Monday. October 29, 2012

In Flight

Monday, October 29, 2012

A rather blustery fall day. The big storm is hitting the Atlantic coast and the front is coming in from the west. A drop in temperatures and increase in wind for tomorrow.

Last week, with it's warmth gave us the false security that perhaps the weather would hold on for a while. Well, Here in Michigan we always know that the weather is fickle and that even the good weather has the ability to bring disaster. Just remember last spring's warm up that killed our fruit crops.

Finding apples was a difficult task this fall. However, the weather after August meant a abundance of growth for our cabbages which now sit in a crop fermenting to Sauerkraut. 25 pounds of shredded cabbage from 5 heads. One alone was 8.3 lbs. Thinking of vegetarian Rueben sandwiches on those  early winter, late fall chilly days. Not to mention that Austrian peasant treat of sauerkraut soup.

Will place the recipe up here as we move into winter so keep posted.

Say a silent prayer today for those unfortunate souls along the main storm path. May they be safe from harm.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Spirits in an old house

October has brought with it the beginning of the season for Halloween and many residents in the Village are displaying their holiday spirit. It's wonderful to walk around and see the decorated homes, pumpkins, mums, and Halloween symbols.

The fall season is a time to enjoy the bounty of our gardens and the fruits of our summer labors. I like to think that Halloween is the last celebration of the summer as we will soon turn our minds to the upcoming winter. It's a time to just be a little frivolous and have a last little bit of fun as we trick or treat through the fallen leaves and around the Village.

An age old tradition of preparing for winter's dark days with the sharing of our bounty with our friends and neighbors. Also, a way to remember all those who we will miss as the winter closes in.

October - colored leaves, pumpkins, mums, children trick or treating, celebration of the harvests - a great time to enjoy the outside before the snow and cold get us holed up inside.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Went to the Community Garden today to show a group from Lexington how it was set up. Explained how we went about the project and explained our plans for next year.

It was bitter cold and we had a bit of hail fall on us for a few seconds. It was definitely nearing time to close the garden for the year.

After they left I gather a small bunch of broccoli rabe, which I ate. Also plucked a few turnips from the ground. As I did this and checked the beets and parsnips I realized that the deer have been feasting.

We didn't seem yo have a problem with them all summer but now the fields are harvested and the garden easy picking. I will keep gathering what I can. They will eat what they can.

Will cut the cabbages this weekend and begin to make sauerkraut. Haven't done this in years and if I remember correctly the fragrant smell should fill the house as it works! What fun but Reuben sandwiches and kraut with caraway seed are two of my favorites.

Fall is here!