children (and my husband and I) would have NOT been exposed to in our home! But that's okay...I'm looking forward and making a difference now, because I believe the most valuable gift God gives us is the next 24 hours ahead of us.

So I share my latest find. I hope you enjoy and find something that will make your corner of the world a little cleaner, safer and feeling more like how a home was meant to feel. I plan to keep moving forward...each day a little step further down the path towards creating a safer place for my family...each day trying to teach by example and learn a little more. Because tomorrow is another 24 hours!

Season of Giving Thanks Has Arrived!

2010-11-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

Oh the joy...as we roll through the after-glow of Halloween...bellies (and thighs) sporting a little new found pudge from the overindulgence of our savory treats...costumes draped over chairs or rolled into balls on bedroom floors. Gone is the angel with the faux-fur wings...cast aside is the hotdog...and the stylist Eskimo girl has moved on. Now into my personal favorite season of the year -- Thanksgiving!

In our home, Thanksgiving is "officially" on it's way when Momma puts up the Harvest Tree. And nothing says beautiful and decorated unless it's been blessed by our feline diva *Snowflake* (aka "Sassy Pants"..."Fuzzy Merow Merow").

Harvest Tree is up!

"How do I look?"

But how can you blame her...everything around her seems be to perfectly accented to her color palette!

I love this picture because, thanks to the inherent nature of wood floors, you can't see the dust bunnies (or they're shunning the light till they get larger).

The days are getting shorter and colder. I've picked my remaining green tomatoes and they're ripening on the windowsill. All my green beans have gone to seed (at least I'm set for next season). I'm looking forward to sweater weather and the coming storms...it gives us the justification we need to hunker down and play board games or while away the afternoon reading books or watching old movies. As we move into the next season, I am once again reminded how blessed we are. We give thanks for everything we have. And yes, running water and bathroom tissue always make my short list (maybe I'm watching too many survival shows).

November 2nd - Recognizing Women Who Came Before Us

2010-10-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

It was brought to my attention (actually slapped home would be a more accurate description) just how often I take for granted the little things I enjoy each day. Running water...refrigeration...bathroom tissue!

But most importantly as a woman, my right to vote.

As women, we are stretched so thin...multitask so many things throughout our day...take care of so many others...and basically fuel the lives of all within our families that we forget that our voice matters. This November 2nd is an important day. An important day not just for the town I call home, but for my state and my country. This November 2nd is voting day. The day when we get to exercise our right to vote our mind or our passion. The day when this year, I promise not to just cast my vote with a sigh of irritated resignation as I drive across my small town to deposit my ballot, but with the spirit of all the Suffragettes who, about 90 years ago, fought for MY right to vote.

I am embarrassed to admit this (but do so in an effort to set a good example for my children) that I'm a whiner. Yep, you heard me...I caught myself whining to my wonderful husband just yesterday as we drove to our local organic/all natural grocery store (I can hear your snickers and the rolling of your eyes...I know, I know). But I was whining about how sometimes "I wonder what's the point? Why do I bother when everything feels so overwhelming at times?" And I will admit, he gave me a sideways look that spoke volumes to me. I could see his shock at my statement (from me of all people! The one who is his perpetual "Pollyanna" and cheerleader...the one who regularly tells him that God provides us challenges in our life in order for us to learn and teach...the one who at times steps up on her portable soap box--you can get these at the container store--and preaches to him about how fortunate and blessed we are least he ever forget it!).

So I'll admit (with a sheepish look on my face and a slight blush across my aging cheeks), that I need to quit complaining and do something. Be a little more Ghandi in my corner of the world--be the change I want to see. So in this spirit, I want to share a little insight from some others who bless the circle of women in my life.

From Kookoolan Farms, Chrissie Manion Zaerpoor, who in her quiet yet passionate way helps educate and feed people in and around her community. Visit her site and especially her blog at Kookoolan Farms.

To Maria Rodale's blog Maria's Farm Country Kitchen has provided me with knowledge, chuckles and a few "ah ha" moments.

To my sister and friend Karen who in her quiet strength and wisdom adds laughter, love and friendship to my life.

To all my sisters--near and far.
To my aunt who is less "aunt" and more "sister."
To my nieces who I've watched grow into amazing women of their own.
To my daughters who are successfully navigating the journey from girl into womanhood and take my breath away in wonder and amazement each day.
To all my girlfriends--you know who you are--who keep my silly secrets and love me despite the comments that flow a little too freely from my lips once I've enjoyed a glass of wine.

This November 2nd, I will vote with a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment. I will try and remember to be the change I want to see. And I urge you all, whether we agree or not, vote your passion. Speak up and let our leaders hear what is important to you. Set the example for your children or your friends' children. Remember, you have the choice to be part of the problem or part of the solution.

HAPPY VOTING DAY!

Living the Dream Everyday

2010-08-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and a WONDERFUL Tuesday to the world!
I woke up this morning (HOW can it already be Tuesday?!), and after the rush of getting young ones dressed, feed, lunched and all of us out the door, it wasn't until I took a deep breath while driving down our street that I realized what a beautiful day it was. All too soon the leaves will put on their fall colors and soccer practice will be viewed by parents wearing coats with their flip-flops! =0)

Our family spent a busy weekend running around (isn't that a prerequisite for all families?) before we hosted loved ones at our home for dinner. It was a warm and scrumptious meal (if I do say so myself), and was pulled together with the help of our wonderful teenage daughter. (Yes, you heard it...a teenager that was willing to help with a smile--our blessings know no bounds!)

On my shopping list this week:

Organic milk--to keep us until I can get out to Kookoolan Farms in beautiful Yamhill for more raw, organic milk.
Organic creamer--wish I could find it flavored

On my to do list this week:

Library--pay our usual city "contribution" for borrowing books (aka late fees)
Library--check out Maria Rodale's book Organic Manifesto (although I'll end up buying it). Click on the link to learn about what her book's about.
Triple-check "Back-to-School" lists to make sure Mom hasn't forgotten anything which will bring undue-social-backlash-and-shame-onto-offspring.

Here's to another day--health, happiness and energy to all who read my posts!
And don't forget to take a deep breath and look around once in a while.

Garden Bounty

2010-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! Summer arrived in Oregon not too long ago and we've had several days that have reached above 90 degrees (phew!). The rainy season ran rather late this year, but the plants were happy to share their bounty! I LOVE going into our garden and picking yummy stuff for snacks and dinner. Our blueberries are very happy...our legumes are becoming more prolific...and all the tomatoes are finally ripening! Life is very good. =0)